ProfilesS

Barb Schroeder Maristuen
208 Sunset Drive
Northwood, ND 58267-410
701 5875998
barbmaristuen@yahoo.com

I've been married to my husband, Dennis, for 39 years. We have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

I was an elementary music teacher in the Northwood school district. I'm retired, but still spend many hours a week at the piano. Yes, still at the piano - only now I sit on a soft pillow, and wear trifocals. I volunteer at the local nursing home, do some accompanying in the area, and am church organist.

Over the past 50 years my most important highlights are my marriage, children, and Christmas in Vienna.

My husband and I enjoy our grandkids, concerts, traveling, baseball games- he loves the Indians, I enjoy the Twins - this year we went to the Indians spring training games. I spend time listening to music on my ipod (when I can get the darn thing on,) reading, playing bridge, and cooking once in awhile.

We have lived in Northwood, in the same home, for most of our married life-spent a few years in East Grand Forks

Some of my favorite memories from Central High days always include Mr. Sherwood, the most influential person in my life during those years. The "live" Christmas tree, operettas, Mr. Haesle yelling "Schroeder, don't sit there like a bump on a pickle--PLAY!!!" I Remember riding down University Ave during a UND balloon water fight, not being able to get one of the windows up in the backseat of Pat Smith's dad's brand new car- water all over the interior!

Patricia A. Schultz Green
4304 Arborwood
Lindenwold, NJ 08021
856-435-7694

I am divorced/widowed. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I have done a few things since graduating from Central: hairdresser; bar owner; electric factory (Rosie the Riveter" assembler - belt leader); pharmacy distribution center.

Some of the most important highlights I experienced over the past 50 years include graduating; having children (family); living through it! - Oh, and visiting my daughter - locking myself out and getting "stuck" in the "doggie door". This was in Port St. Lucie, FL.

My most favorite thing to do is dancing - it's aerobics in heels. I go to the gym, do yoga, love walking, going to flea markets. I'm an avid reader. I go to my grandchildren's games - football, soccer, baseball, hockey. My sisters, Susan and Vicki graduated Central ; Janet and Roxann graduated St. James (I'm the oldest). I'm forever flying to visit someone - or vacations - cruise - Vegas - Shore.

I've lived in 6 different places since graduating from Central, the longest - 21 years. From North Dakota to Philadelphia, to Jersey. I met and married a guy from the Air Base and moved to his home - Philadelphia, then Jersey.

Some of my favorite memories from Central High School days include "socializing" - couldn't wait for lunch to go across the street to the "Y" to dance. Never at lunch! I should do that now!! Principal Hanson caught me trying to leave school early thru the stage door (theater) once.

Pauline Sjordal
234 3rd Avenue West, Unit 2-C
Kalispell, Montana 59901
paulinem@cyberport.net
406-257-4452

I was was divorced in 1986 and reclaimed my maiden name. I have 2 children and 1 grandchild. I was given early retirement from surgical nursing with focus on total joint replacement in Meridian, Connecticut end of November 1996 on my 10th anniversary. I returned to Montana my birthplace, in June 199,7 where I have been active in democratic politics and community activities. Right now I I'm involved with increasing tourism by focusing on our newly proclaimed "preservation city" Kalispell, Montana(near Glacier National Park) . You're always welcome to visit.

I graduated from UND with BA in Nursing and went by train to New Haven, Connecticut to work for the oldest public health nursing agency (VNA) from 1964-72. Then I stayed home and raised my two sons from 1972-1985. We lived in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Over the past 50 years some of the most important highlights include:
Teaching patients preparing for total joint replacement for two years. I was told the patients with my education program used less anesthesia and pain medications. President for three terms of one of the oldest AAUW in USA. We grew to over 60 member and helped college graduates gain leadership skills and provide college scholarships in the 80's. Women were gaining equality in many Conn. Corporations. Also President of my sons elementary PTA. Executive Director of a non alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration "First Night" in Kalispell, Montana for 5 years bringing it to its 10th anniversary. I had been part of one of the first events in Connecticut so I could support my town trying to start one.

My twin brother walked away from the family in 1964 when the Air Force sent him to Tokyo, Japan. He rarely looked back and chose to remain detached from the family. I was very much influenced by our civic teacher in the 8th grade. I wish I remembered his name. I have always participated in my community. I love to share resources, services, with other people so we can all move forward, improve our health or joy of living.

Currently I am President of the Montana State Democratic Women's Clubs. I am sharing my picture ( see the "Now" section of this website)with Governor Brian Schweitzer who asked his mother to work with me to elect him Governor. What an experience that became, what an incredible sincere, dedicated family the Governor comes from. I am still very close to his mother. I am blessed to know all of them. Note the Governor and I are wearing the same Bolo Tie. I have two sons one in California and one in New York. Both are leaders in their own circles and live enriching lives.

I have lived in New Haven, Conn 64 -74, Wallingford, Conn ( 20 min from New Haven) 74-97 Kalispell, Montana 97- present. I was born in Havre, Montana. I inherited my father's condo so I came "home". Great Northern Rail Road Employees were encouraged to retire in Kalispell. Dad was in charge of the GN Power Plant in Grand Forks from 1950-1974. He came here and died in 1995.

I woke up to love science my senior year and learned about the UND nursing program 2 weeks from graduation. I had no idea I was going to graduate with the honors program I thought I was an average student. I loved acting especially in the junior year play "Family Nobody Wanted". My family moved so many times in Grand Forks I knew all of you but was not around long enough to create a peer group before high school. I spent
Saturdays washing clothes in my parent's basement instead of demanding to participate in activities with my peers. That was my loss. My sons showed me what high school activities could really be and how much fun takes place when you have a peer group.

None of you probably remember going to the fair and having a French poodle and large Tiger talk to you and know things about you. Our speech teacher got me a job sitting in the box behind Fifi the French poodle and Terry the Truthful Tiger at the fair our junior summer. It was fun looking at your stunned faces as the stuffed animals spoke to you and the high school faculty. Many of you came back to try and figure out how and who was doing the talking. "ME".

Gary L. Skyberg
114 N. 1st
Peotone Il. 60468
Phone 708 258 3608
gskyberg@sbcglobal.net

I have been married to my wife, Peg, for 46 years. We have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

I am still working. I am owner of S&S Nationwide, a total transportation/logistics company. We broker truck load freight from point A to point B. My wife and I also own and operate Sky's Lanes & Lounge in Manteno, Il. We have 12 alley's with full bar and dance area. All of this keeps us both young. (Rite)

Over the past 50 years, some of my most important highlights were marriage; kids/grandkids; business ventures. I enjoy playing golf and bowling. I have 2 Granddaughters in grade school, 1 Grandson in Marine Corps, serving in Iraq. My 2 other grandson's work at my bowling alley. My sister Marcia died in 1997 and my brother Lynn is somewhere in Montana. I have lived in so many places since graduating from Central the are too numerous to count. The longest is Peotone, IL for 41 years.

Some of my favorite memories from Central High days: Stanley Lang, Geography teacher. He was a push over. Myself and others would skip his class and go to the YMCA. Basketball and Hockey teams. Good times.

Gary Sorenson
3875 Berg Road
Hibbing MN 55746-8207
218-262-0721
gsorenson@northlc.com

Suzanne McCreary (C58) and I have been married for 47 years. We have 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

I retired from Education after 30 years as a School Principal in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. I then spent the next 10 years operating my own dog kennel in Hibbing, MN. That focused on the raising, training and breeding of Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers for competition in National Field Trials, Hunt Test and ESPN Super Retriever events . One of our daughter's pups which is now 6 yrs of age was the 2008, AKC "High Point Open Field Trial" dog. We are now down-sizing that business so Suzanne and I can spend even more time together.

I don't have just "Three Highlights" in my life. I've had a few "Miracles" that may have included graduating from high school in four years; surviving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduating from UND with Bachelor/Master degrees in Education as well as a Specialist Degree in Education Administration. Central High School must have been in the Miracle business as well. I think I graduated about 257/263. Loved the Fun parts but they didn't compute well into your GPA. Having four children was tons of fun and challenging but far from a "Miracle". I was able to prove that I had the inate instincts to understand and survive the reproduction process. Being a finalist for National Principal of the Year was Fun. Receiving the Minnesota Transformational Leader Award and having a National Christa McCauliffe team from my staff appear in an hour long ABC Special was exciting. The "Real Miracle" might have been that the world, my wife and family have been able to survive and evolve in spite of my "Foolish Ways".

My favorite things: Hmmmmm. Sports have been a life-long love for me. That includes participation and following my children and grandchildren in about every competive and leisure sport invented. In May of this year I had a grandson selected to play on an Elite AAA Minnesota Loon Pee-wee Hockey team as a goalie. He just played in a Minnesota/Canadian tournament at Englestad Arena. Many other grandchildren are still competing at higher levels in K-12 sports. It allows plenty of time for Suzanne and me to Not Travel Around the World. Suzanne will retire in August from NW/Delta Airlines and we seldom fly anywhere--- Go Figure!! As with others there have been a few holes in my game but the desire to lie in the southern suns and play golf has yet to overwhelm me.

I'm a North Dakota boy that did Alaska, California and found Minnesota life the most challenging. We left GF in 1970 and have spent most of our post GF years in and around Grand Rapids, Minnesota. We moved from Grand Rapids to Hibbing, Minnesota after retiring 10 years ago. We sold our lake home for a rural home, acreage and plenty of area to train dogs.

Central H.S. allowed me to hone my social skills to a level that has served me well in most all areas of life. About the favorite teacher question--- Were there really teachers at Central? Susie, You've taken Technology and your Organization/Administration skills to new levels of Excellence. Thanks Much!! Gary & Suzanne

Ida Spillum Brady
5811 Lupin Lane, Pollock Pines, CA
530-644-1705
jib122398@comcast.net

I have been married to John R. Brady for over 10 years. I have 4 children, 3 step-children and 14 grandchildren.

Highlights: Many, but I would say having a great husband, kids, grandkids, and parents. Oh--must not forget good memories of high school friends. Still in contact with 3 great classmates---Susan, Barb, and Corky.

Love to travel, work on our mountain property, watch grandkids play softball, baseball, and volleyball, volunteer at church. My mother lives with us. Moved from Grand Forks 8 years ago. My brother, Bruce Spillum passed away 3 1/2 years ago. Visiting our 7 kids and 14 grandkids keeps us on the go. We have the best dog in the world, named Toby. And, of course, two great calico cats.

After college, I moved to CA and have lived in several CA cities. We now live in the El Dorado Forest. It is a beautiful area. I lived the longest in Vacaville where I taught elementary school. I miss teaching, but I'm too busy to work a teaching job now! We moved outside of the town of Pollock Pines 6 years ago when we both retired to live near two of my daughters.

I appreciate high school more today, then when I was actually a student. We don't realize how much fun those years are. It would be great to see classmates again at the 50th. Our 40th reunion was very enjoyable. I'' be thinking of you all, and I know it'll be a super time. Can't believe it is #50!!