Spring 2021
WCSA AlumNEWS HARLEY HANKE, A MAN OF MANY TALENTS, TURNS 100 Reprinted with permission from Katie Erdman, January 2021, Stevens County Times If you tried to list the accomplishments of 100 year old Harley Hanke, you would probably need at least 100 pages. He is a man who wore many hats in his life and worked hard to go from a humble beginning to a successful career. Harley worked for 33 years teaching and doing cooperative livestock research with the University of Minnesota. He was hired as an assistant professor at the West Central School and Experiment Station in Morris in 1956. There he was in charge of teaching and research with dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine and sheep. During his time in Morris he authored or co-authored 57 articles or abstracts published in the Journal of Animal Science, 95 articles that appeared in the Minnesota Sheep and Lamb Feeders Proceedings, 59 articles in the University Swine Report, 45 Beef Feeder proceedings, 6 Beef Cow-Calf publications, 2 articles in the Journal of Animal Production and numerous University bulletins and folders dealing with sheep and swine. He also was a member of the American Society of Animal Science and served as a director of the Minnesota Shorthorn Breeders Association and of the Dakota-Minnesota Columbia Sheep Breeders Association. In his off time, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club, an advisor to the Key Club, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Morris Sportsmen’s Club and past president of the Morris Federated Church. He also was a 4-H parent helping at many events. In 1921, when Harley came into this world, things were very different. Harley was born in the same house where his father was born on a farm in Houston
Hanke on the farm as a child County, Minnesota, on the edge of Brownsville. Harley’s grandfather originally homesteaded the property and ran a flour mill there, shipping products down the Mississippi. Harley and his wife, Helen, purchased the farm from family in 1980 and it is now listed among the century farms of Minnesota. Harley’s parents were community leaders and active in community organizations. His mother helped organize the first 4-H Club in the township and was selected as a Master Farm Homemaker by the Successful Farmer Magazine. They were active and interested in the Agricultural Extension Service in the county and put many of their recommended practices to good use on the farm.
REUNION IS BACK—FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 COVID won’t stop us this year!
See pages 9–11 for more details on a new date and location for our 2021 WCSA All-School Reunion and Annual Meeting.
Harley went to high school in Caledonia and graduated in 1934. For one year he stayed home and helped on the farm and saved money to go on to school. He enrolled in the St. Paul School of Agriculture in 1939. In the spring he was short on money so he got a job as a 4-H Agent in Stearns County and worked until he could afford to return to school in the fall of 1940. He enrolled in the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1941 after getting a $250 scholarship from winning a national livestock judging competition. He was able to get a job milking cows and could then pay his tuition. He was also inducted into the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. In late 1942, he was again short of money so took a job as a fieldman at a creamery in Rush City. This was during the start of the war and there was a ration of gasoline and rubber. One of his jobs was to reroute milk and cream in order to have no more than one truck picking up in a specific area. In December of 1943 Harley resigned from his deferred creamery job to intentionally make himself eligible for the WWII draft as he felt it was his duty to join his comrades in the war effort. He served three years in the army, 14 months of which were in Italy as a combat infantry squad leader, fighting the Germans through the Apennine Mountains and across the Po Valley. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action. When the war was over he finished his college courses through the G.I. Bill and then got a job teaching Veterans on the Farm Training at Murdock. He returned to the University and graduated in 1953 with a BS degree. After graduating from the University he applied for a Veterans on the Farm instructor position at Morris in the West Central School of Agriculture. He was hired and taught in that program for two years. He then got his masters degree in animal husbandry and was hired at the West Central School and Experiment Station in charge of teaching and research. This was his position for the next 33 years and where he made his home. While working in Murdock he met Helen Krattenmaker and they were married in 1969. The couple had one daughter, Sarah, who attended school in Morris. Sarah married Nathan Libbon of Morris in 1992 and they have blessed him with two grandchildren, Katherine and Andrew. Harley, ca. 1955 2
Helen and Harley Harley retired from WCSES in 1986. Lee Johnston took the position in 1988 and was able to visit with Harley often to get input and advice. Harley told Lee when he started that he left him an “empty office.” However, when stepping into the room he found file cabinets full of important paperwork documenting the great research and results done by Harley. Lee shared a story about Harley with his herd of Columbia Sheep at the University. Once the lambs were weaned, it was necessary to cull out some of the ewes for the next round of research. Harley looked over the herd and selected some animals. He then decided he should look at the data and went back to his office to do some calculations. He worked all night and the next day announced that the ones he had selected were actually the best producing animals. “Harley Hanke was a legend at WCSES,” Lee stated, “I always turned to him for advice and tried to keep him informed about changes. He stayed quiet, even if he didn’t like it, and was very supportive.” Lee added that it is quite a milestone to reach 100 and to think about what things were like when he was born. He has a lot of respect for Harley and is appreciative of all his help. Lee commented that Harley is always cheery and has a great moral character. He not only has lived 100 years but has really “lived” each of those years in many ways. Learn more about Harley’s life in this video produced by the Stevens County Historical Society Museum: z.umn.edu/WCSA-Hanke
INAUGURAL RECIPIENT OF WCSA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Amelia Adelman ’23 from Bellingham is the first recipient of the WCSA School of Agriculture Alumni Association Scholarship for the 2020–21 academic year. Majoring in biology and preveterinary science, Adelman plans to become a large-animal veterinarian. At the fall 2020 Salute to Scholarships event, Amelia shared her gratitude to each of you who contributed to the WCSA Garden fund. Through your generosity, this fund now supports both the planting and maintenance of the WCSA Alumni Garden and this new scholarship. In her remarks Amelia shared that “Every scholarship goes a long way in a college student’s life, just to get that extra tuition and cost paid for, so a big thanks for that. And [the WCSA Scholarship] gets me a step closer to fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, so thank you!” Amelia is the granddaughter of a WCSA Aggie so your legacy and connection to agriculture lives on through your generous gifts. If you’re interested in supporting the WCSA Alumni Garden and the West Central School of Agriculture Alumni Association Scholarship so even more students can benefit, please reach out to Jennifer Zych Herrmann, director of alumni engagement, at 320-589-6066 or alumni@morris.umn.edu.
GREETINGS FROM DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT JENNIFER ZYCH HERRMANN ’00
As unusual as the past year has been, the promise of spring reminds me that some things are returning to normal. I am certainly reminded of how much we treasure our friends and family and value our time spent together. After a one-year hiatus I’m excited that 2021 will be bringing the return of the WCSA All-School Reunion on September 10, 2021, at the West Central Research and Outreach Center. We hope as many of you as possible will join us! You’ll find more details at the end of this edition of the AlumNEWS Thank you to all of you who have sent a story or update, financially supported this publication, honored a classmate or friend with a memorial gift, or supported the Alumni Garden or the new WCSA Alumni Association scholarship. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you and your contributions are valued. Reach out any time at 320-589-6066 or alumni@morris.umn.edu.
GREETINGS FROM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT TOM PAYNE ’60
A Changing World There is no going back to normal. COVID-19 has changed our world permanently. We can easily identify the obvious changes. There are remote working options and online grocery and food delivery has been quickly adopted. Going forward industries are rethinking every major conference and public gathering. There are changes we are getting used to and still more to come. It has also quickly changed our annual get-together. In 2020 we missed our first annual meeting in over 100 years. The WCSA board has held meetings in many different ways—phone conferences, Zoom, and outdoors in the Morris Eastside Park. What comes next? The WCSA board explored safe ways to have our 2021 reunion and annual meeting, moving it to fall, in the hope that many of the pandemic restrictions would be lifted by that time. Since making that decision there have already been some changes that should positively impact our reunion. The WCSA board has been working on a bylaw addition. Article XII addresses a date in the future when we as an organization will need to sunset the WCSA Alumni Association. This will occur when it becomes apparent that we are no longer a viable group to continue. The article allows for the sunset action to take place when the majority of a quorum at an annual meeting votes to dissolve. If monies remain in fund 4634 they will be transferred to fund 4633. Growth of the funds after sunset will continue to be used for the garden fund and one scholarship, with the possibility for additional scholarships as the fund grows. Other board discussion has been to add a stipend to fund a hands-on learning experience for a UMM student at the WCROC, subject to approval from the alumni association. Our best guess is that will be in five to ten years from now, as our youngest classmates are now 75 years old. As we continue to have change—keep up all of your Aggie pep. Tom 3
In Your Words
AGGIES SHARE MEMORIES FROM THEIR DAYS AT WCSA
THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING By Ted Storck ’54
ROOMMATES In my four years at WCSA, I had four roommates, Henry Thieman, James Norman, Richard Janke and John Kvale. Only John and I survive. With Jim going to his eternal reward this year, I got to thinking of the night in Junior Hall where Jim and I were in the hallway during ‘study hour’ playing with our squirt guns. (Remember, during ‘study hour’ we were supposed to be studying.) It did not last long; Wes Gray saw us, took our guns away, ushered us into his office, laid the guns on the floor and told us to smash ’em with our boots. We did. End of our squirt gun fights. When our time at the Ag School was over, Jim Norman joined the U.S. Army, and I joined the U.S. Navy. I was assigned to a ship cruising the Far East from Japan to the Philippines Islands. When our ship was at the Yokosuka Naval Base near Tokyo I decided to go to Tokyo to see the sights. Well, I got on a tour bus, and who was there? Yes, Jim Norman! He had been assigned to Korea and was in Tokyo, also sightseeing. We had lost touch, so, needless to say, we had a good talk, proving once again, the world is a small place. AGGIE MEALTIME Mealtime was always a fun time for us Aggies. If you recall, we ate by classes, which changed monthly. You’d line up by classes outside the dining hall door, and wait until your turn. Breakfast was the exception. However, as a senior, we sometimes cheated. We got to sit in the seats in the front of the auditorium for convocation Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, we figured out that if we ran fast when we were released, there was no line for dinner, so we’d get in first, even though not really playing by the rules. The only problem: don’t run across the grass on the way, or, again, Wes Gray would have you chopping ice or shoveling snow, or some devious thing he’d think up. Ah yes, recall, corporal punishment was legal at WCSA. 4
ADVANCED ALGEBRA Many Aggies did not want to take advanced algebra taught by Nanna Jelstrup. She was tough. But, thinking college was in my future, I took it, and I even passed it with an “A.” I was not aware of how I wrote numbers. One day I wrote on the blackboard, an “8” starting at the bottom instead of what is thought is right, starting at the top. She told me, “If you ever forge a check with an 8 on it, I’ll know instantly it was you.” Today, I write an 8 starting at the top, so, God rest her soul, I learned more than just math from her. CHEMISTRY ADVENTURE It was 1951, and our chemistry class was mixing chemicals under the usually watchful eye of our instructor. We were warned to only mix what he told us to mix. Well, being lowly freshmen, and with the instructor not looking, we mixed chemical “A” with chemical “B”. Not a good idea: it exploded with the chemical vaporizing the front of my letter jacket and shirt. I snuck out of class; went back to my room in Spooner Hall, changed jacket and shirt and returned to the class without the instructor missing me. Needless to say, I learned my lesson: don’t mix chemicals unless you know the results.
Spooner Hall, ca. 1950
THE LINDY RIG AND LOWELL LUNDSTROM ’57 Peter Torvik ’56 writes, “Because I had fished with the ‘Lindy Rig’” I read an obituary in the Wall Street Journal [about its creator, Ron Linder]. What a surprise to see the name Lowell Lundstrom appear. Lowell was in the class behind me at WCSA. I knew he had become an evangelist but had never heard anything more of him. [I looked him up and saw that] he died in 2012 and joined the likes of Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, and Prince in the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Thought somebody might be interested!” Editor’s note: Ron Lindner’s obituary mentions Ron’s challenges with alcoholism and how he attributed his recovery to Alcoholics Anonymous and Lowell Lundstrom’s ministry.
Scrapbook
Lundstrom, 1957 Moccasin
PHOTOS TO JOG YOUR MEMORY
Wes Gray, 1963 Moccasin
Nanna Jelstrup, 1957 Moccasin
Harley Hanke 1955
Peter Torvik, editor of the 1956 Moccasin
“In the early days of the WCROC, we all had the desire to improve production for area farmers, from crossbreeding livestock, to improving meat quality, to effective herd management. A big part of utilizing knowledge was to work side-by-side with farmers so they could learn from us, and we from them. Many who attended the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA)...have attributed their current agricultural success to the knowledge they acquired from the [WCSA].” —Harley Hanke WCROC Animal Scientist from 1956–86 5
FONDLY REMEMBERED Betty Peterson, ’42, of Granite Falls, passed away at the Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, Florida, on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. She was born in Wilkin County and grew up in Western Township,Ottertail County. Betty attended District 252 Country School until eighth grade and went on to graduate from WCSA in 1942. After graduation she worked for health services on campus. On January 31, 1946, Betty was united in marriage to Eldon Peterson, who had left school to join the Navy. They enjoyed 65 years together. To this union four children were born. They lived in Fergus Falls for a short time before making their home in Stony Run Township. Betty was a housewife and was an Avon Representative for many years. She was a member of the Bergen Lutheran Church, where she served on the church library board, Homemakers Club, and WELCA. She loved books and sewing, handwork, and quilting. She also enjoyed sitting outside in the Florida sun. Betty is survived by her son, two daughters, and a daughter-in-law, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren, and six foster great-grandchildren, and a brother, Jim Kennel. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Beth; husband Eldon; son David Peterson, daughter-in-law Kathy (Duane) Peterson, and sister Mary Ann Benson. Hazel Steussy ’42, of Breckenridge, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at CHI St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge. She was born in Hancock, the only daughter of Paul and Rosetta (Thielke) Wille. She attended Country School District 21 on the Swift and Stevens County line and graduated from WCSA. On May 15, 1943, Hazel was united in marriage to Lloyd Steussy in Alexandria, while he was home on furlough. The couple then moved to Luke Field Air Base near Phoenix, Arizona. Following Lloyd’s discharge from the US Army, the young family settled on a farm southwest of Foxhome. She and Lloyd began their dairy farm and raised their six children. In 1975 they sold their cattle and began traveling the United States together. They were blessed to have traveled to all 48 contiguous states and had a chance to see the sites of Alaska as well. They moved to Breckenridge in 2007. Hazel is survived by two sons, her twin daughters, two daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren,six greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 6
Donald G. Roberts ’46, born near Benson, was the oldest of four children. After attending country school near Benson he graduated from WCSA. He met his future wife shortly after she began teaching at Benson Junior High. They got married during a snowstorm in December, 1952. Don served eight years in the Army, receiving an honorable discharge in May 1961. Except for a short stint in retail, his career was as a wholesale purchasing agent for companies in Minnesota, Idaho, Oregon, and Illinois. He was involved in Kiwanis, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, Christian Men’s Fellowship and was active in his church. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, golfing, card games with friends, and snowbird trips to Arizona. He is survived by a daughter, a son, four grandsons, a granddaughter, seven great-granddaughters, six greatgrandsons, a brother, and two sisters. Mary Ann Benson ’47, passed away September 1, 2020. She was born in Fergus Falls and grew up on a nearby farm. At 13 she left the farm to attend high school at WCSA. She was baking bread when the school representative came to visit at their home. He said anyone who could bake bread like that was old enough to attend the school. She met the love of her life, Robert Benson, while attending college in Valley City, North Dakota. They were married December 27, 1950, and enjoyed 70 years of adventurous marriage. Their journey together took them to make their home in California, Missouri, North Dakota, Minnesota, and finally Montana in 1963. Mary Ann loved spending time with her family and friends, filling her heart and soul with love. She accompanied her family for over 50 years on camping trips to Holland Lake in northwestern Montana. She enjoyed the hike to Holland Lake Falls, accomplishing it one more time at the age of 87. She enjoyed the privilege of making more than 30 trips to Alaska to spend time with her two grandsons who grew up in Palmer, Alaska. Mary Ann’s number one vocation was wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked at the Clancy Post Office for many years, retiring in 1989. Mary Ann is served by her husband, five children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a brother and sister.
Avanelle “Avy” (Miller) Gray ’47 was born on a farm near Wheaton, the oldest child of three. She attended country school in Traverse County and graduated from WCSA in 1947. Avy was faculty secretary for four years after graduation from WCSA, where she met and married Wesley H. Gray of Osseo. Avy stayed home to raise her growing family until 1966, when she joined Production Credit Association (Farm Credit) in Morris for 22 years. Avy was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Morris. She was president of the Pomme de Terre Chapter of March of Dimes for many years and helped raise thousands of dollars for this charity. She enjoyed Morningside Homemakers, playing bridge, and entertaining. After retiring, Avy and Wes traveled the world to many destinations and frequently visited their daughter Maureen and family in England. After moving to Alexandria, Avy enjoyed being part of Newcomers Club and several bridge and lunch clubs. She loved living in Alexandria and meeting new people. She is survived by five children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Wes, her parents, and brothers Donald and Marvin Miller. Memorials in Avy’s honor are being accepted to the Wes Gray Backyard Garden in the Horticulture Display Garden at the West Central Research and Outreach Center. Donations will assist funding of the endowment and allow for enhancements to the backyard garden. Orville Brunkow ’53 passed away on October 15, 2020. He was born in Morris and raised on his family farm near Chokio. He attended WCSA, where he participated in football and wrestling. Horticulture was one of his favorite subjects and sparked his life-long love of caring for his apple trees. He graduated in 1953 and began farming with his dad and brother Melvin on the family farm, raising hogs, row crops, and grain. In March of 1960, Orville met the love of his life, Connie Sandvig, on a blind date in Minneapolis. One year later they were united in marriage on the beautiful, sunny day of February 25, 1961. They had four children and lived together happily on the family farm for the next 59 years. Orville was very involved in the community and in his church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, traveling, reading, gardening, caring for his apple orchard, taking his dogs for a drive, and entertaining his grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time in his shop, either working on machinery, reading, or conversing with good company. Most importantly, he was always willing to give a helping hand and never hesitated to
provide to someone who was in need. He built many things over the years, including an ice-skating rink for Connie and the kids. Orville was a hard-working farmer, loving husband, caring father and grandfather, and a kind friend to many. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, a son, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Kermit Ehrenberg,’54, of Appleton, passed away September 30, 2020. Kermit was born October 26, 1935, in Shible Township. On September 6, 1957, Kermit was united in marriage to Marion Schroeder. Living on the family homestead, he farmed until retiring in 1997. Family, farming, and church were the most important things in his life. Kermit enjoyed collecting cast iron items such as tractor seats and drill ends. He also collected artifacts and was a skilled machinist. He made three 1/4 scale tractors out of scrap metal: a 1937 Farmall F-20 Farmall, a 1938 John Deere G, and a 1934 Allis Chalmers. Together, Kermit and Marion enjoyed attending threshing shows and displaying their collection. Kermit also created a museum on the farm and enjoyed having visitors see his unique collection. During his lifetime he served on a number of various boards, including the Holloway Market and was a Trustee and Elder at Immanuel Shible Lutheran Church. Kermit is survived by his wife, two sons, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one daughter-in-law. Jerome Berger ’55, of Wheaton, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020, at his residence. He was born in Redpath Township and was the oldest of three siblings. He attended WCSA and was part of the Class of 1955. Jerome entered the military service in the U.S. Army on November 8, 1956, and was stationed in Germany during his service. He was discharged on November 9, 1958, from the A Co. 237th Engineer BN at the rank of sergeant. After his discharge from the military, he started farming with his father. Jerome served on the church board, was a Mason and a Shriner, and served many years on the Redpath Township Board. He and his wife Wanda bought a farm in Redpath Township and were some of the first farmers to bring sugar beets to this area. They made their lives farming together along with their three children. Their son continues the farming tradition. Jerome and Wanda enjoyed traveling with their children, spending time with friends, golfing, and playing cards. He is survived by Wanda, his wife of sixty years, two daughters, one son, and six grandchildren. 7
James “Jim” Henry Norman Jr., of Fergus Falls, died Monday, April 26, 2021, at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan in Battle Lake after a brief illness. He was born in Hoffman. He was the sixth of eight children and born at a strong 12 pounds. He grew up on the family farm with his favorite chore of caring for the horses. He attended WCSA. He was in the Army from 1956–57, serving in Korea. His early career included working in the taconite mines in northern Minnesota and carpentry in Minneapolis. While in Minneapolis, he met his future wife, LaVera Duenow. They were married on March 13, 1965. Jim was a carpenter in Fergus Falls, working for several construction companies and on his own. He worked on hundreds of houses and businesses in the area, taking pride in his work. He and LaVera built several houses around the area, including one by Schmidts bridge, always improving on the next build. They were blessed with two children, Jodi and Jay. The couple had wonderful memories and adventures together, including traveling and enjoying family, especially their grandchildren. Jim was very social and outgoing, never meeting a stranger. He was a good friend to many. He enjoyed playing cards, going to the Senior Center, fishing, and hunting. He was known to tease and joke quite often, CLASS NEWS AND “IN YOUR WORDS” WCSA alumni love reading Class News, so please send us your updates! Mail us a letter, give us a call, or send us an email about your careers, families, travels, hobbies, activities, and WCSA memories. We will include your news in the next AlumNEWS. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2021. FUNDING FOR ALUMNEWS Your donations fund AlumNEWS. Thank you to those who have given in the past—we appreciate your support! Checks to fund AlumNEWS can be made payable to the University of Minnesota Morris and sent to the address below.
ALUMNEWS ONLINE WCSA AlumNEWS—along with WCSA photos and history—is available online at alumni.morris.umn. edu/wcsa-alumni-association. If you would prefer to access the newsletter exclusively online, please contact us to request that your name be removed from the conventional mailing list. 8
keeping friends on their toes. He was a member of the VFW and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Jim is survived by his children, four grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three sisters. Richard “Rick” Mathias ’61 passed away May 13, 2020. He was born in Worthington in 1943. His family moved to Dollymount Township in Traverse County and began farming. He attended country school and Herman Public School through eighth grade and then attended WCSA, where he was a standout basketball player. After graduation he attended North Dakota State University. He was drafted into the Air Force National Guard, where he spent time in Alaska and Texas. In 1967 he purchased the original Mathias family farmstead, selling his prized blue Corvette for the down payment. He married Marilyn Lesmeister in 1969 in Morris. They settled on the farm east of Dumont and raised their two children. He enjoyed playing baseball, was a charter member of the Morris Flying Club, and was a member of the Graceville Trap Shooting Club. They spent many summers traveling to various lakes around the state and also enjoyed time at their season spots, eventually buying a cabin. He is survived by his wife, two children, and a large extended family.
AlumNEWS is published by the University of Minnesota Morris. It is available in alternative formats upon request. Class news, donations, comments, corrections, and questions may be directed to: Jennifer Zych Herrmann ’00 Director of Alumni Engagement University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center, 600 East Fourth Street Morris, Minnesota 56267-2132 320-589-6066 alumni@morris.umn.edu
Dining Hall (now Behmler Hall), 1943
2021 WCSA ALL-SCHOOL REUNION ’t wonar! 9 1 e D I y COV us this stop
NEW DATE: Friday, September 10, 2021
NEW LOCATION: Ag Country Auditorium— West Central Research and Outreach Center
A NOTE FROM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE The WCSA Alumni Association board has made some big changes for the 2021 All-School Reunion, with both a timing and location change. Our new location will be safe and senior-friendly with easy access parking and restroom facilities. Be prepared for an excellent sound system and good food. We’re looking forward to visiting and sharing old times with all of you in a relaxed and conversation-friendly atmosphere. Please sign up early so we can plan well and have everything ready for you to have a good time. We rely on your timely registration to help us in planning the event so are offering a substantial discount for early registration. See you at Reunion! Patricia Lesmeister Nelson ’61 and Kenwood Rund ’60, WCSA Board Members & Reunion Planning Committee
LODGING INFORMATION WCSA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas Payne ’60, president 28394 S Shore Drive Starbuck, MN 56381-2242 320-841-0318
Donald Lende ’62 (proposed)* 23742 Stony Bar Circle Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 218-863-7021
Kenwood Rund ’60, vice president 33103 160th Street Battle Lake, MN 56515-9508 320-241-4603
Diane Jerpseth Madsen ’62 2042 Palisades Lane Watertown, SD 57201-9400 605-753-1645
Michael Madsen ’62, treasurer 2042 Palisades Lane Watertown, SD 57201-9400 605-753-1645
Legislative Interface and Fund Raising Committee Les Bensch ’59 36209 County Highway 126 Ashby, MN 56309 218-747-2121
Patricia Lesmeister Nelson ’61, secretary 1000 Park Avenue Morris, MN 56267-1859 612-599-1509 LuWanna Foslien Hintermeister ’60 3234 Prairie Road NE Carlos, MN 56319-8106 320-852-7115 David Kill ’60 (proposed)* 5702 Silverthorn Place Shoreview, MN 55126-5642 651-900-4378
Alumni Garden Committee Carol Pederson Meyer ’60 508 Irving Street Alexandria, MN 56308 320-763-5814
*Vote to occur by the WCSA membership at the 2021 Annual Meeting at the WCSA All-School Reunion on September 10, 2021.
Morris Hotels Blocks of rooms have been reserved at GrandStay and the Super 8 Motel in Morris for the nights of September 9 and 10. Please request “WCSA Reunion.” GrandStay Hotel and Suites 320-585-4000 (request by Aug. 26) Morris Motel 320-589-1212 Super 8 Motel 320-589-8888 (request by Aug. 10) RV Parking Free parking for self-contained recreational vehicles is available in all University of Minnesota Morris campus parking lots—the East Parking Lot has the most shade and is the largest, quietest area. No water or electrical hookups. RVs are welcome at Pomme de Terre Park on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $15 per night without electricity/$20 per night with electricity. Please register at the registration stand in the park. Water, bathrooms, and water hookups are available. Questions? Call 320-589-3141. 9
2021 WCSA ALL-SCHOOL REUNION Friday, September 10, 2021, Ag Country Auditorium—West Central Research and Outreach Center
WCSA REUNION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, September 10
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE WEST CENTRAL RESEARCH AND OUTREACH CENTER From Minneapolis: Follow I-94 west to exit 127 (for Sauk Centre/ Glenwood). Proceed to MN 28 west toward Glenwood; follow MN 28 into Morris. Turn south onto US 59. Go east on MN 329; the WCROC administration building, which houses the Ag Country Auditorium, is located approximately one-half mile on your left. From Fargo: Follow I-94 east to US 59 south. Follow US 59 south to MN 329, and go east; the WCROC administration, which houses the Ag Country Auditorium, building is located approximately onehalf mile on your left. US 5 9
US 59
Lunch 1 p.m. WCROC Presentation and Annual Business Meeting
E Pomme de Terre
Display Gardens Pomme de Terre Park
Coffee and Cookies Optional Guided Tours of WCROC Garden and Farm (3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.) Optional Self-Guided Tours University of Minnesota Morris Campus. Campus buildings open until 5 p.m.
460th Ave
329 Riley’s River Rd
US 59
450th Ave
210th St
4:30 p.m.
220th St
PARKING The 2021 WCSA reunion is at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). The WCROC has ample on-site parking at the WCROC Administration building, complete with handicap parking and an accessible entrance. 10
11:30 a.m.
3 p.m.
University of Minnesota Morris
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Class Photos
West Central Research and Outreach Center
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10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m. MN 28 Pomme de Terre River
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All events, unless otherwise specified, are held at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in the Ag Country Auditorium.
Say goodbyes and make plans to see each other at the 2022 WCSA All-School Reunion! If you would like to request a breakout room for your class gathering at Reunion, contact Esther Jordan at ejordan@umn.edu.
2021 WCSA ALL-SCHOOL REUNION REGISTRATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 If you plan to attend the reunion, please return your $15 registration fee and the form below by August 15, 2021. Your 2021 WCSA Reunion Registration includes: registration fee, noon luncheon, shuttle tours of WCROC (optional), and afternoon coffee and cookies. Please sign up early so we can plan well and have everything ready for you to have a good time.
Early Registration (by August 15): $15
Late or Walk-In Registration: $25
If you do not plan to attend the reunion this year you can use this form to update your address or send a gift.
Make checks payable to University of Minnesota Morris. Return form to: Office of Alumni Relations, Welcome Center, 600 East Fourth Street, Morris, Minnesota 56267 REUNION REGISTRATION Name Class Name Class I/We ¨ will ¨ will not attend reunion. If you have special dietary concerns, please contact Pat Nelson at pattysings43@fedtel.net or 612-599-1509.
ADDRESS UPDATE Permanent Address Street City State
Zip
GIFT ¨ WCSA AlumNEWS (#4634)
$
¨ Rural Students Scholarship (#5616)
$
¨ Herb Croom Endowed Scholarship (given to WCSA and UMN Morris legacy students) (#3910)
$
¨ WCSA Alumni Garden and the West Central School of Agriculture Alumni Association Scholarship (4633)
$
¨ Charlie and Carol Berg Scholarship (#20565)
$
¨ WCSA Class of ’56 Scholarship (#5166)
$
¨ Other
$
Phone
Total Gift $
My gift is (please check)
Winter Address (if applicable) Street
¨ in honor of
¨ in memory of
City State
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(Name) UM22UMMWCSAN - 4633
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The health and wellbeing of our alumni is our first priority. The University of Minnesota Morris continues to monitor MDH and CDC COVID-19 safety guidance for events. 11
NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MORRIS, MN PERMIT NO. 123
Office of Alumni Relations University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center 600 E 4th St Morris, MN 56267-2134
Address Service Requested
Is this up to code? Station Day barbecue on lawn west of the first Home Economics Building ca. 1940. Faculty member Phil Jordan was in charge of the barbecue beef. A 25 to 30 pound beef roast is on the end of the manure fork. The cooker is a converted stock tank. The vertical steel culvert provides draft for the fire. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.