MA Reunions Fall 2024

Reunions Fall 2024

A great weekend of celebration and connection took place last fall over homecoming and reunion weekend as the classes ending in 4 and 9 celebrated. Scroll down to see photos and updates from each class!

 

Class of 1949

September 28, 2024

Pictured:  front row:  JoAnn Thoreen, Betty (Dillon) Johnson, Janice ("Femti" Anderson) Rykken

Back row:  Loren Ahlstrand, Phil Weiler, Lowell Johnson

On a sunny September 28, 2024, six surviving members of the Minnehaha Academy Class of 1949 gathered in the school’s quiet Library to celebrate its “Diamond Anniversary” as a part of the larger annual all-school Homecoming. Each member present was accompanied by a relative or a friend who assisted our increasingly frail bodies to make it safely to and from the meeting place. Several of the companions performed valuable service as facilitators of hearing, speaking and interpreting for their class members. As the group began to assemble, conversation was slow, for time and distance had taken their toll on connections forged during student days. But several members had brought their ’49 Antlers containing the autographs and written records of our senior year, and several old photos appeared and were passed around. The conversational pace quickened along with the memories as these documents were examined and the contents discussed. President Donna Harris stopped by during her round of class greetings to assure us that although very little of the physical plant we remembered was still in place, the mission of the school had not changed— and in fact, had been enhanced over the years to keep the school near the top of its own class of institutions of learning. At the conclusion of the hour, a brief video presentation rehearsed the first 100 years of MA’s existence, and Nathan Curtis, Director of Development, distributed maps showing the additions made to the physical plant over the years since its beginnings. Phil Weiler, clad in an outfit featuring his athletic letter sweater, guided the group through a round of re-introductions, with fading memories being awakened in several minds as others contributed to the common discussions that ensued. The prize (if there had been one) for listing the most connections to others present would have gone to Lowell Johnson. Several absentees had sent greetings, which were shared by Phil with the group. Will there be an 80th? Who knows! At our stage of life, we take each day as a fresh gift from God, to be savored as this one was for us. Our thanks to all who made this experience possible. Our prayers going forward will be more focused by it.

Written by Phil Weiler 

 

Class of 1951

The Class of ‘51 got together in May to celebrate their graduation 73 years ago.  Pictured L-R: Dick Klawitter, Kay Russell King, Mary Ann Ryden Sattervall and Jerry Gustafson.

 

Class of 1954

September 28, 2024

Five class members attended our reunion.  We started with lunch together at Minnehaha, then spent time reminiscing together in one of the classrooms. Two spouses also joined us for lunch and social time after.

We had a visit from Rev. Dr. Donna Harris.  She shared with us a lot of information about the school including mission and enrollment, and a full update of what's happening now at Minnehaha. 

Although we were a small group we had a wonderful time together, and all agreed how thankful we were for our time as students at Minnehaha.

From left to right, the alums present were: David Peterson, Janice Lee, Gail Olson Foreman, Mark Nelson, and Jerry Parupsky.

Written by Mark Nelson

 

Class of 1959

The group picture from left to right: 

Jim Eckblad, Mark Johnson, Al Knutson, Merv Thompson, Phil Nelson, and Bud Nordstrom. 

There is a group of men from the class of ‘59 that get together once or twice a year at Longfellow Grill near MA. The get together is usually organized by Merv Thompson and Jim Eckblad. We always enjoy our times together.  When we started to discuss what to do for our 65th reunion, all were strongly in favor of attending the noon luncheon during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at MA.  The reunion luncheon was very enjoyable, and we had a good time. We missed seeing the women of our class!  It was very thoughtful of President Harris to stop at all the tables to welcome us and update us on current happenings at MA. In the far distant past, the presidents of the Academy tended to be more austere. That certainly is not true of President Harris.

Written by Bud Nordstrom

 

Class of 1964

The class of 1964 celebrated the 60th anniversary of graduation with separate men’s and women’s events on Friday, October 11 and a combined luncheon and program at the school on October 12th. On Saturday, we were honored to have President Harris bring greetings. Along with a fantastic lunch, we played a memory game including the events of 1964 and spent a lot of time getting reconnected. From what I have heard, all had a great time and are looking forward to other gatherings. Jon Jensen, our class president, has finally realized his election meant a lifetime term. 

Written by Phil Formo

Pictured in photo (in no particular order):  Herb Greg Carlson, Diane (Strandberg) Schommer,, Sandra (Erickson) Eckerholm, Mark Hanson, Timmie (Loberg) Harriday, Janet (Olson) Hagberg, Phil Formo, Linda Bjorkland, Diana (Lindgren) Lundquist, Pat (Olson) Boser, Dave Foster, Jon and Char (Green) Jensen, Linda (Olson) Runbeck, Kathie (Waleen) Rieke, Bev (Anderson) Wenshau, Karen (Hegener) Tangen, Steve Uppman, Dean Fisher, Barb (Waleen) Johnson, Stu Opel, Barb (Olson) Force, Linda (Paulson) Wickland, BJ (Blikstad) Christofferson, Cynthia (Rohrbeck) Wharton, Jerine (Peterson) Ryan

 

Class of 1969

We had a terrific time together, beginning with seeing our classmate Elaine Ekstedt receive the Distinguished Faculty award at the Awards Ceremony.  We also very much enjoyed having Dr. Harris come and speak to our class in our classroom during our program.  A number of us reconvened for more conversation at Fridley's Forgotten Star Brewing.  Sunday morning's activity for those available called for an enjoyable brunch at The Howe Restaurant in South Minneapolis.

Huge kudos go out to our Reunion Committee, and to MA's very helpful Nicole Sheldon.  Our committee is already planning additional quarterly informal get-togethers for lunch on the 1st Tuesday of every calendar quote (Jan, April, July & October) at venues to be determined.  

Thanks again to all...with best wishes for the coming year.

Written by Keith Gause, President

*We have a class email address of MinnehahaAcademyClassof1969@gmail.com 

 If you would like more information on the quarterly get-togethers, please contact Susan Hursh Santema or Dwight Nelson.

Pictured from left to right:  1st row, Nicki Larson, Judy Hayward, Jenny Tretheway, Mary Knutson, Wanda Brown, John England, Pat Dahl, Chris Swanson, Diane Boedecker. 2nd row Elaine Ekstedt, Rich Sorenson, Stephanie Carlson-Ventura, Dale Erickson, Carol Bussman, Paul Seeling, Karen Follingstad, Ann Pugliski, Dwight Nelson, Gary Benson, Cindy Benson, Carol Pearson, Sue Santema. 3rd row Brian Youngberg, Steve Carlson, Don Johnson, Keith Gause, Tom Delano, Denny Dahl ('68), Tom Krause, Steve Wilson, Dave Kessel.

 

Class of 1974

The Class of 1974 gathered for their 50th class reunion last September 27th.  The event was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska.  A tremendous food spread was set up at stations throughout the atrium of the club with outdoor seating available due to the beautiful weather on a warm, Minnesota fall evening.  

The reunion committee consisted of Jan Bryant Hultgren, Kris Eastlund Koenigsberg, Mark Stromberg, Terry Sindt and Jim Gardner.   The event volunteers included hosts Sue Becker Evans, Joan Walen Frick, Jane Peterson and Mark Welty. Class photographer was professional photographer and classmate Bob Dale.   Attending the reunion were about 60 which included 40 classmates, 18 spouses or guests, and 2 very special guests. The special guests were Ken Greener, former Dean of Students at MA, and Barb Olson, former English teacher at MA.  

Jim Gardner opened the reunion with some words of welcome and Mark Stromberg offered a prayer for the meal and the evening.  A memorial table was featured with photos and names of the 25 classmates who have passed away.  

After that, friends reconnected and stories were told with lots of laughter, while those in attendance had many different experiences, some happy and some sad, there was a great deal of camaraderie and compassion for each one’s journey thus far. We were all grateful to God for having endured, and for the opportunities we all had to attend Minnehaha Academy!    

Written by Jim Gardner

List of attendees:

Using the class photo starting front row, L to R:

Ken Greener, Bill McCary, Jane Peterson, Jim Gardner, Jan Bryant Hultgren, Kris Eastlund Koenigsberg, Mark Stromberg, Barb Olson, Peter Geisendorfer Lindgren, Sue Becker Evans, Melody Riley Sund, and standing, Debra Van Vranken Fossum.

Second row, L to R:

Rebecca Meyer Walker, Terry Sindt, Phillip Carlson, Beth Bodin Dahl, Kevin Olson, Chuck Hanson, Larry Montan, Scott Langguth, Nancy Peterson, Karen Geisendorfer Lindgren, and standing, Bob Dale.

Third Row L to R:

Duane Jones, Joan Walen Frick, Mark Welty, Dave Gottlieb, Jack Kuhn, Marlys Johnson Ahlberg, Julie Waite Babcock, and Deb Davidson Camp.

Back Row L to R:

Bruce Peterson, Jon Anderson, Jim Anderson, Joe Valtinson, Mikell Smith, Winston Cavert, Muffi Larson Abrahamson, Marilyn Egge and Eric Johnson.

 

Class of 1979

We’ve had wonderful reunions every five years since graduating in 1979, but our 45th reunion, this past September, may have been our best. We gathered on the rooftop of MA’s Upper School. The weather was gorgeous, and the food was great!  We had classmates that came to their first reunion, as well as a few of us that had attended every one. They came from around the USA, and even from Africa!

One classmate commented on the evening by saying, “ I was reminded last night why I went to MA. It wasn’t academics, sports, or because my parents sent me. It was because I wanted a Christian community and my parents were supportive of my request. I was blessed to join you for the reunion. Thank you for including me!”

Another classmate had this to say, “We are all truly blessed. A fantastic night!!”

Highlights of the evening were visiting the Alumni House; touring the new building with President Harris, and Alumni Director, Nicole Sheldon; honoring our beloved classmates who have passed away,  playing our now-famous trivia game, and closing our program with a flash mob dance party. Of course, the greatest joy was seeing 38 of our classmates gathered together after 45 years had passed since we all graduated and launched into our own worlds. Old friendships were deepened, and new ones forged. We were happy to have many spouses join us, as well.

We had such a great time that our reunion committee is already setting its sights on our 50th reunion. When 2029 rolls around, we’ll be ready for it!

Written by Gloria Nelson

 

List of attendees

Pam (Picha) Reimer

Steve Johnson

Melanie (Bates) Hjelm

Larry Valtinson

Fred Hartwig

Gloria (Martin) Nelson

Beth Griggs-Nelson

Todd Nelson

Jennifer (Morton) Sirjord

Elliot Heide

Kathie “Oppegard” Bouchard

Mark Salovich

Carl Follingstad

Paula (Nachtigal) Quirarte

Mary (Anderson) Schwann

Phil Bylsma

Gary Holmquist

Kim (Norwood) Hutchens

Scott Evenson

Tom Holm

Mark Fredrickson

Kirsten (Frantzich) Allen

Donna (Musikov) Lundgren

Carole Franson

Ted Johnson

Will Ward

Candyce (McGill) Ferrentino

Joni (Kamp) Hall

Julie (Hellickson) Schultz

Jim Shelhamer

Greg Behring

Randy Monson

Debbie Knight

Mark Anderson

Mary Farrell

Cindy (Boehm) Wichelmann

 

Class of 1984

​​MA Class of 1984 40th Reunion, Shoreview, MN, Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 6 pm

For our 40th reunion, we went all out!  Brad Oren was our gracious host and let us turn his Shoreview home into an 80's purple rain party central. With more than 50 classmates showing up, we had 1/3 of our class in attendance - it was a great success! People were calling friends and rounding up everyone they could. Rabbi and his wife even blessed us with their presence. A few people snuck out before we got the group photo. 

Written by Mimi Hainlen

 

Class of 1989

September 28, 2024

The class of 1989 enjoyed its 35-year class reunion on Homecoming Saturday at Pinstripes in Edina, MN. Attendees were alert, talkative, and joyous. Pictured from L to R: Holly (Reiling) Fischer, Steve Ramgren, Miranda (Seitz) Johnson, John Pogodzinski, Bobby Tufford, Alyssa (Krakowski) Hunter, Mike Tamte, Greg Haltli, Carrie Hagstrom, Jim Allen, Brad Beale, Jenni (Marker) Johnson, Rollin Beaver, Josh Sprague, Kristen (Olson) Smith, Marit Mesna Krogstad, Greta (Johnson) Hammerlund.

Written by Mike Tamte

 

Class of 1994

The Class of 1994 had their reunion on November 16th, 2024 at Surly Brewing Co. It was a casual and straightforward affair - just a place to congregate and catch up.  People hung out for  5 or 6 hours - it was so fun!

Written by Paul Sadeghi

 

Attendees:

Front row, left to right: Sharon Yung, Betsy Benito, Betsy Snyder Warren, Emily Littlejohn, Rebecca Peterson, Paul Sadeghi, Heather Cross, Daniel Jones

2nd row, right to left: Peter Carlson, Benjamin Friesen, Steve Pugh, Matt Westlund, Kamie Page,  Tony Dubay, Jason Fugate, Kevin McKernan, Kristian Brogger, Lorissa Loree Wicklund, Rebecca Brower, Christine Louise JCreo, Joshua Bielke, Ian McLellan

Back row: Seth Stattmiller

 

Class of 1999

Folks from the class of 1999 had a great time getting together on September 28th, 2024 at a venue in Northeast Minneapolis for our  25th reunion!  We caught up with each other's current lives and revisited old memories--and we laughed a lot.  A highlight was looking at the graduation party invites that one of our class members had saved and brought in which really brought us back in time! Attendees:  Andrea Johnson, Angela (Busscher) Noble, Britt Erickson, Courtney (Anderson) DaCosta, Cara Jones, Erica (Gitis-Miles) Bowen. Holly Douglass VanderHyde, Dana (Nelson) McClung, Ian Marsh, Lauren (Anderson) Marsh, Jenny Ekstedt Johnson, Julie (Dahl)  Stone, Kevin Manthie, Michelle (Haley) Hudson, Joe Broman, Christian Franzen (not pictured), David and Trina (Koppang) Morrison, Patrick Woods, and Olivia Pelham.

Written by Olivia Pelham

 

Class of 2004

The Class of 2004 had their 20 year reunion on Dec 28, 2024 at Arbeiter Brewing in Minneapolis with 43 people in attendance, including spouses. “The Class of 2004 has aged exceptionally well. We went to Arbeiter Brewing in Minneapolis. We remembered our dear friend Matthew Strother. A most excellent time was had by all. We can't wait for the next one!”

Written by Emily Hennig

Reunion attendance:  Lauren (Griffin) Harris, Emily (Novak) Preston, Alana (Buckner) Izzi, Michael Brown, Nicholas Luyster, Emily Hennig, Cresten Mansfeldt, Michaela Klein, Alex Rykken, Rob Michals, Paul Bennett, Christie (Calvin) Fitch, Devin Doyle, Matt Tangen, Leah (Haan) Paulick, Jeremy Gustafson, Colin Marsh, James Crabtree, Sydney (Fisher) Olson, Matthew Teasdale, Ethan Wilkins, Erin (Norby) Carlson, Tiffany Walsh, Nathan Fellows, Katie Nelson, Philip Olson, Michael Sundet, Matthew Kohs, Erik Detlefsen, Anne Kruger, Gabe Pattison.  Not pictured:  Michael Brown, Gabe Pattison, Matt Teasdale, Nathan Fellows, and Erin (Norby) Carlson. 

 

Class of 2009

The Class of 2009 had their reunion on Friday, Dec 27 from 7-10pm at The Market at Malcolm Yards, led by Katie (Tuohy) Perkins. We had a great time at the reunion! We had 22 classmates and 9 partners attend! People were interested in getting together again before our 20th reunion.

Written by Katie (Touhy) Perkins

From left to right: Quinn Nelson, Christina Sass, Hannah Anderson, Christian Stokes, Johnny Meeker, Leland Coleman, Eden Anderson, Sarah Lucht, Kristina Haugen, Katie Tuohy, Simon VanderHaar, Allison Yaeger, Matt Thompson, Michael Graves, Gabby Sterling, Karen Kelley, Matt Parker, Alex Bruneau, Greg Meyer, David Burnham. Attended but not pictured: Emily Engdahl and Anne Marie Alexander  (Maiden names used in this list)