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Ginger McDaniel (Doty)

Marital status: Single again
Children: 4
Occupation: Retired
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: Hello, everyone! Can you believe it's been 50 years since we graduated? Time has flown by so quickly, it feels like just a few years ago. After retiring from Hy-Vee in West Des Moines in 2017, I find myself busier than ever, thanks to my three adorable grandchildren.

My oldest son, Brandon, works in fiber optics and travels for his job. Currently, he's based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, making his mark in the field.

My daughter, Sarah, completed her residency as an ER doctor at the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. The following year, she married Daniel. Together, they've given me the incredible joy of three grandchildren: Juniper, born in 2018, Severin in 2019, and Tobias in 2022.

Nathan Cody, my third child, graduated as an engineer from Purdue in 2017 and now works at Vermeer in Pella. He's happily married to Paul.

Lastly, my youngest, Tyler, graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor's degree in education. Although he planned to become a high school science teacher, he couldn't complete his student teaching due to the pandemic. Currently, he's driving a tour bus for the cruise lines in Alaska.

As an older retiree, I treasure the time spent with my beloved grandchildren. Being a "Gigi" brings me immense joy. We often find ourselves exploring Washington State, creating beautiful memories together.

I'm eagerly looking forward to our reunion, where we can reminisce about the past 50 years. Let's celebrate our remarkable journey, the bonds we share, and the memories that will always connect us. See you soon!

Janet Lott (Dowell)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Widowed
Children: 3
Occupation: Musician
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: I went to Iowa State after graduation. I met my husband, John, our freshman year in the ISU Marching Band and were married in ‘74. I bounced around in English, French, math and music majors and ended up with a music degree in 1981, as John and I took turns working so the other one could knock off another few courses of schooling. We were hoping to celebrate our 49th anniversary this August but John was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and died in May of this year. So, I’m newly widowed and adjusting to being on my own.

After university, we stayed in Ames and I became the behind-the-scenes director who scheduled the household work, grew the kids and got them, and sometimes their friends, everywhere they needed to be, volunteered at school, was on staff at church as a commissioned minister, and nurtured John into becoming an architect. In 1995, we opened an architecture firm in downtown Ames and now I’m in charge of closing it down and getting ready to retire from that part of my life.

Music is always with me. I’ve played in and directed different groups over the years (even getting paid for it once in a while!). I played trombone in the city band, Central Iowa Symphony, and assorted brass groups, and euphonium in Tuba Christmas. I directed vocal and handbell choirs and led music and performed at retreats on guitar and string bass. Currently, I am with the UUFA Recorder Consort on tenor and soprano recorder and am working on learning the bass and great bass. I added another musical endeavor last fall - teaching and directing the ukulele group and choir at Lott Music Studio in Ames.

John and I loved our motorcycling. I got my motorcycle license in 1970 a few months after I got my driver’s license and have never lost a passion for riding and driving (sorry I scared you that time back in ‘73, Dave). We traveled all over the US and sometimes dipped into Canada. Now I need to decide whether to sell the Goldwing or to get a trike kit for it because I can’t reach the ground from the driver’s seat…or maybe downsize to something for a shrinking grandma.

Kids. We love our kids. Benjamin was our first born and suffered brain damage at birth so he needed 24/7 care for his short nine years on this earth. Elizabeth received a master’s in library sciences from the U of Wisconsin and is a taxonomist for a marketing company in California. Fortunately for me, she works remotely and lives nearby with her husband and our one and only grandchild. Aaron received a master’s in collaborative piano from the Royal College of Music in London and moved to Ames from Spain a couple of years ago with his husband. They opened Lott Music Studio in Ames in the same space where our architecture firm, Benjamin Design, was located.

The last five years have been very difficult, as John and I had to come inside and deal with his cancer. His vulnerability and increasing weakness kept us isolated and away from those things we so enjoyed. We used to spend a lot of time outdoors. We camped, hiked, ran (yeah, I did a 20k several years ago – couldn’t do a 3k today), kayaked, canoed, motorcycled, biked, traveled, and spent over 35 years renovating our 150-year-old house and designing/building a garage to match the house’s Victorian features, doing nearly all the work ourselves. And we were able to volunteer our time and talents.

Now, it’s time for me to explore what to start doing again and to add new things for the next phase of life. And one of those things is getting myself to our 50th reunion in August!

Paul Durand

Marital status: Divorced
Children: 1
Occupation: Analyst
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: Moving around, changing jobs, raising my son, saying hello and goodbye, learning to be a friend and to appreciate those I encounter. I enjoy nature, still ride a motorcycle, discovered that I enjoy fixing old cars, cooking and working with people. While I collect a pension from work in Iowa, I continue to work in Illinois. I will retire from there fairly soon as I begin taking some classes for another post-retirement job that will hopefully allow me to work in an airport setting. Flying was a secret dream of mine and I am finally going to try and indulge it. I've experienced health crises, accidents and lost loves. I've regained my health every time though. My marriage record is not good. I'm in the middle of moving again. You know, Ames was/is a nice place.
Comment: It felt wonderful to see and speak with so many of you. I am looking forward to next time -- everybody stay healthy.

Margaret Elbert (Elbert)

Marital status: Single
Children: 2
Occupation: Retired
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: Married to Jeff Benson (class of '70) in 1985. Adopted 2 children from South Korea. We had many great years with our family. Jeff died suddenly in 2015. The kids still live in Ames and I'm thankful for them every day.
I was a sign language interpreter working with many students and community members. I also was a telephone research data collector for ISU for 17 years. Jeff was a landscape architect and a City of Ames city planner for our great city.
I miss camping and traveling and gardening Jeff.
My life now is full of fun women I've met through ISU Women's Club. And I'm living my best life. I've done some travel since Jeff has been gone, mainly before covid, but I've got the itch again and have some ideas.

Mike Ellson

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Retired
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: I am currently retired from ministry and as busy as ever. 14 of my grandchildren live within 10 minutes of our home. They really enjoy all the water sports in my boat named NoahGenda . My wife ( Kristine Pelz ‘74) of 48 years and I enjoy traveling , having been to 4 continents. I am a blessed man with 4 married children and 18 grandchildren. God is good!

Karen Pulcher (Engelstad)

Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 3
Occupation: APRN
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: For the last 50 years....I obtained my nursing degree, completed post graduate work in pediatric and psychiatric nursing. Was employed as a pediatric clinical nurse specialist in mental health and a nurse practitioner, currently seeking employment or considering retirement. I taught nursing at the undergraduate and graduate level, published articles and a chapter in a nursing textbook. Currently transitioning between jobs and calculating my next venue.

Together with current husband of 46 years, we raised 3 children, and have 4 grandchildren with twin grandsons on the way in late August. Still living in the Kansas City area, no pets and we own a house at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. The above photo is with my oldest grandson.

Best part of life is enjoying it.
Comment: I may be able to attend the picnic on Friday night.

Cay Sills (Ernest)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 1
Occupation: Retired
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: Married Brad Sills (class of 1970) in 1976. Moved to Wisconsin 1984. Had our child Justin 1984. Have 2 wonderful grandkids Winnie & Harrison. I retired from U.W. Hospital in Madison, Wi. as tech asst in Nuclear Medicine & X-ray. We purchased a winter home in Homosassa Florida in 2015. Built new summer home in Newville Wisconsin (Edgerton) in 2021. House overlooks the Rock River & joins Lake Koshkonong. We enjoy grandkids, boating, raffles, horse races in Fla. & having cocktails on our deck! Really looking forward to catching up with everyone's stories and accomplishments!

Paul Eshelman

Steve Fisher

Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Retirement Planner and Budding Silversmith

Dave Fitz

Marital status: Married
Children: 0
Occupation: Electrician
So, what have you been doing for the last 50 years?: Working in the family electrician business.
Playing with Ham Radio
Running
Comment: I am looking forward to seeing every one.

My wisdom teeth came in when I was 40. I am still waiting for the wisdom.