CLASSMATE BIOS

In some of the past reunions, we have printed a book containing a bio of most classmates. This is too expensive and is outdated quick, so we are providing this page to create a digital classmates bio book. Please know... this information IS secure and NOT available on the website, but you are able to contact anyone 'via email', who has posted their bio.

So, please take a few minutes to update us with your comments and contact information, especially if you moved or changed your email address. Please add a current picture of yourself – it can be with your spouse, your dog, pet rock, what ever you prefer. Your 'Then' photo will be added later by the site administrator.
Again please remember... no address or contact information is displayed on the website page, it is secure and only available for messages or announcements from the Reunion Committee.
 
Thanks and enjoy catching up on everyone.
The following pages by default are sorted by 'Last Name'. For better results, click on the down arrow to the right of the 'Sort By' and select 'Maiden Name'. It will be easier to find specific classmates.

If you have trouble accessing your previous bio, send a message through the "Contact Us" page and we can assist with your username and password. 

brenda kraus (pomrantz)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Clinical Social Worker
Comment: I am a clinical social worker and divide my time between doing clinical work and advising social work students at Boston University. I live in Newton, Massachusetts with my husband, Marv, and have two daughters. I get back to Minneapolis every few years, but unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the reunion. I have fond memories of SLP and many of the people I knew.

bruce potratz

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Divorced
Children: 3
Occupation: retired
Comment: Boy, where did the time go! It's seems like we're just getting started. Really enjoyed going over this site, as I haven't  been very good about going to our reunions. It was fun to see how life has changed us and how we turned out, it probably surprises alot of our teachers, I know mine for sure. 
I have three grown children, been basically retired since '97, divorced twice ( can"t seem to get it right ) live on a lake up north and the first snowflake I see, I head south for the winter. This year it's South Padre Island, Texas, right now it's about a 80 degree difference than back home. 
Haven't hardly seen any classmates, we all get busy with jobs, family and our lives. I used to get together with J. Rutz, Reggie, Lee, Jeff and the others for some fishing trips but thats been awhile, I think they just wanted me to land their fish!!!!!!! Just kidding. Well, take care, and if any of you old jocks still have it, the Vikings need a new coach and a quarterback, and the Wild needs someone that can score some goals.


Bruce
Cell Phone: 320-237-1040

Anita Gross (Purintun)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Single
Children: 2
Occupation: SR Product Consultant
Comment: Still working but enjoy spending as much time as I can with three Grandchildren.  Spend part of the year in the  Midwest. Family home in SLP sold last year so I have a home in Wisconsin.  I always say I have lived in California temporarily for 48 years. I enjoy reading, cooking and fishing so the peaceful Midwest is where I gravitate to.  Concert band was a favorite class but I haven't played the saxophone since graduation. 

Jan Mokros (Ralles)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Committed Relationship
Children: 2
Occupation: educational researcher
Comment: I wish I could join the reunion party, but after 24 years at the same job in Cambridge MA, I'm in the process of moving to the left coast. I'm going to direct San Francisco State University's new Center for Science and Math Education, which will be an interesting new adventure after so many years doing soft money research and development. 

My cheerleading days are long gone, but I've been a runner all my life, and most recently did the San Francisco half marathon (slowly). I'm also into hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing

On the family front, my daughter Erica Sagrans just started work as a writer for Nancy Pelosi (yes, she channels the Speaker's voice!) My son Jacob is a junior at Grinnell majoring in music; mostly voice and piano. My partner Jim, who I've known for years, is a semi- retired clinical psychologist, who leads adventure trips to places like Patagonia and Bhutan. I only go on the shorter trips, like back country skiing in New Mexico. And my dog Molly, a 3-year old corgi, rounds out the family picture.

Please get in touch, especially if you've migrated to California! 
Cell Phone: 781-572-2695

James Rankin

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 1
Occupation: Retired Engineer / Helicopter Pilot
Comment: After high school graduation I enlisted for the Warrant Officer Flight Program.  I left active duty in 1971, but joined the MN Army National Guard where I continued to fly.   I stayed in an Army Guard or Reserve unit until I retired in 1995 as a CW-4.


After getting out of the active military, I attended engineering classes at the University of Minnesota graduating in 1975 with a BSME.  I also married my first wife Catherine Deeds, a girl from Edina (I should have known).


My whole career I worked for some agency of the U.S. Government.  My first job was with U.S. Navy, working on submarines.  Then I transferred to the Army in 1977 where I worked on Aviation Ground Support Equipment in St. Louis, MO.  I transferred to a Defense Contract Management Command co-located with FMC Corporation in New Brighton, MN in 1980, naval gun mounts and missile launchers.   


My daughter Lesley was born in 1982, (the best thing to come out of my first marriage).  


I transferred locations again this time to a U.S. Navy/ U.S Air Force/ Defense Contract Management Agency in Grand Prairie, TX. collocated with LTV Corporation, fighters , bombers and heavy lift aircraft.


I remarried in 1993, to a Texas gal Jeanne Barron, we’ve been married 23 years now, we are quite happy.  Jeanne’s dental hygienist is Noel (Mary) Reese since the 1970’s.


I changed to the Federal Aviation Administration where I did aircraft certification work.  The FAA was the best, most engineering based job that I have had since working for the Navy out of the college. 


Since retirement Jeanne and I have traveled a little and have taken “Senior” classes through the Tarrant County Community College, my thing is woodcarving.


I’m a 2 time cancer survivor Prostrate in 2008 and Pancreatic in 2014 (knock on wood).  MD Anderson in Houston, TX. is a very good place for any cancer treatment! The quicker it is found the quicker it can be stopped!
Cell Phone: 817-915-7735

Noel Reese (Reese)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Occupation: Dental Hygienists/Realtor
Comment: Hi everyone!


We moved to Dallas, Texas right after I was the maid of honor at Jan Herrmann's wedding in the summer of 1967. 


I attended NTSU in Denton from 1968-1972 and got my degree in Psychology.  How I graduated is beyond me.  I had too much fun!  It was the 60's!!!


Then I got smart and attended TWU (also in Denton) and graduated with a degree in Dental Hygiene (1978)


I've been a hygienist since then and have worked for the same dentist for past 31 years.


I became a realtor with Keller Williams in 2000 and continued to work part time at the dental office.  I'm still working at both jobs.


I married a retired dentist, Jim Barton, in 2014.  He has two daughters and four grandchildren.  Instant family!


He has 73 acres, one hour from our house, where we spend most weekends.  Riding around in the Gator with the dogs, drinking beer, shooting, fishing, kayaking, and cutting wood for our fireplace.  It's tough but, somebody has to do it!


Vickey, Joyce, Diane, and I have been getting together for the past few years.  You all will see us together at the reunion.


I am really looking forward to seeing everyone.  I may need to be reminded who everyone is and how we're connected.  I've slept since 1967!!!


See you all in August 2017-I still can't believe it's been 50 years!!!


 
Cell Phone: 940 367-5776

Mike Reuter (Reuter)

Then Then
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Owner Chuck's Grinding
Cell Phone: 952-393-7234

Laura Laumann (Rhoades)

Then Then
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: accountant
Comment: I still work full time for IBM and have enjoyed being married to Tom for 39 years.  We have 2 children and 2 grand children. I am an avid gardener and have been building my greenhouse for a few years now, hope to retire and garden full time year around.  It was fun to see everyone at the reunion and hope to go again in 5 years. 
Cell Phone: no number

Linda Peltz (Richards)

Then Then
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: partially retired from CPA firm
Comment: Married for 36 years.   Two sons, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren (from blended families).  Semi-retired but still working part-time with my husband's at his CPA firm.  Will not be able to attend.  I have a rare cancer and am going to be having surgery at the Mayo Clinic.

Kim Strobel (Robinson)

Then Then
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Retired from Target
Comment: I was a Senior Buyer for Dayton's (may it rest in peace) and Target for 22 years. I have been married to Eric Strobel for 20 years. I quit working in 2000 to make life living hell for my two daughters Leslie a sophomore at Colgate University and Krista a freshman at Creighton University (we are moving her in on August 18th). I do volunteer work and play golf as often as possible.
Cell Phone: 952-200-5331