Your Classmates Now
Featuring the GREAT Class of 1970 from Dexter High School ~ Dexter, Michigan
Please go to the CONTACT page for instructions on how to submit your photo and biography.
( Please, no nudity, except for Frank )
Please go to the CONTACT page for instructions on how to submit your photo and biography.
( Please, no nudity, except for Frank )
Send Us Your Photo+Bio
Frank Bobo50 years goes fast when you’re having fun. Hard to believe I'm 68. I feel more like I'm 56 and in really bad shape. Once again as in 1970 we are now all SENIORS. After that great year I started working at my apprenticeship in machine tool service and two years later in 1972 I married my high school sweetheart, Marcee. In 1974 our daughter Jenny was born and two years later our son John came along and we moved the family to that rival town of Chelsea where we stayed active in school, sports and community.
In 1991 I started The Franklin Co. and continued working as an independent contractor. 50 years later Marcee is still my sweetheart and we are now involved in the really important things in life like working less, vacationing more and making sure our 5 grandchildren have all the information they need to prepare them for a wonderful life. This is known as "the world according to gramps". Here they learn many things not taught in school or at home for that matter. Things like Grandpa must interview all young gentleman who will be considered dates. They will learn the odds of getting a full house on the river without having 3 of a kind on the flop, and most important they will understand no matter how crazy the world gets always remember, The Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about. Looking forward to the reunion hope to see all of you again. Wendy Weeks Gutowski70's MSU BS Social Science. Peace, Love, Rock & Roll. Dexter, 5th & Broad. WPAG Radio, Ann Arbor. Gordon's Wine Distributing. State of Michigan Dept of Social Services, Ypsilanti. Wyandotte. Married Bob, Ann Arbor. Lancaster, PA. United Way of Lancaster County.
80's Sarah Madeline born. YWCA volunteer. Philip Joseph born. West Hartford, CT. Northville, MI. Friends of the Library. Hamsters, guinea pigs, cats, and an iguana named Ms. Ignatowski. Kids' piano, ballet, baseball, basketball, tennis & golf. Black's Hardware, Main Street. 90's Edward's Catering. Northville Library Board of Directors. Library Building Project Chair. City of Northville Office of the Clerk. A rescued sparrow named Starbuck. Teenagers. 00's Lawrence Tech School of Architecture. Northville Senior Community Center. Daughter graduates U of M, BFA. Son graduates MSU, BA Logistics. 10's Daughter graduates U of M, MSW. Daughter marries, Plymouth, MI. City of Northville Dept of Public Works. Grandson, Noah born. 75% Retired. Granddaughter, Lena born. Throughout the years I have continued to pursue interests in gardening, sewing, cooking, music, travel & watercolor painting. I visit Lancaster, PA each spring to catch up with old friends, and Northport, MI for 2+ weeks of solitude each fall. Bob and I play a lot of backgammon (44 years' worth so far). I still carry a stupid phone and prefer analog to digital most of the time. 20's & Beyond Learn new riddles & jokes to share with my grandchildren. Feed the wildlife in the backyard. Be ever more grateful for my family and friends. Develop and refine a sophisticated sense of humor. Savor the simple joy of waking up each morning. |
Peggy Johnston TrippPeggy Johnston never made it to Washington, D.C. to be President of the United States like she said she would in the Senior Class Interviews...but a girl can dream, right? The dream started while she served as Student Council President in her senior year. Peggy was laser focused leading the way in all matters that fostered a good relationship between students and the high school staff. She is especially proud of orchestrating the first Earth Day observance and assembly at DHS which brought a deeper understanding among the students of how every action, good and bad, affects our planet.
Her natural leadership talent was evident in the years to follow as a successful supervisor for two major retailers. Like many women, Peggy was working outside the home while raising children and being a fabulous wife! Every great leader depends on great support to get the job done. Peggy knows she couldn't have gotten the job done without her beloved husband, Richard Tripp. They had the "yours, mine and ours" group of six kids beween them. Five were from previous marriages and one they "created" together. They are very proud to be the parents of these wonderful sons and daughters. Two sons are currently serving our country in the Army and Navy and she thanks them for their service! Peggy also enjoys hanging out with her grandchildren and the kids' beautiful German Shepherd. Peggy's husband passed away in 2010 and she says not a day goes by without loving memories of their 26 years together. In retirement while living in Virginia Beach, VA, Peggy continues with smaller leadership roles, like helping her brothers and sisters look after their ninety year old parents, planning family gatherings for 40, and of course, planning Class Reunions! The Scottish Johnston Clan motto is "Never Unprepared, Ready, Aye Ready." Peggy says that exact attitude has helped her survive the last 50 years. "Aye, ready to party!" Bill LatockiWilliam A. Latocki was voted our Class Clown and excelled in Dan Teare’s drafting and graphic arts classes. Those talents followed him right out of high school. He has been self-employed full-time or part-time since September, 1974, in the professional fields of advertising, branding, photography, and the creative communication arts. Today he is a one-man ad agency [ LATOCKI.com ] with over 47 years of hands-on experience in a broad range of promotional and creative services. He serves clients from San Francisco to the Cayman Islands and, at times, works with his daughter, owner of Latocki Team Creative in Nashville.
Bill married his wife, Kathy Britton, on New Years Eve, 1974. She is from a small Minnesota town on the Mississippi River and they met in Ann Arbor - because of the famous Hash Bash. Bill & Kathy have 4 grown successful children and 8 grandchildren. They previously operated 3 faith-based ministries (PraiseToys, Wellspring Praise, and NewJackson.org) and have also been on the board of directors for two Michigan non-profit organizations (Transformation Michigan & Lazy B's Ranch). Bill started drumming during his high school days. He continues to perform percussion & drums on a regular basis. In the past Bill has served as a precinct delegate for 4 terms, 2 years in Milan Federal Prison as a volunteer for Prison Fellowship ministry, seminar leader with his “101 Ad Tips” and “How to See” photography seminars, and co-chairman of an international association’s advertising and public relations committee. Unlike high school days, he now thinks he's some sorta hot-shit. lol ;-) (check out his links below) |
Sara Peck Hickey1970's...as I recall...began working at UM Hospitals the Monday after graduation. First as clinic clerk, then admin assistant, then patient relations rep. Attended classes at EMU. Met and 2 years later married Brian Hickey in 1979. Took Caribbean cruise, traveled to Arizona, Florida, California, Missouri and Massachusetts. 1980's We bought our first home in Ann Arbor. I started working for Mott Children's Hospital. We adopted our son Sye from Korea in 1987. 1990's Moved to Chelsea. Continued working for Mott. In 1997 promoted to Admin Manager working on Mott/Women's replacement project. Thanks to Brian's work we traveled to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Victoria and Mexico. Started spending a lot of time watching floor hockey and soccer games. 2000's worked really hard on hospital project with donor relations, events, focus groups. Sye graduated from Chelsea HS in 2005 and attended U of Kentucky and U of Tennessee College of Law. 2010's. Opened new Mott/Women's. Coordinated or participated in 65 events in a six month period preceding opening in December 2011.
I retired in January 2014 after 43 years. To celebrate we went to Italy that fall. Sye moved to Nashville 3 years ago and is a corporate litigator for a firm there. We've traveled quite a bit with two trips to Ireland, spending the month of June there last year. Brian and I celebrated our 40th anniversary last fall. I volunteer at Michigan Medicine, Faith in Action in Chelsea and work as a PT asst for a gentleman in Chelsea. I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, hiking and working out. I am sec'y for my book club and we belong to a neighborhood euchre group. Life is good. Full Disclosure, this photo was taken right before I magically turned gray this past year. Gerri Litke VanDorenHard to believe it's been 50 years!
When I was a senior I attended a class at Automation Institute in Ann Arbor to learn about becoming a keypunch operator. On graduation day I interviewed at Xerox (on Zeeb), was hired and started my long career (43 years) the following Monday. Although the company changed owners (and names) over the years--I found the best fit for me was customer service. After retirement in 2013, I again began working, this time in retail, at Menards. I loved the face to face customer service experience. I have now 100% retired. I have been married to Jeff (from Saline) for 37 years and have 1 son Kason. I continue to live in Dexter (actually the same house I grew up in). When I retired from ProQuest (one of the newer names) we purchased a motor home with the plan on doing some traveling. It's still in the plan but as we all know sometimes you get thrown a curve ball. Jeff's folks were getting older and needed assistance which kept us from traveling, although we did do some Michigan trips. I enjoy knitting and have tried my hand at crochet (even took a class) but I return back to knitting as it doesn't take the brain power that crocheting takes. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th reunion. |
Jim HuffI worked as a radio/electric mechanic for 27 years with the airlines. I have 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren.
Retired last year and having always wanted to lay on some sandy beach gazing upon the Mediterranean Sea, I did that last summer. I combined it with another joy of going to concerts and went on my first cruise. A 5-day concert cruise out of Barcelona with acts such as Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, Kenny Way Sheppard Band, and about 20 other acts. Was a great time with great music. I went to about 20 other concerts last year, enjoy bowling leagues, taking my 73 Dart Sport to car shows and golfing as well. Since graduating in 70 I have lived in San Jose, California, Tulsa, Oklahoma, & Des Plains, Illinois & back to Michigan. I recently went for a ride and somehow got stuck in gridlock traffic in Lansing...90 mile round trip ride that took 4 hours so again I listened to lots of music while stuck in traffic. I'll shave when the pandemic is over. Jim Huff & I approve this msg Sally Belote WestMy first job title was electro-mechanical technician. On the side, I picked up extra work creating wall murals and filling in as a set-up mechanic at Suzuki Ann Arbor.
I went from electronics to electrical drafting, then drafting for an architect while becoming a top Tupperware dealer. I took up sewing historic costumes for a performance dance group that I joined and continued costuming for historic reenactors and theatre. I was voted best costumer two years running at the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Purely by accident I fell into a job with a multi-billion dollar international company as a temp. They liked me; I stayed, and ended up handling their marketing over several divisions. I happily, joyously (gratefully) retired, but then did some work for the Thumb Rural Health Network, running dental clinics, and getting glasses for people who live below the poverty line. I recently accepted a part time job with the local funeral parlor. I help out and open the office when they go on vacation. I've been married 44 years to an engineer who is an avid sailor and motorcycle rider (we met in that motorcycle shop) - two children, three grandchildren. I serve on the boards of the Community Building and the Community Development Corporation where I chaired a task force to attain "Community for a Lifetime" status for our village (we were successful). I live in an 1898 fire hall that we renovated. Yes, it has a slide pole. I sometimes sit on the back porch and play music. The fiddle is well received by the neighbors, the bagpipes less so. I keep a big garden out back and love to cook. When we are not at board meetings, we spend our free time sailing, helping out with community events or riding our motorcycles. |
Beth Doletzky Wilson50 years? Wow.
After high school graduation I had a job at Thetford Corporation until 1975 when I decided to stay home to raise our sons Nathan born in 1975 and Kurt born in 1977. We did many hockey camps, football camps and fishing camps. We traveled thru out Canada, Minnesota and other states. We followed both our sons DHS hockey, football and baseball teams as our sons competed. In 1985 I went to College to become a Certified Medical Tech where I graduated with highest distinction. My first internship was with a podiatrist where I worked for a couple years. After that I worked for a gynecologist for 7 years until I got my dream job in 1992 working at the University of Michigan Multidisciplinary Clinics in the Taubman Center. Our department moved to the new Mott Hospital in 2011, where I worked in the new Cancer Center in the Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Clinics. I retired in 2014. Since retirement I have worked odds and ends jobs to keep busy but now I am retired and a full time nanny to my grandchildren, Nicolas and Christina. I keep busy gardening, reading, and family time camping. I also am a volunteer rescuing and transporting animals for rescue and adoption. I have slowed down on that after I ended up with 4 dogs. Instead of transporting them I was bringing them home and adopting. All dogs adopted being big, yellow Labradors. I even had a seeing eye dog at one time. Helped me when I had a few drinks. That's about it. I can't wait to see everyone. Kerry McMahon Stroup
In 1974 I left the snow and ice of Michigan and moved to Lake Havasu, AZ. I began my career in management with McCulloch Properties Inc. first at the City of London Arms Pub & Restaurant (now The Blue Chair) and then moved to the Mermaid Inn where I was manager for several years. Both are located under the beautiful London Bridge.
In 1980 I married a wonderful guy, named Randy. He was originally from Lawndale, CA. And a former musician. We were married in Las Vegas, The Wedding Capitol of the World. I continued managing a few other businesses in Lake Havasu and in 1992 my son Scott made me a grandmother! For the past 20 years I was the Service Administrator for a local appliance store and retired in May of 2019. In 2004 I was blessed with another grandson who is now a freshman in high school. Wow how time flies ! ! My husband passed away in 2019, so now I spend my time off vacationing with Scott and his family. This year however I will be spending almost a month in Michigan. I can't wait to see all my friends and family ! |
Teresa Payne KingHere we are again! And I really don't feel much older! I'd like to think that I don't look much older either, but...
I married right out of high school and had my son, Ryan, who will be 50 years old in December! Early on, I was able to get a job in Ann Arbor at CPHA. I ended up getting a programmer trainee job and that launched my career into technology. My marriage ended and I remarried and moved to the central coast in California where I got a job with Ford Aerospace. While working there as a programmer, I had my daughter, Megan, who will be 40 in January! I was able to get a systems programmer position closer to my home at a company called Interdesign. I worked there for eight years, got divorced again (! !) and married my wonderful, smart, patient husband John King. We've been together for 30 years and he's pretty much stuck with me now! I started a whole new career in corporate events at Seagate Technology in 1992. I've been so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time in my professional career. I worked my way up the ladder to become the Senior Manager for Marketing events and tradeshows. Seagate provided me with the most amazing opportunities and as the events manager traveled all over the world--Spain, Argentina, South Africa, Bora Bora, Croatia, Greece, Italy and all over the US. In 2012, I received an offer I couldn't refuse for early retirement. So John and I decided we'd worked long enough and it was time to enjoy life! We have continued to travel, going to a new destination each year. In 2017, we sold our house and moved north to Mendocino County to be closer to our daughter and to nurture John's hobby of winemaking! We now have 200 grapevines that we make into wine each year! We love our new life and have never looked back! Lee Smith MunsonMy career in book manufacturing began with 8 years at Braun Brumfield in Ann Arbor, plus an additional 35 1/2 years at Malloy Inc. I loved being a customer service representative, which allowed me to travel across our country meeting publishers to better understand their needs for manufacturing of their products.
I am retired since August 2015, but continue to work part time at my daughter's ice cream store, Blank Slate Creamery, so when in Ann Arbor come in and say "hello"! This December, I became engaged to marry Robert Callahan. We met 6 years ago through OkCupid.com. Yes, it does work through apps! ! Bob has 2 sons and I have a daughter, a son, 2 granddaughters, 4 grandsons and 1 great grandson. I couldn't be more proud of them all! I enjoy traveling, especially to Florida to see Mom and Disney World, antiquing, decorating and redecorating, ice cream, pizza, exploring our country, being on and near water, having lived most of my life on Portage Lake. So....looking forward to yet another chapter! |
Mark McGinnHi everybody ! !
You all know I was married to Madge, who I lost 5 years ago to multiple myeloma. Can't believe she put up with me for 40 years! ! We ARE blessed with 3 sons, 6 grandkids, only 1 of which is a girl. Typical McGinn thing, I guess! I retired from heating and cooling 2 years ago, and now work part time at Klave's Marina hauling and delivering boats. That's a long story too. Char talked me into installing A/C in the main office building. I occasionally see Mike Dettling, but usually too busy to talk! (SORRY MIKE!) I'm hoping to see some people that I haven't in forever. Will try to get ahold of Mike Briggson, would love to see Diane Laski (?), Lori Eggleton (?), Dan Dahmen, and of course Bugs! ! I know Bill Peltcs knew where or how to find a couple of them. Anyways, if we are still here, would love to see you all. Only God knows what will happen, try to talk to HIM, a little every day! ! God bless you all ! ! Kevin SullivanAfter graduation I attended Eastern Michigan University.
Graduated in 1974 with a BS in geology. Got on my motorcycle and ended up in Reno, Nevada working for Phelps Dodge mining company. Met my wife (Trina) in Bodie, California (ghost town). Still married and have one daughter (Kara). Worked as a hard rock driller, scientist for Desert Research Institute and geologist for the State of Nevada. Retired in 2013. Hobbies include: extensive travel, mountain biking, hiking and still motorcycle riding. |
Charlotte Klave Tackmann1970’s - A little over a month after graduation, I married my high school sweetheart, Chuck Schiller. Chuck worked for Braun and Brumfield and later Thomson-Shore where he started as a press operator, thanks to Dan Teare, and eventually moved his way up to COO of the company though that was long after our marriage had ended. I devote the beginning of my BIO to him because together we created the most precious gifts of my life, our twin daughters who were born seven weeks early in January of 1971. Yes, they will be 50 years old this coming January, WOW!! Although our marriage didn’t survive, we remained very close friends and co-parents until he sadly passed away. My favorite memory of him was our annual family gathering at his house for the Portage Lake Fireworks. I see him standing over the barbeque with a big, smile on his face, a Special Export Beer in his hand and Brown Eyed Girl blaring on his stereo. Let this visionary snap shot be a bio in his honor. I hereby request that Brown Eyed Girl be played at the reunion and also, Into the Mystic, in honor of all those we have lost.
In 1975, after a series of part time jobs and various college classes, I went to work full time as a Special Education Educational Technician. The job was equally heartbreaking and rewarding as our task was to transition the emotionally and physically challenged children who had been institutionalized their entire lives at the Plymouth Human Development Center (I could tell you horror stories) into the public school system with the ultimate goal of shutting down the draconian institution and transitioning these children into society. While working this job I started taking classes in Anatomy and Physiology, Creative Writing and Government at Schoolcraft College. I made the difficult decision to leave that job to work as a Service Representative for Manpower Temporary Services in Ann Arbor where I eventually progressed to Senior Service Rep. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, the computer technology corporations were popping up everywhere in Ann Arbor. My job was to do work environment studies at these corporations, at St. Joe and UofM hospital and other manufacturing firms to determine their need for temps and then recruit, interview, hire and assign temporary workers. I learned an immense amount about business management, marketing, HR and business law while touring these various industries. Having a desire to learn more, I enrolled in WCC Business Law Classes and went on to Accounting, Business Management and Marketing. Although I never got a degree, I consider my degree to be ETBD (Enough To Be Dangerous.) 1980’s - I left Manpower to return home to Klave’s Marina where I have spent the remainder of my life. I have been blessed to work with family, raise my children and grandchildren on the lake and generally be surrounded by boats and boaters, in other words, happy people. I am a board member of the PPHH Chamber of Commerce and Secretary/Treasurer and chief fundraiser for the Portage Lake Fireworks organization (PLACSO). Seven years ago, I formed a non-profit organization called Laughing Duck with the purpose of building a nature center on Little Portage Lake to provide opportunities for children to explore and learn the wonders of wetlands, rivers, lakes and streams. I co-published a photographic book called The Laughing Duck with all profits donated to the non-profit. Although the dream of the nature center did not come to fruition, all of the funds are now directed toward preservation of wetlands on the Portage Chain of Lakes through the Livingston Land Conservancy. I met my life partner (my husband-like person), Jerry Tackmann, in 1981 and we have lived together for 38 years on the north end of Portage Lake where our dog Mugzy who allows us to live with him as long as I cook his food. We enjoy BOATING, kayaking, traveling, hunting, camping and celebrating life accomplishments with our five grandchildren, the oldest turned 30 this year, the youngest is 18. Most recently I have been the mad mask maker for a disaster response organization called Hands of Light in Action. We have made and distributed over six thousand handmade masks, thousands of N-95 masks and 3D printed face shields made by Ann Arbor teachers to medical personnel and essential workers. The most recent addition to by family is a big, gentle amazing Tennesee Walker named ET that I share with my granddaughter. Of course, this is all the good, there have been big, bad times, too. I give all thanks to God for the many blessings and for lifting me up, making me stronger and seeing me through. Can’t wait to see each and every one of you. Wishing you all Good Health and Happiness. |
Mike JohnsonMarried to Dorene Whitley DHS 1971 for 44 years from 1974 until her sudden passing in 2018.
Served in the Marine Corp in the early 1970s, served in the Michigan Army Reserve National Guard during the 1980s and 1990s drilling at the Howell, Michigan Armory. Worked in manufacturing for 40 years at companies that supplied parts to automotive and non-automotive industries, retired 2018. I enjoy mountain biking, being outside and working in the yard. I don't like travel, seldom go outside Washtenaw County. Got my fill of travel when in the Marine Corp. Mike DettlingFifty years! Amazing! ! Life has been good, and can't really complain. Besides, who would listen?
After Dexter, I went to college for two years and then started working at a bank. After two more years, I decided to join the Army and spent three years there. Once I returned, I rejoined the bank and stayed there for 30 years. I met my wife Tami there, and we were married in 1979. We celebrated 40 years together in 2019! In the next five years we had three children (two girls, and one boy). They have provided us with three grandkids that we really love to spoil and teach them all the things that their parents won't! Once we had our first child, I joined the Army Reserve for an additional income source. Ended up staying in five years until we moved from Grand Rapids to Chelsea in 1986, where we still live. After 30 years at the bank, I went to work for a computer company and was able to work from home for the next twelve years until I retired. I highly recommend it for any of you who have not yet done so. I spend my time golfing, or fishing, or boating whenever there is room to hide it on the never ending job list! Tami and I enjoy traveling anywhere, especially Las Vegas! We have an annual vacation, on some lake, with our kids/grandkids which is always a lot of fun. So far, our health has been good, and hopefully that will continue for many years. We had a great annual Poker Group weekend with Dan, Leo, Frank, Marty and Charlie for many years. We even went on three cruises together with our spouses! I never thought my liver would survive! ! ! Unfortunately, we have lost Charlie and Marty, but still enjoy bantering with the other guys whenever I can. Looking forward to the class reunion, and catching up with those of you I haven't seen! |
Beth Yeakel BerenterHello DHS Class of 1970!
My life for the last 50 years has been a roller coaster ride. Some exhilarating highs and some difficult lows. I'll just focus on the highlights!
After 50 years, I still have fond memories of Dexter High and I'm so grateful to have been able to spend my high school years (and a few crazy reunions) with all of you. I can't wait to see everyone again! Mike BriggsonMaybe I need to introduce myself because, well, I'm sorry to say, I've had little contact with any of you since graduation night. I guess I could blame it partly on the Vietnam war, even though I never went there. I entered the Navy after graduation as I was about to be drafted in to the army. This was recommended by my Dad who was a naval officer. In 1971, after completing initial training, Retha (from Chelsea) and I got married. She later joined me in California where I was assigned as a Corpsman at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. After my discharge in 1973 I attended Central Michigan University because I had earlier purchased land at Lake Isabella near Mt Pleasant, where my parents then lived. I earned degrees at CMU and Ball State. In 1977 our first daughter was born and I was accepted as a full-time instructor at North Carolina State Univ. In 1979 I decided, rather than complete a PhD, to accept a job offer with the Federal Govt in Florida. Over the next 32 years I had many different positions with the Feds in different locations. I retired as a training and education manager. Since 2011 I have done volunteer work for various Christian organizations, county parks and disaster relief. Retha and I have 5 children and 8 grandchildren spread around Michigan, California and Canada. We currently live in the greater Grand Rapids area. We enjoy traveling, hiking, pickleball, beaches and golf, but mostly our grandchildren. I would love to reconnect with all of you if you'll forgive me for practicing "social distancing" the last 50 years!
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Sharon Harter SimonsI have been married to my husband David for 48 years. We have 3 kids: Shannon 45, Nicki 43, and Brent 37, and 5 grandkids -- the last 2 are my twins. My grandkids are the loves of my life. Bekah is 22 and working as an esthetician, Beth is 21 and working on her bachelors at Tampa University to become an environmental biologist. Noah is 18 and graduating this year, and then we have the twins that turned 7. Bracken plays hockey on an elite team in Detroit and we travel a lot watching him play. Raelynn is our karate princess.
I was a stay at home mom and worked in the restaurant industry for over 30 years, hence the nickname Pizza Granny. I had the pleasure of nannying for the twins up until they turned 5, and loved the area my daughter lived, so she moved us closer to her to be near the kids daily vs traveling from Michigan Center where we lived for 40 years. We live about 10 minutes from the Ohio line now and love it. I still love to paint and draw and do a lot of art work in my spare time when I am not helping out with the grandkids. D.J. (Delia) Dorney BoehmEducation. As a high school "egghead," I loved learning new things. I accumulated a B.S. and M.S. in Microbiology, and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from The University of Michigan for sequencing a tiny part of the human genome.
Career. I led an international instrumentation project to detect life-threatening septicemias (blood infections) faster. After the European launch, I led a 24/7 Technical Service Group Worlwide supporting over 150 countries. After a buy-out, I moved to pharmaceuticals with Parke-Davis in Ann Arbor, leading a human clinical drug trials team. After Pfizer purchased Parke-Davis I took on a variety of leadership assignments. I'm proud of work on the anti-smoking treatment Chantix, and the pain treatment Lyrica. Community Service. I happily served on multiple boards, for example, the Washtenaw United Way, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Ann Arbor Hands On Museum (fun!) and the University Musical Society (shout out to the DHS band!). Family and Homelife. Early retirement has been bliss with my fabulous restauranteur husband, Dieter Boehm. We have three adult children and two beautiful adult granddaughters. This past winter, we had a memorable family vacation at a Tucson dude ranch. So much fun! Thanks to growing up near small town Dexter, my favorite homes are in small towns, one "up north" and another in the mountains of southern AZ - near golf courses for plenty of new learning opportunities. Gratitude. I can't thank you enough DHS and the 70/50 classmates for mostly fond memories, a good start, a love of learning new things, and an appreciation of small town America. Many thanks! |
Vickie Graham AbidinI have been married to George Abidin for 46 years. We have 5 kids, 10 grandkids and 13 great grandkids. We have lived in Pinckney for almost 40 years.
I work at Wellbridge in Pinckney as a cook. I am a member of the American Legion Post 510 in Stockbridge. I volunteer at Outreach. I love camping and spending time with my family. Jennie Hurst SimsAfter high school, I went to Michigan State University. I had way too much fun the first few years, so my grades really suffered. Then I met my wonderful future husband, Jeff, who was my Teaher's Assistant in my statistics class. He was working on his PhD. He studied all the time, so if I wanted to be with him I had to study! My junior and senior years I got straight A's! I graduated with a BS in Finance and Accounting. Jeff and I were married in 1977. I worked at a CPA firm in Ann Arbor for a couple of years after graduation, then we moved to Chicago where I worked at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (part of the Chicago Board of Trade now) in the Audit and Compliance Department. Another move to Oxford, Ohio where Jeff took a job as a Professor at Miami of Ohio. I had our first child, Jacob, in 1980 while still commuting back and forth to Chicago doing consulting for CME. I had our second child, Jessica, in 1983 and I stopped working to be a stay at home Mom. Several moves later, we bought a 1903 Craftsman bungalo that needed total restortion. I unknowingly started another career. The kitchen needed total renovation and I studied everything there was to know about kitchen design (before the internet), and designed my own kitchen for the awkward space in that house. I hired a Mennonite cabinet maker to do my plan. He loved my plan, and I ended up doing kitchen design with him for years! We moved to the Nashville area of Tennessee in 1999. I have always loved to garden and paint. I took a watercolor class when we first moved to the Nashville area. When the instructor found out I was a CPA, she roped me into being the Treasurer for the Tennessee Watercolor Society. I can honestly say I held that board position for too long and got really burned out as it was a time consuming job doing the accounting for a nonprofit and being on the board. Jeff retired in 2016, and in 2018 I told TnWS they would have to hire an accountant as I could not do it anymore as Jeff and I wanted to travel more in our motorhome. I lost my sweet Jeff in August of 2020 to cancer. My kids said I really needed to move close to one of them. Jessie is in the Cincinnati area with her husband and pregnant with her first child. Jacob and his wife and my two grand boys, age 7 and almost 9, are in Texas. Although I would love to be close to both, I just couldn't deal with the heat of Texas and being so far away from my friends and family. So I have just moved in the last few weeks to the Cincinnati area. I taught myself how to knit in 2011 (thank you uTube) and it is still my go to when I need quiet time and meditation. Althought I miss Jeff terribly, I have been blessed with love, happiness, wonderful children and grandchildren in my life. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.
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Diane Knope Berry1970 To Kalamazoo, Bronson Hospital School of Nursing/WMU.
1972 - 1993 Enlisted U.S. Navy (wanted to go to Vietnam -- silly me!). After OCS, 3 years at Jacksonville Naval Hospital, FL -- would have chosen California but the "beauty" of Camp Pendleton was NOT recommended by Mike Briggson who was a Corpsman there. From Jax to Keflavik, Iceland, fabulous and lots of opportunities to "hop" to -- England, Scotland, Germany, Netherlands...I met my husband Clyde there of now 43+ years, a U.S Navy P-3 Pilot. We married in Dexter on December 3, 1977 and my BFF, Pamela (Stacey) Del'lAnno was my matron of honor. 1977-1993 back to Jacksonville, FL another year, then California 3 years, daughter Kristin, born in July 1981. January 1982 - Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion for my BSN while hubby landed on the USS Eisenhower in the Mediterranean Sea for two years (glad I never had to watch him land on that floating target!) 1986 Brunswick, Maine; son Sean arrived December 1987. Clyde retired April 1989, got his MBA and we headed to Orlando, FL, July 1990 where I had the "opportunity" to go to Desert Shield-Storm. I thank God often that I never saw Vietnam OR the Middle East! With 2 & 8 y.o.'s "in my seabag," I didn't WANT to go anymore! Navy retirement May 1993 shared with my BFF Pam. Soon after I started Home Health Supervision, then nurse at Kristin's junior high school. Kept me on the kids' schedule till Kristin graduated. Finished my Family Nurse Practitioner and graduated for my 3rd time since high school, in 2000, 30 years after DHS! Still working as a Board Certified NP, but in Otolaryngology (ENT), for 21 years. Sean is a computer engineer nearby and Kristin and husband Steven, Grandchildren, Steven Jr. 13 by the time we meet (true junior born on his daddy's 32nd birthday), and Aria, 9, also close! I feel amazingly blessed! Now I work Tuesdays, play tennis, do yoga and Zumba and Church Sundays. 26 years in my church as an Elder, Deacon, Missions Team Chairman, youth leader, volunteer, etc. Medical mission trips are a passion, 1-2 weeks each, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Kenya. I want to "give back" to God as much as possible. I see NOW how He directed my life, ALWAYS good, faithful, and full of love and mercy ! ! ! We are boaters. Sailboat first, then powerboaters 28 years, and back to sailing. Sailing and enjoying different cuisines with friends while traveling and camping are our favorite things to do together. I love crafts, stained glass and much more. Thanks to our class officers and other volunteers who keep this great class sharing good times |
Deb DettlingHard to believe it's been 64 years since many fresh-faced five year old kindergarteners graduated from DHS for the first time. At that time, we had no inkling of meeting up years later to celebrate our 51st reunion.
The years in between have been good. After graduation, I attended Davenport College of Business graduating in 1971. In July of 1971, I began working at the University of Michigan. Over the next 30 years, I worked in the Departments of Arthritis Research and Psychiatry, and the Law School, retiring in 2001. I soon began working Security in 2001 with assignments at Pfizer, Ford, Toyota, Comcast, Consumers Energy, and CBRE. I retired for good in 2018. Throughout the years I've been fortunate to travel extensively to many European, Caribbean, Asian, North, Central and South American countries. I cruised the Hawaiian Islands, been awestruck visiting Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl. I have crossed the International Date Line, cruised in the Arctic Circle, Baltic and Bering Seas, Elbe River and the Straits of Denmark. I enjoyed soaking in the thermal hot springs in Reykjavik, Iceland where dad was stationed during WWII. I took a rickshaw ride in Tokyo, visited Lenin Square in Petropavlovsk, Russia. One birthday was spent in Helsinki eating reindeer steak. I raced Iditarod sled dogs in Alaska, saw the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate on another trip. I attended USA Select hockey games in Stockholm. Been to Loch Ness but did not see Nessie, got a history lesson going thru the Panama Canal, and so much more. Each destination holds a special memory for me. For years I volunteered with the Blind Bowlers of MI and Dexter Family Services. I enjoy knitting and cross stitch. Recently, I worked with area groups sewing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am curious to see what the future will bring. |
Karen Hayner-RichardsHello fellow Classmates from the greatest class that graduated twice from the sacred halls of DHS. Always remember our motto: 70 rules!
In the fall of 1970 I attended Jordan College and received an Associate's of Art degree after three years there. That enabled me to gain employment at UofM and dozens of other jobs over the following 25 years thereafter. On July 20, 1974 I married an army vet and also my sister's brother-in-law. The day is also special because we made three generations to marry on that particular day! We were blessed with a daughter, Kimberly, in 1989 and a son, Robert Jr in 1992. Kimberly is employed at Best Buy and Robby still works as a mechanic at Mark's Auto in Dexter. Over the years I spent a lot of time traveling with my family which was a favorite of mine. Sewing has also been something I enjoyed, especially making matching outfits for my family. In 2013 I became a widow while living in Ann Arbor. It is also where I currently reside with Kimberly, her best friend Sean and his cat Dean. We've been together for several years and I love being here. As to a few personal details: I'm still a beagle and purple "holic." I've collected gobs of both and still haven't given up hope for one more real beagle. In my free time I read historical Christian novels and enjoy puzzle books. I look back on my early years and Dexter memories fondly as a "professional sentimentalist." I've had endless good times and rewarding memories, especially at Dexter to cherish and live on with. My faith in God, my country, my wonderful friends and family are what I attribute to having a full life. |
Lisa GreenwaySo, what have I been doing?
Married 19 years, taught 1 year, raised two beautiful daughters, 5 grands. Spent 12 years selling and managing for a beer distributor! Oh, Gallo Winery for 4 years. Goes along with my education from DHS. I regret that I am unable to attend the reunion. Best wishes to all my fellow Dreadnaughts and I am positive a good time will be had by all. Sounds like a fun-filled weekend, something for everyone. Keep our treasured high school memories alive. I know I still have a ton! Warm regards, Lisa |
Your Name HereYour photo goes above (replaces the button graphic) and your most amazing biography and life story goes here. Please send us your story. Include any links to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, your website, or any other links you wish to share with classmates. Use the CONTACT form page to send it in. Thank you!
Your Name HereYour photo goes above (replaces the button graphic) and your most amazing biography and life story goes here. Please send us your story. Include any links to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, your website, or any other links you wish to share with classmates. Use the CONTACT form page to send it in. Thank you!
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Your Name HereYour photo goes above (replaces the button graphic) and your most amazing biography and life story goes here. Please send us your story. Include any links to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, your website, or any other links you wish to share with classmates. Use the CONTACT form page to send it in. Thank you!
Your Name HereYour photo goes above (replaces the button graphic) and your most amazing biography and life story goes here. Please send us your story. Include any links to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, your website, or any other links you wish to share with classmates. Use the CONTACT form page to send it in. Thank you!
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Let us never forget our fellow classmates.
If you know of others that are not listed here please use the contact form to update us. Thank you.
Robert Schneider
1969
John Silcox
1977
Rick Winkle
1970
Roger York
1988
Karen Blaske
1990
Melvin Boudrie
1996
Dorothy Bristle
1996
Deborah Brown
2002
Janet Ecklund
2002
Thomas Gendron
2005
Charles Schiller
2007
Richard Delong
2007
Douglas Chamberlin
2009
Charles Kramer
2009
Gerald Potter
2009
Robert Poley
2010
Bonnie Bentley Herrst
2011
M. Kathy Bixby
2013
Martin Palmer
2017
James Haywood
2017
Kathryn Kemble
2018
William Peltcs
2019
Kathy Murphy
2019
Ray Whiting
2019
Paul Guenther
2020
James Lobdell
2021
Michael J. O'Doherty
2021
Delia J Dorney Boehm
2021
Charles Egeler
2021
©2021 The Great Class of DHS 1970, All Rights Reserved.
Website Created by Bill Latocki ~ LATOCKI.com / Updated with the help of Wendy Gutowski
Website Created by Bill Latocki ~ LATOCKI.com / Updated with the help of Wendy Gutowski