LaCrosse grads mark 40th

LaCrosse High School class of 1979 had a “meet and greet” session Friday night for their 40th reunion. They participated in the Farmers Fest parade, toured the school, looked at all the graduation pictures posted on the walls and sat in the chemistry room while reminising about their school days. Dinner was at the home of Tom and Doreen Broeckel Riedner. Eighteen of the 25 graduates attended with two coming from California.

Correction: Last week’s column listed the reunion as the 50-year gathering.

Dick and Helen Appel attended the Gonzaga Prep baccalaureate for their grandson, Charlie Appel, at St. Aloysius Church In Spokane. Many from this area attended a reception for Charlie Appel at his home. Dick and Helen Appel, Dusty; Eric and Shannon Appel, Sarah, Kyle and Sidney; Neil and Liz Appel, John Paul, Grace and Michael, Dusty; Caroline and Rob Kunkel, Kade, Elly and Luciene, Pullman; and Lisa and Travis Frei, Miriam, Rachel, Emma and Colette, Palouse.

Helen Appel was honored on her 80th birthday with a lunch at Luna in Spokane. Those helping her celebrate were her daughters Barb, Caroline and Lisa and her daughters-in-law Sheryl, Shannon, Elaine and Liz. After lunch, dessert was served at the Rosarium where several purchased plants.

Fran Jones, her daughter Gena Jones and their friend Mareo drove to Grangeville June 12 where they visited with Fran’s long-time friend, Agnes Lothspeich. They went out to lunch, along with Agnesson Kurt, during which time they reminisced about their 66th double wedding anniversary June 13, 1953, and made a toast to their deceased husbands, Leonard and Dick. Both died in 2004. Agnes asked to be remembered to friends in the Colfax and Dusty area.

Fran Jones and niece Sharon drove to Hauser on Saturday where they enjoyed an overnight with Warren and Julie Jones. They returned home Sunday afternoon.

Gena Jones and Mareo returned to Chatillon, Italy, last Thursday after spending a month at the homes of Fran and Bryan Jones.

Sunday, June 16, Amber Brink, Kloey, Ellie and Nick arrived at the home of Larry and Di Brink to spend the week at Vacation Bible School in LaCrosse. Myla and Lexi Brink also attended VBS. Di did crafts with the children and Amber taught the pre-school group.

Friday, June 21, Kevin and Ashley arrived Friday from the family’s home in Omak. Saturday, they all attended Farmers Fest in LaCrosse. The children all were in the parade. All of the Brinks, including John and Brandi, and Tom Phillips shared lunch in the park. Kevin and Amber and children returned to their home Sunday morning.

Graham BeDell, Kuna, Idaho, is spending the next two weeks with his parents, Angela and Brian Broeckel, helping prepare for harvest. He spent Monday evening having dinner with his sister Sami in Walla Walla.