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Ed Ronkowski

From Ed:HF Class of 68 graduate Tom Beadleston died on February 8, 2021 at his home in Francestown, New Hampshire of comlications from surgery to repair a broken hip . At HF he had near perfect SAT scores, went to Cornell University and then to law school at the University of Illinois for his J.D. and to University of San Diego in a masters program. He rose through the ranks of lawyers and ended up a Vice President at Pacific Life Insurance Co. Tom married Charlotte Kent and loved his family and grandchildren. Tom enjoyed his cats, antiquing, travel and hunting in northern Wisconsin with HF-68 alumni Ed Ronkowski. The hunting camp will miss his insightful conversation, wit and humor.

Tomoyuki "Tommy" Sakurai

From Tomoyuki "Tommy":H-F Class of ’68 50^th Reunion
A Final memory

The H-F Director of Alumni Affairs, Ann Cherry, made an effort on our behalf to locate one of our AFS exchange students, Tomoyuki Sakurai of Japan. Miraculously, she connected with him just before our Reunion. He was kind enough to respond with the following email.

Dear Ms. Cherry:
Thank you very much for the invitation to the Class of' '68 50th Reunion.
It was dated March 10, 2018 but I only received it last week on September 18, enclosed in the envelope delivered by US Post. I appreciate all the efforts you have made to locate me.

Back in 1967, I was quite lucky to be accepted by Homewood-Flossmoor High School as one of the three American Field Service Students, and I enjoyed every minute of my ten-month stay in Flossmoor, thanks to my American family, the Kerwins, as well as to my H-F friends. Words can never adequately express how grateful I am now to my American family and the H-F community for their hospitality, kindness and generosity.

Since my graduation from university, I have been working, throughout my entire life for The Japan Foundation, a government affiliated institution devoted to the enhancement of international cultural exchange. I believe that my encounter with the U.S. 50 years ago led me to the lifelong profession that I have been engaged in.

Once again, thank you so much for contacting me, and I hope that you will all have lots of fun at the Reunion.

Best regards,
Tomoyuki SAKURAI

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Linda Rolfe (Timm)

Occupation:Retired, College/University Administrator Marital Status:Widowed No. of Children:2

From Linda:I haven't been back to the Homewood, Flossmoor area in years. As a "Heights" girl I haven't been back there either! Really looking forward to seeing everyone. I worked in higher education my entire career and loved every minute (well, almost every minute). Both of my children live in the Northwest. ..Issaquah, WA and Portland, OR. Love my trips to visit them. To my great saddness I have been a widow since 2003. I retired in Dec 2013 and have been enjoying doing whatever I want whenever I want! I think spending my career on college/university campuses has kept me young at heart.

See you all soon....safe travels everyone!

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Jonathan Upchurch

Then

Now

Occupation:Transportation Engineer Marital Status:Married No. of Children:1

From Jonathan:

Married 47 years. One son who holds a doctorate. I hold BS, MS, PhD in Civil Engineering. Career as university professor. Worked on Capitol Hill. Served as elected President of a 15,000 member professional society. Now consider myself a professional volunteer. Lived six years in National Parks and have visited 368 of the 417 units of the National Park System. Have hiked 15,500 miles in lifetime. Have travelled in all 50 states and have been to more than 2,600 of the 3,100 counties in the United States. Spectacular scenery surrounds my home in southwest Utah. Mother is still alive at age 103.

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Joseph (Joe) Martin

Then

Now

Occupation:Retired from Federal, State and local gov. Marital Status:Single Again No. of Children:2

From Joseph (Joe):Thanks to the fine HF 68 Alumni, on the organizing committee. I am looking forward to seeing all, and being back in Chicago's Southland, the territory
The Vikings of Homewood & Flossmoor ... Hazel Crest, Chicago Heights, and Glenwood.

Traveling from Arizona.

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Jean Snuggs

Now

Occupation:retired educator Marital Status:Single

From Jean:I am retired from a 40-year career in kinesiology, PE, and athletics. Most of that career was at American River College in Sacramento, CA where I was the women's XC and TF coach, professor, and eventually the Dean of Kinesiology/Athletic Director. I had many years of active service to the community and to the NBG for Track & Field. Currently I am enjoying travel, backpacking, and volunteering for both a Sierra land trust and as a guide for loacl and international Ski for Light events (visually impaired nordic skiers).

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Earl Ripling

Occupation:Retired Website:earlripling.com Marital Status:Married

From Earl:Retirement: Find something you enjoy doing and do it to ward off the true bane of retirement- boredom.

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Susan Van Valkenburgh (Crosson)

Now

Occupation:Accounting faculty Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2

From Susan:So affirming to know all is well with my HF classmates! We did make a difference!
I am still enjoying teaching accounting at Emory Univiersity and advancing accounting education at the American Accounting Association! Husband and both children are now university professors and all is well. I split my time between Atlanta and Sarasota Fl. Nothing like walking the beach at sunset.

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Edward Ronkowski

Now

Occupation:retired prosecutor Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2

From Edward:Retired in 2003. Married 40 years, two grown children, two granddaughters. My wife Margo McDermed came out of retirement and is now my State Representative whom I do campaign and legal work for her when I am not out backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, cross country skiing, hunting, and doing pro bono legal work for Republican candidates and supporting the Second Amendment.

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Kathy Weinberg (Allogia)

Then

Now

Occupation:Retired Nurse/Personal Trainer Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2

From Kathy:I am a retired RN and Personal Trainer. I have been living iin Florida for 25 years with my wonderful husband Tony. I have two grown daughters living in Reno Nevada,and a grandson going to Purdue. We live about 2 miles from the beach, and since retiring have taken up playing golf, crafting, computerized embroidery, and quilting. We recently bought a second home in Breckenridge Colorado. Our future retirement place when my husband finally retires. We enjoy skiing, golf, hiking and getting out of the Florida heat. I also do volunteer work sewing pillowcases for hospitlized children. We are looking forward to more traveling and enjoying life!

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