Ach1968

09/17/2026

On the heels of seeing one of our classmates (Alva Pingel) put to rest, I have sad news about another death in our Class of '68 family. Jim Dornbush passed away on September 15, 2026 in the facility where he resided in Inver Grove Heights, MN. His brother, Bill, has advised me that his service will take place on Oct. 10th, and will be available via broadcast. A link and more details will be made available when they become known. May Jim rest in peace.

08/05/2026

It's with extreme sadness that I announce the death of our friend and classmate, Alva Pingel. He bravely battled a long-term illness for many years, passing away at his home in the Twin Cities on August 2nd with his wife and son by his side. Blessed be his memory.

Update: Alva's obituary has been added. PLEASE NOTE THAT HIS MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2026 IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Details are included in the obituary. Also included here is a picture of Alva and his wife, Jane, taken at an ACHS mini-reunion in 2021.

PS - At the request of Jane, Alva's wife, I (Dan Holdhusen) was given the honor of sharing a eulogy. A copy is attached.

05/16/2026

Very sad to report the passing of our beloved friend and classmate, Ken (Kenny) Schuh. He left this world on May 12, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ken was always an outgoing guy, full of life and love for his family. RIP, Kenny! 🥲

View Kenneth 'Ken' Schuh's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/12/2026

Most of you recall Mr. Fossum, a civics teacher whose room was on the main floor of the Washington Building in old Central High School during our time there from1966-1968. I (Dan Holdhusen) never had Reedy as a teacher, but I did have the privilege of playing baseball for the team he coached over five decades. I thought I'd share a post I recently completed that you may find of interest. Sorry for the self-aggrandizement...

With the able assistance of author Patrick Gallagher, a talented local writer and baseball aficionado, I have just completed a book entitled "Leaving a Legacy - Reedy Fossum and the Aberdeen Smitty's". It is available on Amazon in softcover edition. You can purchase it and read more about it at https://reedyssmittys.com. This book is a labor of love to Reedy Fossum and his family, the years he dedicated to coaching the local Smitty's team over five decades, and his positive influence on so many. All proceeds from sales will be donated to keep Aberdeen's baseball program strong - in honor of the memory of Reedy.

02/03/2026

Fellow Class of '68 member, Jim Mund, shares this sad message: "I'm sorry to inform you that on this past Saturday evening, we lost another classmate. Sheila (Schrenk) Rath. She was married to her high school sweetheart and our classmate, Keith Rath. Sheila had breast cancer 20-some years ago, and recently it returned as leukemia. Keith and Sheila had been wintering in Mesa, AZ the last couple of years. She was admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Clinic where she passed away. Keith, and their two children, Jan (Aberdeen) and Steve (Britton, SD) were by her side." Click on link below for obituary information.

https://www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Sheila-Rath?obId=47218689 #/obituaryInfo

12/17/2025

The holidays are the worst times to pass along sad news; however, it must be reported that we lost another of our beloved class members recently. We are very sad to report the passing of Jeanne Swenson, who died peacefully on Nov. 28, 2025, in Prior Lake, MN with her family by her side. Blessed be the memories of our friend and classmate. https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/jeanne-swenson-1093377362

11/15/2025

Very sorry to share the sad news of the passing of another of our classmates. Betty (Berglund) Likness passed away peacefully at her home in Aberdeen on Nov. 10, 2025. She was a quiet person with a big smile. RIP, Betty https://www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Betty-Likness?obId=46374799 #/obituaryInfo

10/26/2025

Editor's note: We've shared some of classmate Sandy (Traxinger) Jorgenson's photography talent on this page in the past, and thought another would be appreciated. Sandy shares: "As some of you know, I took a trip to Hungary in Sept for a horse photography workshop. I know - that’s crazy-but it was fun. Now I have many,many photos of horses. You might see more than you ever wanted to see, but here’s a sample." Don't know about you, but I still think Sandy should publish a book!

09/17/2025

Merry Carroll (Burckhard) Schaller passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. Merry was a beloved classmate and friend of many. Please pray for those who mourn her passing, and especially Dennis and the extended Schaller/Burckhard family.

View Merry Schaller's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.