08/11/2025
The Davis County High School Class of 1980 held its 45th Class Reunion on Friday, June 27th. The Class gathered at the Lake Wapello State Park Lodge. We had a social hour starting at 4:00 pm. Our meal was at 5:30, with the main entrée being Wagyu Beef Brisket, generously donated by classmate, Wes Bales. HyVee Ottumwa catered the rest of the meal.
Everyone had a great time reminiscing with classmates. This was our first “official” reunion since 2015, as we decided not to meet in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. An unofficial gathering was held at Rays Longbranch in Drakesville in 2022, prompted by some classmates who didn't want to wait until 2025 to meet. Our best advice for other classes organizing a reunion is to not wait 10 years to gather contact information for class members. A lot of life happens in 10 years.
The planning committee did an excellent job, and all attendees had a great time! The planning Committee members have decided to hold an annual meeting to stay in touch, update members' information, and note any deaths of class members.
Classmates we lost over the years were remembered on a Memorial Board, and were honored by reading their names before our meal. Those deceased are: Curtis Conder, Tony Everett, Gregory Brown, Roger Long, Mark McManus, Kelly Pottorff, Jerry Lee Speer, Robert Peck, Todd Downing, Gary Stogdill, William Judy, David Couchman, Lori Gravett Gardner, Linda Stonebraker Ludvicek, Dale Wagner, and Terry Jon Garmon.
A big “Shout Out” to our teacher, Mr. Jim Carlisle, for attending and sharing memories. A big thank you to the planning committee, who attended weekly Zoom meetings to organize the details. The committee members are Wes Bales, Sharon Biles Boatman, Rod Bogle, Pam Davis Butler, Lisa Lawson Cutler, Lynne Gravett Roers, Jeff Tharp, Nancy Tuebel, and Kristi Schlarbaum Archer. Other classmates are welcome to help with the planning for our 50th Class Reunion in 2030!
We had classmates travel from as far away as Georgia, Colorado, and Wisconsin! One of our classmates who had not attended our class reunion ever was there for the first time! Thanks for your efforts and planning to be with us! A nice time was enjoyed by all!
Front row: (l to r) Ron Simmons, Jarry Shipley, Jeff Tharp, Rod Bogle, Eric Austin, and Mark Kleinman.
Second Row: Kevin Vinzant, Rod Day, Joe Spurgeon, Betty Grim Newton, and Kristi Schlarbaum Archer
Third Row: Charlotte Christy Teubel, Lynne Gravett Roers, Sharon Smith Woods, Lisa Lawson Cutler, Sharon Biles Boatman, Cindy Carrier Sherman, Jerry Sherman, Kim Creath Snakenberg, and Kevin Hougland
Row Four: Jeff McClure, Brian Blumhagen, Pam Altheide Melvin, Nancy Teubel, Tanya Fisher Couchman, Pam Davis Butler, Mike Griffiths, and Stan Wilcox
Last Row: Traci Liles, Doug Stoker, Vic Pearson, Wesley Bales, Bruce Long, Mona Rowell Fowler, Lance Hanes, Grant Johnson, and Rob Williams.
Not pictured: Roy Boas
