Class of '65 Fortieth Reunion

(A Review by Paul Mitchell)

The Riggs Class of 65 once again showed their true colors and took Pierre by storm last weekend. The festivities began with a mixer at the Isaac Walton building and it was truly a 'rendezvous' of the greatest magnitude. The DJ was rocking with 60's tunes and the dance floor was as crowded as a 60's school dance. Some of the old classmates can still shake a booty and move the dust around on the dance floor. It was a get to know each other time and it was great seeing all the faces again. The atmosphere was electric with reunion joy. Roger Pries and Roger Lonboken showed up to pay their respects. The hall was decked with a Class of 65 banner, copies of the River Life article about our reunion were available for everyone, good food, libation, and even better company abounded. It was a truly magical time. Some left early to prepare for Saturday's festivities and even more ventured over to Fort Pierre. Breakfast, early in the morning was a hoot at Chickadilly's and there was no doubt what class was in charge of the town.
 

Saturday morning involved several neat activities. A group of linksters played golf while another group represented the class in the Oahe Day's Parade. Carl Schwenn donned his clown outfit and Paul Mitchell wheeled a custom Harley down Dakota Avenue. Rich Shangreaux was seen in the crowd with a sign that said the Class of 67 welcomes the Class of 65--about the same time Carl was dossy-do-ing with some elderly lady in the crowd. We capped the morning off with a ride on the River Queen. It was full to the brim. Bloody Marys were available in the front cabin. The boat ride was educational and a lot of fun.
Later, the group met at the Legion Cabin where the Pierre Committee had set up a tent out in the lawn. Gaylord showed up with his pontoon boat, Don Henrichson provided a keg, and Tom Noble and Paul gave Harley rides to some classmates so they could see the houses they grew up in. Jim Riis had his vintage Jeepster on hand for tours and rides, as well. The afternoon was very well attended. In fact, almost everybody showed up at one time or another.

We went directly from the Legion Cabin to the Ramkota and splashed a little water on our faces, changed clothes and reported to the banquet hall for the night's festivities. Paul MC'd the program. Monte Michaelson gave the invocation and provided some moving and dynamic words. The program began with a memoriam for our fallen classmates with dimmed lights and a reading of the names. It was moving and fitting. We wanted them to be part of this, too. The Pierre planning committee was recognized as well as the 'Get Connected' team. A special 'thumbs up' was given to Larry Kleinschmidt, our web master.

Awards were given. Gaylord, Jerry Brink, and Dennis Douglas got participant awards for their involvement in the web site and the mystery classmates site. Sally Metzinger got a teddy bear from the class since she said she was sleeping with the Gumbo trying to absorb the names for the contest. Xavia Arndt Sheffield made the coolest table center pieces I've ever seen. They were hand made replicas of Mr. G. She had marked one chair at each table with the letter "P" and who ever was sitting in the chair got to take home the centerpiece. They were so cool and Xavia did such a wonderful job on them, it's a shame we couldn't all have one for a keepsake.

The banquet hall was full. Some parents showed up to pay their respect. I remember meeting Pam Hubbard and Warren Huber's moms. What a treat! Both ladies shared stories about different classmates. The message of the night was one of unity. What we took forth from Pierre on May 27th and what we've contributed to the world.

Jack Kennedy, Jan Neuharth's husband, gave a touching tribute to our veterans. Over 50% of the men in our class are military veterans, and one woman. Jack is a retired Army Colonel and was moved by the patriotism in our class. His tribute was very well received. Later, Jan presented Paul Mitchell with an award and some gifts for his involvement with the web site, for which he quickly acknowledged Jan, Cathleen Ducey, and Larry Kleinschmidt for their inspiration and guidance in the project.

Monte Michaelson was presented the award for the most changed and Kathy Specker was awarded the gift for the classmate who came the furthest, 1952 miles, closely followed by Sandy See, Helen Adams and Xavia Arndt. Mark Vanderpol was right in the running, as well. Helen and Sandy came from Southern California, while Xavia came from Washington, D.C., Mark from Orlando and Kathy from West Palm Beach.

We closed off Saturday night with a concert in Steamboat Park and many of the classmates decided to investigate Fort Pierre, the Legion Cabin, at the end of main street, and other destinations in the city. All the digital pictures that were taken by classmates were downloaded on Jan's computer late Saturday night and Sunday morning. We have some neat pics to share with you on the site. Stay tuned.
 

Sunday found many of the classmates back at the legion cabin where Gaylord had his pontoon boat, Danny Davis had his speed boat and Gary Bren had his cigar boat. According to reports a good sized group spent over six hours on the water.

And people began to filter away back to their homes. But the mission was accomplished. The Class of 65 came home and they came home in great numbers with a renewed desire to 'get connected'. They promise to be back in five years. I've heard from several classmates already. Several have stopped in Rapid City on their way home. Still more have acknowledged their appreciation of the reunion on the web site. Still others are already planning and committing to an effort to stay connected VIA the web site. Some are even planning to get together with classmates in the months before us. We 'touched' everyone in our class.

Jan passed out the DVD at the banquet and Paul will now include this last chapter in the Memory Book which will be sent to classmates as soon as possible. But this isn't the last chapter. Our 45th Class Reunion begins right now. The web site will remain active. We want to see pictures of different family happenings. A collection was taken up at the banquet for the perpetuation of the web site and over $600 was collected. This web site is alive and well. It's for you--so use it. The memory book will include addresses and email addresses for all the classmates. And a good time was had by all...and nary a discouraging word was spoken. It was truly a magical happening. Thanks to everyone involved and especially to all of you who made the trip.

Paul Mitchell