The scrolling sign is up and will soon be in operation. Here's the latest photo from the project with some of the VAFA Board Members.

Alumni listed by decade - 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s.

Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA)

You may now donate to VAFA online - click the appropriate button. Annual membership is $25. Lifetime membership is $500 single or $750 for a couple.

PayPal is used so you have a secure environment in which to make your payment. You may contribute using

 

As soon as the date has been set for your next class reunion, please e-mail that information to alumni@villisca.com so we can get the information on the Website.

What is your passion? - Fundraising Activities in Villisca

Thanks to those who saved Boxtops4Education boxtops. We've discontinued the challenge but we encourage alumni to continue to clip those boxtops. You can send them directly to the school at 219 Central Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864 or to Villisca Alumni at P.O. Box 45, Villisca, IA 50864. The money raised through the boxtops can give the students activities not available through the school budget.

 
Vince Else '54, former Villisca Physical Education teacher received a presidential citation "In acknowledgement and appreciation of his years of service to the Iowa Assoc. for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and their Mission." Else was a teacher in the Villisca school district for 38 years. He served in the state legislative of physical education department for several years, started Hoops for Heart and brought Jump Rope for Heart to Villisca.

Donald McIntosh, class of 1937:

Word has been received that Donald McIntosh, 1937 VHS graduate and son of former Villisca Veterinarian, Dr. McIntosh has been moved into an assisted living facility. If you would like to send a card or share memories, they may be addressed to Donald McIntosh, 7E Locust St., Apt. #274, Oxford, PA 19373. Share your memories

The following came in an e-mail from Kim Jamison '76 with an address update:

I just ran into a picture from a combined 76-77 class reunion this summer on the website, which I missed.

The website asks to update information? Class of 1976. Two things.....Kathy (Kerr) Jamison doesn't show up, i guess everybody thinks of us as one and the same or something :) We were both members of that class..not just me.

My life involves working in a high rise office in Chicago's loop these days, and taking trains and public transportation, dealing with crowds of people, city issues etc., but you know? Villisca is where it all started, it's where my roots are, and even though there aren't any Jamison's there now? It's in my blood. What a great place to grow up!

My son was complaining when we went back one time, at the age of 14 or something, that there was nothing to do. We were on the Stanton to Villisca road. So I pulled off, and said, yeah? here's what you can do here...and I put him behind the wheel. His first driving experience. No permit, no license. And I think he got my point. He's 21 now, but it made an impression. You don't have Best Buy, but you have things that city kids just don't have the opportunity to experience typically.

Wishing whoever gets these emails? all the best

George McVicker (G. Gray McVicker), former biology teacher and coach at VHS and a member of the VAFA Board, has now authored his first novel, Niobrara Crossing.

On niobraracrossing.com we find a description of the book. "Part History, Part Romance, Sometimes Rebellious, Always Reflective, Niobrara Crossing will move your soul."

"Niobrara Crossing, the first, in what has the makings of a flamboyant, entertaining series has captured the compelling and mesmerizing complexities of life in 20th century Nebraska Sand Hills. This modern mystery about a mixed blood Lakota attorney who is lured to his former life by a lost love to solve a murder, smacks of authenticity. It delivers compelling details of life in 1985 for those who live in the middle of enduring, unbearable strife. It's sure to rip at your heart.

"Not only is it splendid reading; it is stunning art that leaves delectable, as well as disgusting images with you long after you finish the book."

The following came in an e-mail from Kim Jamison '76 with an address update:

I just ran into a picture from a combined 76-77 class reunion this summer on the website, which I missed.

The website asks to update information? Class of 1976. Two things.....Kathy (Kerr) Jamison doesn't show up, i guess everybody thinks of us as one and the same or something :) We were both members of that class..not just me.

My life involves working in a high rise office in Chicago's loop these days, and taking trains and public transportation, dealing with crowds of people, city issues etc., but you know? Villisca is where it all started, it's where my roots are, and even though there aren't any Jamison's there now? It's in my blood. What a great place to grow up!

My son was complaining when we went back one time, at the age of 14 or something, that there was nothing to do. We were on the Stanton to Villisca road. So I pulled off, and said, yeah? here's what you can do here...and I put him behind the wheel. His first driving experience. No permit, no license. And I think he got my point. He's 21 now, but it made an impression. You don't have Best Buy, but you have things that city kids just don't have the opportunity to experience typically.

Wishing whoever gets these emails? all the best
Captain Brenda A. White, VHS Class of 1994, has been promoted to Major in the United States Air Force. Presiding Official for the Promotion Ceremony was Lieutenant Colonel James S. Johnson held at the Villisca VFW Post 8998 on Sept. 1, 2007. Major White received her commission in 1998 upon graduation from Mississippi State University. She is a commissioned officer with a diverse background in base-level communications, operational test and evaluation, and executive officer stateside and deployed duty experience in United States Central Command, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air Force Material Command. Major White is currently assigned at Holloman Air Force B ase, New Mexico, as the Chief of F-22 Communications Integration for the 49th Fighter Wing. She is the daughter of Marvin and Julie White of Villisca. (Photo by Michele Avila)

During her promotion ceremony, USAF Captain Brenda A. White (center) receives the pinning of her new rank, the gold oak leaf signifying the rank of Major, by her husband, Douglas Magneson (left) and her mother Julie White (2nd from right) and father Marvin White, VHS Class of '68 (right). (Photo by Andrea (White) Love)

 

During her promotion ceremony, newly pinned USAF Major Brenda A. White (center) receives the new epaulets by her brother Ben White, VHS Class of '99 (left), and best friend Dee (Spencer) Brand, VHS Class of '94 (right). (Photo by Andrea (White) Love)

a note from Paul Forsythe, class of 1935:

Betty Lee (Marvick) Sullivan is living in a small assisted living home. She is aware of her surroundings, but she doesn't remember anything from one day to the next. Her hearing is good, but her eyesight is very poor. She can't read or recognize anyone in a picture. I go to see her every day. She remembers growing up in Villisca and I provide that link to her past, although her memory of that time is very fuzzy.

I would be glad to hear from any classmates. (Or anyone else---for that matter!!)

Now, don't try to tell me I'm dreaming---just because it's been 72 years since we graduated. I refuse to believe any of that malarkey---IT CAN'T BE THAT LONG!! On the other hand, maybe you should tell them to hurry up and write. I WILL admit, I may only have another 15 or 20 years to answer their letters.

Until we meet again---or until I visit Iowa---whichever comes first,
Paul D.

Dave Higgins has written some remembrances of his teen age part time job in Villisca in his high school years. It is an interesting look at life in Villisca in the 50s. Dave writes "I graduated in 1960, married my high school sweetheart, Jeanette Marvick and we left Villisca in Dec 1963 after we were married in the Meth. Church. My Mom and Dad lived there until 1983, Mom was the librarian and my Dad ran City Hall." Dave is working with Mary Hansen toward some promotion of the Villisca Historical Society so stayed tuned to hear more from him. click here to read his remembrance on the History Page of villisca.com

Scott Taylor, VHS Class of 1981 was recently hired as president of Enterprise Bank & Trust, the principal subsidiary of Enterprise Financial Services Corp [NASDAQ: EFSC].

"Taylor will work to develop a strong market presence for the Kansas City North region. He will assist in managing the location. He has more than 22 years of experience in commercial and industrial banking. Before joining Enterprise, he had been a senior vice president with M&I Bank. He holds a bachelor's of finance degree from Iowa State University."

Congratulations Scott.

Heritage Days Weekend was the time
for eight VHS Class Reunions

The Class of '57 gathered on Friday evening, June 29, to build their float for the Heritage Days Parade

The Heritage Days Parade also gave the children of alumni living away from Villisca to be a part of their parent's hometown 4th of July celebration. Here are some of Dick & Gloria Kline's grandchildren with Gloria and Holly Kline Gillespie, Class of '96

To play the Concentration game below, click on the box. The cards will appear face down. Click on one to turn it over. Try to find a second card that matches the first. If the second does not match, both cards return to a face down position. If they do match, the cards are removed to reveal part of the background image.

 

Get these events on your calendar.

The next All-Class Reunion will be during Heritage Days 2009. Watch this space for the date, etc. Heritage Days 2008 will be Villisca's Sesquicentennial. These will both be great events. At noted above, there were some great Class Reunions in 2007 and we expect the same for 2008 and 2009. As soon as the date has been set for your next class reunion, please e-mail that information to alumni@villisca.com so we can get the information on the Website.

Each membership and contribution is very appreciated as it allows the VAFA to help Villisca schools, students and the community.

Giving to the Villisca Alumni & Friends Association (VAFA)
Date
 those who have given $200-$1,000
9-07

Class of '62 - $200 toward the purchase of
the Marquee sign
3-07 Gwen L. Alexander '68 - Lifetime Membership
3-07 Bill Anderson '53 - Lifetime Membership
4-07 Bill Brenton '60 - Lifetime Membership
9-09 Ed Day '67 - Lifetime Membership
5-07 Rich '75 & Kay '76 Fast - Lifetime Membership
4-07 Richard Fastenau '48 - Lifetime Membership
2-08 Jeff Focht '76 - Lifetime Membership
2-08 Mark Focht '77 - Lifetime Membership
12-07 Marvin '48 & Barb Focht - contribution for the Marquee Sign
2-08 Elzene Gourley '66- Lifetime Membership
9-07 Jim Hyink '50 - contribution for the Marquee Sign
2-08 Todd (F) & Katie '98James - Lifetime Membership - Couple
9-06 Kirk Jamison '62- Lifetime Membership
2-08 Kirk Jamison '62 - Contribution for Sign
11-06 Dwight & Janice Lewis '46 - Lifetime Membership
3-07 Tom Marsh '70 - Lifetime Membership
4-07 George McVicker - Teacher - Lifetime Membership
2-07 Robert & Kathleen Means '53
5-06 Lance & Judy '61 Mikkelsen*
11-06 Bob '67 & Tracy Mullen '67 - Lifetime Membership
11-06 Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson - Lifetime Membership
2-07 Marty Schafer '72 - Lifetime Membership
3-07 R. C. Shipley '65 - Lifetime Membership
8-07 Tom Shipley '72 - Lifetime Membership
4-07 Mark Skahill '72 - Lifetime Membership
5-07 Jan '53 and Sue (friend) Strickland - Lifetime Membership
2-07 Bryce Sunderman '77 - Lifetime Membership
3-07 James R.'42 and Dorothy '43 Tyler - Lifetime Membership
2-07 Gary W. White '58 - Lifetime Membership
3-07 Paul Yeske '78 - Lifetime Membership
those who have given $100 - $199
9-07 Class of '46 - $100 towards the Marquee
Sign
2-07 Dick '56 & Sandy Olson '59 Brown
5-06

Tom '52 & Susie '57 Enarson *
4-06 Tom '39 & Janice Focht
4-06 Dwight '46 and Janice '46 Lewis
4-06 Bob '61 & Tracy '61 Mullen
5-06 Teresa Nook - School Superintendent
4-07 Dennis Northup '62
4-06 Jason '92 & Darci '92 Poston
4-06 Roger '59 & Mary Lynn '63 Poston
4-06 Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson
4-06 Dave '49 & Corrine Williams
those who have given $50 - $99
9-06 Lance & Judy '67 Mikkelsen
9-06 Steve '65 & Linda (Robinson) '66 Ridenour
2-08 Steve '65 & Linda '66 Ridenour
those individuals
who have given $1 - $49
2-07 Thomas P. Fisher '38
6-06 Ray & Stephanie '81 Jackson *
5-06 Tom Luker '53
5-06 Larry '71 & Shelly '71 Marsh *
4-07 Thor McMillen
9-06 Jim '67 & Donna '75 Robinson*
2-08 Peggy Brodrick Rogers '44
4-06 Marsha Shepherd '67
5-06 Marsha Shepherd '67 *
5-06 Jim & Diane Sifford *
* Given in Memorial
Memorials - not identified by giver
4-06 Harold Robinson '35 Memorial ($420)
5-06 Glenna Freuck Robinson '34 Memorial ($550)
contributions of service and/or available resources in the development of the VAFA
Economic Development Initiative of the Villisca Chamber of Commerce and the City of Villisca

Bob Mullen '61
Jim Robinson '67
Roxanna Sieber - "Friend"
Peggy Vermillion - Owner of Villisca Review Stanton Viking

 

These are exciting days to be living in Villisca and part of that excitement has come with the formation of the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association. To the right you will find a list of the Board of Directors. They met for the first time as a Board August 26, 2006. Special thanks to Jim Robinson for coordinating the Steering Committee and pulling people together. And special kudos to Bob Mullen for all his work on the legal work for formalizing the Association. Following is a brief report of that meeting - more to follow as they make decisions.

VAFA Mission Statement: The Association is a non-profit corporation committed to enhancing and supporting the educational (both academic and extra-curricular) facilities, programs and opportunities in the Villisca community. An effective public school system and ancillary educational opportunities are vital to small-town life.

VAFA Vision Statement: The Association envisions that it will, through the efforts of its volunteers:

1. Renew and facilitate regular communications and establish relationships with and among current and former students, faculty, administrators and staff of the Villisca schools;
2. Encourage and invigorate community spirit and involvement to aid the Villisca schools by enhancing a cooperative environment with the general public through communication and involvement;
3. Enrich the cultural and social environment of the Villisca community by implementing cultural and social events;
4. Promote and preserve the sense of community identity, history, and spirit of the Villisca schools through regular Association activities;
5. Augment the resources of the Villisca schools by providing structure for the donation of time, talent, and/or financial assistance;
6. Enhance the levels of achievement (academic and extra-curricular) in the Villisca schools by providing enrichment opportunities for students; and
7. Collaborate with officials of the public school system and other public and private organizations in the Villisca community to coordinate the efficient use of resources to achieve our mission.

We hope that the results of these efforts will:
1. Attract students to attend the Villisca schools;
2. Attract talented faculty and administrators to join the Villisca schools; and
3. Attract people to move to the Villisca community.

VAFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee
Jim Robinson - President
Bob Mullen - Vice President
Susie Enarson - Secretary
Tom Shipley - Treasurer
Trisha Owens
Kirk Jamison

Decade Representatives
30's Tom Focht '39 & Laurena Dunn '37
40's Herb Bashaw '48 & Dave Williams '49
50's Dick Brown '56 & Linda Moore '55
60's Kirk Jamison '62 & Sandy Smith '60
70's Tom Shipley '71 & Mark Skahill '72
80's Brian Carlson '83 & Aaron Kline '89
90's Tyler Marsh '96 & Katie James '98
00's Trisha Fast Owens '00& Abbey Williams '01

Members at large
Dwight Lewis '46
Susie Enarson '57
Jeff Focht '76
Jake Grasmick - teacher/coach
George McVicker - teacher/coach
Donna Robinson '75
Bob Mullen '67
Jason Poston '92
Shona Means '89
Jim Robinson '67

Ex Officio Members
Teresa Nook, Superintendent
Roxanna Sieber, Villisca ED Director

As the Association becomes reality, there will be specific actions or events addressed that people may want to participate in. The passion which brought people together to organize the All-Class Reunion and now to organize the alumni in a formal organization is what will drive its success. Those with that passion will have the opportunity to become involved in a variety of ways - it may be sports, it may be the arts, it may be academics, it may be the trades, it may be other extra-curricular events or field trips.

The following note was received from Gwen L. Alexander '68 Girls State Basketball, with her membership: "I have such wonderful memories of Villisca and the education I received, band & marching, basketball, pep-band, Y-teens, Teenhaven - all Great. Thanks for this effort and your diligence. ~~Gwen L. Alexander, PhD, MPH

When Douglas Darnold '69 sent an address update, he wrote: Leanna and I have been here sense August of 2006. I am the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Glenwood, Springs, CO ... [I] feel most fortunate that I was able to grow up in a town like Villisca. I keep up on much of what goes on in town through my aunts Nadine Stein and Martha Lynn and friend Helen Sutphen.

Lists of alumni by classes are listed on this Website. Click below on the decade you graduated in to see the list from your class.

1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s.

If you did not graduate but would like to receive information on alumni information, send us your contact information and we will get you on the list.

If you did not receive a copy of the VAFA letter sent to alumni in February 2007 - here is a copy of what went out. If you are an alumnus and did not receive a copy, then it is entirely possible we do not have a correct address for you - please send us name, class, address and e-mail address to alumni@villisca.com and we will get you on the list. If you are a friend of the Villisca School District and would like to receive communications in the future, please sent your name, address and e-mail address to alumni@villisca.com

Dear Villisca Alumnus,

An exciting new era or everyone connected with the Villisca schools has begun. After more than a year of planning, a large group of alumni and former teachers have organized the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association (VAFA).

The idea grew out of the 2005 all-school reunion, when many people offered to help with alumni and school-related activities. A steering committee was formed to create a formal organization to tap into this energy and enthusiasm. The steering committee developed a mission statement and vision statement for the organization that is focused on helping the Villisca schools and indirectly the Villisca community. The process included a public forum for discussion of what VAFA should seek to accomplish.

These efforts culminated in the formation of VAFA as an Iowa non-profit corporation. The Board of Directors has held two meetings so far. The Board presently consists of 27 members, including two from each decade of graduates and the remainder at-large. In addition, a six-person Executtive Committee functions between Board meetings.

The Board has already examined numerous ideas for school-related projects. Its initial efforts are focused on a kickoff campaign to build relationships and support among alumni and others having a connection with the Villisca schools, including current and former teachers, administrators and staff.

VAFA has also agreed to assume the responsibility for future all-school reunions. Those reunions are another great opportunity to keep in touch with our friends who share this common bond with Villisca.

To further facilitate relationships among alumni, there is an alumni list at a new website, www.villisca.com. You can keep current on other alumni and friends by accessing that website. You can also view VAFA's complete mission statement and vision statement there, as well as a list of the directors and officers.

We are inviting all Villisca alumni and friends to participate in this dynamic new venture by joining us as founding members of VAFA. The annual membership fee for 2007 is $25. A single lifetime membership is $500 or $750 for both spouses. We anticipate that membership dues will be used to fund ongoing projects and smaller, short-term projects.

Our operating and administrative costs are extremely low, consisting primarily of printing and postage expenses. There are no paid employees of VAFA - we rely solely on volunteer time.

Perhaps the most pressing problem now facing the Villisca schools is that of "open enrollment out." Under state law, students who live within one school district may enroll in a different school district. The number of students who live the Villisca school district but who enroll in a different school district has grown significantly in recent years. Every lost student means the district loses about $5,000 per year in state funding, so the district's budget suffers greatly.

Future efforts of VAFA will focus on keeping those students in the Villisca schools. For example, we are beginning an effort to coordinate and assist the local pre-school caregivers to enhance their services. We believe that parents and children who benefit will feel more connected to Villisca and the Villisca schools.

We are currently planning our first capital improvement project. Future projects would run the gamut from providing educational equipment or programs, to supporting and promoting all types of extracurricular activities as well as athletic activities. The needs are many. Like most smaller schools, Villisca faces difficult budget choices every year. We can help meet those needs and show our appreciation for what the Villisca schools have done for us by participating in VAFA.

Meanwhile, you can help VAFA keep you informed on these developments and keep our mailing costs down at the same time if you would please give us your e-mail address on the form at the bottom of this letter. Your e-mail address would be used only by VAFA and would not be sold to any mass-marketer.

On behalf of your entire VAFA Board, I hope you will join us in reconnecting with your friends and fellow alumni of the Villisca schools. Please consider becoming a founding member of VAFA by completing the information below and returning it to us, together with your membership fee. Also, if you wold like to volunteer your time and talents to help us, please let us know.

Each membership is very appreciated as it allows the VAFA to help Villisca schools, students and the community.

VAFA 2008 Annual Memberships
(F = Friend)
Margaret McAlpin Abarr '47

Vernita Adams '38
Joyce Norcross Alexander '56
Paula Almaas '67
Kevin A. Anderson '71
Rachel Anderson '34
Jim Antisdel '50
Jack Argotsinger (Teacher '55 - '57)
John '69 and Cheri '69 Baker
Kathryn Marie Baker '59
Dennis A. Bartz '62
Herb Bashaw '48
Joel Bashaw '72
Cherylyn Beasley '86
Barbara Victor Beemer '44
Madeline Bergren '50
David Bodwell '58
Joan Boggess '43
Karen Long Boswell '72
Mary Fisher Bowman '46
Karene Breaton-Ryan '58
Richard & Saundra Brown '56
Tony Brownlee '98
Fred Bryson '68
Brian '83& Mary '84 Carlson
Ron '63 and Evon '62 Carlson
Robert Cerven '44
Donna '65 & Warren (F) Chapman
Mikki Chavanu '66
Elisabeth Christie '33
Joyce J. Chumbley '49
Marvin L. Coon
Dick Cordes '55
Judy Gourley Davis '63
Janet Dever '57
Patricia A. Dunbar '70
Dirk Dunn '70
Laurena Dunn '37
Stan '70 and Brenda '72 Dunn
William M. Dunn '47
Ben Dunkin '46
Lillian Bullerij Dusatko '41
Tom '43 and Ruthella '43 English
Mark '72 and Carol '73 Eno
Paul Fred Eno '43
Nancy Erickson '68
Larry '66 and Norma '68 Fast
Dennis E. Fastenau '61
Cynthia Williams Feller '83
Gale H. Fengel '70
Thomas P. Fisher '38
Rod Focht '79
Darol Forsythe '45
Norma Frey '41
Frank '48 & Catherine Larson '48 Froyd
Russell '46 and Gene '46 Froyd
Jolene Smith Geske '65
Laurie Goldapp '72
Leo Gourley '49
Jake Grasmick - Teacher
Kerri A. Gray '90
Lee Gray '71
Margaret Gray '63
Jerry '50 and Carol '55 Greenfield
Ed '47 and Lea '48 Gidley
Jeri "74 and spouse (friend) Goodkind
Joan Grimm '42

Lee Haidsiak (Principal)
Calvin '79 and Debbie '79 Haley
Mary A. Hansen '56
Carol '58 and Ron '59 Hart
Shirley J. Hayes '56
Gayle '62 and Linda '66 Heard
Glenn & Elaine Hein '61
Mark '81 and Dawnette '83 Herzberg
David '60 & Jeanette '62 Higgins
Kenneth '38 and Audrea '39 Higgins
Michael D. Higgins '67
Janet Hoffey '57
Lynda Hohnbaum '65
Pat McConnell Hunsberger '69
James Hyink '50
Carol Jean (Smith) Iverson '55
Bruce '55 and Joan '55 Jamison
LaDean Jergenson '52
Benny L. Johnson '57
Harlan L. Johnson '59
Larry W. Johnson '65
Theresa Johnston '82
Henry Kernen '53
Jeff Kernen '96
Matt Kernen '99
Gary King '60
Mark Kline '00
Jerry '61 & Dianne (Peterson) '61 Knudson
Kay Lawson '42
Everette Lee '56
Robert '46 and Anna '49 Lee
Ronald G. Lewis '57
Wesley '62 and Carole (F) Lewis
Danny G. Lindberg '70
Amy Crouse Lipins '82
Dawn Wills Lull '85
Mary Lou Madden '38
John Marsh '78
Kathryn Marsh '54
Reva Marsh '35
Gordon McAlpin '75
Charlotte McCormick (Teacher)
Kent Means '87
Ron Means '54
Tom Means '72
Tyson '98 and Tina (F) Means
Treva Marie Milligan '33
Edward D. Minge '55
John Minge '54
Robert R. Moore '63
Neva Lucille Morehouse '49
Elvin Moritz '37
Kathy Morrison '71
Guila Murren '60
Connie Neal '68
Margaret Lorene Neal (F)
Doreen Nelson '44
Randy '79 and Jona '73 Nelson
Joyce Nevius '50
Merrill Nisely '49
Gerald Norcross '53
Dennis Northup '62
Russell Northup '60
T. E. Northup '49
Roberta TenEyck Oberauser '89
Janet '56 and Jim '56 Olenius
Helen Todd Orme '36
Viola B. Parkhurst '38
Rachel (Dunn) Pederson '92
Carol Peterson '48
Janice Peterson '48
Raymond Peterson '63
Margaret Posten '31
Linda '66 & Steve '65 Ridenour
Jennifer Robinson (F)
Jodi Robinson '96
Victoria Robinson (Teacher)
Mary E. Fast Roll '53
Fredyne Rusk '45
Steven A. Scanlon '73
Aileen Schafer (F)
Marcia Schrader '77
Shirley F. Shafton '42
Genny Schenck '39
Marty Schroeder '79
Marilyn J. Schulz '50
Douglas D. Scott '68
Gordon & Michaele Scott (F)
Wayne '45 & Donna '46 Scott
Nancy Sellergren '77
Pat Shipley '71
Bob & Marcia Sierp '59
Lucille Sierp '38
Becky Alexander Sladek '66
David L. Smith '71
Kent Smith '53
Margaret K. Marsh Smith '76
Marvin '60 and Sandy '60 Smith
Tom Smith '46
Judy Smith Snipes '62
Dan (school board member) & Lisa '85 Sorenson
Faye Southward - Teacher
Connie Hoyt Sparr '59
Dale Spencer (Teacher)
Mary McCracken Stadel '44
Fred Stickler '50
Morris Stille '58
Olin Strait '65
Brad '86 and Staci '88 Sunderman
Peg Day Swanson '52
Norma Miller Taner '50
Joel E. Taylor '47
Marj Focht Thimmesch '67
Linda (Branan) Thomas '64
Lynn Bangston Tippery '65
Peggy Mann Tyler '46
Bill '59 and Pat '67 Victor
Jan Weakly '58
Clytha Jean Welch '55
Elizabeth "Betty" Ward '46
Kristin Kernen Welsh '94
Phil Wertman '67
Larry Wheeler '60
Elizabeth White '68
Bruce '74 & Donna (Teacher) Williams
Evelyn Williams '41
Darwin '57 & Julie (F) Williams
L. Duane Williams '52
Tom '80 and Cindy (F) Williams
Ruth Lewis Wilson '48
Janet Wood '53
Misti Yates '95
Candus D. Zambone '54

 


What was the first school year that hot lunches was served at Villisca schools and what one food items was in almost every lunch meal?

Browser does not support applets

click on the box for the answer

You too can be a Booster

by Diane Shipley, secretary
Yes, any adult can be a member of the new revamped Bluejay Booster Club. The Villisca Bluejay Athletic Booster Club has voted in a new set of bylaws to open the membership to the public. Anyone interested in supporting and promoting Villisca athletics is welcome and encouraged to join.

We are excited about this new change and feel it will be an exciting new era at Villisca. Please plan to attend our upcoming organizational meeting Wed. Sept. 13th at 7 pm in the Villisca High School library and learn more about this opportunity for interested members of the community, parents, grandparents, friends, coaches, teachers, alumni, and businesses. We need your support to make Bluejay athletics the best it can be!

Come and share your ideas and be a voting member. This is your opportunity to be as involved as you would like with our youth in sports. We need volunteers to take tickets at games, work concession stands, help with fund raisers to purchase uniforms and equipment, bring new ideas, and show team spirit and support. You can choose whether you want to be an active member or just contribute dues or a monetary donation. All are needed.

Annual dues to be a member are $5 per person, $10 per family, $50 per business. Businesses joining the Booster Club will be recognized at the athletic games. Meetings will be the third Wed. evening at 7:00 pm every other month. The booster club will be signing up people for memberships at the home volleyball and football games.

Contact Bill Shipley for more information by phone 712-785-3260 or home address 2408 Birch Ave. Nodaway, IA 50857. The next planned meetings are Nov. 15th and Jan. 17th.

Profiles of our VAFA Board Members
Here are some of the first profiles we have received of our new VAFA Board Members. We will post others as we receive them.

Janis "Susie" Enarson '57

After graduation, Susie attended Northwest Missouri State College. She married Tom Enarson, a 1952 VHS graduate, moving to Iowa City where he was a student at the University of Iowa. They returned to Villisca and started their family. They have three children, all graduates of Villisca High School, Karl Enarson '77, Bill Enarson '78 and Kristin Crouse '80. They also have 5 grandchildren. Susie was honored with her mother, her son and grandson as four living generations of VHS graduates during the 2005 All School Reunion.

All of her employment has been in Villisca, working at a variety of jobs, liking all of them and learning something from each one. Her longest employment was 18 ½ years with the propane gas company that was originally Community Gas and was sold 5 times while she worked there! Her last full time job was almost 3 years with Kenexa, a recruiting company that was located in Villisca. She retired from there and immediately went to work part-time as secretary of the Villisca United Methodist Church, where she is still employed.

Susie has always been involved in the community, first with the normal "mom" things for her kids, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Band Mothers, etc. She moved on to the Library Board where she served as president, to the Villisca Community School Board where she served as president and then to city government where she served as Mayor of Villisca for 12 years. While she was Mayor, she was also elected to a position on the state Board of Directors of Iowa Municipalities Workers Compensation Assn., where she was elected Vice-Chairman and was appointed by Governor Branstad to serve on the Iowa Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, where she was elected Chairman.

She has always been involved with working in her church, serving in many positions.

Her hobbies are supporting the young people by going to school events, traveling, reading, computer work, decorating and having tea parties.

Linda Moore '55

After graduation from VHS, Linda attended and graduated from Iowa State College (now University) with a BS in Zoology. She interned one year at Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha for certification as a medical technologist. She had employment in pathology at Clarkson, Univ. of Minnesota and Immanuel Medical Center - spending her last 35 years of employment as Section Head of Hematology at Immanuel.

At retirement she returned to Villisca, getting reacquainted with children and grandchildren of former classmates.

Linda writes "Villisca affords many opportunities to retirees to work in any number of committees & functions. I have 'served' my time at the theatre, Yard & Garden, and First Presbyterian Church - all of which keep me more than busy."

Donna Robinson '75
Donna (Skahill) Robinson, has lived in the Villisca school district her entire life. She is married to Jim Robinson, '67.
Four of their 5 children are VHS grads- Kristin-1994, Jeff-1996, Jodi-1996, Matt-1999, and Jennifer graduate of Cedar Falls High-2000.

She has been a mother and homemaker. She worked in retail sales for nine years. She operates Villisca Detail Center and Car Wash which she and Jim own.

She is also the manager of the Villisca Guest House.

She is active in Villisca Chamber of Commerce, having served as president and as the Chamber representative on the 2005 All-Class Reunion committee. She is a member of the Villisca United Methodist Church, and the VAFA. Donna has been active in community life, contributing her skills and talents in a number of areas. With great organization skills, Donna contributes to events with behind the scenes contributions.

Her hobbies include camping, golf, flower gardening, fishing and bird hunting. She tells us she "enjoys small town life and all it has to offer and hopes to keep Villisca on the map!"

Mark Eno '72
Mark Eno is a 1972 graduate of Villisca High. While in Villisca, he was an active EMT, member of the fire department and the United Methodist Church.

He came to Shenandoah after nearly 16 years of retail sales at Eno Furniture in Villisca. He has been with KMA Broadcasting in Shenandoah for 16 years and is the company's General Manager. He has been active in the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry and is a past president of the organization. He was also the chairperson of the Business District Development Committee that initiated the streetscape project of downtown Shenandoah.

He and his wife Carol, have two sons. Scott is the current band instructor in Sidney, IA and Blake is a product editor for Penton Media in Ft. Collins, CO.

Outside of work, civic and church interests, he loves to golf, work in the yard and spend time with his wife, Carol and dog Sandy.

Jim Robinson '67
Jim is a 1967 graduate of VHS and a 1971 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. After college graduation Jim remained in the Cedar Falls area for eight years where he worked as an accountant for a social service agency. In 1979 he returned to the family farm which he operated until 2002. He is now a Vice President for Houghton State Bank in Red Oak specializing in agriculture lending.

Jim and his wife Donna (Skahill) live in Villisca where they own and operate the Villisca Car Wash and Detail Center. Jim is active in the Villisca Chamber of Commerce, Villisca United Methodist Church, Villisca Housing LLC, and the Villisca Alumni and Friends Association. He has worked in various areas of community life since returning to Villisca, working to assure that Villisca continues to be the community he knows it to be. Jim and Donna's hobbies include camping, hunting, fishing, and golf.

Tom Shipley '71

Tom Focht '39

 Kirk Jamison '62

Jake Grasmick - teacher/coach

Jake Grasmick lives in Bella Vista, AR with his wife, Loruss. He retired in Arkansas in March of 2002. He is enjoying a lot of golf, yard work and officiating indoor and outdoor track meets at the Univ. of Arkansas.

He was a Teacher/Coach/A.D. at Villisca from 1964-1971 and then a Teacher/Coach at Shenandoah from 1971 to 1978. He moved to Carroll, IA in 1978 where he was involved in sales/manufacturer's until retirement in 2002.

Mark Skahill '72

Mark Skahill is the Dean of Students at Waukee Middle School in Waukee, IA, having served in that capacity for the past six years. He is also the head cross country coach for the boys high school team. Prior to going to Waukee, he was a guidance counselor at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny for ten years.

His wife, Alyson (Payne, from Marshalltown), and Mark have three children, Emma Skahill, age 9; Emma Gosnell, age 8; and Jackson Skahill, age 2. They live in West Des Moines. Alyson is a 7th grade math teacher at Weeks Middle School in Des Moines.

Mark tells us he still enjoys running, going to movies, listening to music and attending his children's activities.

Aaron Kline '89

After graduating from VHS, Aaron received an Industrial Engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1994 and then his Master’s Degree (MBA) from the University of Kansas in 2003.

He has worked as a consultant for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) from 1994 to 1997 performing systems integration (IT) work at three large corporations. Focused on improving business processes using computer applications.

He then went to Sprint PCS in 1997 where he is still employed. He has primarily been an IT project manager working on a vast number of projects/products over the last 9 years. Recently accepted position as manager of Sprint Strategic Partners overseeing day-to-day operations with their mobile virtual network operators (Virgin Mobile, Quest, ESPN Mobile, Disney Mobile, etc.)

Aaron married Beth Sunderman in 1994. They moved to Overland Park, KS in 1996. They have 3 children, Jace 7, Julia 5, and Jenna 2.

He coaches Jace and Julia’s baseball/basketball/softball teams; enjoys golf; and doing a Triathlon, depending on time…hasn’t competed since completing a half-ironman in 2004.

Sandy Smith '60

School Spirit - 2006 Style

Photos taken in at a basketball game January 19, 2006

thanks to Bill & Diane Shipley for sharing these pictures with our alumni

aren't they going to love these pictures at their 20th class reunion!?!

The Villisca Swimming Pool continues to be a favorite gathering place in the summer months. For those who have fond memories of time at the pool and would like to help preserve this for future young Villiscans, tax-deductible contributions may be made to the pool fund by sending them to Villisca City Hall, 315 South 3rd Avenue, Villisca, IA. Approximately $28,000 has been raised to make necessary changes to the pool. $135,000 is needed to put in stainless steel guttering and plumbing. Additional funds would be needed to provide some of the items for the kids, such as a new slide, diving board, lifeguard chairs, concrete work.

Here kids from the 7th grade Ag class help unload the first shipment of equipment for the new play area in the park on the square in Villisca. The money for the equipment is being been raised by V-Town Park Boosters - Villiscans who look forward to continuing to enhance Villisca's quality of living for young families. Funds are still needed to complete the project. The total cost is $31,000. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Villisca City Hall, 318 S. Third Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864
Memories continue to be made in Villisca - just simple memories - swimming at the pool, spending time in the city park, participating in school activities, Heritage Days. The quality of living in Villisca continues but at a cost. Besides the pool and playground equipment projects, soon another fundraiser will be in place to raise funds for a quad area at the High School; a new track is needed; funds continue to be raised for the before-after school program. Villisca has a wonderful history of raising funds to meet the needs of the community - the community center, the Christmas decorations, the wonderful hanging baskets and other garden enhancements around town, the physician's center, Good Sam. The local churches continue to need contributions so they can meet the spiritual needs of those in the community. For those who have enjoyed the benefits of growing up in Villisca, we invite you to contribute to the projects of your choice. pictured to the left is the city square at night with the new lights.

For those who have enjoyed the benefits of growing up in Villisca,
we invite you to contribute to the projects of your choice.

Listed below are some of the fundraising efforts going on in Villisca

Contributions can be sent to those noted or can be sent to the Villisca Education Foundation, c/o Carol Greenfield, 120 North 5th Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864. The Foundation is a 501c3 so contributions are tax deductible. When sending money to the Foundation, please include what the money is for.

Bring back the Victory Bell and move forward with a new Courtyard
... and have your name engraved in history. This fundraiser, initiated by Dale Spencer, is to raise funds for a new courtyard at the Villisca Junior-Senior High School. The courtyard would be between the doors you enter to get to the gym and the west entrance to the school. Included in the courtyard would be the Victory Bell for which the Class of 1953 picked up the cost of restoration; the cornerstones from the Enarson Building; the 1913 and the 1926 buildings; and the 1949 FFA Flag pole. "Name bricks" would be used for the walkway. The name bricks are being sold to fund the project which it is estimated will cost between $25,000 and $30,000. The bricks will sell for $50. each and will include three lines of no more than 16 letters. Also being sold to acknowledge donations from classes, businesses and individuals will be brick tiles that will be on the walls. One star $100-$250; two stars $251-$500; three stars $501-$1,000; four star $1,001-$2,000; and five stars for over $2,000. For more information contact Dale Spencer, 1680 US Hwy 71, Villisca, IA 50864 - 712-826-3602 - dspencer@netins.net. Purchase of bricks can go to Dale or sent directly to the Villisca Education Foundation, c/o Roberta Dickey, 109 North 3rd Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864. Check should be made payable to Villisca Education Foundation.

Villisca Swimming Pool Fund - This fundraiser is to raise funds for renovation of the Villisca Swimming Pool, a mainstay for summer recreation for Villisca residents. The pool was built in __________. For those who have fond memories of time at the pool and would like to help preserve this for future young Villiscans, tax-deductible contributions may be made to the pool fund by sending them to Villisca City Hall, 315 South 3rd Avenue, Villisca, IA. $135,000 is needed to put in stainless steel guttering and plumbing. Additional funds would be needed to provide some of the items for the kids, such as a new slide, diving board, lifeguard chairs, concrete work.

Villisca City Park Playground Equipment - The money for the equipment is being been raised by V-Town Park Boosters - Villiscans who look forward to continuing to enhance Villisca's quality of living for young families. Funds are still needed to complete the project. The total cost is $31,000. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to Villisca City Hall, 318 S. Third Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864.

Christmas Decorations
Villisca has enjoyed beautiful lighted Christmas decorations in the downtown area and at the north entrance to Villisca. These decorations were purchased with donated funds. They have grown tired and in need of replacement. Funds have been raised for replacements for the decorations on the square. A second-round of fundraising is now ongoing to raise funds to replace the remaining decorations. Contributions can be sent to Villisca City Hall, designated for Christmas Decorations.

Hanging Baskets and Harris Harmony Trail
For several summers Villisca's downtown area has been wonderfully decorated with hanging baskets where the Christmas lights are hung at Christmas. These take a great deal of loving care in the planting in the spring and then watering all summer long. The costs of maintenance is raised by the Villisca Garden Club. Harris Harmony Trail is developed and maintained by volunteers and the costs of maintenance are covered by contributions which can be sent to Villisca City Hall designated for Villisca Garden Club. Pictured is one of the sculptures on the Harris Harmony Trail.