CLASS OF 1962
CLASS OF 1962: Enter information about what has happened in your life since graduating SHS and upload a current picture. The information you provide will be used in the 2012 Reunion Booklet so please provide what you want everyone to know about you (education, career, family, hobbies, interests, travel, etc. If you are unable to upload a “Then” photo, we can do that after your information appears on the site.
Even if you are not planning on attending, please enter your information.
Keith Johnson
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | retired |
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Comment:
Upon high school graduation, my college options were somewhat limited and I ended up at Henry Ford Community College. After two years there my grade point was such that I was able to transfer into the University of Michigan. After five additional years, I graduated with a Bachelors and a Masters of Forestry. My first employment was the Michigan Department of Agriculture and from there was able to transfer to the DNR. After spending six months in Lansing, they transferred me to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula as Regional Forest Entomologist (insects) for the U.P. After four years I was offered a transfer back to Lansing, but decided to stay in the U.P. and quit the state job. For the next several years I was self-employed doing automotive restoration work where I developed and honed several skills. Knowing I did not want to make a career out of automotive work, I found a job with a real estate appraisal firm and worked there for 22 years specializing in forest land and recreational waterfront properties. I have been retired for six years and keep busier than ever. My projects involve maintaining our residence and buildings and keeping up the grounds, and servicing a too large fleet of vehicles and equipment. Managing our forest lands includes cutting and splitting about a semi-load of firewood per year to heat our home during the normally long cold winters. As a kid growing up, I raised pheasants as a hobby. In 1980, I once again became involved and have worked at them in a serious manner for 32 years. When time permits I work on personal vehicle restorations with the current project being a ‘41 Ford pick-up. While working a summer camp job in 1966 in the Iron River area of the Upper Peninsula I met a girl from Iowa who was working at another camp on a different lake. We were married in 1968 and have raised 2 boys. The oldest is 37 and lives with his family on my wife’s family farm and is currently buying the building site from the estate. He and his wife have three daughters ages 13, 11 and 5. Our other son is a 35 year old bachelor and lives Albuquerque. Visiting involves a lot of travel and we do our best to be part of their lives. mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Fifty years have gone by fast, but over all they have been good and I feel blessed. |
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ARTHUR JUNTUNEN
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Divorced |
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| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | Retired |
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Comment:
Retired from the US Army, civilian business, and Federal Civil Service I now have a home on a golf course in North Las Vegas, NV. For over 29 years I served in the US Army, not counting a four year break during the 1980’s. Initially entering the Infantry I progressed to Special Forces (Green Berets), and finely into the Army Medical Department. Having dropped out of SHS as a Junior I did manage to continue with my education attaining a BS degree in Biology from St Mary’s of Texas through an Army educational completion program. I also managed to acquire a commercial pilot’s license (SEL) as well as a parachutist’s license (“D” level). During my military career I served in Europe, Japan, Vietnam, throughout the US, and in the first Gulf War. For over four years in the 1970’s I taught Hematology and Immunohematology for the Army’s Academy of Health Sciences’ “Advanced Medical Laboratory Course” at Ft Sam Houston, in San Antonio, TX. I did a tour as an Army Recruiter in the 1980's. I retired from the Army in 1995 as a Master Sergeant (E8). As well as being a Registered Medical Technologist, for five years I owned computer store in the Los Angeles, CA, area (1995-2000). After that closed, I went back working for the US Army as a civilian program manager (proof that I'm not terribly bright) and retired in 2006. Now single, I have four adult daughters, seven grandchildren, and several great grandchildren! I hope to reside in Las Vegas until Charon bids me across the River Styx.
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JIM KOHL
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | Attorney - retired |
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Comment:
After SHS I went to Michigan State majoring in Social Science, Division of Pre-Law. At MSU Don Armstrong and I roomed together and pledged a fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He then dropped out of school to work for a term. One evening on his way home from work he died in an auto accident on Woodward. A loss I still feel. After MSU I went to Detroit College of Law (now MSU's School of Law). Upon graduation I went to work for the City of Detroit as a trial lawyer. 3 years into that stint, I was offered a job at Plunkett & Cooney and took it. Plunkett & Cooney was then and is still the largest firm in Michigan specializing in trial work. I remained there for 28 years; always as a trial lawyer. At various times I was also a section leader, member of the board of drectors and officer. My brother is also a lawyer. I left Plunkett to join him in 2000. Unfortunately, he was involved in a motorcycle accident and could no longer practice law. I therefore retired at the end of 2004. Over my professional life I have been active in the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC), Defense Research Institute, American Board of Trial Advocates and American College of Trial Lawyers. In the late 70s I founded MDTC. In 2003 MDTC honored me with their Excellence in Defense Award (lifetime career achievement). Judy and I met at MSU. We have 4 daughters, Tracy, Wendy, Katie and Amy. Tracy, her husband Jeff, daughter Meg and son Alex live iin South Lyon, 20 minutes away from us. Tracy is a CPA and works in a school helping the disadvantaged. Wendy is married to Jim and lives in Sarasota, FL. She is a reading specialist for elementary school. They have a son and twin daughters. The twins were born on my birthday 6 years ago. Hard to imagine a better present. Katie is married to Steve. They live in Boulder, CO. Katie teaches ESL to elementary students. Last year she completed a full Ironman (2.4 mile swim in open water followed by 112 mile bike, then 24 mile run). In 2 of the last 3 years she earned All America honors as a triathlete. Amy is married to Patrick and lives in Denver. Her first child, Annie, was born last September. Amy, too, has completed a full Ironman. She works in real estate doing defeasance. Judy and I still live in the house in Northville that we built 37 years ago. When the kids were growing up we had a conversion van and traveled widely in the US and Canada. Largely due to the bar associations I have been active in, we have also traveled widely around the world. Antarctica and the Kingdom of Bhutan are likely our favorites. Judy and I are still active skiers. We go "out west" every winter and have also gone helicopter skiing in British Columbia. I play a lot of golf (weather permitting, once a day) and am a vice-president of the Golf Association of Michigan, as well as a governor of the Michigan Seniors Golf Association. I also continue to serve on the national board of directors of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Long story short, I have been blessed with an incedible life; one that I had no thought of when I was in high school. Much of the credit goes to my wife, Judy. Together we have had a great run. |
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ERIC KOPSCH
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | Owner J&E Appliance Co. Inc. |
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Comment:
I joined the Navy Reserve while in high school and went on active duty for two years after graduating. I was a radioman aboard the air craft carrier USS Wasp CVS18. I was on active duty during the Cuban crisis. I met my wife Jackie while I was in the ship yards in Boston. I took a weekend leave and drove to Rhode Island and attended a dance at the Providence Girl City Club. It was love at first site. We were married 8 months later while still in the Navy. Two weeks later I went out to sea for 4 months and soon after returning I was honorably discharged. We moved to Southfield and I was working in a tool and die company as a surface grinder. A few years later I got a job with Sears as a cabinet maker. A couple years later, I went to carpenter school for 4 years and became a finish carpenter. Years later the carpenters went on strike and I started a lawn service and then a fire repair company and also started HUD repair in Detroit. From fire repair I started J&E Appliance Co. Inc., for the installation of kitchen appliances. My company installs for Sears, Lowes, Hawthorne Appliance Co. in Birmingham, ABC Appliances and many building contractors. In 1968, I started training for a spot on the US Olympic greco roman wrestling team. I was training with my best friend, Bob Budman, who graduated in 1964 from Southfield and had been on the wrestling team with me. I was a co-founder of the Michigan Wrestling Club in 1965 which was one of the premier greco roman clubs in the US. Out of this club one of our wrestlers, Steve Frazier from Hazle Park, was a state champion. He attended UofM and went on to win the first ever greco roman gold medal for the US at the 1984 Olympic games. I helped start an age group wrestling program in Berkley, Michigan. I was the state AAU Wrestling Chairman for 4 years and served 6 years as the Michigan Cultural Exchange Director. I organized and took state wrestling teams to Japan, Hawaii, Turkey and Germany. I was the Southfield Lathrup High School head wrestling coach for 10 years and took wrestlers to the state championship every year. I became involved with the US Wrestling Committee for many years, helping develop greco roman wrestling in the US. I also was a US and international greco roman wrestling coach official obtaining the second highest rank internationaly and US Exceptional. I was the US Official of the Year in 1980. I developed a training movie for wrestling officials which helped develop many outstanding officials and helped promote an advanced USA Officials Association. I traveled to many countries with the men's US Greco Roman Wrestling Team and officiated throughout the US at many levels. I was the State Official Chairman for many years. In 2007 I was honored to be inducted into the National AAU Wrestling Hall of Fame, in Ames Iowa and in 2009 I was inducted into the US National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I took graduate courses in Psychology of Sport at MSU through Dan Gould, a sports psychologist. I was able to help many in my teaching of stress control, positive mental attitude and developing a mental room to overcome obstacles in sports and life. I was very instrumental in developing athletes at the olympic level, high school level and beyond into their adult lives. Life has been very rewarding for me intrinsically and extrinsically. Jackie and I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Our daughter Deborah lives in Waterford, Michigan. She is a housewife and her daughter, Elizabeth, is a junior at MSU and is 20 years old. She also has a son, Ian, a 17 year old who is a junior at Waterford Kettering. Our son Tom is a doctor in Royal Oak and has a 5 year old daughter, Ireland Rose, who goes to pre-school at Our Lady of Martyrs school in Birmingham. I enjoy being with my family in the summer at our summer house on Silver Lake at the Silver Lake sand dunes up north. We also travel to Beaufort, South Carolina where Jackie's sisters have settled. We have a condo there. Before that we had a condo in Oldsmar near Tampa Bay. Jackie and I still own and run J&E Appliance Co. Inc. We have been blessed with good health. My son Tom has run 13 marathons and I ran the 26.2 miles in the Detroit Marathon in 2000 with Tom. I stay in shape and still run. We enjoy time with our family and just love the time with our grandchildren. A lot of great memories for the Class of 1962 and I miss all that have pasesd on. Good health and happiness. Always surround yourself around successful people and you will succeed and always keep a positive mental attitude ( PMA). |
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ROGER LENTINI
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | retired |
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Comment:
Went to Minot State University & Western Michigan University graduating with a BBA. Met my future wife at a party; we married in 1975. Worked my way up to become a Sr. VP and National Sales Mgr. in a corperation before leaving in 1980 to start my own business. I've spent the last 30 years being in business for myelf, owning a new car dealership and being an Executive Corperate Coach specializing in Management, Leadership and Sales. Our daughter is married and has 3 children, is a VP with PNC Bank, and lives in Kalamazoo. Our son is married (no kids yet), lives in South Carolina and is in charge of 3 mills for his company as a paper engineer. Jean retired from teaching last year; so we spent part of the winter in Florida. We like to read, travel, work in the yard, and play cards with friends. I like to work out (Jean doesn't, she doesn't like to sweat), and play softball all year long on a National Senior Softball travel team. Life is good. |
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Barbara Liebler (Moore)
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | retired |
| Comment: Six days after graduation from MSU (English and Art) I married Bob Liebler. I taught high school English for a few years, then had an 18 year successful career weaving large wall-hung works for lawyers' offices, hotels, etc. Iended that career in 1987 when Bob and I got divorced. I then wrote a book on weaving and became an editor for Interweave Press. I founded and owned a musical instrument case business (stll active at ColoradoCase.com) but no longer owned by me). My next business ownership was a manufacturer of trailers to pull behind a bike . | |
Joyce Mason
| Marital status: | Divorced |
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| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | retired |
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Comment:
I have read through the profiles of the life stories submitted. Wow, we have some individuals that have interesting experiences and accomplished much--but then they were outstanding even in H.S. and we knew they were destined to lead distinguished careers. In H.S. I was not an oustanding student, or memorable in any way and have led my life along the same venue. Just an average, "middle class American". I didn't have notable accomplishments but life has been good and I have been happy and content. Life never flows smoothly and I have had my share of heartaches but I have been blessed to have the Lord to lean on and sustain me. I married and moved from Southfield in 1963 and am now divorced and live in Florida --I don't know if I could take a cold winter up North anymore!!My greatest accomplishment in life is four children that have grown into adults that I enjoy and am proud of. The haven't given me all the drama and heartache of many (especially during their teen yrs) and have all made their mark on the world In addition - they have given me 10 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters ---which I enjoy tremendously whenever I get the chance--I love playing Grandma!! |
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ken mayhew
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | veterinarian-retired |
| Comment: I wasn't sure about college and did'nt start until Jan. 1963. I was well prepared by SHS because I did well. I received my B.S. from M.S.U in Dec. 1966 and my D.V.M. in June 1969. My wife Shirley and I meet our last year at M.S.U. We graduated[she in nursing and me in veterinary medicine], took our state boards, got married, went on a brief honeymoon and started our careers within a 2 month period of May and June 1969. Phew!! I practiced in Warren, Mich. for 9 yrs. then purchased a practice in West Bloomfield in 1975 and was there until 2009.During my career I was president of the West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland County Veterinary Medical Assoc.I also served on the boards of the Michigan State Veterinary Medical Assoc and the Michigan Animal Health Foundation.I was on the start up committees of the West Bloomfield Business Beautification Awards Committee and the forming committee for the Michigan Veterinary Political Action Committee.Shirley worked as an RN at Wm. Beaumont Hosp for 34 yrs taking off 7 yrs. to have our two children. Kristin is a M.S.U. grad RN and has 2 boys and Scott is a Wayne State grad M.D Boarded in emergency med and now in pain management after a fellowship of ! yr. at Beth Israel Hosp. in Manhattan. Scott has two daughters. Since retiring we have been able to spend our winters at our home in Venice,Fl and our summers in our West Bloomfield home. I have become an avid golfer ,reader, traveler, and enjoy making rustic furniture.I volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota county. Life has been good. A rewarding career, a 43 yr marriage to a great lady, good friends and wonderful children and grandchilden has made me a happy and appreciative camper. I look forward to seeing you all in August | |
Bruce Mazell
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Widowed |
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| Occupation: | Retired: Power System Elec. DOE / BPA |
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Comment:
I married my wife Elaine in 1972 and she passed away on July 14, 2008. Beginning in 1980, I worked as a Marine Electrician at Todd Pacific Shipyards, Seattle Division, building FFG's for the US Navy. From 1985 - 1990 I worked for the DOD, McClellan AFB, Calif. as a Distribution Electrician. From 1990 until I retired in August 2010 I was a High Voltage Transmission Electrician in the Pacific North West for the Dept. of Energy-Bonneville Power Admin. both In Washington State and Oregon. Be well and God Bless you all, Bruce |
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Thomas McClow
Then
Now
| Marital status: | Married |
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| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | retired-Attorney at Law |
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Comment:
I went to Michigan State University. During college my SHS sweetheart broke up with me, I joined Beta Theta Pi with Jim Kohl and Lyle Hartka, changed majors from pre-med to pre-law, graduated with a BS in 4 years. After 1 year at Wayne State law school, when I commuted with Tom Van Meer, I was engaged, moved to Chicago, transferred to Loyola University School of Law, and got married. In Chicago I was very active in the anti-war movement, and did everything I could legally, not to go to Vietnam. I graduated with a JD in 1969. I needed a draft exemption, so I taught 5th grade for one year, welcomed my daughter Amy, then joined a law firm in Geneva, IL. Three years later, we welcomed a son, Adam, and I welcomed the end of my marriage a few years later. I was a partner in the law firm of Nickels & McClow, in Elburn, IL, when I met Diana. We married in 1982, and began our life’s journey together. And it has been a wonderful life. My former partner, John Nickels, was elected an Illinois Supreme Court Justice. I’ve practiced law on my own since 1985. This has provided flexibility to serve and travel. I have been active in civic organizations, my local bar association, served 2 terms on the village board of the town we live in, became a Christian (1983) and we serve actively in our church. I’ve traveled to Spain, Bolivia and the Czech Republic on short term missions’ trips. In 2003, I was honored by the Kane County Bar Association with the Community Service award. But most importantly, each of my children married and provided us with our grandchildren. We have 5, Liam, Aidan, Griffin, Rachel and Eva, and they all live within 20 minutes. My daughter Amy, works for an HR staffing firm called Swoon, based in Chicago. My son, Adam, has been a Microsoft employee for many years (and he has his degree from the University of Illinois). Diana and I have traveled the world. Six continents, over 60 countries and over 30 cruises. Jim Kohl and I are on an unannounced competition in this regard, when we compare Christmas cards. Our safari in Kenya and King Tut’s tomb in Luxor, Egypt were two of our highlights, although Carnaval in Rio was also fun. Oh, and the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992, and…… I’m an accomplished photographer, stain glass artist, woodworker, chef, and gardener. For over 15 years I’ve been published as “The Traveling Lawyer” in the Kane County Bar Association Bar Briefs monthly magazine. I’ve stayed in touch with Jim Kohl, Lyle Hartka, and George Knighton over the years. I’ve participated in or attended weddings for each of them. I was a young pall bearer at Don Armstrong’s funeral. One morning in Sept. 2011, I woke up with a lump on my neck. After consultations with doctors and many tests, I had surgery in Oct. for tongue and neck cancer, followed in Nov-Dec with radiation and chemo. A PET scan in April 2012 was negative. I'm almost back to "normal" but with a dry mouth. We have scheduled a trip to Cambodia/Vietnam/Thailand in April 2013. I truly appreciate living one day at a time, now that I have been confronted by my own mortality.
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