I will be in the following upcoming art/craft fairs in 2009:

October 31st from 9AM to 4PM

Avon High School Gym - Avon, South Dakota

November 21st from 10AM to 2PM

Tyndall Community Center - Tyndall, South Dakota

Along with my other original art for sale I have now added canvas bags for $14 a piece as well as bookmarkers for $3.00 each. More items to be added soon.

And as always, thanks for your wonderful support!

Amy

Wendlen Schmaltz of Springfield

Colleen Schmaltz was a high school teacher at Springfield High School before it closed May 1982 for the 1982-83 brand new school year at BHHS. The Schmaltz's granddaughters attended BHHS.


Wendlen Schmaltz

Wendlen John Schmaltz, son of Joseph and Dorothy (Wolf) Schmaltz, was born February 15, 1930, in Rugby, ND. He died Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Wendlen attained the age of 79 years, seven months and 29 days.

Wendlen attended grade school at Rugby and Esmond, ND and graduated from Assumption Abbey in Richardson, ND in 1948. He attended college at Stout State University in Menomonie, WI, graduating in May of 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts. Wendlen earned his Masters Degree in 1957 in Vocational Education.Wendlen served as a helicopter mechanic in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed near Seoul, Korea in the US Army.

Wendlen was an assistant professor at Southern State Teacher’s College, Southern State College and the University of South Dakota, Springfield from 1955 to 1984. He left the college with its closing, having taught for 29 years. Wendlen then taught four years at Flandreau Indian School. He retired from teaching in the fall of 1989.

Wendlen was a member of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, Dwight Wood American Legion Post 132 in Springfield, liefetime member of the VFW Post 7319 in Wagner, and SDEA.

Wendlen married Colleen Ellis on August 29, 1955 in Menomonie, WI. Four children were blessed to their union. Wendlen will be remembered by his family for his deep love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will also be remembered for his love of working with numbers and figures.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Colleen of Springfield; his children: Cynthia and husband Leodis Green of Springfield, Robert and wife Rene’e of Lincoln, NE, Dennis of Mission, and Daniel and wife Nadine of Rice Lake, WI; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two sisters: Katherine (George) Olson and Alice (Terry) Trigg, all of San Jose, CA; a brother, Richard (Dorothy) of Dubuque, IA; one aunt; and many cousins and friends.

Wendlen was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; 10 aunts and 11 uncles; daughter-in-law, Jackie Schmaltz; and great grandson, Dallas Boucher III.

A Saturday Stopover

Chan Gurney Airport played host to another military helicopter Saturday, this time a U.S. Coast Guard Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk copiloted by Lt. Todd Bloch, formerly of Springfield. Joining Bloch on the trip were copilot Lt. Tom Huntley, mechanic AMT. Chris Blackmon and mechanic AET. Matt Fortenberry.

Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter Lands At Yankton Airport
By Shauna Marletteshauna.marlette@yankton.net

Published: Monday, October 12, 2009 1:20 AM CDT

One branch of the United States military that is rarely seen in South Dakota made an appearance in Yankton Saturday when a Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter stopped at Chan Gurney Airport for a quick refueling.“ We are transporting the Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk to Kodiak, Alaska, from our home station of Elizabeth City, N.C.,” said copilot Todd Bloch. “When we drew up the flight plan, I noticed we would be able to stop and refuel in Yankton in route to a layover in Rapid City.” That was an important opportunity for Bloch, who is originally from Springfield. This stopover completed a circle for Bloch. His military career began one early morning in September 1985 when he stepped onto a transport plane at Chan Gurney Airport headed to basic training.“

In high school I had full intentions of enlisting in the Air Force,” he said. “The mayor of Springfield at the time — who also happened to be the National Guard Recruiter — said, ‘Hey, if you are going active duty, why don’t you try out the Guards while you are in high school?’ It made a lot of sense to me, so I joined while I was still in high school. That decision really changed the direction of my career.”While in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Bloch made a life-altering choice.

“At basics, I remember laying on my back doing forced calisthenics and seeing the helicopters flying over and thinking, ‘Man, that is the place to be, not here on my back in the dirt.’ That is one of the things that helped me make the decision to enroll in (Reserve Officer Training Course) ROTC at the University of South Dakota.”

For the next five years, Bloch went from ROTC to the National Guard at which point he was accepted into flight school.“At flight school, I was one of the last ‘60’ trained commissioned officers,” Bloch said. “Because of the Gulf War, I thought for sure I would go to the Middle East. I instead got sent to Fort Polk, La. From there, I made the rounds of Germany, Bosnia, Germany — again — California and Brazil. While in Brazil, I applied to the Coast Guard and was accepted.”

Bloch decided to join the Coast Guard because he wanted more time flying and felt this was the best way to do that.“My whole career, I didn’t do much flying,” he said. “In all my years in the Army, I did 570 total hours of flying. I now have more than 3,000 hours and I have only been in the Coast Guard 71/2 years. I knew if I went back to traditional aviation, I would not be doing what I wanted to do, which led me to look at Coast Guard. I am glad I made the move.”

According to Bloch, flying hours are limited in a helicopter versus a fixed-wing aircraft. A helicopter crew is limited to a flight plan of no more than eight hours a day, unless the weather situation would extend the flying time out of necessity.“A normal crew is four people,” Bloch said. “

For a search and rescue (SAR), it is two pilots, a flight mechanic and a rescue swimmer. The pilots share the duties up front; you can fly from either seat but usually the right seat does more flying and the left seat does more navigating. When you get on scene of a rescue the right seat is the side that the hoist is on and the hoist is instrumental to rescues at sea.”Bloch said that the number of times a pilot will go out on a SAR varies. There is someone on duty 24 hours a day and they rotate shifts based on the number of pilots stationed at a particular station, so it is a completely out of their control who gets the cases.“ It does seem like there are usually a few people who are SAR magnets,” Bloch said. “You kind of look at your crew when you come on duty and there are certain people that, if they are my copilot, I think, ‘Yeah, we will probably be getting called out because they are an SAR magnet.’”

Bloch acknowledged that one of his rescues was featured on the television show “Deadliest Catch” last year.“ It was in April or May,” he said. “They ended the show with us in peril and then started the next show showing how we finished the rescue.”Bloch said that when heading out to a rescue he and his crew know that the odds are about 50/50 that they will be able to save the person in danger.“

One of the things that being in the Coast Guard has shown me, especially being from South Dakota, is that the water is very dangerous,” he said. “I think in South Dakota we don’t have an appreciation of that, except when it is cold out. It is kind of crazy, but I make my kids wear their life preservers whenever they go out on the water now. I grew up on the Missouri River and I never wore a life preserver until I got into the Coast Guard. It just makes you appreciate how dangerous water can be all the more.”

Holy Pietz! It's Another Boy

Camden Robert Pietz was born March 22, 2009 @ 5:03 pm @ Avera SHH. He was 9lb's 6oz's and was 21-1/2 inches long, with big feet and big hands! Mother and baby are doing very well. Cohan is very excited to be a big brother and I am excited too. (from Matt Pietz)

Cassie & Matt are graduates of BHHS.

Huron teacher receives state award

Posted: Monday, Jun 23rd, 2008
BY: Roger Kasa/PLAINSMAN Newspaper

Class of 1990's Lisa (Reub) Kissner, who teaches social studies and mathematics in the sixth grade at Huron Middle School, holds the plaque she received after being named South Dakota Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year for 2008. She was nominated for the award by Marilyin Mendenhall, Huron Middle School librarian.

For making social studies “innovative and engaging” at the sixth-grade level, Lisa Kissner of Huron has been named South Dakota Middle Level Social Studies Teacher of the Year for 2008. She received the award at the South Dakota Council for the Social Studies 2008 conference. She was nominated by Huron Middle School librarian Marilyn Mendenhall.

Kissner has been teaching sixth grade for the past three-and-a-half years. Before that, she spent seven years in the middle school resource room.

A native of Gregory, she graduated from Tyndall High School in 1990. She received a bachelor’s degree in science from Northern State University in Aberdeen. She also had a minor in mathematics. Prior to moving to Huron, she did some subbing when she lived in Bigelow, Minn. She moved to Huron in 1996 and worked at the Kindernook Preschool at Grace Church for two years.

She joined the teaching staff at Huron Middle School in 1998. When asked what she likes about her job, she said, “Everything.” “It’s doesn’t feel like a job when you love everything you do,” she said. “I also have a great staff to work with.”

Kissner is a member of the South Dakota Council for Teaching Mathematics. Her hobbies are attending events involving her children and playing the banjo. When asked what she will be doing five years from now, her response was, “Still working in the classroom.”

As for Huron School District, she said, “We are a growing district, bringing in the latest technology to help the students reach their goals.” When asked how she felt about winning the award, she said, “I don’t think I won this on my own.” “I have a lot of help,” she said.“This is a reflection on everyone I surround myself with.”

Her goal is to make next year more exciting for the students than the past year. She has an average of 24 to 26 students per class. She teaches four classes — two math and two social studies.

In the letter she received telling her of the award, it says: “As a recognized and accomplished social studies teacher, you are encouraged to take advantage of social studies educational opportunities and provide an example for other middle level teachers.“ The responsibilities of accomplished social studies teaching includes leadership for others in becoming exemplary social studies teachers and promoting quality social studies education in South Dakota and nationally.”

She is married to Paul Kissner, who is employed at Our Home Inc. She has a stepdaughter, Tessa Kissner, a junior, who lives with her mother in El Paso, Texas; Caitlin Abbink, 14, a freshman at Huron; Tarryn Kissner, a sixth-grader at Huron; and T.J. Kissner, a third-grader.

Join facebook to Keep in Touch!

Hey everyone....

There are quite a few BHHS alum on FACEBOOK!

I have also designated a BHHS Alumni page there as well....

You must have actually graduated from BHHS to join the facebook page.

~ Amy Petrik

Join today....

www.facebook.com

Christine & Crystal Carda's Mom Passed Away

Darlene Carda

Published: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:32 PM CST

TABOR — Darlene M. Carda, age 67, of Tabor, SD, passed away on January 10, 2009, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Darlene (Kozak) Carda was born January 24, 1941, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, to Louie and Elsie (Sparks) Kozak. She grew up in the Yankton, Utica, and Vermillion area. On July 2, 1958, Darlene married Lawrence “Larry” Carda, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, SD. They lived in the Tabor and Yankton area until 1961, when Larry was called to serve his Country with the Army National Guard unit from Yankton, SD. While serving in the Army, Larry and Darlene were stationed at both Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Upon returning from Active Duty, they made their home on the Carda homestead and together, farmed and operated a dairy business for over 35 years. In addition to helping Larry with the farm and raising their four daughters, Darlene also worked out of the home for about 12 years, before semi-retiring in 1996.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Lawrence, her daughters, Claudette (Ray) Johnson, Richmond Hill, GA, Carmen (John) LaCava, Quakertown, PA, Christine (Mark) Young, St. Cloud, MN, and Crystal (Kevin) Gerry, Tea, SD, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, sister Elva (Dean) Meyers, Yankton, SD and brothers Lawrence and Louis (Bonnie) Kozak, Yankton, as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Yankton Press & Dakotan

• Claudette and Carmen graduated from Tyndall-Tabor High School


• Christine and Crystal graduated from Bon Homme High School

BHHS's Koronda Kids: Dad's Passing

Donald Koranda

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2008

TABOR — Donald J. Koranda, age 58, of Tabor, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at his home.

Donald James Koranda was born on July 26, 1949 in Scotland, SD to Kenneth and Marie (Mae Chadim) Koranda. He grew up and lived in Tabor were he attended Tabor Elementary School. He graduated from Tabor High School in 1967. He then attended Universal Trade School, Omaha, NE where he studied Auto Body Repair and received his Associates Degree. He then opened Don’s Body Shop, Tabor. He also farmed with his grandfather, Jim Koranda, and helped his father in the well drilling business.

He married Irene Varilek, May 6, 1972. Don worked for the Bon Homme School District for one year. In 1974, he purchased the repair part of Koranda Well Company. Ten years later, he purchased the drilling part of Koranda Well Company continuing as Third Generation in drilling and repair in Tabor for over 85 years. Don served on the Tabor Town Board for several years. He was a member of the Tabor Fire Department for more than 20 years. He also served on the St. Leo’s Parish Council.

Don was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing until his later years. He took pride in creating animated floats for Czech Days. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people, which sometimes earned him a slap on the arm or a kiss on the cheek. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also took great joy in observing wildlife in his daily travels. Don was a colorful character who enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and socializing with friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Irene; son Michael Koranda, Tracy, MN, daughters, Karen (Russell) Bisson, Yankton, SD, and Kay Koranda (Eric Woodbeck), Tabor, SD, three grandchildren, Laura, Evan and “Suzi” and sister, Donna (Edward) Melichar, Omaha, NE, niece, Pam (Mike) Mason of Omaha, NE and their daughter, Claire, nephew, Ken (Cameo) Melichar of Hewitt, TX and their children, Ashlyn and Nathan; his aunts, Evelyn Sorensen of Yankton, SD, Ardith Howard of Graham, NC, and Rose Lyons of Yankton, SD.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and infant brother.

Yankton Press & Dakotan
May 8, 2008

Darrin & David Schelske's Dad Passed Away

Marvin Schelske

Published: Saturday, January 10, 2009 12:33 AM CST

Marvin Dale “Spike” Schelske, son of Arthur and Edna (Herr) Schelske, was born February 9, 1935, in Tripp, SD. He died Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Marvin attained the age of 73 years, ten months and 30 days. Marvin attended country schools and graduated from Scotland High School. He served in the U. S. Army from 1952 to 1955. Marvin received a degree in motel management in 1972 and graduated from the University of South Dakota/Springfield in 1977 with a degree in business management. He worked as a lineman and electrical inspector for transmission lines for 40 years with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers out of Local 426 in Sioux Falls, retiring in 1999.

Marvin married Fern Kramer on June 6, 1970 at St. Paul, MN. Together they owned and operated the Wagon Wheel Inn in Springfield since 1981.

Marvin was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and its board, the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132, VFW and a retired member of the IBEW.Marvin considered everyone his neighbor. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of listening to “Paul Harvey” and his comment, “fair to midland”.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Fern of Springfield; 5 children: Rebecca (Norman) Nyland of Sabin, MN, Daniel (Toni) of Post Falls, ID, Gwen (Donald) Thomson of Madison, Darren (Connie) of Brookings, and David of Nashville, TN; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Eldora Baumiller of Scotland and Kathleen (David) Mudloff of Olathe, KS; brother, Norman and wife, DiAnn of Springfield; in-laws: Beatrice Schelske, Jane Schelske, Carol Thomson, Betty and Michael Daulton, Joan Baker, Joan Bloomer and Louella Abblitner; many nieces, nephews and friends; and his beloved pet dogs; Kirby, Crash and Millie.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Leola Kizer; and four brothers: Wilbur who died in infancy, Eldon, Willard and Donald.

Yankton Press & Dakotan
January 10, 2009

Class of '86 Gals Hook Up For Rick Springfield

Class of '86 girls had a blast from the past by attending a Rick Springfield concert in Mitchell. Pictured are: Tamara (Weber) Hakl, Angie Kibble, Jodi (Grant) Honner & Peg Bohlmann

Class of 1984's Dennis Cahoy's Dad Passes Away

Edward Cahoy

Edward E. Cahoy, age 79 of Tabor passed away on Monday, November 3, 2008, at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center, Tyndall, SD.

Pallbearers were Gregg Cahoy, Chad Cahoy, Mark Cahoy, Jeff Cahoy, Ron Maruska, Roger Svanda, David Ruman and Richard Wurts.

Ed was born on September 1, 1929, to Rudolph and Ella (Pishek) Cahoy in Tabor, South Dakota. Ed served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Okinawa. On August 17, 1964, Ed married Norma Sommer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston and to this union a son Dennis was born on December 9, 1965. Norma died on December 9, 1969 as a result of a car accident.

Ed continued to farm north of Tabor until 1971, at which time he moved west of Tabor. On November 13, 1981, Ed married Irene Honomichl Carda at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church at Vodnany. Together they farmed until Irene passed away on January 19, 2000. Ed continued to farm west of Tabor until 2005 when he moved to an apartment in Tabor in 2006. Due to his failing health, Ed became a resident of the Tyndall Good Samaritan Center from September 2007 until the time of his death.

For many summers, he enjoyed playing softball with the Tabor Jets softball team. He always had a great love for being on the farm as anyone would know just by visiting with him. He was a past Commander of the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, in Tabor. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons on the farm.

Ed was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Catholic Workmen, Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post #183, and the VFW Post # 6895 in Tyndall. Those who will always cherish Ed’s memory are his son, Dennis and his wife Debbie and their two sons, Cole and Levi Cahoy, all of Tabor; brothers, Steve and wife Jan, and Ray and wife Marilyn, all of Tabor; three sisters: Helen Maruska of Mesa, Arizona, Marie and husband Leonard Hisek of Tyndall, and Marcy and husband Lumir Ruman of Tyndall; many nieces and nephews; two step daughters, Mary and Doug Janssen and family of Tripp and Teresa and Wayne Bartlett and family of Kaylor; step son, Kevin and Connie Carda and family of Tripp. Edward was preceded in death by both wives, Norma and Irene; his parents, a brother in infancy, Joseph, one nephew, Dennis Maruska, and brother in-law, Joe Maruska.

Yankton Press & Dakotan
November 6, 2008

Chytka Boys' Mom Passes Away

Phyllis Singer

Phyllis A. Singer, age 67, of Yankton, South Dakota died on Friday, October 31, 2008, at the Sanford Vermillion Medical Center in Vermillion, South Dakota, as a result of a car accident.

Pallbearers are her sons: Tom, Jon, James, Jed, and Jarett Chytka and grandson, Matthew Chytka. Honorary pallbearers are Sacred Heart School of Nursing Alumni. Phyllis was born December 6, 1940, in St. Helena, Nebraska, to Leonard and Mary (Wieseler) Heine. She attended grade school at District 57 and Immaculate Conception School at St. Helena and then Mount Marty High School in Yankton. Following high school graduation, she studied nursing and graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1961.

Phyllis married Thomas Chytka on May 11, 1963, in St. Helena. She dedicated her life to raising five sons and demonstrated strength and compassion through her nursing career working in Cherokee, IA, Sioux Falls, SD and at the Yankton Benedictine Monastery. They also owned and operated the Chytka Market in Tabor, SD.

Phyllis married Bernard “Buck” Singer on April 9, 1999. Together, they played and taught guitar lessons and traveled around the world. She served her church faithfully. Through the years, she participated in teaching religious education, attending Yahweh Shalom Prayer Group, and served as an EME and lector at St. Benedict Parish in Yankton. She also belonged to the Red Hats and a quilting group. She was always happy and lived each day to the fullest. She loved spending time with her family, playing cards, gardening, traveling, quilting and especially enjoyed playing the guitar with her husband, Buck, known as the Singers.

She is survived by her husband, Bernard Singer of Yankton; 5 sons: Tom (Carol) Chytka of Elk Point, SD, Lt. Col. Jon (Juli) Chytka of Oahu, HI, James Chytka and special friend, Belinda Binford of Eagan, MN, Jed Chytka of Yankton and Jarett (Tanya) Chytka of Lihue, HI; 7 grandchildren: Matthew, Katelyn, Alyssa, Maria, Michael, Zachary and Hayley; 10 brothers and sisters: Geri (Bill) Remmes of Vermillion, Bud (Doris) Heine of Vermillion, Mary Lou Heine of Eudora, KS, Joyce McMahon of Eudora, KS, Daniel Heine of Vermillion, Lois (Lee) Lammers of Laurel, NE, Paul (Mary Jane) Heine of Vermillion, Myron (Carolyn) Heine of St. Helena, Lynn (Dennis) Hochstein of Omaha, NE and Michelle (Don) Becker of Yankton; and 2 foster brothers: Don (Darlene) Wieseler of Emily, MN and Gary (Doreen) Wieseler of Brentwood, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Mike McMahon; and father and mother-in-law, Hap and Mabel Chytka.

To send an online sympathy card or to view her video tribute, please visit wintzrayfuneralhome.com.

Yankton Press & Dakotan

November 4, 2008

Not Quite Alumni Yet...But Congrats!!!

King Ryan and Queen Kelsey to reign over BHHS Homecoming this week (September 19, 2008)

Crowning is the highlight of Bon Homme High School's coronation ceremony September 15 as Kelsey Pesek of Tyndall and Ryan Kriz of Tyndall are selected by the high school student body as their queen and king to reign over the homecoming festivities.

Last year's king and queen, Nick Soukup and Emma Coyle were on hand to pass over the reign of royalty.

The homecoming royalty and honor courts include from Janelle Kokes, Ryan Kriz, Carly Svanda, Austin Koch, Derrik Dvoracek, Brittany Weber, Brian Davis and Kelsey Pesek and sophomore honor guards - Kate Koch and Jared Van Winkle, freshman honor guards - Tara Ronke and Nate Sutera; junior honor guards - Laura Slama and Matt Peed. Ushers from the freshmen class were Brittney Rezac, Raquel Sutera, Jessi Vlcek, Jacob Jaeger, Charlie Bentzen and Nathan Bares. Individuals who emceed the event were Kristin Nielson, Anna Meredith and Joey Davis.

During the coronation, football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading coaches introduced this year's squads. A motivational speech was given by Dr. Scott Weber. Following the ceremony, a live football jersey auction and the burning of the BH were held.

This year's theme was "Year of the Cavalier." The week's activities include dress up days, pep rally and Olympics Friday afternoon. All elementary students will participate in the pep rally beginning at 1 p.m. Homecoming will conclude with the football game against Dakota Valley slated for a 7 p.m. kick-off.

Chytka becomes 66th Commander

Lt. Col. Jon Chytka became the 66th commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District in a ceremony at Palm Circle July 25.

Pacific Ocean Division Commander Brig. Gen. John Peabody hosted the ceremony during which outgoing commander Lt. Col. Charles Klinge and incoming commander Chytka passed the ceremonial flag, symbolizing the official change of command. Chytka and his family received fresh flower lei, a Hawaiian symbol of welcome and the Klinge family received a lei as a tribute to their service.

Chytka commands an organization of about 280 engineers, scientists and support staff serving the Pacific Region including Hawaii, Palau, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and Kwajalein.

Honolulu District is responsible for major military design and construction, civil works, international and interagency support, real estate services to the Army and Air Force, regulatory work, environmental services and emergency management.

Lt. Col. Chytka's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, Airborne Badge and Ranger Tab.
Chytka earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Military Academy and a master's degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He is also a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses.

Lt. Col. Chytka is married to the former Juli Zielinski of Highland, NY and they have two children. Jon is a graduate of Bon Homme High School and the son of Phyllis Singer of Yankton and Thomas Chytka of Sioux City, Ia.

(Jon is from BHHS Class of 1986)
Tyndall Tribune

Class of 1988's Lynda Schuurman's Father

Darrel Schuurmans

Published: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:58 PM CDT

Funeral services for Darrel D. Schuurmans was August 16, 2008 at United Methodist Church, Tyndall, South Dakota. Clergy are Pastor Gordon Higgins and Fr. Gerald Thury. Organist is Diane Bryan and soloist is Rhea Stewart. Special Music is by DeAnn Eidem.

Casketbearers were Gerrit Schuurmans, Jared Schuurmans, Dan Schuurmans, John Nedved, Paul Kreber, Tom Kreber, Michael Mansour and Nick Mansour.

Dwight Schuurmans was born on Friday, August 15, 1930 in Bon Homme County near Tyndall, South Dakota. His parents were Gerrit, Jr. and Hattie (Hasek) Schuurmans. He attended Cottonwood School and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1948. Darrel served in the U.S. Air Force from February of 1951 until February of 1955, having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Darrel was united in marriage to Audrey Kreber on February 20, 1954 in Wilmington, Ohio, where Darrel was stationed. Upon their return to Tyndall, he returned to farming and they made their home on the farm for over 53 years. Darrel was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and served on many committees and boards over the years. He was active throughout the community, in both the Tyndall V.F.W. and American Legion, serving as a long-time 4-H leader, a member and president of the Tyndall Cemetery Board, and was a volunteer and board member for the Bon Homme Museum. He enjoyed painting, drawing, woodworking and bowling. He loved hunting and fishing, especially with his grandchildren, and also spent many hours in the garden and caring for his animals.

Darrel died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 on his farm near Tyndall at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 28 days. Darrel’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Audrey, of rural Tyndall; four children: Gary (Connie) Schuurmans of Norfolk, Nebraska, Judi Schuurmans-Peyton of West Point, Nebraska, Patti (Randy) Hagedorn of Norfolk, Nebraska, and Lynda (Brett) Gross of Baxter, Minnesota; twelve grandchildren: Erin (Richard) Bohacek, Sonjia Schuurmans, Gerrit (Mary) Schuurmans, Jared Schuurmans, Bailey, Kylie and Skylar Peyton, Breanna, Tyler and Matthew Hagedorn, and Bruce and Dylan Gross; and two great-grandchildren, Calloway and Aubree Bohacek; a brother, Eugene Schuurmans of Tyndall; a sister, Carol (Grant) Arment of Norfolk, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews. Darrel is also missed by his faithful companion, Buster.He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Schuurmans in 1990, his parents, and a sister-in-law, Betty Schuurmans.

Yankton Press & Dakotan
August 16, 2008

Documentary Film on Czech Days Set to Premiere

Documentary Film on Czech Days Set to Premiere

What:
Premiere screenings of Tabor: A Little Czech Town on the American Prairie

Who:
Aesli Grandi wrote, produced and directed the documentary

Where:
Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home
147 N. Lidice St.
Tabor, SD 57063

When: June 19-21st at 6:00 p.m. and June 22nd at 12:30 p.m.

TABOR, S.D. – The media and public are invited to attend screenings of a new documentary about Czech Days called, Tabor: A Little Czech Town on the American Prairie. The film will be available for viewing during the week of the Czech Days festivities. In her directorial debut, Aesli Grandi invites you to get to know the people of her small hometown of Tabor, feel the spirit of the community that envelops their daily lives, and see how the celebration of their past is allowing for a brighter future. It's more than a documentary of a single town; it's a picture of one colorful piece of the fabric that is America. Grandi is a Tabor native and was crowned the Czech Days Queen in 1997. She now works for a production company in California and brought a film crew to Czech Days in 2007 to document the event. Tabor Czech Days is in its 60th year. The community continues to celebrate the history and heritage of the Czech pioneers that eventually settled in south central South Dakota, and their descendants that still live there.

Class of 1985's Dan Snethen's dad passes away

Harry Snethen

Harry Snethen, 88, of Springfield died Sunday, June 8, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, with a 3:30 p.m. burial at the Winner Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield from 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Big Hello From Tom Juhnke & family

Hello everybody!

We've left Corfu and we're headed for Olympia.

Everything has gone well so far, except for some rain (I think it's following us from England!). We've managed to get in some pool time every day. We've also gotten to watch movies while laying by the pool (they have a big screen by the pool).

We spent 2 nights in Venice, then a day in Dubrovnik, Croatia, now we're doing Greece. We also get 1 day in Turkey then back to Italy where we go to Naples and then end in Rome.

We're also managing to eat way too much. Christopher is having a blast with the pizza and hamburgers. He's also really enjoying kids club again and has made several friends.

We're not sure how we'll ever go back to just a 7 day cruise after spending 12 days on this one!

~ Tom & Sheila Juhnke

(Tom is from Springfield and the Class of 1985)

Flooding at Bon Homme Country Club

For those of you that don't recognize the course, these were taken June 5th at the Bon Homme Country Club outside of Tyndall. I guess you could say they got a bit of rain last night.

Class of 1998 ~ 10th Class Reunion Set

Class of 1998's 10th Class Reunion will be held Saturday July 5th at Libby's Grille in dowtown Springfield.

I briefly talked to Chris Libis about the reunion so if anyone from the Class of 1998 wants to provide the alumni site with class photos email them as jpeg files to inky@iw.net ~ Thanks, Amy (Alumni blog creator)

From Ann Brentlinger

I'm so glad you keep this site going. I know it's gotta be a lot of work, but I enjoy it. I wish more people would contribute. I'm sending you a picture of our baby Aubrie. She is knocking on 5 months already.

Ann Cuka Brentlinger

(Class of 1984)

From Cindy (DeJong) Orduno

Greetings from the Desert!

So cool to see this many familiar names and faces! This will be 12 years teaching in Phoenix for me, and despite the hot summers, I love it!

My husband Rich and our 8 year old daughter Mia will be unable to join me, but I'm so looking forward to coming in for the 20th reunion.

See You There! : )

Cindy (DeJong) Orduno

Tony Bares & Wife Welcome Baby

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John Wayne Kalda to Marry

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John Wayne Kalda to marry May 24, 2008

Reunion Time for Class of 1988

Class of 1988's Bob Hille is planning his 20th class reunion for this summer. If anyone from Class of 1988 has anything to be published I can do that for you.... or photos....

Two New Babies, Two Different Families

Class of 1986's Gary (Konnie) Soukup are proud parents of their son, COLBY JAMES born February 18, 2008 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

*****

BHHS Alum, Joseph (Rachael) Honnor of Sioux Falls are happy to announce the birth of their son, LUCAS ANTHONY born February 22, 2008. He joins brother Benjamin and sister Alicen.

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Site for St. Wenceslaus

There is a new site for the Tabor residents or former residents about their Catholic Church. You can go to their new website to check things out....

www.stwenceslaus-tabor.com

New Update From Jen & Nick Johnson

Sorry it has been a few days since I posted. Gabe is home. He was released late Tuesday. We went back and saw his Cardiologist today and things look okay. We go back again in 2 weeks as long as he behaves himself. Nick and I have noticed a definite increase in his energy level. We are still working on eating. But he is amazing us with what he is already doing. He is going through Curious George withdrawl, but that is okay. I will let you know as things progress. We are just grateful to be home and have our family back together. Jen

(Jed is in red, Gabe is in orange)

News from LaVita (Logue) Woods

Just thought I would send a quick update about my family. A mom's got to brag about her kids.

My oldest daughter Kristina is pregnant with my second grandchild, baby boy is due August 20.

Megan graduated high and will be attending Southeast in Lincoln in the fall.

Matthew has qualified for his 3rd Jr Bass Master Classic to be held in February in South Carolina. Qualifying picture attached. Matthew will also be leaving Friday to go to Washington DC with Jamie Froelich as his pre-fish partner for 10 days or so while Jamie fishes the Elite Series. How exciting for a 16 year old to be rubbing elbows with all the pro fishermen.



La Vita M. Wood (BHHS Class of 1985)
lavitamwood@windstream.net
522 E. 6th Street

Hastings, NE 68901

402-469-5877 cell

402-463-6441 home

McKenzie Dvoracek Crowned Frog Queen

BH Alums outgoing 2006 Frog Queen Janelle Nielson crowns the 2007 Frog Queen McKenzie Dvoracek during this year's festivities held at the Marina in Springfield SD. McKenzie is the daughter of Gary & Michelle (Kreber) Dvoracek, Springfield.

Carrie Kastein, McKenzie Dvoracek, Kylee Ashes and Kelsey Pudwill were the 2007 Frog Queen candidates held over the 4th of July in Springfield, SD. Kylee Ashes was named 1st Runner-Up.

July 3rd: 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk Results

Siblings running in race together: Danny and Vicki Kaul

Christi (Fejfar) Schmidt claims top prize in women's division

Kenzie Dvorack (middle) takes first place in 1 Mile Walk

Libis Family hosts 3rd Annual 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk on July 3, 2007 downtown Springfield: Chris, Zoa, Craig with Connor and Cory Libis

5K Run Winners: back row, BH Alum Class of 1984's Trish (Jaeger) Schuurmans ties with TTHS Linda (Merkwan) Kortan for 2nd place in the women's division.

Front row: Class of 1987's Christi (Fejfar) Schmidt and Megan O'Grady take top honors in race. Also winning is another BH Alum Evan Palsma

Ten Year Reunion: Class of 1997

Class of 1997's 10-Year Reunion

held on June 16, 2007

Kateena Lukkes, Tricia (Lange) Bierma, Laura Schulte, Tera (Boden) Schmidt, Susan (Kostal) Soukup, Brett Stolz, Catherine (Plihal) Davis, Jackie (Slade) Eichenberger, April (Halsey) Smith, Julie Hammond, JoAnn Wynia, Russ Townsend, Dan Walkes, Jessica (Sedlacek) Luke, Dalon Wynia, Brian Bierma, Ben Jacobs, Matt Bierma, Tanya Kreber, Dean Kaul, Casey Berndt, Jim Humpal

all attended and are shown in the photo above.

Seeking Donations

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Bon Homme School Distrct is seeking donations

for athletic complex upgrades.

Cost $150 per year for 5 years or $750 in one payment.

If you wish to donate contact:

Mike Duffek at 605-661-3736 or

email: Mike.Duffek@k12.sd.us

Latest Update from Jen (Irish) Johnson

Hello all- we are home as of last night. We go back to see cardiology Monday for labs, x-ray and appt. Gabe is obviously sore and not quite himself yet, but he is so happy to be home and Jed is so happy to have all of us home. Gabe had a bit of a fever today which we are watching. Now the goal is to stay out of the hospital and recover at home. Thank you so much for all the prayers and support we will defenitly continue to need God's grace and good will.

Jen (Irish) Johnson

PS: Gabe is totally off oxygen.

To send support to Nick & Jen, their email is:
nickandjen99@netzero.net

****

Just in (10:19PM 7/21/07)

Change of plans. Gabe is back in the hospital. He was having problems breathing today and his x-ray looks wet on his lungs. And it looks like he has a pleural effusion again. He is breathing on his own and they have not put chest tubes back in at this point. Please send prayers and good thoughts his way. ~ jen

Team Johnny Cash Wins 2nd Year

Back to back wins for Team Johnny Cash during the Frog Jumping contest held at the Marina in Springfield on July 4, 2007. The winning team consisted of all BHHS Alumni: Marshall Einrem, Justin Jelsma, Keith Dvoracek and Brock Tucker.

Laura Odens Named to UNL Dean's List

BH Alum, Laura Odens, Springfield,

a freshman biochemistry major

has been named to

College of Arts & Sciences list.

Colton Vlcek receives quilt from St. Michael's

Colton Vlcek, baby son of BH Alums Lisa (Tjeerdsma) & John Vlcek received a quilt from St. Michael's Hospital Auxiliary in Tyndall.

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New Baby: Haley Lorraine Feldman

BH Alum Stacey (Koster) and Craig Feldman of LeMars, Iowa

welcomed baby girl

Haley Lorraine

on June 25, 2007.

~

Retired TTHS/BHHS teacher, Fran Koster is her grandpa.

Tyndall Girls: State Champions

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BH Alum, Coach Nicole (Engstrom) Kaul's youth fastpitch team are the state champions. Several girls have recently graduated from BHHS who are on the team.

Justin Wagner Engaged

BH Alum Justin Wagner

to marry

Jayna Goodroad on

August 4, 2007 in Brandt

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Springfield Local News

In this past week's SPRINGFIELD TIMES:


Class of 1985, Dan Snethen, his wife Becky and their two sons, Owen and Duncan of Crooks, SD were visitors at his parents home on July 13th in Springfield.

Five Generations Together

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BH Alum Jackie Jo Schneider and her baby daughter, Catelynn celebrate five generations together with their families. Jackie and Catelynn reside in Sioux Falls.

Katie Cap Engaged

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BH Alum KATIE CAP is engaged
to be married to Matthew Kneebone.

Wedding will be August 4, 2007 in Sioux Falls.

Happy 39th to Angie Kibble

Happy 39th Birthday

Angie Kibble!

Have an amazing year!!!!

~ asp

_____

A Springfield native, Angie makes her home in Minneapolis, Minn. and she is from the Class of 1986.

Amanda (Ruppelt) Souhrada News

BH alum Amanda (Ruppelt) Souhrada and her son, Nicholas George Souhrada are also celebrating their four generations of families.

Front row: great grandparents George and Leona Ruppelt
Back row: Amanda and her dad, Gary Ruppelt holding Nicholas.

Four Generations Together

Four generations: Baby Kashius Patrick Tucker surprised great-grandmother Hilda Adema on her 94th birthday on July 11th.

Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Joann Tucker, grandma; Hilda Adema, great grandma, holding Kashius and Brock Tucker, father of Kashius.

Brock is a graduate of BHHS. They all live in Springfield.

Amy Petrik is Turning 40!!!

Alice Petrik submitted this photo from 1994 to the SPRINGFIELD TIMES and the TYNDALL TRIBUNE for Amy's upcoming 40th birthday on Tuesday, July 17th.

Happy 40th Vicki (Jelsma) Hovorka

Class of 1985's Vicki (Jelsma) Hovorka's 40th birthday is also on

Tuesday, July 17th!!!!

~

Vicki's mom and my mom were in the same hospital room on July 17, 1967 at St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall. Vicki was born at 10:30AM and I was born at 2:30PM. Have an amazing birthday, Love Amy