Don Bosco High School
Class of 1980
Classmate Information

Name: Richard Armstrong
Email Address:  rich.armstrong@att.net
Birthday: November 25, 1961
Current Address: 5183 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Occupation: Lead Technical Support Engineer for NetBackup at VERITAS Software (Symantec) in Roseville, MN

Spouse's Name: Mary
Spouse's occupation:  ATM Project Coordinator
Children:  Kassandra (born Jan 11, 2005), Angela – 23
Grandchildren: Anissa – 5

What I've been doing recently:  Mary and I stay busy trying to balancefamily time (raising our newborn daughter and 4 year old granddaughter) with work challenges and community service (Roseville Rose Fest Parade, Roseville Central Park Foundation, etc.)  Mary's job was recently eliminated when EFunds sold her ATM division to another company.  She is using this time off work to care for our baby and granddaughter and to finish up her Bachelor of Science coursework before setting out on the adventure to find another job.  I have been at VERITAS for 4 years since my previous employer of 17 years, NCR/AT&T, relocated to South Carolina.  My current employer, VERITAS is in the process of being acquired by Symantec.  We are hopeful that my experience supporting a variety of networked Unix platforms in complex multinational business critical environments will remain in demand by the new management.  We find relaxation and entertainment in going for walks at Como Park Zoo, the Mall of America or to nearby parks and lakes.  We hope to be able to get away a couple weekends this season to do some camping (and maybe canoeing) with our little ones.

Name: Greg Becker
Email Address: beckerfamily5@mchsi.com
Birthday: July 28, 1961
Current Address: 5321 Gilbertville Road., Waterloo, IA  50701
Occupation: Owner of Becker’s Four Seasons—lawn care, spraying, etc.
Additional schooling: Assoc. of Arts Degree, Rochester Community College

Spouse’s Name: Sheri
Spouse’s occupation: Manager of Software Engineers, IBM
Children & Ages: Brianna – 13; Carissa – 11; Brett – 9; Erica – 2 ½

What I’ve been doing recently:  I started my lawn care business in 1999….I love doing this kind of work and it is especially nice to have the flexibility so that Sheri and I can run the kids to their activities!  I am still officiating wrestling and just got back from working the State H.S. Wrestling Tournament and will be working the IA H.S. State Duals as well.  We’ve been trying to do more traveling—in the past couple years we were fortunate to go to Las Vegas, cruise to Bahamas, went to California as a family, Wisconsin Dells, etc.

Other information that I would like to share:  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!  If you read the trivia page, apparently Mike or Diana was color-blind or I am losing my memory because I don’t remember wearing white!  White is for ‘good guys’ and we all know that I couldn’t seem to keep out of trouble……



Name: Norbert (Norb) Gruman
Email Address: Norb_G@hotmail.com
Birthday: June 15, 1962  
Current Address: 8580 Territorial Road, Waldron, Michigan  49288 
Occupation: Mechanical Design/Business Owner  
Additional schooling: Hawkeye Community College, Iowa Western Community College and UNI  

Spouse’s Name: Shelly

What I’ve been doing recently: Watching and nurturing 4 wonderful kids, developing an alternative heat product, getting my wife indoctrinated into the Catholic church. 
Other information that I would like to share:

 

Name: Tracy (Harn) Knebel
Email Address: ktknebel@ncn.net
Birthday: June 5, 1962 
Current Address: 625 North Roosevelt, Cherokee, IA  51012  
Occupation: Food Service Director/Cherokee Community School District  
Additional schooling:   

Spouse’s Name: Kevin Knebel

What I’ve been doing recently: As I get older and run into old friends, the first question they always ask is "How do you do it?"  This of course refers to my 20 plus years of being married to Kevin.  My sanity is sometimes tested but I'm hanging in there.  Other than that, I am still working at the school district as the food service director.  I oversee the meals for five schools.  I enjoy my job and it has brought me opportunities to broaden my horizons.  I have become active in the School Nutrition Association.  By the time our reunion rolls around, I'll be the president elect for the association.  They have sent me to Washington, D.C. twice to lobby for food service programs.  I've been to Colorado Springs for a leadership conference and all across the great state of Iowa for different workshops.  I also still work part-time at Hy-Vee.  Sometimes with my son Chris who then becomes embarrassed.  I've been in a couple plays on stage and behind the scenes for the local community theater.  I too am looking forward to our children moving out.  I know that sounds unmotherly but I want them gone!!!  Just kidding, they're kind of good kids.

We are looking forward to coming back to the reunion.  I just can't believe it's been 25 years.
  
Other information that I would like to share:  

Name: Mary D Kettman
Email Address: marydkenya@yahoo.com
Birthday: December 16, 1961  
Current Address: 1149 Brookside Ave Evansdale, Ia 50707
Or: P.O Box 15142 Langata 00509 Kenya
Occupation: Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant for USAID in S Sudan.
Additional schooling: B.A. Social Work/Sociology Loras College,
MSCED Southern New Hampshire University

Children & Ages: None

What I’ve been doing recently: A classmate of ours Gary Schmit came to visit and we had a lovely adventure filled holiday. We rented a four-wheel drive Rave and drove 1300 kms (800 miles) with most of it on dirt roads. We visited the village I worked at in western Kenya on Lake Victoria. Many of the staff I knew are still there and we also got to visit the children’s home and enjoyed an early morning kayak on Lake Victoria. No hippos were sighted this time. We then drove the back dirt roads to the Masai Mara and spent three days on safari there where we saw almost every animal possible. We also got to enjoy a sunrise balloon trip over the Masasi Mara followed by a champagne breakfast and another game drive. It was a great trip and all are welcome to visit me anytime. My new job, which started mid-December, is going well so far. I have taken a six-month consultancy working on monitoring and evaluating projects in S Sudan for OTI.  OTI is the Office of Transitional Initiatives, which falls under USAID- United States Agency for International Development.

It is my first time working in this country.  I will be based in Nairobi with half of my time spent in the field.  It will involve lots of flying in and out. There are no paved/tarmac roads in South Sudan and many of the dirt roads are still mined from the war. I will be staying in tents, huts and guesthouses offered by other agencies working there. Sudan is a huge country. For any one concerned about my safety, I will not be working in or near the Darfur region where there are huge problems now.
 
I have made two trips to S Sudan already and it is an amazing country. It the most remote undeveloped country I have ever visited. Many of the areas are rural with no electricity, phones, running water, schools, health clinics, etc, etc…. The Peace has finally come after 21 years.
Dr John Garang, the chairman and commander of the SPLA, which was the rebel group who fought against the North for 20 years, is a graduate of Iowa State. The villagers love to hear I am from Iowa. They tell me that Iowa State University is full of Sudanese, so I must make a trip to Ames this summer.

Other information that I would like to share: I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion? I still have not learned to golf-Vickie can I ride with you on the beer cart?

Name: Kevin Knebel
Email Address: isp53@ncn.net
Birthday: June 21, 1962  
Current Address: 625 North Roosevelt, Cherokee, IA  51012  
Occupation: State Trooper  
Additional schooling:   

Spouse’s Name: Tracy (Harn) Knebel

What I’ve been doing recently: Tracy and I have been trying to get our kids graduated and out of the house!  Our oldest son Matt graduated last year.  He decided not to further his education at this time and currently works in Storm Lake.  Our son Chris is a senior at Washington High School.  He played awesome football this year and is going to play for Iowa Central in the fall.  I am still a State Trooper working post 5 in Cherokee.  I work 6 counties and enjoy my job.  I have yet to arrest ANYONE for shooting mailboxes...what's that all about?  Is it a lost art or what?  I am active in the community theater and have been in about 5 plays.  (Sister Corrine did not direct any of them.)  I don't fly anymore for the patrol.  I asked to be returned to road duty.  I spend a considerable amount of time at our wellness center in Cherokee.  I like playing racquetball, running and working out.  I got a paintball gun for my last birthday.  I usually lose the battles and have had the welts to prove it.  Other than that I just hang out at home.  Our dog Tammy (named after my sister) keeps me company when Tracy and the boys are elsewhere.  Once Chris is out of school, we are looking at the possibility of moving.  I've taken the sergeants test and am on the list for a possible promotion someday.  
Other information that I would like to share: 

Name: Pam (Thome) Schares
Email Address: schares4@aol.com
Birthday:  November 9, 1961
Current Address: 507 21st Avenue, P.O. Box 283, Gilbertville
Occupation: Customer Service Support Assistant

Spouse’s Name: Mark
Spouse's occupation:  Door maker at Bertch Cabinet Mfg
Children & Ages: Eric is 18 (Senior at Don Bosco), Ryan is 15 (Freshman at Don Bosco)

What I’ve been doing recently: Trying to keep up with my boy's schedules for sports or other activities.  They keep us busy from September to July with sports schedules.  I love being a spectator on the sidelines.  This year Eric our senior placed 5th at State Wrestling in Des Moines.  It was great!

Other information that I would like to share:  Enjoy life and don't sweat the small stuff.  Life is to short!  Sometimes shorter than what we know.

Name: Renee (Schares) Weber
Email Address: reneemweb@yahoo.com
Birthday: February 7, 1962 
Current Address: 1821 5th Street, P. O. Box 293, Gilbertville, IA  50634
Occupation: Receptionist - Thomas Friedman, DDS  
Additional schooling:   

Spouse’s Name: Kenny
Spouse’s occupation: Patternmaker - American Pattern
Children & Ages:  Brooke - 25 and Becky - 22  Neither are married, but are instead thoroughly enjoying their youth.  I sometimes find myself living vicariously through them.

What I’ve been doing recently: I was recently persuaded to join the "Beautification of Downtown Gilbertville" committee by Shari Gleason's dear mother Maxine.  

Other information that I would like to share:  Kenny and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in November ( in case some of you have forgotten, we had a bit of a head start).

Name: Gary Schmit
Email Address: gary@henkelconstruction.com
Birthday: December 1, 1961
Current Address: 152 Brook Terrace SW, Mason City, IA  50401
Occupation: Vice President of Preconstruction Services for Henkel Construction Company

Additional schooling: B.S. Construction Engineering, Iowa State University (Go ‘Clones)

Children & Ages: Ellie (7) and George (5)

What I’ve been doing recently: With my free time (see ages of kids above to realize free time is limited).  I like to run, golf (badly), renovate my fixer-upper house, travel, and visit with friends and family.  I was very fortunate to visit our classmate, Mary Kettman in Kenya in the beginning of this year.  We had a great time traveling and saw many of the animals one expects to see on a safari.  We also were able to visit with Sr. Mary Kerber (our 6^th grade teacher from IC).  Wonderful trip if you’re up for an adventure.

Other information that I would like to share:  Just got back from State Wrestling in Des Moines (late February) and it’s amazing how all of the Don Bosco people still get together to support their kids and their sport.  Wherever I go in the State, all you have to mention is Don Bosco and everyone has heard of us.  Not many schools can make this claim to fame.  Go Dons!



Name: Dan Schmitz
Email Address: dschmitz@thewebunwired.com
Birthday: August 23, 1962  
Current Address: 820 West Merle Hibbs Blvd., Marshalltown, IA  50158  
Occupation: Regional Sales Manager, Marshalltown Company  
Additional schooling: BA in Business Management, Buena Vista University 2005  

Spouse’s Name: Sue (Erpelding) Schmitz (Bishop Garrigan class of '80)
Children & Ages:  Nathan (20)

What I’ve been doing recently: I have earned my BA from Buena Vista University by taking night classes at the Marshalltown center.  This off again; on again education was a drag, but I wanted to earn my degree before Nathan had his.  I have been working for Marshalltown Company since Oct '02 managing a region that consists of seven states with customers like Ace Hardware and True Value.  
Other information that I would like to share:  I have only made one class reunion (ten year) but I plan to make the 25 year reunion and hope nothing comes up that changes my plans.

Name: Lisa (Schmitz) Kayser
Email Address: 
Birthday: August 31, 1961  
Current Address: 1872 Baxter Avenue, Jesup, IA  50648  
Occupation: Dental Tech
Additional schooling:   

Spouse’s Name: Dennis
Spouse’s occupation:  Foamer  
Children & Ages:  Kristi - 22, Brittney - 18, and Stacey - 14

What I’ve been doing recently: Since our 20 year reunion we had two girls graduate from Jesup High and go to college.  Kristi is now graduated from University of St. Ambrose in Davenport.  "Life is great."

Other information that I would like to share:  

Name: Andy Staebell
Email Address: staebell@comcast.net
Birthday: January 2, 1962
Current Address: 709 Wesley Lane, Mendota Heights MN 55118
Occupation: President – Great Western Recycling 
Additional schooling: BS in Agriculture Iowa State University (1984)

Spouse’s Name: Wendy Staebell
Children: Alex 12, Rachel 9

What I’ve been doing recently: I can't believe it has been 25 years.  I have two healthy, great kids.  They are at an age where they still like us.  They go to a nearby Catholic grade school.  They are involved in variety of community/school sponsored sports programs.  Nothing too serious, just having fun. I have a wonderful wife of 20 years.  Wendy brings out the best in me.  She stays busy managing the kid’s schedules, their homework, keeping our home, volunteering at the school and church etc.  My work has been rewarding.  I run a metal recycling company in which we purchase, process and merchandise metal scrap for re-melting. I have been with the same locally owned company for 15 years after getting started in this business with Cargill.  My work keeps me close to home with only occasional travel.  I spend my spare time working around our house and tinkering in my garage.  I enjoy vintage British cars which have an endless need for attention.  I do some volunteer work for the church and school as well as a local community’s center for immigrants. We love our community and the relationships we have made up here in the Twin Cities area. 

Other information that I would like to share:  I look forward to seeing a large gathering, allowing us all to catch up with one another.

Name: Bill Weber
Email Address: bweber@netins.net
Birthday: August 11, 1962  
Current Address: 7543 Mc Stay Road
Occupation: Self Employed – Farming/Grain Hauling
Additional schooling: All “On – the – Job” Training  

Spouse’s Name: Shelly

What I’ve been doing recently: Tiling, Trucking, Tiling, Trucking, Working with the Pigs, Tiling, Trucking, Getting Ready for Spring planting, Tiling, Trucking, oh . . . going to a lot of basketball games too! 

Other information that I would like to share:  Bill is busy as usual.  When we get time, we like to go out with friends or visit family.  Our oldest daughter, Becky, is at Kirkwood Community College taking general ed for this year and next.  Dale is almost 18 and will be graduating in the spring.  He plans on joining Bill in our grain hauling business.  Our youngest daughter, Lisa, makes pizzas at the Mini Mart in Gilbertville, when she isn’t talking on her cell to everyone.  I am working at Covenant, soon joining the office staff at the Iowa Spine and Brain Institute.  Life is good!


 
Name: Tony Vieth
Email Address: viethconstcorp@hotmail.com
Birthday: June 21, 1962  
Current Address: 101  E Spruce Street, Reinbeck, IA  50669
Occupation: President of Vieth Construction Corporation (Heavy-Highway Contractor)
Additional schooling:  

Spouse’s Name: Joleen
Spouse’s Occupation: Registered Nurse (Labor and Delivery)
Children and Ages: Justin - 17, Rochelle - 15, Nicole - 13, and Tanner - 11

What I’ve been doing recently: Started Vieth Construction Corporation, coaching boys and girls soccer and going to kids athletic events.
  
Other information that I would like to share:  I can't wait to catch up on everyone's lives, reminisce about the old times and party with y'all!!

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