Congratulations 2009 McDonell Graduates - McDonell Area ...

Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
McDonell Central Catholic High
9–12
Notre Dame Middle
7–8
Holy Ghost Elementary
4–6
St. Charles Borromeo Primary,
Childcare, BB4C 3Pre-K– 3
Mack
Messenger
QUALITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATION SINCE 1882
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
Summer 2009
n Thursday, June 4th 2009, the forty-eight
graduates from McDonell Central Catholic High
School walked across the stage bringing a wave of
emotion from parents, families and friends.
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools (CACS) President
Kenith Britt recogonized this by stating in his opening
remarks, “A joyous, yet emotional occasion…but
most importantly, it is a day to honor the graduates
who are seated here before us for what they have
accomplished, and to thank God for bringing them
this far.”
Salutatorian’s Chelsea Gruenwald and Kiara
McChesney summarized their memories of their time
at McDonell High School with a top ten list. Many
of their memories came from their senior class trip;
however, the number one thing they learned was, “to
appreciate each other and make the best of the time
we have together no matter what happens.”
Valedictorian Elizabeth Meinen also spoke to her
classmates about their faith-filled education and how
it has prepared them for the future. She stated that
Ne ws for McDonell High School Alumni and Friends ✎ Chippe wa Area Catholic Schools
Congratulations 2009 McDonell Graduates
O
they were now going to go out into the world “like
newly sharpened pencils” and she proceeded to site
five ways the Class of 2009 was like a box of newly
sharpened pencils:
“First, a pencil can only do good things when it
is in someone else’s hands. We, too, can only do
great things only if we allow ourselves to be held in
God’s hands.
Second, a pencil needs to be sharpened for it to
work best. We, too, will experience painful sharpenings
throughout our lives, but they will only
strengthen us and make us more capable.
Third, all pencils have erasers that are used quite
often. We will be able to correct many of our future
mistakes.
Fourth, the most important part of a pencil is the
lead, which is on the inside. We must remember that
the most important part of us will always be what is
on the inside, no matter how we change over time on
the outside.
Fifth, every time a pencil is used it leaves its
Continue to next page
Above left: Salutatorian’s Chelsea
Gruenwald and Kiara McChesney had the
graduating class (right) laughing at the
memories of the senior class trip to
Washington D.C. and New York City.
Above right: Josh Beaudette, Brittany
Ortmann process in with classmates Austin
King, Brittney Sloan and Kelsey Pruitt
following.
Classmates responding to the salutatorian
address are L to R: Laura Dachel, Allison
Greenseth, Mareike Ahlers, Alex Maloney
and Kristen LeaVesseur.
Elizabeth Meinen, McDonell’s Valedictorian speaks to the
class about the future and gives advice on why, like a
pencil, you should always stay sharpened.
Congratulations to the Class of 2009
Mareike Ahlers **
Cory James Arneson
Kristen Nicole Bates
Joshua Joseph Beaudette*
Charles Michael Bohl*
Patrick Lloyd Bradley
Kayla Marie Brick
Chrysta Marie Brinkman
Leaha Marie Brzozowski*
Leisha Lynn Brzozowski*
Laura Anne Dachel*
Nathan James Dahl
Rachel Ann Deetz*
Christopher Paul Eckes
Haley Jean Emerson
Danielle Kay Geissler
Allison Mary Greenseth*
Chelsea Elisabeth Gruenwald*
Brigham James Gustavson
Luke Dennis Heidtke*
Aaron Michael Heimann*
Breanna Lynn Jenneman
Austin Stephen King
Heath Wayne Krejci*
Nicole Antoinette Larson
Kristen Marie LeaVesseur
Alexia Jacqlene MacNicol
Alexander Jonathan Maloney*
Jarrod Joshua Martell
Kiara Jade McChesney*
Mollie Marie Meagher*
Elizabeth Briane Meinen*
Grant James Mickesh
Michael David Misfeldt
Cassandra Joy Nelson
Kyle James Nelson
Brittany Marie Ortmann*
Sarah Marie Peterson*
Kelsey Sue Pruitt*
Samantha Marie Schemenauer*
Katja LaRonge Seitz*
Brittney Marie Sloan
Hannah Marie Sonderegger
Kathryn Jane Stoik*
Johanne Leigh Swanson
Sarah Jean Swoboda*
Timothy Joseph Sykora
Jennifer Patricia Weigel
* National Honor Society
**International Student

2 MCDONELL HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Honoring Graduates
. . . continued from page 1
mark behind on some surface. Everywhere we go,
we leave our mark on the world. Let’s hope it’s a
good and indelible one, rather than one that is easily
erased. If we remember these five things, we will
have great impact on the world.”
Following Elizabeth Meinen’s address, Father
James Weighner, Chaplain at McDonell, presented
the Bishop’s Medal Award for Excellence to Rachel
Deetz. For Rachel it was the steadfast belief of the
teachers faith in God that inspired her. “I have been
a CACS student for 13 years and I would have regretted
each and every one of those years anywhere else.
It was here that I developed my faith; here that I
learned about life and what is important. Much of
what I learned has been lived out every day by our
teachers, in their faith and in their knowledge. They
are here for a reason…it’s their faith in God and their
willingness and eagerness to share it with us.” She
went on to also say that, “Your faith is not only
brought out in a chapel or a church – it is lived out
each and every day. All of you have helped me to see
that.”
Commencement speaker Matt Lokemoen, former
social studies teacher for the graduates reflected
on his relationship with the class. Quoting from
some of his favorite passages in the Bible 1 Cor
12:27-31 and 1 Cor 13:1-4, Matt encouraged the
graduates to find a place where they fit in this spiritual
life and to always remember they are nothing
without love. He concluded by asking them to pray
for each other and to pray for him as he would be
praying for them.
For the McDonell Central Catholic High School
Class of 2009, with 98% of them going on to postsecondary
education and military service, it is the
hope of all who have gone before you that you never
forget your faith. It is the prayer of all involved in
your education, from the teachers and staff, to your
parish families and your own families, that the strong
foundation you have been given by your Catholic
education will hold you up in all that you do in the
future. God speed, Class of 2009! ■
Graduates respond to Matt Lokemoen’s commencement
address, as he recalled “What real men do and don’t”
and added his favorite ‘ol blue sweater to his wardrobe
for the rest of the evening. Graduates are L to R: Danielle
Geissler, Alexia MacNicol, Hannah Sonderegger, Katie
Stoik and Sarah Peterson.
Awards Day Reflection
ABOVE: Joe Hartson, band director leads the concert band in playing “Pomp and Circumstance,” as
the McDonell 2009 Commencement begins. BELOW: Graduates and faculty look on as Matt
Lokemoen, commencement speaker uses a quote from Mother Teresa, “Joy is very infectious.
We will never know just how much good a simple smile can do.”
During the McDonell High School Awards ceremony on
Wednesday, May 26, 2009, Chippewa Falls Rotarian Jerry Kuehl,
paused before awarding the Rotary scholarships to reflect. He
encouraged the seniors to see and appreciate the important value of
their Catholic education.
He stated, “Over the past 12 months, you have been witness to
one of the greatest economic transformations in modern times.
Firms such as Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, Chrysler Corporation,
and soon General Motors have closed or will be dramatically
changed. We in Chippewa Falls have not been spared; the stock
market correction has negatively impacted the value of your parent’s
retirement accounts and your college savings. People are more
apprehensive; nervous about the future.
In these troubled times, it’s important that we consider our
assets. Each of you here this morning has one great asset in common.
Your parents and teachers have given you the greatest and
most permanent of all gifts, a Catholic education. A Catholic education
allows one to see beyond the bottom line into the true value
of the human person and the human heart. These are the assets
whose values don’t change with the market; they stay firm and will
guide you always. Treasure this gift and share it with others. You
will be the richer for it.”
Elizabeth Meinen
Valedictorian
Rachel Deetz
Bishop’s Award
ABOVE: Matt Lokemoen quotes
some of his favorite passages
from the bible, reinforcing to the
graduates to look for those
spiritual gifts each one of them
has been given.
RIGHT: Following the
graduation ceremony, Nicole
Larson and Cassie Nelson relax in
the Commons before going to
watch the senior slideshow.
Chelsea Gruenwald
Salutatorian
Kiara Mc Chesney
Salutatorian

ALL SCHOOL NEWS 3
From the Dean Very Rev. Donald Bauer
O
n behalf of all the pastors, administrators, and
myself, we bestow blessings upon the 2009 McDonell
graduates. We send them into a rapidly changing world in
which the very foundation of our political structure is being
tested, perhaps weakened. We are always concerned about
student life and formation and always seeking ways to better
the all-around human formation of our students in order
that they might offer the greatest contribution to society. As
I said last year, “For in the education of the young lies ‘…the
best hopes of religious and civil society.’”
The choice for many of our students, if not all, is one
of which college or university to attend. Recent events are
certainly providing examples of Catholic universities or
colleges which I warned about four years ago. Not only did
I warn of the absence of Catholicity in educational
institutions, but I also explained the root of the cause of the
plight of true Catholicism. With the examples of
Georgetown and Notre Dame, once prominent Catholic
institutions, we see the
disastrous effect of “academic
freedom” upon
Catholic principles. I
would hope that students
who leave our schools are
left with the impression,
and the fact, that they
have had teachers who proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ
and His Church with love and zeal, and that we need not
succumb to pressure in hiding our faith nor its rich
symbols. If our students leave McDonell with this
impression, they will know that we are always available to
support them in their faith. First, by encouraging them to
make correct choices which will allow them to grow in the
practice of their faith, and secondly, that there is someone
they can come to who offers support and encouragement as
the world becomes an increasingly more difficult place to
practice their faith. It is truly discouraging to know that our
students fall off from the practice of their faith when they
leave our schools. We all take the loss of the practice of their
faith very personally as we think we have failed to provide
the best example and formation.
The pastors, teachers, and I pray that the choices which
our students make are not just based upon the job they can
get or the amount of money or worldly happiness. May they
make choices whose consequences will continue to form the
entire person as a human being created in the image and
likeness of God, elevated by grace. May their choices be
founded upon an all-encompassing education built upon
absolute truths in conformity with Catholic teaching. If the
students continue with this principle in their lives they can
receive the consolation that we are working with them
side-by-side in order to bring the peace and happiness in
their lives which only Christ can give. May God truly bless
them and be with them always. ■
Welcome Dr. Chad Ronnander as CACS President
Dr. Chad Ronnander comes to the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools (CACS)
following three
years as visiting
professor of
history at the
University of
Wisconsin -Eau
Claire, where
he directed
dozens of
W i s c o n s i n
Dr. Chad Ronnander teachers in
developing a
history curriculum. He earned his Ph.D.
from the University of Minnesota in 2003
after earning B.A. and M.A. degrees at
Marquette University in Milwaukee. He has
enjoyed working as a college and high school
history teacher, researcher, and program
director since 1988. Dr. Ronnander and his
family have lived in Eau Claire since 2000.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to unite
my faith with my love for education.” said
Dr. Ronnander. "I am honored and excited to
become part of the Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools’ fine tradition of academic excellence
and strong Catholic identity, as is my family.”
The Very Rev. Donald Bauer, Dean stated,
“In hiring Dr. Ronnander as President of
the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, the
pastors of St. Charles Borromeo, Holy Ghost,
and Notre Dame, along with myself, envision
not only the continuation of academic excellence
and a strong Catholic formation and
identity, but also continued growth in these
same areas.” He continues on to say, “As our
students progress through their years at
CACS, Dr. Ronnander will be able to use his
experience as a professor at the university
level to better prepare our students for the
college and university setting. Our outgoing
president, Mr. Kenith Britt, with whom we
were blessed, was able to make a quick and
positive impact upon CACS. With Dr.
Ronnander we look to a future that will provide
stability in times that are unstable. Most
importantly, with Dr. Ronnander's desire to
unite faith and reason, or as he says to "unite
[his] faith and love of education", we look
forward to students whose Christ-centered
education will make a positive impact upon
the community of Chippewa Falls and
beyond.” ■
Mrs. Alice Butler - Teacher of the Year
Mr. William McGann, Commander of Chippewa VFWPost 1038, presents an
award and the American Flag to Mrs. Alice Butler, Notre Dame Middle School
teacher, in recognition as their chosen Teacher of the Year. This honor goes to a
teacher who teaches citizenship education topics and promotes America’s history,
traditions and institutions. As part of Mrs. Butler’s eighth grade veteran project,
her students have the opportunity to interview a veteran and then turn
what they have learned into an essay and an experience they don’t soon forget.
Congratulations, Mrs. Butler!
Mr. Kenith Britt congratulates Karen Heidtke on receiving the
Unsung Hero award.
2009 Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero award is given out each
Spring at the annual Excellence in
Education Banquet. Karen Heidtke, secretary
at Notre Dame Middle School was
introduced by Mr. Kenith Britt the night of
the banquet and here are his words:
A couple of years ago when I first
started as president of the Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools, Karen Heidtke asked to
set up a time to meet with me. When
someone wishes to meet with the administrator,
it typically means conflict. I
began to prepare a mental list of potential
scenarios about how I would respond to
each of her concerns. So, in the fall of
2007 we met, and when Karen looked at
me and plainly said, “Mr. Britt I’m bored.
I don’t have enough to do.” I didn’t have a
response. That scenario didn’t make the
mental list. I knew at that point she was
our unsung hero. Not many employees
will come to you and tell you that they are
under-worked.
After 28 years of working for our
Catholic schools, Karen Heidtke is retiring
at the end of the year. She has worked
nearly every position in our schools
including working from home typing for
the schools, serving as the high school
secretary, fundraising and public relations
for the central office, and finally secretary
for Notre Dame Middle School. Even
though she is now overworked, she has
found time to serve as a mentor for a student
this year which she has found most
fulfilling. Karen has been married 46
years and has four children, all who graduated
from McDonell. She also has 10
grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Although Karen is retiring, she will
continue the mentor program along with
her connections with children. Karen
epitomizes the tradition of Catholic education
in this community and one of the
significant reasons why we have been so
successful these last 30 years. Karen will
be missed for her work, but I have a feeling
that she will not be able to stay away
for long. It is with the utmost honor that
I present to you the 2009 unsung hero,
Mrs. Karen Heidtke.
The Mack Messenger is published three times a year by the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools. Any comments or
questions should be directed to:
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, Development Office, 1316 Bel Air Boulevard, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
TEL: (715) 723-0538 FAX: (715) 723-1501 EML: MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us
Kenith C. Britt, President of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
Very Rev. Donald J. Bauer, Dean of the Chippewa Falls Deanery
Jenny Schafer, Director of Development
Cathy Greenseth, Director of Public Relations | Special thanks to Karen Heidtke

4 MCDONELL HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
McDonell/Notre Dame Chaplain
Fr. James Weighner
I
t is hard to believe that I am coming to the end of
my second year as chaplain here at McDonell High
and Notre Dame Middle schools. It has been a
challenging experience for me, trying to learn how to
teach in addition to the other responsibilities of chaplain and associate priest at Notre Dame
and Holy Ghost. It has also been a time of many blessings and growth in my priesthood.
Chippewa Falls and the CACS System will always hold a special place in my heart as I head
to Praire de Chien in the Diocese of La Crosse.
I learned early in my seminary days to offer prayers daily for those I would one day
serve, and I continue to do this. I have been praying for the people of Chippewa Falls for
around eight years before I was assigned here, even before I began my studies for the
Diocese of La Crosse. Being assigned to a school was not what I had planned, but this has
been a very positive experience for me, and I have had a terrific two years here. I have
enjoyed very much the students at Notre Dame and McDonell schools, as well as getting to
know so many of the parents in our system. I pray that I have had a positive impact on the
students, although it is not possible to do this job and never ruffle some feathers. If this is
the case, please accept my apology and know it was not intentional.
As you know, a priest doesn’t choose where he will serve, or when a new assignment
will come. That being the case, by the time this is in your homes, you will know that my
new assignment has come, and I will not be returning to the school next year. Be assured
there will be a chaplain here at McDonell and Notre Dame, but we will not know who it
will be until the ordinations on June 27th. I am confident that with the guidance of the new
administration he will serve you well, and I have complete confidence that Catholic
education will continue to thrive here in the Chippewa Valley. Hopefully the new
assignment will allow for an occasional visit. Regardless, I assure you I will keep up through
the web site and with conversations with friends I have made here. I would like to express
my gratitude to all the families, staff and teachers of CACS for their support these past two
years.
May God bless all of you, and let us keep each other in prayer as we continue to strive
to do God’s will in spreading His Kingdom, wherever He plants us.
McDonell Fine Arts
Awards Night
Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award - Elizabeth Meinen
John Philip Sousa Band Award - Luke Heidtke
Woody Herman Jazz Award - Michael Misfeldt
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award - Michael Misfeldt
Patrick Michael Kelly Forensics Award
and Scholarship – Jana Swanson
Show Choir Award - Laura Dachel
National School Choral Award - Luke Heidtke
Fine Arts Awards - Katie Stoik & Jana Swanson
Art Dept Studio Camp Scholarship - Keagan Capps,
Jennah Burggraf & Amber Ebben
2010 Heyde Center Senior Show - Amber Ebben
ABOVE: Michael
Misfeldt, Jana
Swanson, Katie Stoik,
Laura Dachel and Luke
Heidtke
LEFT: Liz Meinen in
action, playing the flute.
Fr. James Weighner, Chaplain
Dorian Choral Music Festival
Three McDonell High School students, Johanne Swanson, Kasey Janc, and
Patrick Arriola, participated in this year's Dorian Choral Music Festival at Dorian
College in Decorah, Iowa. The Dorian Festival assembles top choir students from all
over the Midwest. During the two day festival, the students were rehearsed by
renowned choral pedagogue Dr. Craig Arnold as well as other members of the Dorian
College Faculty. The experience culminated in a concert that featured the 1300-plusmember
high school choir.
Eau Claire Area Art League
Forensics Team - State Competition Results
Sarah Peterson poses with her display of art work at the Heyde Center of the Arts
(former McDonell Memorial building) in Chippewa Falls.
The McDonell Forensics Team traveled to Madison for the State Forensics competition.
To medal each person needed to receive 20 or above (out of 25 possible points). Results
were: Storytelling, Angie Reiter, 24 points - Silver; Play Acting, “Arsenic and Old Lace”,
Nastacia Meinen, Keagan Capps, Mary Polus, 24 points - Silver; Play Acting, “Not the
Scottish Play” Chris Ness, Shawn Willie, Chad Dachel, Jennah Burggraf, Rachel Krejchi, 25
points - Gold; and in Prose, Jana Swanson, 25 points - Gold. Forensic members missing
from the photo are Laura Dachel and Brittney Sloan who qualified for District but were
unable to attend.
by Jenny Weigel, senior
“Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see
beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” This quote
by Claudia Johnson describes the importance and necessity of art.
Fortunately, the students of McDonell Central Catholic High School have more
than enough opportunities to further themselves in art. The result of these
opportunities is shown in senior student Sarah Peterson, who was chosen to
showcase her art at the Heyde Center on Sunday, May 10th for the Eau Claire Area
Art League student merit award. Sarah considers herself honored to be chosen and
to be recognized for something that was only recreation for her. Among her many
talents, drawing and painting are the two styles that she enjoys the most. Sarah’s
displayed art included drawings in charcoal, pastels, and pencil; as well as painting
in oil and watercolor. Other works were done in stained-glass, ceramics, metal
work, and etched glass. Sarah excels in all of her art classes using the tools and
teachings provided at McDonell. Sarah hopes to continue drawing and painting for
fun in college and the students and staff of McDonell wish her all the best.
McD Music Booster Officers
PRESIDENT: Kathy Wild
VICE PRESIDENT: Brenda Meinen
SECRETARY: Jolene Berg
TREASURER: Pam Davis
Fine Arts
FORENSICS: Jean Wacker
DIRECTORS FOR MUSICAL:
Drama, Sue Decker; Vocal, Jerry Way;
Orchestra, Joe Hartson;
Scenic/Technical, Carol Way;
Lighting & Sound, Skip August;
Costume, Rose August.

MCDONELL HIGH SCHOOL NEWS 5
M A C K
B I T S
Fourth Generation of Graduates from McDonell
Excellence in Education
On Wednesday, May 6th at Avalon three of the four, top 5%, of McDonell
senior class and their most influential teachers were honored at the banquet.
They are: Elizabeth Meinen (Mr. Tony Reiter, influential teacher) Mollie Meagher
(Mrs. Carolyn Peloquin, influential teacher) and Kiara McChesney (Mr. Archie
Sherbinow, influential teacher).
Chelsea Gruenwald (Mrs. Alice Butler, influential teacher), were honored at
the McDonell High School Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 26th.
Congratulations and thank you to our seniors and to all our teachers for your
dedication to Catholic education.
Amazingly there were nine graduates in the class of 2009 that were the fourth
generation in their family to graduate from McDonell High School and seven
graduates that were third generation. Pictured above is a fourth generation
graduate Haley Emerson ‘09 with her grandmother Jean (Rushman) Emerson
‘47 and her Dad Scott Emerson ‘68. Haley’s great grandfather was Clarence
Rushman class of 1922. Other fourth generation graduates include:
Nathan Dahl ‘09 son of Kathy (Connell) Dahl ‘73 and grandson of James
Connell ‘36 and great grandson of Angeline (Frenette) Connell class of
1914.
Luke Heidtke ‘09 son of Kara (Murphy) Heidtke ‘85 and grandson of
Patricia (Connell) Murphy ‘39 and great grandson of Angeline (Frenette)
Connell class of 1914.
Alex Maloney ‘09 son of Mark Maloney ‘78 and grandson of Clarence
Maloney ‘51 and great grandson of Floyd Maloney class of 1927.
Jarrod Martell ‘09 son of Wanda (Rubenzer) Martell ‘82 and grandson of
Belinda (Bell) Rubenzer ‘58 and great grandson of Evelyn (Kirby) Bell class
of 1928.
Mollie Meagher ‘09 daughter of Dan ‘72 and Carol (Steinmetz) Meagher
‘78 and granddaughter of Tom Meagher ‘40 and great granddaugher of Mary
(Downey) Meagher class of 1919. Also on the Steinmetz side; granddaughter
of Charlene (Zwiefelhofer) Steinmetz ‘52 and great granddaugher of Leona
(Stoffel) Zwiefelhofer class of 1927.
Elizabeth Meinen ‘09 daughter of Peter Meinen ‘82 and granddaughter of
Robert Meinen ‘53 and great granddaugher of Ethel (Bowe) Meinen class of
1932.
Samantha Schemenauer ‘09 daughter of Debra (Baier) Schemenauer ‘84
and granddaughter of LuAnne (Bresina) Baier ‘64 and great granddaugher of
Henry Bresina class of 1934.
Sara Swoboda ‘09 daughter of Roxanne (Bennesch) Swoboda ‘83 and
granddaughter of Jeanne (Miller) Bennesch ‘59 and great granddaugher of
Edgar Miller class of 1935. ■
Elizabeth Meinen stands to the right of her most influential teacher, Tony Reiter
‘74. Her parents are Brenda ‘82 and Peter Meinen ‘82.
Kiara McChesney stands to the right of her most influential teacher, Archie
Sherbinow. Her parents on either side of them is Matt McChesney and Jennifer
Haen.
UW-Eau Claire Math Meet
The McDonell “Mackmaticians” competed at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Mathematics Meet on February 21. The Varsity teams took third and fourth place in
Division A respectively. Charlie Bohl and Samantha Schemenauer tied for sixth place and
Elizabeth Meinen won fourth place and was awarded a one-credit scholarship.
Mollie Meagher stands to the right of her most influential teacher, Carolyn
Peloquin. Her parents are Carol ‘78 and Dan ‘72 Meagher.
Front row L to R: Mrs. Carolyn Peloquin, Kiara McChesney, Mary Polus, Rachel Krejchi
Back row L to R: Landon Bresina, Alex Maloney, Aaron Heimann
Front row L to R: Nastacia Meinen, Samantha Schemenauer, Rebecca Zander;
Back row L to R: Mr. Tony Reiter, Evan See, Liz Meinen, Charles Bohl.
Chelsea Gruenwald and her most influential teacher, Alice Butler. Her parents are
Louise and David Gruenwald.

6 CHIPPEWA AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NEWS
Message from
the President
Kenith C. Britt
Greetings alumni, parents, families,
and friends of the Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools,
Many of you are aware that I
have decided not to return as president
next year as I will be moving back closer to
family. So, I begin this final Mack Messenger
article similar to how I began two years ago with
the first. Thank you to the pastors, dean, and
benefactors for giving me this opportunity to minister
in such a wonderful community. Your
support for me and the schools over the years has
been truly remarkable to witness. I have only felt
overwhelming support from you during a
transition that could have otherwise been a
challenging time for our schools. We have grown
together these past two years and have continued
to build upon the foundation laid by generations
before us. Through these challenges, we have
emerged better as a more viable institution in the
Chippewa Falls community.
As we settle our sights on the future of the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, we have much
to be optimistic about. Our strategic planning
efforts continue through the Education
Commission where Catholic Charism,
Educational Excellence, and School Vitality
remain key priorities. Our parishes continue to
heavily support our schools and donations
received these past few years have allowed us to
become financially solvent and able to meet the
growing needs of our students. But, perhaps most
importantly, there is a quiet revolution happening
within our schools. More people are once again
having faith in the future of Catholic education.
More families are considering giving their children
the gift of Catholic schools. Alumni, parishioners,
and parents have stepped up to volunteer their
time working with students, help with the major
fundraising events, or serve in the many
ministries available within the schools.
Our students continue to excel academically
and in leadership positions. And
the class of 2009 all show promise of
helping to positively change our world. All of
these facts help build the argument for a
faith-filled future where excellence and success are
the only alternatives.
Congratulations to the class of 2009. All of us
at McDonell wish you nothing but success. As you
begin to experience more of life’s challenges, may
you place your faith and trust in our heavenly
Father to help guide you. For our alumni,
families, and friends, please continue to support
McDonell and the Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools. Continue to pray that we will be guided
by the Holy Spirit to create a community filled
with Catholic-Christians willing to witness to
Jesus Christ, especially through the act of love.
May God bless you and your families. May He
continue to spread His blessings upon a school
community that is unlike any other in our diocese
and our country. Although my time may have
been short in Chippewa, it has left an everlasting
mark in my heart and the heart of my family. I will
be eternally grateful to all of you for the love and
support that you have shown to me and the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools. Chippewa Falls,
especially our schools and parishes, truly embrace
our theme “Partners in faith: First you, then me.”
Blessings and Peace,
Kenith C. Britt, President
CHIPPEWA AREA
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
(CACS)
Unified Catholic School
System and the Local Parishes
By Rev. William P. Felix, ‘73
Just after Easter, CACS
President Kenith Britt, CACS
Director of Development Jenny
Schafer, and I gave a workshop
presentation on unified Catholic
school systems at the National
Catholic Education Association
convention. Believe it or not, many
places in the United States are only
now looking into the unification of
smaller, unstable Catholic schools.
CACS has been a unified system for over twenty years. As I
talked with pastors and administrators about our experience,
one issue kept coming forward – the relationship between the
unified Catholic school system and the local parishes.
This issue is so important because history shows that the
stability of Catholic schools depends upon the commitment,
support, and dedication of individual parishes from which the
students come. When every parish had its own elementary
school, there was a direct relationship between the parishioners,
families, and students of the parish school. Not only did the
school rely on the parish, but also the parish relied on the
school. Staff, teachers, and students played a direct role in
vitality of the Catholic parish.
A unified system can tend to form a life of its own, separated
from the life of the parishes that support it. It has its own
identity, its own community, but with one major problem – no
stability. Schools by their nature are a transient community.
Children move up the grades and then are gone. Parents are vital
and active participants of the schools in which their children
attend, but what happens when their children are gone Could
the Catholic school system simply count on its own constituents
for survival The answer is no. No matter how you slice it,
Catholic schools are a mission of the Church, and a direct
extension of the local parish. The best way to maintain a strong
and stable Catholic schools system in the future is to be a strong,
stable, and supportive member of your parish.
DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS
Jenny Schafer
Director of Development
WOW – another school year has come to a
close. As a parent, I am always amazed at how
quickly the time passes. It seems like only yesterday
that my two oldest boys were waiting for the
bus, wearing their new shoes and backpacks. And
now they are proudly talking of how “big” they are
going to be next year. My oldest moves on to a
new school as he enters 4th grade at Holy Ghost,
and my middle son will be the “Big Man on
Campus” as a 3rd grader at St. Charles. Time
definitely does fly…
I have been learning so much these past few
months. I have attended classes and webinars to
learn more about my role as Director of
Development. It has become abundantly clear
that no one really knows what true Catholic
development means. Therefore, I have made it
one of my top priorities to teach everyone about
development and how each and everyone of us
plays a role in this important part of our mission.
What is TRUE Catholic development It is
about involving people meaningfully in our
mission. We want our supporters to be actively
involved in our schools through many different
avenues. It is important to understand that true
Catholic development is not just about money; it
is about getting people to share their gifts of
prayer, expertise, and wisdom. It is about being
involved – joining planning committees, attending
school events, participating in the fundraisers. It
is all part of the big picture. The Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools (CACS) is a family and we want
to see all of our family members as much as possible.
This is what makes our CACS system unique
- our sense of family. The more we pray for each
other, the more we spend time together, the
stronger our family becomes.
I encourage each and every one of us to get
more involved in our development efforts.
Everyone can pray for our students, our families
and our faculty. No one can ever be prayed for
“too much!” I also encourage all of our supporters
who live in close proximity to come and visit us.
Attend a football or basketball game, watch a
performance of the school musical or go to any of
the school band and choir concerts. We also want
to see each and every one of you at our two main
fundraisers for the school – the Spaghetti
Spectacular on the first Sunday of November and
the Mid Winter Mardi Gras on the Saturday before
Ash Wednesday. See how easy it is to become an
active part of development
I would be remiss if I did not talk a little bit
about the financial part of development. We do
need to raise funds to cover our operating
expenses that aren’t covered by tuition and parish
support. We are very close to the end of our fiscal
year, June 30th, and if every CACS family member
gave $25, we would finish the year in the black!
We are so close – please help us reach our goal.
May God bless you and keep you safe over
these busy summer travel months. Please don’t
forget to pray for our students, especially our
graduates who are getting ready to go off to
college. We look forward to seeing you again on
August 26th for Welcome Back Wednesday! ■
Seated from L to R: Pat Hartman Rooney ‘56, Tom Rooney ‘55, and
CACS President, Kenith Britt. Standing is Richard Rooney ‘57, Rev.
William Felix ’73, Jeff Pulver ’70, and CACS Director of Development,
Jenny Schafer. More photos at www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni
California Alumni Gathering
CACS President Kenith Britt, Reverend William Felix and I,
traveled in April to Anaheim, California, for the NCEA annual
convention. This trip sparked the idea to get together with
McDonell alum who lived in the area. Our small group got
together for an evening of camaraderie and great food at
McCormick and Schmick’s Grille in Anaheim.
Many stories were shared of the “good ‘ol days” and we
brought the alumni up-to-date on the latest happenings in
Chippewa Falls. A very enjoyable time was had by all. Thank
you to our small group of alumni who joined us – we really had
a great time getting to know you. Please don’t be strangers
when you come back to town to visit family.
After discussing how much fun we had with this “mini”
reunion during our airplane ride home the next day, it was
decided that we should host quarterly reunions across the
country. See the schedule below for the 2010 “mini” reunion
near you. See you all soon! Jenny Schafer
Contact me at email: jenniferschafer@cacs.k12.wi.us
or Phone (715) 723-0538 ext. 306
Mini Reunion Schedule
Florida - February 2010
Minneapolis Area - April 2010
Chicago Area - August 2010
Madison Area - October 2010

ALUMNI NEWS 7
Winter/Spring Sports Highlights
Articles submitted by Mrs. Jean Wacker’s spring yearbook class: Patrick Arriola, Kayla Brick, Joe Dubiel, Chris Eckwright, Haley Emerson,
Mitch Kaiser, Alex Hiess, Nicole Larson, Ben Ochs, Kyle Nelson, Cassie Nelson, Marlayna Luebstorf, Evan See and Jenny Weigel
SWIMMING
The swimming sensation Andy
Davis had a great season this
year. I know we are all looking
forward to seeing him next year
as well. Andy first started his
swimming career at the
Chippewa Falls Y.M.C.A. when
he was just 4 years old. He
swam for the Y.M.C.A. until he
was a freshman. This is when he
made the Chippewa Falls Varsity
Swim Team. Andy’s sophomore
year he went to the state swim
meet, and returned this year as a
junior. Davis was always a natural
swimmer. He was always
beating his peers in contests
when he was still swimming at
the Y.M.C.A. From there he
brought that talent with him
through high school. He would
like to continue his swimming
career in college if the opportunity
arises.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
The McDonell Girls Basketball
team came into this season not
knowing what to expect with
the addition of their new coach,
Shannon Tanzer. They had only
one week of practice before their
first game. They beat Cadott by
14 points. They had many challenging
games after that. They
won some games and lost some
close ones. They won the East-
West Conference Play-off game
against Loyal. Most of the season
they had been playing against
Division 2 and 3 teams. Now
they would face their own
Division, Division 4. The girls
got to the fourth seed in the
regional. They beat New Auburn
and they advanced to the next
round; the first time in four
years. Going to Clayton, they
faced the #7 rated team in the
state. They lost by 10 points,
but played one of their best
games of the season. Manager
was Alison Ebben, junior.
BOYS BASKETBALL
The McDonell Boys Basketball,
coached by Archie Sherbinow, is
a team with many epic stories.
The Macks were injury stricken
before the season ever began.
Tony Bischel was out with an
ankle injury. Derek Watton dislocated
his knee cap the night
before the Regis game. Nate
Dahl injured his foot in a game
and was out much of the season.
Many people weren’t expecting
the Macks to go much further.
But they were wrong! Once
everyone was healthy again the
Macks started playing like they
were the best team in the state.
A huge upset against Regis the
regular season ended 13-8. Then
came tournament time.
McDonell upset Clayton and
won their first Regional championship.
Unfortunately, Blair-
Taylor brought their season to
an end at the Sectional semifinal
game. With many returning
players the Macks will be a force
to be reckoned with in the
future. Managers were senior Pat
Bradley and junior Alison
Ebben.
BOYS HOCKEY
Hockey is a tough sport, and for
the Macks it was a tough season.
Like the glass half full or empty,
the boys hockey team viewed
the season as the glass half full.
Junior goalie Trejan Kvistad did
an admirable job defending the
Macks goal. Other Mack players
were Junior Sawyer Berg, playing
left wing and Sophomore
Zach Elstran playing defense.
Rounding out the squad was
Freshman, Tommy Coughlin
playing right wing. With returning
players, the Macks are in a
strong position for next season
on the ice. Managers were
Sophomores Brittany Steiger and
Brianna Krause.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Leading her two time state
contenders onto the ice was
Wisconsin’s All-State goalie, senior
Kiara McChesney. This fouryear
varsity player allowed only
36 goals in the team’s 22 game
season. But defense wasn’t the
only outstanding thing on the
ice. Right wing junior, Marlayna
Luebstorf scored or assisted 15
points of the teams total of 88
goals for the season. Rounding
out the Macks members of this
co-op team was freshman Sam
Schneider playing right defense.
The season ended in an electrifying
triple over-time loss bringing
to an end the 15-6-1 season.
Though losing many key seniors
the girls hockey team hopes to
have yet another successful
season next year.
SOFTBALL
The McDonell softball team
came back strong this year.
Returning as seniors are Mollie
Meagher, Leisha and Leaha
Brzozowski. After a win in the
State Championship game last
year the girls were looking to
repeat their last season with new
coach Dale Yindra. The girls
follow Eau Claire Regis, Thorp,
and Altoona in the standings.
The team has a lot of experience
playing this year with almost all
of the girls having played last
year. The pitching staff is also
doing a phenomenal job with
Sarah Schoch, Karley Wiensch
and Ali Shufelt. Also returning
is this year’s junior class consisting
of Christi Schoch, Becca
Zander, Ali Ebben and Kasey
Janc. None of the juniors are
new to the program and all had
experience at the varsity level.
The McDonell softball program
has proven to be a complete
success with multiple conference
and state wins since the start of
the program.
Athletic Awards Night
BASEBALL see back cover
TRACK
The 2009 track season was a
great success coached by Steve
Roesler and his assistant
coaches. Both girls and boys
teams had very successful seasons.
The boys were able to
clinch the team Conference title
this season, a feat that has only
been accomplished two times
before this year. The girls finished
fifth but had an individual
Conference champion in sophomore
Megan Pulver’s 1600 meter
performance. There were also
many very impressive performances
after the Conference meet,
with several people making it
through regionals and sectionals
and qualifying for the State
meet. Among those moving on
to state are the 3200 meter relay
teams for both girls (consisting
of Sam Schemenauer, Katie
Stoik, Megan Pulver, and Amy
Bye) and boys (boys team consisting
of Grant Mickesh, Adam
Bleskachek, Evan See, and John
Rider). Bleskachek qualified in
a second event of the 800 meter
run, and Bye also qualified in
the 3200 meter run. Others
qualifying for the state meet
include Nate Dahl and Amber
Ebben in the shot put and Kyle
Nelson in the 200 meter dash.
The 2009 track season was very
successful, filled with great surprises
and a few disappointments.
However, overall it was
a very good year, and we expect
great things for the future.
Managers were Senior Allison
Greenseth and Sophomore
Angela Mangin.
GOLF 2009
Golf has been an inspirational
sport for many young men
coached by Archie Sherbinow.
Senior Pat Bradley has shown
leadership by stepping up on
varsity and shooting some low
scores, which is much needed.
The Junior golfers have shown
that they are ready to step up
and take over the positions of
the non-returning seniors, Pat
Bradley and Chris Eckes. Tony
Bischel, Joe Dubiel, Sawyer Berg,
and Mitch Kaiser will be leading
the team next year as seniors.
Sophomore Delany Best shows
much promise for his remaining
years as a Mack golfer. Sonny
Amelse, John Plendl, and Collin
Meinen are the Freshman golfers
that McDonell has to offer this
year.
Student Trained Emergency Response Team
Samantha Schemenauer, Grant Mickesh and Kristen
LeaVesseur received the Norm Rubenzer Courage and Desire
Award. The award is given based on nominations submitted
by coaches. Coaches nominate senior athletes who display the
characteristics of courage and desire, as well as sportsmanship,
team work, leadership and a good work ethic.
Sophomore Kyle Greenseth, Seventh grader Thomas Rocque, and Freshmen Sonny Amelse
and Paul Buchmann this spring received certification in standard first Aid and CPR/AED training.
This certification provided, in partial, the training they received to prepare them for the Student
Emergency Response Team (SERT). The Chippewa Falls School District was selected in the spring
of 2005 to offer the first SERT pilot project for the state of Wisconsin by the WI Dept. of Justice
Assistance. SERT is open to girls and boys ages 13 - 18.
Sonny Amelse and Paul Buchmann have been a part of the Chippewa Falls SERT team for three
years and helped plan a Safety Ranger Training Camp for elementary students. This camp is SERT’s
yearly fall project. Students, grades 3 - 5, from both private and public schools, can attend the
Saturday morning training. Elementary students learn how to escape from a smoke-filled building,
create an emergency kit for their home, recognize poisons and participate in team-building
activities. SERT students plan the project, bring in the supplies needed and execute the training
session using the Incident Command System.
The emergency response team will be participating in a week long camp in July, held in
La Crosse, WI. They will be trained on terrorist attacts and declared emergency situations along
with other training activities.
Mollie Meagher and Nathan Dahl received the Father Mac
Award as the outstanding female and male student athletes in
the senior class. The award is based on grade point average,
number of years of participation in athletics at McDonell, and
number of varsity letters earned.

8 ALUMNI NEWS
25th Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament at McDonell
To celebrate the 25th Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament a new ongoing
trophy was established. The trophy is to be displayed at McDonell Central Catholic
High School. Trophy pictured with the Competitive Division Champs, class of 2005.
Thank you to Rolly Enderes ’96 and Ryan Stelter ‘96 for all your work in organizing
this annual event! For more photos of the event go to the Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools website alumni page: www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni
Division winners: Veterans Consolation - '76, Recreational Division - '83
Champions, Recreational Consolation - '05B, Competitive Division. - '05
Champions, Competitive Consolation - '01
Competitive Division Champs - '05
Deb Roesler Memorial
Volleyball Tournament
Thank you to Carol Zutter Wilczek
‘82 for organizing and to all 17 teams
that played Volleyball. The proceeds
from the tournament goes toward the
Notre Dame 8th grade Deb Roesler
Circle of Life Scholarship awarded each
year by essay. This year recipients are
Jerry Anders and Shannon Globensky.
Senior Scholarship recipient went to
Luke Heidtke.
Division 1 Winners:
Team 2000 - Kari Roesler Stepp
Division 2 Winners:
Team 1985 - Kara Murphy
Heidtke
Division 3 Winners:
Team 1977 - Tammy Postl
Christopher
The Alumni Tournaments will be held on March 26 and 27th
next year. See you there!
Recreational Champs - ‘83
CACS 19th Annual Golf Scramble
The 19th Annual CACS golf Scramble, held at Timber Terrace Golf Course was another success
and raised approximately $9,000 for the Booster Club. The golfers that participated in this years event,
fought with mother nature with strong winds and cool temperatures, but still survived and had a great
time. This year the banquet at the KC Hall was catered by McDonald Catering Company – Paul ‘86
& Edie McDonald. The food was great and everyone that attended had a very enjoyable evening. This
years putting contest for a 26” flat screen TV was won by Dan Liddell. The winner at the
banquet, for the Trip to Las Vegas was Claudia Harings.
Thanks to Stacie Monarski & Angie Wedemeyer for running the beverage cart and helping with
the raffle during the banquet. Thanks to all of our sponsors that make this event a success every year.
Special Thanks to the Golf Committee for all the work they put into this event – Dick Marquie, Megs
Hebert, Terry Durch, Jerre Eckes, Jerry Holzem, Kent Vandehaar and Dan Hunt. Contact the booster at
mcdathbooster@cacs.k12.wi.us
OPEN DIVISION
Al Derusha
Dan Hunt
Jeff Hurt
Kent Vandehaar
WINNING TEAMS:
SENIOR DIVISION
Dick Monarski
Jerry Strizic
Phil Larkowski
Roger Wood
Rick Gannon
MIXED DIVISION
Judy Cherrier Panek,
Brian Panek
Jim Cherrier
Carla Cherrier
John Kariesch
Megs Hebert ‘48, front and Dick Marquie ‘53 in back founded the golf
scramble 19 years ago. Not only are they participants they also continue
to have imput as part of the organizing committee. THANK YOU Megs
and Dick for all your help supporting the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
and McDonell High School!
Christy Bohl ‘05 places 5th at National Meet;
Earns Title of All American
The UW-La Crosse women’s track and field team captured its
third straight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(WIAC) Indoor Championship on March 1, 2009 at UW-Stout’s
Sports and Fitness Center.
Christy Bohl, a 2005 graduate of McDonell Central Catholic
High School, is a member of the La Crosse Eagles track team and
a team co-captain.
Christy won the WIAC shot put competition with a throw of
14.24 meters (46 feet 8.75 inches). This throw automatically qualified
Christy for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field
Championships at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre
Haute, Indiana on March 13-14. Her throw was a site record at
UW-Stout for women’s shot put. Christy also placed 5th in the 20
pound weight throw with a national provisional qualifying mark of
15.50 meters (50 feet 10.25 inches).
Other meets that Christy has won during the 2009 indoor season
include: the Warren Bowlus Open at UW-Stout, the Wartburg
College Indoor Select Meet in Waverly, Iowa where she holds the
site record at 13.39 meters (43 feet 11 ¾ inches) and the Coca Cola
Classic at UW-River Falls.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women’s track and
field team finished second on March 14th, at the 2009 NCAA
Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at Rose-
Hulman Institute of Technology. The Eagles recorded 41.5 team
points while Wartburg College (Iowa) captured the national title
with 51.0 points. UW-Oshkosh placed third (33.0) followed by
Illinois Wesleyan University (28.0) and Tufts University (23.0) to
round-out the top-five. A total of 68 teams scored points. 446 student-athletes
from 134 colleges in 27 states competed in the two
days of action at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Christy Bohl, a junior from UW-La Crosse, placed fifth in the
shot put Saturday with a toss of 45 feet 1 ¾ inches to capture her
first career All-America award. Christy competed against the top
15 Division III shot putters in the nation. The top 8 finishers
within each event are awarded the title All-American.
Christy is the daughter of Roger and Cathy Bohl of Chippewa
Falls and the granddaughter of Frances Ruff (Bloomer) and Valeria
Bohl (Chippewa Falls).
Contact info: bohl.chri@students.uwlax.edu
Cristy Bohl, class of 2005,
stands on the winners
platform with her award.

1930s
✝ Gilbert J. “Gib” Reiter, class of
1933, passed away at the age of 92 on
Wednesday, May 27, 2009. He married
Emily “Bobby” Gaynor in 1940 at Notre
Dame Church. Together they owned and
operated several café’s and restaurants,
including Empire Café, Connell’s
Restaurant on Lake Wissota and Reiter’s
Steak House until they retired in 1993.
They were members of Holy Ghost
Church. He is survived by two sons, Dick
’62 (Dorothy) and Bill (Christine), eight
grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his
wife and three brothers, Howard ’37,
Elmer ’31 and Eugene Reiter.
✝ Francis J. Rooney, class of 1933
passed away Wednesday, January 28,
2009. Francis served in the U.S. Army Air
Force from 1940-1945 and worked for the
U.S. Post Office from 1937 – 1973. He
was a member of Holy Ghost Church. He
is survived by his wife, Martha, whom he
married in 1945, one son, Robert ’65
(Sue) of Chippewa Falls, and one daughter,
Kathleen ’68 (Bill) Warner of
Jackson, WY. He is also survived by three
step-sisters and four grandchildren. He
was preceded in death by his parents, one
sister, Eileen ‘36 and one stepsister
Margaret Maxwell.
✝ Edmund W. Harling, class of 1935
passed away on Monday, May 25, 2009.
He served in WWII with the Navy Seabees
and married Hilda Marie Zumbrock in
1953. He worked at Tschopp & Durch for
15 years and then at Popple-LeDuc for 15
years. He is survived by his wife, one
brother, Elmer ’39 of Silver Bay, MN and
one sister, Lucille Hilger of Bloomer. He
was proceeded in death by one brother,
Raymond and one sister, Viola Davis
’33 .
1940s
Class Notes
Please send us your Class Notes.
TEL: (715) 723.0538 FAX: (715) 723.1501
EML: MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us
Development & Alumni Relations Office,
1316 Bel Air Blvd., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
✝ Wanda (Peloquin) Meagher,
class of 1940, passed away surrounded
by her family on Monday, February 16,
2009, after a battle with Alzheimer’s
Disease. She graduated from St. Joseph’s
School of Nursing in Marshfield and
worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Chippewa Falls for 39 years.
She is survived by two sons; Michael ’65
(Paula) of Richmond, CA. and Daniel
’72 (Carol) of Chippewa Falls, three
brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Peloquin,
Homer ’52 (Pat) Peloquin and Daniel
(Lois) Peloquin all of Chippewa Falls; two
sisters Joan ‘48 (Duane) Ford of
Holiday Island, AK. and Mary (Barry)
Nesja of Chippewa Falls; and two grandchildren,
Mitchell ’07 and Mollie ’09
Meagher.
✝ Colleen “Murph” Murphy
Derpinghaus, class of 1946 passed
away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May
27, 2009. She attended Notre Dame
Elementary school prior to attending
McDonell. She moved to Green Bay in
1950 after graduating from St. Theresa’s
College in Winona, MN. She is survived
by her five children, 11 grandchildren,
three great-grandchildren, and one sister,
Patricia Murphy Toulette ’44. She
was proceeded in death by her brothers,
Peter ’42 and Paul ’42 and her sister
Mary Ann Murphy Durand ‘43.
✝ John B. Sokup class of 1947,
passed away at the Chippewa Manor on
April 12, 2009. Sokup’s Market opened in
1894 by his grandfather Joseph, and John
bought it from his father Peter, making
John a third generation owner. John was
the owner and operator of Sokup’s Market
until July 1998 and continued working
with his son Peter. John is survived by: his
wife Angie; son Peter ’77 (Kathy) of
Chippewa Falls; daughter Susan ’81
(Cole) Fauver of Minneapolis, MN; one
brother Paul (Patricia) Sokup of Chippewa
Falls; one sister Ann ’49 (Thomas)
Zieger of Largo, FLA., and three grandchildren,
Leah Sokup ’04, Ashley
Sokup ‘06 and John Fauver.
✝ Robert L. Bloczynski, class of
1948, passed away early April 2009.
Mr. Bloczynski was a proud member of the
National Guard serving in Company H
with the 426th Infantry Division,
Wisconsin. He moved to Florida in 1985
from Lincoln Nebraska with his wife
Shirley. Robert worked as the chief
mechanical engineer and lead project
manager for the Brunswick Corporation in
Deland, retiring in 1998 after 26 years of
service. He is survived by two sons and
two daughters; his sister Rose Marie
(Dennis) Sullivan ’44 of Colorado
Springs, his brother in law and six grandchildren
and 1 great-grandchild.
✝ Mary Ann (Rubesch) Brick,
class of 1948, passed away on May 6,
2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Mary Ann is
survived by: her husband, Bill; two sons,
Albert P. (Lizbeth) Brick of Cadott and
John Brick of Chippewa Falls; 4 grandchildren,
Jason, Nicholas and Billy Brick and
Sara (Josh) Swope; three great-grandchildren,
Kyle, Katie and Conner Swope; and
numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives
and friends.
✝ Donald J Wild, class of 1948
passed away on May 19, 2009. He was a
veteran having served 24 years in the US
Army as a Combat Engineer and retired as
Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Carson, CO in
1974. He is survived by his wife of 53
years Bette; three sons; two daughters; 11
grandchildren.
1950s
✝ Dolores D. (Derks) Connor, class
of 1953 passed away on Thursday,
November 27, 2008. She earned her nursing
certification from St. Mary’s Hospital
School of Nursing, Wausau, in 1956. She
was an active volunteer at Aspirus Wausau
Hospital since 1993, including sewing
Jeanne (Miller) Bennesch ‘59, grandmother of 2009 graduate Sarah
Swoboda, along with Elaine (Dachel) Zwiefelhofer ‘63, grandmother
of 2009 graduate Patrick Bradley, reminisce by trying on their
grandchildren’s graduation caps.
over 1000 teddy bears for children who
received treatment at the hospital. She is
survived by five children and seven grandchildren.
She is also survived by five sisters,
Helen ’52 (Luke) Bowe, Rose
Marie ’56 Derks, Kathryn ’60 (Neil)
Haselwander, Joyce (Robert) Rogalski and
Mary Kay Riley ’72, along with two
brothers George ‘55 (Joann) and Ted
’65 (Linda) Derks.
✝ Mary A. (Weese) Follensbee,
class of 1954 passed away Sunday, May
24, 2009. She married Kenneth Follensbee
in 1955 and then moved to Kenosha
where they raised their family. She worked
at St. Mary’s Catholic School for many
years, along with Otto Nelson and Sons for
30 years, retiring in 2004. She is survived
by her six children, 13 grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren, along with her
brothers Lawrence of Reno, NV and
Donald of Chippewa Falls.
✝ Bernard J. (Bernie) Sokup, Jr.,
‘55, passed away on April 10, 2009 at
Sacred Heart Hospital surrounded by his
family. Bernie was very dedicated to
McDonell High School. He was a member
of the McDonell Athletic Association and a
Charter Member of the McDonell Booster
Club which was founded in 1964. He
served as President of the Booster Club
numerous times and served as a member
of the Board of Directors for over 20 years.
He ran the clock and did the announcing
for varsity basketball games for over 15
years. His booming voice could be heard
all over the west hill as the public address
announcer (“Voice of the Macks”) for
McDonell varsity football for 39 years ending
in 2002. He was a past McDonell
Board of Education Member representing
St. Charles Church for 9 years. He was cochairman
of the “Century II” fundraising
drive in 1979 and helped raise over
$500,000. He served as Vice President of
the McDonell Foundation until recently.
One of the awards dearest to his heart was
when he was inducted into the McDonell
“Hall of Fame” in 2005.
He is survived by: his wife of 42 years,
Dorothy (Chapman), his daughter Sandy
’86 (Jim) Ternus, of Sun Prairie, WI.; son,
Scott ’88 (Karla) Sokup of Chippewa
Falls; Five grandchildren; three sisters-inlaw;
one brother-in-law; nieces, nephews
and cousins. Memorials are preferred to
McDonell Foundation (Century II Fund)
or the Notre Dame Childrens Fund.
May the souls of the faithful
departed through the mercy
of God rest in peace. Amen.
1960s
✝ Lawrence (Larry) E. Geissler,
class of 1960, died unexpectedly April
18, 2009. He had worked at Uniroyal for
26 years, retiring in 1991 as a manager. He
served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.
He had a strong love of life. He loved the
outdoors, camping and fishing. Larry is
survived by: his wife, Trudelle (Mueller);
one son Tony (Gina) Geissler of
Woodstock, Ill.; two daughters Laurie
(Stan) Stearns of Omaha, Neb. And Gina
Geissler of Chippewa Falls; also survived
by Larry’s children’s mother Diana (Bowe)
Torkelson of Altoona; two stepsons, Stevie
Wathke and Danny (Jennifer) Wathke
both of Chippewa Falls; two stepdaughters,
Carrie and Sheila Wathke both of
Chippewa Falls; his mother Harriet
Geissler of Chippewa Falls; two brothers,
Richard (Lynn Geissler of Chippewa Falls
and John ’64 (Marilyn) Geissler of Port
Washington; one sister Charmaine ’60
Gonyea of Eau Claire; one grandson, three
granddaughters and three stepgrandaughters.
✝ Margaret A. (Meagher) Krahn,
class of 1962, died February 11, 2009
following a long battle with A.L.S.
Margaret married Steven Krahn in the
church of Notre Dame. She worked as a
secretary at K-Mart and Sears until her
retirement. She was a member of St. Olaf
Catholic Church where she was very
active. Margaret is survived by: her sister
Geraldine Hutton of Chippewa Falls; her
nieces and nephews and many friends.
✝ Robert C. Hebert, class of 1968,
died unexpectedly on Saturday, January
24, 2009. He attended UW-Stevens Point
and graduated from CVTC in Eau Claire.
He and his wife Kathy Smola had two
MCDONELL HIGH SCHOOL NEWS 9
Class of 1960 and 1961
On Feb. 21, 2009, with the temps near 80 degrees, alumni Jerry Sazama ‘61 with
wife, Laura, Dodie (Martineau) Driscoll ‘61, Tom ‘61 and Mary (Cooney) ‘60
DeWitt, and Bill Klaes ‘61 enjoyed beverages and brats at Catalina State Park near
Tucson, Arizona.
daughters; Christina Hebert (Brian
Meservey of Eau Claire and Suzanne
(Kevin Kutz of Chippewa Falls; his mother
Virginia of Chippewa Falls; two brothers,
Wilfred ’69 of Chippewa Falls and
Joseph ’70 (Lori) of Stanley; two sisters,
Marietta ’66 (Ronald) Baldeshwiler and
Jeanne ’67 Hebert both of Chippewa
Falls; and two granddaughters, Katelynn
Hebert and Shaelin Kutz, many other relatives
and friends.
1980s
✝ Steven T. Hasenmueller, class of
1986 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away
Tuesday, May 12, 2009, of a serious infection
at Sanford USD Medical Center in
South Dakota. He worked as a livestock
dealer for several years with his father. He
also did business on his own in Wisconsin
until July 1995 then he moved to Sioux
Falls where he again began his own cattle
buying business. Steve is survived by his
brothers; Eric (Teresa) Berg of Naperville,
Il., and Peter (Tracy Wright) Hasenmueller
of Eau Claire; he is also survived by his
former wife and lifelong friend, Christiana
Wald; additional survivors include
nephews, Eric Berg, Jr. and John Berg;
niece, Lauren Wright-Hasenmueller; and
Christiana’s children, Qiundre and
Adeline. Funeral services were held at
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home in
Eau Claire.
1990s
Mary & John Bromeisl ‘70 are pleased
to announce the wedding of their daughter
Jennifer Bromeisl ‘98 to Douglas
Tettam son of Tammy Bruender of
Mankato, MN and Dean Tettam of Vernon
Center, MN. They were married on June 6
in Chippewa Falls. A reception and dance
was held at Ruby’s Roadhouse in Bloomer.
Christie Bischel ‘98 and Joel Havlicek
were united in marriage on December 13,
2008 at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Eau
Claire. Parents of the bride are Jan Sazama
and Patrick ’70 Bischel. The couple
lives in Shakopee, MN.
Stephanie Peterson ‘98 and David
Gallagher were united in marriage on May
9th at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa
Falls. The reception was held at the Heyde
Center for the Arts. The couple live in
Massachusetts.
Christopher Samb ‘99 graduated as a
Chef in April from Le Cordon Bleu
College in Minneapolis Minnesota.
2000s
Jeff Sommerfeld ‘01 recently completed
Viterbo's University's Post
Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure program
with a 4.0 GPA. The program included a
summer session and a semester of graduate-level
courses, along with a semester of
student teaching. His student teaching
took place at Eau Claire South Middle
School, where he worked with former
McDonell intern, Jason Splichal, and at
Eau Claire Memorial High School, where
he also served as the Assistant Varsity
Coach for the Women's Soccer team. For
the Awards Ceremony at the culmination
of his program, Jeff was selected by his
classmates to serve as the Class Speaker.
As an English major from Saint John's
University, his license certification earned
at Viterbo University will make him eligible
to teach English/Language Arts for
grades 6-12.
Below we include in honoring
family members of McDonell
Alum who have passed away.
✝ Joan Bischel passed away on June 12,
2009 at the age of 79, she is survived by
her husband Donald Bischel ’48 of
Chippewa Falls, three sons Pat ’70 (Joy),
Steve ’71 and Jim ’76 (Nancy), nine
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
✝ Peggy A. Bruley passed away on March
16, 2009 at the age of 77. She is survived
by her husband Don, two sons, Clifford
’70 and Steve ’74 of Chippewa Falls,
two daughters Debra (Ron) Lowe of
Chippewa and Dianne ’73 (Curt)
Geissler of Stillwater, MN. She also is survived
by eight grandchildren, including
Danielle Bruley Bogenshutz ’02,
and one great-granddaughter.
✝ Nolan J. Samb, age 54, passed away after
a long battle with complications from diabetes.
Nolan was a member of Notre
Dame Church. He is survived by his wife
Barbara, two sons Christopher ‘99 and
John ’03 and a daughter Beth ’01,
along with his father Johnnie and a brother
Norris, all of Baldwin.
✝ Eva A. Lambert passed away Thursday,
December 11, 2008. She and her husband
Ralph lived in Chippewa Falls until 1967
when they moved to Eau Claire. She is survived
by her two children, Marlene (Jerry)
Farley of Eau Claire and Ronald J. ’58
Barbara Kleinheinz ‘58 Lambert of
Bella Vista, Ark. She also had nine grandchildren
and 19 great-grandchildren.
✝ Magdalen M. (Gabert) Nelson passed
away Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the age of
90. She is survived by her four children,
Judy (Nelson) Kastern, Roland “Buzz”
(Lynne), James ’64 and Mary ’79. She
also had five grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren
and three great-greatgrandchildren.
Class Notes continued on page 11
Father John Potaczek ‘88 from Stevens Point traveled to Sacred Heart Catholic
Parish in Poysippi, WI to baptize Patrick ‘91 and Angela Nehring’s son, John P.
Looking on are Godparents, Jessica Hofschulte and Michael Nehring ‘93 and their
oldest daughter Olivia.

10 HIGH SCHOOL AND ALUMNI NEWS
Distinguished Alumni Honored and Inducted
into the Hall of Fame at the Annual McDonell Alumni Banquet
The McDonell Central Catholic High School Hall of
Fame selection committee is proud to announce the
Distinguished Alumni inducted into the McDonell Hall of
Fame. The following recipients reflect the Mission, Vision,
and Values of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools and
have had a positive impact on McDonell Central Catholic
High School.
This year the selection committee has chosen four
nominees for athletic achievements and three for outstanding
achievements or service to the school. These
recipients were honored and received their awards at the
Annual Alumni Banquet which was held on Saturday, May
2, 2009. The evening began with a 4:00 p.m. Mass at St.
Charles Borromeo Church honoring all living and
deceased McDonell Alum. Following the Mass was a
social, along with dinner and the award ceremony in the
McDonell Commons. All McDonell alumni and their
spouses were invited to attend this event.
The following Distinguished Alumni were inducted
into the McDonell Hall of Fame:
Athletic
Rick and Randy Baier, twin brothers who graduated
from McDonell in 1988, were both accomplished
athletes during their tenure at McDonell. Both of them
were well rounded athletes, participating in football,
basketball and baseball. However, they truly shined in
football and baseball.
Rick and Randy Baier’s athletic accomplishments
started when they were put on the McDonell Varsity
baseball team as freshmen in 1984. A team that only won
one game their freshman year, ended four years later on
the baseball field holding a State Championship trophy.
Rick and Randy lettered in baseball all four years and were
selected 1st Team All-Conference.
In basketball, Rick and Randy combined to play five
seasons on the varsity team with Randy being selected 1st
Team All-Conference his senior year.
Their most decorated athletic accomplishments; however,
came on the football field. Randy used a pair of
Rick’s old cleats to play football for the first time as a junior
and lead the entire nation in receiving yards with
Mass Intention at
McDonell Central
Catholic High School
Chapel
Mass dates are available for any individual or class interested
in having a Mass said for a loved one or class
member – living or deceased. The person(s) will be
named as part of the General Intercession for that
Mass. Please fill out the name or class year for the Mass
in the space provided. Masses are $10 per intention.
Name (please print)_______________________
Please say Mass around this date:_____________
This person is: ❐ living ❐ deceased
Send your intention to:
Rev. James Weighner
c/o McDonell Central Catholic High School
1316 Bel Air Boulevard
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Please make checks payable to:
McDonell Central Catholic High School
1,449. At the same time Rick was setting a record for the
most catches in a game (18) and his national record of
most catches in a season (108) was just broken two years
ago. Both went on to receive 1st Team All-Northwest and
1st Team All-State honors, with Randy also being named
an Honorable Mention All American.
Rick lives in Tilden with his wife Rose (’87) and their
three children; Ryan, Nolan and Becca. Randy also lives
in Tilden with his wife Debbie and their three children,
Tyler, Danielle, and Megan. They are active members at
St. Peter the Apostle Church in Tilden.
Dave Flanagan coached the
McDonell Boys Basketball team
for a total of eight seasons from
1987 to 2003. During this time,
he became one of the most
successful boy’s basketball
coaches in McDonell history.
Dave guided the Macks to two
conference championships. In
the 1990-1991 season, Dave led
the Macks to the Central
Wisconsin Catholic Conference
(CWCC) championship with a 10 and 2 record in conference
play. That conference championship team earned a
trip to the WISSA State Tournament. In the 2001-2002
season, under Dave’s leadership, the Macks won the
Western Cloverbelt Conference Championship with a
record of 11 and 3.
In his first year as a head basketball coach, Dave was
named CWCC Co-Coach of the Year by fellow coaches.
In the 1990-1991 season, Dave was honored again as the
CWCC Coach of the Year. Dave greatly enjoyed his time
as a coach at McDonell. His love for the game of basketball
showed in his enthusiasm with his players and the
respect they showed for him, both on and off the court.
Dave is a native of Marshfield, Wisconsin. He is coowner
of Spring Street Sports in Chippewa Falls. He and
his wife, Tracy, have three young children; Sydney, Miles,
and Chloe.
Larry Thiel, a McDonell
graduate from the class of
1961, was a highly decorated
athlete in football and basketball,
as well as receiving many
student achievement awards.
Larry did not play organized
football until his freshman
year. It was then that his natural
speed was noticed and he
was put in the positions of
halfback and defensive back.
Larry was considered, at that time, to be the fastest running
back to ever play the game for McDonell, running
the 100 yard dash in 10 seconds – extremely fast by 1960
standards! Larry was a starter for both offense and defense
for three years. He was chosen 1st Team All-State, All-
Diocesan and All-Chippewa County, in addition to
earning the McDonell Scholar - Athlete Award.
Larry’s former football coach, the late Ray Gripentrog,
was quoted as saying, “Larry was not only the fastest, but
also the most gifted and talented player I ever coached or
saw perform in high school football. Teams refused to
kick-off or punt in his direction. Larry never fumbled,
never was hit for a loss and never dropped a pass.” Arnie
Hoffman, the Herald Telegram sports editor in 1960,
wrote this – “After watching high school athletes for over
50 years, a few stand out, especially those that excelled on
and off the field. Larry was one of those athletes. He was
a great running back, a smart athlete and a leader. He
quickly picked up Ray Gripentrog’s crazy offense. He
might be the only player that Gripentrong never chewed
out.”
Larry was also the recipient of The Bishop’s Award,
which is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies
Catholic character and leadership. It is Larry’s strong
sense of character and responsibility that moved him to
give up his dream of playing college football to work and
help provide for his widowed mother. Through his career
in the hospitality industry, Larry developed a love for golf.
He has been involved with and/or managed the Greater
Milwaukee Open Golf Tournament and the Jackie Gleason
Tournament in Fort Lauderdale. Larry has also earned
national and international recognition for his work with
the Jack Nicklaus organization at Muirfield Village Golf
Club. As president of the Jack Nicklaus Management
Group, Larry was instrumental in the creation of three of
the most successful US professional golf events in modern
times: The Memorial Tournament, The Skins Game, and
“The International”.
Larry and his wife Freda reside in the Denver,
Colorado area. They have two children, Larry Jr. and
Laura. Larry Jr. went on to follow in his Dad’s footsteps in
football, being named All-State Football player in
Colorado and All-Big Eight linebacker at Kansas
University.
Achievement and/or Service:
Phyllis Bowe Goettl, an Alumna
from the class of 1959, was the
Food Service Manager for
McDonell High School for 27
years. During this time, there
was only a staff of two and over
300 kids to feed everyday.
Phyllis was instrumental in establishing
a well run food service
program that still is in effect
today.
It is not just Phyllis’ long time dedication as an
employee that earned her this award. Phyllis is still a
presence at McDonell on a regular basis, even in retirement.
She is a sub in the kitchen; she is our master chef
at many fundraisers, including the Alumni Banquet. She
donated countless hours of her time to help make the First
Annual Spaghetti Spectacular a huge success and she can
always be seen at the annual Alumni Craft Expo helping
out. In addition to her activities with McDonell, she is
also very active in her church, St. Charles Borromeo. She
organizes funeral lunches, prepares food for the church
picnic, is a praise leader and an Extra Ordinary Minister of
the Eucharist.
Phyllis and her husband Eugene (’58) have been
married for 49 years. They live on their 80 acre farm in
the township of Howard, where they enjoy spending time
with their five children, 10 grandchildren, and six greatgrandchildren.
Emily Haley Mason is an
Alumna from the class of 1996.
She was nominated for all of the
many things she has accomplished
in her short time since
graduating from McDonell.
Emily could have also been chosen
to receive the award for athletics,
as she was a very talented
and accomplished track student.
Emily graduated Suma Cum
Laude from the University of St. Thomas in 2000 with a
major in history and minors in Spanish and chemistry.
While at St. Thomas, she was a four year letter winner in
cross country and track and field, captain of both teams, a
two-time All-American, an All-American scholar, and won
a National Championship on the 4x100m relay team.
Emily was the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of
Minnesota in 2000. In 2002, Emily was a winter Olympic
torchbearer and was featured in the book, Wisconsin
Sport Heroes.
Emily graduated from the University of Wisconsin
Medical School in 2004 and went on to specialize in emergency
medicine. During her residency at Regions
Hospital, she received awards for medical teaching, medical
research, and humanism in medicine. Emily has been
a part of numerous mission trips, most recently a medical
mission trip to Haiti in February 2009. Emily and her
husband, Kevin, have been married since 2001 and they
have two children. She is currently practicing emergency
medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and living in Chippewa
Falls.
Continued on page 11

ALUMNI NEWS 11
Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee
continued from page 10
Reverend William Felix is an
Alumnus from the class of 1973. He is
an outstanding example of answering the
call of “Come, Follow Me” by entering the
seminary after graduation from UWEC.
William was ordained into the priesthood
on May 30, 1981. Father Felix was
called back to his roots in the Chippewa
Falls area in 1983 to become chaplain at
his Alma Mater. He retained this position
for 10 years, during which time he was
also assigned the role of pastor at St. Peter
the Apostle Church in Tilden and St. John the Baptist Church in
Cook’s Valley. During his free time between his McDonell and two
parishes, Father Felix earned his second Masters’ Degree in
Christian Spirituality. After leaving the position of chaplain at
McDonell, Father assumed the role of pastor at Sacred Heart in Jim
Falls, in addition to the other parishes. In 1995, in the true spirit of
our Catholic mission, Father Felix accepted the appointment of
Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church. He also remained as pastor
at St. Peter the Apostle and St. John the Baptist.
Father Felix has not slowed down over the years. He is still the
Pastor for St. Peter and St. Charles Borromeo. In addition, he is the
Director of Deacon Formation for the Diocese of La Crosse and is
the Moderator General of the Institute of St. Joseph. This is a
Diocesan public association of the faithful that he co-founded with
Reverend John Mary Gilbert. Father has also served on the Sacred
Worship Commission and the Advisory Council of Major Superiors
in the Diocese of La Crosse.
In his free time, Father Felix enjoys canoeing, bike riding and
cooking. Father is also a world traveler. He has been to London,
Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain, Uganda and Peru, along with
many trips to Rome and the Holy Land. He is often a “tour guide”
on many Diocesan pilgrimages overseas and has lead many mission
retreats for his parishioners.
Members of the Class of 1944 met at Avalon for
lunch before attending the Alumni Banquet on
May 2nd. Front L to R: Bob Trauba, Betty (Germain)
Rice, Elizabeth (DeLong) Snyder, Rosemary (Geissler)
Message from classmate Henry Korger
Mitchell, Mavis (Pevan) Hattamer Back: Henry
Korger, Rose Marie “Jo”(Bloczynski) Sullivan, Dan
McHugh, Dennis Sullivan, Louie Altman, Kathryn
(Mower) Armstrong.
Life can be easier than you think. All you have to do is
accept the impossible, do without the indispensables and be
able to smile at anything. Quite simple. Thank you to Dan
McHugh from Louisville, Kentucky for getting members of
the class of 1944 together. It was a nice gathering of
charming ladies, handsome men and spouses. The hospitality
at the Avalon was appreciated as well as the hospitality at
the Alumni Banquet at McDonell High School. Thanks Dan
McHugh for the inspirational talk at the Alumni Banquet.
Until we meet again, may God hold ALL in the palm of
his hands.
Henry Korger, Stevens Point, WI
The class of 1946 along with spouses participated in their third gathering during the school year, attending
the McDonell all-school Mass held on April 7th. The Mass intention was for all the living and deceased
members of their class. L to R is: Dale and Edna Frederick, Jean Chisholm, Norm and Gloria Blum, John and
Jean McCluskey, Jean and Dayton Thornton, and Kitty Chisholm.
For more Alumni Association
Banquet/Hall of Fame photos go to
the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
website: www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni
Pictured from L to R: James DeLong,
Norma (Cayo) Hovland and Joan (Hebert) LaRue
Class of 1940 Meets at the
Annual Alumni Banquet
Submitted by: Norma Cayo Hovland
A nostalgic moment indeed for three graduates of the
Class of 1940! Standing against the backdrop of an artist’s
rendition of the original McDonell Memorial High School
built in 1907 evoked fond memories.
Forty-eight students proudly received their diplomas
from Father Eugene McGuigan on June 3, 1940, and
memories of those fleeting four years are still vivid. We
are forever grateful for the dedicated nuns and priests
who prepared us for the years ahead with values
unequaled.
World War II intervened and brought sadness to
many families. Fortunately, all who served from the Class
of ‘40 returned safely to their interrupted lives. Many
achieved lofty goals beyond their wildest dreams.
The years have thinned our ranks (27 are deceased), but
one thing that remains constant is our gratitude for the
excellent Catholic education ... a tradition that continues
today, a tradition for which we are forever proud!
The class of 1953 gathers on the third Wednesday of each month at the Chippewa Family Restaurant.
Classmates attending here look forward to seeing additional classmates coming next month. Those
attending were SEATED L to R: Alice (McIlquham) Normand, Joan (Hart) Frederich, Janet (Smith) Humphrey,
Mary Lou (Nowak) Postl and Jackie (Frenette) Lee STANDING L to R: Jan (Loiselle) Kroll, Gerry (Meagher)
Hutton, Mary Lu (Brick) Amundson, June (Hamm) Stewart and Chuck Card.
Class Notes
Continued from page 9
✝ Margaret G. (Michels) Schneider passed
away on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the age of
81. She married her husband Roland in 1948
at St. Peter’s Church in Tilden and was a longtime
member of St. Charles Borromeo Church.
She is survived by her husband Roland, three
sons Marvin ’67, Peter ’72 and Paul ’78,
and four daughters Joyce ’70, Brenda ’76
(Ken) Fournier, Deborah ’80 (Jeff ’80)
Schafer, and Rolanda ’82 (Jim ‘81)
Rada. She also had 17 grandchildren, including
Heather Schneider Boos ’91, Alyssa
Schneider Cooley ’94 and Justine
Schafer ’07, and seven great-grandchildren.
✝ John B. Gardner passed away at the age of 44
from a heart condition on March 20, 2009. He
was the adopted son of Jim ’56 and Joanne
’56 (Stoffer) Gardner of Chippewa Falls.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his
brother in-law Larry Smith of Chippewa Falls
and his nephews Dillan Smith and Cody
Buresh. He was preceded in death by his sister
Jolene Gardner Smith, who was also adopted by
Jim and Joanne.
REUNIONS
Class of 1979 Our 30 year class reunion will be delayed until
August 14th of 2010. Look for a seperate tent for class of 1979, at the Baby
Boomers celebration, held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair grounds.
There is a $10.00 entrance fee, and is open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Beverages and food are available on the grounds. SEE YOU THERE! Check
out the baby boomers website: www.chippewafallsbabyboomers.org
Class of 1984 We will be celebrating our 25th class reunion
this summer on August 15, 2009. It will be held at Ojibwa Golf. Contact
Mike Liddell at mliddell9899@charter.net with any questions.
Class of 1988 We WILL NOT be hosting a Reunion this summer,
instead we will wait until our 25th, look for details coming your way
for a 2013 Reunion. Feel free to send your comments/suggestions to Scott
Sokup at sokups@charter.net.
Class of 1989 Reunion will be Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Fill-
Inn Station in Chippewa Falls. Questions Contact Erica Hagedorn Kranich
foradler@charter.net or Cathy Rubenzer Parker cparker29@hotmail.com
Class of 1999 Reunion will be Saturday, August 15 at Loopy's in
Chippewa Falls starting at 5 pm. Contact Cory Nazer 715) 456-5531 with
any questions.

12 ALL SCHOOL AND ALUMNI NEWS
Macks Bring Home the Silver
Division 4 Wisconsin State Runner-up Baseball Champions
Article written by Juniors Ben Ochs and Alex Hiess, on
the first half of the baseball season.
The 2009 McDonell baseball season started slow
due to rainy, cold weather conditions. In the preseason
polls, the team was ranked 6th in Division 4. The
Macks are lead by two seniors on the team, Charlie
Bohl and Austin King. Despite only having two seniors,
the team is supported by a large junior class.
Playing away from home the first game, the McDonell
club beat Stanley-Boyd 7-2. Then playing our rivals
Eau Claire Regis, the Macks won in a close 6-5 game.
The Macks were able to come out with a victory
despite only managing one hit.
Then came the first loss of the year against a very
talented Bloomer team ranked 7th in Division 2. After
the loss, the team put together a six game win streak
beating Ladysmith, Cadott, Gilman, Winona Cotter,
Lake City, and Thorp. During this stretch the Macks
outscored the teams sixty-three to twenty-five. They
also won the Lake City Tournament, thanks to a thirteen
run inning in the championship game. After the
tournament, the team picked up another win against
Thorp before losing to Osseo-Fairchild. This was the
team’s first loss in conference, but they picked it up
the night after by beating Stanley-Boyd again.
The toughest game of the first half of the season
was against the number one team in Division 2,
Altoona. The Macks fought hard, but Altoona was
just a little better as they edged the Macks 6-3. After
this tough loss, the team came back firing on all cylinders
against Regis, pummeling them 16-4 giving the
Mack a 10-3 record. At this point of the season, Ochs
and Hiess predicted, “The upcoming games will test
the pitchers and the rest of the team members physical
and mental stamina. If they maintain physical and
mental toughness, they have a great shot at winning
the conference and going far into Division 4 playoffs.”
Ochs and Hiess’ belief in coach Eric Weydemeyer
and the team’s potential proved to be true as the baseball
team, riding aboard the Mack bus, rounds the corner
and turned into the McDonell school parking lot after
winning the Wisconsin’s State Silver Championship
Trophy.
In the first round of State semi-final, the Macks
defeated Burlington Catholic Central 6 to 5, state rivals
who defeated the Macks in the past state meets (2004
and 2005 seasons). That all changed this year and the
win set up the championship game with the Marion
Mustangs on June 18th. The game started off with
excitement for the Macks as junior Andy Davis hit the
ball out of the park bringing in two runs to get the team
on the scoreboard. The Mustangs replied by tallying up
six runs in the next inning but it didn’t stop the Macks.
They fought back hard as a team and by the bottom of
the seventh inning, down by one, the game ended too
soon with a final score of 6 to 5. The Macks season
ended with a 22-5 record and a goal to be back at the
State games in 2010.
photo by Dan Hunt
Row 1 L to R: Tyler Erickson, Ryan Baier, Jeremy Hunt, Andy Davis, Caleb Hunt, Ben Ochs and Cody Swoboda Row 2:
Robby Cooper, Chris Suilmann, Sam Rubenzer, Alex Hiess, Cole Tenold, Jake Bohl and Jake Tenold Row 3: Assistant
Coaches Rick Baier and Rick Ruf, Charlie Bohl, Jake McIlquham, Carl Willkom, Austin King, Assistant Coach Arnie Swoboda
and Head Coach Eric Wedemeyer.
Mark your calendars for two fun community events, bringing our families, alumni and neighbors together!
November 8th for a spaghetti dinner and more. February 13th for a Mardi Gras to remember. Both held at McDonell.
DATES toREMEMBER
AUGUST 26
Open House at all Schools 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Welcome Back Wednesday - 5 pm
at McDonell
SEPTEMBER 1
First Day of School
SEPTEMBER 7
Labor Day
SEPTEMBER 20
McD Band performs at Oktoberfest
SEPTEMBER 25/26
Homecoming Football Game/Dance
SEPTEMBER 28
Home and School Sponsored
50’s 60’s Family Dance
SEPTEMBER 29
No School, Diocesan Inservice
OCTOBER 5-6
SC/HG Parent/Teacher Conferences
OCTOBER 8-9
No School, NWEA Convention
Chippewa Area
Catholic Chippewa Schools Area
Catholic Schools
McDonell Central
McDonell Catholic Central High
Notre Catholic Dame High School Middle
Holy Notre Ghost Dame Middle Elementary
School
St. Charles Borromeo
Holy Ghost Elementary
Primary,
St. Charles Borromeo Primary,
Childcare, BB4C 3Pre-K– 3
BB4C, 3-Pre-K, and Day Care
Summer 2007 2009
Mack
✟
Messenger QUALITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATION SINCE 1882
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
News for McDonell High School Alumni and Friends ✎ Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
Come visit us at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair on
July 8-12th
McDonell
Homecoming
on Dorais Field
Friday, September 25th
CACS School Fundraiser
Spaghetti Spectacular
at McDonell
November 8th
See you there!
OCTOBER 14
ND/McD Parent/Teacher Conferences
OCTOBER 15
Presentation on “Think & Say Tutoring
Program” at Holy Ghost
OCTOBER 31
SC Halloween Hoedown
NOVEMBER 8
Spaghetti Dinner at McDonell
NOVEMBER 21
Alumni Assoc. Craft Show at McDonell
United in Faith
and Mission
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
Development and Alumni Relations Office
1316 Bel Air Boulevard
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
FAMILIES! HELP US SAVE COSTS AND KEEP IN TOUCH. If this
issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer lives
at home or has a different mailing address, please notify the
office: (715) 723-0538 or MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Eau Claire, WI
Permit #2000
NOVEMBER 26-27
Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER 9
Holiday Reception at McDonell
DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 2
Christmas Break
JANUARY 29, 30 & 31
McDonell Musical “Annie Get Your Gun”