Ach1968

Most of you recall Mr. Fossum, a civics teacher whose room was on the main floor of the Washington Building in old Central High School during our time there from1966-1968. I (Dan Holdhusen) never had Reedy as a teacher, but I did have the privilege of playing baseball for the team he coached over five decades. I thought I'd share a post I recently completed that you may find of interest. Sorry for the self-aggrandizement...

With the able assistance of author Patrick Gallagher, a talented local writer and baseball aficionado, I have just completed a book entitled "Leaving a Legacy - Reedy Fossum and the Aberdeen Smitty's". It is available on Amazon in softcover edition. You can purchase it and read more about it at https://reedyssmittys.com. This book is a labor of love to Reedy Fossum and his family, the years he dedicated to coaching the local Smitty's team over five decades, and his positive influence on so many. All proceeds from sales will be donated to keep Aberdeen's baseball program strong - in honor of the memory of Reedy.

Fellow Class of '68 member, Jim Mund, shares this sad message: "I'm sorry to inform you that on this past Saturday evening, we lost another classmate. Sheila (Schrenk) Rath. She was married to her high school sweetheart and our classmate, Keith Rath. Sheila had breast cancer 20-some years ago, and recently it returned as leukemia. Keith and Sheila had been wintering in Mesa, AZ the last couple of years. She was admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Clinic where she passed away. Keith, and their two children, Jan (Aberdeen) and Steve (Britton, SD) were by her side." Click on link below for obituary information.

https://www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Sheila-Rath?obId=47218689 #/obituaryInfo

The holidays are the worst times to pass along sad news; however, it must be reported that we lost another of our beloved class members recently. We are very sad to report the passing of Jeanne Swenson, who died peacefully on Nov. 28, 2025, in Prior Lake, MN with her family by her side. Blessed be the memories of our friend and classmate. https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/jeanne-swenson-1093377362

Very sorry to share the sad news of the passing of another of our classmates. Betty (Berglund) Likness passed away peacefully at her home in Aberdeen on Nov. 10, 2025. She was a quiet person with a big smile. RIP, Betty https://www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Betty-Likness?obId=46374799 #/obituaryInfo

Editor's note: We've shared some of classmate Sandy (Traxinger) Jorgenson's photography talent on this page in the past, and thought another would be appreciated. Sandy shares: "As some of you know, I took a trip to Hungary in Sept for a horse photography workshop. I know - that’s crazy-but it was fun. Now I have many,many photos of horses. You might see more than you ever wanted to see, but here’s a sample." Don't know about you, but I still think Sandy should publish a book!

Merry Carroll (Burckhard) Schaller passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. Merry was a beloved classmate and friend of many. Please pray for those who mourn her passing, and especially Dennis and the extended Schaller/Burckhard family.

Obituary information for Merry Schaller View Merry Schaller's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Happy Anniversary to Charley and Kathy Anderson, who recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. It appears from their picture that they were married in their early teens. CONGRATULATIONS Andersons!!! ❤💝

Sad to report the loss of another of our ACHS 1968 classmates. Sheryl (Raymond) Jacobson passed away on July 21, 2025 in Sioux Falls. She had resided for many years in Redfield, SD. Please pray for the Jacobson family.

Obituary for Sheryl Ann Jacobson | Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory Share memories & support the family

These two lovebirds celebrated 50 years together today (July 12, 2025)! Wish the Jazz's a Happy 50th. They haven't changed a lick over the years!!! ❤

It is with great sadness to report that our dear classmate and friend, Marsha (Stoia) Luzier passed away on June 12, 2025, in Aberdeen, with her husband Dr. Tom Luzier, at her bedside. A Celebration of Life service has been scheduled on Friday, July 18th. Click on the link below for Marsha's obituary and more details regarding the service. Please pray for the Luzier and Stoia families. She will be missed.

https://www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Marsha-Jo-Luzier?obId=42923882 #/obituaryInfo

Kudos and thanks to our classmate, Dr. Kenneth J. Meier, for his gesture of endowing a scholarship with the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation to encourage and support academic excellence. What an amazing gift to the current and future students of education. Thanks, Ken!