Hello everyone,

A dozen from the class of 63 gathered yesterday for lunch at the Pool and Yacht club and to look out over the frozen Mississippi………………

A bit of a switch was planned, instead of just writing a few notes of what went on and emailing them out Joe Schufman recorded the event and planned to put it on our class web site. With some difficulties occurring this will not happen this month but we hope to get it accomplished for the next class lunch.

We opened the gathering with a remembrance of our classmates who passed away in 2022 along with Classmate Len Mitsch’s wife Barb who just recently passed away.

Our classmates who passed in 2022 were Ken Rogers, Charlie Evans, Dave Rossini, Trent Niemeyer, Richard Blaeser and Dennis Wilkes

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.

CDH has notified me that September 28^th will be the date for the ONE CDH alumni gathering. So our efforts to put together some 60^th reunion events now has a date to work from.

Dave Britz has volunteered to coordinate a golf outing. Thank you Dave!

Joe Schufman has volunteered to organize a memorial mass honoring the deceased members of our class. Thank you Joe!

*******We are looking for several volunteers to coordinate another possible 6 school social event like we did for our 25^th and 50^th reunions. *******

John Runyon gave us an update on his work to put together a piece honoring two of our classmates (George Bonfe and Mike Ryan)John has been speaking with members of the Bonfe family and with the help of classmate Bob O’Malley with the Ryan family. We are anxious to see John’s work and have it posted on the class web site.

I spoke with Pat McDonnell three days ago and things are moving in the right direction with some severe medical issues Pat has been dealing with—Great news Pat! We look forward to having you with us at the lunches  again soon.

Here is some stuff about CDH

Boys hockey rated number 5 in state and just played the #1 team Wayzata—lost in OT 5-4.  The team has split with  St Thomas this year and St Thomas is again rated in the top 10 of the state.

CDH hired it’s 1^st JROTC female instructor. SFC Brittany Thingvold

Boy’s golf team—something I watch closely since I know two of the dads of current players. Last season these guys went to state and finished in the top 20 players and this year a new boy enrolled at CDH. His golf credentials include; in 2021 as a 14 year old winning the National DRIVE, PITCH and PUTT championship at August National during Masters week.

Finally, we always want to have classmates submit interesting stories and photos. So I get a photo of two classmates standing beside a lake on a golf course. These two classmates now play golf together regularly since moving into the same small Texas town of Granbury. After I get the photos from Texas last week it just so happens it has been snowing in Minnesota and Wisconsin for about 3 days straight. Tree over Joe Schufman’s driveway in River falls Wisconsin and that is me finishing up shoveling around my house in St Paul. Nice contrast to the two guys golfing.

The two golfers are Terry Bacigalupo and Tom Schwartz who both shot 86 that day. Joe and I both agree Tom and Terry had a better day getting exercise that he and I did moving snow.

Click on image to enlarge

Best to all

Tom Troskey

Many of you recall 2013 and the 50^th anniversary of our graduation from CRETIN. Several gatherings (alumni banquet, memorial mass, golf outing, and 6 school get together) were held to celebrate this milestone. Shortly after those gatherings took place in September 2013 our classmate Dave Britz floated the idea of regular, frequent get togethers for the class of 63. Dave got a couple of classmates to discuss and beginning in January of 2014 the class of 63 began the regular monthly lunches on the second Thursday of each month at O’Gara’s restaurant until they closed down in 2018 and since that time at the Pool and Yacht Club in Lilydale.

With that background we begin our 10^th year of uninterrupted (except the Covid pandemic) second Thursday of each month class of 63 lunches.

Since we are now in 2023, do the math—–60 year anniversary of CRETIN graduation coming up soon. There has already been some interest shown by both our classmates and CDH to get some things scheduled to celebrate the 60^th. Just like for the 50^th we will need some class of 63 guys to step forward to do some organizing of activities.—-THINK ABOUT IT!

Tom Troskey

Hello Guys,

Nice gathering of classmates today for lunch at the Pool and Yacht Club. Lots of laughter and reminiscing as we watched the Mississippi freeze over.

This regular monthly class of 63 lunch gathering is finishing it’s ninth year. Thanks for Dave Britz in getting it started in Jan of 2014.

I mentioned in last months notes that some discussion has started to take place related to what we should do to commemorate our 60^th anniversary of graduating from Cretin.

A number of guys sent me notes hoping a social get together of the 6 schools (like we did for 25 and 50 years) could be put together.

John Runyon who is heading up a project where we recognize two classmates who led remarkable lives after being confined to wheel chairs for the last 50 + years of their lives. Mike Ryan and George Bonfe are the two men and John has been talking

with these men’s families. John has spoken with George’s three children and his three brothers and just this AM along with classmate Bob O’Malley spoke with Mike’s wife in Arizona. More on this project will be forth coming.

I told the guys at lunch about a classmate who frequently attends the lunches but was not there today.  Here is what I shared.

Earlier this week classmate Tom Mega responded to my request to see who would be attending the December class of 63 lunch. Tom responded that he was unable to attend because he had some “other commitment”. The “other commitment” reason reminded me of some things I know about how Tom has spent the last 40-50 years and I wanted to share that with the rest of the class of 63.

Many of you know Tom was a History professor at St Thomas University for 32 years  and retired in 2014.

Being a professor left Tom some open time in the summers and Tom and a musical partner have a “second” career entertaining many on the river boats on the Mississippi River and clubs around the Twin Cities playing Ragtime/Dixieland music. Only Covid has interrupted this endeavor.

And now that “other commitment” that prevented Tom from attending the class lunch.

Tom’s “other Commitment” is a “third” career. For more than 40 years Tom still works as a ski instructor. Tom told me he doesn’t put on the boards much anymore but is the supervisor of the ski instructing staff at Highland Hills in Bloomington.

Calling music and skiing careers might be more accurately described as passions for Tom.

Very active and still doing stuff he has enjoyed for 40+ years—-—I thought this is a nice positive story to share with our Cretin classmates and maybe will motivate me to get off my rear  a bit more often.

Next Class lunch is Thursday January 12^th — mark your calendars

That is all for now.

Best to all

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy new year.

Tom Troskey

Hello All,

Walked into the P&Y at 11:30AM and it was 68 degrees and exited at 1:30 it was 49 degrees on its way down to 30. I guess winter is arriving tonight.—JUST SAYING THIS FOR THE CLASSMATE SNOWBIRDS WHO HAVE ALREADY LEFT TOWN.

Had a dozen guys today and very happy to see first time attendee Mike Gaida join the crew, hope you make it regularly Mike! Also happy to see Frank Villaume today, Frank has been recovering from some medical issues for a few months but was able to be with us today, that was great and  hope his recovery continues to progress.

Dave Tyree a regular class of 63 lunch attendee was not with us today. Sadly Dave was attending the funeral for our classmate Trent Niemeyer. I have no further info on the passing of Trent but when it becomes available I will forward. In the meantime please keep Trent in your prayers, may he rest in peace!

Joe Schufman had an idea he wanted to share with the class—-if we do something for our 60^th reunion next year, Joe suggested we include a Mass of Remembrance for those in our class who have passed away. Very good idea Joe!

I spoke with CDH’s Rob Bollinger  last week about a few things and he shared with me that the recent CDH Give to the Max day in October resulted in the most money and most donors in the 15 year history of this annual giving program. Great success.

Many of you know our classmate Jack Dale has a son who is an actor. His name is Ian Anthony Dale and a 1996 CDH grad, my daughter is a classmate of Ian’s and called me the other night to inform me that Ian is now a regular on the weekly series THE RESIDENT. In the TC THE RESIDENT is on Fox 9 on Tuesday nights. Take a look!

You know our regular class of 63 lunches are the second Thursday of every month and November is always special because it coincides with Veteran’s day. We have many Veterans in our class. Thank you to all veterans with a special thank you and appreciation to the Vets of the class of 63. The photo attach show the Vets at lunch today. Represented  in the photo are Army, Air Force and Marines and left to right are Joe Schufman, Joe Brooks, Larry Moser, Dick Butler, John Runyon, Tom Schleck.

Best to all and next class of 63 lunch is Thursday DECEMBER 8^TH

Tom Troskey

Hello all,

80 degrees Tuesday and 38 degrees today.  Several of our class who are snow birds are heading south next week. Smart guys!

We had 16 classmates gathered today and I might say a rather jovial and spirited group. Enjoying one another’s company!

Those at lunch today;  Dave Britz, Jim Dimond, Tim Valento, Dave Tyree, Don Danneker, Joe Brooks, Larry Moser, Ed Sund, Ed Kurhajets, Joe Schufman, Tom Schleck, John Runyon, Gary Stoffel, Tom Mega, Tom Troskey, John Lentsch.

Ed K. has lived in the Milw area for many years and has now moved back to the TC and is living in Edina—welcome back ED.

A few of our frequent lunch  attendees (Rick O’Connor, Pat McDonnell, and Frank Villaume) have not been with us for a while and we are hoping they will be back soon.

We spoke for a bit about CDH and the difficult season the football team is having…… here is an interesting item CDH 905 students and about 430 are boys and St Thomas Academy has 470 boys in 9^th -12^th

John Runyon had a book written in 2020 by a local author Bill Strusinski, a Vietnam vet. Care Under Fire   John recommended it highly. I believe Joe Brooks took it to read.

Next lunch is Thursday November 10^th—MARK YOUR CALENDERS

Best to all

Tom Troskey

Click on image to enlarge

Hello Guys,

A beautiful summer day at the river 85 and sunny.  Not much more of this ………

Had eleven guys breaking bread, socializing and reminiscing. Enjoyable time.

I forgot to take a photo inside so the two attachments are from outside showing the Pool and Yacht Club and  John Runyon, Joe Schufman and in the back ground Dave Tyree leaving the restaurant.

Calendars

Thursday the 15^th  of September—One CDH event at CDH—–see CDH web site for more details   www.cretin-derhamhall.org   

Friday the 16^th —–Cretin verse St Thomas Academy at St Thomas Academy—-I have been advised that there will be a bus running to the game from the Union 32 Crafthouse located at 2864  Hi way 55 (intersection of Dodd Road and Hi way 55) This establishment is owned by Dan Redpath 86’ who is married to Tammy Trenter 87’ the daughter of our friend and classmate JIM TRENTER. If they are there tell them you were  a classmate of Jims!

Thursday October 12^th—– class of 63 lunch at Pool and Yacht Club.

Take care and best to all.

Tom Troskey

Click on image to enlarge

Hello Guys,

A couple of fun get togethers for the class of 63 this week.

On Wednesday, the 9^th annual class of 63 golf outing at Highland National where three foursomes and one rules coordinator spent 4 hours enjoying the great weather and excellent conditions of the golf course. But most importantly the groups were playing to lay claim to the CHARLIE trophy. Classmate Charlie Schuldt started this golf outing in 2014 and ran it until he passed away in Sept of 2016. Since Charlie’s passing Dave Britz has been handling the golf outing and doing a fine job. You will see in photo 2653 the guys who have THE CHARLIE trophy for the next year. They are; Tim Valento, Dick Butler, Jim McCormick and Gary Stoffel.

Although three foursomes started on the 1^st tee only two finished 18 holes—–there is more to this story but none of the missing foursome was at the class lunch today to clarify the story.

Photo 2635—all the players

Photo 2644—Stoffel, Butler, McCormick, Valento

Photo 2647—Troskey, Dimond, Danneker, DiPrima

Photo 2650—Neils, Swenson, McKee, Sund

Today, Thursday 15 classmates gathered at the Pool and Yacht Club for a few hours of socializing.

Mark your calendars

Next Class Lunch Thursday Sept 8^th 

ONE CDH alumni gathering at CDH Thursday Sept 15^th

CDH St Thomas Academy Football game at ST Thomas Academy September 16^th 

Best to all and check the web site   https://cretinclassof1963.org  

Tom Troskey

Click on photo to enlarge

Hello All,

The attached photos shows the plaque and program page showing the undefeated 1960 Cretin football team. This team was honored along with several other CDH teams and individuals who were recently inducted into the CDH athletic Hall of Fame on June 16^th 2022.  

As you can see there were seven members of our class that were part of the team. I did not know how many of you might already have seen this plaque and list so I asked Bert Christensen (younger brother of Matt and Nick) if I could share Matt’s plaque with the whole class. Thank you very much Bert! You know that Matt and Nick were wonderful guys that many of us got to know.

Best to all

Tom Troskey

Hello All,

Just got back from the regular monthly class of 63 lunch where  a dozen of the class gathered to break bread and socialize.

One of the guys scheduled to be at the lunch was injured playing pickle ball earlier today and had to cancel—we wish Tim Valento a quick recovery.

Dave Britz who is the organizer of our golf outing is away on vacation but wants to be sure all who want to play in the class of 63 golf event (THE CHARLIE) on Wednesday August 10^th contact him at 651 459 1858 or britzie37@aol.com  

Speaking of golf, you may recall I solicited input from the class on who may have scored a hole in one in their golfing career. I got six replies.

Before I show you the list and some detail, did you know the odds of getting a hole in one for the average golfer is 12,500 to 1. Because we have a classmate who along with holes in one has also achieved a double eagle (albatross) which is far rarer than a hole in one and the odds to make an albatross are estimated to be about 600,000 to 1, that feat is added to the list.

So here is the list of the guys achieving these rare events in golf.

Bob O’Malley (2) one in 2014 at Biltmore Links and one in 2015 at Paradise Valley golf club. Both of these courses are in the Phoenix area where Bob resides. Bob said he saved a lot of money because the club houses were closed when he finished both rounds.

Pat Quinlan (1) Makaha Country club in Hawaii in 1970.

Terry Bacigalupo (1) Myrtle Beach SC in 1986 with a group of 32 guys on a golf vacation. Terry said that he recalls a very high bar bill!

Mike Swenson (1) Maddens Classic in Brainerd in 2015 and Mike has a plaque to prove it.

Richard Bulter-No Details

Don Danneker (2) One at Inver Grove Golf club in the mid 80’s and one at Como golf in St Paul in 2016. Don has the Double Eagle (Albatross) at Hastings Club in 1988. Don says the 2 holes in one cost him a bundle!

Well congrats to those comes from the rest of us who have been trying for many years with no success.

A few other things; you may recall CDH has organized  an annual ALL alumni (Cretin, Derham Hall and CDH) get together. It was suppose to kick off last September but Covid got in the way. So this year it is scheduled for Thursday September 15^th at CDH. Here is a link to give you more info https://www.cretin-derhamhall.org/onecdh/   

Since all three schools are included in the annual event Mothers, Sons, Daughters Fathers, Brothers, Sisters etc are all invited to have an enjoyable evening together as ONE CDH ALUMNI CELEBRATION.

More info is due out soon.

Mark your calendars

Wednesday August 10^th—-golf outing at Highland National

Thursday August 11^th—-regular monthly class lunch at Pool and Yacht Club

Thursday September 15^th—-Annual CDH ALL ALUMNI gathering at CDH

Thanks and best to all

Tom Troskey

A very heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to help pay for the maintenance costs of  our class website. 

Those who made donations include –

Funds are being used to pay for the annual cost of hosting services,  domain registration, and add-on software (security, backup, image management, etc.).  Your generosity means we have covered  our website contract services into 2025!   I am very grateful for your support.