In Remembrance
Kenneth Alexy
Kenneth Alexy

Kenneth Alexy -

 

From Dama (Davis) Brockmann - "I always had a secret crush on him, I thought he was so cute.  I just learned of his death and my heart is aching."

 

From Gary Speasl - "I was nearly knocked to the floor when I learned Ken had left us. We had a great time hanging out Senior year--chasing around town. Too many memories to list here but one I remember well was when he and I decided to go skiing up at Timberline Lodge our Senior year and getting stuck. His dad and brother Richard had to come rescue us--how are a couple of 18 yr olds to know ur not supposed to put on the emergency brake in a 60's somethin VW in extreme cold." 
 

Jerry Atkin
Jerry Atkin

Jerry Atkin - Passed February 7, 1998

From Cheryl (Coffey) Post - "It was Twirp Week, when the tables were turned and girls were allowed to ask boys out.  Even though Jerry was my friend, I was still scared and nervous when I asked him and he was so sweet and kind and I walked on clouds for a whole week.  Thank you Jerry for a memory that I have treasured for over thirty years and always will."

From Mary (Medeiros) Tenbusch - "I have lots of memories of Jerry from our 8 years @ Hamilton Creek.  He was a wonderful, kind, fun loving person and those of us who knew him are the better for it."

Brian Beard -

Bonnie Bosch
Bonnie Bosch

Bonnie Bosch - 

From Laura Knodel - "Bonnie's poem was published in "You Write Up My Life", A collection of works done by the 2nd and 6th Period LUHS Creative Writing classes, Spring, 1978."
 
These days are getting longer,
I wonder when they'll end.
I have these thoughts of freedom,
But I can't remember when.
 
I use to walk across green grass,
Or climb upon some hill,
And look upon the countryside,
The memory lingers still.
 
Or walk along some sandy shore,
And gaze across the sea,
And think about the future, 
Or what will become of me.
 
Now I'm across that ocean,
Far from those so dear,
I talk to them often,
I wonder if they hear.
 
Some day I'll cross that ocean,
And we'll be together again,
And all my thoughts of loneliness,
Will all come to a end.
 
So I'll walk across those sandy shores,
Or climb upon some hill,
And gaze across that countryside,
My heart will be fulfilled. 

From Dama (Davis) Brockmann - "Bonnie and I had lots of classes together in both Jr. High and High School.  I always remember Bonnie as someone who would go that extra mile or go out of her way to do something special for someone.  This was just how Bonnie was; she was such a kind, giving person.  I have just learned of her death and my heart is aching."

Jerry Bowser - Passed December 21, 2022

Rhonda Brown Froemke - Passed January 11, 2021

Nick Busse - 

From Mark Biederbeck - It was such a hard passing of Nick for me and his family.  Nick and I were born very close at the Lebanon Community Hospital in June 1961.  It was our parents who were first closely together through St. Edwards Catholic Church.    I remember playing with Nick at his Wagon Wheel Dr home when I was about 4 and we were friends-forever until he passed.  Before and after that, I’ve been very close to his sisters and married family with two children.  We were “best man” for each other in the 80’s.  We fished, hunted, partied and got our kids together.  We and Jerol Selby had a great 40th birthday party at Pineway (Nick was close with Jerol which helped me stay in contact with him).  On March 3, 2020, I was organizing some things downstairs and hoping to find the drum stick that Nick threw to my “girlfriend” (now my wife) at the Oregon State Fair in 1981, as part of “The Rage” band (after it was first “Atmosphere”).  I finally found it and just minutes after that I got a call from his daughter, Nichole.  Yes, he did the same as Jerol Selby, who was the finder of him in the morning after Jerol did it.   It was the saddest thing that ever happened outside of my family passings.  I am still in contact with a lot of his family, which included his son Dustin becoming a Catholic priest in 2023.

Bill Carroll -

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."  Author Unknown


Please feel free to "Contact Us" if you have a memory that you would like to share.
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Tony Cummings - Passed October 7, 2020

Randy DenHerder - Passed July, 2013

Sandra Estep -

Lorrie Gibson
Lorrie Gibson

Lorrie Gibson - Passed February 04, 2009

 

From the Albany-Democrat-Herald - "Lorrie E. (Gibson) Davis, 47, formerly of Lebanon, died Wednesday in Keizer.  She was born in Toledo. Lorrie moved to Lebanon as a child, attending Lebanon schools and graduating from Lebanon Union High School in 1979. She had resided the majority of her life in Lebanon and was living in Keizer at the time of her death. Lorrie had worked in the office at Timber Valley Dairy and also in customer service at Fred Meyer in Salem.

 

Lorrie was full of life and forgave any wrongs against her. She was a wonderful mother, amazing grandma, and the best friend you could ever have. She always loved and will be missed.

 

She loved her dog, being with children, spending time with her family and going to garage sales.

 

She is survived by her parents, Yvonne and Walt Badger of Lebanon; daughters Keala Rund of Lebanon and Malia Terkelsen of Albany; brothers Scott Gibson of Chico, Calif., Cory Badger of Corvallis, and Brad Badger of Pleasanton, Calif.; grandson Devon Mitchell; grandmother Fredaline Gibson of Marshall, Texas; and companion Darrell Davis and his son Alex."

From Danae (Ruth) Caulfield - "There is just a special bond that is formed with childhood friends. Maybe it is because we haven't entered into the phase of our life that is full of work, kids, and everything else. I remember when Lorrie moved to town-I think it was 6th grade. She showed up with her long legs, blonde hair, and beautiful blue eyes. She captured the guys attention, for sure. I think it was love at first sight for her and Darrel Davis (who she ended up marrying years later). She jumped on the back of that dirt bike and that was it. I have a lot of fond and funny memories with Lorrie, Dama (the wild threesome, and Gitte-the not as wild one : )and so many others. I remember one day Lorrie and I decided to skip school. We had no car and of course we choose a day that it poured down rain. We sat under a sideways picnic table at river park, smoking our cigerettes (yuk) and freezing our tails off the whole day. But we were determined to skip. I'm glad the other skip days were a lot drier. "

Several years ago my brother had passed away. I had been gone for many years but it was like there was no time lapse. It was Dama and Lorrie that showed up and offered help to our family. I was so greatful. I am sad at her passing and thankful she was a part of my life. I pray Gods peace and comfort will be with her family and friends. 

From Dama (Davis) Brockman - "Lorrie was my vibriant best friend and sister-in-law, she was witty,caring, fun and could always bring me out of a slump, her wit and laughter were contagious. Danae couldn't have said it better about that special bond that is formed between childhood friends, Lorrie was in 6th grade when she moved to Lebanon and went to Queen Anne school, there was an instant attraction between us, we immediatly became friends, and yes the trio was formed; Lorrie, Dama "

Greg Gilbert - Passed 2011

Cliff Hedlund
Cliff Hedlund

Cliff Hedlund - Passed June 14, 2003

 

From Michael McCafferty - "Cliff and I went to Hamilton Creek together and spent a lot of time together fishing, in 4-H and just bein' gofy kids.  he was definately a "class clown" at times, but had a great heart and love for the outdoors that few could match.  His parents were great people and treated me as one of their own including tanning my hide when I screwed up along with Cliff.  We had many adventures and I'd like to think Cliff's adventures continue today.  Just a goofy kid that loved the outdoors and was much smarter than he would ever let on.  He was also a great friend." 

Larry Hines -

Shawna Hutchinson Bell - Passed February 5, 2022

Debra Boss Jones -

Scott Krieger - 

Katie Mangan
Katie Mangan

Katie Mangan - Passed September 20, 2006

From Peter Mangan (06/07) - "Many people know that Katie Mangan died last year. A few have contacted me to express their condolences. I have been made aware that there are rumors about how she died which she would not be too happy about. So I want to spread the word for those who know her. Katie died on September 20, 2006, at age 45. She died after a long fight with AIDS. She endured over a decade of pill concoctions, battles with pneumonia, constant fevers, flagging eyesight, thrush, staph, and on and on. But she didn't get it in any of the ways people usually hear about, and that is part of her amazing and sad story; she got it from her husband. Her passing is especially tragic and painful for everyone who knew her, because she suffered so stoically and so innocently. Katie was loyal and faithful to her husband from their beginning in 1979 until the end. She died with great dignity, though, just as she lived. She did not utter a word of blame, or anger, or even complaint. It would take more than disease and misfortune to dampen such a bright spirit. Everyone knew she was like that, always happy, always cheerful, always singing, lightening up every corner she visited. She sang beautifully, and she appeared in as many musical productions as she could, even while they lived "down under," in Australia throughout the 1990s.

As she came closer to the end, it was important to Katie that people knew that she lived a clean life (she would do her Eliza Doolittle thing here, "Ah'm a good girl I ahm.") She was true to her belief in the sacrament of marriage and to the value of her family and to her integrity. She never traded virtue for pleasure, and that, mainly, explains why she did not leave her husband. It wasn't until 2005 when he finally told her that he was gay that she gave up on the idea of being married to him and moved away from him.

In 2006, Katie began working on writing her story, but she didn't know how little time she had, and she began it too late. She ran out of energy and time. So I and her other siblings and her daughter, Claire, are doing what we can to let people know how she lived and that she lived beautifully. Katie touched a lot of people in her life, and it has been so gratifying for me and the rest of her family to see how she is remembered with such high esteem, but I know there have also been rumors about how she died that she would never countenance, so I hope to have set the record straight.

Katie was something special. She has 2 kids, Michael & Claire, and they are both grown and doing well. They both live in
Las Vegas, where Katie had moved last, mostly to be nearer to her mother and her grandson, Akira. We all miss her terribly."

From Gary Speasl – “So sad that we had to lose any of our class members. I will always remember Katie Mangan. I remember her getting some of us like Joan Flora and Blain Dailey together for movie excursions to Corvallis or just some good clean fun in Lebanon proper--tee-peeing homes of friends and such. Yes friends, that was us you had to clean up after. Katie was so much fun and lifted everyone's life she touched--wish I had just one more day in her presence.”

From Joan Flora – “Katie Mangan was a summer day for me.  We had so much fun together, so many Friday nights of poker at her house and Saturday night movies.  I can't believe she died, and I hate that she suffered.  Truly, this has been a wild and fierce year for me for watching loved ones suffer, and learning about Katie's death and the circumstances of her death is absolutely heart breaking.  My daughter Katie was named, in part, for my friend Katie--I've carried her in my heart that long.”

From Robert Betalot - "Katie was a star, a doll, and a blessing to know.  Although gone, her memory will continue to held a special place in my heart.  God Bless you Katie.  You are missed."

From Dama (Davis) Brockmann - "Katie was the very first friend I met after my parents moved into town from Gore School District; we moved right across the street from the Mangan family on Grant Street in Lebanon.  Katie and I had lots of fun playing together; I remember her house having a huge basement and we'd spend entire afternoons playing Barbie dolls.  We were abou 7 years old when we first met; Katie was always funny and she was so sweet,.  Throught the years I had often wondered what ever happened to Katie.  I have just learned of her death and my heart is aching."

From Kimberly (Walters) Zahr – “My heart is saddened by this tragic sequece of events in Katie's life. We all know how strong she was and how she lived her life with integrity. In our Senior year she had to make choices that today make you wonder how her life could have been different. I will always see Katie as a vibrant, whity, fun friend who made people feel good when they where around her. I remember driving with Katie in that big, old, white, Buick where she could hardly see over the steering wheel. We spend many hours up in her big, top of the house, bedroom trying on make-up, the latest fashions, and singing. We use to go to the Hasty Freeze to get milk shakes. She said it would take 3 hours of running to burn off the calories we just drank. I have always hear her voice when our family stops for shakes.
 
Katie helped me cope with understanding the things that where happening in my life. She was a true friend and has always been in my memories. Now I told a final memory of Katie because I know she is singing with the angels right now! “

Rick Miller - Passed Summer of 1978


 

William
William "Bill" Minter

William "Bill" Minter - Passed April 06, 2009

From the Lebanon Express - "He was born on Jan. 6, 1959, in Salem to William J. and Helen L. (Albee) Minter. He moved to Lebanon when he was four. He graduated from Lebanon High School.

He entered the Army in 1979 and was a welding instructor at West Point. He was honorably discharged in 1983.

Mr. Minter belonged to the Elks Lodge and the American Legion.

He is survived by his son Josh Minter of Jacksonville, N.C.; daughter Sarah Minter of Tacoma, Wash.; mother Helen Grimes of Lebanon; grandchildren Dalton, Deacon, and Janessa; stepmother Arlene Minter of Lebanon; and sisters Sharon Stewart of Newport, Valerie Weippert of Ponchatoula, La., and Kelley Perry of Lebanon.

His father William J. Minter and stepfather Bob Grimes died before he did."

Tim Nelson -

Cheryl Ness -

Mark Neustal
Mark Neustal

Mark Neustal - Passed June 19, 2006

From CorbanCollege's Fall 2006 Newsletter - "Mark Neustal, went home to be with the Lord suddenly on June 19.  He died of heart failure. Mark knew and loved the Lord.  He put his hope in Christ and was well-prepared to leave this temporary home for his eternal one in Heaven.  He graduated from Western Baptist with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities in 1984.  While attending college, Mark married his wife, Conni (Johnson) on July 11, 1981 in Seattle, Washington.  Mark is survived by his wife, as well as daughters, Lauren and Emma, and son, Blake.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Neustal Memorial Fund at CorbanCollege."


From Victor Higgins - "I remember Mark as a guy who was not too cool to talk or associate with any of his classmates, even the nerds.  That really was what made him such a great person to me."

From Dottie (Simpson) Leisinger - "I grew up with Mark and adored him it was a great loss."

From Joan Flora – “For Mark Nuestal, a good friend, a great athlete, and a gentle soul.  I was looking forward to golfing with you, catching up on our lives.  I kept your poem short because you never struck me as a poetry lover, but you did major in Humanities.”

From David Farrington - "It is always a tragedy to see any of our classmates pass. I would however like to comment about Mark Neustal who was not only a classmate for over 12 years but a great insperation. Mark and I grewup together playing basketball at Lacomb gradeschool. I remember riding my bike to his house where we would spend many hours shooting hoops with his dad ED. I had a great childhood and Mark played a key role in who I am today. I was sorry that I didn't get a chance to get reaquainted with MArk after we graduated and went our seperate ways but I will always cherish those memories of our basketball days at Lacomb."
Gordon Otta
Gordon Otta

Gordon Otta -

From Laura Knodel - "I don't recall the year Gordon died, but I was told that he died of an epileptic-type seizure after he got out of a combine while combining a field.  They said he was alone at the time and was found collapsed on the ground.  I had worked with Gordon at the Cathay House Chinese restaurant (and we went out a few times when I was a sophmore).  He really was a nice guy and had a sweet Mom.  I remember hangin' out with Gordon's friends, they all had Chevys, but Gordon drove his mom's Catalina (what a boat!) until he finally got his own Chevy.  We stayed friends until I moved away."

 

Kim Reed - 

Frances Reeves Sellers
Frances Reeves Sellers

Frances Reeves Sellers - Passed January 16, 2011

From Cheryl (Coffey) Post - "I just got the news today and my heart is broken.  What do you say about someone who you have know a great portion of your life?  Rest in peace my friend."

Rocky Rose - Passed January, 2017

Jerol Selby - Passed April 20, 2017

From Mark Biederbeck - I got to know Jerol in my first math (algebra) class at LUHS as a fall-freshman.  I’m pretty sure he was the first guy I became friends with that I hadn’t known before LUHS.  And it was after graduating that we stayed close as Nick and Jerol being very close.  The day before one of the reunions we fished out in the ocean (in my boat) and had about 15-20 bites but didn’t catch a single salmon (it was good but just no luck)!  In 2007 we had about twenty 79ers at a get-together in Portland with Nick and Jerol both there.  One of the best things for me is that Jerol let me drive his “new style” Pontiac GTO, such a nice car.  We had some good get-togethers at the Lebanon Elk’s club.  And it was from Nick that I heard about Jerol’s passing as he was the one who found him via a call from Jerol’s mom who could not hear from him and asked him to go “visit” him.  The only good thing about this was that they had a very good Celebration of Life at LUHS where he taught math for over 20 years. 

Donna Sharp - 

Robin Smith - Passed October 22, 2022

Robert Thurber -

Tamara Winters -

From Cheryl (Coffey) Post - "Tammy and I were best friends in 8th grade.  She lived across from the Junior High and I thought it was pretty cool that she could go home for lunch.  She is missed."

General Messages -

From Victor Higgins - "I read the Remembrance page...man was I floored.  Katie was one of the people that I connected with, and Mark and Jerry I knew though didn't really hang with them.  My condolences to all who have lost a friend or loved on."

From Raymond Flowers - "Yes thank you all who have had a part in this , I'am sorry for all the lost this class has lost, my best wishes to too all the familys and their friends."



Poetry dedication from Joan Flora -

This is for Katie, talented, funny, beautiful, brave and smart beyond compare:
 
The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
 
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean--
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-- who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day.
 
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
 
This is for Mark:
 
Song of the Builders by Mary Oliver
 
On a summer morning
I sat down
on a hillside
to think about God -
 
a worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
a single cricket;
it was moving the grains of the hillside
 
this way and that way.
How great was its energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hope
 
it will always be like this,
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe.
 
from Why I Wake Early (2004)