Work: Executive Adm. Specialist (Retired)
Spouse: Lyle
2 Children
5 Grandchildren
Information update: 05/24/2016

What have I done in the last fifty years and summarize it? Mr. Harvey didn't make us write THAT much. We only had to read "Big Julie" and talk about it! Here goes an attempt:

I married Lyle L. Johnson (Class of '59), my high school sweetheart, in 1964. We bought land and a big barn in Lakewood Township where we were both raised. Since I had two horses and we needed to clean the barn anyway, we decided to start a horse-boarding business. It was great fun; we made a little money, but lots of work. We no longer have horses of our own, but the neighbors pasture their two horses here now, so I still get to enjoy watching them trot around the field. In 1968, we had our son, Lance, and then daughter, Lora, in 1971. Our son lives on the next road with his wife, Karen, and sons Dalton (21), Tucker (13), and daughter Jordan (10). It's great having them so close. Our daughter married a boy from Ely, MN, and moved to Minneapolis. They have two daughters, Gianna (4) and Joslyn (2). We use any excuse we can to go down there often so we get to see the little girls (and our daughter and son-in-law, too).

My first job was working for Minnesota Woolen Co. in Duluth, then on to the American Cancer Society working as secretary to the regional director. Once Lance was born, I stayed home for a while. I did some part-time work for ManPower and for a catering service. Once our kids were in school, I started working at the ISD #709 Central Administration Building. Yes, I was right back where I started from -- in Central High School! My office was directly under the auditorium balcony. Remember the pep rallies when the noise from stomping feet shook the floor? Sometimes I would catch myself thinking about those days and the friends I strolled to classes with as I walked down the halls of that old building. It was a great 9+ years working there.

The time came, however, when I wanted new surroundings. UMD was hiring in the business school's Management Studies Dept. Luckily, I got the job and spent the next 23+ years working as an administrative assistant in that department in a stimulating environment with terrific people. I retired in June of 2009, and am now enjoying the relaxation and freedom that comes with doing what I want, when I want.

Over the years, Lyle and I have traveled the good old USA from shore to shore and border to border. Our last road trip was last month: Duluth to Key West and back. What a big country! We have traveled to Nova Scotia to see the tidal bore in the Bay of Fundy and to Great Britain to walk Hadrian's Wall. I was in Italy with friends a couple of years ago and am planning another trip to Spain this fall with the same friends. Life has been very good to me, and I still live by my same motto: Do SOMETHING, even if it's wrong!

To all of my fellow classmates, in the words OF STARTREK'S Mr. Spock:
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!