Kulla, James

KULLA, JAMES, 57, of Louisville, died Sunday, December 23, 2007 after a long courageous fight against his illness. James had worked in the Chicago area for years in the retail furniture business before moving to Louisville 17 years ago. His father, Raymond Elmer Kulla, preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother, Margaret Kulla of the Forum at Brookside; his children, James and Karrie Kulla; his grandchildren, Zachory and Brady Kulla; his former wife and good friend, Bonnie Goldman; sisters, Mary Foss (Marty) and Anne Kielbasa (Jack); brothers, Raymond (Kathleen), Donald (Amy) and John (Susan) Kulla; and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Epiphany, 914 Old Harrods Creek Rd. with burial in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. The family will receive visitors at the church after 10 a.m. Thursday. Pearson-Ratterman Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Memorial gifts may take the form of contributions to Immune Deficiency Foundation. Published in The Courier-Journal on 12/25/2007.
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Rest in Peace Jim

Kathy Porter
2568 Scottwood Rd
Columbus OH 43209-3128
614-237-7198

Rest in Peace Phil - You are remembered

My sister, Cheryl, was employed by International Hilton for over 20 years as a PBX operator. She also did the artwork for the hotel. She was married almost 20 years. She wrote a children's book. There was no notice in the papers. She was remembered with a memorial service a month after he death. She found out she had pancreatic cancer on October 4, 2007 and died October 23, 2007.She was a friend to all. She had no children. She is laughing at us all right now. She loved animals. She was a pleasure to have as a sister and great friend.
- Sonja Hertzner Zane '66

I've been unsure as to what to write and have decided to just ramble on and tell you what comes to mind regarding my life post WHS. Here goes:

    JOBS: Ball State University, Dir. of Univ. Bands, 1969-71

                Staples HS, Westport, CT, Dir. of Bands, 1971-72

                Glenbrook South HS, Glenview, IL, Allied Arts Dir., 1972-73

                Brentwood HS, Brentwood, Long Island, NY, Dir. of Bands, 1973-98

I retired in June, l998 and moved to Winter Haven, FL. I worked part-time at DisneyWorld for the Disney Cruise Line from l998 until 2003. I've gotten back into playing professionally (Alto Sax/Clarinet) part-time at DisneyWorld and 4 local jazz (big) bands and a symphony orchestra. It's as much as I want to do in retirement.

PERSONAL: I was divorced from my wife, Judy, in 1975. I have 3 children-Kristen(40), Erik(38) and Kurt(36). I was granted custody and raised them myself from the ages of 8,6 and 4. My daughter, Kristen, is a mother of 3, a lawyer, married to a surgeon and lives in Boston. My son, Erik, is a father of 4, an investment banker, married to his Russian wife and lives in Moscow, Russia. My son, Kurt, is a father of 1, an Employment Specialist with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and lives in Dallas, TX. I never remarried but came close a few times (Whew!). I'm currently seriously dating a wonderful girl, Janna(46), a travel agent and feel great. By the way, I'm 71 so "thank you GOD!".

Life hasn't worked out the way I imagined but all in all, everything has been for the best. I had to leave Ball State University because my wife hated Muncie, IN and threatened to leave me and take the kids. I decided I could always get another job but not another family. As it turned out, Judy didn't like being a mother (she was an opera singer in NY and Europe) and I enjoyed being a dad so that's how the custody thing came about.

Rock bands break up, egos get out of hand, musicians burn out, and a new study says band members are much more likely to die early.

That makes the consistency and longevity of the New Odyssey band even more of an oddity. For 30 years, the band with roots in the suburbs has been on the road, playing gigs, telling jokes and making music nationwide.

"It's very much like a marriage," says Michael Jay, 55, a vocalist, guitarist and composer. "You fight, but you are committed. Your goals are the same."

The band's numbers range from classic rock to classical music, and from bluegrass to dance music.

"We've probably forgotten more songs than I know," says Gary Polkow, 53, the group's musical director, keyboard player and master of a dozen instruments.

Everyone in the band plays multiple instruments -- sometimes at the same time.

At a recent practice in the basement of Polkow's modest Warrenville home, drummer Gary Todd, 53, learns the trumpet part by ear for the Chicago classic "25 or 6 to 4."

"Now, I've got to play the horn part while playing the drums," Todd explains, with one hand on the horn.

"I'm adding a slide trombone as we speak," Polkow says. "It's a constant change."

Except when it comes to the band's members.

Todd, the group's main comedian, joined an existing group in 1977. Polkow was added a few months later. Jay, who lives in Roselle, is the newest member of the trio, having joined in 1978. At times New Odyssey has had four members, but it's been the three of them for ages.

A 1969 graduate of Wheeling High School, Jay sang and played rhythm guitar for school dances and in clubs with his band "The Other Side."

Polkow, a five-time Illinois state accordion champion, switched to piano and organ as a teenager when he joined a band called Strapperjak, which played Chicago clubs.

As part of a traveling act with his parents and brothers called "Harry Todd and the Toddlers," Todd began his showbiz career at age 2.

"We were acrobats with trained dogs," says Todd, a regular on TV's old "Bozo Show." "Trained kids and trained dogs."

In an industry known for chewing up young talent and forcing musicians to seek side jobs in the "real world," New Odyssey has carved out a stable career playing everything from county fairs and suburban church festivals to massive trade shows and corporate outings. They've gotten repeat gigs playing before 25,000 people at RV rallies, national conventions and festivals.

The www.newodyssey.net  Web site lists dozens of testimonials and upcoming public appearances across the suburbs and beyond.

"We've even played for weddings and then their kid's wedding," Todd says. "We should start a promotion: Hire us for your wedding and your kid's wedding, and we'll do your grandkids free."

The trio caters their show to their audience.

"That's the difference between us and musicians who don't make a living," says Todd, who lives in Johnsburg. "We want to make our house payments and send our kids to college."

All three guys have longtime, stable marriages and kids. While Polkow has composed music for video games such as "Halo," and Jay has written and performed commercial jingles, the band members split all New Odyssey profits and expenses. They save money by driving home immediately after far-flung shows, taking turns driving the New Odyssey truck, which has a couple of sleeping bunks.

"We are the roadies," Todd says, noting the guys pack up quickly so they can get back to their families. "It's not like Gary meets a girl in the audience and wants to hang around."

They are suburban dads who have overcome the rock music odds.

"It's amazing that we've stayed together, stayed married and managed to make all of it work," Jay says. "It's a good thing."

Michael A. Titre of Arlington Heights A funeral Mass for Michael A. Titre, Major USAF Retired, will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 440 S. Mitchell St., Arlington Heights. Visitation will be from 3 until 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (four blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights. Michael taught physics and physical science in High School District 214 for 18 years, beginning at Wheeling High School and retiring from Elk Grove High School in 1984. His parents, Caterina (nee Savio) Titre and Peter Titre preceded him in death. Born of Italian immigrant parents in Clinton, Ind., on Oct. 23, 1923, he was raised in Lockport, Ill., graduating with honors from Lockport Township High School in 1941. He passed away at his home Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. He enlisted in the Air Force, graduating from flight training as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot and during World War II was assigned to the 9th Air Force 405th Fighter Group. His military career as a fighter pilot included 58 combat missions over Germany. His decorations include the ETO ribbon with five Battle Stars, the Medal for Humane Action with three ribbons, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. During the Berlin Airlift he was assigned to Templehof, A.F.B. in Berlin as the chief weather forecaster, responsible for all air lift operations in and out of Berlin. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster for that service. During the Korean War he was assigned as the commander of the Weather Detachment Osan AFB Korea and served as instrument flight Instructor for the Korean Air Force. For his service to the Republic of Korea, Michael was awarded with a set of Korean Air Force pilot wings recognizing him as pilot in the Royal Korean Air Force. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Michael completed his teaching degrees and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign. Michael began his teaching career in High School District 214 at Wheeling High School then transferring to Elk Grove High School. During his teaching career and into retirement he served on several community organizations in Arlington Heights. He is survived by his brothers Peter (Maxine) Titre of Arlington Heights and John (the late Beatrice) of Colorado Springs; stepbrother, Conrad (Peggy) Gordon of Lockport. Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews living locally, out of town and out of state. A private burial with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Ill. Memorials may be made to Memorial Squad, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 27034 S. Diagonal Road, Elwood, IL 60421; American Institute for Cancer Research, 1759 R. Street N.W., P.O. Box 97167, Washington, DC 20090; or Experimental Aircraft Association Aviation Center, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. For information 847-253-0168.

Dana E. Mangi, 25, of Arlington Heights. Loving daughter of Joseph and Barbara, nee Destiche; dear sister of Sarah J. Mangi; devoted grand-daughter of the late William (Jean) Destiche, Mary Joanne Destiche and Vincent and Joanne Mangi; cherished niece and cousin of many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home Arlington Heights Chapel, 2000 E. Northwest Highway Arlington Heights. Funeral Friday 9:15 a.m. from funeral home to St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights. Mass 10 a.m. Entombment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610 or Susan B. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244 would be greatly appreciated. Funeral info, 847-253-5423 Published in the Chicago Tribune on 8/21/2007.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=22283
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=21696
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=21050
 

Rest in Peace Dana

Tom had a nice 'gig' last week.  Hillary Clinton visited Westglow Spa here in Blowing Rock for a fundraiser (75 people attended at $2300 per person!)   Tom was hired by Westglow as the exclusive photographer/videographer for the event... no press or media was allowed. Tom was able to bring Katie along as his 'assistant'!  Needless to say, his name is all over the local papers and television in photo credits this week.  It was exciting for both of them to have been there. So... here is our son with the future president! -xoxo,  Nancy

Tony and his wife Jeanne on 10/31/2006

The wake for Tony VerPlancke will be held at St. Peter United Church of Christ, 47 Church Street, Lake Zurich from 3PM-8PM on Wed. June 13th.  There will also be one hour of visitation from 10-AM until time of service at 11AM on Thursday also at the church. All services will conclude at the church.

Found the website, and I remember so many of you. I went to Mark Twain, Jack London and Wheeling, moving to Arlington Heights in my junior year of 1968.  I became a nurse and have worked medical-surgical most of my life. I am presently working as a flight attendant for United based out of Chicago, and having the time of my life.  I have two married daughters, both living in Texas, and two granddaughters!  My hobbies are traveling, ballet, and cake decorating.  I found Cheryl Loomis from our class and she too, lives here in SAT.  Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.  My younger sister, Cathy, also attended WHS for two years, she is married, has a son and grandson and lives in Wisconsin.  She became a master gardener.  I recently drove thru Dunhurst, grew up on 271 Renee Terrace.  The houses look so small!  Always, Mary

FUNERAL – Monday, May 14
Wake Chapel 9-10am
Funeral at 10:00am
St. Edna Church
2525 N. Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, IL

The funeral mass will be on Monday, May 14  at 10 am with a 9 am wake chapel here at Saint Edna Catholic church 2525 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights Illinois 60004.  Cards can be sent to the church office and we will be sure the Schulze family gets them. 

 There will be a funeral luncheon directly following the mass.  Any one out there that would like to help out with the lunch that it would be much appreciated.  You can call Ruth Forster 847-259-6142 and let her know if you can bring a salad or desert or if you can help serve. 

Robert E. Schulze: 1933 - 2007

Teacher and coach at Wheeling

By Patricia Trebe
Special to the Tribune
Published May 17, 2007

Robert E. Schulze was an intimidating presence in the halls of Wheeling High School, but appearances were deceiving, colleagues said.

"He was the strongest guy I think I have ever known," said Rick Benedetto, former head football coach at the school. "He was like the rock of Wheeling High School. But he was fantastic with the kids."He would be grabbing people in the hallways and he would have you in a hold and you couldn't get away from him. The kids loved it when he did that."

Mr. Schulze, 74, died of myelofibrosis, a blood disorder, on Wednesday, May 9, in his Arlington Heights home.

For 30 years, Mr. Schulze taught physical education at the District 214 school where he also was wrestling coach and assistant football and golf coach.

"He was a mentor," said Neal Weiner, the school's boys athletic director and head wrestling coach. "He helped me learn an unbelievable amount of information and also how to be a leader."

Former students said he was demanding and respectful.

"Coach Schulze had something to offer everyone, and if you listened and worked hard, you are a better person today because of the work ethic he taught all of us," said Todd Wilson, a member of the 1977-78 conference champion team.

Mr. Schulze was born in Blue Island. His family moved around the Midwest with his father's job as head of A&P Bakeries before settling in Mt. Prospect.

At Arlington High School, Mr. Schulze was captain of the football and wrestling teams. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in education.

His teaching career was put on hold after he enlisted in the Navy, where he was a pilot. He was in Squadron VA-145 and flew off the USS Ranger. Mr. Schulze remained in the Naval Reserve based in Glenview and was discharged in 1971 as a lieutenant.

For several years, Mr. Schulze taught physical education at South Junior High School in Arlington Heights District 25, where he met his wife, Mary, a teacher at another district school. They got married in 1963 and moved to Arlington Heights in 1973.

Mr. Schulze started at Wheeling High School when it opened in 1964 and received a master's degree that year from NIU.

He retired in 1992.

"He loved to play golf and he loved classical music," said his son Kurt. "He used to drive people nuts because ... he would be blasting away his classical music and not a lot of people were into it."

Survivors include his wife; two other sons, Eric and Brett; two brothers, Ted and Bill; and a sister, Grace Glascock.

Services have been held.

Here is a link to the Daily Herald obituary page guest book for Coach Schulze:
http://www.legacy.com/DailyHerald/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=87960681

Christopher Lane Luoma 2/23/07 6lbs.14oz. 19 in.

New on the missing list
If you have any information that can help me relocate these missing classmates please send it my way, THANKS!