For the year 2020
(The Year of Covid)

This page last updated on: 01/01/2024

09/02/2020		I was just informed that John. J. McDonald '70 passed away on 08/31/2020.  The news came from John's younger brother David McDonald who graduated from BGHS.  There will be no services.  John didn't have a facebook page.  If you would like to leave condolences or memories of John, it's probably best to visit the obituary site listed below. Here is his obituary: John J. McDonald Jr. After a lengthy journey with leukemia, John passed peacefully on Monday August 31, 2020. He will be deeply missed by his wife Therese, daughters Maggie (Kelly) Heden and Emily (Anthony) Canelakes, granddaughter Nora Heden, mother Lavena (the late John) McDonald, siblings Mary Beth (Vito) Van Ornum, Tom (Tricia) McDonald, Kathleen (John) Serkowski, and David (Jennet Shepherd) McDonald, and many nieces and nephews. An avid outdoorsman, John loved fishing, tending to his gardens, and reveling in the scenery from the seat of his Harley. His razor-sharp wit and sense of humor could light the room, even in the darkest hours. Despite his gruff exterior, John will be remembered by those who knew him best as loving and kind-hearted. Often a man of few words, his quiet encouragement resonated loudly with those who chose to hear it. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information please contact (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org https://www.strangfuneral.org/john-j-mcdonald-sr/ Rest in Peace John.
07/05/2020		I'm sorry to have to announce that the WHS Class of 1970 has lost another classmate. Mark Flynn passed away on January 30th of this year due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. Mark has a younger brother Brent Flynn '72. This information was provided to me by Christopher Nurczyk '70. Rest in Peace Mark Flynn.
06/11/2020		I'm so saddened to report that WHS's first marching band director, Dean R DePoy, passed away 06/11/2020 in FL. Here is a message one of his sons, Kurt Depoy. My dad Dean R DePoy passed away this morning here in Florida. I was so blessed to be with him and share several I love you’s last night. He held my hand and told me how much he loved me and my brother Erik DePoy. My heart is broken but I know he’s in heaven today with his 2 precious dogs he loved so dearly. I love this picture, taken a few years ago, showing him so happy. I love you dad and miss you so much. I can’t believe you’re gone.   Click on images for larger views! Dean Depoy Leading the National Anthem at Alabama vs Western Carolina football game 11/17/2012   Rest in Peace Dean
01/28/2020		I regret having to post yet another Class of 1970 obituary. Greg didn't actually graduate with the class of 1970. He dropped out to work for the USPS. Still a member of the class of 1970 through junior year. Gregory A. Geffe May 29, 1951 ~ January 24, 2020 (age 68) Gregory A. Geffe, 68, of Hammond, IN, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Teresa, children Gregory (Sherie) Geffe Jr., Tristan Cazzola, grandchildren Shane Geffe, Tiffany Perrotta, great granddaughter Lynessah Perrotta, step children Joshua Ryan, Sarah Daupert, step grandchildren Mercedes Love, Austin Ryan, Ethan Daupert, step great grandchild Braxton Daupert, and sister Jennifer Belmonte. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, Indiana 46322, . For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com https://www.hillsidefhcares.com/obituary/GregoryA-Geffe Rest in peace Gregg
01/24/2020		It was recently revealed that Robert Lee Sergot '70, passed away on August 23, 1993 from complications of diabetes.  Robert was living in Yuma at the time of his death. Rest in Peace Robert.
01/01/2020		Happy New Year 2020. There are still 98 members of the class of 1970 missing.

This Page Last Updated On: Monday, January 01, 2024