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Joe came over the other day and we were sitting outside discussing the world situation, mortuary science, old cars, motorcycles and other neat schtuff when out of the blue he started talking about the 50-year class reunion.
You know, he’s right and it’s coming up real fast and it’s just up the road a piece. Anyway, when Joe left he said he was going to the reunion. But that’s a couple of weeks away.
I don’t get it. Why did he leave so early? I don’t get it.
I can still remember the day I graduated but it was nothing like this. Some guys have all the luck. Right?
Thanks Joe for being who you are and doing what you do.
That’s how the Rockford Register Republic reported the April 1986 death of Dick Berry. Click the text above.
Now, almost 30 years later, Dick’s name popped up in the newspaper again. *The above is from the files of the Rockford Register newspaper. If you live in Rockford please subscribe. We need newspapers not mindless bloggers.
This year’s race is on Saturday, August 2, 2014 and starts around 5:00 p.m. and I’m sure there’s a lot of stuff going on before the race starts. It begins at the top of the hill at the intersection of E. State St. and Summit, in front of SwedishAmerican Hospital and it’s all downhill from there to the Rock River. As always it’s dedicated to Richard Berry because is was his good idea.
He was a star athlete at Whig Hill grade school, Wilson Junior High, and Auburn High. When we were at Whig Hill he was one of the tallest kids there, taller than some of the teachers. In 8th grade I learned it’s never a good idea to ask someone who’s real tall, “How’s the weather up there.?” Turns out it was raining.
Dick’s childhood home has been gone for many years and like most of the houses in our old neighborhood they’ve been destroyed, dismantled, and disowned. Our old homestead used to be one of the nicest ones down there but now it’s a piece of rundown shit.
When we lived in the Old Neighborhood people cared about their property. Every time it rained hard our next door neighbor, Mr. Hogan, would be out there in his galoshes making sure the ditches were clear so the water would flow. Mr. and Mrs. Hogan took pride in their little house on Day Ave.
Steve Franklin and I went back home last year. Pretty disgusting. If the Hogans weren’t already dead they would be if they saw their once beautiful house. I could put up a picture of their house but I won’t; no more than I’d put up a picture of your dead cat after he’d been run over by a truck.
What’s all this other stuff got to do with Dick Berry. Nothing, except that Bill Coad, Steve Franklin, Roger Burt, Steve Holcomb, Chuck Rudd, and, uh, what’s his name, the unforgettable Bob Severson all remember what a good friend Dick Berry was and what great place we all came from. (Miss Schwandt says, “Kendall, never end a sentence with a preposition.”)
They’re right when they say “You can’t go home again.” Well, once a year is enough.
If you go down to the Dick Berry State Street Mile Memorial Run and feel a sudden burst of wind it might be Dick’s spirit racing to the finish line, or if there’s a light spitting of rain from the Heavens above, that might be his way of saying, “Ken, it’s still raining. Ha ha.”
If you have a picture or anything you’d like to add to this story send me an email.
Please feel free to add any comments, which is at the upper right hand, top of the page. It says “Leave a Comment.” His friends would appreciate reading what you remember, if anything. Share your thoughts and memories while you can.
Thanks again and thanks to Richard Hoffman for writing.
PS…. To Chuck and Mary Rudd. Let me know if my commas are in the right spot.
PPSS….. Roger Burt always called him “Richard” not Dick.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
NOTE: I’m starting this story from the end rather than from the beginning, because what happened later was more important than what I had done earlier.
OK, so then we went down to the Stockholm Inn for something to eat.
I got down to the old Rockford Plaza and parked and as I walked to the restaurant I could see there was a old man sitting up by the door and he was selling poppies. I quickly turned away and walked back to my car to find some money. Well, all I had was 81 cents.
I felt bad about it but when I walked back the old man handed a poppy and said, “Son, the money doesn’t really matter, it’s what’s in your heart and what you do that counts.”
In Flanders field the poppies blow…
The old soldier was still there when I left and he proudly told me that he was a World War II veteran and he was 92 years old. As I pulled out of the parking lot I saw him in my rearview mirror slowly get up and gingerly walk with cane in hand toward the parking lot. I thought I should go back and help him then I realized he had gotten there without any help from me, and that he could take care of himself. Thanks, old man.
Now I know why they’re called “The Greatest Generation.”
Memorial Day 2014 Observance at LZ Peace Memorial, Monday, May 26, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.
I met Nick Parnello at LZ Peace Memorial on Friday morning and we hooked up with Senior Chief Todd Burd and got to work.
The guys from the Rockford Park District were these setting up a tent overlooking the grounds of the memorial. It took three of them to do it and we hung a banner about Nick’s proposed Agent Orange medal.
Working to get a new medal approved
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gave Nick a framed montage of pictures showing all the brave men whose names appear on the Wall of Honor. I still find it hard to believe there’s five kids from our little Whig Hill grade school who died in Vietnam whose names are on the Wall.
Pictures of true American heroes
This giant montage will be along the right wing of the Wall of Honor during Memorial Day ceremonies.
Nick also had a new flag to fly commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Of course, being government issued, it lacked the necessary grommets to attach it to the lanyard. Another SNAFU, if you know what that means.
Last Saturday, May 17, 2014 there was a ceremony held at LZ Peace Memorial. A young lady was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps. He parents and brother and sisters were there along with her extended family. Even a grandpa and grandma were there. Her dad told us that Kathleen’s great-grandma was a Marine in World War II.
Kathleen and her proud Marine family and Cpl. Don Allen with his bugle.
Congratulations and good luck, Lt. Ooorah McGraw.
If you’re looking for something to do Monday morning come out to LZ Peace Memorial at 6799 Guilford Rd. It’s next to Central Christian Church where they have a huge parking lot. I park there a walk up a little hill and there it is.
Bring the kids and grandkids, and when they ask, “Grandpa what did you do in the war?” You can tell them what you did and you can show them the Wall and they can see what so many others had done for their country.”
John A. Coad, 76, of Rockford passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014 in his home. He was born September 22, 1937, in Rockford, the son of Edwin and Mildred (Leonard) Coad. John was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War.
He married Sandra Morgan in 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Later in his life, John owned the Rockford bar and restaurant, “Reverbs” on West State St., next to the old Dog ‘n Suds drive-in, across from Ingersoll Golf Course. He was also a “jack of all trades,” always helping people with all sorts of services. He was willing to help anyone, any way he could. John loved NASCAR racing.
The Coad Family would like to give a special thank you to VNA Hospice, the ICU and 4th floor step down unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital and to Jennifer, his caregiver, for their kindness in caring for John.
Survived by his wife, Sandra; children, John Jr. (Joyce), Dwight, Edwin (Peggy), Terrance and Michelle (Michael); grandchildren, Heather, Angel, Tommy, Brittany, Robert, Winterann and Rion and brother, William “Skip” (Terry) Coad. Predeceased by his parents, and brother, Terrence.
Funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 North Rockton Avenue. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home.
There will be a Gathering after the service at The Image Restaurant and Lounge, 5524 Auburn St. in Rockford. That’s 1 block west of Springfield and Auburn.
Johnny Coad, age mid 70’s, died at his home yesterday, May 8th. He’s the brother our good friend and classmate, William “Skip” Coad.
Skip is the one I affectionately refer to as “Our Marine who guards the West Coast.” Johnny Coad is the one I affectionately refer to as the guy who gave us kids thrills and chills throughout our neighborhood with his daredevil driving in the 50’s and early 60’s. Think of Robert Mitchum in “Thunder Road.” Well, that was Johnny Coad, minus the moonshine.
Bar Room Balladeer. Hot Rod Criuser. Old Friend.
Terry Coad, Skip Coad, Johnny Coad. Singing at The Image bar on Auburn St. west of Springfield
Whoa. Check out the name of this singer. Johnny Bond. Or is it really Johnny Coad from Bond Ave.? You figure it out.
You could hear him blocks away.
Vroom. Vroom. Vroom. First you’d hear the engine revving up blocks away. Next you’d hear the squealing of tires turning. Then you’d smell the rubber burning.
He’d start out at 1410 Bond Ave. spitting gravel and burning rubber, then making a sharp turn onto the straightaway known as Liberty Drive flying low to the ground, all the way to Carbaugh Ave. There he’d spin around and do a couple donuts and fly low back home. His mufflers growling, tires squealing, and gears a-shifting. We’d get out of his way ‘cuz he was the older, cool car guy who “ran” the streets of our neighborhood. At least that’s what he told us.
Dick Lozdoski, Clay Bowman or Jim Burt might have disagreed but we didn’t argue because we were just kids, still riding bikes.
I know for sure my mother had a direct line to the Sheriff’s office to report these HOT ROD LINCOLN drivers. By the time they’d show up all the tire smoke was gone but the pungent smell of burning rubber still lingered in the air. We knew Johnny had won the race back to his secret garage, hidden from outsiders.
Several years later Johnny passed the crown of the older, cool car guy in the neighborhood to his baby brother Bill, now known as “Skip.” At least that’s what he told us.
Hey, it was a different time and they were great days. Nobody got shot. Maybe a little punch in the stomach or a slap upside the head settled any disagreement. Maybe a busted tooth or dislocated jaw. Or your plug wires might get rearranged while you slept. Things were much simpler way back then.
Once upon a time we heard Johnny went to Hollywood for a screentest, whatever that was. This morning a friend found this old movie and told me Johnny had a bit part in it. He was billed as “Buzz” or “Biff” or maybe “Johnny.” You be the judge and let me know if you can find him.
Yes, those were the days and “Johnny Cool” will live on in my memory. That’s who I’ll think of the next time I hear a car burning rubber or I see a cloud of blue smoke.
A month ago Skip came home to see his brother and I went with him. It was good to see Johnny. It had been 10 years for me. You know it’s true when someone says, “We only see our oldest friends at weddings and funerals. Well, I don’t do weddings so I see them at funerals and it’s too bad when it’s theirs.
Rest in Peace, Johnny. Rest in Peace.
I’ll put up funeral and visitation information when it’s released.
PS….Hey Chuck and Mary. Let me know if I’ve misplaced any commas.
Sad news. Bettie Jean Raddatz passed away on Thursday the 24th of April. She was the mother of our friend and classmate Mary Raddatz who is married to Chuck Rudd, also the class of 1964.
Bettie Jean Raddatz, 88, of Rockford passed away peacefully April 24, 2014 in the home of her daughter, Barbara, surrounded by her loving family. Born October 6, 1925 to Harold and Martha (Johaningsmier) Cordray in Belvidere. Married Clarence W. Raddatz on July 13, 1944. Bettie was an extremely talented china painter and leaves many beautiful pieces for her family to treasure.
Bettie is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Lloyd) McWilliams, Mary (Charles) Rudd; and daughter-in-law, Lorraine Raddatz; grandchildren Kimberly (Robert) Kludt, Patrick (Sheri) McWilliams, Jennifer (Brian) Bandoli, Jeffery Rudd, Angela (Michael) Parisot, Dawn Raddatz, Karyn (Michael) Young, Pamela (Darrell) Dummer; 11 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; brother, Jay (Mary) Cordray; sister, Joyce Cordray; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; husband, Clarence; son, Westley; daughter, Linda; and infant great grandson, Noah. A special thanks to OSF Hospice and to her nurse Michelle.
A visitation will be held from 5 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2014 in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family to be used in Bettie’s name at a later date.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2014 in Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park with Pastor Anthony Maynard officiating. Burial in Highland Garden of Memories, Belvidere.
My deep condolences and sympathy go out to Mary and Chuck. I’m sorry for your loss and may the memories of your mother help you through these dark days.
If you’d like to contact Mary or Chuck their email address can be found on http://www.auburn1964.com or I can get it for you. Or call Joe Musso, he’s a treasure trove of contact information.
I thought these comments should be posted to share with others. Thanks Skip and Terry for your thoughtfulness.
Mary & Chuck,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very sad time. Losing your Parents is an inevitable, yet none the less, a very sad and lonely time. Comfort each other and remember the wonderful times you had with your Mom.
God Bless
Skip & Terry Coad
1. What day is it? 2: Where was this great picture taken?
Remember when you were a little kid and you turned on the old black and white TV and Buffalo Bob was asking, “Say kids, what time is it?” And you and the Peanut Gallery yelled back, “It’s Howdy Doody time.”
Once upon a time it was Howdy Doody time. Today, April 14th, it’s Steve Holcomb’s birthday time” but we don’t have any pictures or videos from way back then.
And unfortunately, all the movies and pictures that documented everything else are sealed in two Yager and Evans beer kegs near Lake Namakagon to be opened in the year 2525 if man is still alive.
I get all nostalgic and sentimental this time of year. As Ben Franklin said, “There’s only three things certain in life: 1. Death (You can’t avoid it) 2. Taxes (You gotta pay ’em.) 3. Wisdom from reading Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” (This is what you get today.)
Somewhere out there people are drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, riding motorcycles backwards to Rockton, and someone is pissing in a jar for a friend. No more beer for you, Pugo.
Steve Holcomb’s funeral video.
Steve Holcomb died at the ripe old age of 55, in 2001. Actually, he was older than that. It’s like with dogs and cats where a human year is 7 years in a dog’s life; so if your dog was 12 when he died, he was 84 in dog years. It’s pretty cool when you think about it.
Steve was like that. He wasn’t a dog or cat but he had a different aging cycle. He may have been 55 in human years but he was 110 in Holcomb years which means he packed in twice as many years of crazy living, and deputy-sheriffing, and having a good time.
His friend Randy Molander, who helped him in his time of need, knows what I’m talking about. They were both members of The Thin Blue Line. Those brave souls who put their own lives on the line every day. We’ll share a beer and a memory this summer.
The next time you’re out near Cemetery Road, here’s a map to the North Burritt Union Cemetery, pull in and have a beer with an old classmate. (It’s just west of Edwards Apple Orchard West.) You’d better bring your own beer or apple cider because I finished the last cold one that someone left behind.
Happy Birthday Acting Corporal Without the Stripes and Deputy of the year Steve Holcomb.
PS… This might have some mistakes but it’s hard to type when your fingers are laughing so hard.
What’s up with the picture at the top? Joe Musso– Army, Blackjack 6– Army, Skip Coad– Marines. LZ Peace Memorial. Rockford, Illinois. Saturday, April 12, 2014 and we were there.
These life-like statues were provided by a grant from a friend who would like to remain anonymous. And I don’t blame him.
The Lone Coadster. A fiery roadster with the speed of light. A cloud of dust and a hearty “Hi Ho Honey, what’s for dinner?” The Lone Coadster rides again.
Ok, some of you may think this birthday greeting is repeat from a couple years ago but it’s not.Your brain playing tricks on you. Everything seems like it’s happened before even when it’s new. Really, this is all new stuff, it just looks familiar.
Oh, shit. I gotta go. . . They’re coming to take me away today. HELP. Last one in a nursing home gets the bottle of champagne… Happy Birthday, Bill.
Bill Coad. Two little words, but he’s one big dude. Surfer, hot rodder, world-class powder-coater.
The Coadster Roadster Rides Again
It looks like someone in California has a new toy. Sure, a Corvette would have been better but there’s nothing wrong with old T-Birds. When Bill finishes a car you know it’s gonna be a real mover.
Our 3-year-old, going on 4, granddaughter has a few words to say.
Bill and I grew up living across the street from on another. I’ve know him since we were in first grade at Whig Hill School and we’ve been best friends ever since. Except for when my brother tried to bite off his ear.
In 1989 he and his wife, Terry, drove their ’34 Ford from California to Rockford. In that year it had a top and was the coolest thing around.
He entrusted his rod to me for two weeks. Boy what a mistake that was. First thing I did was slap on a blower, remove the fenders and put on bigger tires. Then it leaked gas in my garage and almost caught on fire. Here’s a movie my friend Steven took.
Bill and his wife flew back to California and returned several weeks later for our 25th year reunion. When they were over Missouri, Terry called my dad from the airplane. How many people have gotten phone calls from 30,000 feet. Needless to say it surprised the shit out of him. Ain’t modern technology great.
To this day Bill never knew I did all this customizing on the “Coadster Roadster” and THEN put it back the way he left it.
Five years ago I secretly flew to California and surprised Bill on his 60th birthday. When I told him I was staying for a whole week he almost had a double heart attack… the shock of me showing up and the shock of being stuck with me for a week.
Mr. and Mrs. Coadster still haven’t recovered from the shock. But, hey, don’t laugh, I could be right outside your door.
In 1995 my dad died; we had lived together since about 1980 when we realized nobody could put up with us except each other. Anyway when I called Bill to tell him about my dad, the first thing he said was, “Don’t have Carl’s funeral until I get there.” The next night he showed up at my front door. That’s Bill Coad.
I had written a eulogy to my dad and realized I’d never be able to deliver it. I asked Bill to give it and he hesitated a bit. “Kenny I don’t know if I can get through it or not but I’ll sure give it a try.” Bill choked up a couple times but by God he got through it. The Marines had landed and I cried through the whole thing. It was the best funeral ever… certainly not the cookie-cutter, read the obit and that’s it funeral.
Bill stayed for several days and I hope he knows how much it meant to all of us. He went well above and beyond the call of duty. If medals were given for friendship he’d need a bigger chest.
Marine, friend, husband (twice), father (once), grandpa, and friend forever. That’s Bill Coad. In closing I won’t say you should call him or email him or anything. Instead just show up on his doorstep and yell, “Happy Birthday Bill, I’m only staying for a couple days.”
PS…. Hmmm. I think I copied and pasted the wrong stuff in here. I looks like the one from 3 years ago. Hey, who’s gonna remember.
Oh, just one more thing. This was supposed to be done yesterday but, “Shit happens.”
Don Kriechbaum, 93, a former Auburn coach, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Coach Don Kriechbaum, 1963
Don Kriechbaum enjoyed his career of teaching and coaching at Washington Junior High, West High and Auburn High School. He coached sophomore football and the varsity tennis teams at Auburn.
He was an excellent all-around athlete playing tailback at NIU and a catcher on the baseball team.
During World War II he was a pilot, and a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army Air Force Combat Cargo Group. He flew a Douglas C- 47 over the Himalayas in the China Burma and India Theater of War. As they say, Don was a member of “The Greatest Generation.”
There’ll be a memorial visitation will be tonight, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in the Olson Funeral North Main Chapel, at 2811 N. Main St., Rockford, and a visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday prior to the memorial service in the chapel.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford, with Pastor Ken Schmoyer officiating. A private burial will be in Scandinavian Cemetery.
Netters Take First in District Meet
Auburn netters claimed many victories in the ’62” season due to the experience picked up in the previous year. Click on the photos and they’ll get bigger so your tired eyes can see who’s who.
Mr. Kriechbaum and the 1962-63 Tennis Team
Coached by Don Kriechbaum, we had 6 lettermen and 2 sophomores who had a 15-2-1 record. The Knights won the District Meet with Dick Johnson winning the District Singles Championship and the team of Dennis Cantz and Duane Cox claimed runner-up in the Doubles Competition. Auburn finished fourth in the Big Eight.
Dick Johnson lost in the State Meet but not until he had reached the Quarter Finals. Gantz and Cox lost in the first round to a strong Evanston team.
Tennis team members were Dick Johnson, Dennis Gantz, Marv Cramer, Duane Cox, Dick Coppoletti, Terry Brauer, and Jerry Stevens.
Sophomore Football
When you look at these pictures maybe you’ll see yourself, or maybe you’ll remember something that Mr. Kriechbaum taught you.
He inspired a lot of students whether they were athletes or just plain old students. That’s what coaches do. They get you ready for life. They inspire and you perspire.
It’s 2014, so Happy New Year. This morning we woke up to about 6 more inches of global warming and I’ve already broken my first New Year’s resolution. Resolution No. 1. “To let my wife run the snowblower and I’ll watch from the living room window.” Ha, ha. I’m such a dreamer.
Anyway when I finished our driveway and the neighbor’s, I was digging around and found this brochure for the LZ Peace Memorial located at Midway Village in beautiful downtown Rockford. It’s good reading on your I-Pad while snuggling up to the electric fireplace.
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The bald headed man pictured above and below is Steven D. Lee’s father. The lady in a white blouse is Steven’s mother. They usually come up on Memorial Day.
Steven D. Lee’s dad. Memorial Day 2010 holding card made by Rita Boothe.
Thanks to my buddy Steven Franklin for getting my snowblower started. Nothing like shooting a little 86-proof Starter Fluid into the carburetor.
OK, maybe Rockford’s not beautiful and the memorial isn’t downwtown, but it is a sight to behold and what it stands for is even more beautiful. If you’re out and about pay it a visit.
It’s at Midway Village Museum at 6199 Guilford Rd., in Rockford, Illinois. Especially in the winter when it’s covered pure white snow.
Thanks again to all the veterans who’ve served their country. Thanks to their wives and kids and families and friends who prayed every day for their safe return, but the biggest thank you goes to those whose names are written on the wall.
My dad said that the year my brother was in Vietnam was the worst year of his and my mother’s life.
Semper Fi, Papa, 378th Combat Engineers, Europe, WWII
I just read that Emmi Kinney died. She’s the mother of our good friend and classmate, Bob Kinney. She died on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Presence St. Anne Center on N. Alpine Road. She was born on April 7, 1917, in Ober-Lindewiese, Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Emil and Anna (Acker) Muecke.
Emmi came to the United States in May 1927, to be reunited with her parents, who came to the U.S. 5 years earlier. She married William S. Kinney in Rockford on June 22, 1940. He passed away in 1994. Emmi retired from Nehi Bottling Company.
During her earlier years, she worked at Newmode Hoisery. She was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, #619. Emmi volunteered at River Bluff Nursing Home and Presence St. Anne Center. She enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, and crocheting.
Emmi is survived by her sons, John of Australia and Robert (Lynn) of Rockford; her grandchildren, Linda (Justin) Willman, Paul and Steven Kinney; and her 3 great-grandchildren, all from Australia; her sister-in-law, Barbara Kinney; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents and her husband.
Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 10 until 10:45 a.m. on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice Care and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd., Rockford or Presence St. Anne Center, 4405 Highcrest Rd., Rockford.
Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 8616 West State St. Road, between Rockford and Winnebago.
My sincere condolences to Bob and his family on the death of his mother. I remember seeing him several times at St. Anne’s when he was visiting his mother.
Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com
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