In the first row are David Rank, Gloria Goodrich-Krogel, Harold Macon, Dan Bement, Lynn Bilhmier-Timmons, Aldeane Dolato-Everhart, Craig Hardman, Jerry Trucks, Roy Secor, Dick Krogel, Linda Piper-Plannger, Holly Graham-Dominiak, (behind) Pat Mattausch-Fox. Second row, seated: Cindy Taggert-DeWyk, Zerilda Avery-Merfeld, Shirley Vliek-Flick. Jane Fox-Fritz, Linda Johnson-Jahnz, Beverly Potter-Juroff, Donna Parish-Grover, Judy Fisher-Shaw, Sandy Sears-Prillwitz, Sandy Meyers-Ostrom, Barbara Secor-Karstetter, Ronnie Thomas-Seem, Judy Pond-Clark, Susie Langley-Holcomb (partially hidden), Bonnie Ames-Cooper, Gerald Ludwig, JoAnn Schuur-Gordon. Third row, standing: Charles Squires, Marcia Zelner-Martilotti, Linda Hunsburger-Jones, Carole Witko-Churchill, Rita Boyce-Baker, Marian Gardner-Shepard, Sharon Berry-Miller, Carol Brown-Blaske, Sherry Anthony-Bower, Sue Byrd-Moore, Archie Flournoy, Mildred Wilson-Eccles, Donna Wigfall-Jordan, Katy Garrett-Steadman, Diane Fitzgerald-St. Lawrence, Lenora Grady-Webster, Jeff Mack, Ann Allerton-Flora. Fourth row, standing: Jim Bennett, Louis Fear, Adolph Kruger, Barry Wise, David Weaver, George Andrews, Bill Thar, John Russ, Tom Norton, Victor Davis, Donald Wilming, Frank Sivak, Jerry Konopinski, Jim Winters, Joe Hempsted, Moe Greenwood. Back row, standing: Chuck Nolke, David Burdick, Lee Sparks, Larry Hill, Barrie Chapman, Jim Rak, Ray Anderson, Duane Bailey, John Barnhart

The last class of seniors to graduate from Dowagiac Central High School (formerly located across from the hospital), was the Class of 1961.
On the weekend of Sept. 23-25, The Class of ’61 held its 50th reunion.
It was a fun-filled weekend which drew a crowd of more than 120 young-at-heart classmates and spouses from California to Connecticut, Florida to Kansas, and all points in-between.
The celebrating began Friday night with a welcome-back dinner at the Elks Club. There were 50 or so participants trying to figure out who each other were.
Then came the flash of recoginition and hugs and handshakes, followed by memories of classes together and proud pictures of grandchildren and, finally, dinner.
Early Saturday morning, there was a golf outing organized by Roger Baker of the Class of ’60.
Almost rained out, but persevering, the two foursomes drove and putted and reminisced their way through 18 holes at Spruce Ridge.
For late-risers and non-golfers, there was a fun and enlightening mid-day bus tour of Heddon’s Museum and The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College with a nostalgic lunch break at Caruso’s.
Many participants had memories of their parents or other relatives or neighbors working at Heddon’s during the 1950s and ’60s.
We also made stops at many of the wonderful sculptures that have been graciously donated and located throughout the area.
Promptly at 6 Saturday evening, we filled the Conservation Club parking lot.
As people checked in, they were given a program and a Wahoo-picture identification badge and began to mingle and chat with old friends and new ones. The group was electric with “you haven’t changed a bit“ or “you look great” exchanges, followed by updates of 50 years worth of personal history.
Then, we squeezed and huddled ourselves together for a group picture taken by local photographer, Ed Cobb.
Next came the welcome address and a wonderful catered dinner. The dinner ambiance was accented by classic white linen table cloths, complete with orange and black linen napkins with gold ’61 emblems and crystal glassware, table-settings and centerpieces organized and furnished by Marion Gardner-Shepard and her husband, Mike.
After dinner and dessert, our DJ, Mark Graham, prepared a video presentation of a collage of previous reunions and a pictorial memorial tribute to 44 classmates who passed away far too soon.
The memorable evening was topped off by dancing to the music of the ’50s and ’60s and karaoke performances by some of our talented (or at least gutsy) classmates.
Around midnight, it was time for final hugs and promises to keep in touch and meet again in five years.
Sunday morning a few brave early-risers returned to the Conservation Club for breakfast and reluctant goodbyes.
For each of the past several reunions, we have made a concerted effort to locate all
class members.
We are asking for help from the community to locate the following people for future
reunions: Sandy Barger, Mary Jane Bell, Dan Bowen, Edwina Graham, Diane Jennings, Patricia McCalley, Charlene Patient, Robert Setterburg and Gloria Wait.
If you know the whereabouts of any of them or their relatives, please contact Craig Hardman at (574) 252-6692.