Pictured, front row (L to R) are: Natalie (Lamprecht) Fredrickson, Judy (Harwood) Banes, Diane (Wilson) Vogeler, Loretta (Lorenz) Simnacher, Reda (McNamee) Charmichael, Gretchen (Dengler) Lassen, Belinha (Wagner) Costa. Second row: David Wilson, Leorita (Fett) Hauschildt, Arlis (Degner) Childs, Twylia (Stein) Chizek, Vicky (Davis) Thompson, Jan Heckroth. Third row: Russ Finzen, Randy Reed, John Vogeler, Randy Evenson, John Messer, Gary Reed, Craig Cranston. Attending a 50th reunion event but not pictured were: Gary Keidel, Kaye (Hite) Konicek, Tom Wilson.

The Dysart High School Class of 1966 celebrated its 50th year reunion on July 1 – 4. On Friday evening, July 1, classmates and their guests met at Chelle’s Bar and Grill and enjoyed a “Meet and Greet.” On Saturday morning, Reda and Ron Charmichael hosted a delicious brunch for everyone at their home. On Sunday, the class continued its festivities with a dinner catered by Jackie and Fuzz Obrosk at the Lakeview Lodge in Hickory Hills Park. A class meeting was held and group photos were taken. Memory booklets and keepsakes which included customized coffee mugs, handmade gift boxes filled with a customized key chain, a 1966 coin, a poem, and candy hugs and kisses were given to classmates. Leorita Hauschild gave each lady in attendance a lovely handmade bag. A tribute to all of the Veterans present was given. Time was also devoted for honoring and remembering the four classmates who have passed away: Becky Burhenn, Ron Dake, Carol Hennessy, and Jack McAndrews. On Monday, the class participated in the Dysart 4th of July parade by riding on a beautifully decorated float and carrying their high school senior year photo. Those attending the reunion traveled from California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, and many towns in Iowa. A good time was had by all reminiscing and updating each other on careers, retirements, vacations, and families. Many of the activities Dysart offered during the 4th of July weekend were enjoyed by the class.

On Tuesday, July 5, Reda Charmichael and Arlis Childs attended the Dysart Tree Board meeting. Reda gave the Board a $300 check from the Class of 1966 for a tree to be planted in the Dysart Park this fall. In addition, Arlis stated that an engraved bronze plague for the tree will be provided.

The 50th reunion committee included Jan Heckroth, Reda Charmichael, and Gary Reed. The 55th class reunion is scheduled for mid-September of 2021 in Iowa with Craig Cranston, Arlis Childs, and Loretta Simnacher on the planning committee.