Class of 1955, Rose Hill, Kansas

Josephine's husband, Bernie, passed away yesterday morning (September 28) while in hospice. Jo was able to be with him for his last few moments. Arrangements are not complete at this time. Our condolences go out to Jo and her family.

The following was posted on the 38th Fighter Squadron Association web site.

Bernard J. Lanzrath

Bernard J. (Bernie) Lanzrath was born September 11, 1932 on a farm near Greeley, KS. He was the fifth of Norbert and Rose's children. At age nine, the family moved to Wichita, KS. Bernie graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950 and then went to work for Boeing Aircraft Company.

Bernie entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952, spending time at Ft. Ord, CA, Wichita Falls, TX, Chanute, IL and Amarillo, TX. He spent 22 months in Japan from May 1954 until February 1956. He married Jo in December 1956 in Wichita, Kansas. They have five children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bernie passed away on September 28, 2014 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was interred at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.

Thanks to Josephine and her Google skills we are able to watch a touching interview of our former Superintendent, L. C. Crouch. A story about Mr. Crouch and his Marine Corps experiences was published last month in the Topeka Capital-Journal: Iwo Jima veteran begins to heal by meeting fallen Marine's nephew.

The Veterans History Project has a very nice interview.

Mr. Crouch continues to be an inspiration to all of us.

Jo Lanzrath is in the process of moving from California to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her new address and email is listed on her Graduate Page, but she will not be on-line until around Thanksgiving.

Josephine Lanzrath made a trip from California on May 12 to visit her family in Rose Hill. She was able to spend time with her mother, Ella Ratzlaff, along with her brothers John and Lynn. Ella turned 99 in March! Naturally the kids are planning a big celebration next March.

Jo also had time to see a few classmates during her brief stay. Click either image for a larger version.

Jo's report: I didn't see any classmates when we were in Kansas. We were there just a few days and spent the time doing things for Mom, planning and preparing a family get-together, and then I cooked over a dozen meals and froze them into individual portions, for Mom to have in her deep freeze. And it seems the time just flew and we were off again. But we did have a chance to take a five generation picture!

Sounds almost like a tropical storm forecast, but really it's about Jo and Bernie heading to Kansas later this month. They will be uniting members of the family to take a "five generation picture" at Rose Hill with Jo's mom! Must also be a great opportunity there for a mini class reunion.