Retired teachers reflect on 50 years of friendship and memories
Eight retired teachers gathered to celebrate their 50-year anniversary as friends living in Guttenberg. Dressed in the clothing style they would have worn at the beginning of their teaching careers, from left, are, Angie and George Killian, Barry and Wendy Shea, Bill and Sue Leonhart, Sue and Ed Dvorak, and Jill and Mike Sasse; not present are Linda and Howard Hubbell. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)
By Caroline Rosacker
1974 -2024
They arrived as
strangers.
Collaborated
as educators.
Retired as
Civic Volunteers.
And are still
here as friends.
In 1974 the Guttenberg Public School District hired 12 new faculty members in an effort to meet the needs of a growing student population, and offer more subject variety to upper classmen.
Eight of the 12 would remain until their retirement. They purchased homes, raised their children, and became active in the betterment of their new community.
Educators Ed and Sue Dvorak, Bill and Sue Leonhart, Mike and Jill Sasse, George Killian, Barry Shea, along with Barry's wife, Wendy (hired in 1975), and George's wife, Angie (teacher at MFL-Mar Mac) gathered at the Dvorak home on Sept. 8 to celebrate 50 years in Guttenberg. Unable to attend were Howard Hubbell and his wife, Linda.
1974 interviews
The young educators first interviewed with then Superintendent John Solomon before meeting with school board members. With little more than a few years experience some were taken aback by Solomon's easygoing attitude and laid back style, but most found he put them at ease.
First year on the job
The teachers overcame many of the problems that come with teaching new students in a new school, such as name pronunciation, classroom logistics and getting acquainted with other faculty members. Many of the men took on coaching jobs, which added to their workload. Most were looking for permanent housing making home life somewhat stressful. They were thankful for the guidance they received from fellow faculty members June Zhiss, the late Lou Kuempel, Craig Macintosh, Janice Andregg, Brian Sorenson, and the maintenance staff.
Memories outside of school
Together the men enjoyed attending school sporting events, fishing on the Mississippi River and hunting in Clayton County. The women who were pregnant at the time became acquainted with Dr. Downey and his assistant Coralee Heller. The teachers often gathered at each other's homes after school sporting events to play cards, enjoy a delicious meal and socialize. For a night on the town their favorite places to go were Doug's Steak House and the Guttenberg Country Club fish fry.
First homes
As the teachers' families grew so did their need to purchase larger living spaces. They also needed to boost their income – hence – Green Horn Construction: From Babies to Boxcars gave birth. The construction crew consisted of George Killian, Howard Hubbell, Mike Sasse and Ed Dvorak.
Most of the teachers have remained in their first homes, which are some of the loveliest properties in Guttenberg.
Why they stayed
The teachers collectively agreed that Principal Jim Whalen was instrumental in the longevity of their teaching careers. They commented on his disciplinary approach, and admired his ability to keep things fair. They were grateful for the dedicated members of the school board, their collaboration with one another, and the community in which they lived.
They stayed because they wanted to raise their children in a quiet, small town and educate them in a school district they all believed in.
The Mississippi River, surrounding landscape, and the cherished friendships they developed with the faculty that came before and after them all contributed to their desire to remain in Guttenberg for the past 50 years.
