AlumniNews - FPS Alumni Network

ISSUE
02
WINTER
2010
New Year’s Resolutions
• Reply to all the holiday letters
my classmates have sent and
look forward to seeing them at
a reunion.
• Dig out my senior yearbook
and look back at my hopes and
dreams then and realize how
much I’ve accomplished now.
• Urge all the children in my life
to learn about everything that
interests them, and then some.
• • • • • • •
STAY IN TOUCH!
Please update your name,
address and email on this
quick web link:
fargo.k12.nd.us/AlumniMailingList
Website:
fargoschoolsfoundation.org
CONTACT US!
FPSFound@fargo.k12.nd.us
415 N 4th St Fargo, ND 58102
701-446-1041
Fargo Public Schools
DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
AlumniNews
Distributed by the FPS Development Foundation
Robert Littlefield and Nancy (Mach) Tidd, Fargo North, Class of 1970, representatives, present Kathi (Neal)
Schwan, FPS Foundation Board President, with a $1,100 donation from their class. This year’s donation will be
added to the endowed fund established for scholarships.
Creating a Legacy:
The Class of 1970
Many teenagers have the opinion that they will live forever. The further we stray from high
school graduation, the more we accept the truth. However, a group of ‘once-upon-a-time’
teenagers have found a way to create a legacy in their hometown. The Fargo North graduating
class of 1970 realized that, as adults, they can gather to rekindle friendships, and in addition,
work together to create a foundation fund that will be of benefit to Fargo high school students for
years to come. Kathy Mach Tidd and Robert Littlefield, classmates in 1970, were asked about
their decision to start an endowed fund.
Engaging the Community. Fostering Opportunity.
Engaging the Community. Fostering Opportunity.

Fargo Public Schools
DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
THANK YOU
to our twenty most
generous donors of 2010 :
Cargill Financial
Dakota Supply Group
Davies High School Supporters
Mary Jean and Jeff Dehne
Mark and Deb Dillon
First Lutheran Church & Foundation
First Presbyterian Church of Fargo
First United Methodist Church
Max and Anne Goldberg Foundation
Gordman’s
Heartland Trust Company
Harold and Dorothy Madson
Paul and Sharon Madson
McNair Family and Justin and Dina
Conzemius
Nash Finch
Olivet Lutheran Church
Arlette Preston
Kenneth Scherber
State Bank & Trust Pay It Forward
Xcel Energy
AlumniNews
2
What prompted you and your classmates to start this fund?
It seemed like we were at a point in our lives when we could be better able to give back
to North High and future students. I (Robert) have been involved with development
projects before and this seemed like a great idea and way to show other classes that
they, too, can give. The competitive spirit prevailed and everyone thought it was a good
idea when we proposed it.
Was the decision made right away to create an endowed fund?
We decided that we wanted to create a permanent gift to the foundation. An endowment
keeps on giving, even after we are gone. Also, if people want to contribute to the corpus,
they can do that at any time.
Ask the Reunion Experts
We also asked these veteran reunion organizers some questions we thought other
organizers may want to know:
Are either of you, Nancy or Robert, your high school class president?
No. (Editor’s note: This explodes the myth that the class president is responsible for
reunions.) Nancy was a cheerleader and very active member of the class. She was a
very good connector between groups, as she had friends across the social circles of the
class. I was involved with many school organizations and active in music, forensics, and
drama.
Did your class talk about reunions even when you were just graduating
from high school?
We really didn’t talk about class reunions that much. I think that if class officers knew
that they were supposed to be responsible for planning reunions, an entirely different
group of people might have been elected as class officers! Actually, we were lucky to
have great people in our class and reunion planning has been great fun over the years.
What tips do you have for other’s that are organizing reunions?
• Talk to others about what they have done; be organized; be prepared
• Use all of the resources available to compile the addresses of classmates.
• Do not rely solely on email contact, as many do not use or check their emails. A
mailed invitation/information sheet should be included.
• Don’t waste money but don’t be afraid to spend it. While it is good to keep it simple,
don’t give up on all of the special touches that make events memorable.
How do you fund the planning and activities?
We have an account established from the first reunion. We have been fortunate to have
carry-over funds from each previous reunion that is used as seed money. Then, we
keep preliminary costs at a minimum and do as much as we can on the good will and
generosity of the organizers.

What types of committees do you have for organizing your reunions?
• Registrar
• Finance
• Social night committee (Friday night mixer)
• Banquet/facilities committee
• Banquet program committee
• Decorations committee
• Foundation representative
• Video creator of past photos and reunions
• Golf outing organizer
• Dance organizer
• Publicity committee
Did you use any web sites like Facebook to share information or gather
classmate’s addresses?
No – I looked into a website setup but we chose not to spend our money on that.
(Editor’s note: other classes have used Facebook to find classmates and have set up
web pages. Committee members determine your class’s best type of communication.)
How many reunions has your class had?
We have had 10, 20, 30, 35, 40 (in 2010) and are planning for year 45.
What do you think makes for a successful reunion?
• Incredible organization
• Timeliness (let people know date one year ahead of time and proceed with further
information as the date draws near)
• Reasonably priced activities
• Up-to-date contact information
• Keep things simple
• Create some memories with special activities. This year, we had a reunion
chorus. You didn’t have to be in choir to participate. We got the school song, our
homecoming coronation song [which we were disappointed to learn had been
eliminated from the current practices], our prom/generation theme song “Age of
Aquarius,” and “Happy Trails to You, Till We Meet Again.” We had a terrific time
and I don’t think anyone will forget it. Have good entertainment that helps to remind
participants that they aren’t that old.
We hope the class of 1970 inspires other classes to contribute to a fund for their
high school, or, to rise to the challenge and create their own $10,000 endowed
fund in tribute to their graduating class.
Selland Teacher of the
Year for 2010-2011
Cynthia Kierscht, left, and Dr. Marcia
Kierscht, right, present Kathy Fisher,
center, with the 2010-11 Cynthia
Selland Teacher of the Year award.
The Cynthia Thoresen Selland
award for teaching recognizes an
outstanding teacher in the Fargo
Public Schools and remembers
Mrs. Selland’s 31-year teaching
career at Agassiz, Ben Franklin
and Fargo South and to honor the
teaching profession. This award
is made by Cynthia’s children and
grandchildren in recognition of
her and all of the teachers who
touch lives forever.
Kathy Fisher, social studies
teacher at Fargo South High
School, has been recognized for
her innovative teaching techniques
and for her enthusiasm for
assisting students for the past 22
years.
Marcia and Cynthia are the
daughter and granddaughter of
Cynthia Selland, Dr. Kierscht is
President Emeritius of Stephens
College in Alexandria, VA and
Cynthia is a 1983 graduate of
Fargo North and was inducted
into the North Hall of Fame in
2008.
3

Fargo Public Schools
DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
Parent Involvement
Many times we forget to recognize
how supportive our parents were in our
school activities.
This fall, Fargo North inducted Marge
and Frank Ratti into their Hall of Fame.
During the decade of the 80’s they
shared the North High experience with
their children, Fran and Roxanne (1984),
Melanie (1988) and Steven (1991). The
Ratti home became a magnet for any
and all students who were a part of their
own children’s lives.
Their enthusiastic presence was always
very apparent, whether the sports
events were at home or hundreds of
miles away. Music and the arts also
enjoyed the support and encouragement
from Marge and Frank. The Spartan
Booster Club, numerous special
events, and North High’s administration
benefitted greatly from the energy and
generosity extended by this special
couple. Their support of the school and
its mission continues to this day.
AlumniNews
4
Classmates Remembered
Janet (Kane) Tilley was born April 30,
1949 in Jamestown, ND to Vaughn and Verda
(Bohnenstingl) Kane. She began her education
in Mt. Shasta, CA, and then moved with the
family back to North Dakota. She grew up in
Fargo and graduated from Fargo North High
School, class of 1967. In March 1969, she
received an Associate’s degree in Accounting
from the National College of Business
(National University) in Rapid City, SD. She
was married to Sanford (Stan) G. Tilley on
March 15, 1969 in Fargo, ND. Mrs. Tilley was
employed as a bookkeeper; an accounting
technician; and various administrative assistant
positions within the Fort Riley community. Mrs.
Tilley’s last position was with the Garrison
Chaplain’s office. Survivors: husband, Stan;
son, Raymond; daughter, Donna; two brothers,
Richard (Judi) Kane, Donald (Daphne) Kane;
and a sister, Kathleen (Kevin) Christopherson.
Patricia Lynn (McGill) Jackson
suddenly passed away on August 30, 2010.
Patricia, known as Trish by her family and
friends, was born on August 22, 1950. The
oldest of 11 children, Trish grew up with
her family in Minnesota, graduating from
Fargo South High School, class of 1968.
She obtained a nursing degree at Gustavus
Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN, where
she graduated in 1972. Dean Jackson and
Trish were married July 28, 1973. Trish
held positions at Hennepin County General
Hospital NICU and Minneapolis Public Health
Nursing in Minneapolis, Dodge County Public
Health Nursing in Wisconsin, St. Anthony
Regional Hospital in Carroll, IA and Greene
County Public Health in Iowa. She was also a
registered day care provider.
Leanne Ellingson Cosgriff was born
May 15, 1953, in Fargo, to Maurice and
Lois (Grinde) Ellingson. She graduated from
Fargo North High School, class of 1971, prior
to attending Wahpeton School of Science.
After earning a degree in dental hygiene, she
worked as a dental hygienist in Fargo for the
past 37 years in various offices, most recently
employed by Dr. Lynne Olson Rommesmo.
She married Allen Baumgartner on September
15, 1973. Together they had one son, Adam,
(Lynn) of LeMars, IA. She later married Jack
Cosgriff on May 24, 1985 and was married to
him for sixteen years before he passed away
in 2001. Leanne passed away at her residence
on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 .
Mary Catherine “Kay” Ackley, formerly
of Fargo, passed away on Tuesday October
12th at the University of Minnesota Fairview
Hospital in Minneapolis Minnesota. Kay
graduated from Fargo North, class of ’72. She
was successful in starting her own hair salon
as well as a restaurant while raising four boys
in Sidney Montana. She played a huge role
in the success of the Richland County Youth
Hockey program where she organized many
charity events and was active on the hockey
board. Mary is survived by her four sons and
four daughters in law, five grandchildren as
well as her two brothers.
Heidi E. Kvinge, 56, of West Boylston,
Massachusetts, died Wednesday, May 12
at home, after an illness. Heidi Kvinge was
born in Yankton, SD, raised in Fargo, ND,
and graduated from Fargo North High School,
class of 1972. She graduated from the
University of North Dakota; and received her
Master’s Degree in Computer Science from
the University of Minnesota in 1983. Heidi
was a software manger for 17 years with the
Massachusetts Microprocessor Design Center,
which first began with the creation of Digital,
then Compaq and the groups final transition
was to Intel. Heidi was instrumental in the
growth of the Grace Hopper conference and its
international mission of promoting the role of
women in technology. She leaves her husband
of 27 years, Donald M. DeMarsh; two children,
Benjamin DeMarsh and Gretchen DeMarsh;
her parents, Rev. Stanley M. and Goldie
(Opgrand) Kvinge; a brother, Nathan Kvinge
and his wife Debbie.

Jay C. Bock, 48, of Omaha, Nebraska was
killed in a motorcycle accident, along with his
cousin, Denny Chaney, and two other friends
while returning from an annual trip to Sturgis,
SD on Monday August 9, 2010. Jay was born
in Omaha but grew up in Fargo, ND where
he learned to be an expert carpenter and an
amazing cook. He loved participating in theatre
productions in school and was a founding
member of the Trollwood Performing Arts
School. He graduated from Fargo North High
School, class of 1980. He moved to Omaha in
1984 and has been a fixture in the Old Market
ever since—first as a waiter and then General
Manager of M’s Pub since 1985. He was
preceded in death by his brother Cary; parents
Donald and Lila Bock of Omaha; grandparents
Milton and Hildegard Bock of Storm Lake, IA
and Leonard and Ruth Bauer of Villisca, IA. He
is survived by his sister Suzie Bock of Omaha,
along with many other treasured family
members, dear friends, co-workers, and his big
ol’ dog Keisha.
Rhoda Marie (Sincebaugh) Tenuta,
47, of Sioux City, passed away Tuesday,
December 07, 2010 at a local hospital. Rhoda,
the daughter of Norman and Dorothea (Wolf)
Sincebaugh, was born on July 9, 1963 in
Bismarck, North Dakota. She graduated from
Fargo South High School, class of 1981, and
attended Moorhead State University before
graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the
University of Minnesota. She received her Juris
Doctorate from the University of South Dakota.
Rhoda married Frank Tenuta on November
30, 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The
couple made their home in Sioux City after
their marriage. Rhoda was employed as a law
clerk by the Third Judicial District of Iowa after
graduating. She was then an Assistant County
Attorney in the Juvenile Division. She was
most recently employed by Iowa Legal Aid as
a Staff Attorney.
David A. Kuemper died unexpectedly on
September 22, 2010, at the age of 45 in Fargo,
ND. He grew up in Fargo and graduated from
Fargo South High School, class of 1983.
After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy. For
the past 18 years, David was employed by
Weisgram Metal Fab. Inc. in West Fargo.
Sonia R. (Balliet) Heidenreich passed
away Saturday, May 1, 2010 in San Antonio,
Texas at the age of 32 years. Sonia was
born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. She
graduated from Fargo South High School,
class of 1996, and then went on to obtain a
degree in Psychology from the University of
Minnesota, Moorhead in 2001. She married
Ben Heidenreich on July 27, 2001. She was a
member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the
Officer’s Spouse Club at Nellis AFB. Military
life took her to new places including Monterey,
CA, San Antonio, TX and Las Vegas, NV. She
was a volunteer at the Animal Defense League
and Humane Society.
Kiel Robert Stieglitz, age 27, died
Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Regions Hospital,
St. Paul, Minn., from injuries sustained in a
motorcycle accident. He attended Hawthorne,
Agassiz, Discovery, and graduated from Fargo
South High School, class of 2001. He was a
member of the South High Swim Team for six
years and a state finalist in the last three. After
graduating from Minnesota State Community
and Technical College, he worked for SEI of
Fargo in tech support and at Baldwin Area
Medical Center (BAMC) in Baldwin, Wis., as
an Information Systems Technician. He was
married to Alicia Rose Calkins on April 16,
2010 and lived in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Jacob Ochsner, 24, of Fargo, ND, died
Sunday, November 21, 2010, in an automobile
accident on Interstate 29 in eastern North
Dakota. Jacob Allan Ochsner was born
September 30, 1986, in Fargo, North Dakota,
son of Allan and Marlene (Pankow) Ochsner.
He attended schools in Fargo, graduating
from Fargo South High School, class of 2005.
Jacob was employed by Fargo Public Schools,
working at Fargo North High School. Jacob,
the tall, big guy who was a kind and gentle
man, was the peacemaker among his many
friends.
Tribute gifts are received each year at the
FPS Foundation in honor of or in memory of
someone special who has valued education.
Tribute Gifts are appropriate at any time. The
Foundation will send a note (which does not
include the gift amount) to the person or family
to let them know about your special gift.
Jay Bock Memorial Fund
High school friend and classmate,
Lisa Farnham remembers Jay Bock
as a “big teddy bear” who made his
friends laugh, smile, and feel good.
Lisa was instrumental in beginning
an endowed fund in Jay’s honor.
Endowed funds are established
so that only the earnings from the
donations are used each year.
Tribute gifts are still being accepted
for the Jay Bock Memorial Fund
for the Trollwood Performing Arts
School. (Checks can be made
payable to FPS Foundation and
mailed to the Fargo Public School
Foundation, 415 N 4th St, Fargo,
ND 58102.)
5

Fargo Public Schools
DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
Annual appeal!
The FPS Foundation annual letter
of appeal was mailed the day before
Thanksgiving. If you have not seen
it in your mailbox, you still have the
opportunity to make your donation.
Call us at 701-446-1041 and ask that a
donation form be sent to you; print the
donation form on our web site at
www.fargoschoolsfoundation.org; and
mail to 415 N 4th, Fargo, ND 58102 or
make a secure, online gift using the
donation link give2schools on our web
site.
We want to acknowledge donations
from two special people this year. Our
most recent graduate that made a
gift was Amy Huseby, class of 2009.
Charles R. Keefe, graduate of the class
of 1937 also made his annual gift.
Thank you to both of you, but also to
our many other graduates and friends of
the Foundation for your support!
AlumniNews
6
Remembering Jeannie Madson
The family of Jeannie Madson has established a $10,000
endowment fund through the Fargo Public Schools Development
Foundation to provide an annual grant distribution to
benefit Lincoln Elementary school students.
Jeannie Madson graduated from Fargo Central High School
and North Dakota State University before beginning a teaching
career. A parent of three daughters, she spent a dozen years actively involved at
Lincoln School as a PTA officer, tutor, substitute teacher and bucket brigade volunteer.
Jeannie passed away from melanoma in 2003, but, her parents and daughters remain
involved in the Fargo Public Schools.
Endowed funds can be named to honor and pay tribute to mentors or loved ones, or
named for yourself or family, They can also have specific written criteria that govern
how the annual money is used. It takes about 18 months for an endowment to have
accrued enough dividends to award the annual funds. Additional gifts can be made to
any of the existing endowed funds at the FPS Foundation.
Innovation Education Grants
Twice a year, October and February, Fargo
Public School educators have the opportunity
to apply for an innovative education grant.
This program, begun in 2001, awards grants
to projects that exhibit innovative teaching
and learning techniques, are clear in their
educational purpose, and directly engage
students with both short-term and long-term
impact. In October 2010, grants awarded
included providing appropriate tools so parents
can help their children develop math literacy
and a specialized bench, books, and manipulatives for students to resolve conflict at
the elementary level. Middle school grants were awarded for development of a podcast
walking tour of Fargo and an annual family fitness fun festival. At the high school level
grants will help initiate a school-wide project to improve MAP and NDSA testing scores
and another to purchase light boxes to provide light therapy to improve attention spans
and learning.
For more information, please feel free to contact Carol Johnson, Executive Director,
or Pat Dell, Office Manager at the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation,
446-1041, or email fpsfound@fargo.k12.nd.us.

Where are they now?
Paul Meyers, Fargo North class of 1967, writes: “I am the
President and Senior Financial Advisor with Legacy Wealth
Management, an independent investment management and
financial planning firm in Fargo. I completed nearly twenty years
as a vice president with Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch prior to
forming my own company. Previously, I taught at North High in
the English and Theatre departments. I am an elected member
of the Fargo School Board and also serve as President of the
Trollwood Coordinating Council serving the Trollwood Performing
Arts School. I also own D. R. O. Productions, a concert producing
company in Fargo. Recently I served as a producer for a film,
“Pinching Penny.” As a financial advisor, I also host a radio call-in
and talk show on KFGO radio, and a television segment on KVLY.
In addition, I have four wonderful kids involved in education and
the arts, and two very cute puppies who lead a ‘”dog’s life.”
A graduate of Fargo South,
class of 1976, and Moorhead
State in University 1981
Danette Wahowske Potochick
worked in sales management
and marketing. She lived in
Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin,
California, Michigan, overseas
in England, and is now in Palm
Coast, Florida. Retired, she spends time traveling on their 40’
boat, PEACE, in addition to international and domestic travel
with her husband, Jim.
Dawn Trautman, Fargo South, class of
1990, holds a bachelor’s degree from
Valparaiso University and two master’s
degrees, one from Luther Seminary and one
from New York University. She is a certified
life coach, professional stage actress and
published author whose work includes the
upcoming book “Urban Nomad.” She is
based in New York City. Please visit www.
DawnTrautman.com to view her life coaching videos, read her
Urban Nomad blog or leave a personal greeting.
“Retired and loving it!” was the note from Lynn Christian Pierce,
Fargo North class of 1970.
Married 29 years to her husband Jim, Debbie Allen Winzenburg,
Fargo North, class of 1977, has worked as a Radiation Therapist
for the past 26 years. Currently she works at the Altru Cancer
Center in Grand Forks, ND. Debbie resides in Fargo. Two
children, Ashley Winzenburg Christoff (Fargo North, class of
2001) and Lucas Winzenburg (Fargo North, class of 2004) are
also FPS alumni.
Todd Benner, Fargo South, class of 1981, has been married to
Kamin Benner for 24 years (since June 1986). He says, “I’ve been
in hotel management now for over 20 years. I have worked for
the Radisson, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hilton and now La Quinta
Hotels in Bloomington, MN. We lived in Vermont the first 12 years
of our marriage, then 1 year in North Carolina before moving back
to Minneapolis in 2001. We enjoy cruises in the winter and also
vacations in Mexico. “Have 2 cats but no children, still at 47 years
old. I guess we are not having kids...”
Michael Oye, Fargo North, class of 1991, moved to Bismarck and
works for Cloverdale Meats.”
Dennis Hoff, Fargo South, class of 1992, currently lives in north
Fargo with his wife, Alison, and daughter, Hayley.
Pursuing a degree in Addiction Studies, Jeremy Bjerke, Fargo
South, class of 1993, is living in Minneapolis and working at
Minneapolis Community and Technical College in the Counseling
and Advising office. He is an avid cyclist and volleyball player.
Megan Hunter, Fargo North, class of 2001, lives in London with
her husband. She works at the Central School of Speech and
Drama, University of London.
Heather Eide Knight, Fargo South, class of
2002, shared this information: “I graduated
with a double major in Elementary
Education and Spanish from Dickinson
State University, where I met my husband
Jason Knight. We got married in Fargo
on June 20th, 2009. I work as a Speech
Pathologist Aide and am working on my
master’s. My husband is a steel detailer for
a steel fabricator. We bought a house and
live in Billings, MT.”
Send us your update for our next issue! www.fargo.k12.nd.us/AlumniMailingList
7

Fargo Public Schools
DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
415 North 4th Street Fargo, ND 58102
Upcoming Reunions!
• Fargo Class of 1961 — August 4 and 5, 2011; Fargo Radisson Hotel
• Fargo South Class of 1971 — July 2, 2011; Fargo Holiday Inn
• Fargo North Class of 1971 — July 29 and 30, 2011
• Fargo South Class of 1981 — July 16, 2011; Avalon Events Center, Fargo
• Fargo North Class of 1981 — in planning stage
• Fargo North Class of 1991 – July 29 and 30, 2011
All reunion information we receive will be posted on the FPS Foundation website.
Organizers, please send an email to FPSFound@fargo.k12.nd.us with your information.
You can also call us weekdays at 701-446-1041. Details will be located on the Reunion link
at fargoschoolsfoundation.org.
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 965
Fargo, ND
8 Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation AlumniNews