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Ed Dissinger Passes Away at 94 - Posted February 5, 2006

Edward R. Dissinger passed away on February 2, 2006 at the Kingswood Retirement facility in Kansas City, MO. He was born on July 22, 1911, in Eudora, KS. He had 94 great years. His legacy will be the many students and athletes he mentored during his career as a teacher and a coach. Ed graduated from Baker University, Baldwin, KS, in the Spring of 1936. He also received a Master of Science degree from Kansas State University. In high school, Ed won the state title as a long-distance runner for the 880 relay and mile. At Baker, he held the two-mile track record for nearly 60 years. He played football as a lineman at Baker for legendary Charlie Liston. Ed taught and coached for 40 years at the high school and college levels. In his first assignment at Buffalo, KS, he met and married Hazel Orr. He spent 16 years at various high school programs in Kansas, including Lawrence, Atwood, Oberlin, Holton, and Manhattan. He coached the three major sports: football, basketball, and track. Ed's teams at Holton won 7 league championships and his Manhattan teams won 6 league championships. In football at Holton, his team had a 20-game winning streak over two years. His teaching included algebra, geometry, general science, chemistry, biology, physics, and physical education. He volunteered in the US Army from 1943 to 1948, where he served in the European Theatre as Lieutenant Dissinger. In the Army Reserves, Ed served 20 years, for five of which he was the commanding officer of his unit. He retired as a Major. In 1955 he joined the football staff at Kansas State University and coached with Bus Mertes and Doug Weaver. The University of Missouri hired Ed in 1967 where he coached with Dan Devine and Al Onofrio until retirement in 1976. Ed was preceded in death by Hazel, his second wife Fay, brother Morris, and sister Katherine. Survivors include his son, Eddie and his wife, Suzy, Leawood, KS; his daughter, Frankie, Kansas City, MO; stepdaughter, Glenda and her husband Don, Olathe, KS; twelve grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. Services will be held at the Parker Funeral Home, 10th & Walnut, Columbia, MO, on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Parker's from 12-2 p.m., prior to the services. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1219 Business Loop 70 West in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Baker University athletic department in Baldwin, KS.

Published in the Kansas City Star on 2/5/2006.

Alumni Center Secured - Posted August 15, 2005

The following is a reprint of the Manhattan Mercury article of August 14th

MHS alumni group has a plan for center, museum

Leah Fliter Staff Writer

If you're a Manhattan High School graduate who's pining for the good old days at MHS, you're in luck.

The nine-month-old Manhattan High Alumni Association has plans for your very own alumni center and museum, which will soon be in place at the school's east campus. Organizers hope the association and the center will improve communication and pride among alums.

Association president Dave Fiser, a 1957 graduate, is president of the association, which was officially incorporated last November.

He's looking for MHS graduates, whether recent or long-past, to join the group, whose purpose is — according to its articles of incorporation — to "communicate with alumni and friends of Manhattan High School, to promote Manhattan High School to students, graduates, and friends; and, generally advance awareness of the quality of education within Manhattan High School."

The alumni association's pet project at the present is the alumni center and museum, which will be in rooms 112-113 at MHS-East. Fiser credits alum Don Pady, class of 1955, with coming up with the idea for the museum, which Fiser hopes will open in the next few months.

He says it will include memorabilia, "a wall of fame" and possibly a couple of computers for alumni use. "We're just getting started," he said. Anyone who wants to donate memorabilia may call Fiser at 537-9123 or e-mail him at dfiser1@cox.net .

MHS principal Terry McCarty is in charge of the wall of fame. He envisions it "as a way of bringing together all the different areas of the school to support the school."

McCarty said he's still doing research, but "I know Manhattan High School has produced some outstanding individuals, whether it be in fine arts, performing arts, athletics, (or) academics.

For more information, visit the association's website: www.mhsalumniassociation.org . It has links to past classes and other information about membership and activities.

Jim Hostetter Paralyed After Fall - Posted August 14, 2005

We received this from Joe Hostetter via e-mail.

"While in MHS, he took flight instruction at the youngest allowed age and soloed also at the earliest allowable age. He was a member of my father's flying club that started with one aircraft and I think later had three. He worked his way up to a commercial license for single engine aircraft. He went to K-State for two years and then went into the Air Force's Air Cadet program and Officer Candidate School. He went on to be a fighter pilot flying the F101 and later F105's. He was stationed in Okinawa and was sent to Viet Nam as an advisor to their pilots. When the U.S. got into combat, he flew several tours there. When the
SAM's got too accurate, he got out of the Air Force as a major and got a job as a pilot for Continental Airlines. He worked his way up the seniority path until he made Captain and flew the more desirable routes. When ownership changed, union pilots were tossed out. After that, he ferried and delivered aircraft for McDonald/Douglas, He taught pilots in Russia, and then flew L1011 wide body jets for a vacation package company called Total Air.

When he reached age 60, he was no longer allowed to fly for commercial airlines. He had bought a ranch in Arizona where he lives with his wife and horses. It was there that he
worked as an instructor of commercial pilots using a simulator. He will soon return to only classroom ground school."

Dale Norris Succumbs to Lung Cancer - Posted July 6, 2005

The following obituary was taken from a Tucson, Arizona web site.

Dale Norris, who toured with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Henry Mancini and was the band director for the Tucson Unified Schools for 32 years, died June 28th.

Family members said Dale died of lung cancer, which was diagnosed in April.

Born in Manhattan, Kan., Dale graduated from Kansas State University with a master's degree in music.

He went on to perform and record with Stan Kenton and the NBC Staff Orchestra in New York City, and played with the big bands of Ralph Marterie and Buddy Morrow in addition to Dorsey and Mancini.

Dale came to Tucson in 1965 and was a band director at Tucson Unified School District middle schools for 32 years.

In May, the Tucson Jazz Society honored Dale with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

"He was one of the finest reed players," said Tom Patrick, a longtime friend and band mate. "He was a tremendous player and he was just a super guy with a great sense of humor. Everyone just loved him."

Dale recorded many group and live albums. His most recent album entitled "Reflections" was finished in December.

Dale is survived by his wife of 22 years, Julie Norris; son Barry Norris of Tucson; three stepchildren and four grandchildren.

A memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Tucson.

Alice Ott Dabney To Undergo Surgery - Posted June 12, 2005

We received this letter from Alice (Ott) Dabney June 12th.

"Dear John,

Was just reading the MHS57 website and the article about Nancy McVicar and her bout with cancer. I was so relieved to hear how well she has done and also agree with her about the importance of yearly screenings and check-ups.

I'm writing to let you know about some surgery I will be undergoing on Wednesday, June 22nd. I would appreciate and welcome any prayers from classmates. Pat Ryan mentioned to me at our last reunion that I looked shorter to her than when we graduated and she was so right! I've actually lost four inches of height since that time. I only learned January, 2004, the reason for this unusual loss of height. In a matter of less than 10 years, I have had a progressive scoliosis (curvature & rotation) of my spine. My back doctor feels that I should no longer delay surgery and I have to agree with him at this time. The surgery will involve going through the right/front side (approx. 4 hours), with the assistance of a vascular surgeon, and then if I'm doing okay, turning me over and going directly into the spine to straighten it and to stop any more progression of the curvature (another 4-6 hours). Like I said, I would surely appreciate any and all prayers on June 22nd, and at any time during that day.

I will be recuperating in the hospital for 7-10 days and will be receiving physical therapy during that time to get me back on my feet and walking. My main exercise for the next month or so will be walking and more walking. Because I will not be able to take of myself in the beginning, my dear sister-in-law, Helen Pady Ott, will be coming to Mobile to help me. She retired from the Kansas State University Health Clinic last September so volunteered to come be my nurse when she learned of my surgery. I couldn't have wished for anything better or anyone more capable.

Anyway, I would be happy for you to let our class know as I firmly believe in the power of prayer and how it can promote healing.

Thanks, John.

Alice Ott Dabney
(Alias - Spinnakersally!)"

Class Barbeque - Posted March 18, 2005

The class reunion planners decided to have their first official meeting this coming April 23rd. Three of the out of town planners, Jill Johnsmeyer (Texas), Owen Sherman (Texas) and Pat Dougherty (St. Louis), made arrangements to come to Manhattan for the meeting. Also, Quentin Gilman (Washington) would be in Manhattan visiting family, and Don Nielson was coming in from California to celebrate his parents anniversary. As a result of this many out of town classmates coming to Manhattan, the decision was made to have a BBQ after the reunion meeting.

The reunion meeting and the BBQ will be at Dave and Kay Fiser's place at Lake Elbo. For a map, click here. The reunion meeting will start at 3:00 (you are welcome to attend) and the BBQ at 5:00. There will be plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs, etc., as well as pop, tea, water, beer, etc. And, there has never been a shortage of smiles, laughter, and camaraderie. We hope you can make it!

For more information, e-mail Jan (Carlson) Journey at: jabberj@interkan.net

Nancy (McVicker) Leutert Beats Breast Cancer - Posted March 14, 2005

We received the following in an e-mail from Nancy in March.

“December found me facing the statement from the doctor no one ever wants to hear. You have breast cancer. Fortunately it was found extremely early through my annual mammogram. No lymph nodes involved. Therefore, I was able to participate in a new radiation treatment called MammoSite. One week of two a day radiation treatments. No side effects just long days in Nashville--had to be there by 7:30 each morning and had to wait a minimum of 6 hours before the second treatment. Usually home around 5:30.

I had a lumpectomy and then a second surgery to insert the catheter for the radiation. Only one set back through it all. I developed a hematoma in the tumor site after the lumpectomy which caused a major bleed. When they inserted the catheter they had to clean out that area.

So, I am all through with treatments except for five years of taking a medication. No chemotherapy required. I feel really blessed and friends and family have been so supportive and encouraging. “

When asked if we could use this part of the e-mail for the Bugle, Nancy responded with, “I do not mind you printing my story in the Bugle if you feel it has any merit. More than anything I would hope it would encourage people to be faithful in their health care. That is one thing we have always done--yearly physicals, etc.”

Shermans Find "Lost" Classmates - Posted February 4, 2005

Owen and Lynne Sherman do a tremendous job finding classmates who we have considered "lost". In some cases, this isn't truly the case, however if we haven't an address or phone number, and/or if the Bugle is returned to us, that classmate is placed in the "Lost Department". The bottom line is that we want to contact all of our classmates, and some we are unable to because we don't have the information.

These are e-mails we have received from Owen Sherman over this past week.

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen:

Well here's one for ya...today Ms. Lynne and I, collectively put our bit of gray matter together for a "track-down" of another school chum. In this case it was Gary Heideman. After about an hour of Internet time, and looking at other "tools-of-the-trade", we narrowed our search to several phone numbers. We finally struck pay dirt when we contacted Gary's mother who lives...of all places, in Manhattan, Kansas. She very kindly gave us Gary's number. We called Gary and he too lives in Manhattan, Kansas..and has for the greater part of his life. He (and we) couldn't figure out why we had him listed as missing. He indicated that other MHS grads who live in Manhattan know he is alive and lives there. Apparently not the ones who have seen our "lost list".

Gary is the owner of a tractor restoration company. Gary's address and phone number is:

Gary Heideman
P.O. Box 755
Manhattan, KS 66502
785-341-3655

The above was followed almost immediately with this e-mail.

Guten Morgen

We have managed to locate Barbara Anderson. Barbara currently lives in Sun City, Arizona, near Phoenix. However, she will be relocating back to Kansas within the next two months. She is a retired teacher and is planning to move to Kansas. Her current phone number is 623-933-3389. Her Internet address is windy@cox.net. I gave her the MHS web address so that she could get a quick update on our class. A pleasure talking to her.

And now Robin, to the bat cave.

The Shermano's

This is the third e-mail, which came the same day.

The game is afoot...we've located Pat (Hill) Boltz. Pat currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has three children and is a Grandmother 7 times, and a Great Grandmother ! time. Her Internet address is: shyanrain@cox.net. She didn't know she was "lost" since she is in contact with Jean (Wisecup) Hesse, who also lives in Scottsdale, and Wanda (Sisson) Burkhead, who lives in Gilbert, Arizona.

Pat's address is:

8415 East Piccadilly Rd.
Scotsdale, AZ 85251
480-946-1046

Phil Ljungdahl - Posted January 29, 2005

We received this e-mail from Owen and Lynne Sherman January 28th.

"After graduating from high school Phil attended Texas A and I University. He then earned a Masters and Doctorate degrees in Business Accounting from the University of Texas. He taught at Texas A & M for a number of years and authored a text book on Agricultural Accounting, which is still used today. After spending time in the academic area he was lured into the business field and was named Chief Financial Accounting Officer for First American Bank. Phil lost his life 14 years ago as a result of a motor vehicle accident. He is survived by his wife Patty and two children. She resides at 1822 Shadowwood Dr., College Station, Texas."

Peace,

Owen and Lynne Sherman

Lucia Vera Jackson is dead at 66 - Posted January 3, 2005

Lucia "Lucy" Vera Jackson, 66, of Eclectic, Ala., died Monday, Dec. 20, in a hospital near her home.

She was born July 19, 1938, in Manhattan. She went to local schools and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1957. She was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Church; a master gardener; member of the Doll Club of Montgomery; and active with The Senior Harvest House of Eclectic.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elizabeth Vera; her husband, Thomas F. Jackson; and two sisters, Marcellina Zarazua and Ernestina Arnett.

She is survived by two daughters, Rose Stepney of Eclectic, and Brenda Henson and husband Billy Ray of Eclectic; three brothers, Joseph Vera of Topeka, Theodore Vera of Bogota, Columbia, and Frank G. Vera Jr. of Mansfield, Texas; six sisters, Josephine Vera of Arlington, Texas, Beatric Ayon of Manhattan, Virginia Perbeck of Manhattan, Frances Myers of Manhattan, Mary Yates of Cadiz, Ky., and Rachel Nehl of Springfield, Mo.; grandchildren, John Stepney, Jason Stepney, Joseph Stepney, Rachel Henson, Josie Henson and Rhonda Henson, all of Eclectic; one great grandchild, Christian Stepney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ms. Lucia's family said she was a loving mother, daughter, sister and grandmother who was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorial services were Wednesday at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Tallassee, and a local memorial mass will be at noon Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Seven Dolors Catholic Church Memorial Fund.