Memory
of.. Some of our classmates are no longer with us. This is a way to remember those who have gone too soon before us.
Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way,
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain (excerpt from "Should I Go First" by Albert Roswell)
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.
Thoughts
I would just like to thank you for putting the pictures of those we have lost over the years on this site. Having been directly affected by losing my twin brother Joe Kalous, it's nice to know that he will be remembered by others. Joe was a quiet person and probably didn't know a lot of our classmates personally, but he was a wonderful person just the same. He
wasn't the popular, outspoken type, but he had a heart of gold that most
people didn't know about. Being his twin sister, I knew well how caring and
loving a brother could be. Even through the hardest times growing up, I
always had him to turn to if I ever needed anything, even it was just dumb
girl things. He never judged me and somehow always managed to find the good
in everyone except himself. I can only hope that now he knows just how much
he was loved. It's funny how tragedy makes you look at the world in a whole
new perspective. I've learned that all those things in the world that used
to get under my skin really don't matter. We're all here for such a short
time and it's not worth wasting by getting caught up in life's little twists
and turns. Enjoy the people you love while you can and don't take anything
for granted. Joe, you'll always be the other half of me and you'll never be
forgotten.
Jenn(Kalous) Bos
It is so sad to know that some of our class mates and friends are no longer
with us.
I got to know Joe and Jenny Kalous when they spent time at their grandma's
house that was just a couple of houses down from mine. We spent several
summer days wearing a path in-between and through our houses. While some of
you may not have known Joe, he was a great person. He was always ready with
a quick smile or some weird little joke to lift your spirits if you were
down. He was one of the most friendly and caring people I know. He will be
missed but more importantly he will be forever remembered in the hearts of
the people who knew and cared for him.
In Fondest Memory,
Christi (Sisson) Moore
Today I was combing through the web sites and was sombered to find out that two of my friends, Joe and Roy are gone. I have good memories of both these guys.
I used to live out near L&M Acres where Roy used to live. I hung out with him from time to time, I remember riding three wheelers together and working out with him. I'll never forget seeing him do everything possible to keep his weight low for wrestling. I can remember the way he would laugh and how he encouraged me to try out for wrestling, which I gladly left him to master. I have great memories of Roy and I will miss him.
I don't remember exactly how I met Joe but I do remember seeing him ride a dirt bike like noone else. He took me with him one time to the races and I was amazed by his raw talent. This race was one of his first on a 125 and he won it. I remember his smile and his demeanor his quiteness but his confidence. I entered my first race last year actually and I can't help but feel inspired to give it my all, not only on the track but in my life. Roy was the same, an inspiration to give it your best in competition.
I will miss both of these guys alot. Their memory will go on in me.
Sincerely,
Nathan Leadbetter
I would just like to add my thoughts about Joe, he was a wonderful person.
For those people who didn't get to know him, it is a complete shame. Joe was full of smiles and the best part is, is that his smiles were always contagious. In math class he could make my bad day into a really good one. Of course all he really had to say was "Dude!" and I would crack up. Even though he was quiet and very much to himself, he always made me feel like I was one of his closest friends. It is times like these where you wish that you had kept in touch with those people that made you feel so special. I was in complete shock and full of tears when I saw the picture of Joe.
My deepest regards go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Melissa (Gillispie) Fritch
I wanted to share with you my friends, the Joe I knew. He was truly one of a kind. He always knew how to make me feel special. He always knew when I was bummed and he always knew just how to fix it, with a smile. We didn't even have to say anything to each other, that simple passing in the halls day in and day out...the little wave of his hand and smile across his face,
made the day just that much better. I remember I looked forward each day to seeing him and saying hello. He was a warm and caring person, someone I will never forget. In my heart he's not gone...he'll be there forever. Words can not express my sorrow to you Jennifer. May your heart keep peace in knowing how much your brother was loved and cared about as you are.
Much love now and always,
Sherry Thompson-Eichelberger
==========
Nothing in life is more constant than change. Make it
what you will, for you and the people around you may learn
and grow from one another.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Love heals all~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted to share briefly with you, about SSgt Juan Ridout. Just before Juan died, he was stationed at Kadena, AB, on the island of Okinawa. He was stationed in the 353 Special Operations Group as a PJ (Para-Jumper). I made a visit to your web site, in an effort to catch up on some folks I have not heard from in too long, and noticed nothing was said of Juan, save a blank spot where his picture would go. I believe it noteworthy that Juan died an untimely death, but not one without meaning. In the midst of Operation Enduring Freedom (launched after 9-11) Juan was selflessly defending our country and way of life in the Jungles of the Philippines. He died 22 Feb 2002 in a helicopter crash, upon completion of a mission...and he will be missed.
TSgt Matthew A. Pierzchala
If anyone else has pictures or thoughts they would like to share about Joe, Roy, Juan, David, or Mike or if you know of a classmate we have lost that isn't included here, please let me know.
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Classmates, page 1
Classmates, page 2