Hudson grads from ’30s, ’40s and ’50s hold reunion

• From left, reunion organizers Mary and George Hoel, Ken Michaelson, Mary Lau, and emcee Darrell Youngberg

The organizers of the reunion were, from left, Mary and George Hoel, Ken Michaelson, and Michaelson’s daughter Mary Lau. Darrell Youngberg was the emcee. Youngberg was a Hudson High School counselor before moving on to become president of the State Bank of Hudson. See the July 22 print edition of the Star-Observer for more reunion photos. Photo by Randy Hanson

Talk about it

A multi-class reunion of Hudson High School alumni who graduated in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s was held Thursday, July 15, at the Hudson Golf Club.

The event was the culmination of Ken Michaelson’s initial plan to organize a 70-year reunion of his Class of 1940.

Ultimately, other classes were invited, too, to make it a bigger celebration.

Thirty-five graduates from the 1940s posed for a photograph at the end of the dinner and program. Among them were Michaelson’s 1940 classmates Mary (Cameron) Hoel and Fred Nagel.

Seven graduates from the 1930s, and six from the 1940s, were in attendance.

George Olson and Ruth (Lovett) Burkholder were there from the Class of 1932, the earliest represent at the reunion. Olson said he’s 96 years old.

Darrell Youngberg was the emcee. Youngberg was a counselor at Hudson High for three years before moving on to become president of the State Bank of Hudson.

Various graduates spoke. Jane (Zezza) Smrdel read a poem written by a classmate in honor of Marty Crowe, a beloved teacher and coach.

Burkholder provided the words to songs written by fellow members of the Class of 1932, one of which honored Jenny Lee, a beloved music teacher and adviser.

Michaelson gave opening and closing remarks. He also led the group in singing “Here’s to Hudson High School,” “On, Wisconsin” and the “Minnesota Rouser.” His daughter, Mary Lau, provided the accompaniment on a keyboard.

Many door prizes were given away, some provided by Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living. Others were donated anonymously.

The festivities ended with the singing of “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You,” followed by the taking of photographs.

Tags: high school, communities, hudson, events