6th Graders

SIXTH GRADE CLASSES
OF THE
RGHS CLASS OF 1969

6th Graders Jane Byers and Nancy Jackson: Glasgow Elementary Baton Twirlers (1963)

The pictures on this page take us back to the 1962/1963 school year, when we were 6th graders. Enrollment in the Riverview Gardens School District was growing, as evidenced by the combination of Danforth and Gibson Elementary 6th grade classes. At Glasgow Elementary, approximately thirty 6th graders transferred from Highland Elementary to Glasgow due to overcrowding at Highland.

If you have a picture or comment to post or can identify some of the kids, Contact Us.

It would be very cool if we featured every one of our 6th grade elementary class pictures from the Riverview Gardens School District on this page. We are missing one class picture from Glasgow. We now have three class pictures from Danforth/Gibson and two class pictures from Thomas. We have one class picture from each of Lemasters, Meadows, Moline and Riverview. What about Highland??? If we are missing your class picture, take a little time to find it. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures and comments posted here!

Lemasters Elementary

First Row: Rita Toler, Dennis Burke, Janis Patterson, Larry Garrett, Mrs. Hagen, Steve Younger, Carolyn Birdnow, Chuck Malloy and Darlene Green

Second Row: Larry Koessel, Chris Brown, Kathy Langley, Frank Wetteroth, Ricky Laux, Rita Sexsauer, Gary Pohlman, Pam Flieger and Steve Hanson

Third Row: Richard Matthews, Janet S., Dan Durbin, Christine Langley, Dennis Brown, Joan Smith, Gary Crafton and Donnie Shafer

Fourth Row: Carol Moore, Glenda Coaty, Ruth Ann Baker, Debbie Kreitner, Karen Beard, Bonnie Boyd and Linda Nichols

Lawrence Koessel provided the picture.

Larry Koessel not only provided his Lemasters 6th Grade Class picture, he also provided a copy of his Certificate of Perfect Attendance for 5th Grade. I know that's getting away from 6th Grade, but sometimes exceptional circumstances call for an exception!

Danforth/Gibson Elementary #1

First Row: Denise Schewe, Don Redemeier, Carol Stumpf, Robert Mason, Sheila Grothman, Brian Ronan, Connie Battiger, Craig Vechorik and Miss Holman

Second Row: Jimmy Brown, Margaret Rowe, Steve Wallace, Nancy Siminis, John Winkelmeier, Barb Sampl, Craig Rouff, Karen Mobley and John Allen Rone

Third Row: Barbara Klasing, Dallas Nichols, Candy Hofer, Tim Miller, Janis Rittel, Roger Siemson, Susan Reynolds, Bill Simms and Susan Meyers

Fourth Row: Bill Becher, Janet Finley, Mike Mesle, Linda Bergmeyer, Jim Maloney, Jill Maret and Paul Klick

Fifth Row: Steve Decker, Bruce Ealick, Steve Grote, Bruce Boyd and Steve Bockstruck

Jill Maret Ferguson provided the picture.

Here's my sixth grade class picture from Danforth Elementary, but we were really from Gibson. Gibson's entire 6th grade was transferred to Danforth that year because of overcrowding at Gibson. We were so bummed! Notice how large the class is-38 kids! The Danforth 6th graders and the Gibson 6th graders were each packed into two classes, and we had, as they called it, a "mini-junior high." Each class had a home room teacher, and the teachers also rotated from room to room to teach their specialties. Our home room teacher, Miss Holman, taught all the English classes; the others were Miss Buffington, math; Mr. Mason, science; and Mrs. Jones, social studies. I'm sorry about the two boys whose names I can't recall but I never saw them again after 6th grade! Maybe someone else can remember. It's also sad to see the classmates who've left us: Tim Miller, Jim Maloney, Roger Siemson and Janis Rittel.
Jill Maret Ferguson

Jill, thanks for stretching the old brain. The two boys you couldn't remember were Jimmy Brown and Craig Rouff. I am wondering why some of these folks haven't been "found" yet for the 40th.
Paul Klick

Paul, thanks for coming up with the missing names. Maybe you can fill in some blanks from Cheryl's picture below, as well. The faces all look so familiar, but it's been a long, long time!
Jill Maret Ferguson

I always remember Don Redemeier getting in trouble in art class, with Mr. Dozier, for putting Frankenstein in every picture he drew.
Jill Maret Ferguson

Hey, Guys! Remember me? Janet Finley? I remember all of you and our days at Gibson! Marsha and Ray Elliott are my cousins and Ray told me about the website.
Janet Finely

Hello Classmates! I am alive and well. The reunion was on my 58th birthday. I am enjoying the pictures immensely. Stay healthy!
Margaret Rowe Garney
Cabot, Arkansas

Danforth/Gibson Elementary #2

First Row: Dinah Drury, Bob Hundman, Jan Edwards, Tom Yates, Ellen Beck, Leslie Silies, Diane Penova, Carl Taro and Mrs.Buffington

Second Row: Gene Michel, Sue Mueller, Mike McGuire, Connie Baumgart, Jim Luhrsen, Bev Penrod, Larry Beck, Cheryl Niebur and Rich Leh

Third Row: Kathy Weiss, Larry Simpson, Barb Phinney, Dennis Vogt, Marilyn Bartley, Chuck Lutz, Betsy Peckron, Dave ??? and Cheryl Kreienkamp

Fourth Row: Jerry Gretsch, Rose Mentzer, Gerry Podorski, Pat Kraichely, Bob ???, Karen Knop and Bob Hansee

Fifth Row: Doris Rogers, Debbie Davis, Kathy???, Joan Fischer and Mary Ann Roman

Cheryl Niebur Lapinski provided the picture. We got a kick out of all of Cheryl’s artwork and the names written right on the picture. There are a few individuals who aren’t fully identified.

The second row left is Gene Michel. I'm sorry to say he is no longer with us.
Linda Bergmeyer Hayes

Third Row Barb is "Barb Phinney." My class isn't shown. I had Mrs. Jones. YUCK!
Rosemary Henson

Boy, this brings back memories-the other half of the Gibson crew. Cheryl, when I first saw this picture, I suddenly had a memory of you dancing in the spring pageant at Gibson when we were in 5th grade. Each grade did a presentation, and the 5th grade's was something about a school house that burned down in an enchanted forest, and the wood sprites came out and danced in their stocking feet. You were an excellent wood sprite! The pageant was always held outdoors on the playground behind Gibson on the lower level. There was a big stage and it was quite a production. I have an old 8-millimeter movie of my sister (Class of '65) in one of the pageants. Does anyone else remember the custodian at Gibson, Mr. Boone? He was very nice. He gave a talk to our class one year about his ancestor, Daniel Boone.
Jill Maret Ferguson

Dinah Drury...
She was my BUDDY!
Janet Finley Landry

First row-I believe is Carl Taro.
Fifth row is Debbie Davis.
Jim Luhrsen

Danforth/Gibson Elementary #3

First Row: Dennis O'Fallon, Patty Smith, Albert Schultz, Kathy Fraser, Kevin Appel, Jo Ann Breithaupt, Ray Heilig and Kay Hampe

Second Row: Virginia Montgomery, Michael Politte, Patricia Ketts, Michael Vickrey, Maura Crump, Lee Smith, Sharon Randoll and Henry Dilport

Third Row: Debbie Oesterlei, Danny Walters, Rosemary Henson, Bobby Nickles, Christine Gradowski, Steve Unkneker and Mary Stone

Fourth Row: Linda Blanke, Sharon Knudson, Tommy Mayhew, Pat Lingenfelter and Jackie Richards

Pat Lingenfelter Sanders provided the picture.

Glasgow Elementary #1

First Row: Pat Lowrie (blocked by tape), Pam Wilkinson, King Radley, Cathy Hunt, John Ranes, Jane Hassen, Pat W.???, Mrs. Brown and Mr. Stergos (Principal)

Second Row: Debra Brown, Terry Hoppe, Mariann Williamson, Fred Hennig, Lauran Kowalski, Dennis Greenwood, Maxine Robinson, Eddie Fleming and Mary Moore

Third Row: Maria Bommarito, Dennis Fitzsimmons, Ann Brady, Buddy Evans, Lyn Baker, Steve Edwards, Sherry Anderson and Gary Crews

Fourth Row: Debbie Kotyk, Kevin B.???, Patty Kelly, Pam Sprinkle and Sharon Otten

Sherry Anderson Cushman provided the picture.

Some of you may remember Jane Hassen. She moved to Florida after 7th grade. Later, we both attended Baylor University, became college roommates and ran around together for four years. We had a great time. The strange thing is that neither of us knew the other was headed for Baylor until right before school started. Jane now lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jane Byers

Sherry!!! This is so fun!!! Everyone is so cute!! Thanks for saving these and sharing them!!
Runa Caquelard Swofford

Glasgow Elementary #2

First Row: Mr. Somogyi, Patsy Finley, Joe Paulsen, Denise Bussen, Wes Walters, Jane Byers, Richard Williams, Susan Winkle and Mr. Stergos (Principal)

Second Row: Kathy Gliedt, David Manning, Debbie Rhoades, Ray Johnston, Dee Fetter, Mark Herium, Evelyn Harbison, Scot Drysdale and Lynn McCloskey

Third Row: Sally Winkle, Pat Downs, Kathie Merinbaum, Ken DeBeer, Linda Schnuriger, Dennis Dames and Ann McLaughlin

Fourth Row: Tonya Peich, Trudy Mardis, Pam Hauck and Nancy Jackson

Jane Byers provided the picture.

I’m wondering if anyone else from our class remembers Mr. Somogyi’s daily mantra: I AM PREPARING YOU FOR JUNIOR HIGH! He always said it with gravity and conviction. He wasn’t one of my favorite teachers, but of all the teachers I had at Glasgow School, East Jr. High and RGHS, I can’t name one, other than Mr. Somogyi, that I associate with words that were singularly his. Where is Linda Schnuriger?

Jane Byers

OMG!!! Believe it or not I could identify about 95% of us before I read the captions! I guess grade school really stays with you. I remember if you yawned in Mr. Somogyi's class he would say, "Miss (or Mr.) ___________ am I BORING YOU???" He was a real tyrant but a very good teacher! I remember a few of my teachers, Ms. Artz, Miss Edgell, Miss Booth (who was all of 22 years old and we thought she was an old lady)!! Don't know what happened to Linda Schnuringer, but we drove by her house in the old neighborhood recently. Linda had the neatest handwriting. I was always jealous of her cursive!! :-)

Kathie Merinbaum

Kathie, I am impressed! I could only come up with about half the names (although I recognized most of the faces). But I have always been lousy at remembering names. I agree that Somogyi was a real tyrant. I don't remember him as being a good teacher. I remember him assigning writing 100 sentences for violating rules. The sentences started with something like, "Now that I am in the second half of sixth grade preparing to enter Junior High, I must ..." and ran on for another few lines. And he gave them out for things, like forgetting to wear a belt, that had nothing to do with learning or keeping order in the classroom. He also could not stand to be contradicted on anything that he said. I remember Ray Johnston and him arguing about whether electricity flows from positive to negative or negative to positive. Ray was right but got punished for contradicting his teacher. I also remember that Ray brought in an encyclopedia that showed that he was right, but that may have been a hope rather than a memory.

Scot Drysdale

Mr. Stergos was principal for our entire tenure at Glasgow Elementary School. He was still there years later in the the 80s when my niece, Becky, was a student at Glasgow. I remember him as a formidable presence--a big man but soft spoken. He was the embodiment of that phrase coined by Teddy Roosevelt, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." In our day, we also knew of the legendary paddle he kept in his office. My parents loved to tell the story (and told it often) about a little pre-school kid at a PTA Meeting who walked up to Mr. Stergos and asked him, "Are you that mean old man?" They thought it was hilarious. They loved Mr. Stergos. Everything at school seemed to run smoothly under his no-nonsense guidance. He died on July 29, 2014 at age 92. My Mom attended his wake and gave me his obituary, which stated, "He was such a good man....Dad grew up on Aubert St, graduated from Blewett High School and Washington University, thanks in part to the GI Bill. He served in the Army in WWII and was part of the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was an educator--teacher, coach and long-time principal of Glasgow Elem School in the Riv Gardens School Dist. Those years were among the happiest of his life....In his spare time, he was an awesome coach, an impressive carpenter and an avid sports fan." Mr. Stergos is buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. What I wouldn't give to have talked with him about his memories of Omaha Beach on D-Day.
Jane Byers
September 17, 2018

Meadows Elementary

First Row: Phil Zib, Kayla Schaeper, John Geiger, Linda Young, Glenn Kell, Beth Potts, Gary Martin, Mrs. Cowgill and Mr. Koch (Principal)

Second Row: Jeanne Wrausman, Mark Birenbaum, Cathy Moss, Don O’Donald, Diana Wright, Bruce Markmueller, Mary Alwes, Mike Busse and Ruth Allen

Third Row: Steve Goldammer, Nancy English, Jim Boswell, Marilyn Bova, David Griesen, Cathy Vaughn, Mike Robertson and Linda Culp

Fourth Row: Robert James, Vicki Keith, Tim Fabian, Vikki Corley, Curt Bourg, Dan Fergus and Ron Frey

Fifth Row: Bert Williams

Marilyn Bova Oyen provided the picture. Six of the boys are wearing their Boy Scout uniforms! Impressive. Two of the girls are wearing pearls. 6th grade glamour! Quite a distinctive class!! Following is a discussion among some of those classmates trying to identify everyone in the picture:

First girl in second row is Jeanne Wrausman. She went to a different high school. Next to Marilyn Bova is Mike Green--I think was his last name. He was a super sweet kid. The missing girl is Linda Culp. The fourth row girl is Vicki Keith.
Linda Young Nehring

Our 6th grade teacher was either Mrs. Boswell or Mrs. Anderson--I think Boswell was 5th grade and Anderson 6th. I remember she and the male 6th grade teacher would always sign out equipment to share and sign "Sam and Andy." But the photo doesn't look like I remember her looking. So many memories!
Mike Busse

Mrs. Boswell was our 5th grade teacher--I have that class photo as well. You may be correct about Miss Anderson--but I just cannot place the face with a name. I knew Linda would be able to fill in a gap or two with the names I could not remember. I look forward to seeing those attending and it has been interesting bringing the memories back. It has been strange to be identified as Marilyn Bova--I have not been Bova for 39 years.
Marilyn Bova Oyen

Row two, seat four is Don O'Donald. He moved to the Florissant School District. Row four, seat three is John Lindquist. He didn't wear his uniform that day, but we made Eagle Scout together. Mike Busse beat us by a few months. Mark Birenbaum was captain of the Patrol Boys. He went to Parkway West and he still lives in the St. Louis area. Mr. Koch's first name was Leroy.
Steve Goldammer

It wasn't Mike Green, it was David, although Steve Goldammer says it was Gleason. I think it was Green but not sure. We also think the teacher was Miss Rowlings? I should go dig out my report cards (yes, my mother kept them all), but I am too swamped with work and family and exchange students right now!
Linda Young Nehring

Hi everyone from Mary Alwes! The guy in the third row next to Marilyn is David Griesen. I think that's how he spelled his name. Forty years later I admit I had a little crush on him but keep it quiet. Our 6th grade teacher was definitely Mrs. Anderson (my brother had her the year before). We had Mrs. Boswell in 5th grade and that could be her next to Mr. Koch. I'm not sure. Anyway, my brain is taxed now so I'll just see everyone at the reunion. I'm looking forward to it.
Mary Alwes

The lady next to Mr. Koch is Evelyn Cowgill, Mr. Koch's Secretary. Mr. Koch died of cancer and Koch Elementary School was named in his honor. Gary Martin moved to, I believe, Hazelwood prior to graduation. Gary was killed in an automobile accident while at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Jeanie Wrausman went to Principia for a while and later graduated from Hazelwood. Mark Birenbaum moved to Creve Coeur and graduated from Parkway. He received his PhD in MicroBiology and now runs his father's management consulting firm here in St. Louis. Last I heard, Mark owned a home in Richmond Heights. It would be fun to read about other updates!
Mike Busse

Moline Elementary

First Row: Bill Hearst, Wanda Bell, Jim Harris, Susan Pruesser, Roger Imhoff, Patty Goggins, Nick Howell and Miss Howard

Second Row: Sid Lawrence, Dan Johanningmeier, Kathy Davenport, Danny Arrow, Sherry Stevers, Steve Robison, Donna Hebenstreit and David Arrow

Third Row: Vivian Bower, Chris Davenport, Laurie Winkle, Debbie McCormick, Sandy Seidl, Rita Sexauer, Patty Torrence and Roseann Post

Fourth Row: Denise Loser, Debbie Sanders, Sharon Pope, Rita Sherman, Patricia Hoelker, Jennifer Sieveking, Barbara Kutzgar and Janice Haywood

Fifth Row: Nancy Richards

Debbie Sanders Oswald provided the picture.

Debbie, where in the world did you dig up that old thing. Wow. I have to say that I think the pic on the bottom row is not Pat McKenna, but Patricia Hoelker. Also, I think the pic just to the left of Rosie Post is Bonnie Bremmerkamp. You do have a very good memory!
Dan Johanningmeier

Miss Howard was a dear friend of my family. I grew up knowing her at Moline Baptist Church. Some of you may have been brought to revivals there, as she frequently "filled a pew" with her students (something I don't believe she could do in these times). She passed away a few years ago from recurrent breast cancer. After retiring, she moved to southern Missouri to care for her mother, who outlived her. She was a fine Christian who had a hand in my husband being saved two years after we were married. I was not her student in school, but she was a teacher of mine at church in multiple programs. I didn't mean to go on so long, but her picture stirred so many fond memories for me.
Suzan Johnson Bargen

The girl left of Roseann is Patty Torrence. She lived over by Post.

Jim Harris

Rita Sherman is next to Sharon Pope. She had a fat little brother.
Jim Harris

Jim, you were ALWAYS Miss Howard's favorite. I can't believe how long ago that was. I remember waiting for a few of these classmates in front of school for snowball fights that always occurred on the way home. Somehow, we always avoided Mr. Crawford....
Dan Johanningmeier

Winkle, Davenport and Richardson were easy targets.
Jim Harris

I think I have this picture, too, but I could never have added all the names that you did, Debbie. Great job! This really stirs a lot of memories of faces long forgotten. Thanks for sharing. I did attend one of the Baptist revival meetings, mentioned in one of the other comments, with Miss Howard. She was a great teacher and did have a weakness for the "bad" boys like Jim. What do you mean I was an easy target? Are were you talking about Kathy?
Christine Davenport White

Riverview Elementary

First Row: Dennis Hoffert, Gwynn Williams, John Beaury, Anne Wisdom, Rick Heldman, Sandy Heise, Gary Scott and Mrs. Romans

Second Row: Dorothy Fey, Arthur Fraley, Cindy Curry, ???, Belva Armstrong, Mike Lauricella, Avis Keppel and Don Fraser

Third Row: Milton Baronovic, Jody Vitale, Mike McPherson, Debbie Hanson, Gary Cotner, Debbie Barch, Danny O’Daniels and Sandy Elmer

Fourth Row: Carolyn Amick, Shirley Goldschmidt, Barbara Drews, Frankie Goree, Donna Hopkins, Debbie Yoakum, Gloria Cope and Diane Wisdom

Fifth Row: Kathy Kibler and Barb Black

Avis Keppel High provided the picture. Avis, Kathy Kibler, Barb Black and Donna Hopkins identified most of the kids.

Thomas Elementary #1

Bill Schulenberg provided the picture.

You know your're old when you remember:

Drills in school when we would get under our desks to avoid the incoming Russian nukes being lanuched from Cuba.

Playing inside the fallout shelters up at Central Hardware.

Suburban Swimming Pool on Bellefontaine Road.

Surrey Lane parades the first week of May.

Bettendorf-Rapps grocery store at Chambers and Bellefontaine Road.

Shooting billiards at Spencer Lanes.

Having a shake and fries at the F.W. Woolworth sit-down counter at River Roads.

The "Cabins Motel" in Moline Acres.

I can pick out thirteen RGHS 69 alum faces from my 6th grade class photo. See if you can find them!!!!

Pat Narozny. Jim Snodgrass. Bill Schulenburg. Mike Cimicata. Jerry Sauerwein. Stan Swarts. Barb Young. Mike Hunter. Gene Ude. Carol Kattenbraker. Alan Kreienheder. Tim Heitz. Mike Lada. Teacher: Mrs. Borlinghouse

Bill Schulenburg

Even as a kid, I knew if the BOMB did go off, we were so close to McDonnell-Douglas we would have been vaporized. My teacher, Mrs. Youngbouth, told me to shut up with the smart comments.
Dave Guckes

Thomas Elementary #2

First Row: Dave Guckes, Ruth Wigger, Randy McMullen, Cyndy Whitacre, Dick Barnett, Pam Bauer, Ricky Hobusch and Mrs. Ellis

Second Row: Linda Fitzgerald, Wayne Lanier, Patty Geller, Bruce Koch, Nancy Hayes, Mark Yahnke, Judy Kissane and Frankie Bonuso

Third Row: Larry Zeaglar, Cindy Shivel, Jerry Wildman, Alison Wynn, Dave Langley, Nancy Kasten, Tom Mueller and Barb Tiemann

Fourth Row: Linda Butler, Cheryl Dunnuck, Van Meredith, Diane Pantaleo, Marty Baker, Peggy Benhoff and Amy Baker

Judy Kissane Roach provided the picture.