Mazda Great Lakes Alumni

(Updated Monday June 14, 2010 11:36 PM)

 

Additions or corrections? Please send a note to: Doug Wenzel

Current News

Summer 2010 News

  • Doug Verwolf has updated his e-mail address to dverwolf@gmail.com
  • A group of MGL girls had a night out recently and they sent me some of the pictures. They went to The Mud Room and then to Cascade Roadhouse for karaoke. Click HERE to see the pics!
  • John and Lynnet Caras sent me an update recently...  "John just got a great promotion working for the Dept of Defense in Battle Creek, more military - right up his ally. So we are putting the house up for-sale and building on 6 acres that we bought in Hopkins. Lots of woods to clear but that seems to be our thing lately. We have a cabin in the woods in Ludington, the trees grew too close to the cabin so we just cut down seven trees up there. My daycare of 8 years will go away when we sell, so not sure what I’ll do besides landscaping, gardening, and whatever else John includes on my list for setting up our new home. Jane is married and her little girl just turned 4. Jim is working two jobs to get ahead of the game. He’s a chief at “The bonefish Bar n Grill”, and does some factory job during the day. John’s son chase is 13 and has made the honor roll two years running. He loves to take things apart and put them back together like his Dad. Our little miracle girl, Rose, is 8, she attends Cross Creek Charter school in Byron Center. She keeps us young! Our new e-mail address is caras.lynnet@att.net . Phone number 318-6071."
  • UPDATE!!!   Jerry Field just visited Cal (6/7/10), and he is doing better. He is no longer in intensive care, but not "out of the woods" yet, and will be hospitalized for several more weeks in recovery. His room is #7016, in 7 North. He welcomes visitors.

Spring 2010 News

Winter 2009/2010 News   

  • Otto Skoppek's wife Else passed away March 2, of Leukemia.  Otto was a German VW tech trained in Germany. He married Else before they left Germany. Peter sponsored them to come to America, and Otto came to work for him. They once lived on the second floor at College Avenue and Leonard Street in their early years in America. Otto worked with the service department for many years, and also was known for his beautiful artwork, and played the harmonica at our Christmas meetings. We would sing along with him every year…a part of the Import Motors and Mazda Great Lakes tradition.  I’m sure it would be of comfort to Otto to receive condolence cards at his address at 2772 Pfeiffer Woods Drive #4107 Kentwood, MI 49512. His telephone number is (616) 949-7688.
  • Remember Bernard Schiebaan from Holland who was an intern at MGL in 1995?  He keeps tabs on the MGL gang via our web sight. Lately, he wrote that he married his girlfriend that he had while he was with us. They are now parents of three little children, and he has been in truck sales plus other ventures.
  • Donald Wulbrecht, age 81, beloved husband of Winnie, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 20, 2010, at Trillium Woods.  Funeral Service for Don will be held at Calvary Church, 707 East Beltline NE, on Thursday, February 25 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Jay DeBoer officiating. The family will welcome relatives and friends at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, February 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 12 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to New Creations Prison Ministries, or David's House Ministry. Zaagman Memorial Chapel.  Winnie's e-mail address is wulbrecht@yahoo.com if you would like to express your condolences.
  • Carolyn Fellmer started working at Amway as an employee in January.  She was a contractor there for 17 months, and they’ve finally hired her!  Mike had been laid off from Bosch in January '09 but he went through training to get his CDL and is now driving a truck for ShredIt. Carolyn still has her real estate license with a holding company (so she can still give referrals).  Carolyn’s Mom passed away from Cancer in California on December 14, and Carolyn was able to spend time with her Mom and her my family before-hand.
  • Judi Rabbai has a new email address: judirabbai@gmail.com 
  • Peter Cook had a stroke in mid-January and it was pretty serious. He was at the Meijer Heart Center for about 4 days, then went to Porter Hills Green House located on East Paris for some rehab. After about a week, he was well enough to return home. He has physical therapy, speech therapy and assistance at home while he regains his strength. Judi says he is aware of who is visiting and smiles. His speech is unclear, but when he sings a song, you can understand every word. He is beginning to think about the office and wants to know what’s in the mail. (Always enjoys getting checks) If anyone wants to visit him, it’s best to call his home (942-6670) to learn the best time.
  • Our former Corporate headquarters at 618 Kenmoor have a very new look as Global Forex moved their corporate headquarters there at the end of January. Check out the Pictures page to see the new look.  The new owners are allowing Peter Cook to stay in his office, the “Mazda executive suite,” for a couple of more years.
  • Hal Paulsen's son Scott died suddenly on Jan. 9. He was 52 and living in California. Hal and Judy are now living in Surprise, AZ. I'm sure Hal would like to hear from all his old friends from MGL when you have a chance.
  • Gail Schouwink has updated her contact information.  Her address is 5240 Snyder Drive SW Grandville, MI 49418 and her e-mail address is gschouwink@sbcglobal.net
  • Harald Filling updated his contact information.  His e-mail is tictacs21@msn.com and his phone number is (616) 874-4187.  Harald and Beverly became grandparents in Feb. of 2009 so they are doing lots of babysitting! Harald's sister came from Germany with her grandkids and met them in California for 3 weeks. Then Beverly's parents came to stay with them for 2 months so it was a busy year. Harald's nephew is deployed to Afghanistan.
  • Ted Seil is no longer with Wieland International and is now with the City of Wyoming.  His e-mail address is seilt@wyomingmi.gov and his office number is 616-530-7273.
  • Jim Buffington has changed his e-mail address to Golfnut@buffhut.us
  • Andrew Gartner's Father passed away August 19, 2009.
  • Jean Kelleher submitted a photo of the ladies get-together held earlier this Summer.  Check out the Pictures page!
  • Gerilyn May has changed her preferred e-mail address to gerilyn.may@vai.org

 


Summer 2009 News   

  • We have a request from James Watson, Dave Watson's Nephew. James wrote Paul Hoffman a brief email on May 13, with this request... "Do you know, or who would, which charities Dave worked with? It is my understanding he volunteered at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas to serve people. I think it was Salvation Army, but not sure. If you have any info, let me know. Also, do you or anyone else know if he attended a church while living in Grand Rapids? We are still trying to fill in some blanks...I can be reached at : james.watson@justinbrands.com"
  • Forest De Maagd had a personal visit with Dave Watson on April 24, at Railside Living Center. Quite possibly this was the only face-to-face meeting with Dave by any of the Import Motors/MGL people between November 4, 2008(the last Retirees Luncheon Dave attended) and April 24, the day Dave passed away. The morning of April 24, between 8:30-9:00 AM Forest met with Dave. Dave had been placed on Hospice Status earlier in the week due to his declining condition. Dave was weak, but he recognized Forest and asked Forest to extend his Birthday wishes to Peter Cook. Dave also asked Forest to relay greetings to the folks attending the luncheon. Forest assured Dave that Judi Rabbai had sent out the luncheon reminder cards as Dave had requested. Dave's condition precluded further conversation. Later that day Dave passed away peacefully. It seems that Forest De Maagd's visit served as a "release" ....passing 95th Birthday wishes along to Peter Cook, greetings to the retiree luncheon attendees and knowing the "torch had been passed" to continue the luncheons, which Dave founded and nurtured.
  • We've received news that Bruce Brown passed away in April. Charlie Soentgen mentioned that Sharyll called him with the sad news.  Apparently, Sharyll and Bruce were living in Las Vegas when he passed.  If anyone has any other details so that we can pass along our thoughts to Sharyll, please let me know.

 

Spring 2009 News   

  • Click on Pictures to see the most recent quarterly MGL lunch at Brann's restaurant. There were a total of 31 former MGL people there, with honors going to Peter Cook who will be 95 today (5/8). Some had to leave before the group shot was taken, but Ted was able to get the photo you'll see on the Pictures page.
  • John David Watson passed away in Grand Rapids, MI on Friday, April 24, 2009. He was born June 20, 1920 to Paul E. Watson and Ethel Watson in Pueblo, Colorado. He graduated from South-West High School in Kansas City, Missouri and his intention to graduate from the University of Kansas was interrupted by World War II. He joined the US Navy and served on the S.S. Clemente in the Pacific Theater. He was a long-time employee of Volkswagen and settled in Grand Rapids, MI. John David was preceded in death by his parents, his elder brother, Paul E. Watson, his only sister, Emily Kate Hallin, and youngest brother, William Douglas Watson. John David is survived by his older brother, James McLeod Watson of Houston, TX; two nieces, Emily Watson Gleassure of Kansas City, MO, and Jan Watson Stafford of Houston, TX; nephews, James Paul Watson of Edmond, OK, Brian Hallin of Santa Cruz, CA, and Dan Hallin of San Diego, CA. Arrangements by: Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller NE, 363-3700 www.memorialalternatives.com
    http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=john-david-watson&pid=126646225
  • Jim Buffington has updated his e-mail address to Golfnut@buffhut.us
  • Joan Wilson has added her e-mail adders: joanwilson3482@sbcglobal.net
  • Dave Watson, former MGL District Sales Manager for Michigan and retiree who planned the quarterly MGL retiree lunches at Brann’s, passed away Friday April 24.  Dave had been under the care of and living at Railside Assisted Living in Byron Center. One of Mrs. Cook’s caregiver’s, Carol Bouma, works at Railside, and called to let us know Dave passed away. We will all miss Dave and especially appreciate the work he put into sending out the postcards to alert us of the quarterly retiree lunch meetings and for working with Brann’s to make the lunch get-togethers possible. So that the lunches continue, as Dave would want, Judi Rabbai has offered to send out the lunch notifications. We have no additional information on services but will send a message as soon as we do.
  • Becky Decker has updated her e-mail address to bdecker427@comcast.net
  • Carolyn Fellmer has updated her e-mail address to mandc8@hotmail.com
  • Phil Barnes was hired as an Amway employee in February after working there as part of a contract position with CPR for nearly 5 years. 
  • A rather avid Mazda collector, came across our Mazda Great Lakes Alumni website and said it "really made my day!"  He also said...
    "I am a very avid (obsessed) Mazda collector in Greenville working with a fellow collector in San Antonio on a museum for our joint collections (well over sixty total vintage Mazda rotaries between us). Over the years I have had well over 50 Mazda autos, primarily rotary, and have a current collection of seven Mazda rotaries (as well as a few parts vehicles) along with rotary collectibles from other manufacturers (Suzuki, Sachs, DKW, NSU, etc.). I am still working behind the scenes to try and gain ownership of the old MGL signage from Roskam Baking, despite being blown off for many years in my endeavor. Part of my collection for a one-day museum are two dealer road signs, three building signs, showroom lit racks, brochures, dealer Special Service Tools w/cabinets, display cases, posters, banners, pens, mugs, hats, shirts, models, parts displays, dealer info binders, flags, historical pictures, old memos, price lists, TSBs, workshop manuals, regional sales award plaques and trophies (from Florida and Texas training facilities), rotary engine demonstrators, etc., etc., etc. Our plans are to one day have a small museum set up much in the way the two remaining MGL buildings are- with a mock warehouse, training facility and also a mock showroom complete with service area where our restorations would continue to be carried out. I am contacting you to ask a favor- PLEASE circulate my name, phone number, email, any info you want to all Mazda Great Lakes folks you know. Ask them not to throw away ANYTHING- absolutely nothing at all, no matter how small, insignificant, used, or otherwise viewed as "non-collectible" it may seem. I want and collect it all! Anything that anyone may be willing to donate or sell to me would be greatly appreciated, provided the funds are available at the time. Pictures of the MGL people then and now, personal stories, pictures of the cars, meetings, anything are of special interest for diorama displays and history info. No items I collect are sold, period. Their historical significance is too great to me. My quest is not for financial gain, but to preserve anything and everything I can. I appreciate your assistance in advance and hope to hear back from you and other MGL employees soon!"
    Neal Swigert
    9330 Baker Road
    Greenville, Michigan 48838
    616-225-0780 home
    330-283-8032 cell
    kanseirotary@charter.net

December 2008 News   

  • For those of you that don't know, Kim Peterson teaches a class at the Belmont YMCA (near Rockford).  Her Power Flex class there is a serious workout (and if you're like me, a painful one - the next morning).  On Tuesday January 6 at 6:30pm, she also starts teaching a toning class for the Cedar Springs Parks and Rec.  She'd love to get a huge class!  You can call to register at 616-696-7320.
  • Jim and Bette Buffington are going to be "snowbirds" this year. They have rented a place in Arizona for Jan, Feb, & March. They're going to give this a try to see if it is something that they want to do every year (presuming that the stock market makes a recovery). Their address will be: Gold Canyon RV Park 7151 E. US HWY 60 Unit #396 Gold Canyon, AZ 85218 Their phone # will be 480-288-3396 Gold Canyon is near Apache Junction which is a Phoenix suburb. If anyone is in the area, look them up!

November 2008 News   

  • Some very sad news for those of you who remember our dealer on the West side of Indianapolis - Duke Gold from Speedway Mazda.  Duke took his own life Wednesday November 19. He was about to lose the dealership and his home to the bank. He had been estranged from his family for the last year after suffering the loss of his eldest daughter Tasha to cancer in June of 2006.
  • Jim Buffington is officially retired!  His last day was Friday November 14.  However, he came down with Pneumonia shortly before his last day so he's now home recuperating.  I'm sure he'd love to hear your wishes for a speedy recovery!  Congratulations on retirement Jim!
  • Barb Taggart has opened The Loon's Nest Unlimited in her barn offering Wild Bird Seed, Bird Houses, Gift Baskets, Homemade Goodies and Holiday items - located at 272 Arthur in Marne, MI 49435 telephone number (616) 677-6161.

October 2008 News   

  • Paula Gundrum has taken a new job.  She now works for Hyland Software as a Project Manager.  Her new work e-Mail address is paula.klein@onbase.com while her personal e-Mail address remains the same at pgun1679@aol.com

August 2008 News   

  • Ted Andriese has a new e-Mail address: rtand@charter.net
  • Check out the Pictures page for a great photo of some MGL ladies at the beach!
  • Tim Dooley has left Mazda North American Operations.  His e-Mail address is now timandkim7442@comcast.net and his mailing address is 7442 Grady Circle Castle Rock, CO 80108.  His Phone number is (303) 997-5236.
  • Robin Tjalsma got married to Gary Dickerson. She is leaving her job at Family Christian Stores and is relocating to Anderson, IN. Her email address has changed to robinr728@yahoo.com  She's going to be an at home mom now.  Keep Robin in your thoughts and prayers as she begins this new chapter in her life!

June 2008 News   

  • Don Jones has had another stroke. He also had blood clots in both legs that went to his lungs. Barb Taggart went up to see him last night and said that he is in good spirits. He is unable to walk and speech a bit slurred but he understands everything. He will be going to Mary Free Bed soon for therapy. Barb said they had lots of laughs and he still has a good sense of humor. He is at Butterworth room 4281.  Please keep Don in your thoughts and prayers.

May 2008 News   

  • It is with sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Peter Cook’s wife Emajean “Pat” Cook.  She died peacefully at home on May 20 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.  Visitation will be on Thursday, May 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.  A memorial service will be held Friday, May 23 at 11 AM at Grace Reformed Church, 3330 Burlingame Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI.  Mrs. Cook will have a private burial.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Reformed Church Youth Program.

 

Click here for a copy of the press release with more information.

 

We appreciate your sympathy and concern for Peter at this time but we are requesting people to hold calls to his home and office if at all possible.  Thank you

February 2008 News   

  • Kirk Emlinger’s wife Elizabeth passed away 2/17, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  There will be a memorial service this coming Saturday, February 23, 3 P.M.  at the Kingdom Hall – Jehovah Witnesses  3550 W. Michigan 79 Highway Hastings, MI  49058  No memorial designations have been made thus far.
  • Carolyn VanDorp (Ford) is a Grandma again! This time to twin girls born to her son (Tom) and his wife (Nikki) on February 7, 2008. After a little over a month stay at Spectrum (Butterworth), Nikki gave birth to identical twins born 12 weeks early. Katelin Olivia Ford was born at 8:23 pm weighing 2 lbs and 9 oz and measuring 15 inches long and Kiley Elisabeth Ford born at 8:23 pm weighing 2 lbs and 9 oz and measuring 14.25 inches long.  Both are doing fine, but will be staying in the hospital for 3 to 4 months depending on their progress. Mom is home recovering. Please pray as they will be commuting back and forth to the hospital every day.
  • Steve Lockwood has updated his contact information.  Please check it out at the Where are they now? page.

January 2008 News   

  • Judy Kidder has updated her contact information.  Please check it out at the Where are they now? page.
  • Laurie Grooters is now with the Downtown GR YMCA (the really nice one you can see from US-131)!
  • Gail Kober’s Mother passed away January 31.  I’m sure Gail could use everyone’s support and prayers during this tough time.

December 2007 News   

  • Peter Cook’s biography, “Sharing the Wealth,” is available for purchase on-line at www.bakerbookretail.com
  • Judy Kidder retires from Davenport University at the end of this month.  Her new e-mail address is jkidder30@charter.net and their new phone number is (269) 509-0313.
  • Gail Schouwink has left DPI and changed e-mail addresses.  New e-mail address is: gschouwink@sbcglobal.net
  • Paul Hoffman has FINALLY added his information to our site!  See the Where are they now? page for his information.

November 2007 News   

  • Peter Cook’s biography, “Sharing the Wealth,” written by Michael Lozon, has been published and is now available exclusively at Baker Book House.
  • Rich Jones has left 20 years of IT behind and took a position as Manager of HR Business Intelligence for Alticor Human Resources.  His new e-mail address is rich.jones@alticor.com  Congratulations Rich!
  • Tim Dooly, one of the MGL District Managers that went to MNAO has moved out West and is now the District Manager in Denver Colorado.  I hope you like to ski Tim!
  • Jim Chandler's mother passed away after a long battle with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Her funeral was held in Waterford, MI on 11/30.
  • Peter Cook's pilot (George Kuker) lost his wife Joan this past Monday.  George’s address is: 5616 Deer Point Ct., Newaygo, MI 49337 for those who would like to send cards. Click here for the obituary:  http://www.legacy.com/grandrapids/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=98689872
  • Dave Seeber has changed e-Mail addresses.  His new address is dseeber@gopmw.com

September 2007 News   

  • Judi Rabbai welcomed her 4th grandchild this month - Cooper Andrew Nicolas Rabbai arrived safely!  Judi was also the MC for her 50th class reunion at South High!  Keep up the good work Judi!

August 2007 News   

  • Tom Loftus has added his information to our site!  Check him out on the Where are they now? page.
  • Gayle Bishop has updated his information on the site.  Check him out on the Where are they now? page.

July 2007 News   

  • Paula Gundrum's son Jake, who is in the Marines, just left for Iraq.  Please keep him in your thought's and prayers!
  • Carolyn VanDorp has changed her e-mail address to sportsmom_43@yahoo.com  Also, keep her family in your prayers as her nephew (Matt Harris) died earlier this month in a traffic accident. He was 21 years old.
  • Kirk Emlinger has added his e-mail address to the MGL website.  planedriver5@cs.com
  • It is with great sorrow that I have to relay to you that Melode LaHuis' father has passed away from a sudden massive stroke. The Lord called him home 7/4/07 at about noon. The family is glad that the coma is over and he went very peacefully. Melode's  family would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed dearly.
  • Join us on July 13, at 6:15pm for an MGL get together at The Loon's Nest.  Barb will have munchies and cold beer and mix. If you don’t drink beer, then bring your own bottle. The address is: 272 Arthur Street Marne, MI 49435. Take I-96 west (towards Muskegon) get off at Fruit Ridge Avenue. Turn right go 3 miles north to 6 Mile Road, turn left go 1.4 miles ( just past Kenowa - 6 Mile turns to Arthur) The Loon’s Nest is the first place on the left. There is a sign out front that says: Loon’s Nest 272. You can’t see the house from the road. There is plenty of parking in the driveway.

May 2007 News   

  • Peter Cook’s brother, Jim Cook of Holland, passed away May 1. Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer on March 13.  Click Here to read a nice article about Jim.
  • With the nice weather finally here, it's time for a Spring MGL Get-Together!
    When: This coming Friday May 4, at 5:30pm - 8:30pm
    Where: Downtown GR TGI Fridays on their outdoor seating area (hopefully it's as nice as this weekend was!)
    Can you believe it's been over 7 years since our little family has worked together?  Come join us for some fun!
  • Kim Peterson has a new e-mail address: Kim.Peterson@gfs.com
  • Rose Gutschow has a new e-mail address: Rose.Gutschow@gfs.com

April 2007 News   

  • Bette Nowicki's husband Rich passed away April 29. Bette and Rich were married for 50 years and I'm sure she would appreciate hearing from her friends at MGL during this tough time.

March 2007 News   

  • Paula Klein (Gundrum) has been working for Misys Healthcare Systems since October as a Client Implementation Specialist and she loves the job!  Her new e-mail address is paula.klein@misyshealthcare.com  Congrats Paula!
  • Terry Robrahn is currently looking for position with another company as he is no longer with CSC on the Foremost account.  If you know of an opportunity where his previous experiences and ability can be leveraged, please give him a call.  His e-mail address is tlrdlr@chartermi.net
  • Sunday March 18, Bruce Schut lost his battle with cancer. 
  • Steve Heiss is going to be a Grandfather again!  (Son Christopher, currently living in Spain will be the new father).  This will be number five.  Steve also has a new e-mail address: heiss2200@sbcglobal.net

February 2007 News   

  • Jim Richter talked to Hal. He's still 'house ridden' with the hip replacement.  Jim is still training the Isuzu Service and Parts field force as well as working with some private clients. 
  • Erv Lichterman's son Mike and daughter-in-law Mandy have a son!  Matthew Aaron Lichterman was born on February 1, 2007 weighing in at 8lbs. 9oz. and was 21 inches long.  Erv's other son Brian Lichterman has a daughter Abbey who recently celebrated her 2nd birthday!

January 2007 News   

  • Judy Dykstra's husband, Ken, passed away from cancer on Saturday, Dec. 30.
  • Melodie LaHuis has a new e-mail address: melolah@aol.com
  • David Hooker is now President and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens. 

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