Mazda Great Lakes Alumni

(Updated Sunday, February 18, 2007 05:33 PM )

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

2003 News

December 2003 News   

• Becky Decker's sister, Sue VanderMeulen, (she used to fill in for Judy Rabbi at Mazda) found out two weeks ago that she has breast cancer. She's had a lump removed and will need another surgery next Monday to remove more tissue and see how far it has spread. If necessary, she'll have a mastectomy at the same time. They're hoping they can get it all, at the very least she will need to begin chemotherapy and possibly radiation treatments. Your prayers would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
• Peter Cook was admitted to Spectrum (Butterworth) Hospital on 12/10 to have surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Dr. Cali hoped to reinforce the weakened section of the aorta with a synthetic tube (graft). Before proceeding with the graft, Dr. Cali discovered by use of a probe that there were vessels leading from the aorta to the kidneys in the area of the aneurysm and he canceled the surgery to do further tests and studies. He did not want to risk damaging Peter's kidneys. There is no pain involved with this aneurysm, and Peter is back to work. He will not know what the doctors' decision will be on how or whether to proceed from here. They should have more information in late January. In the meantime, he would appreciate if you would remember him in your prayers. They are trying to avoid phone calls to his office inquiring about him so that they can keep a normal routine here for him and keep his mind on the matters at hand. As soon as any new information is available, they will post it to this website. Thanks for your concern. 
• Barb Abrahams married Gary Taggart on Friday, December 12.  Congrats Barb and Gary!  They had a small wedding at her house with immediate family.  On June 12 they will re-do their vows and have a reception at the house where everyone will be welcome to join them! 
• Peter Cook has basketball tickets to the home games for Calvin (2 tickets) and Hope College (4 tickets).  If anyone is ever interested in a particular game, Jean Kelleher has asked that you give her a call -- they may have tickets available.

November 2003 News   

• We had a great group last Friday at La Cantina!  About 20 of the best and brightest of our alumni met and caught up on the going's on in each other's lives.  Steve Heiss was up and getting around too after his latest surgery! (Although the next day he said his leg was swollen like a tree trunk!)  We'll probably have another one of these parties in the first quarter of 2004 (the fourth anniversary of our group's breakup!)
• Chad Lodenstein and his wife Heidi had a baby boy, Nathan Michael, on September 5. Heidi and Nathan are doing great, and their daughter Ashley loves being a big sister! (click here for a picture of Nathan and big sister Ashley).
• The MNAO Midwest region terminated 60435, Terry Shaver Mazda of Highland, IN!
• If you're coming to La Cantina's on November 21st, Carolyn Ford is collecting pop cans and also "pennies" (silver coins work too) to help offset the cost of  Jason's Student Ambassador trip.  I'm going to bring my big bag of cans, how about you?
• Gordon Furzey will be moving to Aubrey, Texas (northwest of Dallas) by Thanksgiving.  His e-mail address remains the same GFurzey@aol.com
• George Horton moved in August to Byron Center.  His new address:  8208 Ridgestone Drive Byron Center MI 49315 new phone # 616-583-1534
• Becky Mikowski's Mom died Saturday 11/8/03.  Her funeral service will be in Saginaw Tuesday 11/11/03.  I'm sure Becky would appreciate our cards and/or prayers!
• Steve Heiss underwent major knee surgery Thursday November 6, to remove scar tissue that had formed around his lower femur as a result of the knee surgery earlier this year after his serious motorcycle accident.  Because his kneecap was broken in the accident, he was unable to move his knee for several months, allowing scar tissue to form around his femur which kept him from being able to bend his leg.  His surgery went well and he's now on a machine for the next 6 weeks that slowly bends his knee back and forth continuously while he heals.  This will hopefully keep the scar tissue from re-forming.  Steve's hoping to be walking normal again soon!  Steve is coming home from Spectrum Hospital Monday the 10th and I'm sure he'd love to hear from you!  His address and phone number can be found on the Where are they now?  page.
• Mike and Kim Peterson have moved into their brand new home after several months of construction - much of it by Mike and Kim!  Congratulations to you both for making it through that stressful time!  Their new phone number can be found on the Where are they now?  page.

October 2003 News   

• News from Suzi and Bruce Soper!  They are the happy, proud, and "it's about time" grandparents to Adam (6 lbs. 13 oz.) and Mark (6 lbs. 1/2 oz.) Soper, born October 15, 2003, to Lt. Brad and Laura Soper of Pensacola, Florida.
• Rod Helgeson turned 50, on October 20!
• Jason Ford, Carolyn Ford's son, has been interviewed and accepted to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Europe in June 2004.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the program in 1956.  This is an educational program in which Jason can earn high school credit by participating.  Jason is looking for corporate sponsorship to help offset the tuition cost of $4,200.  If anyone knows of a business that he can contact and send information to on this program, please either call Carolyn or email her at sportsmom@netpenny.net.  If you would like more information about the program, the web site to visit is www.studentambassadors.org
• Jim Seidel, a former top executive at Mazda that many of you may have known (he was one of the people that worked on the integration of the old East and West companies) passed away October 5, after suffering a heart attack.  For those of you that might want to send Jim's widow Karen your sympathies, her address is:  Karen Seidel  1802 Forest Hills  McKinney, TX 75070.
• Larry Goff has a new e-mail address: lawrencegoff@comcast.net

September 2003 News   

• Paula Klein (Gundrum) is a new Grandma!  Her daughter Amanda gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Riley Jean the first week of September.  She was a few weeks early so weighed in at only 3 lbs 6 ozs.  Both mom and baby are doing great!  Amanda has gone home and it looks like little Riley will follow in a week or two.
• Terry Meeusen is at Spectrum Health now, working in one of the Foundation offices.  Someone had to join Spectrum to keep Becky Decker in line!
• Drew Balcam and his wife Allison had their 2nd baby boy on August 10, 2003. His name is Quinn Michael he weighed in at 6.5 pounds and is doing great. He wanted me to tell everyone from MGL that he said hello and he misses the gang! 
• Barb Abrahams has made the very generous offer to host cocktails on the deck every Friday night in month of September at the “Loon’s Nest” (Barb Abrahams house) 272 Arthur Street - Marne, starting at 6:30 pm.  I'm going to try to make it to a few, how about you?

August 2003 News   

• Jean Kelleher's daughter Maureen and her husband Rob had their 3rd child August 19. This is their 3rd grandchild.  Tommy Wahlman was 7' 14 oz. and precious. They live in Royal Oak, MI. They now have 2 boys and 1 girl.
• On Friday, August 15, Andrea Dekker's youngest son, Jeff Dekker, was married to Sara Duthler. They knew each other for 15 years, but didn't date until last October!  Some of us may remember Sara from when she worked for Mazda's ad agency.  She later went back to school for a teaching degree and now teaches eighth grade English.  In other exciting news, Andrea's first granddaughter was born to their daughter, Jackie, and her husband, Brad Meek, on April 26. Andrea had the privilege of being in the birthing room! Lydia is a great addition to their four grandsons, Jacob,Eric, Alex and Sam. The oldest two live in Greensboro, NC with their son Greg Dekker and his wife, Rebecca.  A great place to visit in the spring!
• On Tuesday..August 5...sixteen former coworkers met at Brann's on Leonard in the lower level about noon to share memories and offer new adventures. J. David Watson has organized a chance for friends to meet every three months on the first Tuesday. At one luncheon, they had twenty-five attend! The next chance to see some folks will be on November 4, 2003...same time...same place. Some that are not retired still stop by to say hello, so don't let being younger or working stop you from joining in the fun. Remember....November 4, 2003!

July 2003 News   

• Jean Hibbard's new e-mail address is Jean_Hibbard@hotmail.com
• Steve Heiss will be returning to work on August 1, as long as he can teach his knee how to bend again by then.  He's giving the physical therapist fits!
• Check out the updated Mazda Classifieds at Mazda Classifieds
• Holly McGavin's husband Jason is really going places and doors are starting to open for him--his new CD is Awesome!!  Jason opened for the B-93 Birthday Bash in front of 75,000 people and will be at "Celebrate Wyoming" for a two hour show on Saturday, August 9th too.  Jason will be in Nashville soon, so come see him at his "CD Release Party/Free Concert" before we're all saying "We knew him when......"  
  This free concert will be Sunday, August 10th from 1 PM to 6 PM at the VFW Hall on Monroe Ave, downtown Grand Rapids, MI.  They'll have food, drinks (both alcoholic and "non"), & snacks all at very low prices Jason will be performing all 9 original songs (including "United We Stand") from his debut CD "Tennessee Bound" along with some favorite cover tunes!   He'll perform early in the afternoon, and then again later so everyone can see the show!!   
   The VFW Hall is called "Creston Post 3023" and is located at 1535 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown, Grand Rapids.  It sits 2 blocks East of highway 131, North of Leonard, & South of Ann St.  Basically, you could exit 131 at either Ann OR Leonard, then go 2 blocks East to Monroe, and the VFW Hall sits on Monroe between Ann St. and Leonard.   Check out more info at Jason's site:    www.Jasonmiles.com  
• Matt Nyenhuis has been promoted to Market Representation Manager for the Midwest region for MNAO and will be moving back to Chicago at the beginning of August.  Congratulations Matt!
• Kim Peterson has a new e-mail address: kandmpeterson@juno.com
• Several of our friends at Woodland International Truck found themselves the victims of downsizing this month.  If the company you're at has a spot for Jean Hibbard, Kim Peterson or Mark Carpenter, I'm sure they would appreciate you contacting them with that information.

June 2003 News   

• Walt Chadwick, aged 85, a.k.a. "warm front" passed away Sunday, June 15, 2003.  He was born April 12, 1918. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Webster) Chadwick; his son, Christopher of Palm Bay, FL; his daughters, Virginia (James) Chapman of Kentwood, Shirley of TX; his stepsons, James (Susan) Webster, John (Barbara) Webster, Richard (Kristie) Webster; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walter was a corporate pilot for Import Motors for 25 years.
• Jason's McGavin's (Holly McGavin's husband) debut CD aptly titled "Tennessee Bound," is finally finished and ready for distribution!  It contains 9 original songs including "United We Stand" which Jason will be performing (in addition to the National Anthem) at Michigan's largest outdoor concert - the B-93 Birthday Bash!!!!  He'll also be performing a full set (45 minutes) at the WYTZ Summer Jam in Benton Harbor/St. Joe.  Anyone interested in purchasing the CD can do so via his website at www.jasonmiles.com.  The cost is $15 and includes shipping for MGL alumni.
• I forgot to put in the news, Holly McGavin's new position as Controller at Betten Imports. (eff. 3-5-03).
• Kelly DeSaint's family's move had to be delayed to Friday, June 20 due to her husband's mother, Gladys DeSaint, passing away Thursday morning 6/12, after a very short battle with Pancreatic cancer.  They're flying out to Fargo, ND this Sun. for the funeral on Monday.  Kelly said that they would greatly appreciate our prayers.
• Wednesday June 18, Kelly DeSaint and her family will be moving to the Charlotte, NC area.  She and Steve's address has been updated in the Where are they now?  section.   She's given an open invitation for anyone heading to Florida to stop by and say "hey" on the way down!
• Judi Rabbi's mother passed away Sunday afternoon, 6/8. She was 91 and she had been at Grand Valley Nursing Home many many years. She had been failing (from old age) for the past couple of months.  The service was at the funeral home at 1p.m. Wednesday.

May 2003 News   

• Paula Gundrum and Wayne Klein were married on May 9th.  She lassoed her Cowboy!  Congratulations Paula!
• Steve Heiss is home now, recovering nicely.
• Steve Heiss had a pulmonary embolism on 5/23.  He survived and is now on very strong blood thinner to keep any further clots from forming.
• George Horton's Mother passed away this past week.  If you have a chance, get in touch with George - I'm sure he could use your prayers right now.
• Bob Fellmer has moved to Clearwater, Florida to accept a new position as building maintenance supervisor for Pinch a Penny, Florida's largest pool -patio-spa distributor  http://www.pinchapenny.com . As soon their house sells his wife Penny will be joining him there.
• If you're interested in a new Hyundai let me know.  There is a friends and family program that you can use through me (or any other Hyundai employee you know) that can get you a great deal!
• Check out the new E-Plan news:  http://www.mglalumni.com/E-Plan.htm
• On May 3, 2003, Janet Korcal married Lonnie Davis.  Janet met Lonnie at Canteen Food Services -- her new employer. Check out the pictures section to see their wedding.  http://www.mglalumni.com/pics.htm
• ... "For all MGL Alumni who were present on the final day of business and signed the letter of authorization for us to try and get back FICA FUTA taxes that were paid as part of the severance payments made. The IRS has made the wrong decision. They said no. In their own fashion of communication they state "Your claim is not allowable." "If you want to sue to recover tax...you may file with the US Court of Federal Claims." The costs of a lawsuit is large and not worth investing the money.  The original case that opened the door for us to make a claim is on appeal. If that case has a positive outcome, we will resubmit and hope for the best.   David"

April 2003 News   

• Steve Heiss was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle the afternoon of Saturday 4/26 on the East Beltline in front of Woodland Mall.  His knee was broken by the ensuing crash and he has numerous other cuts and bruises.  He should be coming home early this week and will be home while he heals.
• Steve Heiss' daughter in Holland. MI had a baby daughter the weekend of 4/25.  She and her husband have named their new little girl Corina Eleanor.
• Rose Gutschow has joined Gordon Food Service!  She works in the Graphics Department (Internal Advertising) as an Account Executive. Her new email is rgutscho@gfs.com and her direct phone number is (616) 717-6195.
• Jim Richter and his wife Karen have moved to Alabama!  His new address and phone number have been updated to the site.  They're looking for a buyer for their Rockford home so keep your ears and eyes open!  Their new address is: 351 Savannah Circle, Calera, AL 35040 (205) 621-3515.
• John Bielema and Judy have recently been blessed with a new Grandchild!  Their son John and his wife Megan's first child in Atlanta, Ga on March 24, 2003.  Little William John Bielema weighed 9 lbs 1 oz.  On February 24, 2003 their daughter Kim and her husband Scott had their third child Jack Andrew Barentsen. He weighed 9 lbs 4oz.  Jack joins brother David 7 years old and sister Katy 4 years old. They all live in Pleasant Hill,Ca.
• Jo Burnham has sent an update on what's happening with her in Florida!  Jo -- Can I come stay with you over Spring Break!?  
  "I still love living in Florida. My five kids and 10 grandchildren are in five different states so I spend a fair amount of time traveling around visiting them. They usually come to see me in the winter. I still work part time at Harris Bank, but they give me time off whenever I want...what a great way to work! Daughter Amy's baby twins who weighed just over one pound when born in July and went through heart, lung and intestine surgery are doing amazing well. They're doing regular baby things and weigh 13 and 14 pounds. I know so much is due to all the prayers received from all over the country. I'll be up in Michigan this summer from the first of June through the end of July, so hopefully I'll be able to experience one of the great MGL alumni get-to-gethers. I'll keep Judi, Andi, Gail, Jean, Bonita, Joan (can't wait to see them all and you, too, George) updated on my whereabouts while up in GR so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. I'll be having hand surgery while there (ug) See everyone soon."
• Gerilyn May's e-mail address has been updated to: jgmay@comcast.net

March 2003 News   

• Laura Miling is now working part-time for River Valley Mortgage as a loan processor. She's located on Plainfield next to Riverview Athletic Club.  She would love to hear from any Mazda people if they are buying a new house or are interested in refinancing! Phone #364-2165.  She works Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-3.
• Bob Fellmer has accepted a sales position with Borgman Ford/Mazda.  His e-mail there is bfellmer@eborgman.com  His new e-mail at home is bfmaint@go.com
• Doug Wenzel has accepted a position with Hyundai Motor America as District Sales Manager for Michigan and starts March 3!

February 2003 News   

• Jo Ann Jordan's new e-mail address is jasverobch@hotmail.com
• Andrea Dekker has added her information to our site!  She works at Calvin College for the President's Office and the Board of Trustees.
• Paula Gundrum and Wayne have set a date for their wedding!  May 9, 2003.  Congratulations Paula and Wayne!
• Mark and Diane Carpenter are proud to introduce Grandaughter #2  -  Avery Grace born to their daughter Tammy on July 14, 2003.  After the loss of their first Grandaughter Taylor Nicole in 2000, Avery is a special blessing to the family as she is in perfect health.  Grandpa and Grandma continue to spoil her daily of course, and can't wait for springtime to get out into the neighborhood and show her off.  Click here for a photo of Gramps and Avery in concert.  Click here for a photo of Tammy and Avery at Dianes store - Gallery of Kitchens. 
• Here's an update for those that remember the "VW Days"... Connie Ellinger received an e-mail from Germany saying Hardy Klinger passed away in his sleep on Friday evening, February 07. Hardy was a VW rep from Wolfsburg who was stationed in the U.S. but returned to Germany many years ago.
• Jim and Trish Sliter gave birth to their first child!  Jake Allen Sliter came into the world at 5:07 am on Sunday, February 9th. Jake was 7.1 lbs. and 22 inches long. Mother, child and Father are all doing terrific! Scott Hullinger is the VERY lucky and sincerely honored Godfather to the little guy.
• The Mazda Midwest Region has released Gerhard Tscheschlok, Steve Lockwood, and Bill Doelfs as part of a nationwide cost cutting move.  This leaves 6 MGL Alumnus at Mazda.  On a positive note, Jim Sliter was promoted to Distribution/Sales Planning Manager for the Midwest Region and will be relocating to Chicago, Jim Schneider was promoted to District Manager in Northeast Ohio, Andrew Gardner was promoted to Regional Business Development Manager, Chuck Fallos is still going strong as the DM in Wisconsin, Matt Nyenhuis is still doing well and is the DM in Michigan and Tim Dooley is still a top-notch Training Manager for the Midwest Region.
• Barb Abrahams has invited all of us to her 50th Birthday Party on March 1.  It's a combination surprise party for her cousin too who is also turning 50!  Click here for details.
• Ted Andriese has been added to group!  His e-mail address is tandriese@aol.com  Here's a narrative from Ted bringing us up-to-date with his life!  Ted Andriese here --- I moved away from downtown in April, 2001.  I bought the house I'm in now, mainly, because it had an unfinished, walkout basement that I could finish as a winter project.  That I did, adding a large family room, bedroom, full bath, office, workshop, and storage area.  That was last winter.  I did it all, except for the copper water lines, the drywall ceilings, the finish electrical into 3 new circuit breakers and the carpeting.  I still own the condo in Plaza Towers, having tried and failed to sell it.  Now I've just passed the halfway point in a 3-year lease to a doctor who is an OB-Gyn, now in a 3-year residency in Internal Medicine at Butterworth.  If anyone's interested in buying a beautiful condo on the 26th floor at Plaza Towers, available in May, 2004, give me a call.  And, if anyone's nostalgic about hearing "Your attention please"--the anouncements I used to make over the PA system at MGL, they can simply go to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and hear me give similar announcements there.  I'm also on the airport's 5-watt radio station, 1610 on the AM dial, giving information about what to expect when arriving at the airport as well as info on parking.  You can't pick up this low power station unless you're within a few miles of the airport.  And,  if you need info about the airport, airlines, parking etc while you're at home, simply dial the airport's number and I'll be that stupid, recorded voice that everyone hates to hear when they're hoping to get quick information about something. 

January 2003 News   

• Carolyn Ford's new e-mail address is sportsmom@netpenny.net
  
• Jerry Field's Mom passed away on Saturday January 18. Services will be on Tuesday at Pilgrim Manor 2000 Leonard, NE at 2:00 PM with visitation with the family one hour prior.  I'm sure Jerry and Bonnie would appreciate your prayers and thoughts.  If you want to send a card, their address is 3460 Sunny Hill NE Rockford, MI 49341.
• Max Boersma passed away of a heart attack Friday morning January 17, after playing tennis at Hope College. Click here for service information.
• Tom Cosgrove has joined our on-line group!  Tom's address is 1512 Ridgewood Dr., West Bend, WI 53095. Phone number is (262)335-9331 and e-mail address is tpcoz@aol.com 
• Check out the great new Lease and Purchase offers through the E-Plan at http://www.mglalumni.com/E-Plan.htm
• Dave Seeber has changed jobs and is now in the Mortgage business at Great Lakes Mortgage Company.  Dave's son Craig and his wife just had their 3rd daughter on January 3!  Keep Dave in mind if you're thinking of refinancing or if your current mortgage is at 6% or higher!  His new work e-mail address is dseeber@williqualify.com and his new home e-mail address is dwseeber@aol.com

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