McBride Mania: All Micks Rock All the Time!

Monday, April 06, 2009

These Missed Mick 69'ers Have Gone Ahead

I know McBride '69 is just one-month shy of 40 years ago. But right now, and maybe because this is Holy Week, McBride seems as close as the one-hour Bi-State bus ride down Martin Luther King Drive that it always was. At this moment, these Micks that have gone to the other side are so close...so real...so 'just down the hall.' I'll always remember the haunting quietness of Steve Alsop's eyes, the thickness of Ken's just-sprouting stubbles, Carl's ruby-cheeks framing his bright smile and George's debate-style aggressiveness...Chris' dimples always hid an almost-audible-laugh, Rod's loafers were always shined, and Neil's smile was louder than his banter...Steve's voice was as deep as he was tall, and Tony's bite held the promise (for me at least) of a timeless novel...Steve Phillips always spoke behind a raised hand, Ralph's easy going manner kept life in perspective and Rich's square-jawed stare should have one day edited the Times. For me...these Micks remain very close...and for you? rjg

These 69'ers pictured L/R and T/B have gone ahead.
Steven Alsop-2004; Kenneth J. Bauman-1976; Carl E. Begmann-2008; George W. Daignault-2002; Chris Grinstead-1970; Rodney H. Hanebrink-2001; Neil R. Hohlfield-2008; Anthony V. Lazzari-1995; Stephen O. Husmann-2002; Stephen J. Phillips-1970; Ralph R. Russell-2006; Richard W. Vejvoda-2003.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Tim James '72 Mayor, Actor & Friend To All

The following notice regarding Tim James '72 is published on the KSDK site. "St. Ann Mayor Tim James, an accomplished local actor and performer, died at his home Friday night. He had battled diabetes and coronary artery disease. He was 54 years old.

James was elected mayor of St. Ann MO in 2007. Before that, he served as that city's 3rd ward alderman. His sister, Maureen Jaggard, says James was a longtime member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He did voice work for commercials and acted in plays.

Visit Google's Tim James Page.

Please send your remembrances of Tim to Richard Ganahl '69 at rganahl@bloomu.edu. Peace Be With Tim!

Mike Gorges '71 Creates St. Louis Graphic Icon

Mike Gorges '71 describes his eureka moment. "That was my art "CRUISIN." I did the Chuck A Burger art on the bill board. Originally I did a t-shirt for Ralph Stille, the owner then of the only surviving Chuck. I had previously worked as the night manager at the Rock Road location. Ralph was the supervisor of the the North County (4) chucks. After leaving and starting to print t-shirts in my basement, (yeah, I was the one printing posters and ribbons in the Brothers' basement after school hours), I ran into Ralph and he asked if I would do a Chuck A Burger shirt, "just for the workers to wear."

When I started designing the shirt, I wanted to do nostalgia of the Cruisin era. Ralph, expecting his "Chuck A Burger" logo on the shirt, was blown away, when I surprised him with a full color '57 Chevy, car hop and the Logo around the graphic. Immediately, he wanted to order more, "to sell to a few of his patrons and family." I started printing this shirt 3 doz at a time, and eventually through several years produced thousands of these shirts. I still have a couple of the original run. This eventually lead me to working for other t-shirt companies locally, and finally landed me in Indianapolis, where I work as a high end artist doing NFL, NBA, and NHL t-shirt art. You might see our shirts at WalMart or Pennys and occasionally at the stadiums. You can see some of my other work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_gorges/"

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Cruizin In North County

Bet you didn't know that crooner Lil' Walter Scott of Bob Kuban and the In Men ended his career in 1983 as a 'corpse in the cistern' at a house next to the home of McBride Alum Larry Chik of '69? Check out Walter and the In Men in this video!

Friday, October 17, 2008

CARL E. BERGMANN, McBRIDE, '69

Carl Edward Bergmann

Bergmann, Carl Edward of Wentzville, Missouri, died on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the age of 58. Dearest husband of Cynthia Elaine Bergmann; dear son of the late Walter and Dola Bergmann; cherished father of Paul (Jennifer) Bergmann and Ryan Bergmann; beloved grandfather of Alexander and Andrew; dear brother of Doug (Cindy) Bergmann. He was our beloved brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Carl was the Owner of Superior Home Products in Wentzville, Missouri and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.Services: The family is being served by The BAUE Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO where visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008, 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 405 South Church Street, Wentzville, MO. Interment private. Memorials may be made to Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Ste 140, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 for Cardio Vascular Research Center. Share your condolences and memories at baue.com.

Thoughts From Fellow Micks

I'm shocked and saddened to hear about Carl's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of Carl and our '69 baseball team. He was a great teammate.
Bob Scanlon

I'm sure we all have great memories of Carl's wonderful smile and his earnest willingness to be a true friend to all!
Dik Ganahl

Carl was a great guy, always friendly and accommodating to me
and others, regardless of his stature in the Student Council. I always
asked myself, as a large fellow and introvert (even until today), how
can I learn from him to become more outgoing?

He was one of my concert "band" buddies, and was a very good
bassoonist. We really missed him in our senior year.

I believe that Carl and I were two of the oldest fellows in our
class. We would kid each other about that because we were one year
older than everyone early in the school year. We were happy that we
were not born before 15 September, otherwise we would have been in with
the '68 class, instead of with our wonderful '69 classmates.
Bill Genova

How can Carl Bergman be gone? Wasn't it just yesterday he ran into me in the hall running from the Student Council office to baseball practice, flashing his megawatt smile and a breezy wave? My heart goes out to Cindy and his kids and grandkids. I hope some of you who live closer by can make it to the funeral.
Pat Clear

I don't remember the last time I saw him. But remembering him from McBride is easy. I'll be throwing some horseshoes tonight with some friends and will have to have a beer for Carl. And Ralph. And everybody else. I better get a designated driver.
In heaven, there is no beer. That's why we drink it here
Greg Groesch

Sorry to hear the sad news. Dan and I have been reflecting on some of the great times we had with Carl. We went to school with him almost daily as seniors. His love of McBride was only surpassed by his love for Cindy. Condolences to all.
Don Freesmeier

Much like Pat I have been reflecting on the years we shared together at McBride. The experience was a mosaic of events, people, adventures and misadventures that once shared remain a treasured memory. When we lose individuals such as Carl a piece of the mosaic falls away and the picture is not quite as complete as it was the day before. My thanks to all of you for the gift of those memories, and Carl thanks for that special smile.
Joe Nettemeyer

Carl was every Mick's friend.
Roger Yanko

Carl was one of the genuinely good guys in our class. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, regardless of who they were. My heart goes out to his family right now.
Rex Heater

I have been thinking a lot about Carl over the last few days and wanted to share a few of my thoughts.

What I think of first was his rosy cheeks and bright smile, his kindness to all, regardless of who you were. For gosh sakes, he was even kind to John Eilerman! I remember him turning double plays at second, and his quiet, yet effective leadership. I remember the hospitality always offered to me by his Mom and Dad. I remember sitting in his basement with his family watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. I remember going out on double-dates with he and Cindy, with him always driving since I was embarrassed to take my Dad's rusted-out '59 Ford.

And what an amazing romance the two of them had! It was the classic romance made in heaven. As far as I can remember, there was never anyone else for either of them, even in their youngest of years.

We had the pleasure of continuing our relationship while attending Mizzou. After that our lives took different directions. Yet I am sure the influence he had on my life is still with me today. He was a true gentleman and a man of honor.
Ray Finke

Ray, your comments are both eloquent and obviously heart felt. I remember the same kindness and outgoing personality that Carl exhibited and agree that he was this way with everyone at McBride. Personally, as someone who had just moved to the States from Canada at the start of our freshman year and did not know anyone when I first came to McBride, he made me feel like I had been a friend of his for years. I would bet money that Carl was the first person to "comfort" Frank Eisele after Brother Davenport beat him senseless in the hallway - anyone from Brother Hartlaub's homeroom remember that?

I would hope that Carl's family will take comfort in knowing that Carl made an impact on many people during his years at McBride. My condolences to his family in their time of grief.
Mike Kelly

Hey Ray, I was with you in Carl's basement the night Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. I remember Carl making fun of Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" line. Carl thought he should have come up with something better than that.

I've had some memories of the McBride ball team as well since Carl's passing. He was a really good defensive 2nd baseman and although he didn't hit for a high average he sure could figure out some ways to get on base.

That was a lot of years ago........I don't think I'd seen Carl since high school but I remember him fondly.

Blessings to all....
Marv Schaefer

I wasn't close with Carl Bergmann back in the day. I am sure he and I must have interacted more than what I recall, what with the compactness of our HS experience and mutual involvements in sports activities. We didn't drink or bum together, and probably never had any real or meaningful conversation, that I can recall. I am sorry I did not know him as well as most of you. I will say that the outpouring of love and posthumous respect shown this McBride Man reflects upon my deep regret that I did not know him better. May he rest in God's embrace and may all of you who knew Carl well have peace in your hearts at his passing.
H.T.Diekemper

Thursday, September 18, 2008

McBride's Shot Put Legend Bill Genova '69

NO...this is not an Home Land Security Poster!

Shot put legend Bill Genova '69 still cuts a dashing figure!
Contact him at phatboy1950@yahoo.com and trade some
Sherman Park Track & Field War Stories!