Dear Classmate,

The 2003 Holidays are history and 2004 has a good start. 2004 would be the 45th year since graduation……….yes the class of “59”

The ELKS Lodge has been reserved for July 3, 2004 (Saturday) for an evening of food, conversation and whatever. The usual Friday (July 2) night “warm-up” will be held at a location to be determined.

For those classmates that have not made regular visits to Estherville there have been many changes to the landscape. In the last couple years Estherville has a new hospital addition, several new banks, motel under construction, new or relocated businesses, regional wellness center, industrial complex, Iowa Lakes Community College, etc. The Iowa Great Lakes (Okoboji) area has also undergone major changes.

After 45 years family connections may be few so if you need to make reservations for the week-end please do so early because Okoboji can be very busy that time of year. Estherville has a Super 8 (712-362-2400) Motel and Cozy Grove (712-362-5831) and a new Sleep Inn under construction to be completed in June 2004

Class of 59 has a web site (www.geocities.com/PicketFence/7389/) to register and send any information classmates would be interested in after 45 years. Further correspondence about the reunion will be posted on the web page to eliminate the sending of letters. If you do not have a computer available to you either from a friend, family member or business associate call me at 712-362-7484.

Sincerely
Jim Ricke