The Decade of the 1950’s 

The 1950’s. By its end, the world had largely recovered from World War II and the Cold War developed from its modest beginning in the late-1940’s to a hot competition between the United States and the Soviet Union by the early-1960’s. Clashes between communism and capitalism dominated the decade, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. The conflicts included the Korean War in the beginnings of the decade and the beginning of the Space Race with the launch of Sputnik 1. Along with increased testing of nuclear weapons (such as RDS-37 and Upshot-Knothole), this created a politically conservative climate. In the United States, the Second Red Scare caused Congressional hearings by both houses in Congress and anti-communism was the prevailing sentiment in the United States throughout the decade. The beginning of decolonization in Africa and Asia occurred in this decade and accelerated in the following decade. More about the 50’s on Wikipedia.

Graduates of the 50’s who are no longer with us…

Class of 1950 Donald Franklin Potter – USN (Ret) Born in Sacramento, CA March 31, 1932; passed away in Sacramento April 14, 2016 at 84 years of age. San Juan High School in Fair Oaks, CA “Class of 1950.” Donald served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Aviation Ordnance and Chief of Naval Air Reserve Training, 2 years top security U.S. Army Washington D.C., 13 years U.S. Foreign Service in Tanzania, East Africa and North Yemen. Survived by wife Carolyn Dietz, former spouse Janis Bowman, daughters Debra and Eleane, sons Douglas and Erin, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a brother and sister. Donald was a 3rd degree Master Mason (50 years) Elk Grove F&AM Lodge 173, recipient of prestigious Hiram Award El Cerrito – Albany Lodge 686 in 2004, Elk Grove High Twelve No. 647, Life Member Fleet Reserve, Sunrise Branch 230 Roseville, The American Legion and Sons in Retirement Branch 156 Elk Grove. Visitation Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 12:00-8:00 pm, and Service on Thursday, April 21, 2016, 10:00 am, at Herberger Family Elk Grove Funeral Chapel, 9101 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 686-1888. Interment to follow at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305-1425. Published in The Sacramento Bee 4/16/2016.

Class of 1951 – Walter Estelle – 09/26/1933 – 01/09/2015 Walter was born to Maxine and Ward Estelle along with his identical twin, Wayne, in their home in Whittier, CA.  Ward worked in the prison system, so they moved from Chino to San Quinten, and finally to Folsom.  Walter ran track and cross country at San Juan High School and was committed to 4-H.  He and Wayne accomplished raising and showing the grand champion pig at the California State Fair.  He graduated from U. C. Davis where he met his wife of 58 years, Marlene Gunn.  After college and a tour of duty as an officer in the army, Walter worked for an agribusiness in Spokane, WA.  Later he gave up a business career and entered graduate school to become an ordained pastor.  Being staunchly committed to marriage and family, Walter and Marlene spent more than 30 years of active leadership in Presbyterian Marriage Encounter, traveling to Kenya, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Cameroon to help build strong marriages.  He is survived by his wife Marlene; sons Bradley, Brian, Jon, and daughter Lisa, and several grandchildren.  He is also survived by siblings, Jim Estelle ’49, D’Anne Estelle Chapman ’50, and Wayne Estelle ’51.

Class of 1951 Dorothy E. Gibson Hooks 11/29/1933 – Feb 8, 2016 Preceded in death by her husband Frederick D Hooks. Survived by her daughter DeAnne and granddaughter and cousin Minnie Arlene Smith Oldham. Dorothy was buried in Austin, Minnesota. Submitted by Minnie Arlene Smith Oldham.

Class of 1952 John H. “Jack” Schroeder 1934 – June 20, 2016 Survived by Marianne Schroeder

Class of 1953 Richard Ernest Franke Passed away with his family by his side on May 31, 2016. He was born in Sacramento on Nov. 25, 1935 to Ernest and Myrtle Franke. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Lois. Loving father to Dan Franke (Pam), Lin Smith (John), stepdaughter Denise Steffan (Terry), stepson David Walters (Shelly). Devoted grandfather to Kendra (Andy), Derrick (Carole), Adam (Allison), Kevin, Desi (Brandon), Boog (Ashley), Nicole, Chrissy (Daniel), Megan and Taylor. Great grandfather to Anndee Claire, Daisy Lin, Charity, Jordan, Layla, Kalista, Madelyn, Greyson, Colt and Lucas. Rich graduated from San Juan High School in 1953. He served in the Marine Corps from 1953-1956. He became a firefighter with the Arcade Fire District in 1957 and retired as a Battalion Chief in 1985. Rich loved to fish, hunt and travel. He also was a great cook and loved to beat Lois in their daily game of scrabble. His absence will be deeply felt, and he will live in our hearts forever. Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday June 7 from 4-7 p.m. at East Lawn Sierra Hills, 5757 Greenback Lane Sacramento 95841. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at East Lawn Sierra Hills. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Fire Fighters Burn Institute, 3101 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento 95820 or the charity of your choice. Published in The Sacramento Bee 6/5/2016

Class of 1953 – Virginia Neel Amick – AMICK, Virginia A mother, grandmother, and a friend to many. Most her life spent in Citrus Heights and Roseville area where she brought up her sons Kevin, Paul, David, and grandchildren Janeel and Danielle. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cochrane & Wagemann, Funeral Directors, 103 Lincoln St., Roseville, on Friday, Feb. 13th at 11:00. Please share love and memories on Virginia’s guest-book: www.cochranewagemann.com. Read more at the Sacramento Bee Legacy

Class of 1955 – Patricia (Hill) Thompson Sept. 24, 1937 – March 28, 2015 Born in Alturas, CA. Graduated from San Juan H.S. in 1955. Married George Thompson on Dec. 11, 1955. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage. She had 3 children, Terri, Judy and James; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. She was a stay-at-home mom (the most important member of the family). A Celebration of Life will be held at her home on April 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Alzheimers. Read more at the Sacramento Bee Legacy.

Class of 1955 – JoAnne Becker Eversole Sept 23, 1937 – Nov 2, 2014 Martinez JoAnn was born in Gering, Nebraska. Eventually, her family settled in Carmichael, California, where she graduated from San Juan High School in 1955. In 1977, she married Jim and they made Martinez their home .JoAnn was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1975. She remained very active coaching Little League Baseball with her husband, Jim and bowling at Paddock Bowl until she was no longer able due to her condition. JoAnn made friends everywhere she went. She was a strong, outgoing, and compassionate woman. She had a passion for people, life, and having fun. She was always willing to help anyone that needed help in any way she could. She looked for opportunities to entertain, experience new things, and make the most of each day. She leaves a legacy in the lives of her family .She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, son David (Debbie), daughters; Jennifer, Kristi, and Staci ( Mark), step-son, Jimmy and step-daughter, Cindy, 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and brother, Jim. Friends and Family are invited to attend JoAnn’s Visitation from 3~8 Pm on Sunday, November 16th. Funeral services will be held Monday November 17th at 11:00 AM all at Connolly & Taylor Chapel. Followed by interment at Oakmont Memorial Park.

Class of 1956 – Albert Woo – Woo, Albert Albert Woo, one of the long time owners of the Capri Market in Orangevale and 7-11 stores in the Sacramento area, passed away peacefully on June 22, at the age of 80. He was a brother, businessman, friend, patriot, and comedian, but most of all he was a loving father and husband. Albert was preceded in death by his son Kurt Woo, brothers Leroy and Henry Woo, and grandson Kevin Woo Jr. He is survived by Carol Woo, his loving and devoted wife of 53 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Colleen Cecchettini, Kevin Woo, and Wayne Woo; siblings Grant Woo, Frank Woo, Clarence Woo, Harry Woo, and Betty Cho; grandchildren Brandon Cecchettini, Christina Wells, Kara Woo, Garrett Saling, Kyle Woo, Caylin Woo, and Caden Woo; as well as great grandchildren Jayden Fibila and Ethan Wells. Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on June 28, 1:00 PM, and a Memorial Service on June 29, 10:00 AM, at Mount Vernon Memorial Park with an interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Albert Woo to the Alzheimer’s Association. Published in The Sacramento Bee on June 27, 2015. Read more in the Sacramento Bee Legacy

Class of 1956 Anna Marie Eaton Youngberg Resident of Citrus Heights, CA. Entered into rest on Monday, April 4, 2016 on Lincoln Avenue in Carmichael, CA after a 13 year battle with Multiple Myeloma. She is a native of Coeur d’Alene, ID born on a Tuesday, December 20, 1938. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ron Youngberg. Protective Mom of Brenda (Tim) & Sandy (Thomas) and stepchildren Kris (Gary), Doug (Bev), Mike (Brenda) and Valerie (Kevan). Adored grandchildren Phillip, Rosemary, Tiffany, Junior & Shanen and step grandchildren Randy, Eric, Tammy, Jason, Paul, Kevin, Allison, Brian, Shaun, Rachel & Jon, also 37½great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Loving sister of Rex Eaton. Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 17 at 1pm at Sierra Meadows LLC Clubhouse, 7600 Daly Ave, Citrus Heights, CA 95621. In lieu of flowers your contributions can be made in her name to the International Myeloma Foundation. Published in The Sacramento Bee on Apr. 10, 2016

Class of 1956 Richard Eugene Harke Ph.D – In loving memory of Richard Eugene Harke, Ph.D., a native of Sacramento, California who passed on June 1, 2016. Richard graduated from San Juan High School in 1956 and followed with a baccalaureate degree in physics from the University of California, Davis, in approximately 1970. He worked in the telecommunication industry as a computer programmer at Hewlett-Packard (HP) and the companies purchased by HP – Tran and Amdahl. Richard met his love for a lifetime, Susan, at Long Beach and together they lived in Southern California and moved to Murphy, Texas in 1985. Both pursued degrees at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in Richardson, Texas. Richard earned his Masters of Science in physics in December 1990, followed by his PhD in physics in 2000. The ambitious couple moved back to Sacramento where they lived until his passing with the animals and pets that brought them great joy together. Richard is pre deceased by his mother Althea and his father Roy Richard Harke. His family that will miss him dearly are his spouse of 39 years, Susan, his brother William Harke, and his sister-in-law Judy Harke, his niece Brenda Sue Zanelli, cousins Greg and Lauriana Baldwin and cousin, Judy Bonham. October 1st would have been his 60th high school graduation reunion. Susan plans to host a celebration of life lunch potluck for classmates and family members who wish to attend before August 2016. Please make donations to the Mercy Foundation, 3400 Data Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 to support the Alex G. Spanos Heart and Vascular Center in lieu of flowers. Published in The Sacramento Bee on June 15, 2016

Class of 1957 – Aubrey Maurice Winn Jr 8/3/1939-11/2/2014 AKA Cotton, Windy, Tex and Mr. Winn, passed peacefully at his home in Citrus Heights, CA on November 2, 2014 having suffered with Leukemia and COPD. He is survived by his “Bride” of 28 years Anita Dominguez and their daughter Nicole Brill, by his children Wendy (Mark) Hammond, Mitchell Winn and their mother Stella; grandchildren, Cristy Hammond, Brandon Winn, Samantha, Isabella and Kenneth Brill; loving cousins, Char (Bruce) Carroll and Robbie Orr and longtime family friends the Hitchcock’s. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Madelyne Orr and step-father C.H. Wallace. Mr. Winn was self-employed for over 40 years as a plastering contractor and was also a licensed general contractor. He served as President 2 years with the CLPCA and was a member of their board of directors. He served his country in two branches of service, US Coast Guard and US Navy. During his career as a plastering contractor he also served in the US Army National Guard. Being a “workaholic” he generated work over the years for 100’s of employees, many who to this day are like family. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Natoma 64 Lodge of Freemasons, Folsom, CA. Prior to his illness, Mr. Winn was very involved with the Sacramento Area Beekeeping Association. He maintained a number of beehives at his residence and took pride in the honey that was produced by his bees. So great was his passion for beekeeping that he even built an addition on his residence to serve as an Apiary where he could extract and bottle honey. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also had a Ward family of which he was very fond of. During the course of his illness he was lovingly cared for by the staff of the Oncology Dept. at the VA Medical Center at Mather. He requested that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to any VA related organization. Being as his wish was to be cremated there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 7950 Hazel Avenue, Orangevale, CA. on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Graveside service at 1:00 PM, Monday, November 24th at the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.

Class of 1958 Sarah Jane Wigley Wagster – Our lovely Sarah passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 10, 2016 in Carmichael California. She was 76. Sarah was born in Carmichael, the eldest of George and Ida Wigley’s five children. She attended Carmichael schools, graduating from San Juan High School. After graduation she worked at two companies in the Sacramento area, Cable Data and Aerojet. From there she became secretary to the hospital administrator for St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Francisco. She wound up her work life at United Vintners as one of the first female wine sellers in San Francisco. In 1977, friends introduced Sarah to Dan Wagster. Sparks flew and after a heady courtship they were married in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 4, 1978. Their life together was magic. Dan’s work with Kaiser Permanente took them from Los Angeles, to Portland, Honolulu, and Oakland. They retired to Lake Wildwood, later moving to Bend, Oregon. Ultimately they returned to Carmichael, Sarah’s home town. Sarah was a passionate advocate for the arts. She served as Chairman of the Portland Junior Philharmonic Orchestra and Board Member of Music of the Mountains in Grass Valley. She was an avid golfer, bridge player, and collector of antiques. When not involved in those pursuits, she was usually to be found curled up with a book and her cat. Sarah was beautiful inside and out. She was a true friend, loving sister, and beloved wife. She will be remembered by her husband Dan, brothers Warren and George, and sisters Wanda and Kathy. She also will be remembered by her nieces and nephews, her great nieces and nephews and by Dan’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. They all feel bereft by her loss, but thankful for the years they had together. Published in The Sacramento Bee on Apr. 17, 2016

Class of 1959 – George Terwilliger –George Terwilliger, 74, died 07-24-15 in a tragic accident at home in Auburn. A CA native, George attended San Juan HS ’59, served in US Army as paratrooper and last worked at NEC. He is survived by his loving children, Karl, Tammy and Richard, and his life companion Elvia Svenka. RIP Dad!!! Published in The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 2, 2015. Read more at the Sacramento Bee Legacy

Class of 1959 Betty Louise Seibel (nee Thompson) was born on Aug. 1, 1941 in Marysville CA. She left this life to take up residence in Heaven on April 17, 2016 in Roseville CA. Betty was a caring mother to Teresa Braden and Sheila Seibel. Loving grandmother to Adam Davis, Aaron Davis, Amber Davis, Shane Braden, Matthew Braden, Christopher Braden, Genie Thompson and Benjamin Braden. And great grandmother to 13 precious children. Spoiling aunt to Sharon Dunsworth, Stephen Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Philip Thompson and Leah Titus. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Georgie Thompson; her husband, Calvin Seibel and her brother Bill Thompson. Betty graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, class of ’59. She studied at American River Junior College. Later, she retired from the Internal Revenue Service as a revenue officer and began working at Springfield Whitney Oaks Active Adult Community in Rocklin CA. Her love of flowers led her to become a certified flower arranger. But her greatest joy was her family. She loved babies and little children and loved to spoil them. Betty maintained a close relationship with cousins and nephews and nieces. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren meant more to her than anything. Her ready smile and mischievous ways won the heart of all who knew her. Betty’s faith was so important to her and her life was a testimony to the power and love of God. She was an active member of the Church of Nazarene for many years, serving on the church board and doing whatever needed to be done. Wounded Warrior Project was one of her beloved charities. Donations can be made in her name to that charity in lieu of flowers. Published by www.dignitymemorial.com.