Waukegan East - Class of 1980

Victoria Shklair (Wiedmeyer)

Then

Now

Occupation:Inside Sales Rep Marital Status:Married No. of Children:1 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Jeff Wiedmeyer - Mechanical Engineer What have you been up to since high school?:After graduating from college in 1985, I moved to the South Suburbs for a couple years then back to Waukegan. I finally ended up in Buffalo Grove. At the age of 43, I found out I was expecting! Married my LONG time boyfriend (Jeff), bought a house in Woodrige and we now have a beautiful son who is 15and is the love of my life (most of the time)! After 18 years working as an Account Manager, I was laid off in November 2008. I was totally enjoying not having a career and spending LOTS of time with my son but started working part time as an inside sales rep (Accounting) about 3 1/2 years ago. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I enjoy spending time with my family and spening time at my husband's family cabin in Northern Wisconsin. I also enjoy traveling, reading, Pilates, shopping and of course napping!

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Rossana Sierra (Swiech)

Then

Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Stan If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:No grandchildren What have you been up to since high school?:After H.S., I attended C.L.C. , and obtained an Associates degree in early childhood. I worked for about a year teaching at a pre-school, but after this I left my job to pursue a B. A degree in Psychology. I moved to Florida for about two years after graduation, working in odd jobs, and not liking it. I returned to Illinois, and began a Master degree at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Presently I am a licensed clinical counselor. I have worked as a Marital and Family therapist for the past 13 years in Chicago.

I have been married for 13 years, and have two lovely daughters age 7 and 9. I work part-time (evenings and weekends), and homeschool my girls during the day. I love what I do, and I am very grateful for the life God has given me.

I am enjoying every moment of my life and I take advantage of every opportunity, that comes my way.
I have run the Chicago Marathon, I am involved in speaking engagements (motivational, financial management, relationship enhancement), and much more). What are your current hobbies and interests?:Flower design: ( I arrange flowers for weddings and special events), and running.

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Terry Simmons

Then

Now

Occupation:college Administrator Website:www.gtc.edu Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Susan - High School FACS Teacher If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:None What have you been up to since high school?:After graduation I went directly to college at Northern Michigan University, graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and lettered Wrestling. Sentenced to Lake County jail for six months as a Sheriff’s Deputy then released to probation for five years with Lake County Court Services. Obtained a Masters in counseling from Northeastern Illinois University, which was a violation of my probation so I was sentenced to five years at the Dixon Correctional Center to serve as the career counselor and subsequently as the director of college programs for Sauk Valley Community College in the correctional center. Fortunately DCC was a co-ed prison, because that is where I met Sue, my wife of 16 years. After my released from DCC we move to Rockford, Illinois. I worked as a community counselor for a foster care agency and Sue worked for a mental health agency teaching job skills. We did a little foster care parenting until Olivia was born in 1998. After completing my ED.S from Northern Illinois University I started working at Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville WI., as the minority student retention recruitment specialist. Eight months later I was promoted the Associate Dean of General Education and Academic Development. Left BTC in 2000 to join Gateway Technical College as the Dean of Student Support for the Burlington and Elkhorn campuses. Adam was born in 2001. In 2003 I became the VP of Student Success for the District and 2010 became the Special Assistant to the President. I continue to work on my Doctorate in Education, about 10 years now, I ‘m getting closer every year. Life is very busy for us with kids playing sports all year round, piano and saxophone lessons, supporting and or defending the Cubs, Bears and Bulls while living in Wisconsin and just keeping up with family and friends. It has been fun to read some of your profiles. I hope everyone post theirs. See you at the reunion. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Coaching youth sports (actually it is a way to get a better seat to watch my kids play). Listening to my kids play the piano and sax. Going to plays and musicals with my daughter and sporting events with my son and Sue. Golfing. Travelling, we have been to China and Italy and planning to go to Germany and England sometime in the near future. Spending time in our Cabin in Northern Wisconsin when we can find the time and helping kids get into college.

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Danita Smith (Hirsh)

Then

Now

Occupation:Administrative Services Manager Website:www.scwd.org Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Ken Hirsh - Pool Repair Technician If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:3 & 4 What have you been up to since high school?:Married, had 2 beautiful children, divorced, moved to CA in 1994(this is my home), raised my kids, remarried 2005, have 2 grand-kids and a great husband. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Travel (mostly day and weekend trips), sailing to Catalina, crocheting,creating terrariums, making jewelry and hanging out with my best friend(my husband).

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Helen Smith

Then

Now

Occupation:Engineer Marital Status:Single No. of Children:1 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Say what? If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:2 yrs old What have you been up to since high school?:College, birth of a child, married, moved to Dallas, TX. Divorced, married again and divorced again. Gained a daughter then a beautiful grandson.Retired after 31 years with AT&T but work contract to keep busy. What are your current hobbies and interests?:My current hobbies as are music and social dancing. I mostly love meeting people!

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Nick Snarski

Then

Now

Occupation:Senior Consultant Logistics Marital Status:Married No. of Children:4 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Jill Andersen Snarski (Private Banking Services) If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:Not Yet and hopefully not soon What have you been up to since high school?:Married to my beautiful wife Jill for 22 years now and we have four great kids (most of the time) Stephen, Madeline, Sally and Nicholas. I’ve been working with Cardinal Health for 25 years now. I’ve spent the past 15 years in the development and design of the warehouse management system. It’s been a great experience and I really enjoy the work. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I spend most of my free time with the family going to different sporting events with the kids, Baseball, Football, Basketball and Volleyball for my son Nicholas and then more Basketball and Softball with my daughter Sally. Travel Softball keeps the weekends busy.

When we have some free time we have a group of friends that enjoy Sunday afternoons down at the Waukegan North Beach relaxing with the kids, friends and a couple of beverages.

When I have a chance I enjoy biking, hiking and an occasional beverage at one of the local establishments.

From Nick:

Yeah I know, I made the move to Carmel Catholic High School beginning my sophmore year but I still remember all my friends from Waukegan. Making the move to Carmel was the best thing for me. I spent way to much time over at Powell Park

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Aimee Tanner (Peters)

Now

Occupation:Owner of Graphics biz and V.P. of Innovative Moving Systems Website:www.lectrotruck.com; www.aimeesgraphicsnmore.com Marital Status:Married What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Kevin Owner/President Innovative Moving Systems If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:See comments What have you been up to since high school?:Check me out on linkedIn. 99% of my profile is listed there. Enjoy! What are your current hobbies and interests?:Gardening, riding on motorcyles, clay sclupture, oil painting, graphic arts.

From Aimee:4 Step children ages, 19, 21, 30 & 31.

4 step grandchlidren ages 1 yr. , 2 yr., 7 yr, and 11 yr.

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Roberta (Bobbi) Tatem (Whiteside)

Then

Occupation:Credit Manager Website:www.plasticbottlecom Marital Status:Divorced No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Was Rodney Whiteside If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:none What have you been up to since high school?:Worked at A.C. Nielsen in Northbrook from 1980 to 1994. Was able to take a generous severance package and stay home with my children for a few years. Married Rodney Whiteside in 1987, and although we divorced in 1998, we remain very close and united in rasing our two boys. I currently work as a credit manager in a small company in Libertyville and stay busy attending my sons sporting activities. Have attended way more activities as a parent then I ever did as a student! Not too exciting, but very happy! What are your current hobbies and interests?:I enjoy watching my son participate in his different activities, cross country, swimming, baseball, band. Go Bulldogs!

From Roberta (Bobbi): 2 boys, Rodney (Trace) Whiteside III, just graduated WHS and is attending CLC, Parker just starting his sophomore year at WHS, Brookside (West) Campus.

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Patti Thomas (Reichenbach)

Then

Now

Occupation:Property Management Marital Status:Married No. of Children:3 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:CAD Drafter / Process Engineer If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:5,4,3,2,1

From Patti:How to make a long story short... Met my first husband when I was quite young and married him at 19. Had 3 children together and then he decided he had other things he wanted to do. I raised my kids alone over the next 20 years. Kids are now adults raising their own children. I am now a grandma to 6 grandchildren! I finally met the love of my life and married him last year. We are very happily married. I enjoy watching him play hockey, camping with my family, hanging out with friends and working on running my first 5K. Life is good!

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Gina Tomei (Shrout)

Then

Now

Occupation:Auto Repair Shop Owner Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Steve Shrout /Auto Repair Shop Owner If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:yes and her name is Daisy and she's 3 yrs.old What have you been up to since high school?:I have two beautiful daughters Natalie (24) and Kaitlyn (21) and have been blessed with an equally beautiful grandaughter Daisy(3). Remarried two years ago to the best man I know..believe me, I had to kiss alot of frogs before I met my Prince.We love to ride our Harley whenever we get the chance.Really...I'm just living a regular peaceful life, and love it!

From Gina:I

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Lisa Trentham (Jacobs)

Then

Now

Occupation:Retired Art Teacher Marital Status:Married No. of Children:1 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Ray, Dir. of Operations, Black Hawk College If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:n/a What have you been up to since high school?:My better half and I met at WIU and have been married for 34 years. After a brief decade working as an artist and other jobs, I returned to school to get my teaching degree. I just retired (post-pandemic quarantine) from my career as a high school art teacher in a rural school in the middle of the corn and beans. 18 years ago we were blessed to become adoptive parents to the greatest son ever. He rocks our world.( Literally. He plays guitar.)And this year he graduated high school and has started college. I'm retired now, but still very busy. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I sell vintage stuff on Ebay and Etsy, and draw. I have rediscovered the ancient art of reading a whole novel. Amazing.my website is: sites.google.com/site/ljacobsart/

From Lisa:Please share my email address. I would love to hear from old friends. (Face it, we're all old. ;))

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Debra Trombino

Then

Now

Occupation:Owner of Inacomp Website:www.inacompcs.com Marital Status:Single Again No. of Children:3 What have you been up to since high school?:I still own Inacomp, a technology business in Gurnee with my mom...we are in our 25th year. I have gone back to school for another degree...I currently have a Bachelors and Masters. My new degree will be a double degree in Applied Science for Viticulture and Enology (grapegrowing and winemaking). Currently have 1,900 vines on my property in Antioch...will have 4500 within a few years. My plan is to start my own winery/gift shop in Antioch area by Winter of 2011. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I'm still doing triathlons...have been since 2004. I did complete a 1/2 marathon in 2008, although my forte is not running...it is swimming. I love to ski and boat as well. I scrapbook when I have free time...which is not alot with kids, work and school. Like to work out and stay in shape.

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Scott Umfress

Then

Now

Occupation:where do i start... lol Marital Status:Single What have you been up to since high school?:well, let's see... since graduating in 1980, i thought i would fly around the world for awhile, become an actor/singer/writer, start my own business, make lotsa money (lost lotsa money) you name it! little did i know it would ALL happen AND more!

i went to college, started flying for United Airlines in 1984... (now 27 yrs later still flying with United-soon to merge with Continental), lived downtown Chgo. for 3 yrs, lived in Cancun while commuting to Chgo, moved to San Francisco in 1987, bought a place in S.F., then bought a place in Manhattan, NY, commuted to S.F., then moved to D.C., commuted to S.F. and Manhattan, then bought a place in Glendale (L.A.), Ca. commuted to S.F., then transferred to fly out of LAX in 1999 and then bought a place in Hollywood in 2004, then bought a place in Toluca Lake (L.A.), Ca. in 2006. i finally stopped the madness of living on the East Coast only to work out of the West Coast. the joys of working for an Airline.
What are your current hobbies and interests?:all the while moving and flying, i continued the acting/singing/writing and was headed to B'Way in 2002 when 9/11 unfolded. i was on tour in HAIR-the musical, when our producers cancelled our show. i still act/write and am in talks with a major Studio for a sitcom i co-wrote. i also represent 1,600 LAX based Flt Attendants at United in our current Union Negotiations. own a Prod. Co. and also own an Events Planning Co. staging/designing homes and businesses for Christmas. slightly busy! LOL

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Nanette Wakelyn (Niday)

Occupation:Paralegal Marital Status:Married No. of Children:3 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Bob, Retired If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:Blessed to have 6, 5 granddaughters ages 15, 11, 6, 3 and 1 and a grandson 3 What have you been up to since high school?:Married for 34 1/2 years, working and enjoying life. What are your current hobbies and interests?:League and tournament bowling, camping and spending as much time with the grandkids as I can!!!

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Steven Wenzel

Then

Now

Occupation:Chemical Operator Marital Status:Married No. of Children:1 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Marilyn Sue / Retail If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:1 grandson - newborn What have you been up to since high school?:I worked various jobs in Lake County and found chemical operations to my liking. Been with Abbott Laboratories for ~18 years now. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Outdoor activities: 4 wheelin, snowmobilin, wave-runners, bonfires;). Still try to keep exercising in some kind of routine.

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Charles Wilemon

Then

Now

Occupation:retail Marital Status:Single Again No. of Children:3 If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:2 grand kids.. Kayla 4 and Ethan 8 months What have you been up to since high school?:Lets see.. I have worked as a truck driver. and a copper mill, Then re-married and moved to northen Minnesota right on the rainy river. I managed the local grocery store here for about 8 years until January of 09 when i started my own business. Its a small video and arcade. What are your current hobbies and interests?:I do lots of hunting and fishing here, I also build custom furniture when i can find the time.

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Kate Willer

Occupation:Ultrasonographer Marital Status:Single What have you been up to since high school?:More education, much traveling, changes in careers, still best friends with Lori Schultz. Still single, hope to always be. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Wilderness hiking, photography, animal welfare, reconnecting with out-of-touch old friends.

From Kate:Not all who wander are lost, and I'm still looking for the perfect world!

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David Wilson

Then

Now

Occupation:Retired Marital Status:Married What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:Annie is retired What have you been up to since high school?:I worked for the J.A. Leise Co. after HS and then went in the USAF and served in West Germany. I worked on F-16s as airframe repair and crew chief. I led several boys to Eagle Scout as Scoutmaster, also I was voted into the Order of the Arrow. I have worked at Boeing on KC-135, Air Force One and the entire family of Boeing's twin-aisle passenger jets (747, 767, 777, and 787). Now Retired and live in a log cabin in the Idaho mountains. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Member of World Genius Directory. Own more than 7,000 books.

From David:Tested out of college and have a BA in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College. Have a Certificate in Writing from University of Washington. Working on MA in Ancient and Classical History from American Public University.

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David Wright

Then

Now

Occupation:sterring wheel monkey/truck driver Marital Status:Married No. of Children:2 What is your spouse/partner's name (if applicable) and their occupation?:JonMarie ( Office assistant) If you have grandchildren, how old are they?:Ozzie 10 Sonny 7 Angelique 6 Mathew 1 What have you been up to since high school?:After I left High school had a lot of odd jobs , Married my High school sweety , JonMarie (a raider)Going on 35 years this August. Worked 15 years as a maintenance worker at the Lake County Department Of Court Services. decided to try my hand at something else, became a trucker. Moved to Colorado (fell in love with it after visiting) became a milkman, then a crash test dummy((Two roll overs in a semi truck)) Decided that was enough and went back to maintenance . Uhmmm I'm driving trucks again its safer lol What are your current hobbies and interests?: My current hobbies and interests are still running but not as much as i used to after my best friend died at a race finish line . I like to read alot, write stories, work on computers, fish with my grandson,take long walks

From David:Great web site ..... hard to believe Waukegan East is so far behind us ... a life time ago .. but lots of fond memories and friends made back then .

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Sophia Yvette (Thomas)

Occupation:Project Manager Marital Status:Married No. of Children:1 What have you been up to since high school?:Traveling the globe and enjoying the world out if my family. What are your current hobbies and interests?:Church, Traveling and reading.