Reunion Updates

1974

The class of 1974 is gearing up for their 50th main reunion event on September 19, 2024 at 2 Penguins in Centennial. The festivities are scheduled to take place from 4-9 pm, promising a joyous celebration of old memories and lasting friendships. As the organizers are in the planning stages for another exciting event, more details will be unveiled in late April. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye out for further announcements and updates. Stay tuned for more information as it unfolds over the coming months, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming events and reunion activities.

For direct communication, we recommend using their class website at www.denversouth74.com, where you can conveniently leave your contact information.

Join the South High School Class of 1974 Facebook Page by leaving your name, and an administrator will grant you access to connect with your classmates.

REVIEW OF RECENT REUNIONS…

1983

On July 22nd, 2023, the class of 1983 held their 40-year reunion at The Campus Lounge, where many South alumni still gather often.  It was one of our most successful reunions so far, and the Campus was the perfect venue for it.  We gathered from 4pm (some people arrived even earlier) until 10pm. The turnout was exceptional.  We estimate that at least 100 former classmates attended.  We are aware that some folks traveled from Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Wyoming and more.  Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time catching up with old friends and classmates.  There was even dancing.  Many people expressed that it was the best reunion so far.  We missed the people who didn’t make it and look forward to the next time we all come together.

Please consider joining us at the homecoming game on Saturday, September 23^rd.  We would like to revive an old tradition of alumni attending the game every year.

1973— FIFTY YEARS IS A LONG.. LONG TIME!

The South High School class of 1973 held their 50th reunion on Friday, August 18, at the Washington Park Boathouse and on Saturday, August 19, at South High School. Out of 662 alums, 131 attended one or both days.

 Most of our attendees still live in the Denver area or Colorado, but others traveled from Japan, Alaska, the East Coast, the Midwest, and the West Coast.

 Although we had speakers set for Friday night, the attendees were so excited to see one another that they couldn’t be quieted down for our first speaker, so we went with the flow. However, we did get silence in recognition of our 90 deceased class members.

 Many of us spoke with some people more in one weekend than we did through three years of high school, as we caught up with old friends and acquaintances. We don’t often see each other in our daily lives, but our common history allowed us to share stories about school, teachers, our families, and our health.

 Overall, the planning committee was very pleased with the turnout and the attending members enjoyed themselves. We were blessed with fine summer weather, and we extend our profound thanks for the immeasurable help of SHAFI, who provided us with lanyards, a banner and signage at the Boathouse, and extensive help at the school. Many people were delighted with the Alumni Museum and the tour of the clock tower, and several people were encouraged to become part of the ROTC Honor Wall. It had been SHAFI’s 3rd reunion in a week, so their positive enthusiasm and assistance was greatly appreciated!

Class of 1963 Celebrates 60^th in Style!

The Class of 1963 gathered this August to renew acquaintances and share memories of “days gone by.” There were two events for the grads to choose from and many attended both. We began with a morning gathering at the school with burritos, doughnuts and beverages plus the opportunity to tour the school thanks to the kind alumni volunteers who were on hand to guide us and to show us their office and the museum of donated artifacts! Being “allowed” to go up into the Tower was a treat for many as it was off-limits in 1963 unless you were a member of Student Council! We also had an ongoing video presentation prepared by a classmate, Paul Perry, who did an amazing job of capturing the building and grounds, many of our old “haunts” around South Denver, our faculty, photos of 60+ classmates then and now, as well as an “in memoriam” feature. As per our special tradition, we had a car show in front of the entrance overseen by Jerry Marques – all were welcome to bring their special vintage or new cars to be shown off and admired! A vintage Ford, a Viper and a Bentley convertible were among the special vehicles. 

Our second event was held at Heather Gardens Rendezvous Restaurant with happy hour at 4, buffet dinner at 5:30 and a program following dinner. Our Senior Class President, Jim Hill, spoke to us as did our Head Girl, Barbi Hanson Youngblood. They both shared memories and thoughts about our times at South and where many of us find ourselves now. We then viewed the amazing video done so well by Paul Perry and reminisced as we watched our past unfold before us. Over 100 people were in attendance at each of the events. A special shout out to Tammy Orrino Rheinheimer for putting the entire day together so seamlessly! 

A very special part of our evening program was our honored guest, Coach Bob Mantooth, who was a teacher and a football coach our Senior Year at South. When we discovered via social media that he just celebrated his 90^th birthday and that he lives in the Denver area we invited him to join us. He was accompanied by his wife, Nadine. Coach Mantooth and his career were featured in our video presentation as well. 

Coach Mantooth grew up in Denver, graduated from West High and University of Northern CO. He was a 3-sport athlete in high school and college. He taught and coached and was a high school sports referee, then a college referee and then moved on to being a professional sports referee. 

He officiated for the Western Athletic Conference for football and basketball including 15 bowl games. His travels took him to the Rose Bowl, the UK, Tokyo, and Germany. He was on the field for two seasons for the USFL and supervised officials for the AFL and the NFL. He comments that “I didn’t work in the field for the NFL because when I was good enough, I wasn’t young enough!” He also once said, “I never worked with an official who wanted to miss a call, and I’ve never worked with an official who didn’t.” 

Coach Mantooth and his wife now reside at Wind Crest retirement village and he plays golf several days a week with friends at courses in the Denver area. 

The class of ’58 held their 65 year reunion August 16, 2023.

38 classmates and 15 guests attended the gathering on the patio at the Brewery Bar III in Lone Tree. Everyone enjoyed re-connecting with classmates and reminiscing about our high school days. A good time was had by all!

LAST YEAR’S REUNIONS (2022)

1961—

The South High Class of 1961 held a magnificent 60+1 reunion on June 2, 2022 at the Wellshire Inn on South Colorado Boulevard from 5-10.

Over 90 classmates and guests registered, attending from far and near. Some were attending their first ever reunion.  Classmates started arriving early for a cocktail hour and were happy to greet each other and find table partners to renew friendships and memories.  Tables were colorfully decorated with white linen table clothes, purple napkins and purple wine glasses provided by Patricia O’Donnell Untiedt that were engraved by David Detary with the year 1961 and the South High Rebel emblem. 

After greetings of special alums – veterans and first responders – by Joanne Ronnfeldt Detary and a blessing, an abundant buffet dinner was served.  In case class members exhausted their conversation, each table was provided with ten trivia discussion questions about South High compiled by Roberta Dice and Lorene Sims.  Deceased class members were honored in a display assembled by Mary Wheeler Bronnimann.  Finally, Roberta Dice compiled a display of illustrious South High grads; she and Gary Moses displayed information on teachers of ‘our’ time.

At the end of the evening the answers to trivia questions were shared and several class members made impromptu informal remarks.  It was unanimous that another reunion should be held, perhaps an informal affair in collective celebration of 80^th birthdays.

The reunion committee, led by Joanne Ronnfeldt Detary, included Kitty Bowman Hadji (treasurer), Ione Bramberg Stoddard, Roberta Dice, Lorene Gerton Sims, Karen Kofoed Boesel, Gary Moses, Patricia O’Donnell Untiedt, Mary Wheeler Bronnimann and Sandy Carter-Duff (wife of Duane Duff, Jr – deceased).

 1962—

Jane Potts reported that he South High School Class of ’62 celebrated its 60th Anniversary on September 8th – 10th.  Total attendance over three days was 73 classmates and spouses.

Thursday:  4-8pm Open house potluck in a classmate’s backyard (home nearest to South High) with 52 attending. 

Friday: 9:30am Brunch at Lucile’s on Evans & Ogden with 28 attending.

Friday: 4-8pm Program, buffet dinner and group photo at Heather Gardens with 64 attending.

Saturday: 10am- 2pm Tour and boxed lunch in Raven’s Landing at South High with 42 attending.

Everyone received a name tag with their Senior annual photo that included their current town of residence. We also held a ZOOM call while at Heather Gardens with a few classmates around the country that could not attend and set out framed photos of previous reunions.  A big highlight was the production of a full-color, bound YearBook of 52 classmates’ photos and their bios since high school.  It will be mailed to others who could not attend.  A copy of the YearBook will be added to the Alumni Museum.

1965- 75^th Birthday Party

Between 60 and 70 members of the Class of 1965 gathered for lunch on Saturday, August 27 in the gym lobby. Special guests were Stephanie Dewald, South’s College Advisor, and three recent graduates of South who are continuing their education at Metro State University, aided by scholarships granted through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF). They are Elba Palma-Tellez, Yaya Estrada, and Leyla Abdi. The class made a significant contribution to the foundation at their 70^th birthday party in 2017.

DSF is a nonprofit making college possible and building the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning and expand generational exposure to career and entrepreneurial opportunities. For scholarship donation information, go to 

https://donate.denverscholarship.org/.

Another special guest at the party was Nita Chabon Mohlberg (43), mother of Leonard Mohlberg. She enjoyed seeing how much South had changed through the years.

1968-Talking about meeting again for lunch. If you are interested, please get in touch with Fred Cisneros

1970- Birthday Party

More than 100 members of the Class of 1970 got together to celebrate its “How the Heck Did This Happen: Denver South High School Class of 1970 Belated Reunion and 70th Birthday Party” onSeptember 9 and 10. On Friday night we gathered in the Skyline Ballroom at the Courtyard by Marriott.  It was a relaxed evening of stories, a plentiful pasta bar, a view of the SHS Tower and, of course, birthday cake. We had classmates from across the country–New York to California–and it was a good thing our name tags featured our yearbook pictures.

On the cool and drizzly Saturday our picnic at the school was moved indoors to Senior Hall. The school looked great and many of us made it up to the tower for that spectacular view and cardio workout. 

Class of 1970 donations will be made to the Giving Grocery (SHS food bank), South’s Theater Department, and SHAFI.

 1972 50^th Reunion

Yes, we had a great time! 

“The Class of 1972 had its 50th reunion August 13th, starting with a noon picnic on the front lawn of South High and a tour of the school. SHAFI volunteers were terrific hosts and we spent time with them in the Alumni Offices looking at memoribilia and got to climb up to the clock tower. That evening over 60 people attended the evening casual buffet at the Washington Park Grille, an excellent venue with good food and staff.  Everyone said they had a great time and agreed it didn’t seem like it had been 50 years since we graduated!”

The classes listed below have contacted us about a Reunion or Meetups.

If your class is interested in listing updates on this page, please message us and we can help out. We rely on the PLANNING COMMITTEE for updates and accurate information. BOLD type is new.. old news is in small type.

2011

2001

1991- Planned for Saturday, August 14, 2021 Tour of South from 12:00 til 4:00

1990 Classes- A JOINT gathering was held at TRASHAWK TAVERN on South Broadway.. November 26, ’22

1982-40th Reunion on August 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Campus Lounge

1981- Held their event on July 31, 2021

1973- Mike Clem is beginning the process of a 50th Reunion. He can be contacted at southhigh050@gmail.com As more information comes in, it will be posted here. I’m sure Mike would love to hear from you!! There is a class of ’73 comment section below…

1971-

1970- Delayed 50th Reunion is finally here! Friday, Sept 9th 6PM. The contact is Annie Simonson. On Saturday, Sept 10, 2022, there will be a Senior Hall Courtyard BYO picnic. denversouthhsclassof1970@gmail.com

1968-Trying to set up ongoing lunches. Please get in touch with Fred Cisneros.

1967- 55th Reunion on October 8th, ’22, 12-4:00 pm, in the MAIN GYM at South High School. Please contact Jackie Dobrovolny at jkoffice1@comcast.net

1965-Celebrateing a 75th Birthday with Classmates!! Saturday, August 27th from 11:00-3:00 pm in the South High Cafeteria.

1962-Sept 8-10, 2022. Please watch Facebook and contact Jane Sloan Potts at Janepottsconsulting@gmail.com

1960- Planned for Sept 16, 2021, at Columbine CC. No South tours. More information will follow in the Newsletter

1958-Is in the planning stages for a 65th Reunion in August of 2023.Dick Webb can be contacted at dickwebb70@comcast.net

1955- Planned for August 31, 2021. Will be having a dinner. No South tours. More information to follow in the Newsletter.

1951- Class of ’51 Meet up’s:  Several of the classmates still get together. An update from Diane Lanning Berberick said every couple of months Charlene Combs St. John, Yvonne Lentz Bowen, Barbara Babcock St. John, Dorothy DeBont Murray, Jean Weatherby Craig, Joyce Rauscher Kampreath and Diane meet-up for lunch.  They used to have a much larger group but have lost a few of their classmates. 

1950

Entire email… from above post

4 Months Away from Reunion The planning committee is excited that we are ready to start collecting registrations for our upcoming 50th reunion – when we can greet and meet with you. Members in attendance at our last planning committee meeting on May 17, 2023, included:Alice JablonskiPat DeeColleen TeitelbaumKent HolcombDede SchottMike ClemCommittee Information, Notes, and Requests May 17, 2023 We are all set and ready to go. The committee members, individually and as a group, tirelessly spent many hours gathering information, communicating with various businesses, organizations, and people, and making numerous decisions.  Now it’s your turn! The official Reunion Registration will be emailed to you before the end of May. Registration and payment are together, with $95 per person available until August 1st. Payments at the door are $125.00. Please remember that this fee covers our event’s administrative and contractual charges. Each reunion committee member and donations from other classmates have absorbed additional expenses to help reduce the final cost. We look forward to seeing you there – please register early so we can get an accurate guest count!Photos: Please consider sharing any photos from jr. high and South High School or with your friends outside of school to help us assemble a memory book. You can upload your photos to our secure Dropbox site, email them, or send them to our listed address at the bottom of this newsletter.  With your help, we would like to collect photos from the reunion that can be uploaded to this same Dropbox site to share with those class members who could not attend and in future newsletters.Hotel Reservation:   4150 East Mississippi Avenue, Glendale, Colorado, United States, 80246+1 303 782 9300 The Hyatt Place, Hotel at Mississippi and Colorado Blvd. (affectionately known as the Darth Vader building), has been chosen to host a block of rooms for our grads.  For Friday and Saturday nights (Aug. 18 and 19), there will be 6 King rooms available at $149 and 4 double queen rooms at $169 for each night. When you make reservations (weblink and instructions below), please mention the SHS 50th Class Reunion for the special rate. This rate includes a hot breakfast and free parking in their spacious lot. This block of rooms is only available until August 4th! The individual grads make all reservations and payments. The hotel also features a full bar with a late-night bar menu, a coffee station, and to-go food available for purchase. It is a straight shot east of the school and Washington Park! Some people cannot open the links in the following letter, so please call the hotel for reservations at 303-782-9300 or click here. Contact History: A question that we are often asked is, “How did we locate you”? For the past few years, we’ve searched high and low for all our alumni based on the original list we received from the South High Alumni and Friends (SHAFI) office and who we will turn over our updated list for future reunions and history. This list was accumulated from previous reunions, newspaper articles, and any contact the SHAFI office may have had with an individual, friend, or family member. We’ve upgraded the list with those classmates who attended but didn’t graduate from South and who anyone told us about who weren’t listed. If we started with enough contact information, we could generally locate up-to-date contact information using various newspapers, genealogy, obituaries, and other online search tools. The primary search tools we started with were Classmates and our favorite Class Reports, maintained by Kent Holcomb.  We also had help when you provided contact information for those you have stayed in contact with – thank you! Our first choice of contact was by email. For those whose emails proved to be up to date, we added you to our newsletter contact list – you should receive our monthly newsletter updates in addition to other contact reasons. We found emails associated with other alumni and sent over a thousand emails hoping we would get a reply when we found someone on our list. We got a lot of returned emails that couldn’t go through or were wrong for various reasons.  However, we did find a few family members, friends, and even some of you who responded positively. Next, we started a Facebook page to connect with as many class friends as possible and to provide another option for communicating about the reunion. At this time, we have 83 friends sharing life and remembering the past with each other.  Our next choice was to make phone calls and hope that the phone number we had or found was correct. Most were incorrect, and when we were lucky to find the correct person or family member, some weren’t interested or hung up on us. Again, some of you responded positively, and it felt really good to make that personal contact! Recently we sent out over 300 postcard notifications about the reunion with a way to contact us for more information. We sent these postcards to all the alumni for whom we’re not sure that we have the correct email, phone, or address. We also sent postcard notifications to all alumni who said they weren’t interested, refused to communicate with us, or whose email suddenly was bad. Why? Because we heard from some of our classmates that, in the past, they didn’t know about our reunions and felt left out, and we wanted others to reconsider participating. Plus, we want to reconnect with as many of our class as possible. Deceased Alumni: It was always a shock to learn about a deceased class member. It was sad to learn about the death from their child, a sibling, a parent, or a friend. However, it was emotionally hard when we unexpectedly found a classmate’s obituary or gravesite posted online because we couldn’t find anything else about them. We even discovered an alumnus who was reported as deceased. He learned about this mistake and contacted us from Japan to inform us that he was alive and kicking – we hope he can make a return visit for the reunion to prove it in person. Missing Alumni: Finally, after three years of searching for 677 classmates and friends, we still need contact information for 18 alumni listed below. Please let us know if you are in contact with them or have any information about their whereabouts.   LastFirst LastFirstBradford (Anderson)Margaret Elaine JohnsonNorma HelenClarkAlan Sheldon MannarinoKeith JosephEbrightCharles David Heckma MartinezVeronicaFerdigKaren Lynn MontgomeryJohn KeithHamiltonJack Philip MurrayLinda LouiseHeglinCarey NowickKatherine EliseHermosilleJerryette SmithPocoHoughtonLela Diane WilsonDanielHutchinsonJane Ann ZimmermanRichard Hayward