Bio - Mike Hone

Back Row Left to Right: Mike, Melodie, Son: Jeremy, Son-in-law: Josh, holding Riley

Front Row: Son-in-law: Sam, Daughter: Natalie, Daughter: Nicole, holding Stephanie.

After my mission was finished,  I moved to Salt Lake City where my future wife was living.  I had first met her while serving in Pierre, SD, and we met again after she had moved to SLC a couple of weeks before I had my accident.  She heard about it and visited me while I was at LDS hospital.  Six months after I was released we started dating and we married in the Logan temple a year after that.  We have had a wonderful life together.  We had 2 daughters in SLC  while I attended the U of U, and UTC.   I graduated with a certificate in machine shop and have been working as a machinist since then.  We moved to Payson, UT where we had our son.  I later found work in Ogden and moved to Brigham City where we stayed until 2003.

After 18 years I found myself out of work because the company I worked for decided to get away from manufacturing and to vend the work out doing assembly and test only.  Because I had married a girl from SD I my support base extended there also.  My bro-in-law called me up when he saw a ad for a job in Britton, SD.  I sent the company a copy of my resume and they ended up relocating me there.  We have lived here since then and love it out here.  Our daughters stayed in  Utah and have since married.  My wife and I are grandparents to the cutest grandchildren.  I still have a strong testimony of the gospel, and give thanks for the blessing it has been of fulfilling my mission to the SDRCM.  As I look back on my life, I plainly see the Lord’s hand in getting me where I am today.

Bio - Cinda Thurman Kasen

It was my privilege to serve in the South Dakota-Rapid City Mission from April of 1977 to October of 1978.  I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with so many of you.  Since leaving the mission field I have been able to spend a semester at BYU-Hawaii, be a teacher at the MTC, graduate from BYU in Elementary Education, and my husband John Kasen and I were married in June of 1986 in the Los Angeles Temple.  We have lived in Utah, California, Idaho and currently reside in Denver, Colorado where we have lived for the past 12 years.  John currently works as the contract administrator for an Environmental Cleanup company. I spent the first 22 years of our marriage as a stay at home mom.  I am back in the classroom at Welby Montessori in the Mapleton School District, for the past 3 years. We have 4 wonderful children. Amber lives in North Hollywood, California and is a professional photographer. Chelsea is transitioning from MBA School, spending the summer in Switzerland and starting her career. Stewart is serving in the California-Long Beach Mission (Spanish speaking) and is still in his “greenie” area.  Our youngest daughter is K.T. and she is a sophomore at Broomfield High School.

My family and I enjoy serving in the church.  Serving a full time mission laid a firm foundation for life.  Study the Gospel, live the gospel and share the gospel with others.  I wish you all the best.

Bio - David M. Larsen

After serving my mission from 1977 - 1979, I married Sheri Bauder in 1984.  We have two children, Peter 23 and Emma 21.  Both are attending college.  After I returned home from my mission, I attended school at  Utah Valley Community College and BYU.  I have worked in the semiconductor business for 29 years.  We started our married life in Utah and then moved Albuquerque, New Mexico for 11 years.  We have been back in Utah for the last 7 years.  I am currently serving as the Bishop of the Copperview 1st ward in Riverton, Utah.  I work at Fairchild Semiconductor in West Jordan.

 

Bio - Arnie Orton

When I was called to serve my mission I had only been a member of the church for 3 years. Serving with all of you in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission helped build a strong spiritual foundation that I have tried to continue throughout my life. Although life has thrown me some curves, I have been greatly blessed. I have worked for the past 23 years for a bridge building company in Northern California. I remarried 2 years ago and my wife, Vicki, and I have 7 children and 3 grandchildren between us. We are enjoying the "empty nest" stage of our lives by traveling, visiting our children and spoiling our grandchildren. One of our future goals is to serve a mission(s) as a couple. I am looking forward to seeing all of you and reminiscing and renewing old friendships.

Shirley De La Rosa

As for me...gosh, my story is very complicated (LOL) but it will suffice to say that I have been in the education arena since 1985. I took a few years off after my father passed away in 1997 to care for my mother (I was the primary caregiver for my parents and older brother) and I brought my mom and older brother to Samoa in 2003. They both passed away a few months after and within months of each other while we were here. I chose to move here permanently after that and I returned to teaching elementary in 2004. I moved up to teaching high school 2 years later. I taught keyboarding and computer for 3 years. Since then I have become a high school counselor.  I've been in a master program and will graduate (hopefully) this November which is another reason why I can't come to the reunion. I am currently writing my paper to present and defend the 1st week of November so I am stressing over that as I am writing this email.

Bio - Diane (Carter) Gagnier

Since the Mission I have received my Masters degree and EBD (everything but dissertation) in Education.  I taught for nearly 25 years before retiring.   My husband and I  had three children (two deceased) and adopted three more.  They are all adults now and I am enjoying my grandchildren.  My husband passed away in January and I am trying to get back to a single life (not really enjoying it).  I currently live in Taylorsville, Utah with my grand-daughter, 1 BIG Golden Retriever and 3 cats.

Mark Spiller - Spillers Reunited

The above picture is of Mark Spiller and family at his daughter Angela's Wedding 2009, Rocklin California. Life certainly is a spiritual odyssey, not for the faint heart. 

In photo from left to right: Cameron , New Jersey, student; Derrick, Ohio, Investigations; Dr Marsha Ho, New Jersey; Matt Doyle & Angela, CPA, Rocklin, CA, Elder Spiller, Mai-ly, Graphic Designer, Dublin, CA. I thank God for my blessings and the JOY of reuniting with you!

Bio - Dwight Epperson

It is great to read your bios!  I practiced law in Utah for nearly 20 years, and seven years ago we moved to Louisiana to run a business here.  We just sold that business, and hope to go on another mission one of these days.  We have eight children, and four grandbabies.  Three of them have come since this picture was taken last year. 

The habits I learned from those years with you have blessed my family so much.  For many years now, we have prayed together, read scriptures together, and attended church together, just as you and I did in the mission field.  You are many of the finest people I have ever known.  Thank you again for your influence on me, and for being willing to serve in the SDRC Mission!

Bio - Joe Collins

Back row: Starr, Jake, Joe, A.J.,  Middle row: Madison, Macy, Jodi, Teal,

Front row: Tacy and Samantha….Not pictured is Daryle

I married the most amazing woman, Jodi and we have nine children.  I’m have been an elementary principal for 28 years and now I will beginning my first year as principal of Mountain High School, which is located in the Ely State Prison…..quite the paradigm shift. 

Between 1975 - 1977 I served in:

·         Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada 

·         Fort Yates, North Dakota 

·         Wagner, South Dakota

·         Cherry Creek, South Dakota

·         Rapid City, South Dakota. 

I remember leaving the mission field about the same time Elvis died. 

After Graduating from BYU in 1981, I returned to Red Scaffold/Cherry Creek and taught school.  The in 1982-1983 attended the Univ. of South Dakota in Vermillion for my Administration endorsement.  Returned to Fort Yates as a vice-principal.  After one winter in Ft. Yates (-45 below) my wife had me take a job in New Mexico.  I worked for the Gallup-McKinley County School District as principal for 10 years in Ramah, Thoreau and Twin Lakes.  Then another 10 years with Bureau of Indian Affairs schools.

In 2003 we moved to Ely, Nevada where I am now beginning my 9^th year as a school administrator.  Like all of you our life revolves around family, church and work.

Bio - Paul T. Barker

I am a retired Montgomery County Maryland Police officer. I now own and Run Champion Karate West Provo, Utah at 3224 N University Ave. We teach Taekwondo and Hapkido.   
 www.championkaratewest.com 

I served from September 1974-1976. I spent my mission in Macy Nebraska, Walt Hill Nebraska, Devils Lake North Dakota, Little Eagle South Dakota, Sioux Falls South Dakota, Dunseth North Dakota, Wagoner South Dakota. 

Bio - Gregg Johnson

I served in sdrcm in 1978-80. I am Married to Valerie Kay for 29 years. We have 5 children 4 boys and 1 girl and 2 going on 3 grandchildren. It is great to be a grandpa.

 I work as a radiologic technologist (x-ray tech) specializing in Computed Tomography (CT scan) at Pioneer Valley Hospital in West Valley Utah.

I did my training at St Marks Hospital in 1983. In 2003. I received my Bachelors Degree in Advanced Radiologic Sciences from Weber State University.

President Van Wagenen I found out years afterward that his parents sang with my grandmother in Provo. I look forward to seeing the family again.

See you at the reunion.

Bio - Brad Jones

I served in the SDRCM from January 1976 to December 1977.  I graduated from BYU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, from the Univ. of Arkansas in 1981 with a Master of Science in soil Microbiology and from the Univ. of Arkansas in 1983 with a Juris Doctorate.  I practiced law in Idaho for 1 year, Nebraska for 1 ½ years and Utah for 26 years.  I have been married to Lynette Collier Jones for 31 years.  She was raised in Illinois and North Carolina.  We have 7 children, 3 daughter-in-laws and 3 grandchildren, with more grandchildren on the way.  5 of our children have served or are serving missions. We still have one son at home in high school.  The rest of the children, and daughter-in-laws, have each earned or are finishing their college degrees.  Our biggest family tradition is long summer road trips, usually travelling by van, where we have been to 48 of the States to visit historical and other sites of interest.

Bio - Doretta (Fredrickson) Shumway

Rick & Doretta (Fredrickson) Shumway

 For 33 years we've enjoyed a great adventure and have been privileged to be parents of 4 boys and 2 girls - Jarom, Aarika, Benjamin, Joshua, Joseph and Maggie.  Our greatest joy has been watching them grow, learn, serve missions and marry in the temple. With each marriage we added another member to our family and now we have 14 grandchildren. Where does the time go?  Wasn't it just yesterday we were walking in three feet of snow in Minot North Dakota? Life is definitely an adventure and we're looking forward to the next adventure when we get to serve another mission, but this time we get to be companions!  LOL

Bio - Therisa “Stone” Harrington

So how’s your roller coaster of life been? I definitely have had my share of up and downs. Those hard and sometimes long downhill spurts have allowed me to more earnestly seek the Lord, hold on and trust that there will be enough momentum for the upward climb. The plateaus have given me a chance to get perspective, regroup and be grateful for all that I have and have experienced. I have been richly blessed thought-out my life as I trust in my Savior Jesus Christ.

For 28 years I had been married to the love of my life. That’s only seconds compared to what we will share in the eternities. Heavenly Father called him home two years ago. I treasure the wonderful memories we shared. I have a son and daughter, son n law and the most amazing grandson who brings all of us joy. Life is like choosing a hat; I like a hat that helps others smile. I love traveling. This beautiful world---needs to be seen. I have a small vending machine business, for a quarter you get your choice of chocolate. Or just call me anytime you got a hankering for something sweet.

Bio - Christy Biggs

Elder Christy Briggs (Sandy, UT) - I am the youngest of five brothers.  As a family of individual LDS converts, I was the first full-time missionary to serve a mission in my generation.  Today, I am the single father of four sons and two wonderful daughter-in-laws.  My only grandchild, Gabriel, is three years old and was born on Valentine’s Day 2008.  Ask any one of my sons about the challenges of being raised with a heavenly Mom and a no-nonsense Dad.  But ask my sons about the “heck” any of five former Relief Society Presidents can give a teenage boy when he lets go of the Iron Rod!

I am encouraged by a phrase given to me by a dear Sister:

“Praise To The Father Who Raises Gentlemen,

Praise To The Boy Who Honors His Mother.”

I invest much of my time researching what individuals would call, “The next BIG Thing” or in plain language, trending of social economics conditions.  President Kimball advice to the faithful about provident living and staying out of debt is priceless in today’s conditions.  It once was observed that my “serious” hobbies were my boys and a second job.  But with the maturity of my sons, I’ve turned to volunteering for the American Red Cross and recreation.  My slow hobby and favorite food is anything I cook in a Dutch oven.  My fast hobby is BMW long distance endurance motorcycle sports touring. I ride anywhere in the Utah Escalante Great Basin, and beyond, enjoying the region’s red rock canyons and sun drench horizons.

The Briggs Boys (July 2, 2011) ~ left to right: Sandel, Kenzie, Chris, Skyler, Gabe & Chandler.

Bio - Nicole (Kebort) Walker

Nicole Kebort Walker has had the honor and pleasure to have shared her life with four priceless daughters. Strangely enough, beautiful daughters attract equallly fine, young son-in-laws. Pictured are Nickey's older sister, Nickey (2nd from right) and the four former Walker women.

Nickey earned her batchelors of science and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. Nickey occupies her time, and that of her students, by pursuing physics. For a hair raising experience, she'll be happy to make your hair stand on end...thanks to the Van de Graaf generator. She is employed as a high school physics teacher in the far south suburbs of Chicago. She also enjoys being a temple worker in the Chicago Temple. Hobbies include: biking, swimming, photography, travel, reading, educational technology, home repairs, genealogy, concerts, making quiet books, simply visiting friends, and of course spending quality time with family. Thanks to that trip to Utah for the 2011 reunion, Nickey took up dance classes at Arthur Murray. You'll find her dancing now every Friday evening.

 Girl's night out: Left to right, the four lovely Walker daughters. Nickey is the 2nd from the right. Her sister is on the end.

Bio - Daryl Westbroek

Daryl Westbroek

2249 W 2175 S

Syracuse UT 84075

Spouse name – Pam

Married name (sisters) -

Home phone number – 801-825-1917

Cell phone – 801-388-1008

E-mail address – dnwestbroek@gmail.com

Served from – May 1977 – May 1979

Children (spouse) – Stephen (Christiana), Andrea (Scott) Hintze, Mark (Marie), Alecia (Brian) Williams, Erica (Aaron) Peterson, Kimberly, and Ashley

Grandchildren – 5, three girls and two boys

I attended college/university – Weber State College

I graduated in – 1985

With a degree in – BS/Computer Information Systems

Current employment/position – Zions Bancorporation/Senior programmer/analyst

Welcome

Welcome to the South Dakota Rapid City Mission 1976-1979 blog. On September 30th, 2011 you will have the opportunity to reunite with every elder and sister who served under President Van Wagenen.

The reunion is being held Friday September 30th 6:00 PM at:

Hampton Inn & Suites SLC Airport

307 North Admiral Byrd Road

Salt Lake City, Utah 84116

801-530-0088

The reunion will feature a banquet dinner and entertainment. You can purchase tickets for $20 a person using the links on the right side of the homepage. For more information please click on the tab links at the top of the home page. We hope to see you there!