Can you identify any of these 50s Garfield kids?

We know Dawn and Trish are in the middle and Linda Malmstrom on top end. Let Linda Swanson Nygaard know at lindanyg@aol.com. Thank you. 

April fun for all . . .

You can make it a fun April Fool's day in 2026 by pulling up a chair for an enjoyable lunch your MHS 65 classmates on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at Hafners about 11:30 am. Join for laughs, stories, maybe some music, and more with old friends. Come alone or bring a friend. It's time to get to know each other a bit better. 

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No Foolin'--Join Your Classmates and Friends

HAFNERS — A Moline institution where the food is excellent and the fellowship even better--especially at lunchtime when members of the MHS class of '65 gather. Come exchange warm greetings with your classmates as you share memories as well as news, tips, a joke or two, and talk about the reunion, local sports today, and more. 

All are welcome--join in on Wednesday, April 1st, at 11:30ish and every first Wednesday of the month in the future. Mark your calendar today and ask Alexa or Siri to remind you, too.

On March 4th, 2026, these classmates and friends met for a bit good cheer: Tom Ahlstrand, Joyce McMinn Strach, Mitch Strach, Sharron Shaffer, Barry Curtis, Ron VanDaele, and Sally Robbins Weckel.

Photo courtesy of Sally Robbins Weckel.

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Kermit Wells, Boys Choir+

Kermit Wells, a dedicated music educator and cherished community figure, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa. Born on June 27, 1936, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, Kermit devoted his life to the transformative power of education and the arts.

After earning his bachelor's degree in music education in 1958, followed by a master's degree in music education in 1966 from the University of Illinois, where he majored initially in Instrumental Music before turning to vocal music, Kermit began a remarkable career that would span decades and touch countless lives. In 1958, he moved with his parents to Moline, Illinois, embarking on a path that would define his legacy.

Kermit's professional journey began as a music teacher at local junior high and high schools, where his passion for education was evident. He became an accompanist for Dr. Swanson's Boys Choir, advancing to associate director in 1963. Upon Dr. Swanson's retirement, Kermit assumed leadership of the Boys Choir in 1973 while also serving as Coordinator of Music for Moline High School. His tenure as director lasted an extraordinary 54 years, during which he traveled the world with the famed choir and introduced many boys to the joys and discipline of music. His efforts were formally recognized by the Boys Choir board after 35 years of devoted service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kermit's life was marked by his quirky and witty personality, underscored by a generous spirit. He was well known for his significant charitable contributions, particularly to his church and veterans' organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to service. A Captain in the United States Army, Kermit's sense of duty extended to all facets of his life.

His passions also included attending productions at Circa 21 and the Music Guild, cheering at Moline basketball and football games, and engaging in crossword puzzles. He possessed a particular fondness for West Highland White "Westie" Terriers, never without one by his side. In his youth, fitness was a primary hobby, and he was active in fitness clubs that mirrored his lifelong dedication to health and well-being.

Kermit often spoke with pride about his greatest accomplishment: being the director of the Moline Boys Choir. He cherished the role not merely as a position but as a vital ministry that broke cultural stereotypes, encouraging boys to embrace singing in a world that too often labeled it otherwise. He found fulfillment in mentoring students whose lives he enriched through music and education, many of whom still recall his influence with gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Gordon and Thelma (Simmons) Wells, and his sisters, Carol Anderson and Beverly Wells. Those who survive him include his dear friends Gil (Lesley) Shafir, who were like family to him and with whom he resided; nieces Kelly (Tim) Yager and Kim (Bill) Farb; nephew Scott (Susan) Anderson; and brother-in-law Alan Anderson, and his dear friend, Karen Collins.

A funeral service to honor Kermit Wells will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church, located at 2201 7th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, with a luncheon to follow. Inurnment will be in Rock Island National Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Quad City Music Guild or the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan, Illinois.

Kermit Wells leaves behind a legacy of education, music, and kindness that has profoundly impacted the community. His life serves as a testament to the enduring power of dedication, generosity, and the arts to shape lives. He will be remembered with deep respect and affection by all who knew him.

Memories and condolences may be shared on his memory page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.

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Stanley Leach, Teacher+

January 19, 1935 - February 19, 2025

Stanley Francis Leach, 90, of Moline, Ill., passed away on February 19, 2025, at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Ill. Stan was born in Moline on January 19, 1935, the son of Francis and Wilda Leach.

Stan graduated from Moline High School in 1953 before earning a Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University and a Master's degree from Illinois State University. He also served in the Air National Guard.

In 1961, Stan married Wilma "Willie" Hughes in Washington, Iowa.

Stan was an avid fisherman and hunter, fishing many of the lakes in Canada for 65 years. He loved traveling with his wife, Willie, and working on home improvement projects. Stan and Willie were long-time members of the First Congregational Church in Moline.

Stan Leach was a prominent contributor to the Quad City area for over 60 years. After graduating from college, Leach returned to his high school alma mater as an art teacher, where he spent his career inspiring generations of MHS students. His dedication to the youth extends beyond his teaching career, exhibited in his volunteerism with the Illinois Youth Commission in the late sixties, his pioneering efforts to start the Moline Optimists Youth Flag Football Program in 1967, his co-founding of the Moline Young Life program in the seventies, his work with the Moline Park Board in the eighties, and his fundraising endeavors with Bob Tunberg, for a new gymnasium at Arrowhead Ranch in 1991. Leach also served as a board member for the Niabi Zoological Society, Rock Island County Area Projects, Rock Island Animal Shelter, Moline Rotary, Viva Quad Cities, and the QC and John Deere Golf Classics for over 50 years. He was inducted into the Moline High School Hall of Honor in 2010.

In addition to promoting youth and philanthropic organizations of the Quad Cities, Stan Leach has devoted much time and effort to local politics and planning. He has served on the US League of Cities, the Illinois Municipal League, the Bi-State Planning Commission, and the I-74 Interstate Commission Board and acted as a Moline Second-Alarmer for 20 years. Leach's public offices include a Moline Township Trustee (1980-1985), Moline Alderman Fifth Ward (1985-1990), and Moline Alderman Fourth Ward (1991-1993). His political and public service career culminated in his role as the city's first Mayor of Moline to be elected to three consecutive terms (1993-2005).

Stan is survived by his wife, Willie; son, Jon; and two precious grandchildren, Addison Irene and Bradyn Stanley; along with a sister, Barbara Fulton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Nancy Klyber, Martha Billedo, and Mary Hanson.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Moline Library and Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Friendship Manor and Heartland Hospice Care for their exceptional care and support of Stan.

There will be no visitation, and a private graveside service and burial will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences to the family on Stan's Memory Wall at wendtfuneralhome.com.

Re-dedication of 1965 Flood Fighting Plaque

Moline is honoring the hundreds of young people who tried to save the Quad Cities from the historic flood of 1965.

https://www.wvik.org/wvik-top-stories/2022-10-28/re-dedication-of-1965-flood-fighting-plaque 

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Good memories 

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Our Foreign Exchange Student -- Nazek Fahmy Habib

It's been far too long (50+ years) since we've heard much from our class exchange student, Nazek Fahmy, but Mary Parsons Caisley, her Moline host, recently met up with her in Alexandria, Egypt. It looks like a joyous reunion.  And we've been given the okay to post these pictures of them now.  Hopefully we can get a little more information later. 
 

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More photos. . . 

If you'd like to post photos, just let us know or just add to the albums already available under the section called Photos: Then and Now.  Two more albums were added recently for the 30th and 35th reunions.  Please feel free to include your photos in them.  You never know when they might put a smile on someone's face. 

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