St Paul Catholic School
SPHS Class of 1959
Classmates
John Klapko
Comments
After graduating from SPHS, I hired into GM in Lansing Michigan in production. I worked there until 1960. In 1961 January 7, I married my high school sweetheart, Brenda Graham. We then moved to Ithaca Michigan and worked at Wolverine Shoe Co. Our first son, John Jr., was born in Carson City Michigan. We returned to Owosso in 1962 where our second son, Greg, was born, and I returned to GM. I then transferred to the Flint Engine Plant. In 1963 while still living in Owosso, in our first home, our third son, Jeff, was born. Then in 1966 our first daughter was born. Shelley was a splendid surprise after 3 boys .Still at GM, Brenda and I bought a new home for our growing family, which we would live in for 38 years. In 1972 our second daughter, Tammy, was born. This would be our last child. A beautiful family and the rewards from them in later years, was to be countless and fulfilling. At GM I ran the first computers to order parts for the entire plant. Later I became J. I. T. leader, and instructor. I worked at GM for 31 plus years, retiring 1994 at the age of 53.

In our marriage Brenda and I found time to be marriage encounter team couples doing weekends in Jackson Michigan. We survived 8 yrs of this commitment, and are glad we did it. Brenda worked for the Owosso schools for 20 years, doing various jobs, she retired in 1995. Since our retirements we have been blessed with 14 grandchildren, which keeps us busy with plenty of sporting events; soccer, basketball, football, baseball and band concerts which we really enjoy. No time to get old with all these events going on.
After Brenda retired, she was asked to help out at Saint Paul’s elementary school. What a thrill for her to go back and see, and remember, our years at good old SPHS.

Our older grandchildren are in college, MSU and Columbia, and we are looking forward to the rest of them entering college soon. We now live in a condo in the north part of Owosso, we have been married for 48 years and are looking forward to our 50th anniversary. We have traveled a lot in the US and enjoy playing golf. We still belong to St. Paul’s Church, and never lost our love for it. I just turned 68 on Jan 20th. I hope this history finds everyone in good health.