Leo and Judy Jeck, Paola, haven’t missed an Iola High all-classes reunion since they were eligible in 1993, 40 years after graduating. This weekend’s will be special.
“Our niece is coming, the first time she has been eligible,” said Judy.
Their niece is Diana Deeds, daughter of Iolan Jim Hinson, who graduated in 1974 and now lives in Emporia with husband Richard.
“Last year was the 60th reunion of our class,” Judy said. “For a while out of high school, we had class reunions every 10 years, then every five years for a while. We’re talking about every two years now,” as the class numbers dwindle.
The Jecks will reach a milestone of their own in 2015 when they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, having married on Feb. 22, 1955.
“That was a Tuesday,” Judy mused. Both had jobs and took advantage of a day off for Washington’s Birthday.
They didn’t stick around long.
Leo was working with his father, also Leo Jeck, at Kroger’s and a transfer to a company store in Paola had them moving from Iola three months after they were married. She was working in abstract for Frank Thompson at the time, and filled in some in Stanley Toland’s law practice. She had no trouble translating her skills and experience to a position in Paola.
Today she still works for an abstract firm in Paola mainly from her home computer.
“The extra money is good and I figure it keeps my brain going,” she said.
“Miss (Margaret) Aker was my typing teacher in high school and she taught me well,” Judy said, which led to her office jobs.
JUDY FLINT and Leo were friends in high school, but didn’t have their first formal date — if a picnic can be called formal — until their senior year.
“I think we went to the park,” Judy said. “It was Riverside,” Leo chimed in.
Judy recalled friends along on their first date were Iolans Bob and Evva Irwin and Dale and Nina Powell, Joplin.
“I thoroughly enjoyed school. We had great teachers,” Judy said. Besides Miss Aker, she mentioned Dale Creitz, whom she “adored. I played saxophone. I wasn’t very good but I had fun. I also took piano lessons from Mr. Creitz,” which led her to play organ at the Catholic Church they attend in Paola.
