434 Karen Way, Unit F, Woodbury, MN 55129, USA
Alexander Ramsey, Roseville, MN class of 1979
Hello Alexander Ramsey Class of 1979
Sunday November 01, 2026
HELLO NOVEMBER, RAMSEY RAMS!
A New Month, New Opportunities, and More Ramsey Memories to Make!
Well, here we are, Rams! October has come and gone, the leaves are falling, the temperatures are dropping, and November has officially arrived! I hope everyone had a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe October and is ready to welcome another month of opportunities, adventures, and new memories. As we head into the holiday season, I'm wishing all our Ramsey alumni good health, good fortune, plenty of reasons to smile, and some amazing and fun opportunities in the weeks ahead. Remember, there's always something to look forward to, no matter what the calendar says!
As for our Class of '79 activities, we currently have NO events scheduled specifically for November. But that doesn't mean we have to hibernate until spring! We're always looking for fun ways to get our classmates together, share some laughs, reconnect with old friends, and perhaps make a few new memories along the way. I'd love to hear your suggestions for a class get-together in October of next year, as well as ideas for November, December, and the months ahead. Whether it's a casual gathering, sporting event, dinner, outdoor adventure, or something completely different, don't be shy! Sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.
I also want to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who takes time out of their busy schedules to visit our website, check out the latest updates, share information, submit photographs, and contribute to keeping our Ramsey community active. I'm always looking for fresh ideas, interesting stories, old photographs, and suggestions from our alumni. This website isn't meant to be just another place to read announcements; it's meant to be a place where we can reconnect, share our lives, celebrate our memories, and keep our Class of '79 spirit alive. Your participation and contributions are what make this website worthwhile!
As we continue looking ahead to our BIG 50th Reunion in 2029, let's remember that building a stronger Ramsey alumni community doesn't happen with just a website or a reunion committee. It takes all of us! I want to thank everyone who has participated, supported our activities, and helped bring our classmates closer together. Your involvement has helped strengthen the bonds we share, but there's always room for more Rams to join in! So, spread the word, share an idea, send in a picture, reconnect with a classmate, or simply stop by the website more often. The more we participate, the more enjoyable, successful, and meaningful our alumni community will become.
So, grab that favorite November sweater, enjoy the beautiful fall colors while they last, make some wonderful memories, and don't forget to stay connected with your Ramsey family! Here's wishing everyone a fantastic November and a healthy, happy, and enjoyable finish to the final few months of 2026!
ONCE A RAM, ALWAYS A RAM!
Randy Reed & The Reunion Committee
Alexander Ramsey Class of 1979
A Message from Randy
November: A Month for Remembering and, Reflecting
A November Message to Our Alexander Ramsey Class of ’79
November is an interesting month. The leaves are pretty much gone, the temperature reminds us that Minnesota winters aren't just a rumor, and suddenly everyone starts looking for the good snow shovel. It's also a month when we pause to recognize some pretty important occasions. There's Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and, of course, Black Friday, which is the one day of the year when people willingly get up at an hour when most sensible people are still sleeping, just to save a few dollars on something they probably didn't need in the first place.
But November has more to offer than the holidays we're all familiar with. It has some rather unusual celebrations, too. There's International Drum Month, which seems appropriate for a generation that grew up listening to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and just about every other band that believed a good drum solo could solve most of life's problems. Then there's Aviation History Month, reminding us of how far we've traveled since 1979. Back then, getting on an airplane was an adventure. Today, getting through airport security sometimes feels like an Olympic event. And Novel Writing Month and National Handwriting Day (with handwriting celebrated throughout the year) remind us of a time when we actually wrote letters, passed notes in class, and occasionally tried to make our handwriting look better than it really was. Of course, our teachers probably had a different opinion.
Then there are the holidays that make you wonder who came up with them and why. Use Your Common Sense Day is one of my favorites. I suspect it was created because somebody finally realized we were running short on common sense. It seems like a pretty good idea these days, especially when the world gives us more than enough reasons to scratch our heads. Chaos Never Dies Day is another November observance, and I think we can all agree that whoever invented that one must have had a pretty good understanding of life. Sometimes it seems that just when we get everything organized, somebody moves the furniture. There's also Sadie Hawkins Day, a tradition that gave the girls permission to ask the boys out instead of waiting for the boys to figure things out. I imagine there were a few nervous fellows back at Ramsey who suddenly discovered they had somewhere else to be that evening!
And let's not forget Homemade Bread Day and Square Dance Day. Homemade bread has a way of bringing people together, even if the only thing they agree on is that it smells wonderful. Square dancing, on the other hand, requires people to listen, follow directions, and occasionally hold hands with somebody they might not have otherwise approached. Come to think of it, that's not a bad formula for getting along in general! Perhaps we should have had a little more square dancing in high school. It might have saved us a few arguments in the hallways.
Now, all kidding aside, November is also a good time to remember that life doesn't always come with an instruction manual, and getting along with people doesn't always require everyone to think alike. After all, back in 1979, we managed to survive different hairstyles, questionable fashion choices, musical disagreements, school rivalries, and the occasional difference of opinion over who was dating whom!
Somehow, we all made it through, and here we are nearly 48 years later. These days, we may disagree about sports teams, favorite restaurants, music, the weather, or whose memory of high school is the most accurate (and we all know how reliable those memories can be!). But perhaps that's part of what makes our class special. We don't have to agree on everything to enjoy one another's company. A little laughter, a little understanding, and an occasional reminder of the good old days can go a long way. Besides, at our age, we've probably figured out that life is too short to spend arguing when we could be laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the friendships that have lasted all these years!
That's where our Class of '79 has something worth remembering. Back in high school, we came from different families, had different interests, listened to different music, cheered for different teams, and probably disagreed about just about everything from teachers to Friday night plans. Yet somehow, we managed to become part of the same graduating class. We shared classrooms, sporting events, dances, friendships, embarrassing moments, and memories that have followed us for nearly five decades. We didn't always see eye to eye then, and there's no reason to think we'll always agree now. But those friendships and experiences are part of something bigger than our differences. They're part of our common history.
Maybe that's one of the best lessons November can offer us. We can't control every event happening around us, and we certainly can't make everyone agree. But we can control how we treat one another. We can listen a little more, judge a little less, laugh a little more often, and remember that the person on the other side of an opinion is still someone who once walked the same hallways at Alexander Ramsey High School. Those connections are worth protecting.
So, as November rolls along, take a moment to thank a veteran, enjoy Thanksgiving with those you love, exercise your right to vote, bake a loaf of bread, listen to a little good music, or perhaps try some square dancing. And if things get a little chaotic, remember that November has already provided us with a day for that. Just don't forget to use your common sense!
From all of us connected to the Alexander Ramsey Class of 1979, here's wishing everyone a SAFE, HAPPY, HEALTHY, and MEMORABLE NOVEMBER!
After all, we may be a little older, a little wiser, and perhaps a little slower getting around than we were in 1979, but the friendships, memories, and spirit that brought us together are still here.
We may not always agree, but we'll always have Ramsey in common!
ONCE A RAM, ALWAYS A RAM!
If you’d like to contribute, feel free to text Randy Reed at 651-238-6785 or at email Randsr16@comcast.net
PRAYERS ARE NEEDED
Larry Meissner
A Message to Our Ramsey Class of ’79 Family
By now, many of you may have heard that our good friend and classmate Larry Meissner has been diagnosed with ALS.
Larry is facing a very difficult journey, and his wife is by his side, caring for him and helping him through this challenging time. We ask that you please keep Larry, his wife, his family, and all those who love him in your thoughts and prayers.
But there is also something very simple—and very meaningful—that each of us can do.
Send Larry a Card
It doesn’t have to be long, fancy, or perfectly worded. Just let Larry know you’re thinking about him.
Share a favorite Ramsey memory. Tell him a funny story. Reminisce about the good old days. Or simply write a few words to remind him that he is an important and valued member of our Ramsey Class of ’79 family.
Sometimes, something as simple as finding a card in the mailbox from an old friend or classmate can brighten someone's day and serve as a powerful reminder of how many people care.
Larry has been a part of our Ramsey story for nearly five decades—and his friendship and presence in our class family are truly valued.
You can also reach out to Larry through Facebook if you would like to send him a message there.
Larry's Mailing Address
Larry Meissner
23490 Itasca Ave. Ct. N.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Let's show Larry and his family what the Ramsey Class of ’79 is all about.
Let's surround them with friendship, encouragement, love, and plenty of Ramsey Rams spirit.
Larry, please know that your Class of ’79 family is thinking about you—and we're all pulling for you. Updated November 01, 2026
PRAYERS ARE NEEDED
Kevin J. Kelly
We wanted to share an update with our Ramsey Class of ’79 family about our classmate and friend, Kevin.
Kevin recently underwent Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery this past Wednesday and is now recovering. He shared that he is feeling very grateful and thankful for his medical team, as well as the support he has received from family and friends during this time.
Recovery from major surgery is never easy, so we want Kevin to know that his Ramsey Class of ’79 family is thinking about him and wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery.
And, of course, Kevin couldn't resist adding a little humor to his update by wondering whether watching the Vikings game would be too much of a strain on his heart! 😂🏈
We're hoping the Vikings give Kevin a reason to smile—and not another reason to need the medical team!
Please join us in sending Kevin some Ramsey love, encouragement, and positive thoughts as he continues his recovery. If you have FACEBOOK he can be reached on his page at Kevin J Kelly
Get well soon, Kevin!
Your Class of ’79 family is thinking about you. Updated November 01, 2026
Goals for the website.......
THE ROAD TO 2029… LET'S MAKE IT RAMS HISTORY!
November Update – A Look at Where We're Headed!
Well, Rams, we're moving right along! Before we know it, we'll be celebrating 50 YEARS since the Class of 1979 walked across that graduation stage! Hard to believe, isn't it? Seems like only yesterday we were navigating the hallways at Alexander Ramsey, worrying about homework, Friday night plans, and who was going to be at the next school dance. Now we're looking ahead to 2029, and we want to make this milestone something truly special!
But a memorable 50th Reunion doesn't just happen overnight. It takes ideas, participation, a little planning, and plenty of Rams spirit! The reunion committee has been putting together some short-term and long-term goals to help keep our class connected, build excitement, and make the journey to 2029 just as enjoyable as the destination.
OUR GOALS – THE ROAD TO 2029!
SHORT-TERM GOALS – THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
- Keep the Website Growing! Continue adding photos, news, updates, and alumni stories. We want our website to be a place Rams actually enjoy visiting!
- Find Those Missing Rams! Expand our Missing Alumni search and do everything possible to locate every classmate. Nobody should be left off the guest list!
- Preserve Our Memories! Collect and archive photographs, memorabilia, and keepsakes from past reunions and class events. Those memories deserve a permanent home!
- Get Together More Often! Explore smaller get-togethers, casual gatherings, and local events to keep friendships alive and the Rams spirit going.
- Spread the Word! Strengthen communication through our website, email, and social media so everyone knows what's happening.
LONG-TERM GOALS – BUILDING TOWARD 2029
- Keep the Excitement Rolling! Organize a series of events and activities leading up to our 50th Reunion. Why wait until 2029 to start celebrating?
- Create a Ramsey Time Capsule! Build a comprehensive digital archive filled with photographs, stories, reunion memories, school memorabilia, and the history of our Class of '79.
- Recognize Our Rams! Make sure all past reunion committee members, volunteers, and contributors receive the recognition they deserve for helping keep our class connected through the years.
- MAKE 2029 UNFORGETTABLE! Plan a BIG 50th Reunion with maximum attendance, plenty of reminiscing, lots of laughter, and experiences we'll be talking about for years to come!
WE NEED EVERY RAM IN THE GAME!
These goals aren't just the responsibility of the reunion committee. They're goals for ALL of us! We need your ideas, photographs, memories, suggestions, and participation to make them happen. Whether you've been involved for years or haven't attended a class event since graduation, there's always room for another Ram!
If you have old reunion pictures tucked away in a closet, stories worth sharing, ideas for future activities, or information about a missing classmate, we'd love to hear from you. Don't be shy about getting involved. You don't need to be on the committee to make a difference!
Our Class of '79 has a lot of history, a lot of memories, and plenty of friendships worth keeping alive. Let's work together to make the next few years exciting and ensure that when 2029 arrives, we can look back and say we made the most of the journey!
So, Rams, let's get the ball rolling. Fifty years is a pretty big milestone, and we're planning on celebrating it in a pretty BIG way!
ONCE A RAM, ALWAYS A RAM!
Looking for all former reunion committee Members!
HELP US CELEBRATE OUR RAMSEY HISTORY!
Remembering Those Who Helped Make It All Happen!
As we continue building toward our BIG 50th Reunion in 2029, we'd like to take a little trip down memory lane and recognize some of the people who helped make our Alexander Ramsey reunions and alumni gatherings possible over the years. We have a pretty nice list of former reunion committee members, but we're not convinced we've found everyone just yet! We'd love the help of our Ramsey Alumni in identifying those who volunteered their time, shared their ideas, organized events, and helped keep our Class of '79 connected. If you were part of a past reunion committee, or know someone who was, please reach out and share their names and any information you may have. We want to make sure these former committee members receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for all their hard work and contributions. After all, keeping a class together for nearly five decades doesn't happen by itself!
WE'RE ALSO LOOKING FOR YOUR RAMSEY MEMORIES!
Do you have photographs tucked away in an old album, shoebox, attic, or perhaps buried somewhere in that computer you haven't cleaned out since 2005? We'd especially love to see pictures from our 5th through 25th reunions, along with photos from other past reunions and class activities. Those memories are part of our history, and we'd love to share them on our class website so everyone can enjoy a little trip back in time. Whether it's a group picture, a familiar face, a reunion dance, or just a bunch of Rams having a great time, we'd love to see it!
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who takes the time to help us fill in the missing pieces of our Ramsey history! Your participation, photographs, stories, and contributions help make our website more interesting, meaningful, and enjoyable for the entire Class of '79. Let's make sure the people, friendships, and memories that brought us together never get lost in the shuffle.
WE'RE BUILDING OUR HISTORY, AND WE NEED EVERY RAM TO BE PART OF IT!
FORMER MEMBERS
Committee Members 1984 05 year
Committee Members 1989 10 years
Diane Lecuyer Snuggerud
Sue Jungbauer Cunningham
Dianne Wilson Carlson
Committee Members 1994 15 years
Diane Lecuyer Snuggerud
Sue Jungbauer Cunningham
Dianne Wilson Carlson
Committee Members 1999 20 years
Margo Denman Martin
Becky Street
Lori Rajacich Purdham
Kathleen McGough Patri
Laurie Boche
Barb Thompson KirkPatrick
Mary Jean McGough Sargent
Shelley Boege Koren
Lori Anne Williams
Jacque Beavens
Committee Members 2004 25 years
Shelly Boege Koren
Margo Denman Martin
Marsha Enfield Chizek
Lori Rajacich Purdham
Kathleen McGough Patri
Mary Jean McGough Sargent
Kim Nelson Beecham
Laurie Boche
Rick Feidt
Becky Street
Mike Routhe
Committee Members 2009 30 years
Jeff Lutz
Mary Falkowski Conway
Julie Kruse Ledvina
Nancy Schmedeke Petrun
Sheila Johnson Youngquist
Mary Koppy Nicklay
Larry Meissner
Paula McCarthy Aherns
Rhonda Battisto
Kathleen McGough Patri
Becky Street
Rick Feidt
Dianee Wilson Carlson
Committee Members 2014 35 years
Jeff Lutz
Mary Falkowski Conway
Julie Kruse
Nancy Schmedeke Petrun
Sheila Johnson Youngquist
Mary Koppy Nicklay
Randy Reed
Committee Members 2019 40 years
Mary Koppy Nicklay
Sheila Johnson Youngquist
Mary Falkowski Conway
Julie Kruse
Nancy Schmedeke
Bob Kaye
Randy Reed
Nancy Olsen Reed
Committee Members 2024 45 years
Sheila Johnson Youngquist
Mary Koppy Nicklay
Mary Falkowski Conway
Bob Kaye
Chuck Bufton
Don Sazma
Randy Reed
Nancy Olsen Reed (behind the scene)
Committee Members 2029 50 years
Sheila Johnson Youngquist
Bob Kaye
Chuck Bufton
Don Sazma
Diane Wilson Carlson
Randy Reed
Nancy OLsen Reed (behind the scene)
Catherine Rod-Miske
Lori-Anne Williams
Kris Mastel
