Class of 2005 – Jennifer Tuuk

11/13/2009 Email from Jennifer’s Mom

Jennifer called this morning, mainly to tell us that she was successful in her 19,300 foot climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro  She said it was fairly easy going until the last "day" – they began climbing the last portion at midnight on Halloween and reached the top the morning of November 1.  It was freezing cold despite wearing 5 layers, but it wasn’t icy. 

    Tomorrow she goes out on safari in the Serengeti and will be gone till Saturday.  Then she will be around internet and will post on her blog at some point.  (Sunday she begins her next volunteer stint – this time working with kids at a school.)  She’s having trouble getting pictures onto her blog as she doesn’t have the correct cable for her camera, but those of you who are her friends on facebook can find pictures of her there.

   It was good to hear her voice!  She’s meeting wonderful people and is having lots of fantastic experiences.  (She has already seen the "Big 5"!)  Hopefully one of them will lead her to a job or at least knowledge of what she wants to do when she returns to the USA in December.  Remember to check out her blog http://aventurajen.wordpress.com

Becky

Army Captain Brett Allen (2002) & Army Captain Micah Bushouse (2000)

10/14/2009 Update from Micah.

Left Ft Bragg in May, moved to Savannah GA.  Joined 1/75th Ranger Regiment.  Went to Ranger school from June – August.  Deployed in Sept.  Currently enjoying cocktails and steak dinners on the beautiful beaches of Afghanistan.

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Class of 2002 – Paul S. Herman

I am stationed at McGuire AFB, NJ. My email is randomnumber73@hotmail.com

8/30/2009 Email

Class of 1999 Matt Bushen – 10/2/2009 Update

Friday, October 2, 2009 11:40 AM, EDT

This morning we lost our beloved Matthew.  As much as our hearts ache with desperation and sadness, we know that Matt is dancing once again in Heaven.  His heart will remain young forever.  Matt always said he never wanted to grow old.  Matt never worried about the small things in life, and he definitely lived life to the fullest.  We love and miss Matt more than words can describe.  He will forever be in our hearts.  We will embrace Matt’s spirit that lives on in his son, Elias Matthew.  Please pray for all of Matt’s family, but be assured that Matthew is up above with our Heavenly Father and is reunited with all of his family members that have preceded him. 

Once funeral arrangements are made, we will send out another update.  Thank you for showing Matt and his family how much they are loved.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen/journal

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen 10/1/2009 Update

Thursday, October 1, 2009 12:19 PM, EDT

So far, not a great day for Matt and his family.  The nurses called Kathy in the middle of the night to report that his oxygen levels dropped.  They called the doctor in and they completed a couple x-rays/scans of matt’s lungs.  They did a thoracentesis on Matt’s left lung, and removed a little fluid from the left lung.  The doctors emphasized how sick Matt is and how bad his lungs are right now.  They are sure that Matt has ARDS, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.  They are wondering if Matt’s arterial line (an IV in his artery) may be infected, and are probably going to change the site of that line sometime in the near future.  Matt’s temperature continues to be high and Matt is also tachycardic, his heart rate is higher than it should be.  Please pray for Matt and our family during this emotional rollercoaster.  We love Matt so much.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen/journal

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen Benefit Dinner

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 10:02 PM, EDT

Two of the nurses that work with Kathy at Gerber Memorial Hospital in Matt’s hometown, Fremont, MI, have requested that we post information regarding a benefit dinner for Matt.  The details are as follows:

October 17th
4pm-8pm
Reeman Christian Reformed Church
Live and silent auction with a spaghetti dinner
Slideshow of Matt and family

If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, please contact Nancy Hills or Beth Delong at Gerber Hospital. 
Thank you!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen/journal

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen Update

Monday, September 28, 2009 10:47 AM, EDT

We just spoke with the trauma doctor and his team.  We are discouraged.  Matt has problems keeping his blood pressure and oxygen levels up last night.  They added another medication for this.  His pneumonia doesn’t seem to be improving.  They started a different antibiotic.  He continues to have very high temps.  We really feel the need for your prayer support today.  We just want our beloved Matthew healed.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen/journal

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen

Saturday, September 26, 2009 12:57 AM, EDT

As of now, Matt’s vital signs are stable.  His temperature has come down significantly.  Matt has not had any more cardiac arrests since Bethany and Ed arrived at the hospital, which was around 4:00pm.  They have performed many cardiac tests and all have come back normal.  The cause of Matt’s cardiac arrests is still unknown.  Matt’s brothers came up and arrived late tonight.  He is now surrounded by his family who loves him more than he knows.  God has answered so many prayers already today.  Matt is in His hands and we put all of our trust in our powerful, Almighty God who can do all things.  Still praying for miracles.

Friday, September 25, 2009 5:55 PM, EDT

The last two days have been very difficult for Matt.  He continues to have severe lung issues.   Matt has experienced multiple episodes of cardiac arrest.  This happens whenever they move him or with any sort of treatment.  His heart has started right back up with medication, but this is cause for great concern.  Also, his temperature continues to be extremely high.  Matt is fighting for his life.  Please present his name to the throne of God.  We love him and selfishly do not want to give him up, but we trust our God, who knows all and loves Matt more than we will ever know.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen/journal

Class of 2005 – Christina J. (VanDyke) Oliver

(September 26, 1987 – August 3, 2009)
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Class of 1952 – James E. Schuiteman

(September 24, 1934 – February 5, 2009)
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2/11/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 10) Times Indicator

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen

From Matt’s family, thank you for your concern, thoughts, and prayers. Please refer
to www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbushen for accurate and up-to-date information.
Matthew has been moving his arms and plans for his recovery are not set in stone.
Again, check the website for up-to-date info.

Class of 1999 – Matt Bushen

He was in a very serious accident early Sunday morning in New York and is critical
condition in the hospital. It looks like he may be paralyzed from the neck down.
Cathy flew out Sunday morning and the rest of the family drove. Bethany Bushen works
at Mary Freebed and the plan is that when Matt is stable and can be moved they will
bring him back to GR for therapy. Please keep the entire family in your thoughts
and prayers.

Class of 2002 – Tim Dame Engagement Announcement

Bill and Linda Dame of Fremont are pleased to announce the engagement of their son,
Tim to Sarah Martin of West Branch, daughter of Brian and Arlene Martin of West Branch.

The groom-to-be is a 2002 graduate of Fremont High School in Fremont, and a 2006
graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He is currently working at
Rehmann Financial in Lansing.

The bride-to-be is a 2001 graduate of Ogemaw Heights High School and a 2005 graduate
of Calvin College in Grand Rapids. She is currently teaching at St. Helen Elementary
School in St. Helen, and pursuing her Masters degree in Reading Education at Saginaw
Valley State University.

A June 27, 2009 wedding is planned.

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2/11/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 3) Times Indicator

Class of 1948 – Kathleen J. “Kay” (Betten) Westbrook

(October 12, 1930 – February 21, 2009 )
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2/25/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 15) Times Indicator

Class of 1940? – Ruth Irene (Gale) Sherman

(November 29, 1922 – January 25, 2009)
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2/18/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 10) Times Indicator