Robbinsdale HS - 1963 Teachers
Names from 1963 RHS yearbook
(a special thanks to Paul Hetchler and Dan Cragg for developing this list)
 


 

PRINCIPALS and ASST PRINCIPALS

Hill, Russell

Dr. Russell N. Hill, age 85, formerly from Mahtomedi, Minnesota passed  at his daughter's home in Albuquerque, NM  in August, 2011. Russ was born in Virginia, MN in 1926. He grew up on the Iron Range and graduated from Eveleth High School in 1943. He served in U.S Naval Intelligence during WWII, earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Phi Beta Kappa. Former teacher, high school principal, Associate Professor/Dean at the University of Iowa, and the first President of Lakewood Junior College. He retired from the State of Minnesota in 1991. Member of Navy Cryptology Veterans Assn. and American Legion Post 507.  Dr. Hill was a forward thinker. His vision of merging the Lakewood Junior College liberal arts programs with 916 NE Metro Tech was not appreciated by everyone. This dream was later realized when the two schools became Century College.


Mielke, Milo
Head Principal. I'm sure you all have some memories of this Principal. He passed away 3/3/89, after completing his career at RHS.

Mottinger, Lyle
He completed his career in the rank of Principal, with most of his years as Head Principal at Hosterman Jr High. He is probably in his 80's and lives an active life in Golden Valley, MN. He is respected by many as being a fair and kind person.

Thiede, Jack
He continued his career in the Robbinsdale Schools, most of his years as an Assistant Principal. He is still a active member of our community, living in New Hope and a summer place in Gordon, Wisconsin. The teachers who worked with Jack have expressed their respect, as he was known to be fair and to listen to both sides of any issue. He is also known for his sense of humor.



TEACHERS

Aalgaard, Swanhild (Swanie)
She was one of the counselors at RHS in 63. She spent her career in the Robbinsdale Schools and the central office administration in the field of counseling. She lives in Crystal, MN.


Adams, Ruth 
History teacher at RHS, continued her career in the Robbinsdale Schools. Passed away 7/8/90.


Adams, John 
He was a Choir Teacher at RHS, Chess coach, tennis coach and the musical director. He enjoyed being an avid fisherman in his off time and retirement. He passed away 10/5/2007.


Ahlberg, Don 
Social Studies teacher at RHS, continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. and then Armstrong H.S. He had a love for nature and planted thousands of trees. He also had a hobby farm.


Alden, Les 
Social Studies teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career in the Robbinsdale Schools and passed away 4/4/89.


Anderson, Basil 
Math teacher at RHS. He became a counselor at Armstrong H.S. After retirement, he passed away during a bicycle trip in Europe 9/15/04.


Anderson, Darlene 
Math teacher at RHS.


Anderson, Marianna
Art teacher at RHS. She enjoyed world travels. She used her artistic skills in the world of needlepoint and became the National Needlepoint President. She was a nationally recognized award winner in needlepoint. She passed away 9/17/2011.


Anderson, Ruth
She was a Foreign Language teacher at RHS, and later at Cooper H.S. She lives in New Hope, MN.


Arms, Madelyn
French and English teacher at RHS.


Barton, Robert
Science teacher, physics and chemistry, at RHS, he continued his career at Cooper H.S. until retirement in about 1995. Currently living in Sarasota, FL. He became an accomplished photographer during his final years at Cooper.


Belden, Cal
He was a Social Studies teacher at RHS, and football coach. He continued his teaching and coaching at Cooper H.S. He currently lives in Robbinsdale, MN, but goes South to the Phoenix area for the winter.


Boeddeker, Hugh
He was a Social Studies teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S., and then Armstrong H.S. He moved from the Social Studies Dept into the Counseling Dept. He lived in New Hope and passed away on 12/1/1995.


Boone, Lloyd
He was a history teacher at RHS, and continued his teaching career at both Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S.. Lloyd passed away on 8/27/2011.

Christensen, Jackie
Physical Education teacher at RHS.


Christenson, Harold
American History teacher at RHS. He lived in Crystal, MN. Harold passed away 10/16/1993.


Colhapp, Barbara


Cook, Jack
Jack was the Auto Shop teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. until his retirement. He was very involved with his church and went to foreign countries on missionary work. His son Gordy Cook also became an auto shop teacher at Cooper, and then opened his own automotive repair business on 42nd Ave in New Hope. Jack lived into his 90’s and passed away 1/4/ 2012. He was a kind and caring person who dearly loved his family and his church.


Cords, Nicholas
He was a Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Daly, Dan
He was a Spanish teacher at RHS, and continued his career at Cooper H.S. He has always been a man of good humor, and continues to live in New Hope, MN.


Doherty, Grace
She was a Special Ed teacher at RHS and then at Cooper H.S. She passed away 5/11/2010.


Dragseth, Joe
Joe was a Counselor at RHS. He lived in the Robbinsdale area, and passed away 10/17 1997.


Driver, Bill
Bill was a Senior Social Studies teacher at RHS, and then at Cooper H.S. He currently lives in Plymouth, MN and stays very sharp about local and national politics. He always has a friendly greeting for others.


Drolson, Ed
Ed was an English teacher at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S., working with students in the job training program. He lives in Golden Valley, MN.


Dvorak, Leo
English teacher (Junior year) at RHS. He lived most of his life in Hopkins, MN. He passed away 12/10/2006.


Ehlen, Don
Math teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Armstrong H.S. and currently lives in Medina, MN. He is an avid golfer and tennis player.


Ennen, Grace
She was a Social Studies teacher at RHS. Passed away 10/2/1989.


Evans, Elsie
Elsie was an English teacher at RHS, and completed her teaching career at Cooper H.S. She currently lives in North Oaks, MN.


Flosseth, Dorothy
School Nurse at RHS.


Foley, John
His job description is not listed in the ’63 yearbook, but he became a counselor at Armstrong H.S. He passed away 1/2/1993.


Fredricksen, Richard (Dick)
He was a Physics teacher at RHS, and Science Club Advisor. He continued at Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. After retirement, he moved to the Lake Minnetonka area, and then to a home on Lake Superior north of Grand Marais MN.


Geisler, Fred
Bookkeeping and typing teacher at RHS. He completed his teaching career at Cooper H.S. He had a business doing IRS taxes for people.


Georgas, Peggy
Peggy was a Librarian at RHS, and later at Armstrong H.S. She lives in Minneapolis, MN.


Grover, Catherine
Home Economics teacher at RHS.


Grygelko, John
Physical Ed teacher, Wrestling coach and Football coach. John G completed his career in the Robbinsdale schools, and retired to Bemidji, MN to enjoy hunting and fishing. He had a stroke in Aug 2012, and is now in a nursing home in the Bemidji area.


Hagemeister, Henry
Physics teacher at RHS, until his retirement. Do you remember his 1951 Studebaker with the propeller front? He lived in Crystal MN on the edge of a large pond where he loved to feed and raise ducks. He has passed away.


Hanson, Don
Don was a Counselor at RHS, and continued his counseling career at Cooper H.S. until his retirement. Don and his wife live on the shore of Lake Minnetonka in the Excelsior MN area. He stays quite active in the community.
 

Hanson, Mary
Business Ed teacher at RHS.


Hed, Robert


Henjum, Arnold
World History teacher at RHS.


Hoffe, Andy
Andy was a Senior Social Studies teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. until retirement. He has been active in local politics, and has been a member of the New Hope City Counsel and has served a few terms as the Mayor of New Hope. He still lives in New Hope and leads an active life in local politics.


Hughes, Jeanette
She was a Home Economics teacher at RHS. She completed her teaching career in the Robbinsdale Schools, and currently lives in New Hope, MN.  She has been a strong supporter and member of the Robbinsdale Historical Society.


Hummel, Harvey
He taught Biology at RHS, and continued his Biology teaching career at Cooper H.S. until retirement. He lived in Golden Valley for decades but resides now in St. Louis Park, MN.


Hutchinson, Charles
Math teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. He is living in Crystal, MN.


Johnson, James
Math teacher at RHS.


Johnson, Lowell

Lowell was a Chemistry teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Armstrong H.S. He lived in New Hope until his passing in April 2013.  Lowell M. Johnson,85, longtime resident of the Crystal & Osakis areas. Retired Robbinsdale Dist 281 high school science teacher & US Navy veteran. Lowell was a kind, honest man of integrity and will be missed by many. Preceded in death by Rose, wife of 62 yrs, daughter Jeanne, brother Curtis & parents Oscar & Lillian. His legacy lives on in his 5 daughters, Jackie (Chuck) Guiney, Sandi (Jim) Hoosline, Sue (Paul) Dooher, Amy (Gary) Gilbert, Andie (Jim) Munn; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great- grandchild and sister, Beverly Harris. Lowell requested his body be used for research at the U of M and will be interred at a later date. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association Published in Star Tribune on April 3, 2013.


Kadiesky, Ivan L "Van"
 

Ivan was a Math teacher at RHS, and continued his career at both Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. He has recently passed away. Kadiesky, Ivan L "Van" Age 76 of Eden Prairie, formerly of Golden Valley, born March 17, 1936 in Minneapolis to Laly and Frances Kadiesky, passed away July 6, 2012. Van was a math teacher at Robbinsdale H.S. and also Armstrong H.S. where he retired and was the coach of the math team. He was a 60 year member of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, octet and served in many leadership roles. Van was also a published poet, avid fisherman, and he loved spending summers at Morrison Lake in Outing, MN. Van was preceded in death by his adored grandson, Alexander, brother, Bill Forsell and sister, Vivian Kolesar. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Janice, daughter, Anne (Diego) Gaston, grandchildren, Christian and Sophia and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.


Kemppainen, Elmer
Elmer was a World History teacher and Audio Visual Director at RHS. He became Head Principal at Cooper H.S. until his retirement. He enjoyed his home in Britt, MN. He passed away 8/29/ 2012.


Kjorlaug, Esther
Typing teacher at RHS.


Kludt, Iola
She taught English at RHS, and continued her career at Cooper H.S.
Kludt Iola V., age 76, of Golden Valley. Preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Louisa Kludt. Survived by brother, Jerry (Joyce) Kludt, Wessington, SD; nephew, Craig Kludt of Wessington Spring; niece, Teri (Donald) Speck of Sioux Falls, SD and great- nephews, Michael and Nathan. Iola taught at Robbinsdale High School for many years. She passed away 8/10/2005.


Kremer, Art
Art taught Russian and Latin at RHS, and was the Russian Club advisor. He continued his career at both Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. He had a great interest in small craft aviation. He passed away in 2/4/2005.


Kresensky, Thomas
He was a Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Kromer, Phyllis
Phyllis was an English teacher at RHS, and continued her teaching career at Cooper H.S. She lives in Minneapolis, MN.


Krueger, Will
He was an English teacher at RHS and also the Assistant Wrestling coach. He completed his teaching career at Armstrong H.S. and is now living in St Cloud, MN.


Kvam, Don
Art teacher at RHS. He designed all the drama posters from 1952 until retirement. He was wounded in France in WW2, and spent years getting shrapnel removed from his body. He was known for his keen sense of humor and many “celebrations”. Don enjoyed being a world traveler. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. and passed away 2/2/2002.


Larson, Winnifred
English teacher at RHS, and continued her teaching career at Cooper H.S and Armstrong H.S. She passed away in 2012.


Leach, John
Business Ed teacher at RHS, and Gymnastics coach. Upon completing his PhD, he taught at Western Illinois College in the Phy Ed dept. He was a very talented athlete, scoring 3 state amateur tennis championships in Denver, becoming a National Golden Gloves finalist, a college gymnastics champion, and playing on the Mankato State college basketball team.


Liebforth, David
German teacher at RHS, and advisor of German Club.


Liesch, Tom
English teacher at RHS. He continued his career at Armstrong H.S. and become their Assistant Golf Coach. He continues to play golf regularly, and currently lives in Plymouth, MN.


Lindskog, Mary
Journalism teacher at RHS and advisor for the Robin’s Tale. She became the director of publications for the School District Central Office. She passed away 9/27/2012.


Luebke, Neil
Drama teacher at RHS and theater director for school plays. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. He and his wife created a small performing group after retirement. He currently lives in Minneapolis, MN.


Lussenhop, LeRoy
Chemistry teacher at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. He also taught in Germany for the Dept of Defense. He passed away 8/20/1999.


Mendenhall, Robert
Band Director at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. He became the Director of Music for the school district, and also conducted the Robbinsdale City Band. He passed away 2/14/2012.


Michelson, Kalma
Social Studies teacher at RHS. Passed away 4/19/1994.


Miesbauer, Grace
German teacher at RHS. Advisor to the German Club.


Moore, Carol
English teacher at RHS. She lives in Burnsville, MN.


Nerdahl, Irv
 
Math teacher at RHS.  Graduate of Windom High School, Augsburg College and U of M.  30 year head football coach at Robbinsdale High School including 2 state championships. 38 year math teacher. Active community member and charter member of RFT.  He passed away 1/27/2006.


Nord, Glen
Social Studies teacher at RHS, and continued his career at Cooper H.S. He is living in Maple Grove, MN.


Norton, John
English teacher at RHS, and Chess Club Advisor. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. and then at Armstrong H.S. He passed away 11/14/2004.


Nuelle, Janice
Home Economics teacher at RHS. She married during the ‘63 school year. Her previous name was Janice Bohn. At the end of the school year, she moved to North Dakota with her husband and continued his wheat farming and raising a family. She lives in the Langdon, ND area.


Olson, Elaine
English teacher at RHS. She passed away 2/25/1990.


Oman, Carl
   
Math teacher at RHS. He lived in Robbinsdale, very close to RHS. He taught at Blake School after retiring from Dist 281. He collected tapestries during his world travels. He was an International Bridge player. He passed away 3/5/2012.  Carl Alexander age 84 of Robbinsdale, passed away peacefully March 5, 2012 with family by his side. Preceded in death by wife, Meredith. Survived by sons, Stephen (Aimee), Marvin (Sandie); daughter, Susan Oman; grandchildren, Hannah, Nick, Emma and Carl. Carl grew up in Virginia, MN and graduated from Macalester College Class of 1952.
He worked in the Robbinsdale School District as a high school math teacher retiring in 1981. He was an avid bridge player in retirement, achieving a Lifetime Master Ranking. Carl loved NBA Basketball and participated in many fantasy leagues. He especially enjoyed the holiday seasons, and spending time with his 4 grandchildren.


Pemberton, Randall
Business teacher at RHS. He passed away 4/2/2009.


Peterson, Carole
English teacher at RHS. She continued her career at Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. She currently lives in Plymouth, MN.


Peterson, Marlys


Peterson, Nella
Business Ed teacher at RHS. One of the yearbook Advisors. She was very active in local politics and the League of Women Voters.


Petrovich, Sam
Math teacher at RHS. He continued his career at many 281 schools.


Poynter, Pamela


Radtke, Fred
English teacher at RHS. Advisor for the Yearbook.


Raether, Don
Industrial Arts teacher, Architectural and Mechanical Drafting teacher at RHS. Also a Driver’s Ed instructor. After retirement, he worked at the Woodcraft Hobby Store. He lives in Crystal, MN.


Ralicki, Jan


Reid, Gwendolyn
English teacher at RHS. She passed away 6/22 /2008.


Rex, Don
Math teacher at RHS.


Riccelli, John
Machine shop teacher at RHS. He was also the school bursar for all activities. He lived in Robbinsdale and passed away circa 1965.


Robinson, Roger
Art and Speech teacher at RHS. He was also the Technical Director for theater productions.


Root, Jim
Social Studies teacher and hockey coach at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. as Social Studies teacher and being the Athletic Director. After retirement, he moved to Buffalo, MN, where he is active in the community.


Sandstrom, Carol
Spanish teacher at RHS and Spanish Club advisor. She continued her career at Cooper H.S. and currently lives in Crystal, MN. She actively attends community meetings.


Schafer, Daniel
Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Scherer, Norma
Business Ed teacher at RHS.


Seashore, Norma
English teacher at RHS.


Simmons, John
Librarian at RHS, and Library Club advisor.


Skartvedt, Valborg
Physical Education teacher at RHS.


Slater, James
Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Snustad, Bob

Chemistry teacher at RHS. He continued his Chemistry teaching career at Cooper H.S. and then Armstrong H.S. He loved woodworking and is known for turning decorative bowls on the wood lathe. He lived in New Hope, but in his final years moved to an apartment in Medina, MN. He passed away 8/24/2007.


Springer, Elvera
Counselor at RHS. She passed away 7/26/2005.


Spurrier, Hans (Doc)
Social Studies teacher at RHS and Assistant Football Coach for many years. He became the Athletic Director at RHS after serving as Equipment Manager and Trainer for athletics. He was “Chief”, in charge of taping and bandaging athlete’s injuries. He passed away 3/4/1988.


Staples, Ken
Social Studies teacher at RHS and baseball coach. He continued teaching at Cooper, and also became the Head Baseball coach. He has been involved in the Minnesota Twins farm teams. He has a home in Champlin, MN and also in Ft. Myers, FL.


 Stensrud, Dick
He was a Physical Education, football coach, and basketball coach at RHS. He continued at Cooper H.S. and became an Assistant Principal. He later became Head Principal at Robbinsdale Junior H.S., and he was called back from retirement to fill a vacancy in the Principal’s position at Armstrong HS for 2 years. He was given high respect by most teachers. He lives in Clear Lake, MN and spends winters in Mesa, AZ.


Studlien, Marlene
Steno and Bookkeeping teacher at RHS. She currently lives in New Hope, MN.


Sullivan, Gene
English teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. until retirement. For many years he was also a helicopter pilot in the Minnesota National Guard, and lived in a house on the shore of Medicine Lake in Plymouth, MN. He passed away 9/9/2005.


Swanson, Dale

Drama and Speech teacher at RHS. He began the history of Spectacular Musicals in Dist 281. He lived in Waite Park, Minnesota. Dale passed away early Saturday morning on December 15, 2012 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House after an eight year battle with cancer.   Since 1966 he was in the speech department of St. Cloud State University.  He retired as a professor emeritus.


Swanson, Donald
Counselor at RHS.


Tabor, Charles

Math teacher at RHS. He became the Head Baseball Coach at RHS when Ken Staples moved to Cooper. He continued his math teaching and coaching career at Cooper H.S. He currently lives in Minnetonka, MN.


Thiegs, Philip
Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Thompson, Elizabeth
Foreign Language teacher at RHS.


Thompson, Roger
Band teacher at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. until retirement and then took a teaching job at the University of North Carolina. He currently lives in Carolina Shores, NC.


Threinen, Jim
Biology teacher at RHS. When Cooper H.S. opened in 1964, he was a Physics teacher, and then moved to Armstrong H.S. when it opened in 1970 to be the lead physics teacher. He later moved into District Administration. He retired and stayed active as an Educational Consultant. He and his wife Betty enjoy world traveling, with stops at their homes in Plymouth, MN, an RV campground in Northern MN, and winters in Phoenix, AZ.


Van Loon, Russ

Math teacher at RHS. He continued his math teaching career at Cooper H.S. until his retirement. He lived in the New Hope area until he passed away 6/4/2008.


Viken, Judy
Counselor at RHS. She continued her career in the Robbinsdale schools, and currently lives in Ely, MN.


Villars, Larry
Biology teacher at RHS. He later became Assistant Principal at Robbinsdale Junior High, and then Hosterman Junior High School. After retirement, he bought a portable sawmill and did custom sawing. He loved the outdoors. He passed away 8/31/2010.


Vogland, Carolyn
Social Studies teacher at RHS.


Wagnild, Audrey
English teacher at RHS.


Wallin, Jerry
Biology teacher at RHS. He moved to Cooper H.S. in 1964 and then to Armstrong H.S. in 1970 when it opened, and continued as Biology teacher and Dept Head until retirement. He lives in Plymouth, MN.


Welter, Mark
English teacher at RHS. He continued his career at Cooper H.S. until his retirement. He has worked for many years as an Educational Consultant.  He currently lives in Ramsey, MN.


White, Francis (Frank)
Social Studies teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career at Cooper H.S. and Armstrong H.S. He passed away 1/5/2010.


Wivell, Bill
Metal Shop teacher at RHS. He has passed away.


Wrucke, Marv
He was a Biology teacher at RHS and Head Track Coach. He passed away 6/7/1995.


Young, Robert
Senior English teacher at RHS. He prided himself on being a “character.” He was good at getting students to “think” and accept themselves as they were. He passed away 9/10/2001.


Youngren, John

Woodshop teacher at RHS. He continued his teaching career as the Metal Shop teacher at Cooper H.S. He and his wife owned and operated a small resort in the Hayward WI area. In his later years, they moved from their home in Robbinsdale to another home in Maple Grove, MN, and then to an apartment in the Rogers, MN area. In his retirement, John became a fine watercolor artist. He passed away 12/18/2010.


Zimmerman, Stephen
English teacher and Cross Country coach at RHS.