The DTS Mature Alumni group has become an important vehicle for promoting interaction among our older alumni. It is also an opportunity for updating them on issues related to the Active Chapter.
The birthplace of this group was at the home of Robert Spitzer, one of our Wall of Fame alumni. Bob invited several alumni of his vintage and their spouses to his home in Burlington for a picnic in the summer of 1991. It was such a pleasant occasion that those attending remarked “We should do this again!” After a few fits and starts, Mature Alumni reunions have been held annually since 2000 except for 2020 and 2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic precluded large gatherings. Over the past 5 reunions the total attendance by Mature Alumni and their spouses has been averaging about 135.
The purpose of the reunions is purely social; a time to reunite and share stories with old friends. The cost to attend is set to meet expenses. If there is an unanticipated surplus, it is donated to the DTS Educational Foundation. Any losses are covered from a reserve fund held by the Mature Alumni treasurer.
Brothers and their spouses spend a couple of days together at locations that rotate around Wisconsin. Alumni residing in the area form a planning committee that makes all arrangements for the event and mails invitations to eligible alumni. A day of tours to places of interest in the area, a wine tasting event, a semi formal evening reception and singing a few songs are all part of the fun.
What does it take to become a member of the Mature group? Only time! Alumni who were activated approximately 20 years ago are automatically included. No application needed. For the 2021 reunion, which unfortunately had to be cancelled, Alumni with contact information, who were activated in 1981 or before were invited.
Click the button below to update your contact information!
Over time, the Mature Alumni have become more organized and structured. There are three more or less permanent positions.
Overall Coordinator: Responsible for finding alumni willing to host a reunion in their county or area. This process usually begins 2-3 years before the event. There have been three coordinators; Don Schwartz, Jerry Severson, and currently Bryce Larson.
Treasurer: Allocates and receives money from local committee treasurers and holds money in reserve to cover any losses. Treasurers have been Alton Block, Ed Jesse, and currently Steve Pamperin.
Mailing list keeper: Updates mailing addresses for all mature alumni and creates mailing labels. Nile Beck held this position for many years. We are currently looking for someone to take this on.
Here is where we’ve been and those that got it organized.
2024MadisonBob (Chair) & Karen Bain, John & Barb Van Deurzen, Ken & Jan Offord, Steve & Sue Pamperin, Bryce & Penny Larson
| Year | County | Host |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Walworth | Bob Spitzer |
| 1994 | Milwaukee | LeRoy & Beulah Meyers |
| 1996 | Iowa | Roger Biddick, Al Block |
| 1998 | Eau Claire | Bill & Dorothy Conrad, Jim & Isabel Ray |
| 2000 | Manitowoc | Norval Dvorak, Paul Wolski |
| 2001 | Dane | Elwood Brickbauer, Roger Biddick, Dave Wieckert, Al Block |
| 2002 | Walworth | Bob Spitzer |
| 2003 | Door | Howard & Miriam Erickson, Don Wilkinson |
| 2004 | Milwaukee | Don & Carol Schwartz, Howard & Sally Hasselkus |
| 2005 | Grant-Iowa-Lafayette | Bob Schink |
| 2006 | Rock | Bob Kimball, Harris Thacher |
| 2007 | La Crosse-Vernon | John Hansen |
| 2008 | Dunn | Arden & Ardes Alexander |
| 2009 | Green | Bob Schink, Don & Carol Schwartz |
| 2010 | Dane-Jefferson | Curt & Kathy Castelberg, Al Block, Jim Everts, Ed & Linda Jesse, Wayne & Carol Kussow, Dave Wieckert |
| 2011 | Green Bay Area | Jim (Piwo) & Miki Lewandowski |
| 2012 | Waukesha | Dave & Ginny Stabelfeldt |
| 2013 | Iowa-Dane | Irv & Judy Steunhauer, Ed & Linda Jesse, Don Drecktrah & Nancy Rhodes |
| 2014 | Racine | Don Henderson, Jim Neuroth, Dave Viney & Spouses |
| 2015 | Barron-Chippewa | Jerry & Glenda Severson, Bob & Judy Gonske, Norm & Judy Busse, Bill & Loise Custer |
| 2016 | Sheboygan | Russel & Maxine Saueressig, Bryce & Penny Larson, Steve & Sue Pamperin, Nile & Carol Beck |
| 2017 | Adams | Dick & Marj Colby, Bill Parr, Dave & Jane Grabarski, Jim Grabarski & Jodi Helgesen |
| 2018 | Portage | Wayne & Jean Ganser, Dennis & Joyce Syth, Jerry & Susan Krofta, Dave & Pat LOken, Jim Bragg, Bill Gresch |
| 2019 | Door | Miriam Erickson, Steve & Sue Pamperin, John & Barb Vandeurzen, Mike & Sue Van Ess, Wayne & Elaine Van Ess |
| 2020 | Cancelled | Andy & Mary Currie, Jeff Saatkamp, Warren Schomberg, Ellery & Peggy Jensen, JJ Johnson |
| 2021 | Cancelled | Andy & Mary Currie, Jeff Saatkamp, Warren Schomberg, Ellery & Peggy Jensen, JJ Johnson |
| 2022 | Cancelled | Bryce & Penny Larson, Steve & Sue Pamperin, Mike & Sue Van Ess, Nile & Carol Beck |
| 2023 | Green Bay | Bryce & Penny Larson, Bob & Karen Bain, John & Barb Van Deurzen, Gary & Linda Olson, Ken & Jan Offord |
| 2024 | Madison | Bob & Karen Bain, John & Barb Van Deurzen, Ken & Jan Offord, Steve & Sue Pamperin, Bryce & Penny Larson |
The 2024 reunion is scheduled for August 13-15, 2024 in Madison. About 500 Alumni (who joined DTS in 1995 or before) and their spouse/guest will be invited to attend. Current street address is needed to mail via USPS registration forms so please update your street and email address if needed. Registration forms will be sent via USPS in April of 2024.
