5-Putting Down Roots in La Crosse

The fall of 1959, we moved to La Crosse so Jack could embark on his new career as a chemistry professor at UW-La Crosse. As much as I didn’t want to move again, La Crosse ended up being where we put down roots. And the rest of my life stems from this decision. We became…

Jack threw himself into his new role as a chemistry professor. He loved teaching and was known for delivering passionate lectures. One of his colleagues, who taught in an adjacent classroom, complained that his own students listened more raptly to Jack than to him. Everything about chemistry fascinated Jack, and he pursued his laboratory research…

Cindy started kindergarten the fall that we moved, which was eventful for all of us. I was a little nervous the first time I walked her to school, Lincoln Jr. High. This was the overflow location for kindergarten because Washburn Elementary was full. Since it involved crossing several major intersections, I was a little afraid…

One day, I spotted an ad in the local paper for 50¢ watermelons—I was on a mission! When Jack got home for lunch, I rushed out with our only car to take advantage of this bargain. A display of watermelons with a sign, “Watermelon $1.50,” greeted me at the front of the store. Bewildered, I…

Barb’s fourth birthday was an exciting day for our family—our son, John Jr. (Johnny) was born. Just as I pulled Barb’s birthday cake from the oven, my labor began. I called Georgene, who swept in to help me out. Jack came and took me to the hospital. Georgene decorated Barb’s birthday cake and spent the…