By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

One class had a special tie to this year’s Old Settlers’ Day theme.

“Marion Reservoir — 50 years of Fun” was the theme as the class of 1968 gathered for its 50th reunion.

Class members kicked off their reunion with a Friday evening get-together in the community building at Homestead Senior Duplex Homes.

Edsel Schroeder, 6’6½”, tallest alumnus at the reunion, caught the eye of everyone as he stood visiting with friends. Classmates, recognizing him, hurried over to tell him they were glad to see him.

Schroeder said he comes to his class reunions only sometimes.

Attending Marion schools from kindergarten through graduation, Schroeder had classes in all buildings — Bown Corby, fourth grade in the rock building, Marion Elementary, and Marion High School.

After going to college with the intention of becoming a teacher, Schroeder decided to work in industry instead. He is retired from Morgan Advanced Materials’ thermal ceramics division at Emporia.

“I was there 30-plus years,” Schroeder said.

Co-organizer Susan Yeagley Sullivan, now of Tucson, Arizona, traveled 1,076 miles to see her classmates. Coming an even longer distance was Cindy Powell Padzius, who came 1,500 miles from Lacey, Washington.

Myron Frans said his standout memory of attending school in Marion is the community support for education.

“I was always impressed with the community support for the kids and education,” Frans said.

Sally Friesen Neufeld, now of Inman, said what she remembers best is being involved in both school and extracurricular activities.

Sullivan said five of the 49 class members have passed away since graduation, and 23 were expected for this year’s festivities.

On Saturday, class members rode among the 45-entries parade. The group later met at the American Legion in Florence for dinner.

Their float was four entries behind the class of 1958, which limped along on a trailer with two blown tires.

Weekend festivities began Friday with a golf tournament and all-class reunion at the Country Club.

Then alumni attended Marion High School’s homecoming game.

An Old Settlers’ Day parade down Main St. launched at 11 a.m. and was followed by a picnic in the park, games, a high school band concert and a school alumni recognition ceremony.