Bill Ohde, a member of the Manitowoc Lincoln High School class of 60 Coachmen Car Club, was the reason for the reformation of the Coachmen Club in February 2013.
The Coachmen Car Club was formed in 1958. We were just a group of gregarious high school students looking to have some fun. There were about 18 members in the club. We became close friends during those memorable high school years. One of the "Founding Members" of the club was Bill Ohde. Bill was active as an officer of the club. He also designed our club logo. The club faded in 1960 after graduation and members went their separate ways.
In February 2013 a call was made by Sharon (Heise,Ohde) Magnusson requesting that the club rally around Bill whose health was quickly failing. At that time Bill was on oxygen. Sharon said he felt alone and was becoming depressed and anxious.
"Listen with Bill"
The club, after 53 years, reformed to help our friend Bill. An iPod with 100's of oldies embedded in it and a Bose speaker was presented to Bill by the club. Then began a series of email releases to Bill and all club members which included youtube rock and roll songs from our high school years. Although our members were spread from Seattle to Chicago, Minneapolis and various parts of Florida and Wisconsin, every club member would listen to them each week with Bill. Bill had no computer so Sharon would print the release and read it to Bill. They would then listen to the songs contained in the releases on his new system. Sharon said this was a great comfort to Bill. Many smiles. Bill felt no longer alone.
Following is a record of the clubs weekly efforts to comfort Bill. Sadly, the first image you see below is our Tribute to Bill ending 7 months of weekly contact. Click on the months below the word "Archives" to review each of those releases.
(To read more about Bill and our personal contacts with him during this 7 month period, Please see "Bill's History")
The Coachmen Car Club was formed in 1958. We were just a group of gregarious high school students looking to have some fun. There were about 18 members in the club. We became close friends during those memorable high school years. One of the "Founding Members" of the club was Bill Ohde. Bill was active as an officer of the club. He also designed our club logo. The club faded in 1960 after graduation and members went their separate ways.
In February 2013 a call was made by Sharon (Heise,Ohde) Magnusson requesting that the club rally around Bill whose health was quickly failing. At that time Bill was on oxygen. Sharon said he felt alone and was becoming depressed and anxious.
"Listen with Bill"
The club, after 53 years, reformed to help our friend Bill. An iPod with 100's of oldies embedded in it and a Bose speaker was presented to Bill by the club. Then began a series of email releases to Bill and all club members which included youtube rock and roll songs from our high school years. Although our members were spread from Seattle to Chicago, Minneapolis and various parts of Florida and Wisconsin, every club member would listen to them each week with Bill. Bill had no computer so Sharon would print the release and read it to Bill. They would then listen to the songs contained in the releases on his new system. Sharon said this was a great comfort to Bill. Many smiles. Bill felt no longer alone.
Following is a record of the clubs weekly efforts to comfort Bill. Sadly, the first image you see below is our Tribute to Bill ending 7 months of weekly contact. Click on the months below the word "Archives" to review each of those releases.
(To read more about Bill and our personal contacts with him during this 7 month period, Please see "Bill's History")
| A Tribute to our friend Bill Ohde William F Ohde - departed -August 30, 2013 |