Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Absolutely not!
From August-December, 2021, my husband Jim Schnepf and I lived in Athens, leading a semester-long Study Abroad to Greece for the College of St Benedict/St John’s University. While away, we were repeatedly saddened with news from home. Four deaths from among our St Cloud Bridge Club occurred in those four months.
Vern Schlemmer died on August 7th. Vern was a solid bridge player who always made the most out of any hand he was dealt. Our Club manager Kory says of him, “Vern didn’t have the master points, but I considered him an A player.” Vern fiercely loved bridge and our Club. Living near Alexandria MN, he drove one and a half hours each way to attend at least one weekly game. At one of the last games he played, knowing that his health was failing, Vern bought pizza for everyone. He stood and said a “thank you” for the joy he had received from playing bridge and from our St Cloud “bridge family!” It brought tears to many eyes. God speed, Vern!
Gloria Mize’s death on September 16th left behind a huge hole in our Club. Gloria served our Club in so many ways - she directed the Wednesday game; she initiated and supported a 199er side game; she taught bridge lessons; and she telephoned endlessly to arrange partnerships. Gloria was a skilled player who earned nearly 2500 master points, and was an inspiration to many. She encouraged all of us to continue to learn and better our game, and to play with love for the game!
One day after Gloria, David Warne died on September 17th. Dave was a strong competitor who played with many partners. He wasn’t a slow player, but he was deliberate. You could almost see his brain whirling as he carefully played each hand. He was a strong, kind competitor. A St Cloud State University professor, David was one of our “young” players and was only 68 when he died. Frankly, I still have a hard time believing that he won’t be returning to the bridge table.
On October 17th, Roger Mord died a month later. Roger enjoyed reading, following current events, playing bridge, gardening, and family. Roger played in the 199-er games, often with his partner Joan Sand. We will remember Roger as a very friendly competitor at the Bridge table, who brought a quiet integrity to all he did.
And, speaking of sad tidings, I would be remiss if I didn’t honor two other players who died earlier in 2021.
Jim Ferris died on April 7th. A local realtor for many years in the St Cloud area, Jim came to play occasionally in our 199-er games. He enjoyed the game, and was always a gentleman at the table.
Betty Landsberger died on June 25th. St Cloud Bridge player Deb Ampe recalls Betty lovingly. Betty and Deb were first cousins – and Betty was Deb’s favorite. Deb summed Betty with one phrase, “Betty had a love for bridge, and an even bigger lust for life!” Eighty-nine years young when she died, both Deb and I loved it when Betty would “flirt” with the younger male players calling out: “Hey, good looking!” We all will miss that ever-present smile in her eyes and the quick tease on her lips!
Our Club sends peace and comfort to all family members and friends who knew these beloved players. Rest In Peace!
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