After graduation, Ed Skowronski headed for Iowa State University in Ames where he majored in zoology and botany and minored in education. He went on to receive a master's degree in guidance counseling.

Ed met his wife, Pat, a Moline High School graduate, in the Quad cities during a summer break.  They married in 1968 and live near Story City, just outside of Ames. 

The couple had two daughters, Tracy, now 39, and Tami, who tragically passed away at 27 from cancer. 

Ed said he had a wonderful relationship with his two girls as they grew up.  "Being in education, I had two and a half months off in the summer, and it allowed me to do a lot of things with the kids."

He added, "My girls remembered that too."

In 2006, Ed retired from his career as a counselor, educator and education services provider to the state of Iowa, but he has not retired.  In his second career, he watches his three grandchildren, Selby, 9, Zach, 3, and Ashley, two months while Tracy works.

He said he is grateful his daughter and her family live nearby unlike many of his friends whose children live far away.   "I've really enjoyed the last two and one-half years," he said.  "I've never retired only now I'm doing the things I want to do." 

In high school, sports were important to Ed and he played baseball and basketball.  The state basketball tournament was a thrill.  "I felt fortunate just to make the 10-man tournament team - I never played that much," he said.

He recalls being forewarned by a teen neighbor not to eat the lunches at Rocky.   During all three years, he bought lunch just once and says once was enough.

Like most, he fondly recalls the dances after the games although he recalls, "I was kind of afraid of the girls at that time in my life."

He was friends with Kenny Myers, Kent Clausen and other people on the sports teams - Ken Schroeder, Mike Van Dine, Gene Utke, Steve Arnold and Dave Fenton. 

Some of his favorite music was Travelin' Man, Runaway, Cathy's Clown and Duke of Earl.  "I could go on and on," he said.

He fondly remembers Lyle Forward, a math teacher, Mrs. Swenson, senior English and Mr. Melchior.

In retrospect, he says his high school years were good.  "I enjoyed that time.  It served as a positive stepping stone to where I am today," he said.

Ed has gone to every reunion except the five years and plans to continue that tradition.  He'd like to hear from others at skowrons5@aol.com