1940s

40 A Final Note
As I sit to write this final column for the Class of 1940, I am filled with gratitude for having had the honor to represent the Class. I have learned of so many amazing individuals who once walked our beautiful campus. I have been touched by so many family members and friends who have reached out to me over the years to share stories. I have also been blessed to get a glimpse of our University during a different era. The world may have looked differently for the Class of 1940, but quite obviously Notre Dame was filled with so many of the same values and so much of the same love as it is today. A small backstory as to how I became the secretary: Nine years ago, through a series of random but curiously meaningful events, I learned that a neighbor of mine whom I had never met was a fellow Notre Dame graduate. His name was Bob Sanford, and he was a member of the Class of 1940. In fact, Bob was the Class of 1940 secretary — a role he had held proudly, passionately and remarkably — for over 75 years. He even wrote the Class column in the first-ever issue of Notre Dame Magazine! Upon learning about my neighbor I was eager to make a new Golden Domer friend and stopped by one day to introduce myself to Bob and his wife, Kay, whom he had met at a “tea dance” at Saint Mary’s College while attending Notre Dame. I was greatly saddened and surprised to hear the news that Bob had recently passed away. I had somewhat recently moved to the neighborhood and was just a little too late to make this new Notre Dame friendship. After Bob’s passing, Notre Dame needed someone to take over for the Class of 1940 secretary position. Feeling a connection to my neighbor, the last thing I wanted was for his Class to be unrepresented. Bob had cared so deeply about his role as secretary. I reached out to Notre Dame and shortly thereafter learned that the role was mine. I would never come close to filling Bob’s shoes, but it was a gift to try and continue his legacy and keep the voice of the Class alive. From that moment in early 2016 and all the way to today as I write this last column, I truly have had so many wonderful conversations and exchanges. I could take up pages recounting some of the wonderful memories shared. To touch on a few here: Griff Hogan ’71 shared memories of his father, Gerald G. Hogan. After graduation Gerald became a highly decorated Naval pilot involved in anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic and the invasion of Southern France. His memoirs from the war are published in a book called A Call to Arms. It is available through both Barnes & Noble and Amazon and not only recounts a very personal experience during World War II, but shares some of the growing awareness to the coming war in Europe that was taking place on campus. It is an inspiring read and I highly encourage you check it out. Another book and personal account I was able to read from the Class came by way of Patrick Callahan ’64 who shared memories of his father-in-law and ’40 graduate, Major General John P. Henebry. In his book The Grim Reapers, John details his active combat years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew a remarkable 219 missions and his planes included a B-25 that he named “Notre Dame de Victoire” after his alma mater. It was just the day after graduation when he reported to the Federal Building in Chicago to join the Army Air Corps. The tale that ensued is remarkable — John was a hero of not only World War II, but also the Korean War. He was decorated with every obtainable Air Force medal. By appointment of the Queen, he was named Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. I heard from Bill Tuerk ’71 about a family friend, Tom Liston. Tom had a very distinguished military and business career, and was a proud and active supporter of ND throughout his lifetime. Dan Donohue ’71 went way above and beyond in support of the Class of 1940, not only sharing his father Philip A. Donohue’s stories with me but actually mailing me his father’s yearbooks. They are treasured collections of an accomplished, intelligent and brave class. I find myself in awe flipping through the pages, seeing the photographs of campus and reading about campus activities. Philip turned down an offer to play football at Notre Dame, instead concentrating on golf and leading the team to an undefeated season his senior year as captain. He was one of two NCAA All-Americans at Notre Dame in 1940! After Notre Dame Philip served as first lieutenant in the US Army during World War II. He then returned home to Sioux City IA and joined his father working at the Sioux City Stockyards. He eventually relocated with his wife, Connie, to Sioux Falls, where they started their family. Philip continued his efforts in the stockyards business, acquiring the Rice Brothers Commission firm and co-founding the Sioux Falls Regional Livestock Market (still today, it is the largest independent livestock sales company in the region). After some years as an amateur golfer, Philip co-founded the South Dakota Golf Association, was an active member of the United States Golf Association and was elected to not only the South Dakota Golf Hall of Fame, but also the South Dakota Athletic Hall of Fame. Philip’s roommate and golf teammate while at ND was William “Billy” Schaller from Milwaukee. Billy was a Navy fighter pilot in the Pacific during World War II. His squadron sank the Japanese battleship Musashi, and all eight members were awarded the Navy Cross. After the war Billy made it back to Marquette Law School, where in addition to the Navy Cross he carried another prized possession: a chunk of enemy shrapnel that his plane caught during one of its 50 combat missions in the Pacific. Much like his dear friend Philip Donohue, Billy continued his love for golf; he was the WI amateur state golf champion in 1947. He had a long and full career as a business lawyer and racehorse owner. A couple of fun facts related to these two golfing friends: First, the Burke Memorial Golf Course was shortened in 1939 to make room for the Rockne Memorial Building. At the time it was shortened in 1939, Philip had the course record of 67. Since the original Burke golf course was gone from that point forward, Philip’s course record was never broken! His skills continued in 1965 at their 25-year college reunion; Philip won the two-day reunion golf tournament while Billy Schaller came in second. Philip’s first-place prize included a dozen golf balls and a picture taken with Coach Parseghian — a photo that Philip’s family still holds dear today. Recently I heard from G. Kevin Donovan MD, MA about his father and class of 1940 graduate, Gerard K. Donovan. He was class president and a two-year letterman in fencing. In my Class of 1940 yearbooks I see that he was quite involved on campus, serving as vice commandment of the Military Club, on the Radio Club and more. Gerard loved his time at Notre Dame and went on to share that love with his family — with his children, their spouses, and multiple grandchildren now part of the Notre Dame alumni family as well. One of Gerard’s grandsons lettered in fencing just like his grandfather and was on the ND National Championship team. I can only imagine how proud that must have made his grandpa. I could write so much more about this amazing class, but I will close by expressing my sincere appreciation to everyone who helped me keep the voice alive while I tried my hardest to fill Bob Sanford’s shoes. The column may be ending, but I will always love to hear from family members and friends with stories or memories. Please do not hesitate to reach out anytime, and trust that everytime I visit the Grotto on future visits to campus I will light a candle in honor of this amazing class. A final honor to my predecessor and the original class secretary, Bob Sanford — please check out the video online where he was awarded his Volunteer of the Year award in 2015. Both Bob and his wife, Kay, are featured and speak to their love for this class and to Notre Dame. I think you will really enjoy it. my.nd.edu/page/2015-bob-sanford-40. Wishing all family members and friends of the Class a wonderful 2025. — Rebecca Smith ’08; 1460 Spero Court, Wheaton IL 60187; 630-254-4485

 

41, 42 and 43 Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed through the years to the Class Notes for the Classes of ’41, ’42 and ’43, especially the volunteers who continued to honor these Classes, Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD, Ann Schanuel and A. Robert Masters ’05. Although their updates in Notre Dame Magazine have now come to an end, the legacy of these Classes will live on forever.

 

44 Fond Farewell
After a thoughtful reflection with the editor, we have come to the decision that it is time to sunset the Class of ’44 column. Since stepping into the role of honorary class secretary in 2009, it has been my absolute privilege to support “Notre Dame’s Finest” and their families in this capacity. I will be venturing to campus this summer for my own 25th Reunion and will visit the Grotto with you on my mind and in my heart. And let’s be honest, I will raise a beer too! Thank you for sharing your stories and giving readers and me the opportunity to get to know you better. Be well. Go Irish. — Laura (Julian) Fraser ’00; 1021 Royal Bombay Ct., Naperville IL 60563; 773-255-9843; lejfraser@outlook.com

 

45 Candles of Remembrance
Reg Roger ’81 contacted me with the glad, but sad, news of William “Bill” Wrape finally joining both his “little mama” and “the little lady on the Dome” who he prayed to always. According to Reg: There are not better people to be found. Bill was a wonderful man who loved Notre Dame, his Catholic faith, his beloved country and his family. The Wrape (already large) ND family is hoping to add a sixth generation this year. Reg has known the Wrape family since he was a teen and was very honored to serve as a pallbearer. Bill passed on Nov. 21; he was 99 years old. Much has been written about Bill in previous Class Notes, but a brief recap is necessary. After ND and his distinguished US Navy service in the Pacific Theater he returned to Little Rock, married the love of his life, Betty Jo (who preceded him in death in 2015), and together they adopted four children. He was a charter member of the Little Rock Serra Club; a lifetime member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church; a deacon, ordained in 1993; a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher; and a member of the Knights of Columbus Arkansas State Council for 70-plus years. I, personally, will miss our long phone chats, and when next on campus I will light a candle at both the Grotto and the Basilica in his memory. In looking for news of other classmates I discovered, in the November ’24 centenarian issue of the OK Senior News and Living, an article featuring John Andrew Knorr. John was born Oct. 26, 1924, in Kittanning PA, grew up locally, graduated from high school and continued to Notre Dame’s electrical engineering program. He served seven years in the Navy on the USS Langley during WWII. Post-war, his ship transported European troops. John later worked for TG&Y Corporation, retiring in 1989. He now resides in Tulsa where he enjoys daily exercise and outdoor activities in his retirement community. He always has a greeting and a smile for everyone! His advice remains: “Obey your parents. Listen!” Because many of us wish we could light a daily candle at the Grotto, you actually can do so! Please go to Visit FaithND, complete the Grotto Prayer Request, and submit your prayer. Volunteers will take those prayers to the Grotto daily, light a candle and silently and respectfully pray each prayer. — Melissa Erkins Rackish ’77; 1224 Campbell St., Williamsport PA 17701; 570-971-2296; mrackish@comcast.net

 

47 Update Needed
We did not receive any news this quarter. Looking forward to hearing from you for the next column. — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; emzander@gmail.com

 

48 A 100th Birthday Celebration
I heard from Jim Smith with a tribute to his father-in-law, Richard Miller, who graduated with an architecture degree from ND and celebrated his 100th birthday Jan. 14. Richard is also a WWII Navy vet and was part of the V1 and V2 programs while at Notre Dame. Richard’s birthday party was held Jan. 18 at his scenic home in Elkhart IN, which he designed in 1957 and where he still resides. In attendance were many of his family members, including a son, grandson and granddaughter who all graduated from ND — 1974, 2001 and 2003, respectively. Additionally, his deceased wife received her MAT from ND in the 1960s, before women were the norm on campus. Thank you for this touching tribute, Jim, and happy 100th birthday to Richard! — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; emzander@gmail.com

 

49 Rest in Peace, Pat
L. Patrick Stanton passed away Oct. 9, 2023, in Chicago, his lifelong home. He and his wife, Lorraine, were married for 68 years until her death in 2019. He had nine children, including two ND grads, Larry ’75 and Pat ’88, along with 33 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Pat was deeply engaged with his family, his community and his work. He enlisted in the Navy V-12 officer training program at Notre Dame and then served as an ensign on a PC boat in 1946 and 1947. After a second stint at ND to get a business degree, he spent 20 years as an outdoor advertising sales executive. In 1972, he left advertising to join Chicago State U, first as an administrator, then a faculty member, and finally as acting dean of the business school. He started a hospitality management program at CSU that launched the successful careers of many students. At the same time, he and Lorraine became proprietors of a Baskin-Robbins store, which, in addition to providing him with an unlimited supply of chocolate sodas, helped put all nine of their children through college. Pat’s “Beverly Now” presentation at each of the Masses at Christ the King parish on July 11, 1971, set in motion a decades-long effort that led to the stable racial integration of Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park community. For nearly 20 years in his retirement, Pat wrote a monthly column in a local paper providing his neighbors with suggestions on how to participate, advocate, celebrate and even punctuate in their community. Pat and Lorraine were honored with lifetime achievement awards by the Beverly Arts Center and Beverly Area Planning Association. — Bill Slavick; whslavick@gmail.com