John Herre: This one hurts. "Captain John" was the backup to Fred Warn on our 1961 non State Tournament basketball team. How ironic he shoud follow Fred in death as in life. I always thought John was a favorite of coach Wayne Courtney's. Not particularly fast on his feet, John was a force on defense. Coach Courtney knew he could always count on John to be a major practice force against the first team. He had Courtney's knowledge that he could do anything he wanted to harass the opponent. Pushing, shoving, grabbing, bumping...if John could do it Courtney let him get away with it. I remember one particular practice when John was having his way with Pete Christianson who was much taller, but more of a finesse player. After about the fourth straight play where John blocked Pete's path the basket (all illegally), Courtney blew his whistle and shouted, "What's the matter with you, Pete? Don't you know how to get past Herre?" We almost never talked back to Courtney, but Pete had had enough. "The only way to get past Herre is to pack a lunch," he complained. Even Courtney and assistant Ralph Blake cracked up after that one. John was always upbeat. He was the first one out of football and basketball locker rooms and led the team onto the field and court...hence the nickname "Captain John." He always came to town for our occasional baskeball team reunions. I think his best game by far came in our victory over defending state champion Edgerton at Williams Arena when he was forced into playing major minutes because of early fouls on Fred and Len Bjeldanes. John, you will no longer come off the bench as you are now a starter in the next dimension with Nelson, Bowman, Jansons and Warn!
Those of us who where not on the court or field with John, the girls, knew him as a kind and soft spoken friend. He will be missed by all the wonderful friends he made at RHS. My thoughts go out to his family.
I was in a couple of classes with John. I remember him as seemingly a shy guy, but very nice to me. I was new to Roosevelt and he made me feel like I had been there forever. I'm sure he will be fondly missed.
I recall a basketball game where John was stationed under the Roosevelt basket and when the opponents had the ball we played them 4 on 5 in their territory. When we gained possession the ball was passed way down court and John popped it in.
Yes, thank you Dave for the nice right up about John! He and all the basketball players were very special especially with Courtney coaching! We were such a special class!
It always saddens me now when a classmate leaves for eternity, because I wonder what faith he found in this life. I did not known John personally, but would like to wish all the family, immediate and extended, condolescenes at this time. Thank you Dave Mona and thank you John for all you did in those special years. Blessings.
David Mona
John Herre: This one hurts. "Captain John" was the backup to Fred Warn on our 1961 non State Tournament basketball team. How ironic he shoud follow Fred in death as in life. I always thought John was a favorite of coach Wayne Courtney's. Not particularly fast on his feet, John was a force on defense. Coach Courtney knew he could always count on John to be a major practice force against the first team. He had Courtney's knowledge that he could do anything he wanted to harass the opponent. Pushing, shoving, grabbing, bumping...if John could do it Courtney let him get away with it. I remember one particular practice when John was having his way with Pete Christianson who was much taller, but more of a finesse player. After about the fourth straight play where John blocked Pete's path the basket (all illegally), Courtney blew his whistle and shouted, "What's the matter with you, Pete? Don't you know how to get past Herre?" We almost never talked back to Courtney, but Pete had had enough. "The only way to get past Herre is to pack a lunch," he complained. Even Courtney and assistant Ralph Blake cracked up after that one. John was always upbeat. He was the first one out of football and basketball locker rooms and led the team onto the field and court...hence the nickname "Captain John." He always came to town for our occasional baskeball team reunions. I think his best game by far came in our victory over defending state champion Edgerton at Williams Arena when he was forced into playing major minutes because of early fouls on Fred and Len Bjeldanes. John, you will no longer come off the bench as you are now a starter in the next dimension with Nelson, Bowman, Jansons and Warn!
Linda Akerson (Towne)
Very nice write up, Dave. I’ll miss visiting with John at reunions. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Diane Fondrick
Those of us who where not on the court or field with John, the girls, knew him as a kind and soft spoken friend. He will be missed by all the wonderful friends he made at RHS. My thoughts go out to his family.
Roberta Smith (Roberts)
I was in a couple of classes with John. I remember him as seemingly a shy guy, but very nice to me. I was new to Roosevelt and he made me feel like I had been there forever. I'm sure he will be fondly missed.
James "J B" Andersen
I recall a basketball game where John was stationed under the Roosevelt basket and when the opponents had the ball we played them 4 on 5 in their territory. When we gained possession the ball was passed way down court and John popped it in.
Margaret McMAHON (Skaff)
Yes, thank you Dave for the nice right up about John! He and all the basketball players were very special especially with Courtney coaching! We were such a special class!
Dennis Dvorak
Thanks for the memories off and on the court...especially at Williams Arena. My sympathy to his family and freinds. Dennis
Jan Huckaby (Butler)
It always saddens me now when a classmate leaves for eternity, because I wonder what faith he found in this life. I did not known John personally, but would like to wish all the family, immediate and extended, condolescenes at this time. Thank you Dave Mona and thank you John for all you did in those special years. Blessings.
Sandra (Sandy) Glockner (Scheer)
GREAT FELLOW! He really helped me at the party, following day of the 50th reunion. He will be missed. He was so kind.
Sandy Glockner