STAFF NOTES
STAFF NOTES
Betty Buehne was born and raised on a farm near Breese, the second oldest of seven. Since my mother wanted the name Betty Jane, I was baptized Elizabeth Johannah Kluemke in 1935. This was to keep the saint's name.
My education consisted of attending grade school and high school at St. Dominic's, Breese, graduating in 1953. At that time a new high school was being proposed north of the present school. Needless to say it didn't happen and Mater Dei came about some time later. They tell us we are Mater Dei alumni and our records are there. We did not have school buses and our parents transported us in time for Mass. One of the most interesting events during that time was our first television set. It was during my second year of high school and the family sat in a row to watch a small, black and white television screen. For a long time our household had but one radio, console model and my dad controlled the dial. My brothers were avid wrestling fans and often controlled the TV knob. There was no remote control.
What did we do for entertainment? When there weren't chores for us to do, we would read, play cards, Monopoly, ride a bike or visit relatives and neighbors. During high school and afterwards, I worked part-time in a grocery store. Later I did secretarial work traveling back and forth to St. Louis and Scott Field. Business machines then consisted of a typewriter, telephones with a rotary dial and manual adding machines.
In 1958, Anthony Peltes and I were married. Shortly after, I quit my job and we raised a family. We lived on a dairy farm. We had five sons: Al, Pat, Stan, Gary and Ken. Gary died accidentally before he was three. Two of our sons are married and live nearby. One son lives in Centralia and the other in Belleville. My husband, Anthony, died tragically in 1975.
I have one granddaughter and one grandson, who are a joy. I enjoy a good Euchre game (bid), working outdoors with plants and flowers, cooking (sometimes), singing with the church choir for 29 years, and of course, shopping. I intend to pursue the game of golf and the computer.
My work in the school cafeteria began during the 1988-89 school year. I enjoy being around the kids, but I also like the quiet peaceful times. In the cafeteria, there have been changes away from fats towards leaner more heathful eating. I've also done some work with banquets at the American Legion Hall.
In 1980, Norb Buehne and I were married. Through that marriage, I inherited two step-sons and four step-daughters (all are married), 15 step-grandchildren and one soon to be a step-great grandchild. During 1993, we left the farm and moved to a new home on Second Street. I was doubtful of leaving the farm, but it's fine and we're happy.