Welcome to the

Ankeny Alumni Hall of Honor

 

The Ankeny High School Alumni Hall of Honor was established in 1993. The Hall of Honor has two main goals:

• To recognize graduates of Ankeny High School for outstanding achievements and contributions to society after graduation.
• To promote role models for students enrolled in Ankeny High School.

Selection criteria includes the following rules:

• Candidates must have graduated from Ankeny High School at least 10 years prior to the induction.
• Candidates must have contributed to his or her community in an exemplary manner.
• Candidates must have achieved outstanding success in business, academics, education, the Arts, humanitarian efforts, or community service.
• Candidates must be or have been a distinguished role model for students at Ankeny High School.

1993 Inductees and Biographies

Lloyd E. Brewbaker
Mr. Brewbaker is a 1916 graduate of Ankeny High School. After serving in World War I, Mr. Brewbaker spent 47 years working in banks in Ankeny, retiring as vice-president of Ankeny State Bank. He was a charter and 50-year member of Logic Masonic Lodge, a charter and 50-year member of Albaugh-McGovern American Legion Post, a charter member of Ankeny Lions Club, and a charter member of Ankeny Golf and Country Club. He served for 42 years as treasurer of the City of Ankeny, was treasurer of the Ankeny School District for many years, and served on the Board of Education. Mr. Brewbaker died in 1981. Mr. Brewbaker's award was received by his son, Max Brewbaker, and daughter, Thelma Billings. (Back to Top)

Dr. Nello A. Lamberti
Dr. Lamberti is a 1938 graduate of Ankeny High School. Dr. Lamberti has earned degrees in engineering and management from Iowa State University and the University of Southern. He served his country during World War II in the Navy Air Corps. Dr. Lamberti also served as a chief industrial engineer and chief executive officer for such large companies as the McCullough Corp. Ryder-Elliott, Inc., the Studebaker Corp., and Universal American Corp., a conglomerate with 38 plants around the world. He also created his own company, Lamberti Industries. He has received numerous academic and professional awards. He has published articles and given speeches nationally. He is on the board of directors of the Boy Scouts of American and three educational institutions in California. Much of his time is spent on philanthropic projects. He is instrumental in development of a scholarship given annually to an Ankeny High School graduate interested in a career in engineering. (Back to Top)

Chester F. Randolph
Mr. Randolph is a 1943 graduate of Ankeny High School. He is best remembered for his work in international agriculture. A graduate of Iowa State University, Mr. Randolph received the first Iowa World Citizenship Award in 1971. As director of overseas market development for the National Soybean Association, he negotiated contracts with 13 countries. He was also farm broadcaster for station WHO for 10 years and served 16 years as host of the award-winning program Market to Market on public television, weekly, in 20 states. He was president of The United National Association of Iowa and one of the original board members for the Iowa Peace Institute. (Back to Top)

Reno D. Bertogli
As a 1945 graduate of Ankeny High School, and after serving his country in the Korean conflict, Mr. Bertogli returned to Ankeny to operate a highly successful insurance business until his death in 1979. Mr. Bertogli is best remembered for his active involvement in community affairs. He was a founding member of the Ankeny Golf and Country Club and was an active board member in the Ankeny United Church of Christ. Mr. Bertogli enjoyed working with students exploring a career in business and had a reputation as one who could be counted on to accomplish civic projects. In 1979, the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce awarded Mr. Bertogli the Outstanding Citizen Award for his years of leadership and support. Receiving the award for Mr. Bertogli was his wife, Donna, and daughter, Tina. Mr. Bertogli also has one son, Dana. (Back to Top)

Dennis A. Albaugh
Dennis is a 1968 graduate of Ankeny High School. He received an agricultural business degree from Des Moines Area Community College and served his country in the National Guard. In 1979, Dennis started an agricultural chemical company from the basement of his home. This has grown into a $33 million a year business with sales in 48 states. Mr. Albaugh developed two housing projects in Ankeny, Country Club Court and Fountainview and Barclay Estates. He has served in leadership positions with the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and Ankeny Businessmen's Club. He has supported many youth activities and has been a supporter of school projects.(Back to Top)

1994 Inductees and Biographies

Vernon W. Smith
Mr. Smith was a 1929 graduate of Ankeny High School, participating in athletics and chorus while in school. After graduation, Mr. Smith became a prominent businessman and community leader in Ankeny. He owned Smith Oils, Inc. for 63 years. Mr. Smith was a past president of the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa. He also helped form Ankeny National Bank and the Ankeny Golf and Country Club. Vernon led the group who built the Ankeny Church of the Brethren, and he served as president of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and Ankeny Lions Club. In 1983, Mr. Smith was recognized as Ankeny's Outstanding Citizen. Mr. Smith's wife, Anne, and his three sons, Doug, Zane, and Marshall, accepted the award on behalf of Vernon W. Smith. (Back to Top)

Doug Conway
Doug Conway is a 1939 graduate of Ankeny High School. He served in the United States Air Force during World War II. His plane was shot down, and Mr. Conway was listed as missing in action for eight months while hiding in Belgium. Conway's civic accomplishments included service as director of the Ankeny Golf and Country Club, past member of the Ankeny School Board, past president of the Iowa Investment Bankers and past trustee of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny. Mr. Conway served as director of The Service Corporation, a company with 14,000 employees. He was also executive vice president and director of I.F.S. Industries, a partner in Conway Brothers, director of the Des Moines Transit Company, and director of Oak Creek Park. A classmate of Conways' described him as being highly respected and for setting and attaining high standards and goals. (Back to Top)

Virginia Pearson Snyder
Virginia Pearson Snyder graduated from Ankeny High School in 1935. Virginia Pearson Snyder was a pioneer in her field. Her career as a dietitian spanned over 40 years from 1944 until her death in 1986. She was a professional woman who successfully combined a career with a family at an age when this was an exception. Through her ability, sheer hard work and perseverance, she managed to graduate from Iowa State College with a B.S. Degree in 1944. She received no financial aid, despite the Depression and World Ward II. She worked at the Ordnance Plant full-time while attending college. Upon graduating from Iowa State College, she was selected to intern at New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center. After completing one year as an intern, she was offered a staff position. She was the head dietitian in pediatrics and a clinical dietitian for New York Hospital, Cornwell University Medical Center. In addition to her primary job, she trained dietitian interns and taught dietetic classes to doctors, medical students, nurses, and new mothers. The classes she taught brought awareness of health and diet to a wide range of people. She served as an inspiration to others entering health fields. She continued to work at New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, until her death in 1986. She and her husband, Edward, had one son and two grandchildren. She had three sister, Phyllis, Alice, and Valoris, and a brother, Frank. (Back to Top)

Cathy Hull O'Brien
Cathy Hull O'Brien was a 1963 Ankeny High School graduate. She participated in athletics and instrumental music while attending Ankeny. Cathy received a nursing degree from Iowa Methodist Medical Center and the College of St. Francis. She has been employed at Iowa Methodist Medical Center since 1966. Cathy Hull O'Brien is nationally recognized for the work she has done with Life Flight. She organized the flight program in 1979 when only a dozen programs were in operation throughout the country and served as chief flight nurse until 1991. She has been actively involved with the refinement of IMMC's program that has provided the greatest of care to ambulatory patients. In 1986, the movie Life Flight was filmed at IMMC and documented many of the struggles Cathy Hull O'Brien experienced with the growth of Life Flight. She has a brother, Buddy, and two sisters, Linda and Carol. Her sister, Carol, is also a nurse. (Back to Top)

1995 Inductees and Biographies

Richard Logli
Mr. Logli is a 1944 graduate of Ankeny High School, attended Iowa State University, and then served in the United States Army in World War II. He joined his family business (Logli Super Value) after the war, retiring from the business in 1974. He has been an active participant in many civic organizations and activities including the Ankeny Lions Club and the American Legion. He is an active member in the Ankeny First United Methodist Church. Richard married Virginia Larson and has two children and three grandchildren. (Back to Top)

Myrtle Sexauer
Ms. Sexauer is a 1935 graduate of Ankeny High School and graduated from Capitol City Commercial College. Myrtle worked as a secretary for the John Deere Des Moines Works for 32 years. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church, Ankeny Area Historical Society, and the Ankeny Alumni Association. (Back to Top)

Marvin Nichols
Mr. Nichols is a 1953 graduate of Ankeny High School. He owns and operates Nichols Cryo-Genetics. He has received many honorary awards recognizing his accomplishment in the field of cattle genetics. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Ankeny Kiwanis Club. He married Janet Coppock, and they have five children and five grandchildren. (Back to Top)

1996 Inductees and Biographies

Willard Nagle
Mr. Nagle was a 1934 graduate of Ankeny High School. Nagle is best remembered for his numerous volunteer endeavors and service to his community. He served in World War II, was active in banking, real estate, and small business ownership. Mr. Nagle was elected to the Ankeny School Board and the City Council. He was selected as Citizen of the Year in Ankeny and named as recipient of the Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award in 1985. Nagle was a charter member of the Ankeny Dollars for Scholars and Ankeny Historical Society organizations, being involved in more than fifteen clubs, civic organizations, and community activities. His work and influence helped shape the future of our community. (Back to Top)

Dr. Richard T. Howard
Dr. Howard was a 1943 graduate of Ankeny High School. He was actively involved in football, school clubs and organizations, and the 4-H. He attended Iowa State University, where he graduated second in his class, from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1947 and was selected as a Cardinal Key Member. He also had a very distinguished football career at ISU. He was a three-year starter, an All-Conference selection, and established many team records. After graduation from ISU, Dr. Howard established a veterinary practice in Kanawha and later moved to Ankeny. He was very active in both communities in school, church, civic, and business activities. Dr. Howard died in 1980 after a long battle with cancer. (Back to Top)

1997 Inductees and Biographies

Cornelius Hutton
Cornelius Hutton was a 1940 graduate of Ankeny High School. As a fixture at Ankeny civic events his entire life, Cornelius Hutton had an outstanding military career as a pilot and flight instructor in World War II. After the war, Hutton continued his service in the Iowa Army National Guard. He became one of Iowa's first helicopter pilots and continued to fly until his retirement in 1978, when he retired as a Colonel. For over 20 years he was a rural mail carrier. Heavily involved in church and civic functions, he played Santa, marched in parades for the color guard, washed dishes at Legion spaghetti suppers, participated with his daughters in Camp Fire, his sons in Indian Guides, 4-H and other activities. In her nomination for her dad, Rosemary said that he truly lived by the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He never thought he was too good, or not good enough for any job or service." Cornelius Hutton's children are graduates of Ankeny as well, in years 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1978 and 1983. (Back to Top)

Steve Moyer
Steve Moyer is a 1975 graduate of Ankeny High School. After graduation, he attended DMACC, graduated from Grinnell College with a degree in Economics, and pursued advanced degrees at Stanford Law School (J.D.) and Chicago Business Schools (M.B.A.). Following graduate school, he practiced law with the international law firm Jones Day and then became an investment banker and research analyst with a variety of firms including Drexel Burnham Lambert, First Boston, and Banc of America Securities. Following this he entered the field of institutional investment management with Tennenbaum Capital, a private equity and hedge fund complex in Los Angeles. Moyer's diverse business career has included working with the first portable computer maker, expanding the home and commercial mortgage markets, and working on the Chapter 11 reorganizations of numerous companies. He is the author of Distressed Debt Analysis, a leading text in field, and a frequent lecturer at business schools and industry events. At the community level, Moyer has mentored fatherless and underprivileged children and devoted energy to revitalizing his turn-of-the-century Los Angeles neighborhood, which was devastated by the 1992 riots. He has been involved in numerous philanthropic organizations including the United Way, YMCA, and Boy Scouts of America. He also established the Moyer Debate Scholarship program to recognize outstanding students who participate in the forensics programs at AHS. In his nomination letter, Moyer's father, Tom, stated that his son is very proud of how AHS has developed as an institution, including the chess and debate teams that he helped found, and that the education, values and confidence he gained at Ankeny have been critical to his success. (Back to Top)

1998 Inductees and Biographies

Dr. Gerald L. Dutcher
Jerry Dutcher, a 1959 graduate of AHS, has enjoyed a 35 year career in engineering design and management in the California aerospace and electronics industry. He earned his B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1963, after which he joined the engineering staff at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in California for two years. Jerry then entered graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he subsequently earned Masters and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering. His interest in space science and technology led him to join the Space and Communications Group of Hughes Aircraft Company in 1969. During the following 27 years he became one of Hughes' leading systems engineers and program managers, and also managed several large engineering organizations. In 1994 he was appointed Executive Vice President with responsibility for overall management of a new satellite system for ICO Global Communications, the largest project contract ever awarded to Hughes with a total value over $2.3 billion. Jerry married Carol Hull of Livermore, CA in 1964, and currently has four children and five grandchildren. (Back to Top)

Manila Abuhl Coppock
Manila was born in 1898 in Polk County. Her family built the house on the NW corner of School & Third Streets. She spent all of her school years in attendance in the Ankeny school system. Manila graduated from Ankeny High School in 1917 and has never missed an Ankeny Alumni Banquet in her 81 years as Ankeny alum. She is still an active recorder, and shared in the duties of secretary for the first years of the association's organization. As a young lady, she took music lessons at Drake University and became the organist for the Methodist Church where she has been a lifetime member. She was the Methodist Church organist for 39 years. Manila started teaching the Beginners Sunday school Class and taught for 70 consecutive years. She was also a charter member of the Greenwood Community Club and the Unity Club of Ankeny…both originating in the early 1920's. In 1920, she married Marion Coppock of rural Ankeny and moved to the family farm. They had two daughters, Norma Coppock Reppert, and Janet Coppock Nichols. Manila was a real help-mate to Marion where she worked on the farm and in the family business of raising seed corn called "Coppock's Hybrid."  Manila will be 100 years old on November 3, 1998. Her health has been a real blessing, along with her family. She always says she is "happiest" when her family is with her. She has two daughters and sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. (Back to Top)

1999 Inductees and Biographies

Asa J. Hutton
Upon graduation with the class of 1937, Asa continued classes at American Institute of Business. Joining the National Guard in 1940, Pvt. Hutton mobilized January 1941 and was discharged 1st Lt. in 1946. As a member of the Iowa National Guard in 1947, he was active in its reorganization and retired in 1965 as Lt. Colonel. Asa served a term as Post Commander of Albaugh-McGovern Legion Post #42 and its service officer for 35 years; served as past Commander for the Polk County Legion. A member of the Knights of Columbus, he served as Grand Knight, 4th Degree Knight and their financial secretary for 25 years. He donated his culinary skills for many years to our alumni banquet and various other organizations in which he actively participated. The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce awarded Asa "Ankeny's Outstanding Citizen, 1978" for his many civic activities. Civic commitment and dedication to his family and friends continued until his death on February 11,1991. In 1941, Asa married Betty (Blair) also a graduate of Ankeny, Class of 1939. They have six children, all Ankeny graduates: Mary Jo, Sue, Asa Jr., Charlie, Betsy, and Joy. (Back to Top)

The Ballard Brothers -- Gerald, Orville, and Cecil
These three brothers have remained in the Ankeny community and have actively given of themselves for the betterment of Ankeny. Upon graduating from Ankeny High School and serving their country during World War II, these three joined their father in business. Gerald remained in this business for over 30 years; was recognized for his outstanding contribution to agricultural and community affairs by an award from the Kiwanis Club. Known for his success as a nursing home administrator, Orville is widely recognized as "Polk City's Greatest Magician" and his magic has delighted many family gatherings and nursing home residents. He has worked tirelessly to improve the Ankeny historical museums. Cecil became owner of the Phillips 66 station. Gerald and Cecil served many years as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 88. Outstanding Citizen for 1969 was awarded to Gerald for his community contributions in scouting. In 1964 he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award and is a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Having served in a variety of positions with the Albaugh-McGovern Legion Post, Gerald, Orville and Cecil actively work for the betterment of their have been actively work for the betterment of their respective churches. Gerald and his wife Marie have one daughter, Karen Avey and two sons, Tom and Jon. Orville and his wife Bonnie have three sons, Larry, Lynn, and Lee. Cecil and his wife Carol have two daughters, Julie Shelquist and Diane Petterson, and a son, Kirk. (Back to Top)

2000 Inductee and Biography

JoAnn Kochheiser Adamson
A lifelong Ankeny resident and 1965 graduate, JoAnn is co-secretary of the Ankeny Alumni Association and also class recorder for the class of 1965. She was instrumental in developing information for the Ankeny Alumni directory and works with graduating classes as contact with the alumni.
She served as president of the Ankeny Area Historical Society for 1999 and 2000. JoAnn has been employed by the John Deere Des Moines Works for 34 years where she was promoted as the first female supervisor of factory production operations in 1976. She is a past board member of the Deere Community Credit Union and was a 4-H leader of the Ankeny 4-H Club for 10 years. JoAnn is an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church having taught confirmation, Sunday school, and serving on the church council and numerous committees. She is married to Terry Adamson, another lifelong Ankeny resident. They live on their century farm and have one son, Mike, a 1991 Ankeny graduate. (Back to Top)

2001 Inductees and Biographies

Eleanor Gibson-Tilton
Eleanor received her entire elementary and secondary education in the Ankeny school system, graduating as Valedictorian, Class of 1940. She continued her education as a non-traditional student, receiving her BS in Psychology from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia where she has been a resident since 1957. She completed her Master studies in Community Counseling at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Eleanor was married to Keith Tilton of Saylorville, Iowa in December 1940. She is the mother of seven children. While being a United States Army wife for 31 years, she lived in Maryland, Georgia; Germany; and Thailand, as well as being the head of the household during several periods of time when her husband was serving overseas. During many of these years, Eleanor was employed by her local Welcome Wagon, Sears-Roebuck, and the Muscogee County School District (Georgia). In addition to being a full-time mother, and at times working full-time, she has been a Girl Scout leader, a Boy Scout committee member, and has sung in several choirs for as long as 25 years. Eleanor has been a member of St. Matthew Evangelical Church in Columbus, Georgia since 1964 and has served as President of that congregation for nine years. She has also served on several commissions of her church on a district (Synod) level. She is currently a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, and enjoys driving her 1950 Plymouth in parades and shows. Many poems bear her signature, as well as several hymns, for which she has also composed the music. When she has time, she loves to travel. (Back to Top)

Joyce Struthers Lundstrom
A resident of Ankeny since 1939, Joyce is a 1949 graduate of Ankeny High School. In addition to raising four children, she became the first police dispatcher for the Ankeny Police Department in 1967. In 1973, she became Ankeny's first female police officer, graduating from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. She was assigned to the department's detective division. Joyce helped establish the juvenile division, was a school liaison officer, handled forgery cases, and performed various other duties. Joyce was also instrumental in developing the Community Emergency Fund as the department's Crime Stoppers representative, secretary/treasurer for the Policeman's Benevolent Association, and a member of the State Policeman's Association. She retired in 1994, after 27 years of service to the Ankeny Police Department and the citizens of Ankeny. Joyce has been her class recorder for 52 years. She is treasurer of The Ankeny Klothing Exchange (TAKE), treasurer for the Ankeny Historical Society, a volunteer driver for the United Way and the American Cancer Society, and a board member of the Ankeny Action Council. She is president of her condo association and is always available to take her friends and family to appointments and runs errands for when they "just need to get out and do something fun!" Joyce is a great example of what an Ankeny graduate is all about. She has shown how to give to her community, as a whole, and individually. Her greatest pleasure is her family. Joyce has four children, all Ankeny graduates -- Lee Lundstrom, Karla Kasper, Bryan Lundstrom, and Eric Lundstrom. She has nine grandchildren, five of whom are also Ankeny graduates. (Back to Top)

2002 Inductee and Biography

Robert L. "Barney" Alleman
Robert L. "Barney" Alleman is a graduate of the Class of 1951. He was a member of the 1950 basketball team, which went undefeated until the finals of the state tournament. They ended the season with a 32-1 record and were state runners-up to Davenport. Barney went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating in 1955. While attending, he lettered in both football and basketball. Following graduation from college, Barney received a commission through the US Army ROTC program where he served two years in the Army Artillery. He was stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma from 1956-1958. Barney worked 35 years in the insurance business before retiring in 1991 as Vice President of Marketing and Underwriting with IMT Insurance. He is an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He is past president of the Ankeny Alumni Association, a current board member of Pheasants Forever, and a former board member of the Des Moines Neighborhood Housing Services. Barney has been a member of the Des Moines Pride of Iowa Barbershop Chorus since 1974. He currently sings bass with the Jurassic Larks Barbershop Quartet. The quartet won the 1998 International Senior Quartet Championship and has performed in 21 states -- from New York State to California -- averaging 25 performances a year to audiences ranging from 100 to 13,000 people. Barney and his wife, Jo, have two daughters who graduated from Ankeny High School -- Linda (1974) and Teri (1977) -- and three granddaughters.  (Back to Top)

2003 Inductee and Biography

Dan Piper

Dan Piper is a graduate of the class of 1992. He was a life-long resident of Ankeny. Dan was the first person with Down syndrome to testify before Congress about the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was present for the signing of the ADA with President Clinton and Senator Tom Harkin. From 1988 to 1992 Dan was a manager for the AHS football and wrestling teams. He was helpful to Senator Tom Harkin’s re-election to the United States Senate.  Dan held many jobs in Ankeny, the last being at Movie Gallery. Dan could rarely walk into stores or down a street without seeking a friend. He was an inspiration to every citizen by showing great courage in proving he could live on his own and work and contribute to society as another "normal" human being. He didn’t let his disability stop him.  Dan served as a pioneer in the successful story of inclusion in public schools, demonstrating that children with disabilities could learn – grow and become contributing members of the student body. From the success he demonstrated through elementary and middle schools, the Ankeny High School was able to step forward to genuinely prepare their community to continue offering a positively challenging program and accepting environment for new and capable students, who, also happened to have a disability.  Dan passed away after tragically being struck by an automobile in the fall of 2002. This honor is being presented posthumously to his parents Larry and Sylvia Piper. He had two brothers Larry and Chris.