Center High School Class of 1965 - Kansas City, Mo.

06/07/2026

Dona Fay Picone, 78, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, after facing an eight-month battle with thyroid cancer with remarkable grace, courage, and quiet strength.
Born on September 2, 1947, in Monett, Missouri, Dona's family moved to Kansas City in the summer of 1955. She graduated from Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1965—a place where she made lifelong friends and began building the life she would cherish so deeply.
After high school, Dona began a long and fulfilling career as a legal secretary. She spent most of her adult life in that profession, including 30 dedicated years with the Bryant Law Firm, where she was admired for her intelligence, professionalism, and work ethic.
Dona is survived by her husband of 42 years, John Picone; her daughters Jennifer Burke (Zach) and Joyce Ball (Scott); and her siblings David Eimer (Sherrie), Carol Mosier, Mark Eimer (Erica), and Cheryl Eimer (Becky). She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis J. and Jolora F. Eimer, her in-laws Michael G. and Joyce M. Picone, her brother Paul Eimer, and brothers-in-law Dennis Mosier and Gary Combs.

Dona had one of the kindest hearts a person could have. She didn’t want for much in life, but she always longed to make sure everyone around her was cared for. People naturally gravitated toward her—drawn in by her warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit. It’s nearly impossible to capture the depth of the love she offered so freely; she simply wanted the best for everyone she met.
She adored traveling—especially cruises—and loved spending time with her husband and her daughter. She enjoyed beautiful flowers, good books, and the simple joy of being surrounded by family. Even in her final days, she never wanted to be a burden to anyone. That was who she was at her core: always thinking of others, always giving, never expecting anything in return.

Dona also had an incredible sense of style throughout her life. She was always dressed to the nines, carrying herself with an elegance and grace that matched her intelligence and quiet strength.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and unwavering thoughtfulness. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Dona’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at NorthCare Hospice House at NKC Health, whose gentle care, compassion, and unwavering support brought comfort to Dona and her loved ones during her final days.

Pallbearers: J.D. Biggs, Joe Cali, John Conforti, Nick Conforti, Johnny Mike Cuezze, and Nathan Limkemann.
Honorary Pallbearers: Fred Bryant, Tommy Bryant, Uncle John Cuezze, Frank Russo, Joe Phil Mandacina, and Nate Giacomo.

Services will be held at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

06/07/2026

We have learned of the passing of another classmate...Dona Fay (Eimer) Picone

Dona Fay Picone, 78, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, after facing an eight-month battle with thyroid cancer with remarkable grace, courage, and quiet strength.
Born on September 2, 1947, in Monett, Missouri, Dona's family moved to Kansas City in the summer of 1955. She graduated from Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1965—a place where she made lifelong friends and began building the life she would cherish so deeply.
After high school, Dona began a long and fulfilling career as a legal secretary. She spent most of her adult life in that profession, including 30 dedicated years with the Bryant Law Firm, where she was admired for her intelligence, professionalism, and work ethic.
Dona is survived by her husband of 42 years, John Picone; her daughters Jennifer Burke (Zach) and Joyce Ball (Scott); and her siblings David Eimer (Sherrie), Carol Mosier, Mark Eimer (Erica), and Cheryl Eimer (Becky). She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis J. and Jolora F. Eimer, her in-laws Michael G. and Joyce M. Picone, her brother Paul Eimer, and brothers-in-law Dennis Mosier and Gary Combs.

Dona had one of the kindest hearts a person could have. She didn’t want for much in life, but she always longed to make sure everyone around her was cared for. People naturally gravitated toward her—drawn in by her warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit. It’s nearly impossible to capture the depth of the love she offered so freely; she simply wanted the best for everyone she met.
She adored traveling—especially cruises—and loved spending time with her husband and her daughter. She enjoyed beautiful flowers, good books, and the simple joy of being surrounded by family. Even in her final days, she never wanted to be a burden to anyone. That was who she was at her core: always thinking of others, always giving, never expecting anything in return.

Dona also had an incredible sense of style throughout her life. She was always dressed to the nines, carrying herself with an elegance and grace that matched her intelligence and quiet strength.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and unwavering thoughtfulness. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Dona’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at NorthCare Hospice House at NKC Health, whose gentle care, compassion, and unwavering support brought comfort to Dona and her loved ones during her final days.

Pallbearers: J.D. Biggs, Joe Cali, John Conforti, Nick Conforti, Johnny Mike Cuezze, and Nathan Limkemann.
Honorary Pallbearers: Fred Bryant, Tommy Bryant, Uncle John Cuezze, Frank Russo, Joe Phil Mandacina, and Nate Giacomo.

Services will be held at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
https://www.passantinobros.com/obituary/dona-picone

06/07/2026

James "Jim" Den Goostree, age 79, of Waldo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026.
Jim was born on December 29, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Mildred and Don Goostree. He graduated in 1965 from Center High School, where he played center on the football team, and later attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.
Jim joined the United States Navy and proudly served for four years, including time stationed in Japan before completing his service in Hawaii.
Jim worked as a welder throughout his career, including years as a boilermaker traveling across the country. When he eventually arrived in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he knew he had found the place he wanted to call home. He later completed the remainder of his career at Kohler Co
Jim was known for a lifetime of experiences that became unforgettable stories. He lived life to the fullest and deeply loved his family, as well as his many friends. Jim never met a stranger. He loved and accepted everyone for who they were. If someone was having a bad day, Jim would do whatever he could to make it better. No one was exempt from his practical jokes.
He treasured the opportunity to participate in numerous church mission trips to the Bahamas, always with plenty of peanut M&M's in tow. Jim was the life of every gathering and brought joy wherever he went. He loved riding his Yamaha motorcycle and taking summer road trips with his son Dylan. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, watching his children and grandchildren grow, and caring for the family hobby farm.
Jim is survived by his wife, Char Neitzel-Goostree, whom he married on October 12, 1996; his brother, Robert (Diane) Goostree; his daughters, Jody Buyas, Andrea Schultz, Sandy Dominguez, and Chaunez Neitzel; his sons, David (Kristi) Neitzel and Dylan (Stephanie) Johanning; 16 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Services will be held at New Life Community Church, 2323 Eastern Avenue, Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted by the Plymouth VFW Post 5612. Food will follow, featuring Jim's favorites-brats and burgers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Community Church: newlifeplymouth.com/generosity.
Obituary published on by Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Plymouth on Jun. 6, 2026.

06/07/2026

Another Classmate Has Passed....James Den Goostree.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

James "Jim" Den Goostree, age 79, of Waldo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026.

Jim was born on December 29, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Mildred and Don Goostree. He graduated in 1965 from Center High School, where he played center on the football team, and later attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.
Jim joined the United States Navy and proudly served for four years, including time stationed in Japan before completing his service in Hawaii.
Jim worked as a welder throughout his career, including years as a boilermaker traveling across the country. When he eventually arrived in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he knew he had found the place he wanted to call home. He later completed the remainder of his career at Kohler Co
Jim was known for a lifetime of experiences that became unforgettable stories. He lived life to the fullest and deeply loved his family, as well as his many friends. Jim never met a stranger. He loved and accepted everyone for who they were. If someone was having a bad day, Jim would do whatever he could to make it better. No one was exempt from his practical jokes.
He treasured the opportunity to participate in numerous church mission trips to the Bahamas, always with plenty of peanut M&M's in tow. Jim was the life of every gathering and brought joy wherever he went. He loved riding his Yamaha motorcycle and taking summer road trips with his son Dylan. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, watching his children and grandchildren grow, and caring for the family hobby farm.

Jim is survived by his wife, Char Neitzel-Goostree, whom he married on October 12, 1996; his brother, Robert (Diane) Goostree; his daughters, Jody Buyas, Andrea Schultz, Sandy Dominguez, and Chaunez Neitzel; his sons, David (Kristi) Neitzel and Dylan (Stephanie) Johanning; 16 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Services will be held at New Life Community Church, 2323 Eastern Avenue, Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted by the Plymouth VFW Post 5612. Food will follow, featuring Jim's favorites-brats and burgers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Community Church: newlifeplymouth.com/generosity.
Obituary published on by Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Plymouth on Jun. 6, 2026.

06/03/2026

"Don't Let The Old Man In"

Don't let the old man in
I wanna leave this alone
Can't leave it up to him
He's knocking on my door
And I knew all of my life
That someday it would end
Get up and go outside
Don't let the old man in

Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how would you be
If you didn't know the day you were born
Try to love on your wife
And stay close to your friends
Toast each sundown with wine
Don't let the old man in

Hmm-mm
Hmm-mm
Hmm-mm

Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how would you be
If you didn't know the day you were born
When he rides up on his horse
And you feel that cold bitter wind
Look out your window and smile
Don't let the old man in
Look out your window and smile
Don't let the old man in

Music video by Toby Keith performing Don't Let the Old Man In. (C) ...

06/02/2026

05/20/2026

Our classmate, formerly known as John Newton in 1965, shared a current photo (Jon David Natan) from his home in Israel where he still trains young men and soldiers. Always a Yellowjacket!

05/07/2026

Thank you to each and every classmate that joined our Class of 1965 group for yesterday's (May 6, 2026) lunch at Conroy's in Overland Park, Ks. We hope you enjoyed visiting with old friends/classmates and will join us again at our next event.
If anyone has more photos from our luncheon, please share them.

05/05/2026

Just a reminder...tomorrow is the Spring Center High Class of 1965 lunch. No problem for last minute attendees, as we will make room.
Center Class of 1965 luncheon. Mark your calendar and we hope that you will plan to attend.
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Conroy's Public House at 5285 W 95th Street, 66207 Just EAST of 95th & Metcalf.
https://www.conroyspublichouse.com/
This lunch is open to our classmates (spouses, too) and other Center High alumni.

12924 State Line Rd, Leawood, KS 66209               5285 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66207               4730 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS 66205               6995 W 151st St, Overland Park, KS 66223