APPLE CREEK — About 60 alumni of St. Joseph Apple Creek Grade School reunited on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the parish hall for an afternoon of memories, music and community spirit.
Hosted by members of the Class of 1981 — Annita (Buchheit) Layton, Bonnie (Buchheit) Welker and Julie (Ponder) Petzoldt — the event offered a chance to revisit the old school grounds and explore the Catholic Heritage Center and Museum.
Many attendees brought photos and memorabilia, sparking conversation and laughter. Several former teachers came, too, joining in the shared joy of looking back.
At 5 p.m., Mass was celebrated by Rev. Michael Benz, with musical accompaniment by alumni Angie Buchheit Kapp and Annita Buchheit Layton.
“It was so special to have our own alumni providing the music during Mass,” Petzoldt said.
Attendees also toured the Heritage Center, opened for the day by the oldest alumna present— 92-year-old Mary Jane Buchheit, Class of 1948. She and Bonnie Welker guided visitors through exhibits of school artifacts and local memories.
The parish and hall were adorned with beautiful floral arrangements crafted by an alumna, giving the venue an air of reverent celebration.
A group photo was taken after Mass in front of the school building, followed by shared meals, class pictures, storytelling and laughter in the parish hall.
The first school in the Apple Creek area began in 1941 with two rooms and around 40 students spanning grades one through eight. Over the decades, enrollment grew dramatically, and the building— located near the historic St. Joseph Parish, which dates back to 1828 and sits on the National Register of Historic Places— served students until 1983.
Today, the Catholic Heritage Center preserves that educational legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into nearly a century of community learning.
Organizers already have the next reunion on the calendar: July 18, 2026. “We’re already excited to welcome everyone back in two years,” Petzoldt said.
