Iowa Falls, Iowa
Iowa Falls is my hometown and I adore it. I have so many fond memories of family, childhood, friends, school, buildings, events, and fireflies. Yes, FIREFLIES!
I have written a novel that is on its way to being publishedd. It’s titled, To Dance with Fireflies, a romance set in Iowa Falls.
I keep in contact with many friends from Iowa Falls High School having graduated in the class of 1966 as Kathie Kepler. We enjoy reunions every five years. I certainly welcome correspondence.
You’ll want to be sure to visit my blog ON THE ROAD WITH HUMPTY DUMPTY to see many picture stories of Humpty’s visit to IF. He got off his wall and fell in love with the Scenic City.
Bill Riley Band Shell in Estes Park
The Swinging Bridge across the Iowa River
I wrote this as a tribute to Mr. Craig Sathoff, English teacher at Iowa Falls High School. It appeared in the Times Citizen following Mr. Sathoff’s Death. It is also included in Memories, the First 150 Years in Hardin County., Times Citizen Communications.
In his poem, “Character of the Happy Warrior,” William Wordsworth states:
Who is the happy Warrior? Who is he
That every man in arms should wish to be?
A constant influence, a peculiar grace;
But who, if he be called upon to face
Some awful moment to which Heaven has joined
Great issues, good or bad for human kind…
Mr. Craig Sathoff was the Happy Warrior. He had a style, a copious smile, and a genius for teaching. I know those qualities because I was one of the fortunate ones who had Mr. Sathoff as my teacher, mentor, and friend.
The year was 1962 and it was Mr. Sathoff’s second year in the Iowa Falls School District. He taught English at Riverbend Middle School and from student reports of the past year (Mr. Sathoff’s first year in the IFSD was 1961) I looked forward to entering his classroom. He was a tough teacher. His expectations for his students were high. In his towering structure he commanded attention. He always got it.
1962 dissolved into ’63 and as I look back on my educational career through a master’s degree in speech pathology, I know, without a doubt, that Mr. Craig Sathoff was the most influential teacher in my life. Throughout the years when I visited his antique shop we would take turns reciting John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem, “In School-Days.” We would talk of our writing, our families, and our lives. Once again, I was one of the lucky ones because every time I returned to Iowa Falls, I would see the Happy Warrior, to let him know how he had nourished my career and my personal life.
I thank you, Mr. Sathoff, for directing not only my life but all of those young lives you rooted. You gave us a fertile ground upon which you seeded the beauty of our language. You taught us to appreciate the lexicon of our heritage. In your style and grace you spoke of great poets and writers. You encouraged us to write and speak with the eloquence and poise of the masters. Now I know, it was you who was the master all along.
In light of Mr. Sathoff’s tragic and sudden death and for all of those whose dreams shall never be realized from the town of Littleton, Colorado, I have etched upon my heart words that Mr. Sathoff said some 30 years ago. After reading a poem about life’s journey to heaven, he paused, and with lowered eyes he said, ‘You can tell the soul of a nation by the way countrymen treat their dead.’ A tear slid silently down his cheek just as sure as one moistens mine today.
Mr. Sathoff’s life’s work continues. It directs. It summons new roots to be spread by his former students. It grows in abundance.
And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
His breath in confidence of Heaven’s applause.
This is the happy Warrior. This is he
That every man in arms should wish to be.
Craig’s son, Art, sent some of C.E.’s poems to be included on this website.
Art says, “These three poems are very representative of my dad’s beliefs and work.”
THE ANTHEM OF AMERICA
The anthem of America is found within its schools,
Where care is given for the child, not just for sets of rules.
The anthem of America is church bells ringing clear,
Inviting one and all to come when church time draws near.
The anthem of America is friendly, smiling faces,
And holidays to celebrate, and picnics, sports, and races.
It is clothing stores with ample choice and hospitals for special care,
And harvests in abundant lots, and carnivals and fairs.
It is people with the right to move about their cherished land,
To visit freely where they wish, to act as they have planned.
The anthem of America gives everyone the choice
To sing the part each chooses, according to each voice.
FAMILY TIES
Yes, I believe in family ties that flourish strong and pure,
That thrive in fond togetherness, that help and mend and cure.
I cherish so the gatherings that come with holidays,
The special times before the meals when voices blend in praise.
And I believe in family fun, in picnics, hikes and ball,
In barbecues in summertime and wiener roasts in fall.
Yes, I believe in fellowship because I realize
That keys to peace and happiness are found in family ties.
AMERICA BEGINS AT HOME
America begins at home with every child’s need
For guidance and direction in establishing a creed.
The roots that shape America are formed most surely where
A child spends the vital years within his parents’ care.
Perhaps the close-knit family where each one has a task
Does more to aid America than anyone could ask.
Responsibilities at home build roots both firm and strong,
To guide our future leaders In whatever comes along.
To work and strive is no disgrace; instead it is a joy
To build a great America that cannot be destroyed.
This beautiful America, so blessed with liberty,
Begins at home, its true success depends on you and me.
Kathie, I so enjoyed your story and thoughts! They definitely added both a tear and a smile to my face!! I wonder if that is why I am always talking to my friends about my favorite things that make me happy and smile!! Mrs. Armontrout was an amazing person!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I so remember the pic of you and Julie with your curly hair…that is why I always ate my crust, so I could have beautiful hair like the Kepler girls!
Lots of love for my Lincoln Ave,. friend…oh the good times we had as kids in IF!! We were truly blessed!!
Summer on Lincoln Avenue was a child’s dream…the circuses, dress up, cow boy and Indians, mud pies, apple fights, the vacant lot….wow. How lucky we all were!!
Love and amazing memories!!
Kathy Mullane
Kathy and her sister Patty are dear friends. Kathy is commenting about “The Basket Lady, ” Mrs. Armentrout. Ahhhhh! our youth. Thank you Kathy and lots of love from Lincoln Ave. is right.
Hi,
My name is Dustin Diemer, and I am Craig Sathoff’s oldest grandson. I just wanted to let you know how moved I was when I came across your article about him. Its crazy to think he’s been gone for so long now, but it makes me feel a lot better to know that he is still in the thoughts and minds of his students for which he cared for a great deal. I have not been blessed with his writing talents(as I’m sure you can tell from this message) But I had to say something. Feel free to email me anytime.
Dustin Diemer
DustinDiemer@hotmail.com
I am sooo thrilled to hear from Mr. Sathoff’s grandson. Mr. Sathoff was such a tremendous influence in my life as well as in my writing. As I complete my novel, I thank him once again for my skills and the creative influence he bestowed upon all of his students. I was a lucky one indeed! Thank you, Dustin for your letter.
“Thank You Mr. Sathoff” was selected as part of the Iowa Writing Project, #395285. This is sponsored by the National Day on Writing, October 20, 2009 and hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English.
(from an E-mail sent my an IFHS classmate – 10-20-09)
Thank you Kathie for bringing back memories of this truely remarkable man. I can still see him now, gliding into the classroom, having to duck his head so as to not hit the framework of the door. The first words out of his mouth spoken with a slight lisp, but nobody laughed. First because of fear later because of respect. He was perhaps the first teacher I had whom I really believed when he said we could do anything we set our minds to. I remember signing a contract for an A in a unit (was it Ivanhoe?) because he convinced me that it was foolish to strive for anything less than your best. I never worked so hard on an assignment in my young life. I did get that A, which was a new achievement for me. It opened up many new doors and allowed me to dream bigger. Now I’m retired after 37 years of teaching, having earned a BA and a MA.and I realize what an important influence one man can have when he believes in you. I can only hope I touch a few as well as he touch many. Rod Bohner
(from an E-mail sent my an IFHS classmate – 10-20-09)
Hi, Kathie–I’m glad I’m on your mailing list!
This was a fun stroll to the past to read about Mr. Sathoff. I , too , have always said he was the most influential English teacher I ever had. As I’m struggling this week to review rough drafts for junior English research papers with students, from 7:30 a.m. to however late after school and into my lunch hours, it’s good to pause and think about Whittier and other writers Mr. Sathoff introduced us to. Like any of us, the man was not totally stellar; he had a mean streak to some students. He definitely did push us all. I would like to have known him as a teacher a bit farther down the road from his first year. I didn’t go visit him regularly but only occasionally would I see him. I know you are a writer. I have not ever really enjoyed writing but since I have spent thirty some years in the class room as an English teacher, there are so many aspects of my career that have gone straight back to my own high school years. Good luck with your books, your writing, your career! P.S. can you believe where the years have gone? 
Karen Purvis Hesser
(In an E-mail from an Iowa Falls friend, Carol Fejfar, 10-20-09)
Kathie,
What a fantastic tribute to Craig Saathoff. As a former teacher, it is always great to hear from a student on how you impacted their lives. I only wish I would have taught more years—a grave mistake but can’t go back at this stage of life.
Mary (Craig’s wife) was also an inspiration to so many after Craig’s death. She would go all over town in her motorized cart—often spoke at our church, Bethany Lutheran.
(In a Facebook message from an IFHS classmate, Micki Richmann Benedict, 10-20-09)
“Mr. Sathoff was a “corker” to say the least! I always thought he picked on me because I was from Bradford.
I think I got an A in his Jr. High English class. He marched to a different drummer and deserves our gratitude! Will read your essay for sure!!”
(In a Facebook message from an IFHS classmate, Greg Ackerman, 10-20-09)
“I had Mr. Sathoff for speech…..it was one of the very few classes I ever got an A in.”
(In an E-mail from an Iowa Falls friend, Barb Johnson, 10-22-09)
What a beautiful tribute to Mr. Sathoff! He was one of those rare teachers that we never forget, no matter how many years go by.
And Kathie, you are such a talented writer. Having this published was a very well-deserved honor. Congratulations! And yes, it did
pull on my heartstrings and tickle my memory! Barb
I appreciate the thoughts. I remember as a small boy growing up in I.F., everywhere we went, someone greeting my dad, usually as “C.E.” His impact on students was obvious.
I learned a lot about writing and literature from him, of course. I learned a lot about teaching and became an educator. I learned a lot about good humor, faith, and how to treat people.
It is a neat thing to walk down memory lane this way, seeing what his former students have to say.
From Facebook:
He was fantastic. He always played the song SHort People, I was usually last into his class. They also had a garden next to my Grandparents house. He was a very good man and teacher. Craig Peoples
He was one of my favorite teachers. Terri Lambertsen Gordy
From Facebook:
Kathie, I saw your pictures because they showed Judy Boyd. I was in Julie’s class and my mother cooked at the Red Rooster for your dad. Her name was Melba Wolber. I also have a brother Vern who might be closer to your age. He lives in Maryland now. He has three daughters.
I live in Des Moines and am the director of Quality for Titan Tire International. I have a son 38 and a grandson that just turned 18.
I loved your pictures and all the stuff about IF. I remember the RR and like all kids went to the Princess Cafe for Cherry Cokes.
Also bought at least two cars from your Dad.
Good luck on your book, how exciting.
Sharon (Wolber) Weitzell IF class of 64
From Facebook:
Chris Snere: Good man and a good teacher for sure.. He put up with a lot of “stuff” from us ruffians.
From Facebook: One of the very best! He impacted so many lives!
Tami Reiber Mottet
From Facebook: ‘ll never forget C.E. Sathoff: Cameron Brown
From Facebook: Fantastic teacher! Teresa Diemer Knudsen
Mr. Sathoff had assigned our class the task of writing a poem. I did not like or understand poetry – so, I went home, found my Dad’s oldest book, copied a poem and put my name on it. Mr. Sathoff read “my” poem. (How was I to know that this guy Longfellow was famous?). At any rate, as I recall I found myself in detention for what seemed to be an eternity. I can’t recall I wrote anything during detention either. However, the first time I wrote something because I had something to say it was because of the skills Mr. Sathoff taught me. He also taught me about honesty and integrity and I carry those values with me to this day and have passed them on to my kids and grandkids and generations of sailors (30 years in the Navy). I’ve been writing for a good number of years (my own stuff) and I give Craig Sathoff credit for the writing skills and setting me straight… other teachers helped me find my voice, but Craig Sathoff gave me the skills.
I frequently hear the voices of teachers I had in school. Teachers never fade away they are with us forever and their impact is staggering. What Mr. Sathoff taught me – I taught to thousands of sailors and I hope some of them passed what I taught them to other generations. The numbers become so large it makes my head hurt!
I LOVE IOWA FALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!