In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM

Jane Eisenhour

August 31, 1931 - March 24, 2016

In the many years since our first Club planning meeting in August of 1961, BIRD-NEWS Editors who served before my time posted their share of Memorials.

As Editor for the past 40+ years, it has become my sad role to add names to that list. However, this tribute to Jane, celebrating our 37+ years together, is obviously the most heartbreaking of all.

Jane and I started our Honeymoon trip by attending the 1978 International Convention in Dallas. We then drove to Long Beach, CA. spending two nights on the Queen Mary, enjoying the cool evening breezes, a welcome relief from the 100 degrees that prevailed in Dallas! We also climbed aboard the monstrous Howard Hughes plane, the "Spruce Goose." Our travels continued on from there to visit many other Parks and Historic sites.

Jane attended a number of International Conventions with me, and we greatly enjoyed our many years of travel across America with the Great American Race event.

My sincere thanks for the outpouring of cards from the CTCC membership, and for those of you who attended Jane's visitation.

Bert Eisenhour

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave their foot prints on our hearts and we are never, ever, the same.

In Memoriam

It is with a deep sense of loss that we record the untimely passing of Doug Rogers on Sunday, February 22, 2015.

Doug and Soon Hee joined CTCC in July of 2004 and they soon became active in Club activities. In addition to serving as CTCC Treasurer for several years, Doug compiled a comprehensive Guide Book for members to use in organizing and hosting Club Tours. The publication also included guide lines to follow in leading caravans. Additionally, he and Soon Hee hosted several Club events in their home.

Doug was very proud to show off his beautiful Yellow 1956 Thunderbird and he enjoyed participating in the Annual Johnsburg, IL Parade, as well as Cruise Nights throughout the area.

The CTCC Board, Directors and membership extend their heartfelt sympathy to Soon Hee and her family as we share in their loss.

Judy Butler

C O N D O L E N C E S




The CTCC Officers, Directors and membership extend their deepest sympathy to the members of the Butler family, and Dan Mrozek, as we note the recent passing of Judy Butler.

Judy often submitted photos from CTCC events during recent years. She will be missed by all who came to know her.

Rudy Budach

                                                          IN M E M O R I A M

                                                                    Rudy Budach

                                                             Sept. 6, 1927 - Oct. 8, 2012

It is with sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that I record the passing of longtime member, Rudy Budach.

Rudy and Janet joined CTCC in February of 1970, and they became active members, attending club events, car shows, and par­ades in their 1956 Buckskin Tan T-Bird.

Rudy's early involvement led him to serve CTCC on committees and in offices, including Vice-President for the 1973-1974 term. He was always a willing helper in club projects and events.

As one example of his mischievous nature, Rudy once used his ever-present cigar to orchestrate what I kindly refer to as an "illusion." The scene unfolded at a local car show, where Rudy knew his cigarette lighter was inoperative! As the interior judging team arrived to check his '56, Rudy started his magic act by refraining from puffing on his lighted stogie. He depressed the lighter, and with exquisite timing, waited a few seconds before placing the lighter in contact with his cigar. The sight of several puffs of smoke proved convincing, as the judges didn't record any point deductions!

Perhaps one of Rudy's proudest moments was when Monogram chose his stock '56 as the design T-Bird for their project to produce a 1956 Thunderbird model kit! Monogram personnel gathered literally hundreds of photos of the Buckskin Tan 'Bird. These photos were used to create a series of wooden forms, representing the sections to be scaled for use in the kit. The resultant wooden T-Bird model was in of itself a tribute to the skilled Monogram designers. Rudy and I were in the plant on several occasions to observe the project progress, and our last visit allowed us to see the assembly line of workers involved in the final stages of packaging the kits.

As an example of Rudy's resourcefulness, he negotiated with the Oakbrook Polo organization in order to arrange for the CTCC members to drive their 'Birds around the field after the 1st 'chucker.' I accompanied Rudy on his first meeting with Jorie Butler, and the dream soon became a reality. As each 'Bird circled the Polo Field, the announcer described the model year, etc., from a script pre­pared by each driver. If memory serves, there were several appearances following the very successful initial event. It was apparent that the Polo crowd appreciated the sight of our "classics!"

It was in 1974 when Rudy became a willing accomplice in what I termed The Great Ford License-Plate Heist. A small group of CTCC members planned a visit to the Chicago Auto Show - on the closing day of the exhibit. The premeditated action found us armed with pliers and screwdrivers, as we stealthily removed a number of the Ford " Better Idea" plates from the Ford display cars. Our raid was deemed a success, with little or no interference from Ford. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Eventually, Rudy decided to part with his '56, converting to a (Red) '02 Retro model. Next, a Smart Car appeared in the Budach garage! (The above photo was taken (by Liz Werth) at the Kresmery Poplar Grove Hangar Event in 2009.) Rudy made a large, black "key" for the car!

Rudy's joie de vivre was always in evidence. The CTCC Officers, Directors and membership express their deepest sympathy to Janet and her family as we share in their loss.
- Editor

                                  CLASSIC THUNDERBIRD CLUB OFCHICAGOLAND

BIRD-NEWS                                                -PAGE 3-                                           NOVEMBER 2012

Photo Caption- Rudy Budach's Buckskin Tan '56.

In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM THELEN

It is with sadness and a deep sense of personal loss that we note the passing of Bill Thelen, an active long term member of CTCC.

Bill joined CTCC in December of 1994 and soon became the owner of a 1957 Thunderbird. Bill and Bonnie were married in 1997 and they participated regularly in Tours and numerous other Club Events.Bill subsequently purchased a Retro 'Bird, finding its "comfort level" to be a marked improvement over his '57.

Bill's friendly, outgoing nature was always evident, especially when he became involved in discussing his professional career.

The Officers, Directors and membership of CTCC extend their hearfelt condolences to Bonnie and family as we share in their loss.

Marlene Ficenec

It is our sad duty to report the untimely passing of long-lime member, Marlene Ficenec.
Both Ed and Marlene were active members for many years, and in more recent years, they faithfully attended the Annual Picnic event; We remember the tasty homemade dishes Marlene brought to the Picnics.
Ed and his son, Mickey, have been regular attendees at the CTCC Spring Tech- Sessions.
Our condolences to Ed and Mickey and their family as we share in their loss.

Gunther Otto Bruggenthies

GUNTHER OTTO BRUGGENTHIES

Gunther Otto Bruggenthies, 80 of Mettawa, IL died Sat., Dec. 11 at Advocate Condell Hospital, Libertyville. He was born Sept. 5, 1930 in Bokum, Germany and had served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a devoted husband of Judith, nee McKay, for 46 years; the loving father of the late Cary and Jeffrey; the beloved son of the late Otto and Else and will be greatly missed by his dear friend Elizabeth. Visitation will be Wed., Dec. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at McMurrough Funeral Chapel 101 Park Place, Libertyville (Rt. 176, 1 blk. East of Milwaukee Ave.) Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. Funeral Mass 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 East. Maple, Libertyville, IL.

Funeral info 847-362-2626

IN MEMORIAM

Alden R "Gib" Giberson
Jan. 1, 1926- Oct. 2, 2010

Mr. Alden R. Giberson, age 84 of Newaygo, passed away on October 2, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 1,1926 to Edgar and Etta Mae (Thomas) Giberson and is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Donna (Hardacre), son Kurt (Heather) Giberson of Newaygo, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Alden, known to all as "Gib," was a long-time resident of Dearborn, Michigan. He retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1976, where he worked as an automotive designer and manager. Gib was well known for having named the Thunderbird car in the early 1950's and he was a member of the Thunderbird Hall of Fame. He also played an important role in the design of many iconic Ford cars of the 1950-1970's, including the 1967-1971 Mustangs and many of the Thunderbirds.

My Ode to Joe...

My Ode to Joe...I reminisce about Joe...my friend, you will be missed!

Joe and Madeline Zambon joined our Regional V-8 Club in the early 1990's. At that time Joe's V-8 was a 1947 Deluxe Coupe and it was his driver. As they became more active in the club...Joe was elected the club treasurer, and on to the V-8 Club President. Funny thing about Joe...it seemed that there was a good woman, Madeline (his Gracie), behind him for everything. Madeline would pre-write receipts for yearly dues and other club activities when he was the treas­urer; when he was the President, Madeline wrote out the agenda for each monthly meeting. What a lucky guy, she was always "working" for Joe.

Photo Caption: Joe's Crestliner on the left and Joe and Madeline on the right.

In 1993, after a club drive out we were invited to the Zambon's for lunch and a tour of Joe's collections. Wow, what a basement, the train collection and die-cast cars, in the garage: 2 award winning T-Birds, the V-8 and a Galaxie...At that time, I asked Madeline what Joe did for a living and she calmly answered, " He bags groceries at Jewel's." Another wow...maybe that's what I should be doing.. ..hmmmm.

Back to the V-8 Club...after Joe's years as the V-8 Club President, they hosted trips to Starved Rock State Park; in Dubuque, Iowa to a Basilica and the "Field of Dreams" to mention a few. On every trip there was a memorable moment. On the trip to Iowa we stopped at the Ertl Toy Outlet Store; Joe bought 43 model cars, so many that he told Madeline she would have to put her clothes and luggage in the back seat on the way home. Only Madeline could say "Oh Joe" in a cer­tain tone of voice. A day when Joe was not told "Oh Joe" must have been rare. They hosted the main course of the progressive dinner, the club auction and other activities. They were always willing to help; and Madeline was the catalyst for Joe.

Oh my goodness, the funny stories. From his early years, when his mother asked him to get the yeast starter dough from the bakery on his way home from school. Well, I'm sure many of you know that Joe was going to save some time and got the dough at lunch time and put it in his locker, then it started to rise and dough was coming out of the vents of his locker by the end of the day. Just his descriptions made all of us laugh. He was mischievous also; his Dad told him he could not buy a motorcycle; well, he bought a Cushman. Dad found out and Joe never saw the bike again; he told us he thought it went into the Chicago River. Just part of growing up as a 'Southsider.'

The acquisition of a Crestliner took years. Joe looked at Crestliners at the meet in Omaha over 10 years ago. A group of us went to an Eastern National Meet in Vernon, New York. Joe was showerd and all 'cleaned' up for the evening after a hot day touring in his 47' Coupe. We could see him from the window in the hotel room sliding underneath a green Crestliner that was for sale. Of course, Madeline was not happy and when she was really upset "Oh, Joe" was not what was said...like any true Catholic girl then it is the full name with a certain inflection "Oh Joseph you got grease all over your good shorts and why are you looking at an ugly car anyway."

When Joe found the "51 Crestliner (2 tone brown) I rode with him to pick it up in Grand Rapids, MI. I asked him what Madeline thought about him buying what she called an 'ugly 'car. Joe said "she is still in Arizona visiting with her girlfriend and I haven't told her yet". I told him he shouldn't go home. That old car ended up being his last old car pride and joy.

Joe loved food and desserts, particularly chocolate. There was always room for ice cream. Back in the days of monthly board meetings; I loved going to Joe and Madeline's. The Schwann man route included a stop at the Zambon's and oh the delectable items we had for 'coffee' and refreshments.

Speaking of food, we had the privilege one year of going to the Zambon's during the holidays and having some of the homemade family tradition ravioli made by Madeline et al with loving care. His family was important,;they went on extended family vacations every year; Madeline prepared 'caper' charts so she did not become the family maid, only Joe's; whether it was to a cottage, their place at Lake of the Ozarks or snowmobiling. Family was always included. The more the merrier.

Joe did not let minor things bother him; we were in downtown Rochester, NY (a cul­turally diverse area) after touring George Eastman's Mansion (Eastman Kodak); it was 95 plus degrees and Joe's horn started blowing non-stop on the '51 Crestliner. When he got a red light he hopped out and disconnected the horn. He drew a number of stares from the other autos. We laughed again but to Joe it was just another day.

Joe had always told us for years that if it weren't for Madeline he would not be here. She raised his kids, since he worked so many hours in the early years. She woke him up mul­tiple times; since he was so tired he would fall back asleep she made coffee in the middle of the night for Joe, his brother Dave and Dad to have before they went to work. She was always there to help. The last couple of years, she was the rock, encouragement, help, nutritional and every other need that a person could have. Madeline was loved by Joe unconditionally and it was reciprocated.

So "oh Joe' my story has come to an end, I will miss you, Joe my friend, as you have left us to join some of the other V-8 board members such as Art Pennington, Leonard Sizemore, Rich Isaacson , Bob Ensign and Cliff Guernsey. A group of guys where the story never ends.

Jim Brown

For Presidents Corner

August, 2010

This article is reprinted from The Northwest Indiana V-8 Times.

Joseph Zambon

IN MEMORIAM

Joseph Zambon
Sept. 8, 1939- July 14, 2010

It is with sadness and a deep sense
of personal loss that we record the
passing of longtime CTCC
member, Joe Zambon.

Joe and Madeline joined CTCC in
early March of 1996 and they
became enthusiastic and active
members. Being the owners of two
1957 Thunderbirds, a Torch Red
and a Starmist Blue, the Zambons
were responsible for setting up our
photo shoot with the Thunderbird
flight team at the Gary Airport! Joe's
interests also encompassed model
railroading and snowmobiling.
Most recently, Joe drove his Red
'57 to the Tech-Session in April.
In spite of his illness, Joe's spirits
never failed to inspire those of us
who knew him.

CTCC extends its condolences to
Madeline and the Zambon family.

Art Hascek (1916-2009)

IN MEMORIAM
Art Hascek
April 12, 1916-October 16, 2OO9

It is with regret and a deep sense of personal loss that we report the passing of long-time CTCC member, Art Hascek.
Art and Gail attended their first Club meeting in October, 1972 and joined CTCC in November, as proud owners of a Red 1957 Thunderbird! Art maintained his interest in the T-Bird and CTCC meetings, events and Shows, eventually launching a restoration project on his beloved 'Bird. After a long period of delays and disappointments with an unscrupulous restoration shop, the '57 was rescued from near disaster. The long trail of tribulations finally ended when the gleaming Thunderbird captured a First Place Trophy at an All Thunderbird Car Show in 2008 (see adjoining photo).
Art was indeed a very special person, as anyone who had the privilege of knowing him can attest.
Art was a WWII Navy veteran, and it was not until quite recently that I discovered that we had both attended the Farragut Naval Training Station located in Farragut, Idaho. I found the Military Burial Service for Art to be a fitting tribute. The TAPS item and photo (above) are from the Farragut Newsletter — September, 2004.
The Officers and Membership of the ClassicThunderbird Club of Chicagoland extend their deepest sympathy to Gail, Laura and Mike, as we share in their loss.
- Editor