June 11, 2010
Denfeld Alumni News

Seven Denfeld staff members retire

With well over 200 years of combined experience, seven Denfeld staff members have announced their retirements. They were honored for their service during the school’s 101st commencement ceremony on June 10.

Typing instructor Colleen Bryant taught for 34 years. She hopes to travel in her retirement and has particular interest in visiting the pyramids of Egypt.

Sandra Carlson worked as a paraprofessional in the Duluth School District for over 37 years, spending the last nine at Denfeld in the Special Education Dept. Her mother and two sons are Denfeld graduates.

Gene Grembowski taught science for 39 years, mostly at Denfeld but also at East and Morgan Park. He’s looking forward to spending time traveling and hiking with his wife and spending more time with family.

Kim Jam taught for over 30 years – 12 of them at Denfeld. She is looking forward to spending time with her new grandson, Owen.

Charles Leppala taught for 34 years. He plans to spend winters in Arizona and summers at his home on Big Round Lake in Tamarack.

Richard Swanson taught social studies for 34 years, also serving as a softball, basketball and football coach. His plans for retirement include traveling, golfing, coaching and working with the Denfeld Alumni Association.

Patrick Phillips is another longtime Denfeld social studies teacher who is retiring. He plans to travel and to enjoy his cars.