Class ring lost for almost 50 years near Saint Paul, MN is now back with the family!

While doing some detecting for fun in the water, I found a gold 1965 class ring from Central High School in Saint Paul, MN. with the initials of ‘JSL’ inside the band.

I did some searching on the internet and Classmates.com was where I learned the owner’s full name.  After ‘googling’ his name,  I was sad to see that he had passed away one year prior.  This news made me realize that it was very important that I find the next of kin. I knew that it would mean a lot to them.

The obituary listed several family members and I was able to contact both the man’s wife and one of his sons, who both live in Idaho.  They said that Jeff had enlisted to serve our country right after high school and moved to Idaho immediately after his service – so he must have lost the ring shortly after high school back in 1965!

I was thrilled to talk to Jeff’s wife and her son, Ty; and I mailed the ring to them immediately.  Here is what Janet wrote to me:

“Reese, Ty and I want to thank you for returning Jeff’s class ring.  Such a kind and wonderful thing you do.  Jeff was very athletic through high school and college.  He was your typical gym rat.  Jeff earned his college degrees in Special Education.  He was a teacher & administrator for 37 years.  We have 2 sons –  Ty and Brady.  I am so grateful to have them in my life.  Thank you so much for your time and research into the rings origin, it’s a reminder that there are great, kind people out there. – Janet Lang”

Below are some pictures that Janet and Ty sent to me.  The first picture is of Janet and Ty.  The other two are of the ring with Jeff’s actual 1965 Central High School year book and the ring next to Jeff’s yearbook picture.

It was very evident to me that Jeff was deeply loved, respected and missed.