When the Chester School District opens its doors today, three longtime teachers will not be there to greet students.
Dallas Redeker, Cindy Bunselmeyer and Rosie Tindall have retired after a combined 90.5 years of service to the district.
Bunselmeyer taught for District 139 for a total of 34 years, Redeker taught for 33 years and Tindall had a total of 23.5 years of service to the Chester School District.
Redeker retired from Chester High School while Bunselmeyer and Tindall taught at Chester Grade School.
Bunselmeyer began her teaching career in her hometown of Newton, Illinois. She began at Newton as a substitute teacher. After her introduction to the field of teaching, Cindy taught the next few years as a full-time teacher.
She taught 1st Grade at Stewardson-Strasburg, 3rd Grade at St. Anthony's in Effingham, and 1st Grade at Red Bud Elementary. Bunselmeyer said,
"After that I have taught for 34 years at Chester Grade School in 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 1st Grade and Kindergarten".
"During my teaching career I have taught with three different last names. I began as Miss Rauch. I then married and became Mrs. Wetherholt and I finished my career as Mrs. Bunselmeyer".
During her teaching career, Bunselmeyer kept busy not only with her daily teaching duties, but was also active in extracurricular activities at school.
"I was a Head Cheerleading Coach as well as Assistant Cheer Coach. I was an officer in the Chester Grade School Parent Teacher Society and I supervised cross-country, volleyball and basketball events. I have truly loved by career as a teacher and working with children" said Bunselmeyer.
Bunselmeyer said she plans to substitute teach at Chester Grade School during the upcoming school year and travel with husband, Scott, "as much as possible in retirement."
Dallas Redeker's first teaching job was in Chatham Glennwood, where he taught 7th Grade Construction and 8th Grade Manufacturing. He also coached 6th Grade baseball. That year the A Team had a great record of 15-1. At the high school level, he taught Metals Class and Small Engines and coached Freshman Football.
Redeker accepted a position teaching at Chester High School in 1985. Redeker coached Freshman Basketball during his first nine years at CHS, He achieved standing records in victories. His second year at CHS, he began coaching Freshman Football. He has coached JV Football at CHS since 1988.
"Coach Roth then became Head Coach for the Football YellowJackets and the rest is history," Redeker said. "Winning the first playoff game in the history of Chester High School was a very emotional time. I have had many great students and players throughout my career at CHS that now make this world a better place!"
Redeker taught Metals, Construction, Woodworking, Drafting, Transportation, Energy, Communications and Production during his teaching career at CHS.
He also played USSSA Softball during the summer months until the league folded when he became 52 years old. He has many great memories of games and tournaments during his stint with his team.
In retirement, Redeker plans to work when, where, and if he wants. He also will most likely help his brother on the farm.
A Chester native, Rosie Tindall attended Southeast Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education of the Exceptional Child. Upon graduation, Tindall moved back to Chester and taught 3rd and 4th grades at St. Mary's School for three years. From there she taught special education in Red Bud for 10½ years.
At Red Bud, Tindall taught self-contained classes. She also coached cheerleading and the Special Olympics team. "I went on my most memorable field trip at Red Bud Elementary," Tindall said, "My students raised funds for an entire school year and flew to Chicago for the day to visit museums, landmarks, restaurants, etc. Several parents went as well. It was the first flight for all of my students."
Rosie then began her teaching career at Chester Grade School where she taught for 23½ years. While at CGS, Tindall taught self-contained classes in grades 6-8.
"I helped my students start the Traveling Coffee Bar business at school which provided excellent social skill development and good business practices," she said. "I also introduced the schoolwide Peaceful Bus Program and overall Peace Program. Finally I enjoyed serving on several school committees.
"I have truly loved each of my students," she said. "Teaching has been the absolute best career for me. I have very much enjoyed working with my students and their families over the years.
"I will miss it terribly, but I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life."
