January 11, 2018 — The Westonka community has many long-time residents and families who have lived here for generations. The Johnson/Heitz/Washington family has deep roots in Westonka Schools that reach back nearly to the start of the consolidated school district.

Francis (Dixie) Johnson (pictured with his wife, a Wayzata alum) graduated from Mound High School in 1936. Their daughter Karen Johnson Heitz is a 1970 alumna and her husband, Don Heitz, graduated in 1966. Their daughter, Trish Heitz Washington, was a member of the Mound Westonka High School class of 1998, and her three children currently attend Westonka Schools – Aaliyah at Grandview and Cameron and Halle at Hilltop. In addition, Don’s great aunt, Dora Simertz Darling, attended the high school during its first decade. She is pictured here, seated, far left, as part of the girls basketball team in the 1924 yearbook.

As the Westonka School District continues its centennial celebration, we would like to highlight more of our three and four (or more) generation families that may include former and current students and staff. These family stories will be shared on the district’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Please send a photo or photos of groups of family members or individuals, along with your information, to welisten@westonka.k12.mn.us.