Pauline Agnes Pristash
Miss Pristash was a complicated figure to me, but certainly one that stayed with me my whole life. :) She taught me in 5th grade at Arthur. I tried to "find" her over the last ten years to talk to her and the school district was so determined to maintain her privacy that I was never able to locate her. :( One of the practical things she taught us that I have passed on to my daughters is to never lean with your chin on your hand. Not only does it mean elbows on the table/desk, it also allows oils to pass to your face and contributes to breakouts. I have had clear skin most of my life and I credit Miss Pristash for breaking us of that habit. :) She was a tough teacher but a memorable one. I speak her name often in my household.
Karen Torno Fashimpaur
Cedar Rapids
IA
Mrs.Pristash taught me how to cursive write in 4th grade at Tyler Ill never forget her she was a wonderful teacher.
Pauline Luerkens
Cedar Rapids
IA
I did not have her, but we did go to her room for science and social studies. I have a vivid memory (kina scary at the time, funny and odd in retrospect) that I turned into a short story for a creative writing class, full of comic hyperbole. Anyway, I was back at Arthur as a substitute teacher and Pauline (retired) was in the office doing some ... Read More volunteer work, typing some things. Even though I wasn't in her class, she remembered me some 15 or so years later, and was so friendly with a smile that just beamed.
Mike Wilhelm
Cedar Rapids
IA
I taught with Pauline for a number of years at Arthur. I found her to be a walking encyclopedia. She will be missed, she was one of the finest teachers I have ever known.
Paulette Reed
cedar rapids
IA
We first moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1979. Our oldest daughter had Miss Pristash as her 5th grade teacher at Arthur that year. Our second daughter had her 5 years later and so did our son 5 years later. They always said she was a tough teacher, and they were right. Every teacher should be like her. I remember that she loved stories about the Civil War. Thanks for sharing her with our family.
Bonnie Weber
Tucson
AZ
Dear family of Miss Pristash: Our two children went to Arthur. One had Miss Pristash for a teacher. She was precise and she was exact....the best influence that our son could have. For that we are grateful. Our daughter had a terrible allergy to petroleum products and Miss Pristash made her feel totally comfortable as the two of them had to evacuate the main building and spend a few days in Little Arthur until the new tiles were installed and the building aired out. Our daughter was comforted and was able to continue her classes which made her feel good. I worked as a teacher's-aide in Arthur for a few years and had the opportunity to work with Miss Pristash during that time. She was a positive influence for me as well. She taught decorum which is sorely missed these days and she taught respect which is also absent in so many young lives today. I realize that I could be using your loved one's first name as we were on a first-name basis when we worked together, but Pauline will always be lovingly remembered in our family as Miss Pristash. Our condolances to the family and close friends at this time. May Miss Pristash rest in peace. She was a lovely lady who believed in giving the younger generations a firm foundation in good education. Sincerely, Karen and Bob Janney
Karen Janney
Cedar Rapids
IA
I worked with Pauline at Arthur School for many years. My daughter, Beth, had Miss Pristash for 5th grade. Last night we shared stories about Pauline. We both loved her dearly and had great stories and memories. My daughter remembers always playing 20 questions. By the end of 5th grade the first two questions were always the same. Is it a famous person? Is it a former president? Once Beth's 3rd question was: Have we ever heard of this person? She said she got scolded because she should have heard of the presidents. But Beth said the day before it was Hayes and she hadn't ever heard of him before. We giggled about that. My son was in 1st or 2nd grade when Pauline bought a new car and got a big blow-up gorilla as a gift with purchase. She gave Cory that gorilla and he wrestled with that for a long time before it started losing air. He thought she was the greatest for giving him that. We all agree that Pauline was a very special person. God bless her and all of you.
Mary Nelson
Cedar Rapids
IA
It was my pleasure to work with Pauline at Arthur School for several years. We shared the joy of northern Wisconsin memories. I was born and raised in northern Wisconsin and continue to spend many days there each summer. Cornucopia and blueberry picking were often discussed. I fondly remember Pauline gifting me with frozen wild blueberries - I haven't tasted the likes of them since. I regret having lost touch after her retirement, but continue to hold her in esteem both personnaly and professionally.
Terrie Huff
Cedar Rapids
IA
Miss Pristash was always such a lovely person and wonderful teacher. She was a huge influence on the children she taught. She loved learning and tried her best to pass that love of learning on to her students. She always had a moment to chat and was such a warm woman. My prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Kathy Stuelke
Kathy Stuelke
Cedar Rapids
IA
Miss Pristash was my 5th grade teacher at Arthur Elementary back in the day. She was tough and seemed pretty comfortable with that reputation, but she was a VERY GOOD teacher, even when I was not the best student for her. She was one of the all time best teachers I ever had, even though I was not wise enough to recognize it when I was in the 5th grade. (Sorry about that!) She was especially committed to teaching good penmanship and I remember her making us wad up newspapers with only one hand to develop our hand muscles so we could srite more legibly. :) I was sorry to read of her passing, she was a credit to all teachers, a real pro. My condolences to her family and thank you to Miss Pristash for being such a fine teacher.