Wendal Cushing and Grimme relationship correction
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
Gary,
I think Wendal was a first cousin to Bill Grimme as their moms were sisters, if my memory is correct? They were both Fassetts from Thorne.
Dick
Gary’s comment
Dick, I realized the error after I posted that. Thanks for seeing the error too and bringing it to my attention.
Wendal Cushing Funeral Services
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND
Wendal Cushing, age 85 of Bottineau, died Friday, November 11, 2016 at Mesa, AZ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Burial will be in Oak Creek Cemetery, also in Bottineau. Visitation will held on Friday, beginning at 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the Nero Funeral Home of Bottineau.
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70): Bottineau, ND
Note: Ralph Johnson’s Mother was Ruth Peterson, former Dunseith teacher.
Ralph Oscar Johnson
July 22, 1939 – November 11, 2016
Life Legacy
Ralph Johnson, 77, Minot, entered into eternal life Friday, November 11, 2016, at Trinity Hospital, Minot, with his companion of many years, Mary Dixon, by his side.
Ralph Oscar Johnson was born into earthly life July 22, 1939, at Bottineau, ND, to Ruth (Larshus) and Norman T. Johnson. He was the oldest of three children born to this marriage that later ended divorce. The family continued to live with his grandparents in the Turtle Mountains while their mother taught school in the Turtle Mountains, Newburg, Williston and Dunseith.
At 18 years of age, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy proudly serving his country for four years. While in the Navy, he became a radio specialist and was a member of the boxing team and baseball team. Part of his tour was served in Japan. He often told stories of the games, fights, and all the camaraderie of his ship mates, which is most likely where his practical jokes came from as well as from his grandfather. He was honorably discharged and then returned home to Bottineau and resided on the farm.
After returning home, he went to work in the oil fields, then as a truck driver, and when the oil work ended in North Dakota, Ralph returned to Minot. It was in Minot that he learned to be a brick layer and later started his own business, Ralph Johnson Masonry. He expressed great pride about the many fireplaces he built for people in Minot. He also constructed many buildings, a couple being the Starlite Lounge, The Super 8 and Super 8 Lounge. As you drive to Bottineau there are also several buildings he built that he always mentioned on the way. He was tough on his hands, one time crushing his fingers and one time cutting his hand to the point of almost cutting off his fingers. He was one tough man in that he had someone drive him to Minot so that they could be reattached. When he went to physical therapy they told him he would not ever regain use of the hand but he proved them wrong and returned to brick laying. His hands always had a great deal of strength and no one wanted him to grasp them above the knee or firmly grasp their hand! A person did not dare move if he did! During the late 1960’s, he bartended and then purchased the Corner Bar. In the later years after his health prevented him from masonry work, he managed/owned several local drinking establishments which included: The Starlite Lounge and Bottle Shop and Cheers Lounge and Restaurant.
Ralph once raced late models at the Nodak Speedway and was a member of the Nodak Speedway Club. He drove Oldsmobiles and he truly enjoyed the excitement of racing, with accidents and all.
He was once married to Diann Thompson. From this union, three children were born. The marriage later ended in divorce.
Ralph did not remarry, but had a companion, Mary, for many years. Ralph loved NASCAR Racing, football, especially the Minnesota Vikings, college football, hunting, fishing, cooking in the rough Rider chili cook-off as well as the Beef and Pork cook offs. He truly enjoyed any and all sports.
For the past five years, Ralph has fought different battles with many illnesses, always fighting back until he regained his health. This time he just couldn’t win the battle.
He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He had an infectious laugh and loved to make people laugh. When he was around you, you knew there was going to be a practical joke of some kind. He was extremely proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he enjoyed taking the older ones hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his lifelong companion, Mary Dixon, of Minot; Mary’s daughter, Chery (Tim) Bourdeau, and their three children and one grandchild; Ralph’s three children, Wanda (Kevin) Sigurdson of Prior Lake, MN, and their two children, Caryn and Spencer; Robert ‘Bob’ (Denell) Johnson, of Minot, and their five children, Samantha, Levi, Leah, Amy and Robert, Jr, and their two grandchildren; and Corey (Jennifer) Johnson, Blaine, MN, and their son, Cooper; sisters, Norma Manning and her special friend, Don Martin, Princeton, IL; and Shelly (Jim) Bohl, Upham, ND; brother, Douglas (Sheila) Johnson, Burlington, ND; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother, step-father, father, several aunts and uncles, one sister and brother, one brother in law, and many friends he had over the years.
Funeral: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot, with Rev. Don Andrews officiating and a lunch to follow. In honor of Ralph, please feel free to wear your Minnesota Vikings apparel.
Interment: Wednesday at 2:00 pm at Rendahl Lutheran Cemetery, rural Dunseith, ND.
Visitation: Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred either to the family or your favorite charity.
Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND
Joke of the Day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’7u): Sioux Falls, SD
John Cassis is one of our nation’s finest motivational speakers.
He told a story recently about a time when he was serving as one of the Chaplin’s for the Chicago Bears during their glory years of the 80’s.
As John tells it, Mike Ditka was about to deliver a locker room pep talk one day. He looked up and saw defensive tackle William “Refrigerator” Perry. How could he not see him? At 338 pounds the Fridge stood out even in a crowd of pro football players. Ditka gestured to the Fridge. “When I get finished,” he said, “I’d like you to close with the Lord’s Prayer.”
Then the coach began his talk.
Meanwhile, Jim McMahon, the brash and outspoken quarterback, punched John Cassis. “Look at Perry,” McMahon whispered, “he doesn’t know the Lord’s Prayer.”
Sure enough, Perry sat with a look of panic on his face, his head in his hands. He was sweating profusely. “Everybody knows the Lord’s Prayer,” said Cassis to McMahon in disbelief. After a few minutes of watching the Refrigerator leaking several gallons of sweat, McMahon nudged Cassis again. “I’ll bet you 50 bucks Fridge doesn’t know the Lord’s Prayer.” As Cassis tells the story, he stops to reflect on the absurdity of it all: “Here we were sitting in chapel and betting 50 bucks on the Lord’s Prayer.”
When Coach Ditka finished his pep talk, he asked all the men to remove their caps. Then he nodded at Perry and bowed his head. It was quiet for a few moments before the Fridge spoke in a shaky voice, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord, my soul to keep…”
Cassis felt the tap on his shoulder. It was Jim McMahon. “Here’s the 50 dollars,” he whispered. “I had no idea Perry knew the Lord’s Prayer.”
True Story
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Blog (520) posted on August 15, 2009
08/15/2009
Posted on August 15, 2009
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Thurman Parrill’s Obituary provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Folks, Thurman and Marie Parrill are my god Parents.
To the Parrill family: We extend our condolence to you with the passing of Thurman. He lived a great life pretty much to the end. I was told he was still a very sharp card player even with his dementia. He will be missed. I understand you guys had a family wedding in Spokane, WA too that most of you were attending when Thurman passed on. I know LeaRae (Parrill) and Terry Espe planned on attending the wedding following the cruise. Gary THURMAN PARRILLDec. 13, 1917-Aug. 4, 2009 Thurman Parrill, age 91, of Bottineau, died Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at a Bottineau hospital. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 2 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Rendahl Cemetery near Dunseith. Thurman Merton Parrill was born December 13, 1917, to Cecil Day and Laura Melhus Parrill near Thorne, N.D. His father passed away in the 1918 flu epidemic when Thurman was one year old. He grew up in the Bottineau area and attended area schools. The family later moved to Mountain, N.D., and he worked on the family farm until he joined the U.S. Navy on May 23, 1944. He served in the Pacific Theater on the SS Mormachawk and SS Orvetta during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Feb. 15, 1946. After the war, he came to the Dunseith area and began farming in Rolette County. On November 24, 1947, he married Marie J. Nelson at the Lutheran church in Dunseith. They moved to a farm in Bottineau County, where they raised their five children. In 1995, they sold the farm and moved to Bottineau, where they had since resided. Thurman was a past member of Rendahl Lutheran Church and a current member of Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. He served as a Township Supervisor of Homan Township for many years. Thurman enjoyed playing cards and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by: his wife of more than 61 years, Marie, of Bottineau; and his children, Janet (George) LeNoue of Lexington, Ky., Lynda (Curtis) Jordan of Yerrington, Nev., and Clayton (Linda), Rodney (Ann), and Myron (Kathy) Parrill, all of Bottineau. He has nine grandchildren: Christy LeNoue, Michelle (Carter) Newton, Troy (Meagan) Jordan, Stephanie Swartz, Katie (Tyrell) Lauckner, David, Brooke, Krystle and Shelby Parrill; and four great-grandchildren: Levi, Braxton and Declan Lauckner and Jordan Swartz. Also surviving are his half sister, Shirley (Oliver) Johnson of Grand Forks; half brothers, Don (Roberta) Cox of Cavalier, Joe (Gladys) Cox of Seattle, Wash., Ben Cox, Cavalier, and Paul Cox, Grand Forks; stepsister, Hazel Cox of Davenport, Iowa; brother-in-law, John N. Nelson, Minot; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Parrill and Eugenie Walker of Bottineau, Judy Cox, Cavalier, and Fern Cox, Union Mills, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean Parrill, Darrell Cox, Mytroen Cox and Howard Cox; sisters, Avis Vivatson, Deedee Anderson, Fern Grimm, Edith Baratach, Esther Leonard and infant sister Helen Cox; stepfather, J.R. Cox; and nephew, Clark Parrill.
Memory of Mr. Jerstad from Kay Hosmer (77): Crown Point, Ind.
Memory of Mr. Jerstad from Kay Hosmer (77): Mr. Jerstad taught me how to ride a bike. His daughter Lori was my best friend. He was a wonderful father & friend.
Reply from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND
I just want to say thank you for all your kind words. I am so thankful Now we are getting ready for a wedding, got family home from Alaska, To everyone going on the cruise, happy sailing and have a good time. Will Verena Gillis
Request from Darrel Fassett (47): Boynton Beach, FL
Our daughter Kathy who lives in Plantation, FL would like to be on your mailing list. Her address is kathyjohn@bellsouth.net. Thanx. Darrel Fassett. Kathy, It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution list. Please let us know the class year you were with in Dunseith so I can add you to that class list? You sister Pam was with our class of 65. Gary
From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas
WELL IT SOUNDS LIKE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME ON THE CRUISE, BUT I AM SURE GLAD THAT YOU ARE HOME GARY, COFFEE IN THE MORNING WILL BE BETTER NOW, ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER TO BILL BERUBE AND HIS FAMILY, HANG IN THERE BILL YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS.
Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO
My cousin Maurice Aird and his family live in St John – wish I was there.
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.
Great newsletter today; I thought we’d be receiving one soon.
I love the pictures; I recognize some of the people–you, Bernadette, Debbie, Bud, Mr./Mrs. Reing, Minnie Flynn, Florence Sime, ? McKay, Bill Grimme, and, I think, a Morinville–maybe a few I’ve forgotten to mention. When we receive the “key” to the people, it will be fun to put faces to names/vice versa.
Neola
Previous reply from Neola
Hi Gary,
I laughed out loud when I read that Lillie thought you boys should be checked for worms. I could just picture her standing there telling your dad to have his boys checked for worms. I love when comments like that are added, as it brings back wonderful memories of those who are “gone”.
Also, Ken Striker sent the same email to me that he sent to you. I replied to his email and also asked if he would like to be put in contact with Eileen (I might have asked her if it was OK before I made this offer–or not! I know Eileen loves to help wherever she is able to.). To make a long story short, they connected, and she has sent a great Striker file. I’ll forward our email exchanges to you. Eileen never fails to amaze me with what she can compile in very little time.
Neola
Lee Stickland’s (64) message to Gina our travel agent: Dickinson, ND.
GINA,
I want to thank YOU so much for the wonderful cruise that YOU and Gary put together for the Dunseith Alumni.
The time together was rich as we all renewed old familiarities.
Gloria and I found the cruise to be a great experience.
Gina, thanks again.
Lee Gina’s reply:
Lee,
God bless you and thank you for being such a highlight of your group!
Gary was an exceptional group leader and is obviously a wonderful human being. It was my sincere pleasure to help Gary with your Dunseith group cruise vacation.
Best regards and my thanks to you, Gina
Gina S. Ford Cruise At Will, Inc. Cruise and Travel Planners 1-866-870-6986 (toll free) 703-580-1190 (local)
Email change for Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND. Hi Gary, Just to let you know, I’ve changed my e-mail address to Thanks! Evon
Email change for Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX
For some of you this is the second message about changing my email address, but for the rest of you, I am putting Princessredfern in mothballs. The old girl is retiring. I am tired of explaining her. So…..my new address is Still a little long, but at least you’ll know it’s me.
love Cheryl
P S.. If you do send to princessredfern, I will still check it for a good long while.
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Dunseith, ND
This message was sent to you by vickie,metcalfe@sendit.nodak.edu, as a service of The Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com. Comments from sender: Scanning the Seattle Times I came across this article on Agent Orange.
Picture from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND.
Gary, I know I am sending you A lot of pictures you can show these when you have the room ok. This is Jess Hosmer. I would like to know who the little girl in the background is?
Bev, This is a great picture of Jess. Please keep the pictures coming. We love pictures. Gary
Jess Hosmer
Picture from Glen Williams (52): Missoula, MT
Picture from Ronnie Cavaliere BRISTOL, RI.
Folks, Ronnie and Cora are dear friends of ours that joined us on the cruise. Cora is from here in Cebu. We truly enjoyed their company on this cruise. In a few years, after Cora receives her US citizenship, they plan on moving to the PI right here in Cebu. They are great folks. Gary Cora & Ronnie Cavaliere and Gary & Bernadette Stokes in Juneau, AK
From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): SGERDES@aol.com Windsor, CO
Hi Gary, Hope your cruise was wonderful. I am enclosing Ruths obituary. At her funeral in Bottineau, the following letter was read by the pastor. My mom sent it to me, and I was so excited to get it. Bertha and Phylomena Westerman were classmates and friends of mine, and I had no idea whatever became of them. I thought she wrote this so well. Don’t know how many recall the mission up north of Dunseith, but I stayed with them sometimes and loved it up there. More good memories of Dunseith. Thanks. Sharon Zorn Gerdes
Memorial written by Phylomena Westerman Phylomena
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