Memories of and condolences to the Laura (Sager) Stretzel family:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Gary,
A few years ago, My sister-in-law Deb gave me a photograph.
Mrs. Laura Stretzel had just entered the nursing home in Rolette.
In her collection of memorabilia she had a photograph she handed to a
granddaughter and instructed her to give it to one of Lottie
Metcalfe’s family. Deb in turn gave it to me…………Deb says it
was because I am the keeper of the family history…….
I treasure this old photograph, which my mother verified of
her maternal grandparents,Holmes Township Rolette County residents.
Mom also identified her great Uncle Welch, her mum Sylvia, aunt
Ocie and their brother Carl circa early 1900’s. My mom’s
grandparents Sam and Elizabeth (Welch)Wicks came to ND from Iowa in
a covered wagon They were long ago friends of the Sager family.
I always wanted to go see Mrs. Stretzel and thank her in
person but regretfully, we all know good intentions are not always
followed by actions.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Laura (Sager) Stretzel.
Thanks. Vickie Metcalfe
Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.
Gary and Friends,
Quite a while back, Trish Larson Clayburgh said she had never seen my
dad, Don Johnson, with anything but a clean suit of clothes. I mentioned
that he did get dirty often and just never went anywhere without
cleaning up. Last night I ran across some old pictures of us that were
taken back in 1952 here at the farm. Both pictures were taken the same
day. It is nearly impossible to do any part of farming without getting
dirty, at least not the way we farm. Most folks never knew Dad even
farmed at all, thinking he was just a teacher and was always dressed
with a suit and tie. Such was not the case! These pictures are of Dad
and Grandpa Hans and me, taken in the shade of the trees, at a lunch
break in the field, and me at age 2 back in the yard later in the
day—yes I got dirty even then! Thanks Gary!
Dick
