Thanks to all the Veterans
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (‘’65):  Belcourt, ND

This is to thank all the veterans from the class of 65′ for serving our country during the Vietnam War. I would also like to thank all the current soldiers serving along with all the veterans from all the military branches for their service to our country.

Your service and sacrifices are greatly appreciated.

It is and has been each and everyone of you that has helped to maintain our freedom!

Happy Veterans Day!!

Ginger,  class of 65′

Veterans Day
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

It is now November 7, 2015.

Beginning in September, a cousin’s wife wrote; she was helping her grand daughter with a school Veteran’s Day project.  They were seeking information on her brother-in law Jack. 

I had always known, three of my Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary’s sons ; Robert served in the Pacific in WWII. Later. Billy and Jack served in Korea.

I suggested to Jack’s sister -in- law, about  book located at the Veterens service office and  perhaps at larger library. A book lists every service members home county, rank, year of service.  

She found the book at the library.  

She discovered several Metcalfe’s who served; Charles, Emil, Clifford and Robert WWII. John and William in  Korea.

Among that lot;

John Wesley Metcalfe served in the United States Navy from December 1952-December 1955.   Jack’s brother, Billy served on the same ship as did Orlan Olson.  All served with honor.

She  told a story told to her by Jack about the ship on fire and sinking. The Metcalfe  brother’s, were concerned about  friend, quickly found  him each seized an arm and jumped. As they hit the water, the poor guy yelled,”You know I can’t swim!” Jack replied, “Move your arms, you are going to learn today.”

He swam. The little fourth grade granddaughter now had a place to begin writing her Veterans Day report,

I am recalling  memories of Jack.  

Mom and Dad had spoken fondly of  Jack who came and worked for my parents one fall when I was a wee baby.  

He went away to the Navy.

When I was  a little more than three years old, Jack came back to work for Mom and Dad; he had just been released from military service. 

My parents were happy he was back. They could depend on him to help.  As a child I felt the ease mom and dad around Jack. And, Jack and Dad enjoyed swapping tales.

That winter, Dad was plastering Belcourt hospital or school.  Mom was expecting another child.

Jack  listened  to kids and spoke in words we understood.  He was never disrespectful to my parents. They could count on him coming to help ‘chore’. 

 Dad had fed the cattle before going to Belcourt early in the morning; he’d hand pump water, feed cattle by hand with hayrack and team. 

Jack lived about 5 miles west in his parental home.  He drove over each day to  milk cows and clean  the barn.

Jack took my elder sister to her first day of  first grade. The country school  was about 2 miles West, cross country through the snow at  Oakes a.k.a Seim School. 

He picked up my sister carried her out side put her in the straw on the stone boat, which was  pulled by Barney the white percheron. Later in the afternoon he would go get her and start evening chores. 

When he had a break he began teaching himself to play banjo. T’was then, my parents thoughts of me being a pianist were doomed; as watching Jack, childlike decided I wanted to pick banjo. The little windup play guitar was a solace and he’d pick, I’d wind up my Christmas guitar and together we’d ‘play’. He never made fun, or talk down to me.

I attached myself to him as I did the Jim Metcalfe girls.  I knew he was my cousin, and with childlike trust, I bonded with ‘Smilin’ Jack. 

I  was a pest to Jack,who maintained a  jolly and  kind personality, had infinite patience and tolerance with my 3 year old mind. 

I  watched and persisted  with constant inquisitve questioning of what he was doing with that  rather odd looking ‘guitar’?

 In June 1956, I went to stay with the Jim Metcalfe farm, my elder sister stayed with King Fish and Fafa Seim so she could continue grade one.

My mother went to Bottineau to have a baby. And, Dad and Jack? They batched.  Jack would laugh, “Lottie left ham. Cliff fried ham and eggs for breakfast, we ate ham sandwiches for dinner, and ate ham and fried potatoes or hominy for supper.   He said, HAM for every meal 3 x a day!  But it was good. 

My fond friendship with my cousin ensued  though the years.

I had a tough accident, it was Jack who rang me up at St. Alexis hospital.  Not once. But every day he phoned me every afternoon after therapy at Bismarck and continued through the summer. He’d ask?I answer, “I’m fine.” 

Cousin Jack, every day continued  ringing me on the phone, calling from Georgia. 

Jack,”I am fine, Mom drives me over to  physical therapy every day and I walk away to the highway.” 

One day, no phone call…..Surprise! On that warm August late afternoon, into the yard came a car with Georgia plates.

I met Jack in the yard, as he  said,  “I needed to be sure you really were o.k.”

He spent the entire afternoon visiting with mom and I.  Delighting us with silly stories, of pickin guitar with mountain folk locals at various places in Georgia.  Crazier tales of people who attend a church on every street corner and…. worship dancing with snakes curled in their arms! ….OMG! I’d say, and listened to more tales as only Jack could tell. Laughter!

The Worst News EVER about Jack, came one evening, when mom rang me in Montana.

…. Devastating below the belt….staggering hit….A durty……. PUNCH was drawn on Jack.

 He was stricken with an ugly, filthy, agonizing disease. 

It never stopped, relentless, first taking away his deft fingers, he could not pick blue grass joyfully. Taking away energy.

It continued  seizing,  eating,  consuming  and finally ravaged its course through  his entire body.  

I had the most difficult time gutting it up to go see him. (I have always been tender about people  loved.

I am one of those  who reads the back of the book first to see if it ends well.  My brother has counted times when I get up and leave the room when some scary or sad show comes on.)

Before I went to see Jack, I needed courage to be strong. I knew about what he faced,because, a best friends mother had just passed from the same illness.

Finally I summoned strength, I thought I can do this, I have…courage.

I went alone the first time to see him.

The courage was not lasting, a last residue of courage stripped away when I saw him. I wept openly.  Saying,Jack, “I am so sorry I couldn’t come sooner.  

(You see, my brave Korean War Veteran, banjo pickin cousin,could no longer lift his head, nor his hands and fingers, sat limp and weak in a wheel chair.)                                      ] 

I got on my knees to look up at his eyes, his face.

His soft melodius voice spoke, “I know you Vickie.  I  have always known why, you couldn’t come. I knew you’d be here,when you were ready.”

Yes. Jack understood. We always shared the wealth of our families. As with many of my cousins, that wealth is deep. 

At its depth is a fond sentimental family understanding; as humans we each have imperfections, and an  absolute unconditional Love and forgiveness.

My Dad had always said he thought perhaps this was  combination of the our Scots blood and French.

Yep. Most times that sentimental genetic line has me snottering. 

 Any way, ……..I have always wondered if serving on a USA war ship during Korea with ‘asbestos’ aided another deadly enemy, ALS?

 Jack fought on a ship in Korean waters.  He survived one war.  He was a proud and honorable American Veteran.

Later, ALS got his body….  

But never did it get his spirit. 

God Bless America each and every day!

Thank You to each American Veteran on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

Until Later, Vickie Leona Metcalfe

Christmas Craft show
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Yesterday’s veterans (Part 2 of 3)
Posting from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Gary,

Here is Part 2 of the Movie Actor Veterans follows:

Robert Stack:  US Navy Gunnery Officer

Neville Brand:  US Army Europe;  Awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart

Tyrone Power:  US Marines; Transport pilot in the Pacific Theater

Charlton Heston:  US Army Air Corps; Radio operator and aerial gunner on a B-25, Aleutians

James Arness:  US Army; As an infantryman, he was severely wounded at Anzio, Italy (Older brother of actor Peter Graves)

Efram Zimbalist, Jr:  US Army; Purple Heart for a severe wound received at Huertgen Forest

Mickey Spillane:  US Army Air Corps Fighter Pilot and later Instructor Pilot

Rod Sterling:  US Army 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific. Jumped at Tagaytay in the Philippines and was later wounded in Manila

Gene Autry:  US Army Air Corps; Crewman on transports that ferried supplies over “The Hump” in the China-Burma-India Theater

William Holden:  US Army Air Corps

William Conrad:  US Army Air Corps Fighter Pilot

Jackie Coogan:  US Army Air Corps; Volunteered for gliders and flew troops and materials into Burma behind enemy lines

Tom Bosley:  US Navy

Claude Akins:  US Army Signal Corps; Burma and the Philippines

Chuck Conners:  US Army Tank-warfare instructor

Karl Malden:  US Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, NCO

Earl Holliman:  US Navy;  Lied about his age to enlist.  Discharged after a year when the Navy found out

Don Knotts:  US Army, Pacific Theater

Don Rickles:  US Navy aboard USS Cyrene

Robert Stack:  US Navy Gunnery instructor

Lee Van Cleef:  US Navy;  Served aboard a sub chaser and a mine sweeper

Jack Warden:  US Navy, 1938 – 1942, then US Army 1942 – 1945;  101st Airborne Division

Don Adams:  US Marines;  Wounded on Guadalcanal, then served as a Drill instructor

Brian Keith:  US Marines Radioman / Gunner in Dauntless dive-bombers

Fess Parker:  US Navy and US Marines;  Booted from pilot training because he was too tall, joined Marines as a radio operator

Part 3 to follow.

Dale Pritchard

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Blog (380) posted on February 26 , 2009

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02/26/2009

Posted on February 26, 2009

Folks, The TV Cable sales man was just here and returned the money from yesterday’s story. Because of this, he lost his job. We just talked to the supervisor that I was dealing with at the Cable company and he said there is a big, in house, investigation going on because if this incident. They discovered that there were quite a few folks involved from different deparments in the company with this under the table deal they made with me. This is the only TV cable company that services this Island, so they are quite large.

Request from Martha Lamb Schepp (68): Newburg, ND

Hi Gary,

We are enjoying the service you provide to all of us who enjoy the times of days gone by. Shane Lester would like to be added to your list serve. Thanks for all that you do.

Martha Lamb Schepp, Newburg, ND ’68

It is my pleasure to add Shane Lester to our distribution. I believe Shane is the guy that is related to the Cook’s and House’s from Little Prairie. He would also be related to some of the Espe’s, Millang’s and Salmonson’s. I believe you mentioned that Shane works with your husband in the Newburg area. Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

I am not sure if you know this or not but back in the 70’s there was a group of gals from here that were all the rage. The groups name was Tickled Pink and it was one of the best bands around here. The members were Janice, Kathy, Elaine and Cheri Metcalfe and Shelly Fulsebakke. They played all over and we had a blast when they would be at the AC or up at Kelvin. They played country plus oldies these were a talented bunch of woman . Anyone have any memories they can share about the band . I do remember they walked into the AC bar with the idea of forming a band and walked out with enough money to start. Alot of people supported them.

 GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV

From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hey Gary, Dick Johnson, his wife Brenda and Ron Hett played for us at the Good Sam’s Nursing home on Sunday in Bottineau. In celebration of Mid’s 90th Birthday. The room was large, packed, and short of chairs. The music was grand, They played a song “Chancellor Ville” from the Civil War era, a blue grass tune from the movie “Oh! Brother where art thou?” , some Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Charlie Prides “Crystal Chandelier”, Cashes, Folsom Prison and Haggard’s, The Bottle let me down. The Music was preformed with a guitars, a banjo and large base guitar played by Brenda, Ron Hett switched back and forth from his guitar to his banjo as Dick Johnson set the lead.

There were a lot of smiles on the residents and visitors faces and wondering expressions of days gone by, countenanced on the faces of many of the elders. Dick and company were to play for an hour, however, they were asked to stay another hour and they gladly accepted the invitation to the great delight of all in attendance.

Shortly after the first hour Gary Fulsebakke arrived and joined in for a short time to sing Happy Birthday to his Mother and all joined in. Gary then Borrowed a guitar and moved to the south wing where the special celebration was given for his mother where she lauded with songs and remembrances of days gone by and serenaded by Gary with gospel music she loved to sing all her life. Gary had some cute stories about the early days at home and I hope to get him to share them with us.

I have been informed that on March 8th 2009, Dick and Friends will play at Good Sam’s , and every 2nd Sunday of the Month. there after. This is the plan according to Dick.

Thank you Dick, Brenda and Ron, and Gary for the great music. You all put a lot of smiles on the people Sunday and I know some really felt alive again and left that home for a couple hours in their minds, lost in time following the sweet music you all played and if they don’t remember much, I am sure the music will not be forgotten. Music soothes the soul.

God Bless you all, and keep up the gallant work as long as you can.

mschimetz@msn.com

 Dick Johnson’s (70) reply: Dunseith, ND

 Gary,

Thanks for the advance copy of Mark’s nice write-up. The name of our
group is ‘Highway 43’, we felt it was fitting as most of the musicians
we have in this area live on or within a couple miles of 43. It seems
it’s always been that way, if you think back. Ole Bursinger, Lorraine
Metcalfe, Jack Metcalfe, Carl and Shirley Melgaard, Hank Salmonson, Pete
Berginski, Sharon Albertson, Kenny Sivertson for a few from back in the
day. It’s somewhat the same now with just a few more names thrown in the
mix. I never considered the idea of so many pickers and singers along
‘ol 43 until someone asked us to pick out a name for the group. We sure
do have fun doing these little ‘gigs’ and if folks like our music, that
is an added bonus! Thanks Mark and Gary!

Dick

Gary,

I just reread Mark’s story and need to enter a correction. We are
jamming at the senior center every second Sunday–Mark said Good Sam.
Thanks!

Dick

Dick, I’ll bet you will draw quite a crowd too, of all ages, when folks know you are going to be there. It’s wonderful that you are doing this for the community. Gary

Reply from Randy Kelly (’69):  St. Paul, MN.

Hi Gary,

Was going thru your blog and saw my name and face.  Thank you.  I must say I have not seen that prom picture in over 45 years. Oh to be young again.

Thank you also for the open invitation to visit you in Cebu. I hope to be able to do that sometime in the future.  I love to travel and meet people.  You are very kind.

Thanks again for all that you do to make so many people happy. My best to your family.

Warmly,

Randy

Gary’s reply

Thank you so much Randy for the nice compliment. This I believe is the picture you are referring too with you and Toni Morinville in 1968. This was over 47 years ago.

Yes, we’d love to have you and anyone else interested in visiting this part of the world visit us. Our daughter is here now with our Granddaughter. They got round trip tickets from Seattle to Cebu for less than $900 total with Korean airlines. Jan-Mar is Low season for travel to the Philippines.

Folks, Randy’s mother was a Fauske, Sister to Elwood and Lydia LaCroix. Elwood and Eleanore recently celebrated their 73^rd wedding anniversary.

Randy, I googled some of your accomplishments and pasted them below. You are to be commended. It’s not many small rural towns like Dunseith that can say they have had an alumnus that served on a United States Presidents personal staff and for three years too.

            1968 DHS Prom: Toni Morinville and Randy Kelly.

Post-mayoral activities

In late 2006, Kelly was named Deputy Associate Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations for the Environmental Protection Agency by President Bush. At the EPA, his duties included managing relations with governors, state legislators, mayors, county executives and other state and local officials, as well as working with the national associations representing these officials. In the position, he also served as the liaison to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.^[2] He remained in this position until early 2009.

Betty Hackman Schmidt (’68) had a Heart attack
Message from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Betty (Hackman ) Schmidt, my sister of the Dunseith High School Class of 1968 had a heart attack (the widow Maker) last Thursday 10/29/15.

She is in the intensive care unit of the Phoenix AZ. Hospital.

All prayers are needed and are appreciated.

Larry

Yesterday’s veterans
Posting from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Real Life Heroes:  Many people today don’t have any idea who these men are / were and that’s a pity.  The movie stars of “our” day were real life heroes.  The list is lengthy so I’ll send it in three parts to keep it short each time.  One-third of the list as follows:

PART 1

GEORGE GOBEL:  Comedian, Army Air Corps, taught fighter pilots

JAMES STEWART:  US Army Air Corps; Bomber pilot who rose to the rank of General

ERNEST BORGNINE:  US Navy Gunners Mate; destroyer USS Lamberton; 10 years active duty; discharged 1941; re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor

ED McMAHON:  US Marines fighter pilot (flew OE-1 Bird Dogs over Korea as well)

TELLY SAVALAS:  US Army

WALTER MATTHAU:  US Army Air Corps; B-24 Radioman/Gunner and cryptographer

STEVE FORREST:  US Army; wounded at Battle of the Bulge

JONATHAN WINTERS:  USMC; Battleship USS Wisconsin and Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (Anti-aircraft gunner, Battle of Okinawa)

PAUL NEWMAN:  US Navy Rear seat gunner/radioman, torpedoed bombers off USS Bunker Hill

KIRK DOUGLAS:  US Navy Sub-chaser in the Pacific; Wounded in action and medically discharged

ROBERT MITCHUM:  US Army

DALE ROBERTSON:  US Army Tank Commander in North Africa under Patton; Wounded twice; received battlefield commission

HENRY FONDA:  US Navy Destroyer USS Satterlee

LEE MARVIN:  US Marines Sniper; Wounded in action on Saipan, Buried in Arlington National Cemetery Sec 7A next to Greg Boyington and Joe Louis

ROD STEIGER:  US Navy; was aboard one of the ships that launched the Doolittle Raid

TONY CURTIS:  US Navy Sub tender USS Proteus;  In Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan

LARRY STORCH:  US Navy Sub tender USS Proteus with Tony Curtis

FORREST TUCKER:  US Army; Enlisted as a private, rose to the rank of Lieutenant

ROBERT MONTGOMERY:  US Navy

GEORGE KENNEDY:  US Army; Enlisted after Pearl Harbor, stayed in sixteen years

MICKEY ROONEY:  US Army under Patton; received Bronze Star

DENVER PYLE:  US Navy; wounded in the Battle of Guadalcanal; medically discharged

More to come:

Dale Pritchard

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (378) posted on February 23 , 2009

   Happy Birthday Vickie Bergan Dietz (’82):  Princeton, MN.

  Happy Birthday Shannon Azure (‘2001): Grand Forks, ND

Happy Birthday Sandra Monson Gottbreth: Dunseith, ND.

Trying to locate Roger Johnson
Inquiry from Chris Wogaman: 

Hi Gary,

I’m doing some family history research for a friend of mine on Facebook whose Great-Grandfather (Jack Beasley) served with Roger Johnson of Dunseith in WW2 on the LSM-297. I don’t know if Roger might still be living, but thought I would ask if you might know. It might be a challenge to track down anyone living who was on that ship who would possibly remember this fellow.

All the best,

Chris Wogaman
Minneapolis, MN

Reply from Lynette Honsey:

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the “Blog”.

Very nice.

So, because of your blog I called my Auntie Netty last evening.   (Netty Peterson)

Yep, Leola is her sister.

I’m following your lead very well.    This is fun!

By the way, the answer is:

Bulacan, Philippines.

Are you near there?

I have somehow come up with two email addresses for you Gary.  Any preference ?

Below is one of the first shots I took while in North Dakota in August, 2015.

Photography is one of the things I love to do.

Lynette,

You have lots of cousins on this distribution too.

I have 7 email addresses and they are all good. I use Outlook to manage my email, All of the messages from all of my email addresses are all combined and displayed together in Outlook.  

Gary

Reply to Boar pig picture posted by Raphael Poitra
From Don Martel (Former DHS Vice Principal): Rosemount, MN

Seems to me that someone recently shot a feral pig in the Turtle Mountains, so I thought this information could be helpful in case others are spotted.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Nov. 2, 2015

Feral Pig Sightings Must be Reported

Landowners or hunters who happen to encounter feral pigs in North Dakota must notify the State Board of Animal Health immediately. Shooting of feral pigs is illegal in North Dakota unless a person is protecting property or livestock.

Casey Anderson, assistant chief of wildlife for the State Game and Fish Department, said state law requires reporting of feral pigs to help the BOAH eliminate these nuisance animals.

“We have had numerous situations since 2008 where feral swine have been detected in North Dakota and we take these reports very seriously,” Anderson said. “With the upcoming deer hunting season approaching, we want to let people know they need to report immediately if they see feral pigs or observe signs such as rooting.”

Anyone who observes or suspects the presence of feral pigs should call the BOAH at 701-328-2655, Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300, or USDA Wildlife Services at 701-250-4405.

Feral pigs can threaten domestic livestock, crops, public safety, natural habitat and wildlife. Anderson said they often become nocturnal if pressured which makes removal efforts more difficult. “They are very hardy and resilient,” he added, “that’s why immediate action is essential.”

A landowner may eliminate wild pigs on his or her land if they pose an immediate threat, but must contact the BOAH within 24 hours. The landowner must follow any instructions given by the board regarding the handling, preservation and disposal of the carcass.

George and Eve Crawford Hiatt siblings
Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Gary

Additional info for you.  Faye Hiatt was married to Melvin Tohm from Gardena, south of Bottineau.  They lived and farmed at Egeland, about 40 miles east of Rolette.  Faye passed away from cancer a few years ago.  Melvin and one of his sons still live on the farm.  Melvin’s brother, LeRoy, was married to my sister, Lorraine.  LeRoy passed away from cancer last Winter in Hereford, TX and was returned to Bottineau for burial.

Dale Pritchard

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Blog (377) posted on February 22 , 2009

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02/22/2009

Posted on February 22, 200

    Happy Birthday Dave Wurgler (’64): Rugby, ND
 

Lagerquist Family

Folks,

These are some very nice photos of the Lagerquist family. Bruce, Kim and Carl came along after I left the country, so I didn’t know them. I knew the others well though. Very well in fact.  They were our neighbors to the east.

Leola was a Hiatt, Daughter of George and Eva Crawford Hiatt. I think George died in about 1949, but most everyone in my generation and older knew Eva.  Albert Hiatt was Leola’s brother.  Netty (Jack) Peterson is Leola’s sister.  I remember two other sisters too, Ena Birkland and Faye. I also remember their brother Ike. I believe Ike lives in Rolla? This what I remember off the top of my head as I remember.

Gary

Lagerquist family photos

Message from Lynette Honsey

I know a whole lot of you know and are related to the Honsey and Peterson families and Lynette too.

Lynette, we’d love to hear more from you, where you are living, etc.

PS – Lynette, there is no charge for the Blog.
Gary Stokes,

Do you still do the blog for Dunseith, ND ?

Bottineau ?

Willow City ?

Rugby?

I was born and somewhat raised in Rolette, ND and the above cities.

Lois Peterson was my MOM.

Mary and Max Peterson were my grandparents.

Leonard Honsey was my DAD.

Shirley Lagerquist was my Aunt.

Vida Hiatt was my Aunt.

Duane Peterson was my Uncle.

I was recently in North Dakota to bury my dad.

North Dakota is still so very beautiful.

It had been many years since I was there.

What do you charge to be put on your list?

Do you know of any other “blogs” in upper North Dakota area?

Do you have access to past history in ND?

Please advise.  And Thank You.

Lynette  Honsey

LHONSEY@MSN.COM

Reply to Raphael Poitra’s Wild Boar picture
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):Bottineau, ND

Thanks Mike and Raphael,

Are you guys planning a pig feed?

That is  the ugliest critter to come out of the hills.

I wouldn’t have liked to run across when walking.

It reminded me of the wild boars in Old Yellar Book read to us by Mrs.

Conroy..

Thanks for the posting. “Thar are wild boars in them hills……….”

Vickie

Bernice Belgarde (’72): Bemidji, MN  shared Tweed Museum of Art‘s photo
https://www.facebook.com/Tweed.Museum.of.Art/?fref=photo

Great Lakes Woodland Skirts Fashion Show

Joke of the day
Posted by Rosemary Smith (Wayne ’61): Bottineau, ND

Skinny Dipping & Old Men

An elderly man in Louisiana had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back. It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice — picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some apple and peach  trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn’t been there for a while, and look it over. He grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!”

The old man frowned, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked. ” Holding the bucket up he said,  “I’m here to feed the alligator.”

Some old men can still think fast.

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Blog (376) posted on February 21 , 2009

Day correction for Mid Fulsebakke’s birthday celebration posted by Mark Schimetz (70): The Date is wrong on Midge’s 90th birthday, the 22nd is a Sunday. Sunday is the day of her Celebration, I just called Good Sams. Saturday is the 21st not the 22nd of Feb. If some want to call the home, the number is 228-3796 . Thank you Mark for catching this error and for calling Good Sam to get the correct day. Gary Donald Sharratt’s funeral notice/Obituary posted by Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Dear Family & Friends, Because some of you have asked, here’s the link to Don’s obituary & online guest book, published in today’s Tucson paper. Tucson.com | Obituaries and Guest Books The text of the obit is also pasted below. Here’s the link to the Adair Funeral Home/Avalon Chapel for more info, directions etc. http://www.adairfuneralhomes.com/Avalon_Chapel_57647.html A reminder that the Service is on Sun 3/8, not 3/1, at 1pm. If you plan to attend the Memorial Service, I’d like you to know that there will be a time at the Service for friends to get up and share their memories about Don, lessons learned from him, fun things about their friendship with Don, etc. Just something to think about. I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your prayers, good thoughts, and varied expressions of love, sympathy, compassion, and prayerful support. They mean the world to me, as do you ALL. Love, Bonnie OBIT TEXT: Donald Sharratt SHARRATT, Donald, 76, of Tucson, AZ, passed on February 1, 2009. Survived by his wife, Bonny; siblings, Darvin Sharratt and Sandra Gilje; sons, Eric (Donna) and Keith; four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, 13 nieces/ nephews, scores of cousins. Proudly served in USAF for ten years as aircraft mechanic, supply sergeant, military police; flew in 16 combat missions. Lifetime member of the VFW. In private sector employed by the railroad and the mines. Self-employed in heating and cooling repair. Master mechanic in all forms of transportation. Famous for his story-telling, jokes and keen memory; loved for the sunshine and joie de vivre he brought to all he met, family, friends and strangers alike. Memorial donations may be made to any charity that benefits veterans, eg ; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)or at VFW.org, Disabled American Veteransor at DAV.org; Paralyzed Veterans of America: PVA Home or at PVA.org Memorial Service Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Tucson, AZ 85704. Question from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Gary a question to all of the Country School Kids: Didn’t some of the schools have what was called summer school, where they went to school from March through the summer until Thanksgiving. This being done to avoid having students trudging to school during those harsh winter months? Being one of the town kids I only remember hearing about it, In town we always went from September to June. Bonnie Awalt Houle Bonnie, I can answer this because I’m one of those who attended summer school. I’m hoping some of the many country school folks we have on our distribution list will answer your question as well. The last year of summer school at Ackworth was in 1953. I was a first grader. Charlotte Lang was our teacher. I remember that school year well. As I remember the summer school year was only 8 months, March through November. And yes, I believe they had summer school to avoid students having to attend school in the winter months. I’ll bet Tom Hagen and a few others can tell us a whole lot about those summer schools. I know we have a lot of Ackworth, Willow Lake, Lockhart, Wetherelt and I think other country school summer school folks among us too. Gary From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Gary, For whom it may concern: Regarding the Randa’s; Beverly (Randa) Boucher lives here in Bottineau. She works mornings until noon at Bottineau St. Andrews Hospital Long Term as a CNA. To my mother Lottie Metcalfe, Bev was a positive, hardworking, efficient, smiling care giver with an amazingly contagious laugh. Bev is originally from Saint John ND. She told me she grew up in a large family in the Saint John and her siblings are scattered throughout the USA. Regarding Templeman’s;. My mother, Lottie had a recipe for Mrs. Templemans Cake, that she got from Annie Anthony years ago. My sister Cyndy (Metcalfe) Miller, ” our family pastry chef” is the keeper of mom’s recipes. Regarding “Rabbit City Lake” ; located on the North Side of Hill Side Township. As the crow flies, located 3 miles from the Cliff and Lottie Metcalfe home farm in Holmes township. The Rabbit City Lake area -community was surrounded by families including Metcalfe’s, Evans, Anthonys, Bergans, Poitra’ also neighboring families of Belgardes, the Cota’s, the Morins, Scotch Annie, and Lajimodieres. The depression era was tough on many farmers and in the late 30’s many ended up selling their farms to the federal government and became non-reservation Federal Land. Grandpa Bill Metcalfe died in July,1935, my dad just turned 12 years old. Grandma Rose moved into Dunseith with her younger children. My fathers legal guardian was Louis Bergan. As a child, dad often drove me to Rabbit City many times in the old black ’52 chevy truck and told stores of his childhood on the lake. His stories were filled with Ward Anthony, Clayton Bergan, Neighbors, HillSide School, and his dear family. As a kid, we went in from the south. However,when Uncle Jim Metcalfe purchased land in the area close by the old Metcalfe farm site, a better traveled dirt road came in on the north side of Rabbit City Lake. One winter, in the early ’70’s, the fish were biting in Rabbit City Lake as well. And lots of area folks, including my dad and my brothers caught their limits…every day. Mom did lots of pickleing fish…. “Indian Creek” runs south of Rabbit City Lake. Adjacent is “N____r Lake” , located on the west side of Rabbit City Lake. Moving from Maza ND, Grandpa Bill Metcalfe bought the Metcalfe farm from a “Black squatter”, hense the name “N____Lake”. On a late sunny afternoon, Sunday June 31, after the the Metcalfe 1980 Reunion. Shan drove “Old Yellar” dad’s old gold Chevy to the William and Rose Metcalfe building site. In the front of the pickup with Shan were my dad ( who was blind), his sisters well into their 80’s, Bessie (Metcalfe) Jeans, and Bertha (Metcalfe)Deal . Riding in the box , with me were Uncle Lucky Metcalfe, Auntie Leona (Metcalfe)Oswell, cousins Dianne (Maki) Reed and Barbara Straub, along with others. It was an emotionally- remembrance uplifting story telling experience for the older generation. On the way home, Uncle Lucky told me stories that his father had told him as we bumped along the dirt trail. During the 80’s and 90’s I often rode horseback with nieces and nephews to that site and as we’d eat the picnic lunch packed in the saddle bag I told them stories of their Grandpa Cliff. I wanted them to have the sense of identity, with Scots, English, French & Indian. In the early 1990’s, our family was blessed again when we learned of the existence of another cousin, Mick ( son of Archie). Mick came to meet his Metcalfe family and his father’s friend,Carroll Carlson. We decided to take Mick and his wife Betty to Rabbit City Lake where my Uncle Archie ( Mick’s dad) had also grown up. Those years the creek had come up quite high and we couldn’t get to the building site. Shanon borrowed a boat from Dick Johnson. and we four wheeled down to the Metcalfe homeplace. Shan hopped out and started to pull the boat out. Immediately, Mick jumped out and started to help him. Well the boat had a hole in it. Shan’s eyes and mine met when, slick as a whistle, Mick pulled out his jack knife cut a willow plug and plugged that hole. Shan and I nodded our silent nods, in agreement…. this blue eyed solid guy with a Metcalfe neck, also truly had a Metcalfe personality, down to earth, and common farm sense. Another day of fond remembrance as Mick, Shan and Betty paddled the boat over to the house site while I , “Chicken Little”, that I am cause I can’t swim….longingly wished I was on that other side with them. Blessed be stories that tie us all together. Thanks. Vickie Metcalfe Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Gary and Friends, To Dave Slyter—Grandpa Henry Olson died a little over two years after the picture was taken. He was just 56 at the time in 1959 and died of what I believe was pneumonia. Your Dad probably came into the partnership with Glen Johnson after that. As for the Saturday bowling leagues for kids, I sure do remember that. Do you remember that Dad (Don Johnson) was the instructor? He got certified by the ABC (American Bowling Congress) and taught lots of kids to bowl. Somewhere here I still have a small belt buckle he had that has the logo for ABC. I think he got it for his efforts in teaching the sport. Can any of our readers remember when a bunch of Dunseith folks were in Minot to bowl on TV? The show was live and was called ‘Bowling For Dollars’. I spent many Saturday and Sunday afternoons all over the state watching Dad and his buddies bowl in tournaments. They did real well and got several trophies and cash prizes. Back to the kids league–I saw Terry Martinson bowl a 203 one Saturday when he was in about the 7th grade. The rest of us were trying hard to hit a hundred, so were dumb founded! Thanks Gary! Dick Message/Picture from Rod Hiatt (69): Gary Brian Fauske had this Pine Martin at his house on Long Lake. All the years living in this part of the country and I had never heard of such an animal let alone seen one. Thought it might be interesting if anyone else had seen or heard much about them in the Turtle Mountains. I’m sure that back some years ago, if my Dad had seen it we could take pictures of it hanging on the wall.

Correction
Duane Link pasted away – Son of Phyllis McKay (’65) and the late Joe Link (’63)  

Correction: Joe Link was Duane’s dad, not Ron as I previously posted. I knew that very well too, so it was a real dumb mistake on my part. Thanks Phyllis for being so understanding.   Gary

Turtle Mountain Wild Boar
Posting from Raphael Poitra (’65):  Dunseith, ND

Gary, This is a wild boar that Mike Peterson shot across the highway from Kelvin Klinic . The boar was in Mike’s pasture. The picture with Mike is my hand holding the pig’s mouth to show the tusks.

Thanks Gary!                                                                                                       Raphael Poitra

Face Book Posting from Larry Hackman’s Daughter,  Angie Hackman Leintz
Larry Hackman (’66) and Marion Schneider Hackman

Postings From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Richard Gunville Obituary
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

I  extend sympathy to Rick’s family and friends.

The John and Helen Gunville family  were neighbors of the hills.

I recall Rick when he was also employed at Dunseith School.

He was  known as a hard worker. dependable and  well liked.

Sincerely, Vickie Metcalfe

I checked  out  and brought home  many books on  American history which I shared with my dad to read.

We discussed  books at the supper table; Dad  favored Bat Masterson while I  favored, Wyatt Earp.

As an adult, one for my bucket was filled when I visited Chief Joseph and  Big Horn Battle fields in Montana with my nephews and nieces.

Recently, I found it interesting  Billings,  Montana school patrons honored  another hero, Doctor Medicine Crow by naming a school after him.

Now I know how  someone becomes a war chief.

Later, Vickie

http://www.krtv.com/story/30372763/dr-joe-medicine-crow-the-last-living-plains-indian-war-chief-celebrates-102nd-birthday

“It was on the European battlefields Medicine Crow completed all of the four tasks needed to become a Crow War Chief. As a scout he led several successful war parties deep behind enemy lines; he stole German horses; he disarmed an enemy; and he touched an enemy (counted coup) without killing him.”

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Blog (375) posted on February 20 , 2009

Posted on February 20, 2009

Happy Birthday Odell Millang: Oak Harbor, WA

     Happy Birthday Sharon Took Parkhouse (’67): Osseo, MN

Visitors from Seattle

Our Daughter Sheryl, Granddaughter Nevaeh and their friend Carrie arrived here in Cebu at Midnight last night from Seattle. They will be here until November 13^th.  They are getting reacquainted with all their relative. They bond well.

Gary

Bernadette, Nevaeh (Granddaughter), Sheryl (Daughter) and
Carrie (Friend from Seattle)

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Blog (374) posted on February 19 , 2009

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure: First I would like to tell Neola I wish you luck on the radiation it can be rough but your spirit is such a go get em spirit you will do great , the radiation team in Minot is wonderful they treat you very well and always encourage you as the treatments get tough. I will keep you in my prayers. Second Marilyn is in the hospital as far as I have heard in Minn. still, I talked with her sister Bernie just the other day and Marilyn is not well she has a lot of aneurism’s and Bernie said she is now in God’s hands Please keep her in your prayers . I had my yearly Ct scan and check up and so far no more cancer I am starting to feel great again. I thank you all again for your support and prayers in the last year I will ask you to please continue to pray for me and my family, Debbie is home and is working hard on getting her speech back it is a long road for her I call her once or twice a week and talk to her. Happy Birthday to Mrs. Fulsebakke. and Art I am so sorry your have lost your wife. I only talked with her one time but she was such a friendly woman we visited at the Bottineau Fair she was sitting behind me and I was telling someone I had graduated in 72 from Dunseith and she tapped me on my shoulder and said then you went to school with my husband Art so I got to tell her all kind of stories about you Art. May God Hold you and your family close during this time of sorrow. But know she is now healed and dancing with the angels. GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV Reply to Marilyn Peltier Allery’s condition from Judy Allery Azure (65): Hi Gary, Paula, and everyone Marilyn Peltier Allery is my sister-in-law, she is married to my brother Richard. Marilyn is in St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. She had brain aneurysms and is in ICU in the Brain Unit. She seems to be coming along quite well, spent the past weekend with her and my brother, along with her mother and my youngest brother Dallas. All the prayers will be greatly appreciated. Marilyn was put in a chair for 4hrs this weekend and seemed to tolerate it quite well. She is getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. Marilyn was hospitalized on January 23, 2009, under went surgery during the night to clamp the aneurysms. This was quite an ordeal for her family, Marilyn and Richard have 3 children. I will try and keep all posted on her condition. Thank You Paula for remembering Marilyn. Judy Allery Azure Reply from Debbie Fugere Fauske (75): Hi Gary: I spoke with Richard Allery by phone today. He is in Minneapolis with Marilyn. I mentioned there had been a note in the blog regarding Marilyn’s situation. I asked how she was doing and if it would be okay to update the Dunseith blog about her condition. He said she’s no longer in a coma, her eyes are open, but she’s not really awake either. He also said she seems to recognize their voices, and turns toward them when they talk. She is unable to speak at this time. The doctor’s have started physical therapy at this time. He said the doctor’s say she’s come a long way but has a long way to go. Debbie Fauske Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Gary, I just have to share with you how precious it was when your mom married Jim Fulsebakke, neighbor and single. They came to Little Prairie Lutheran Church near Kelvin, where my parents, Jim and Ella Metcalfe and all of us seven children attended. In those days, I will have you know, the men sat on one side and the women and younger children sat on the other side. Well—- when Jim and Mid came in (she was dressed to the nines in a suit, hat and gloves (WOW, I thought–what a glamourous couple)–I must have been about what (I was born in 1941), but she sat on the men’s side with Jim. Well—-after the service a lady approached my Mom and said you’d better ask Jim (Metcalfe) about this, and tell them that they should sit on their own side. When Mom told Dad, he said “next Sunday, you and the girls sit on the men’s side with Mid, Jim and the men. After that, all the families sat together on both sides. We felt they were such a great addition to our neighborhood, and they CERTAINLY WERE. God bless you kids and your Mom on her 90’t birthday. Geri (Geraldine Metcalfe) Munro Reply/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Gary and Friends,Steve Cook’s Turtle Mountain Restaurant, I believe, was on Main Street in Dunseith. I think it was on the east side about mid-town. For those who have a Dunseith History Book, look on pages 371 and 372. Somehow I thought it later became McCoy’s Bar. Don’t know for absolute, but I think I heard that long ago. If anyone knows, please write and let us all know. Kenny Nerpel—Thanks for the P. W. Poole story. I have the article from the News with pictures. I’ll try to scan it and send it for those who do, and don’t remember him. It may take me some time as right now I can’t remember where it is! Mom sent it to me when I was in college in Grand Forks. Knowing Pete, you would have died laughing at the stories he was telling the reporter! The guy sucked it up like a ‘Hoover Deluxe’, word for word. All of us who frequented Kelvin know how ‘Ol Pete could spin a yarn! Everyone must have at least one ‘Pete Poole’ story. I’m attaching a picture of the Garden Tap from about 1957. Those behind the bar are my grandfather, Henry Olson, Glen Johnson, and Freddie Hiatt. This was when the Tap first opened. Classy joint—white shirts and ties! Grandpa and Glen were partners when it opened. Thanks Gary!Dick Henry Olson, Glen Johnson, and Freddie Hiatt. Neola Kofoid Garbe’s question to Colleen Brudwick at the Good Samaritan Home: Hi Colleen, I need help/info, please. I understood Highway 43 performs on Sunday. I just received Gary Stokes’ Dunseith Alumni newsletter. In it, Gary Fulsebakke has a note stating there will be a 90th birthday party for his mother at Good Sam, starting at 3:00. Will both events be taking place at the same time–little overlapping 30 minutes? Thanks. Neola Colleen’s reply: The music is at 2:00 on Sunday; the party is at 3:00.

Duane Link pasted away – Son of Phyllis McKay (’65) and the late Ron Link (’63)  

Obituary for Duane Ronald Link

Duane came into this world on November 27, 1964. He arrived on Friday after Thanksgiving and weighed only 4 pounds. Duane was so tiny, he came home in a Christmas stocking one month later on December 27, 1964. His parents Phyllis McKay and Joseph Duane Link were thrilled and scared to death to bring their itty bitty baby boy home to their trailer house in Minot, North Dakota.

In 1966, when Duane was almost 2 years old we moved to Seattle, Washington in hopes of a new job for Joe. Three years later Duane got a baby sister named Tyera. He loved his baby sister dearly and gave her his favorite “blankie” to snuggle at nap time. He loved to pull her around in their wagon while during walks in the neighborhood. He kissed on her whether she was sleeping or not, often waking her. He also loved to tease her unmercifully, telling her we had found her at a camp site at Ocean Shores. When they were teenagers they became best of friends and partners in crime always covering up for each other’s discretions. Tyera was his champion and Duane was her body guard.

Duane’s first dog was a little black terrier mix named Blackie that loved Duane. He said no matter how close Blackie was next to him, if he said “Blackie” the dog would crowd closer to Duane. After Blackie died, Duane saved his paper route money and bought two Scottie dogs. This began many years of raising and selling puppies. With the puppy money he bought his first motorcycle, a television, and his first car.

Duane loved muscle cars. His first car was a 1967 cherry red Chevy Chevelle. It was the vehicle that transported him and his sister Tyera on many wild adventures. Coming home one night in the fog, Duane saw a heard of horses galloping down the road straight at him. The thundering hooves proceeded over the top of his car, without any damage to the horses. Duane’s Chevelle only needed a new hood and a little pounding out of dents to the roof of his car. This story was reported in the Maplevalley newspaper “Voice of the Valley”.

While working at Micron Duane became friends with a fellow worker that was Korean. He learned how to jig for squid and how to make Korean Kimchi. At this time Duane also became interested in the Korean martial arts Taekwondo. He achieved the rank of red belt which is the rank below black belt. He was very proud of how he could break boards with one strong kick. When we were invited to his home for a gourmet meal, “another of his accomplishments” he would dress up in his dobok and put on a demonstration of demonstration of high kicks and precise movements.
Duane’s first long term job of eight years was at Safeway with his dad. When Safeway went on strike, Duane started working for a plastic extrusion plant called Micron in Kent. He became supervisor of the night crew. After working with precision machines he decided to return to college to complete his Machinist training. Duane worked in the aerospace industry as a machinist until the crash in 2008. For the past several years he worked at many different odd jobs. He decided to go to North Dakota to be closer to his sister and her family. After one winter in North Dakota, he returned to Washington State. Duane’s last job was at Skills Incorporated as an aerospace machinist. He loved his job and was looking forward to buying a new car.

Duane left us at only fifty years old on October 18th, 2015, He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Duane Link. He is survived by his sister Tyera Link Sebens (Mitch), his nephew Derek Sims, his niece Chelsea Sims, his great nephew Gaige Sims and his mother Phyllis McKay as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Remembering the old reel to reels
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

I watched this site about how beavers once  parachuted into “The River of No return” in Idaho.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/beaver-parachute-1.3285962

The second film was lost for years.

Watching the second film  reminded me of the  all those reel to reel films we watched at Dunseith School.

I know many folks  consider the beaver destructive

My opinion differs from lots of folks…including family members and neighbors..

But I  choose to stick to my opinion;

Beavers will always reign as a favored animal who continue to amaze me by their

construction methods and their familial relationships.

until Later, Vickie

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Blog (373) posted on February 19 , 2009

02/18/2009

Posted on February 19, 2009

Lefse Recipe and Story
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

http://www.startribune.com/how-to-make-lefse-straight-from-lutheran-church-ladies/285253271/

I enjoyed this Lefse recipe story from Minneapolis tribune.

My branch of the  family could not boast being Norwegian.

Too many other Duke’s mixture nationalities are represented in our specific  tree branch.

However, we  do claim  Norwegian.

Hpw? My third grandma was Grandma Ingrid Seim.

Grandma Seim was our ‘Grandma of the heart.

She told Dad for his kids to call her Grandma.

And we did because dad loved her.

My  Dad was taken under Grandma Seim’s capable wing as a young teen.

Hens, I grew up eating lefse.

And later  I cooked and ate Lutefisk with my  Dad !

I also  remember  when Aunt Ella(Evans) Metcalfe  baked Lefse on top of her wood stove.

Who needed  a lefse grill in the days of old when you had a wood cook stove.

In recent years, my younger  sister  peels potatoes, cooks, rices and

mixes up  a batch of dough

the night  before November Veteran’s Day.

She always uses  Red River valley red potatoes.

The morn  of Veterans Day, I pack up the dogs drive N. into the hills and give her 1 hand.

She rolls,

I turn.

I always choose make an intentional  mess out of three rounds.

Oops!  oh no.   Oops!  not again…OOP s another one!

Lickety splint!

I being the family peasant, I devour  the warm lefse with butter and….dark, dark,  brown sugar.

Civilized members in the  family prefer white sugar)

After  our  marathon rolling and baking lefse; my sister pulls out  white dough mixed in the bread dough machine.

We fry ‘Dough gods’  in a black iron skillet. served up with homemade chokecherry jelly.

What a Veteran’s Day we’ve had!

I usually do not eat lefse again for another year…….

This year at the  Boissevain,  Manitoba  Labor Day  flea market .

I looked and looked and finally found  an antique sugar shaker to use for lefse at my sisters  Thanksgiving table.

but……don’t tell her it is a surprise.

Later. Vickie

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Blog (372) posted on February 16 , 2009

02/16/2009

Posted on February 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Beth Fauske Duncan (’67): Yorkville, Il.

Happy Birthday Carol Robert Braun (’69): Oseceola, WI

Margery Kester’s Birthday photo
Posted by Cheryl Kester Gaugler (’69):  North Brunswick, NJ

Gary,

Hope this finds you and Bernadette doing well.  My mom, Margery Kester, turned 98 on October 6.  I’ve attached a picture of Mom and her children (left to right-Michael, Joanne Boucher, Pennie Grenier, me).  She is now a resident in the long term care facility in Rugby and doing well.

Thank you for all your hard working keeping everyone connected.

Cheryl (Kester) Gaugler

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Blog (370) posted on February 14 , 2009

02/14/2009

Posted on February 14, 2000

    Happy Birthday Karen Loeb Mhyre (’65): Bellevue, WA

Happy Birthday Lee Stickland: Dickinson, ND

Reply to  Bill Hosmer’s Recollection of Dunseith.
From Joe Johnson (’77):   Lindstrom, MN

Gary,

As a reply to Bill Hosmer’s wonderful recollections about Dunseith.  I remember anytime I heard my father and uncle’s talking of Bill Hosmer it was with the highest regard.  Also, Bill’s mention of Sy Kadrie’s pool hall and Neil Hassen brought back some memories of conversations overheard about the pool hall and visits with my father to Neil Hassen’s store on main street in Dunseith.  Growing up in Dunseith was definitely good times!   Gary thanks for keeping us all in touch.  Joe Johnson

Justin Abrahamson
Born: November 20, 1980
Died: October 06, 2015

Send Flowers

Justin Abrahamson, age 34 of Aurora, CO died Tuesday October 6, 2015 at his home. Funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Thursday starting at 6:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm both at the church. Burial will be at the Little Prairie Cemetery rural Dunseith.

Justin Abrahamson, a son of Doyle Abrahamson and Lynda Biffle, was born on November 20, 1980 at Englewood, CO. He graduated from Ponderosa High School in Parker, CO. He helped his dad for many years, including doing the survey work for home plate at Coors Field. Justin began working for Merrick and Company in Aurora, Co in 1997. He progressed from rodman to instrument operator to party chief. In 2006, along side his dad, he was part of a team who made multiple climbs on the Continental Divide to retrace and re-monument the original Base Line dividing the Kansas and Nebraska territories in which is now Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering on December 13, 2008. Justin worked on Merrick & Company projects throughout the United States.

Justin enjoyed off road four wheeling. He was twice nominated for the Merrick Way award. First for providing CPR to a motorcyclist suffering from a heart attack and also for designing and building theft prevention measures for the Merrick ATV trailer.

Justin is survived by his mother and step-father, Lynda and John Biffle of Parker, CO; half brother, Paul (Tracy) Martin of Olympia, WA; step-mother, Cindy Abrahamson of Aurora, CO; step brothers, Paul (Nicole) Davis of Aurora, CO and Matt Davis of Columbus OH; paternal grandmother, Maude Abrahamson of St. John, ND; maternal grandmother, Vivian Kent of Park Rapids, MN; aunts and uncles; Darrel (Phyllis) Abrahamson and Tom (Betty) Abrahamson all of St. John, Laurie Inkin of Victor, NY, Lynn (Lynette) Kent of Dickinson, ND, Landis (Ann) Kent of Gillette, WY, Ladyn (Susan) Kent of Parker, CO and Larry Kent of Park Rapids, MN; girlfriend, Cassandra Thacker of Aurora CO and nieces, nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Doyle; grandfathers, Howard Abrahamson and Les Kent and one aunt, Jeanmarie Abrahamson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to your Toy For Tots, an organization that was very important to Justin.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Send Sympathy Card 

 Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries 

Sign Guest Book

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

I love the wisdom of A.A. Milne’ s Winnie the Pooh!

Here is more of Winnie  real Canadian history on todays Canadian news.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.2616492

Vickie

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot & Bottineau, ND

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Blog (369) posted on February 13 , 2009

Posted on February 13, 2009

               Happy 90^th Birthday Guy Knox: Dunseith, ND

            Happy 85^th Birthday Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Happy Birthday Carol Pritchard Corzine (’67): Denver City, TX.

Todd Poitra – Rolette County’s Veterans Officer
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Ginger, Gary and friends,

This week’s  Turtle Mountain Star has a  great, lengthy article,  and photo of Todd Poitra.

Todd Poitra is  Rolette County’s  new Veterans Officer, replacing Mr. Boucher who retired.

Todd served the United States of America as a Marine for six years!

Every now and again , Ginger (LaRocque)  Poitra is   accompanied by her son Todd  to Bottineau.

Tony exudes ever so much patience …..while Ginger and I enjoy are oft to a good visit!

I am certain Mr. Poitra will be an asset to Rolette County’s Veterans.

Until later. Vickie

Folks,
With the little correspondence that I have had with Todd I know that he will do a great Job being the Rolette County Veterans officer. He comes from great stock. His mother, Ginger LaRocque Poitra. is a class mate of mine, the DHS class of ’65.
Gary

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Blog (367) posted on February 11 , 2009

Posted on February 11, 2009

Happy Birthday Rita Parisien Anderson (’73): New Rockford, ND


Happy Birthday Jim Mellmer (’72): Mandan, ND

Happy Birthday Jan Peterson Hurley: Walhalla, ND

Ralph Bjornseth’s 90^th Birthday celebration
Posting from Luella Boardman Bjornseth (’49):  Bottineau, ND

Hi!

Just wanted to let you Ralph had a great 90th birthday party.  Wish you could have been here for it.  All the kids, grand kids and great grandkids except one who was sick were here plus a lot of other relatives and friends.  It was fantastic and seemed like everyone had a great time.  Got lots of pictures and I expect you have already seen some of them that  a couple  of the grandchildren put on Facebook.

Now the last of them have headed for home so things are getting quiet and we can get some sleep.  Hope Bernadette is feeling better.  Tell her hello from us.

Luella

Ralph and Luella Bjornseth family

Vietnam Voices with Jerry LaFountian.
Web Link posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Note: Jerry LaFountian’s dad was from Belcourt, ND.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fpRb2oyBI
Vietnam Voices: Jerry LaFountain

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe’s Vietnam Web link posting
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX

The article Vickie submitted was very interesting.  My Dad was the supply officer and then the XO in Pleiku from June 8, 1967 to June 8, 1968. When he came home we were transferred to Minot where he was the regular army advisor to the National Guard. One of his duties was to inform families of sons/fathers/brothers killed or missing in action in VN. Fortunately it wasn’t often he had to call on families but when he did he never just walked away. Sometimes he spent hours sitting with families. And many times he went back later to check on them.  When I read articles about this era, I am always relieved when there is a good ending. There were so many that weren’t. Thank you to all the brave boys and men and women who served during that time.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

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Blog (366) posted on February 10 , 2009

02/10/2009

Posted on February 10, 2009

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Hi, Gary, this is to reply to Lynn Henriksen(64) Hi Lynn, do you remember Tom and Dot Hagen when we lived and worked for your Mom, Midge, for 3 summers at Kelvin??? I worked with Rick in the store and gas station and we lived first in the little cabin down back and later in a mobile home we would bring up for the summer. The phone exchange at first was Eleanor (Metcalfe) and Cliff Nerpel, and later Kathy (Maginol) and George Gregory. Ken Tooke would bring the gas for the pumps. Lots of memories come back from those days!!!! How are Dana and Rick??? We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot Hi, sorry but I had to add a little more to the message Lynn Henrikson (64) Her brother Hal and our son Mark (Tom) are about the same age(50s) and played together every summer . Our son and family are moving to AZ in July what is Hal doing now??? We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot Reply from Marge (Landsverk) Fish (57): Hi Gary and all, I was just reading Dick’s e-mail and it brought back memories. I remember going to Cachevar’s? I’m not sure of the spelling. It was on the crest of a hill at the start of the Turtle Mountains. It was very different with furniture made of tree limbs and varnished. There was a lot of taxidermy of frogs playing violins, otters, prairie dogs and more, it was fascinating to a kid. It was across the road from Hills. I was friends with Elve and Arla Hill and remember going there and riding horses. That was a big deal as I was crazy about horses and a town girl. I had my first soft serve ice cream cone at the little place that was on the west side of Iver Lo’s store. I’m sure they made it with cream as it was the best that I can remember. I got my hair cuts and rarely fixed at Maries beauty shop. I mostly got Toni Perms that got pretty hard to manage from my mom but thats what you did when your hair was straight as a stick. I don’t remember if the Smokers in the basememt of the city hall were in the 50′s or before but there were rumors of guys losing a farm or a vechicle. Dales cafe had the best hamburgers with everything on them even cucumbers! Thanks Gary! Take Care Marge (Landsverk) Fish From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Dear Gary, In answer to the question about the “Tastee Freeze” soft ice cream parlor next to Marie’s Beauty Shop. Some of the girls’ that worked there; Millie Crum and Elaine Schneider were the first two who worked there, next it was Marlene Kraft and Joann Kester. I don’t remember who worked there after that. It was a great place to hang out in the 50′s. Bonnie Awalt Houle (56) From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): So excite by the clip posted by Dick Johnson – made my day! I wonder if it was moved? destroyed by fire? Must go but will want to write to Lloyd soon and thank him for his input. Gary I have searched over and hour for the Hot Sauce ordering info. Cannot seem to locate. If not too much trouble please paste to me. Sharron Sharron, I have 3 bottles of this hot sauce, compliments of Bill Hosmer. It’s good stuff. This is the info on the bottles. https://www.milehighhotsauce.com/ Mile High Hot Sauce 288 Aviation Road Pikeville, NC 27863 Toll-Free Orders: 1-866-264-5344 mpcooper@milehighhotsauce.com Reply From Sharron Gottbreht Shen: Yes Gary, I like the dialogue. Bill Evans often called Dale “George junior” – your slip brought this dear expression to mind. In my father’s will drawn up after inlistment, George, my brother, is called Dale Jr. and he is listed second, my spot! It speaks to me about pride and affection and makes me happy. The picture of dad standing by the repaired semi was taken about 1947 along the street of the former Link home where we moved that same year. Dad learned to remove his keys from that semi after young George climbed in at age 4/5 and attempted to drive! The rolled trailer picture was probably late spring 1944. I hope to verify that today. I have no idea where the rear axel/wheels may have gone but Uncle Roland might know. Sharron Sharron, I have reposted the picture of your dad with the correct labeling. With the first posting I identified him as George. Sorry for the mistake. Gary Dale Gottbreht Posting from the Dunseith Journal from Dick Johnson (68): Gary and Friends, With all the talk about these guys lately, here are their bowling scores from November 28, 1938. This is from the Dunseith Journal also. If you don’t care to sit in the old bowling alley and watch these guys, you can walk over to the Althea Theater and take in a show! Thanks Gary! Dick Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Gary and Friends,Here are a couple pictures to go with the newspaper bowling scores and Althea Theater ad. Don Johnson bowling in the old bowling alley–Lilleby’s, behind the bar and Eleanor Awalt Stickland in front of the show hall. Thanks Gary. Dick Don Johnson Eleanor Awalt Stickland   Posted by Ellen Graff Myrick (58): How’s this for a “snowman” !! This was built in Wahpeton ND. Kinda gives you an idea of how much snow we’ve been having. Pretty good sculpture too, don’t ya think?

Gottbreht’s
Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (’59): Watertown, NJ

Dear Gary,

As ever, your web postings are an awaited part of my day. I picked up on Gary Metcalfe’s kind compliment and returned to that entry with information that brother George offered some time ago. Although very sad, I will give the correction here.

The truck-trailer wreck happened not because of ice in that April of 1944, but because of an auto driven at desperate speed from a hill cross road and that barreled into the trailer. Had he waited for just the right vehicle to come along? Dad must have waved down the next passerby to alert authorities. Dad had a 2-floor load of hogs on board; only one suffered a broken leg. You can imagine those happy porkers juking about in total freedom; all were recovered and brought to market.

So Dale’s enlistment date was 14 May 1944; boot camp near St Louis, MO. En-route to Fort Lewis Millitary Base, WA, Dale passed through Devils Lake. Hector and Cecelia Boucher and Alma Boucher Gottbreht were waiting there in Hector’s Ford Coop. Obviously there was a prearranged plan because Dad jumped into the car and said “Let’s get the hell out of here.” They went fishing for 3 days to Lake Shandy. Lucky Dale; AWOL for 3 days meant a few days in the brigg and not the firing squad. Story related to me by Hector’s daughters.

Keep well dear friends and thank you Gary, Sharron

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Blog (363) posted on February 7, 2009

02/07/2009

Posted on February 7, 2009

Request from Rod Kalk (61):

Hi Gary,
Please add Lisa Williams Mastvelton to your emails-
to your emails.
We’re enjoying great temperatures in ND.
Thanks, Rod Kalk Class of 1961

Rod, it is my pleasure to add Lisa Williams Mastvelton (82) to our distribution list.

Lisa, you were quite young when I left the Dunseith area, so I don’t remember you all that well, but I do know the Lagerquist’s and the Knutson’s, both extended relatives of yours. Your sister Lori is married to Ray Lagerquist and your daughter, Jenna, is married to Toad Knutson. I don’t know Toad, but I know his grandparents, Norris & Arlene Knutson, well. Toad’s dad, Roger, was just a little tite when I left the country. It’s hard for me to believe, in my mind, that Roger is all grown up and has grown up kids of his own. I guess things didn’t come to a stand still when I left the country. Rod Hiatt filled us all in, with message #333, with the wonderful wedding and reception of your daughter Jenna & Toad. My brother Darrel and his wife Debby told me they also attended their wedding and reception. From all reports, it was a wonderful affair. Gary

Reply from Pam Wenstad Lane (78):

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

In reply to Ginger’s question of a family from Dunseith’s Main Street
that drowned, it was the second wife of Carl Watschke and her son. They
were fishing on Long Lake and got caught in a sudden storm with strong
winds which overturned the boat. Mabel and Larry Nordquist drowned. Carl
managed to keep afloat and Larry’s sister Joy Nordquist swam to the
shore, although she was not a swimmer. The reason I am aware of what
happened that day in 1957 is that Joy later married my dad’s brother,
Cliff Johnson, in 1960. The terrible tragedy of that day has haunted my
aunt throughout her life. She and Cliff don’t have email and hopefully
won’t even hear about this message from those of you who do. I hope this
answers your question. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Marth Lamb Schepp (68):

Hi to all,

We were just to Minot last night to meet our newest Gandson. Daxton Edwin Schepp, son of Karson and Kristen Marie Casavant Schepp also the grandson of Rick and Denice Casavant of Rolette. Daxton was born on Feb 4 at 6:40 P.M. 8 lbs. 3oz. and 201/2 inches long. He is our 7th grandchild, 3 being boys and 4 girls. The oldest will be 9 in March and until Wed. the youngest just turned 2. They are so fun. We have two grandsons from Rugby staying for 2 nights this weekend. Best say goodbye as we have a game of Yahtzee waiting. Thanks for all that everyone has does, especially Gary for keeping this going. Martha Lamb Schepp (68)

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

Your web sight sound fascinating, you are so intelligent, you and Billy Grimme. Too bad Conley Grimme isn’t still around he too was very intelligent with all this tech stuff.

I have let my secretary job slack off as I’ve been running around with my Grandkids at NDSU, had a grand time, but now it’s back to getting Lloyd on line again.

Bonnie, Thank you so much for the nice words, however, Bill is the guy with all the smarts. I discovered that it takes more time than brains to put together a ‘simple’ WEB page. Gary

Lloyd Awalt’s (44) reply:

Hello to Gary Metcalfe,

Gary mentioned the time my Dad was up at your place and came across the field carrying a child piggy back. It wasn’t me it was my brother Bill. Everything else you remembered was correct. Keep the messages coming.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Diane Berg Rheault (79):

Gary, the picture of the soldier in this email……… When I looked at it, at first glance, it reminded me of one of the Tooke kids (of Kenneth and Nettie(Knox) Tooke). Wondering if it could be some relative either on the Tooke side or the Knox side.

Just a thought….Diane (Berg) Rheault

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Justene Metcalfe’s parents are Shannon & Debbie (Salmonson) Metcalfe. Her grandparents are Cliff/Lottie Metcalfe & Harlan/LaDonna Salmonson. Gary

Posted by Glen Williams (52): junnermt@msn.com

Thomas J. Clifford
1921-2009

The entire University of North Dakota alumni family is grieving the loss of one of our most beloved members. Thomas J. Clifford, one of the University’s and state’s most iconic and dedicated alumni passed away in his home on February 4. He was 87 years old. My heart goes out to Tom’s wife, Gayle, and the entire Clifford family during this difficult time.

As a UND faculty member, the youngest-serving dean and longest-serving president, Clifford touched the lives of nearly everyone he met. On a weekly basis, I never fail to meet or visit with someone who has an inspiring “Tom Clifford” story. In having many of these memorable conversations with the young and old alike, it’s clear Tom’s impact spans generations. He was a caring and compassionate man who took chances on students and inspired people to succeed. Serving as one of the University’s greatest presidents, the “Clifford Era” from 1971-92 was a time of steadfast growth and success at UND. Clifford was a mentor, a confident leader, a savvy businessman, and, more than anything, a loyal friend and alumnus of the University. No one in our illustrious 125-year history has positively impacted more lives in a variety of ways. He was our “renaissance man”, a war hero and a leader across several disciplines.

It is an understatement to say Tom’s passing leaves a void that cannot be replaced. He will be dearly missed on so many levels, both professionally and personally by thousands. Please keep the Clifford family in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

I am certain many of you have stories and memories about Tom you would like to share. Please visit www.undalumni.org, where we have set up a tribute in his honor. Some of these stories may also be included in the May Alumni Review, which will include a tribute to Clifford’s life. You may also contribute a story about Clifford for inclusion in the Alumni Review by sending it to alumnireview@undalumni.net I know his family and friends will enjoy reading your fond memories of their loved one.

Sincerely,

Tim O’Keefe, ’71
Executive Vice President and CEO
UND Alumni Association and UND Foundation

UND Alumni Association
3100 University Ave. Stop 8157
Grand Forks, ND 58201-8157
(800) 543-8764 or (701) 777-2611
Fax: (701) 777-4054
www.undalumni.org | www.und.edu

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Jack Flynn Memories
From Rob Olson (’79):  Walla Walla

Gary-

I have been at a seminar for the last 5 days and finally caught up with your blog.  I am saddened by the loss of Jack Flynn-a true man of honor and respect.  I see my brothers have written, but I feel compelled to also relate my feelings for him for he set a course for my life without even knowing it—or maybe he did?   Living across the street from Jack and Minnie was a great blessing. If I was hanging out at the house playing in the yard when Jack got home he would invite me over and usually feed me some ice cream. We didn’t have it in our house and I think he knew that. His family treated me so well and I am appreciative to this day.

When there was a baseball game out of town Jack would invite me to go with him.  He made sure that I was appropriately dressed and well behaved.   He took other kids to games too. We would pile in the box of his pickup and off we would go.   He loved baseball and gave me every opportunity to watch and be associated with it. Later when I played baseball for Mayville State, like many Dunseith boys did before me, I came home for a weekend when I ran into Jack.  He knew I was playing at Mayville but wanted to know what my plans were. I told him I was planning on being a teacher and a baseball coach and we talked of  other things.  As we parted he looked at me and told me he was proud of me.  I felt like he gave me a million dollars!  He never said a discouraging word to me.    Every person would be lucky to have a Jack Flynn in their life.

Rob Olson

Randy Kelly
Reply from Sybil Johnson: Minot, ND

Randy was Augie’s cousin and very well liked. I enjoyed visiting him, when we were in St. Paul back in 1984, when Kelly was killed and he visited us, when we lived in Minot.

Sybil Johnson

1944 Note Dame Academy
Posted by Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX 

This is the senior class 1944 Note Dame Academy. From the top it’s Edward Vandal, my Uncle Virgil Richard, Theodore Bower, Evelyn Berube, next riw is Rose Marie Vandal, Lila Tennancour, Delores Becker, Muriel Bergeron. Then my mom Verdellis Richard, (white collar, arms crossed) then on the first row Elaine Dionne, Libbey Henry, Crystal King, Muriel Garceau. Can you please post this on the blog for me? I’m on my cell and for some reason my emails don’t go through. Thanks Gary!

Ginger LaRocque Poitra Fell and hurt her hand
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

I just wanted to let you know that I fell Thursday,  October 1st. I was trying to decorate for Halloween

I was on a step stool and had just put Winnie-the-Pooh on top of a cabinet,

I preceded to get down carrying an object (angels) I was going to switch out for another object.

My tennis shoe got caught on the rubber of the step of the stool, I began falling backward unable to catch myself.

I kept going and going then I finally landed on my buttocks very very hard and then to my back,

still carrying the angels which were kinda heavy.

The way I was carrying the angel statue made of ceramic,

of which I was still holding very tightly to,

part of it was what hit the top of my left hand.

This caused my blood vessels to do whatever happens to them when hit with a force like it did, made my hand turn blue and swell.

Ginger

====================================

Blog (361) posted on February 5, 2009

Posted on February 5, 2009

Correction: Kenny Hill, not Kenny Hiatt
From Lyle Olson (’75):  West Fargo, ND

Gary, in my comments about Jack Flynn I mentioned that Jack hayed with Wally and Kenny Hiatt. It was actually Kenny Hill And Wally Hiatt.  My apologies to Kenny Hiatt, if there is a Kenny Hiatt.

Thanks for the correction Lyle,
I was racking my brain trying to figure out who Kenny Hiatt was. As a kid I thought I knew all the Hiatt’s down to my generation.
Gary
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

I figure that Larry and Henry Hackman must have made it back to Bismarck from their camping trip to Rugby. I say this because Larry is back on his computer. He told me that they found a really nice new camping spot there in Rugby for their campers. He said it was right there in front of the Shopko store. Nice and flat with lines painted for where you were supposed to park. He said they were a little stingy with the size of the spots though and there weren’t many trees. Just that one tall skinny one with a light bulb on top. He said the light was kind of handy though when you wanted to kick back in your lawn chair and have a beer after dark. Dicky Johnson should be getting home from his vacation on Sunday also. He’s been gone to that Norwegian thing down there in Minot all week. Da Hoste Fest or something like that they call it. I should be able to tell when he gets home, there’ll be that unmistakable odor of Lutefisk coming from the West. I hope you can understand this I have a heck of a time writing in Norwegian. Well y’all have a good day now y’ear. Later.

Mel

Posting From Allen Houle (’67): Villages, FL.

From a skinny kid who attended an elementary boarding school called Notre Dame Academy, and attended middle and high school in Dunseith. Put myself thru college and had a great high school teaching/coaching career that lasted 36 years. I’m retired now and spending my winters in Florida at a place called the Villages. It’s a retirement community 50 miles north of Orlando. People here call it Paradise and it certainly is, but I like to think of it as Disneyland for grownups. It’s Disneyland every day. So many activities here that you can’t possible do them all. I’m playing a little softball, bowling and of course golfing. I feel very blessed. What a country!!!!!!

Allen Houle  Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe on 11/27/2011

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Blog (360) posted on February 4, 2009

02/04/2009

Posted on February 4, 2009

Reply from Randy Kelly (’69):  St. Paul, MN
Gary,

I forgot to congratulate you and your wife on the birth of your twin grandchildren.  What a blessing.  God is truly great!

Take care.

Randy

Thanks Randy: They are special. They look like
Bernie, their dad too. Very healthy and doing well.

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Lyle Olson (’75):  West Fargo, ND

Gary and all,

So sad to hear of Jack Flynn’s passing.

I hauled literally thousands of hay bales for Jack.  Although barely a teenager I still remember all the conversations we had driving from town to his farm.  He talked about all manner of things, including sports, politics and life in general. He talked to me like I was a man and not a tweener.

As most know, he rarely talked about his military service, or at least not with me.  As I grew up and heard the horrors of Vietnam Nam from the local boys who fought over there, I often thought that Jack must have seen some god awful things during his long tour of duty in WWII. He was truly a patriot and one of the greatest generation. It was his advice upon which I joined the USAF after high school ( well his advice and that of James Very, the Juvenile Court Judge at the time—-

However, I prefer to remember that it was Jack’s advice that carried the day!)

Jack was an avid reader, until the cruel onset of his vision loss.  I would bump into him from time to time and he would tell me about a book he just finished.  He also wanted to talk about law with me and I must admit he stymied me on more than one occasion. But he did so with humor and intelligence.

Although not a very good baseball player I was a bench warming member of some of the best Legion teams Dunseith ever produced.  Jack would show up at almost all the games.  He loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching his boys from Dunseith.  I remember him showing up at a Babe Ruth State tournament game in Minot and he then drove a few of us younger boys to watch our Legion team play a Regional or State game in Carrington. He bought us all lunch and made sure our parents knew we were with him.

Back to hauling bales, Jacked would often hay with Wally and Kenny Hiatt.  I remember Jack letting me drive a load of hay back to the farm and I took a corner a bit too fast and half the load tumbled off the trailer. Kenny was not too pleased and said a few swear words my way.  Jack simply walked over to the pickup and grabbed a warm Schlitz beer out of the box and said he would supervise me while I restocked the load.  That is exactly what he did. Never said a bad word my way and never mentioned it to anyone.  By the time I finished he had put away 3 to 4 warm beers and asked me to drive home!  Definitely gave me confidence to drive, which I know now was his intent.  Can’t beat that kindness!

Lyle Olson
West Fargo

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Don Olson (’75):

The Olson family moved to Dunseith in 1968.  I am the oldest of three sons of Lorraine Somers, (Metcalfe).  My name is Don and I have two accomplished brothers, Lyle and Rob. We were involved in sports, baseball, basketball, and football.   Our mother worked three jobs to support us but we did have people who watched us play and would tell our mother about our performance, be it good or bad.  Mr. Jack Flynn was one of these people.

Growing up in Dunseith you were certain of a couple things. One, if there was a sporting event in town, especially baseball, Jack Flynn and Herman Martinson would be there.  Looking back at the experiences we had in Dunseith, we were very privileged and honored to be taught about life by these two men.  Herman Martinson was one of the best people I have ever met or probably will meet. His soft-spoken guidance helped more than one young man see problems more clearly and he had this sense of knowing what you needed to feel better. Once in a while, he would jack you up if you had been slacking or he would boost you up when you needed the reinforcement.

Mr. Flynn was the driving force behind the American Legion teams from the late 60s through the early 70s. He made sure that the Dunseith squad had all the equipment they ever needed and funding to go to tournaments and food for the boys. I think for about three summers we played over 40 baseball games and were in three state tournaments.

All he ever asked for in return was respect for the game, respect for the American Legion and sportsmanship. You were expected to stand at attention for the American Legion Creed; you were expected to hustle on and off the field at all times. You were to respect the umpires and referees and to be good sportsman and act like gentlemen. I do not remember a time when he did not support each and every individual in the team like we were part of his family.

The second thing I was assured of as a boy; was that we were expected to give our best efforts in any endeavor we chose. He believed in our potential as boys and later as men.  I feel truly blessed to have had role models such as Jack.

My last encounter was with Jack was one afternoon at The Hardware Store. I stopped in for something and when I asked David Fugere for the item, Jack who was sitting on the bench, said “I know that voice is an Olson; which one are you?” I told him I was Don and he related how he would sometimes walk across the street to our little trailer and grab one of the younger Olson Boys to go with him to pick rock on the farm. First it was Lyle and then Rob as he got older. My brothers talked about being with Jack as a great experience as he was fountain of knowledge and care. He never ceased to ask about my brothers when I saw him.  It was an honor to be mentored by such good men.

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th Birthday Party
Posting/pictures from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Hi Gary,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing better.  Hang in there old friend.

I really appreciate that you are still able to find the time to get the blog done and sent out to all of us.

Here are some photos of Jim and Ruby (Kuhn) Birkland’s, “80th Birthday Party” celebrated at the Lutheran Church in Dunseith , ND. on Sept. 20,2015.

If your gonna play in North Dakota , ‘You gotta have a fiddle in the band”!

A great time was had by all.

Larry

A few others  who joined in the fun.

A couple other guys and a hot rod at the Birthday Party.

Thanks Gary, You do a great job!

====================================
Blog (358) posted on February 2, 2009

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): 

Hi to all:  We are home from visiting children and grandchildren during December and from Costa Rica during January–where we studied and lived with a family.
We had felt some small rumbles in the earth a few times before the big earthquake occurred (6.2) and we ran out of the house to the back yard, where we swayed back and forth with the earth for a short time, I even felt nauseous.  North of San Jose at Volcan Poas occurred massive damage and some people have never been found and several communities were wiped out.  The T.V. news, of course carried it constantly and the people of C.R. came to the rescue as best they could.  I even saw a large monkey run into the arms of an animal rescuer.  It was very touching.  Volcan Poas is again open for visitors, but the devastation of the roads and beautiful mountains and streams is great–just in that area.  The rest of C. R. is okay.  About 30 volcanologists were studying Poas in the crator when it cccurred, but they all came out unharmed.      Happy New Year to all!    Lois Lilleby Fielding

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):

Hi Gary,  Here is my answer to Dick.

Hello Dick Johnson,

1960 is when Bill Teal retired from the depot, Bill Teal almost never drove, he always got someone else to drive for him.. Bill and Irene moved down next to Jack and Minnie Flynn.  Ray Hagel took his place as depot agent.  Yes I remember putting pennies on the train tracks and having the train flatten them, so you weren’t the first to do that and you sure weren’t the last.  Doing that sure made a penny look like it could be worth more than one cent didn’t it!

My Dad John Awalt bought the Dray Line in 1931 from Ike Berg.  We used horses to haul the freight, we hauled everything, coal, ashes, and ice besides what came in on the train.  During the Christmas Season is was not unusual to haul as many as three truck loads of mail up to the San Haven.  Coal was a big part of the business because almost all homes, stores and the school was heated by coal.  The coal had to be pushed from the train cars into the coal sheds and later loaded onto the wagon or truck and hauled to it’s destination.  The bucket you pushed it with by hand was no easy chore, and sometimes if you hit a nail in the floor as you were pushing it was a bugger of a quick stop.  Dad sold the Dray Line in 1943.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56): 

Hi everybody, hope you all are getting ready for spring.  Surely it must be on the way!!!

Elaine Watkins died just 1 month after my sister Corinne.  Both were mentally challenged.  It was interesting to hear of Elaine’s ability to remember things,

because Corinne could also.  She remembered all the relatives’ birthdays, anniversaries, and she could also tell you how old people were.  My mother used

to say, if it weren’t for Corinne, nobody would have gotten birthday cards from her.  Corinne did not attend public school, although that was tried and failed, but she did have a

tutor come to the house for a time.  That was Elinor Fuchs and she made a big improvement in Corinne’s life.  Elinor taught her to read enough so she could find things in

the newspaper.  Especially she would look to see who was in the hospital from Dunseith.  As Mom was writing the news for the TMS, that was a big help.  One of the things

about Elaine, when we were younger, was that we would sit together at the movies, way down in front.  She wasn’t always as friendly as she was as she got older, but

mostly we managed to get along.  She and Corinne were much more compatible.  I don’t remember Bud so well, but I knew his folks better as they were often in the Crystal

Café when I worked there.  Bud was pretty quiet, but friendly.

I really think Gary Metcalf gives Bonnie and I a lot of credit as I see our names in his messages pretty often. Thanks, Gary, you are alright!!!

Adrian Egbert was a character around town.  He was the father of my aunt, Margaret Lilleby who was just the best aunt to have in this world.  She and Louis drove a

taxi in Dunseith for a number of years before moving to Washington.  They lived in the house the Dick Johnson’s folks had before moving to their farm.  Eventually my

brother Lowell owned that house.  The house was right across from Adrian’s Northern Hotel.  Adrian’s woodpile was always a temptation on Halloween, and my

friends were involved in several “tricks” there.  Dorothy (Adrian’s second wife) and my mother were friends and visited often.  When Mom wanted to sell the house we

had lived in (get this, which was built by Adrian) Dorothy bought it for $2000. What a deal!!  Donald and his wife lived in the last I knew.

Enough for now.  Take care.  Janice Leonard Workman, class of 1956 rules!!!!

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Re: Modeste Lagimodiere

Modeste’s homestead was about 1 1/2 miles south of Rapid City Lake and one mile off #3 highway.  Louis Riel Jr. was son of Julie Lagimodiere and Louis Riel Sr.
I have a story of Joe Lagimodiere and old Martin Evan’s, also Ben Lagimodiere told my dad what to do if a mean bull got you off guard in an open field.

If Alice Bergan doesn’t have a picture of Alcide, what with Alcide babysitting her kids all those years, then I guess we are out of luck.  People reading this would get a lot more out of it if there was a picture.
It is interesting that Bergan’s land is connected to the old Modeste homestead and Mahlon Bailly was right next door   The Banker Templeman place where Wilmer Fassett was after 1935 was there also.

Melvin Cook, someone out there may know what family brought him to the area.  I am guessing maybe the Anderson’s.  On those swimming adventures on Rabbit City Lake, they would look way over on the other side of the lake, and say “there he is”.  Melvin swam like a duck, staying under water so long, they wondered where he was at.  I think he had some other talents too.

About 1947 Dad introduced me to a man named Fred Morin.  He had a big star, a big hat and he was a rather striking figure of a man, this was up on the Jack Rabbitt Trail north of Dunseith.  As I read his story in Prairie Past and Mountain Memories, one could easily write a book on his life of 104 years.  I thought Fred did a lot of his duty on foot?  For sure Wilbur Hall did his work on horseback on the Canadian Border when we first came back to the farm.  Things really were changing fast in the 40’s.
Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): c

Cousin Bob,

I liked your memory/letter which included Elaine Watkins very much.  I have added this image of you to my file of “cousin Bob Hosmer memories” in my head.  That’s one of the great things about this communal “blog”.  It enables us all to build a more complete picture of those who contributed to our lives.

Thanks to you, the “Fassett Boys” and others, my memory of Elaine has filled-out considerably.

Colette

Susan, I forgot to attack the pictures when I posted the following message with #355.  Sorry about that.  Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins.   She was born Jan 1st 1938 to
Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins.  She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine
Robert, and Carol Carbonneau.  She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at
home on the farm north of Dunseith.   She never fully developed mentally
beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her
into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance.  She
loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan
Fassett, and all our siblings.  We used to tease her unmercifully when
we were kids, but she loved us anyway.  Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I
used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and
we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so
the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine
squeal.  She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when
she came out of the house.  I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about
her and also Murl and Jeannine.  These pictures are in my collection,
of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2.  The one of her dancing is with my
mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin.  Mom was teaching her to dance and
that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the
couch.)  We had lots of good times with her.  I like to think that she
and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who
have gone home ahead of us.   God Bless,  Hugs and prayers,  Susan

Irene Fassett & Elaine Watkins Dancing – Paula Fassett on couch

                  Elaine Watkins – 1940

                    Elaine Watkins – 1940

                     Elaine Watkins – 1940

Happy Birthday Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (’73): Grafton, ND

Randy Kelly (’69)

Former St, Paul Mayor and former Personal staff of President George W. Bush.

I am sure most of you know or have heard of Randy Kelly. Randy’s mother was a Fauske, sister to Elwood Fauske and Lydia Fauske LaCroix. Randy was with the DHS class of 1969. His family moved to the twin cities before he graduated. From what I understand, Randy spend a lot of his childhood days staying with the Ernest and Lydia LaCroix family west of Dunseith.

Anyway, what brings Randy’s name into the picture is at our Cebu Expat dinner last night at the Marco Polo, one of our newer members told me he was from St. Paul. So I asked him if he knew Randy Kelly and of course he did. He wasn’t sure if Randy would remember him, even though he had run for a Legislature office in Randy’s district. Last night when I got home I zapped Randy a message with this guy’s name and  picture and Randy knows him.  Small world. With Randy having been a past Mayor of St. Paul, I was nearly 100% positive this guy would know who Randy is and he did. Not being from the Twin Cities area he was very surprised when I brought up Randy’s name.

Gary

DHS 68 Prom – Randy Kelly and Toni Morinville

Jack Flynn Memories
Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s HS teacher):  Hutto, TX.

Gary,

I was deeply saddened to read of Jack Flynn’s passing.  Jack and Minnie were among our very first friends in Dunseith.  They took us into their hearts and helped us to not only adjust to living in a new community but also married life as we were newly-weds when we first lived there.  Jack had the greatest sense of humor and many a laugh was shared at the American-Canadian Bar when Jack was there.  His stories and photos of his experiences during WWII and his participation in the liberating of some of the concentration camps was so interesting and enlightening to a young man who’s passion was, and still is, history.  With his passing another part of the “greatest generation” is lost to the future.  My sympathies go out to Minnie and the family.  This is one man who will certainly be missed.

Bob Lykins
Francis Peter (Jack) Flynn

Born: July 15, 1921
Died: September 25, 2015

Send Flowers

FRANCIS PETER (JACK) FLYNN

Francis Peter “Jack” Flynn, age 94 of Dunseith, died Friday, September 25, 2015 in the VA Hospital in Fargo. A memorial service will be held on Friday October 2, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

Jack was born July 15, 1921 Fonda, ND (east of Rolette) to Hugh Francis “Frank” and Mathilda (Marcotte) Flynn, the youngest of five children. Jack grew up in Rolette County and attended country school and then Rolette Public School, graduating in 1938. As a kid he worked at many jobs including Billy Murry’s pool hall in Rolette and for area farmers. He was a truck driver in the CCC camp at Kramer, ND and was part of their champion North Dakota basketball team, winning over Montana and South Dakota teams. His service in World War II was operating big radar equipment and truck driving in the U. S. Army from 1942 to 1945. His division landed in North Africa and made their way north through Europe. At the end of the war, they were among those liberating Dachau concentration camp.

Returning to the United States, he settled with his parents in Dunseith. He had jobs at a cream station, bakery in carpentry, and at gas stations before many years at American- Canadian Bar. He was a member of American Legion and other veterans organizations. He often reminisced about playing on the 1947 ND Independent Basketball team champions. Jack loved life and his family, growing crops and gardens, all sports, and was a fan of Barbershop Quartet music. Jack loved life and his family, growing crops and gardens, as well as all sports (Go TWINS!!). He was an ardent supporter of Dunseith baseball. He was a fan of Barbershop Quarter music. In his 90’s he raised pigs and chicken in an unused grain bin.”

Jack married Minnie Knox Dec. 28, 1948. They made their home in Dunseith and later Willow Lake Township on their farm.

Jack’s family: wife, Minnie, Dunseith; daughters, K. Jacqueline Richard, Dunseith and Jill(Larry) Tinjum, Powers Lake; son: Randy(Laurice)Flynn, Happy valley , Oregon. Grandchildren: Patrick(Elizabeth) Richard, Brooke(Garrett) Silbernagel, Richard Tinjum, John (Tally) Tinjum, Stephanie(Carter) Fong, Sonja Tinjum, Wyman(Liza) Flynn, Greir Flynn, Rio Flynn. Great-grandchildren: Julia, Autumn, Brody, Karys, Kolie, Sydney, and Parker and two nieces; Marlene Jorgenson and Tara Martinson and a nephew; Tim Martinson.

Preceded in death by family: parents-Frank and Mathilda Flynn, brother-Harold Flynn,
sisters- Evelyn Foster, Isabelle Burgan, and Pearl Martinson.

The family requests memorials to the American Legion Foundation.

Send Sympathy Card 

 Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries 

====================================
Blog (357) posted on February 1, 2009

02/01/2009

Posted on February 1, 2009

      Happy Birthday Shelley Hiatt Kenner: Devils Lake, ND

     Happy Birthday Robin Olson (‘79): Walla Walla WA

Phyllis Campbell, Dick and Brenda Johnson
Posting from Rich Campbell (’68): Minot, ND

How ironic.  Visiting Mom at the Bethel Nursing Home in Stanley today and heard familiar music coming from the activity area.  It was Dick & Brenda and their new friend Carl (Dakota Drifters).  By the time I brought Mom down they had finished.  We did have a good visit.  Mom sure enjoyed seeing them.

Rich Campbell

Jack Flynn’s Obituary
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67): Bottineau, ND

Jack Flynn passed away.  A short notice is on the Nero Funeral Home Web site.  The family submitted the full obituary and I expect it will be on there sometime tomorrow.  The service will be at Peace Lutheran on Friday at 2PM.  Thanks, LeaRae

Gary’s reply

LeaRae, I just checked and his obit is not yet posted. I will post the full Obituary when Nero’s have it posted. I have posted the short notice below.

Our condolences are with Minnie and all of Jack’s family with his passing. Jack will be missed, that is for sure.
Francis Peter (Jack) Flynn
Born: July 15, 1921
Died: September 25, 2015

Send Flowers

FRANCIS PETER (JACK) FLYNN

Francis Peter “Jack” Flynn, age 94 of Dunseith, died Friday, September 25, 2015 in the VA Hospital in Fargo. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

Send Sympathy Card 

 Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries 

Posting from Ginger LaRocque (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hey,  Gary

Tonight the moon is red.

It is very pretty.

We had a beautiful fall day, the olden days fall.

Take care,

Ginger

Gary’s Reply

Ginger, We are partly overcast with 90f and the Relative Humidity at 48%. Our average high is 88 to 92f year around. The lows are in lower 80’s. I don’t own a coat or any long sleeve over garments here. I really like it being summer year around.

====================================
Blog (356) posted on January 31, 2009

Bernice Belgarde (72):

Bernice, Enabling folks can contact you, I forgot to post your email address with message yesterday’s blog.  Sorry about that.  Gary
Folks, I recieved the following messages from Vickie Metcalfe that Denise Lajimodiere sent to her, Dick Johnson & Ginger LaRocque Poitra.  Bernice Belgarde forwarded Denise the daily blog messages with the stories of Alcide Lajimodiere. Gary

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie, Ginger & Dick: 

Hi you all!

Berniece Belgarde has sent me your emails and information you wrote about Alcide Lajimodiere. His grandfather, Modeste Lajimodiere had three wives and 21 chlidren. I have all the family geneaology – if I can find the folders, I’ve moved and packed them safely away, and can tell who his parents were. My father, Leo Lajimodiere, called him his cousin, and never seemed to have much to do with him, so I never got to know him. Modeste was first cousin to Louis Riel, of Canada fame. His father, Joseph had to flee Canada when Riel was hanged, and that is how we migrated to Dunseith area – Modeste took out a homestead north of Dunseith.

Alcide is buried with the other Lajimodiere’s in Dunseith.

I love the stories you have told, thank you so much, keep them coming if you have others!  So many of the Lajimodiere men here in the states and in Canada never had children. With my moving to Fargo there are now no one living in the T.Mts. with our last name. There are many that live in Winnipeg and Wallhalla.

Does anyone have a photo of him?

Denise K. Lajimodiere
2219 4th Ave. S
Moorhead, MN 56560

Vickie Metcalfe’s reply to Denise:

Denise, Over the years I have asked lots of folks about photos ofAlcide but no one has a photo. Thank you so much for sharing your

information information. I will keep you in my address book. If I
hear anything more.
I recalled you telling me about the Lajimodere connection to Louis
Riel. Two cousins and I about 4 years ago visted the Riel house in
Manitoba while we visited St. Agathe where my great grandmother
Celina Morin LeDuc was born.
Is it ok if I send your information in to the Gary Stokes website?
Thanks so much! I hope you’re having a good life. Vickie
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie:

I am currently in a dream job as professor in Educational Leadership at NDSU Fargo. I don’t like Fargo, but I love my job and my house in Moorhead. I head home to Belcourt/Dunseith as often as I can. I got my doctorate in 2006 from UND.
Please send any info anywhere – the more the merrier. Who is Gary Stokes?  I have long contemplated doing a little chap book on the Lajimodiere history here in the states. We fled Manitoba after Riel was hanged. Some returned but my family decided to camp in the Turtle Mountains. At the 200 year anniversary bash of Jean-Babtiste Lagimodiere and Marie-Ann Gaboury in Winnipeg in 2006, most Lajimodiere’s there did not know there were a lot of us in the states.

The historian there said I had the most complete family history of any he had seen. He is doing a huge book on the 20,000 current descendants of JB Lajimodiere.

What are you up to?

Happy Birthday Brenda Hiatt from your brother Bobby Slyter (70): 

Gary: today is my sister brenda’s birthday (1-23-55) could you possibly post this for me, thanks for all that you do for us, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS LOVE YA

Happy Belated birthday Brenda. We are hoping you had a good one.

Bobby, For some reason this message went into my spam folder and I didn’t catch it until today.  Sorry about that.  Gary

Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69) reply to Leroy Burcham’s picture posted by Randy Hiatt

Enjoyed the pic very much.  Leroy looks so very much like Norman to me as he ages.   The Birklands and my Dad were cousins and I try to stay in touch with Jim and Ruby as they are living closest to me, but I’m afraid I don’t do a very good job at it, as we usually see each other either in the grocery store or clinic.  Richard and I get teased a bit about being related BEFORE we got married because Leroy was married to Delores Hiatt.  Such a small small world.   Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):  TO RANDY HIATT: GREAT PICTURE OF LEROY AND HIS WIFE, DID NOT KNOW THAT HE HAD GOTTEN MARRIED AGAIN, THE FARM SURE HAS CHANGED SINCE DAD HAD IT, YOU SHOULD HAVE STOPPED TO VISIT AS DADS GRANDDAUGHTER (MY NEICE) (RICHARDS DAUGHTER) AND HER HUSBAND OWN IT NOW, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREATFUL THAT IT STAYED IN THE FAMILY   JUST LITTLE OLE  ME FROM KANSAS   A little winter humor, for all the snow this year, From Julie Hiatt Bonebrake (81): You know you’ve had enough ofwinter when you see this while walking thru the park! Julie

Fugere Twins
Happy birthday Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75): Minot, ND
Happy birthday Diane Fugere (’75): Burlington, ND

Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

I certainly enjoy reading the blog,  but I understand why you are unable to at times.

You do so much for all of us,  so diligently getting this blog to us as often as you do.  There is not to many people would have the stamina you have.

God bless you Gary for making so many people happy by sacrificing so much of your time,  your one in a million! !

You have to be enjoying it! Right?

Ginger

Gary’s Reply.

Thank you so much Ginger for the nice comments. Bernadette’s condition is demanding more of my time these days too. That combined with other groups that I coordinate, there are days that I am an not able to get the blog posted.

When I came out to the office about 30 minutes ago, Bernadette was sleeping in her recliner. At the moment none of our help is here, so it is me alone. Novie will be here later on. Anyway a few minutes ago Bernadette was calling me. When I went in the house she said “I just cannot take it anymore. I am saying my good byes to you and checking out. I don’t want to be around anymore”. After getting her calmed down some I went and got Edelyn to assist her taking a shower and getting dressed of which she is doing now.

Having just gotten out of the shower and dressed, Bernadette has calmed down and is OK now.

Dakota Drifters Performing at the Hostfest with Dick/Brenda Johnson & Carl Kannianen
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

We’re heading to the Hostfest next week.  Our new group “Dakota Drifters” will be playing at the Reykjavik Hall every day at 9 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.  We always enjoy the Hostfest and meet so many nice folks.

The Hostfest website also has our bio and schedule at this link.

http://hostfest.com/entertainment/dakota-drifters/
<cid:part1.00030705.01020209@hughes.net>

We will still perform as Highway 43 when Ron Hett is back in the summers, but most of the time we’ll now be performing as the Dakota Drifters.  Our friend Carl Kannianen from Stanley, ND is a fantastic lead guitar player and loves old traditional country music like we do.

We also have another new member, Toby Nelson from Minot who will be joining us on the drums for the Hostfest.  We hope to see some of our friends in the audience.  Please feel free to stop by for a visit after any of our sets.  We sure would enjoy that! Thanks Gary!

Dick

DAKOTA DRIFTERS

This trio is made up of Dick and Brenda Johnson from the Turtle Mountains in north central North Dakota and Carl Kannianen from the Stanley area. All three are home grown self-taught musicians who really enjoy country music.

Carl farms in the Stanley area and has played the guitar for many years. He found out early in life that he enjoyed music. He sings harmony on several songs and also does vocals. Carl has a unique style of picking and his instrumentals are fabulous.

Dick farms near the International Peace Garden. He has been involved with music from the time he was young. He plays guitar and handles most of the vocals. He is known to favor Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash songs and always includes a few Norwegian jokes to keep things lively.

Brenda works for the North Dakota Forest Service in Bottineau. She started playing the standup bass just a few years ago. She keeps the group organized and is always looking for new “old” material. She and Dick have played and entertained together for several years.

This group plays a variety of country, gospel, rock-a-billy, and even some rock and roll. So if you like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Chet Atkins and other similar old time music you’ll enjoy hearing this group perform.

Barn Picture
Reply from Kenny Nerpel (’65):  Rugby, ND

The picture that Mel mentioned in the last post was actually taken in 2004.  I probably didn’t share it until 2010.  We just happened to be passing by it on a day when the wind was changing directions and thought that the reflection would make a nice picture.  It’s not looking so good now, but time marches on.

Kenny

Mel Kuhn / Larry Hackman
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Mel Kuhn says he was overwhelmed with the intelligence Larry Hackman expounded at the birthday party.  I’m still trying to understand why I don’t find that odd?  Mel said Larry took a picture of him at the church but I bet he doesn’t know the real reason for that either? Larry will be showing his pals that picture back in Bismarck just to prove that it’s true that he really does know some hillbillies from the Turtle Mountains. I think what Mel might be referring to with my superior intelligence is just that when I have had a few beers, I am able to describe–in detail–things that I can’t fully even understand when I’m sober.

That’s a good reason to have another beer just to see how brilliant I can actually get.  One of my old friends said he would have been a doctor right now if he hadn’t been quite so smart when he got out of high school.  I don’t know,  a couple beers and it comes right back.

Thanks Gary!

Dick

Larry/Henry Hackman & Dick Johnson
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70): 

Dick,

Low and behold and much to my surprise at about 7:30 this evening Larry and Henry Hackman come a knocking on my door. This time I don’t think they were lost. They actually seemed to know where they were. They said they had been over at your place before they decided to come here. They said they had been at your place at about supper time but you didn’t offer to feed them. I took this as a sign that they were hungry. Kathy had been baking all day for the fall supper at the church tomorrow and she let us have one of the apple pies [I think she’s gonna make me pay $10.00 for it]. A piece of that pie and a cup of coffee seemed to bring them around. They were grateful that I gave them their pie on a real plate but they wondered if they would have to wash them so that I wouldn’t get into trouble for having to go buy some new plates. They remembered me having to do that while Kathy was gone on vacation and I ran out of dishes while she was gone and had to buy some new ones so that I had something to eat on. This was before she had told about paper plates. Who ever heard of such a thing? Anyway I guess they’ve been touring through the Turtle Mountains these past few days just a stopping and visiting with people from Bottineau to St. John. It was a good visit and we all got to tell some lies [mostly Larry] and maybe Kathy. Well it’s getting late in the evening and I have to cook a turkey for the church supper tomorrow so I should call it a day. I still have to go catch one somewhere yet. I’ve got my dog watching for one so maybe with a little luck he’ll get one by morning. He’s kind of like Larry, does his best hunting in the dark. Later.

Mel
 

====================================
Blog (355) posted on January 30, 2009

Gary and Friends,

Today we got hooked up to DSL, so things are good! My new email address is :

With the many folks reading this blog, I thought it would be a good
place to post this change. Please change my address folks so I don’t
miss your individual messages. Thanks!

Dick

Gary’s Reply:
Dick, Because so many folks do not have high speed internet, many of which do not have it available to them, I keep the daily postings relatively small in file size. I try to keep them less than 500 KB.  You will enjoy the faster internet service.  Gary

From Bernice Belgarde (72):

Hi Gary.

I cannot find the newsletter that told the story of Alcide Lajimodere.  It might have been #347 but I cannot retrieve it because my delete file cleared out my deletions too soon.  Can you resend me the article on Alcide?  Denise Lajimodere would like to know who wrote the article.  I sent her the story but did not put in the email the narrator of this story. I just want to say chi mii-gwitch (a big thank you) for providing us the history of Dunseith, ND.  I lived a different life in Dunseith coming from a native american home and I know a lot of the people there.  My life as a youth and teenager does different from what the white students and people did there.  Yet it is very interesting to see how they seen life in Dunseith.

Bernice Belgarde – Class of 1972

Bernice, It’s great hearing from you!  I found those messages and forwarded them to you. I’m assuming Denise would be related to Alcide?  Vickie Metcalfe phrased it so well with her phrasing, in a message quite some time ago, of the multi cultures that we had growing up going to school in Dunseith.  Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins.   She was born Jan 1st 1938 to Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins.  She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine Robert, and Carol Carbonneau.  She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at home on the farm north of Dunseith.   She never fully developed mentally beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance.  She loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan Fassett, and all our siblings.  We used to tease her unmercifully when we were kids, but she loved us anyway.  Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine squeal.  She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when she came out of the house.  I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about her and also Murl and Jeannine.  These pictures are in my collection,  of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2.  The one of her dancing is with my mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin.  Mom was teaching her to dance and that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the couch.)  We had lots of good times with her.  I like to think that she and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who have gone home ahead of us.   God Bless,  Hugs and prayers,  Susan

Reply from Paula Fassett  (71): 

Hi All…

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins, so I decided to add my two cents.  Elaine was my cousin – actually my Mom’s first cousin.  My mother was Irene (Watkins) Fassett.  Her mother – Gudrun Amundson  – and Helen (Amundson) (Watkins) Nelson were sisters.  Helen is Elaine’s mother – and mother of Murl Hill, Carol Carbonneau and Jeannine Robert. ( I hope my sister Susan replies, too – she is the historian of the family.)  Helen worked at Hosmer’s for many, many years so I’m sure a lot of you remember her.

Elaine, in this day and age, would most likely be diagnosed “developmentally disabled”.  Although that is the way the medical profession most likely saw her, to our family she was most certainly a treasure.  And Elaine was smart in many, many ways.  She rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary.  She could probably have told you the family lineage of most of the people in the TurtleMountains.  And clever – man, could she tell the jokes – some that would make you blush!!!  AND she could play the harmonica!!  In her later years, Elaine resided in Minot and I’m sure that many Dunseith residents who were at one time or another hospitalized in Minot can tell of Elaine coming to pay them a visit!! She kept an eye on the patient list in the Minot Daily News!  She missed very few weddings, anniversary celebrations and/or funerals.

Elaine loved to chat on the phone, and although Aunt Helen would tell her not to make so many calls every day, sure enough the phone would ring and after you said hello, there would be a pause, then Elaine’s throaty voice, saying “Mother just went to the barn, so I can’t talk long”.  One of my favorite Elaine “tales” is of Tim Hill (who is her nephew) at a time he was going to school in Grand Forks, I believe it was.  Elaine was probably in Grafton?  Tim wouldn’t give her his phone number for fear he would be inundated with calls, but he would pick her up on weekends that he was going home and take her along.  Well, Elaine wasn’t satisfied with that plan – and she knew the street address of where Tim was renting.  So she went through the Grand Forks phone book – line by line – until she found the address and Voila!  Tim got a phone call!  THAT is perseverance!

Elaine passed away a few years ago – I think she was about 65 years old.  She was quite a character.  I think you could ask anyone who was related to her – or a friend or a neighbor who knew her – and they’ll have a humorous tale of Elaine!

Paula Fassett

Reply to Gary Metcalfe from Jerry Williams (54): 

Yes Gary I do remember Elaine Watkins.  She was what  in today world be would termed as mentally challenged.  Back than we unfortunately had much more derogatory terms for her.  She was teased by many of the students back than. I believe that in today’s world with the classes that we have for the  mentally challenged she could have fit into our society.

There has been allot of talk about the past teachers from Dunseith School System.  The one that I remember the most was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Conroy.  I had the greatest respect for her and she will always remain “Mrs.” Conroy to me.  Of all the teachers that I have had in the past, both in Dunseith and in college Mrs. Conroy was, to me, the most outstanding and she had a profound impact on my life.  Even though she has passed on thank you Mrs. Conroy from the bottom of my heart.

And yes Gary I am about 3 or 4 years older than you and I still remember you.  If I remember right you were on the football team the fall of 1953.  Am I right?  You may have been on the basketball team as well, however my role on the BB team was bench warmer (at best).

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): 

I’m sure you’ve covered the Peace Gardens in some of the earlier posts.  My Dad, Don Aird Sr., helped build the Peace Gardens with the CCCs.  Every Memorial Day we would come to Dunseith to put flowers on the Carlson graves at the Little Prairie Cemetery.  Then we would go to the Peace Gardens.  Dad would spend most of a day just going back to the places he remembered.  One story Dad told me that you may not have heard had to do with Kelvin and the switchboard.  Everyone was on the same “party line”.  Ease dropping  was common.  The commandant for the CCCs had to make a report once a month to Washington using the phone.  When he called Washington lots of folks picked up their phones to listen in.  When they did that they drained the electricity powering the system so the report couldn’t be made.  The commandant finally rang up everyone on the line and told them if they would wait he would call them all back and give them the same report he was making to Washington.  So every month there were two reports one, to Washington and one to the ease droppers on the line.

My birthday is July 2 and I also have 2 family members in July. My cousin is 6 days younger than me and we were

raised almost like sisters. Sybil

Sybil, you are only 19 days older than me and you are a Great Grandmother.  Gary
Reply/picture from Randy Hiatt:

Gary, I have attached a picture of my step father Leroy Birkland and his wife Alice, and one of Wades sons so some of the folks can see. This was taken when I was back last December to visit him in Bottineau. I hadn’t seen my step dad in many years so it was really nice getting backand visiting with him. I took dad for a drive up in the hills and stopped to see Freddy Hiatts old farm byWillow Lake.  A lot had change with that farm from the way I remember it when I was a kid visiting. The big red barn was gone and a lot of the out buildings as well.

I am still trying to figure out how this blog works in regards to what I type and what is posted. If I post a few things I will get the hang of it. I have lots of other pictures that people would probably be interested in seeing so let me know which way would be the best way to post them.

Thanks for everything

Randy Hiatt

Randy, I will post pretty much what ever anyone sends to me and would like posted. I try to keep the postings related to the interests of the Dunseith Alumni.  Folks love pictures, so please send what ever you have.  If someone sends me a note or message that we have not heard from or have not heard from for a long while, with discretion, I’ll post their message to let folks know they are on board with us. There have been times that folks have replied to someone’s message letting us know they have not seen or heard of that person for many years, sometimes 50 plus years.  Lots of our folks know your step dad Leroy Birkland. Thanks for sharing.  Gary

Leroy & Alice Birkland

    Happy Birthday Jeff Gottbreht: Dunseith, ND

Happy Birthday LaVerne Rude (BHS ’63): Vancouver, WA

    Happy Birthday Janet Houle: Kensington, MN

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th birthday party.
Message from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

Today I went to my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Ruby Birklands 80^th Birthday party over in Dunseith and of all the people to run into there was Larry Hackman. I should’ve known he’d be there with the free sloppy joes and chocolate cake. I was in line after Larry and I had to wait for my cake while they ran over to Dales to get some Ding Dongs for the rest of us. I haven’t saw Larry for a while so he had a whole bunch of new lies to try and get me to believe. I just go along with him and nod my head like I believe him. It probably was a good thing that Dick Johnson wasn’t there or my poor old head probably would have exploded with all the knowledge they would have tried to force upon me. They know that I can only take in so much for one day. It’s hard to tell which one of them is “smarter”. Anyway-there were a lot of people there at the party. Some I hadn’t seen for a long time and some that I didn’t recognize. Then there were some like that DuWight Poitra that I didn’t want to recognize. Bernard Morin even made a guest appearance. Then Uncle Jimmy dug out the old fiddle and him and some of his kids and grandkids played a few good old tunes for us. Jimmy still know which end of the fiddle to tuck under his chin. When all that was done Larry and I got to visiting and he wanted to know if the old Berginski barn up on Hwy 43 was still standing. Kenny Nerpel used to take a picture now and then and keep us informed as to its condition. Kenny has seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth. We were wondering if we should be concerned or not. So I stopped on the way back home and took a picture of it with my phone. It kind of came out. Maybe Gary can doctor it up some seeing as it took me about three hours and seventeen minutes to figure out how to get it downloaded onto my computer. Downloaded-that’s the proper term isn’t it? Boy I don’t know, that’s a lot for me to try and understand. That’s about all I got to say I guess and every word I put down here is the honest truth. And Larry should know that ‘cause he took a picture of me there at the church in front of a picture of the last supper and there was a glow that just formed around me. There Larry I beat you to it, you was going to try and tell everybody some kind of lie about that too weren’t you? Later.

Mel

Mel Kuhn’s recently taken – 2015

Kenny Nerpel’s picture taken five years ago in 2010

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th birthday party.
Message from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

Today, It seemed nature knew she had to be wearing  her best, to celebrate Jim and Ruby’s 80th birthdays. The foot of the Turtles, was a gloriously,  beautiful  on one of the last days of summer!  The leaves are beginning to  slowly crown the trees with colour, along with  berries of roses, cranberries  and mountain ash  splashed in  abundant shades.

Jim and Ruby’s three children, Larry, Brenda, and Brian were in attendance as well as many of their families;  children and grandchildren. Many neighbors came out for the occasion;as well as family and friends from Bismarck, Minot, St. John,  Bottineau, Belcourt,  and Boissevain, Manitoba.

One  of the last to eat lunch; I d  sat with Brenda’s grand children, (5 boys).  Questioning them what the best things they ate were?  Because,  I trust kids  judgement of the   “good stuff”.   The  five tow headed boys ranging from eleven down to two each gave me a response of what they thought the best stuff was.  They  finally came to agree, “sloppy joes”! Brian then asked if I’d eaten yet. I went for the sloppy joe.   …….”.Mmmm.”  I said.  “Who made this? They are really good.”   The boys said, “Grandma Ruby.”

Everywhere, around the white circular tables in the  parish hall; old neighbors, family and kids ate that wonderful lunch and  enjoyed good visiting.

Many family photographs were taken with the birthday  guests of honor, a.k.a  Jim and Ruby.  I kicked  myself many times,  because I had forgotten my camera. Uffda….but I did remember the birthday card!

Jim, Brian, Brian’s son, and Brenda’s granddaughter jammed a wee bit .    Now , “Your Cheating Heart”,  and ” I’ll Waltz across Texas with You” are replaying in my head! And will be all week. Nothing like a great music jam session to get the fingers and toes tapping.

And Yes! Jim did fiddle!, The others played guitar. Reluctantly, I found myself needing to say farewell, ( my boys were waiting in the car).

As I hugged Brenda good bye,  I said to her,  “I was charmed by your  grand babies”.! I ‘d told her grandsons, ” I will see you back in 10 years for Great grandpapa  and Great Grandmama’s 90th.  They each told me what  instrument they will  be playing  then. All those boys are currently  taking piano lessons.

I figure,  when I see them in 10 years they will be playing with Great Grandpapa Jimmy!

Until Later.  Vickie

Posting of the day from my good Expat Netherland’s friend Leo Tacke.

This took place in Charlotte North Carolina .

A lawyer purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against, among other things, fire.

Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars, the lawyer filed a claim against the insurance company.

In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost ‘in a series of small fires.’

The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason, that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.

The lawyer sued and WON! (Stay with me.)

Delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous. The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company, in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be unacceptable ‘fire’ and was obligated to pay the claim.

Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000 to the lawyer for his loss of the cigars that perished in the ‘fires’.

NOW ..FOR THE BEST PART….

After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!!!

With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail

and a $24,000 fine.

This true story won First Place in last year’s Criminal Lawyers Award contest.

ONLY IN AMERICA ….

NO WONDER THE REST OF THE WORLD THINKS WE’RE NUTS

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Blog (353) posted on January 28, 2009

Folks, with yesterday’s message we (I) skipped message 351, so there is no message 351.  Gary

Correction to Jerry Williams message posted with message 350.

Folks,  I miss read Jerry’s message thinking, in my mind, that he had been back to Dunseith many times since 1954. I sent Jerry a message telling him I was going to edit out the word ‘not’ in his message.  I told him if it was wrong, I’d post a correction.  Well I was wrong, so I’m posting the correction below.  Gary

Jerry’s reply:

I have only been back to Dunseith a few times after I Graduated in 1954.  I guess that is the way I should have composed the message.  Oh well you did good to catch a potential mistake.  Thanks.

Jerry

Jerry’s original message:

I graduated with Viola with the class of 1954,  a graduating class of 8, I think the smallest to ever graduate from good old DHS.  Anyway I have not been back to Dunseith many times since 1954 myself and Viola is one of those people that I have not seen in now 55 years.  I don’t know if  our class is going to get together for a 55 year reunion this summer or not but it would be fun to get to see her again.  How about it class of “54” are we going to have a class reunion this summer?

Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher – mid 60’s): 

Herzlich glueckwunch zum Geburtstag, Allen!

Speaking about collecting Social Security.  A little bit of information for those retireing from Federal Service.  I started collecting full Social Security benefits when I turned 65.  My 10 year old son (at the time) started collecting an amount equal to half of my benefits because he was under 18 and (get this) my ex-wife, because we were married for more than ten years, also began collecting benefits amounting to 50% of my benefit. My current wife doesn’t get anything which is a bone contention on occasion.  When I retired at age 68, because I am under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) The Social Security Windfall Act applied to me as it does to all Federal employees under CSRS.  As a result, just when we really need full Social Security benefits when we retire, they are cut, in some cases,  by as much as  75-80%.  The rationale being that we have been working all these years and paying into another retirement plan and not paying in to Social Security.  I wonder if this also applies to people in private business and industry?  It has taken the Social Security Administration a full year to catch up to me as I have been receiving full benefits during my first year of retirement and not eligible to do so.  I lucked out in that they only cut me about 45% but I have to pay back what they overpaid me this past year.  Not a problem since I knew this was going to happen and with each monthly payment dropped 50% into a savings account.  In other words I had a nice loan for a year from Social Security.  My son and ex-wife also have to pay back.  Good luck on them getting money back from the ex.  It’s no wonder that outfit is going broke.

Again, Allen, Happy Birthday.

Bob Lykins

Gary’s reply
Yes Bob, you fell into the social security off set rule when you started collecting your federal retirement. For me the bulk of my Social Security entitlement comes from my Army reserve years.  In my case the off set rule I feel is fare, because I did not pay that much into the system to get my qualifying quarters.  I don’t necessarily like it, but I can see the rational behind the rule for folks like me.  It’s not a fare rule for those that had substantial years social security before going to work for the government.  This rule only applies to those hired into federal service before 1984. To maximize my retirement, I learned the Government, Reserve and Social Security laws well.  Gary

     Happy Birthday Norma Manning: Princeton, Ill.

 
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Blog (352) posted on January 27, 2009

01/27/2009

Posted on January 27, 2009