Fauske reunion:

What a fantastic reunion this had to have been. When I saw other pictures posted on Facebook of their reunion, I was hoping We’d see some with their mother Elenore (Stubby) too. Doesn’t she look fantastic. She was 97 years young this year.  Thanks, Carrole Fauske Rude for posting.

The whole family looks wonderful in both of these pictures. I know the majority of you know and can connect to this family too.

Off the top of my head I think Stubby is the only surviving of the Johnny and Margaret Hiatt siblings. Her first cousins, Sisters: Leola Lagerquist and Nettie Peterson, both in their 90’s too, are doing well. I recently saw some of Nettie’s Facebook comments too, so I know she is actively engaged with Facebook.

Leland (Lee) Stickland (64):   Dickinson, ND

 I think the Covid Lockdown did him in.
I think Leland needs a haircut.
Gary

 2020

2018: Leland, I found this photo

Leland’s Posting
No problem; what YOU see is what YOU got, regarding posting of my photo. We are yet locked down inside our facility. We have (staff and each resident), tested negative for the last two (2) test periods when checked each two (2) weeks. Thus, we are now able to go to the DR for meals. We have assigned seating to facilitate any contact- tracing, if that would become needed. Good days to YOU and YOURS
Lee

 Leland’s Follow up post
Gary, I forgot to mention the most important part. Our lady Barber was finally able to get into the facility so I had my normal haircut down to the skin. The long hair that shows on the picture is nearly an insult but it was an accumulation from about 5 months because I needed a haircut before we got locked down. Don’t want to keep bothering you I just wanted to make that clarification so that maybe you can make that note in any narrative so the folks that know me want to feel that I fell off the edge even though I live out here in Western North Dakota where it pretty close to the edge. Thank you again Gary time for me to catch a little sleep I didn’t go to bed last night I was learning about camshaft degrees lobes and durations and how to build those Transmissions that you use and race cars when you can keep the pedals to the metal and just keep moving your levers through the six gears. Maybe Bernadette would remember me but y’all so he can say hi to your caregivers for me.
Lee

Kjersten Larson Family postings.
Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (’68):  

Gary, 

Thanks for the email. I really appreciate having these. Kjerstin was my great-great grandmother.

Her daughter Petrina was my great grandmother and Petrina’s daughter, Cora was my grandmother.

Kjerstin and Petrina are buried at a small cemetery at Metigoshe. 

Thanks again,

Toni

Enjoy your upcoming birthday! I turn 70 this go round.

Gary Stokes’ reply to Toni
Toni, I am so blessed to have the same birthday as you. You too enjoy your milestone birthday.

My dad’s sister Olga Hanson, was married to your mothers Brother Bert Hanson. That makes us almost first cousins too. Jean Pladson and Audrey Aitchison are our common first cousins.

Gary’s Comments on the Kjersten Larson Photo.

Kjersten Larson was born in 1820 and died at the age of 95 in1915.

I am very sure this picture was taken in the Lake Metigoshe area.  I counted 38 Grandkids of Kjersten Larson in this photo. I am sure they probably were not all present either. Many of these grandkids, who are Great Grandparents to many of our readers, had large families of their own. To this day, Kjersten Larson must have a thousand or two descendants. I am sure Doreen Larson Moran or some of you others have this Larson family tree all broken down? Half the hills must be related.

Year 1910

Memories from the Past: 2013 Dunseith gathering at the Bottineau Pizza Inn

Harvey Hiatt’s Obituary
Provided by Tanya Hiatt: Flagstaff AZ.

Harvey A. Hiatt, 76 passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020 in his Flagstaff, Arizona home with his wife and daughter by his side after a long illness.

Harvey was born on July 18, 1943 in Bottineau, North Dakota to Willie and Maxine Hiatt. He attended Bottineau High School and graduated from NDSU, Bottineau School of Forestry with a degree in Science of Forestry.  In 1964 he married Teressa Carlson of Bottineau and had two children.  He worked 27 years working in research with USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. He enjoyed his work and was presented numerous awards throughout his career for loyal and dedicated service, ingenuity, creativity & engineering skills.

Harvey met and married Tanya Embury-Rench and shared the last 35 years of his life together. They had a blended family and raised 3 children together.  Member of Living Christ Lutheran Church for many years.  He loved hunting, country music, dancing, reading, travel and enjoyed family, friends and food. Everyone knew him by his smile.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Tanya, sons, Brad (Dana), Jeffery Rench (Katrina), (Jay) Jalynd (Desiree), daughter, Sheri Hiatt (Susan),  10 grandchildren, sister, Barbra Gross (Joe), brothers, Laurence (Debi) and Douglas. He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Jeanette Rench.

Harvey will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Compassus in Flagstaff.

Ackworth Cemetery

Condolences to the Hiatt Family

From Brad Salmonson (DHS ’61 Valedictorian): s Idaho Falls, ID.

Gary,

Please pass my condolences to the Harvey Hiatt family. Harvey and I started grade school together at Ackworth school and were best buddies during the six years that Harvey went to school there. We later connected during college at the School of Forestry and occasional visits back to North Dakota. I think about him a lot, he will be missed.

Brad Salmonson

Kjersten Larson Family postings

Reply from Ruth Tang:  Thank you. I appreciate you putting that together .

Ruth Tang

Kjersten Larson Family postings Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX. Hi Gary

I was just looking at the originals of these pictures last night. My dad (Mensvil Norman Larson, Jr) and O. Gordon Tang are cousins. Dad often talked about his visits to his Aunt Hilma in Wisconsin. I am trying to sort out the Larson and John Anderson pictures and family histories I have so I can put them in some kind of order for my kids and for my sisters. Having no experience with this and not a whole lot of time yet to devote to it, it’s a long process. I’m giving myself until next summer so I have something to present at the family reunion. I am praying Covid is not going to be an issue then.  We are fine here in Texas but pretty much hunkered down and wearing masks when we do go anywhere. Our church opened up for 3 weeks and then closed again 2 weeks ago so we are back to online worship services. I am so tired of all these Covid restrictions as I am sure everyone else is too. I hope everyone is well and hanging in there.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Kjersten Larson Family postings Reply from Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61): b Spokane, WA.

Gary – the date for the birthday photo would be July 1910 when Kjersten was 90.  She lived five more years, until 1915 when she was almost 95.  The Lake Metigoshe Christian Center is where she filed her homestead claim and lived in her own little house from 1890-1915.  Yes, that is 25 years – she filed when she was 70 years old.  To list all the descendants of Kjersten would be very long indeed.  Martin, Lars and Hans Peder had very large families that were in and around the Hills.  Adrian had 13 children but all but Arthur A went West.  Some changed their last names from Larson to the land they left in Norway.

I am pleased to see these pictures all together.  Ruth Tang, I knew your grandmother Hilma and mother-in-law and father-in-law quite well, but never had the pleasure of meeting you.  Hilma’s brother Leo, was my grandfather.  I will email you later when I am back home in WA after being in ND for the past month – just enjoying life. Doreen Larson Moran

Year is 1910

 Dennis J Parisien (’65) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Dennis J Parisien was born on January 23, 1947 in Belcourt to Beatrice Parisien Vivier.  He was raised and educated in Dunseith.  He was blessed with many fond memories of growing up as a kid.  On May 16, 1968, Dennis enlisted in the US and received his Honorable Discharge on April 2, 1970.  He received numerous medals and certificates and was very proud of his service.  Following his discharge, he worked for the BIA Road Department and also as a truck drive and carpenter for the tribe.  Dennis graduated from the Police Academy on September 9, 1986 and worked as a police officer for the City of Dunseith for several years before returning to the road department. Following his retirement, Dennis spent the majority of his time having fun and being the great and loving uncle/Godfather to Jacy, Hunter and their children, Mavrick and Shooter.

He had the most loving and caring heart and enjoyed life.  He also enjoyed taking care of his mother.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting for hours.  He had a great sense of humor and would tease and joke around with everyone.  He had a nickname for everyone.  Dennis was a good person with a big heart.  He showed a lot of love and compassion to those dear to him.  Dennis was also an avid outdoorsman.  He deeply enjoyed hunting and ice fishing.  He loved sports and was a great softball player and bowler.  He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed driving around.  The holidays that Spook enjoyed the most were the 4^th of July and Christmas.

Dennis passed away on Friday, July, 3, 2020 at a Minot hospital with his brothers Jason and Randy Vivier and nieces Hunter and Jason by his side.

He is survived by his mother, Beatrice Parisien Vivier, brothers and sisters, Randy, Jason, Andrew, Gary, Carol and Cheryl all of Dunseith and Logan, Sheldon, Eli, Vicky and Charmaine all of Belcourt.

He was preceded in death by his special godchild, Weston; brothers Tony, Jerry and Carey and sisters, Sharon and Connie.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Kjersten Larson Family postings.

 Folks,

After receiving this old picture of Kjersten Larson with her Daughter-In-Laws from Ruth Tang, I retrieved the previous postings from 8/26/2009 that go along with her picture. All this is hard enough to follow without a bunch of other postings. With that said, today’s blog is solely the Kjersten Larson Family.

Gary

Kjersten Larson Pictured with her Daughter-In-Laws
Message and picture from Ruth Tang:   

Gary:

I tried to share the attached photo after seeing photos of this same family taken on the same day. The post was from August of 2009.

I am hoping that you will post it for me. I couldn’t get it to work.

I stumbled upon the blog because my husbands’ Grandmother was Hilma Larson Tang. I inherited a great number of photos from my father-in-law O. Gordon Tang.

In the photo Kjersten Larson is seated. The women from left to right are, Lena Nikoline (Martin), Karoline (Lars), Thea (Hans Peder) and Kristine (Adrian).

Photos such as these should be available to any and all descendants that wish to see them.  It must have been a very proud day for Kjersten, being 91 years old and responsible for her part in all those Grandchildren.

Ruth Tang

Gary’s comments:

I Believe Petrina Larson Hanson in the second picture down from the top and in the bottom picture was a grandmother to Toni, Bev and Duane Morinville and also to Jean Pladson and Audrey Hanson Aitchison who are also my first cousins on their mothers’ side?

Posting from 8/26/2009

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  

Hi Gary

In reply to Audrey Hanson Aitchison, I am enclosing a photo of Kjersten and her sons (2^nd picture from the top) (in the back-row Martin, Hans Peter, Lars and Adrien. Kjersten is in front with her daughter Petrina) This was taken on Kjersten’s 90th birthday.

The other picture is of Martin Larson and his sons. My grandpa Mensvil is on the far left. I’ll have to call Dad to get the names of the other boys. And to Bev and Jean…I’m still working on peaches I brought back from North Dakota last week so between catching up with grandchildren and fixing peach preserves, I haven’t had a chance to put together the other Larson information I promised. But I will get it to you soon.

Cheryl Larson Dakin.

I believe Martin Larson in the picture below was a great grandfather to Diane Larson Sjol (70) and Cheryl Larson Dakin (71)? Martin Larson was Mensvil Larson’s father. Mensvil Larson was the Bottineau county Sheriff for many years. His son Mensvil Jr. (Norman) Larson, father of Diane and Cheryl, lives in Bottineau.

Please correct me if I have interpreted some of this wrong. Gary

Martin Larson and his sons. Mensvil is on the far left

Posting from 8/26/200

From Audrey Hanson Aitchison:

Patrina Hanson celebrated her 95th birthday on March 20, 1949. There were 40 relatives and friends there. She received a rocking chair. Reverend T. Weltzin spoke a Norwegian message. Patrina was 27 when she came to America. Martin Larson was her only living relative at her party. Does anyone remember where Hagrop and Patrina lived?

1932
Norman Larson’s 7th birthday with brother Dick (little blond boy in front)
and Frances Hansen Morinville (center back)

Gary Stokes comments from Cebu, Philippines

 Good day folks,

 I hope all is well with most of you, with this Coronavirus and all. This pandemic has taken a toll on pretty much the whole world.

 From Mid-March until May 20^th we were locked down and couldn’t leave our premises. Only one person per house hold was given a pass to go out 2 days per week to purchase food and necessities. Our helper had our pass. I’d drive her in the car and then just wait for her in the car. They had guards up on our road checking all those that went out too. It was a real lockdown. They’d let me drive our helper as long as I didn’t get out of the car.  We are able to go out now, of course with masks and social distancing. They have guards in the malls to make sure folks follow the arrows and maintain social distancing. 

Cebu City has pretty high positive Covid numbers at the moment too. They are still locked down tight. We live outside of the city so we are OK. To maintain social distancing in Cebu City, the president brought in the Army with soldiers, armored vehicles and Helicopters to observe social distancing. If they see any group gatherings, they are reported and dissolved immediately. I think a little stricter here than back in the states.

Folks,

I received word that Harvey Hiatt Passed away at his home in Flagstaff AZ on June 30^th.  I will post more of his details when I receive his obituary later this week or next week.

Harvey’s ashes will be buried in the Ackworth Cemetery. Please see picture below.

Chatting with Harvey’s widow, Tanya, she said she will prepare his obituary this week. She is taking his passing very hard. We extend our condolences to her during these hard times with Harvey’s passing.

Harvey was the son of Willie E. and Maxine Radley Hiatt. His siblings are Barbara Cote, Laurence Dale (LD) and Douglas. In 1954 Willie and Maxine sold their farm in the Ackworth community to Norris Knutson and moved to Bottineau. Harvey attended the first six years of his schooling at the Ackworth Country school.  Grades 7 through High school he attended the Bottineau schools. Off the top of my head I believe he graduated with the BHS class of 1961.

\Harvey and his entire family always remained very connected to their roots, the Ackworth community. In my younger days, before they moved to Bottineau, our families were interactive on a daily basis. Very close. Their farm, one mile east of ours, now the Norris and Arlene Knutson farm, was the original Amos Hiatt farm. Amos was Harvey’s Grandfather. The original Hiatt Homestead (Harvey’s Great Grandparents) was located on the exact spot as our, the Bob Stokes farm, Buildings. Our family ties go back many years to the beginning of the 1900’s.

This picture was taken at Dale’s Café when we had a mini reunion with our former Ackworth school teacher Geraldine LaFromboise Marcavage.

Geraldine (Geri) LaFromboise Marcavage was our teacher at Ackworth in 1954/55. This would have been the first year of Winter school. Prior to this Ackworth was a summer school. I was in 2nd grade, Harvey Hiatt and Stan Salmonson were in 6th grade and Barbara Hiatt was in 8th grade. Geraldine lived with our family when she taught at Ackworth. I had not seen Miss LaFromboise since 2nd grade, 52 years prior to this photo being taken. Prior to our going back to Dunseith for the 2007 reunion, I decided to locate Geraldine. She was a hard one to track down, but I did find her.

Ackworth Cemetery  

In 2007 Harvey had this Tombstone made and placed in the Ackworth Cemetery.

Dennis Parisien (DHS 1965) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Dennis Parisien Dennis Par January 23, 1947 – July 03, 2020

Dennis Parisien, age 73 of Dunseith, died Friday, July, 3, 2020 at a Minot hospital.  His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 10:00 am at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church near Belcourt.  The wake will be on Wednesday starting at 4:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the church.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Jerry LaCroix (DHS 1973) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dunseith Alumni Friends and Gary,

I wish to offer sympathy to Arlene, Laura, Christopher, Mark and extended LaCroix family.

I appreciated Jerry’s genuine kindly chuckle,  devotion to his wife Arleen,  his three children and his work

for so many years in the State of North Dakota.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

             Jerry LaCroix

April 26, 1954 – July 01, 2020

Jerry LaCroix, age 66 of Bottineau, died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at a Minot hospital.  His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 10:00 am the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Jerry John LaCroix, the youngest child of Henry and Gladys (Click) LaCroix, was born on April 26, 1954 in Rolla, ND.  He graduated from Dunseith High School in 1973.  He worked for his uncle, Oren Rocheleau on his farm during high school.  He began working at the San Haven State Hospital in 1973 and worked there until it closed in February of 1988.  Jerry then started working for the North Dakota Department of Transportation.  On June 25, 1988 he married Arlene Skarphol.  He worked with the ND DOT until his retirement on July 31, 2014.  A career spanning 41 years.

Jerry passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at a Minot hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Bottineau; daughter, Laura (Tyler) Hanson of Grand Forks; sons, Christopher of Minot and Mark of Bottineau; granddaughter, Brynlee Gerken-LaCroix; siblings, Janice (Michael) Kester of Fargo, Charlotte LaCroix of Fargo, Gregory LaCroix of Fargo and Paulette (Ken) Chisholm of Newark, DE and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant brother, Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Turtle Mountain Cancer Support Group.

His funeral will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpb7lO3kYR0.

SERVICES
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 07, 2020  10:00 AM
St. Mark’s Catholic Church  322 Sinclair St  Bottineau, ND

David L. Kjorsvik Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

June 25, 2020

Hello Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Condolences to the extended Morin/Kjorsvik family of David Kjorsvik.

David Kjorsvik was a proudly patriotic, quiet and unassuming person.

I knew David and his wife Donna (Morin)Kjorsvik, as a truly committed couple.

David treated Donna, his wife as if she were gold. He truly treasured his family.

And he treasured his country.

His wife, Donna, my cousin Elaine and I all attended and graduated together with BS Elementary Ed degree’s from UND.

Many times, David provided transportation from Grand Forks to Dunseith in his Toyota Corolla.

David quietly maneuvering the car safe fully and skillfully, through good weather or bad.

Donna, Elaine and I when together talked education nonstop. ….. David listened.

Blessed be the memories of David and Donna (Morin) Kjorsvik.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

           David L. Kjorsvik

Dec 16, 1949 – Jun 22, 2020

DAVID’S OBITUARY
U.S. Veteran

David L. Kjorsvik, 70 of Devils Lake formerly of Lakota and Dunseith, ND passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020 at his home.

Funeral Services for David will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake and weather permitting in the Gilbertson Funeral Home parking lot. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery, rural Dunseith ND at a later date.

David Lorentz Kjorsvik, son of Lorentz and Selma (Northagen) Kjorsvik was born on December 16, 1949 in McVille ND. He grew up in Nelson County, attended Melrose #4 School, Michigan Public School and graduated from Michigan High School with the class of 1968.

David enlisted in the United States Army on December 27, 1968 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with foreign service in Germany. He was honorably discharged from active duty on December 17, 1970 and continued with the Army Reserves until December of 1974.

David was united in marriage to Donna C. Morin in 1971 in Dunseith ND. They established their home initially in Grand Forks, but moved to Wahpeton ND when David attended NDSSS.  He received his degree as an electrician in 1976, earned his journeyman license in 1981 and his master electrician license in 1987.  He worked at Burkland Electric in Lakota for several years.  In 1988, David became the owner and operator of D&D Electrical in Dunseith ND.  David and Donna resided in the Turtle Mountains, eastern North Dakota, Lakota for many years and after Donna passed away he moved to Devils Lake.

David wanted to continue to serve his country, so in 1990 he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was part of the Bottineau and Rugby Units, with specialties in construction engineering and water purification.  He was honorably discharged in 2008 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  David’s unit was deployed overseas for a time and also assisted in the Grand Forks, Jamestown and Fargo flood fights.

David was hard working man, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. When he took time to relax, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, brew master of his own beer and wine, and liked to tinker as a welder.  In later years, he loved watching old movies, Westerns, and was a fan of “MASH”.  He might be called a “Pack Rat” to some, but he believed that one man’s junk just might be his treasure!

David proudly served his country, loved his family with all his heart and was a good friend to many.

He is survived by his son Kendrick Kjorsvik, Grassy Butte ND; daughters Kelly (Kenny) Asleson, Devils Lake and Krystal (Greg) Charette, Belcourt ND; grandchildren Kahlen and Aime-Justine (Cody), Rylee, Shawna and Dawson-Kayleigh, Mikey, Tate and Marianna; great granddaughter Claire; siblings Sharilyn (Brian) Hendrickson, Crary ND, Vance Kjorsvik, Wahpeton ND, Lorna (Glenn) Lindblad, Beulah ND; sisters-in-law Gloria Kjorsvik, Little Falls MN, Lynn Kjorsvik, Tasmania Australia, Gail (Raphael) Trottier, Belcourt ND, Allison Morin, Sheri (Mike) Gladue, and Joyce Morin all of Dunseith ND; brother-in-law Bernard (Robin) Morin, also of Dunseith; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna on October 19, 2003, brothers Larry, Myron, Duane, Curtis and infant brother Lyle Kjorsvik, in-laws Richard and Madeline (Parisien) Morin and sisters-in-law Donna J. (Christensen) Kjorsvik and Connie Vivier and brothers-in-law Duane Morin and Claude Morin

==============================================
FROM THE PAST
Blog (93) posted on Jun 21, 2010

Teacher and Class room shortages in the Philippines:

Folks, our helpers little boy, JR and Bernadette’s little great niece, Jasmine, are first graders this year. The school year here is from June thru March. When school started last week there were 95 first graders in JR and Jasmine’s class with one teacher and no helpers in an average size class room. That is what you call togetherness. Today, Monday, the principal decided their class was a bit large for one teacher and that there were a few too many students for the room capacity. Today they spilt the class in half with half going in the morning and the other half in the afternoon all in the same room with the same teacher. I’d venture to say there is not much one on one teacher/student relationship in that class. The average teacher’s salary is $250/month. Gary

Sending greetings to Art Rude in Trinity Hospital:
Site link posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

I forgot to send this website address to you yesterday. If people want to send greetings to Art Rude, they can go to this site/leave a message for Art/tomorrow it will be typed/delivered to him.

Neola
www.trinityhealth.org/Greeting/Mailpatient.asp

Class Pictures taken at the reunion:

Folks, These are some class pictures (71, 72, 59 & 65) that Myra Henning provided that I posted from ND without identifications. I’m pretty sure I’ve identified those in the class of 59 correctly and I know I’ve gotten all those in the class of 65 labeled correctly. The other 2 classes I need some help with. I will repost with the correct ID’s.

I know there were other class pictures taken that I do not have. I know there is one of the class of 68 and I know there must be one somewhere of the class of 60. The class of 60 folks had quite a turn out and I know you guys had a get together a night or two before the reunion. We’d love to see any pictures that you guys may have and others too.

Gary

Reply from original posting
From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

I must have been singing in the photo – notice the musical note above my head? Ha! How great of Myra to share these. I took several, but haven’t had time yet to even load them into my computer. Susan has my photos on her computer, too, and there are several of the Class of ’65 – which I’m sure she will share so everyone can see how great they look “after all these years”!

What a great reunion!

Paula Fassett
Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Officer
Customs and Border Protection
Minneapolis, MN
PH: 612-348-1690, ext. 141

Class of 71:
Back: Cheryl Haagenson, Denise Peltier?, Paula Fassett, Marlys Hiatt
Front: I don’t dare guess with this one. I think Gary Fulsebakke is on the right?
The rest, I think, are Rod Medrud, Alan Henning, ????

Class of 72:
Loretta Neameyer, Donald Malaterre, David Abrahamson, Bernice Belgarde, ??? Ann Boppre, Myra Henning, Loraine Neameyer, Linda Johnson, Shelly Fulsebakke

Class of 59
Standing: Curt Halverson, Abe Murray & Lowell Leonard
Sitting: Helen Boguslawski & Geri Metcalfe

Note: I better get this one right. We had a pretty good turn out with 21 folks. 18 of our 26 living graduates were present. Too bad we didn’t get this picture taken earlier so all those present could have been included. Gary

Class of 65:
Standing: Donald Egbert, Ernie Gottbreht, Warren Anderson, Susan Fassett, Henry Hackman, Angela Berube, Raphael Poitra, John Bedard, Rene Casavant, Kenny Nerpel & Bill Grimme.
Sitting: Margaret Metcalfe, Patty Boguslawski, Gary Stokes, Pete Gillis, Esther Murray & Ginger LaRocque.
Those that were present but missing in picture: Cecile Berube, Helen Rivard, Gladys Roussin, Joanne Smith

Condolences to Wilfred Nerpel’s family
From Allen Richard ‘(65):  Grand Rapids, MI

I met him when we were in grade school — like 65 years ago.  Please pass on my condolences.

Allen Richard

Memories of Wilfred Nerpel (’64)
From Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Wilfred and I were in the same grade at Dunseith. The evening of JFK’s death I went home with Wilfred. We went out to the electric fence charger to determine who could hold on to it for the longer time; “somehow, I convinced Wilfred he should be first. Interimingly, a cat went close by and had the tail catch the charger and the cat made a dreadful sound. I told Wilfred that I would concede did not touch the hot wires. I and Wilfred always got along well as I feel was a good man. If he yet lived on the place, the Willow Lake Road will miss him.

Gary: I am wearing the dark blue shirt YOU gave me from 2010 ALL-class Reunion. LEE (Stick)

Wilfred Nerpel’s (’64) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Wilfred Nerpel
October 31, 1945 – June 16, 2020

Wilfred Nerpel

Funeral services for Wilfred Nerpel, age 74 of Dunseith, were held on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Officiating at the service was Pastor Casper.  Casket bearers were Jennifer Poitra, Samantha Poitra, Heather Gonzalez, Preston Nerpel, Brady Nerpel and Brendon Nerpel.  Military Honors were presented by the Bottineau County Veterans and the North Dakota National Guard.  Burial was at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery north of Bottineau.

Wilfred Nerpel, a son of Raymond and Bette (Eurich) Nerpel, was born on October 31, 1945 at Bottineau.  He grew up near Dunseith and later graduated from Dunseith High School.  He entered the US Army on January 13, 1966 and served in Germany before receiving his Honorable Discharge on December 8, 1967.  He returned to Dunseith.  Wilfred moved to Plymouth, MN where he worked in manufacturing.  He later returned to Dunseith where began farming and working road Construction. 

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the American Legion.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking and riding his atv.

Wilfred passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his home near Dunseith.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Dean) Poitra of Dunseith; son, Preston (Lisa) Nerpel of Dunseith; grandchildren, Samantha Poitra of Grafton, Heather (Christian) Gonzalez of Edwards, CA, Brady Nerpel, Brandon Nerpel  and Nick (Bailey) Pfeifer all of Fargo;  great granddaughter, Olivia Mae Gonzalez; brothers, Michael (Marian) Nerpel, Harvey Nerpel, Gordon (Trese) Nerpel and Forest Nerpel; sister, Carol Nerpel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Otto Corbin: Former owner of Bottineau’s “Corby’s Trading Post” I asked Pat Corbin Miller for her permission to post her Facebook Father’s Day memory of her father, Otto Corbin. I think most all of us from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and into the 70’s generations remember Otto Corbin and his store “Corby’s Trading Post” in Bottineau. I used to see Otto at Lake Metigoshe very often too. With his involvement with so many activities, he was all over the place. Otto got around well with his wooden leg too.    Otto’s son, Don Corbin, was a teacher and Principle at Dunseith High during my school days too. Gary Stokes

Pat Corbin Miller
June 18 at 10:05 AM ·

Happy Father’s Day in Heaven to my wonderful Dad. He left us 30 years ago and I miss him every day. He was always there when I needed him too.

Love you Dad.

Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum) Appreciation
From Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Everett, WA.

Gary,

Karen Larson at Spectrum is such unappreciated hero. She does so much for so many, works long hours and is always so pleasant when you go into to her store. I for one want to Thank her for everything! My words can’t begin to repay her for her dedication to her store and work. One summer, a couple of years ago, when I was back there in Bottineau, I volunteered my time to help her. She thanked me and said she just didn’t have the time it would take to teach me. That it would only make much more work for her until I knew what I was doing.

I wish her the very best!

THANKS, KAREN, for being you………..

Ivy Eller Robert (74)

 
Wilfred Nerpel (DHS ’64) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND.

Wilfred Nerpel, age 74 of Dunseith, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at his home north of Dunseith.  His funeral will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service time in the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery North of Bottineau.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Dorothy Pritchard Memoir
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND.

Gary’s Note:
This is a posting by the Bottineau St Andrews Hospital in about November 2008.

Dorothy Pasted away at the age of 98 on 6/25/2011.

This has been posted before, but since Neola sent it to me again and because I knew Dorothy extremely well, I am reposting.

The Pritchard’s were our good close family neighbors ¾ of mile south of our farmstead. We interacted a lot.

Darald (Mississippi), Dale (’63 Louisiana) and Carol (’67 Texas) are Robert and Dorothy’s surviving children.

Dr Nelson’s Obituary – June 1974
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND.

I think I sent this old clipping of Dr. Nelson’s obituary in 2009.  I’m deleting old emails from my “sent” box/saw this clipping/decided to send it again before I delete it.

Dr. Nelson delivered me, as I’m sure he did many/most of you who were born in Bottineau, ND.  He was our family doctor at that time.  I remember him as being a very nice fellow.

Neola

Gary’s Comments
Being a prominent Bottineau Dr from 1928 to 1961, I am sure that Dr Nelson delivered many of you folks too. He delivered me and I am sure my two brothers too. When I was 8 years old, he performed surgery on my right broken thumb in the Bottineau hospital. He had to fuse the lower joint. To this day I still have the long scare the length of my thumb.

Vickie Metcalfe’s Comments
Gary,

Dr. Nelson for many years was our family Doctor until he left.

As a child, I was never connected to BottIneau County with exception of birth at Bottineau Hospital.

My parents did their most essential business in Dunseith.

Mom didn’t go to town or purchase anything on a whim,
she planned according to need.
Whenever, Mom out of necessity went to Bottineau for a doctor appointment,
she’d bring along her green or gold bond stamps.
That was a big deal for me, a country kid from the hills!
It was fortunate for Main Street Dunseith when a clinic was built with the
Rolette doctors providing medical care, especially after Dr. Nelson’s retirement,

Thanks Gary,

Vickie

Thank Goodness, Here’s Good News for A Change

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

Vickie’s FWD. Double Click.
Sorry this FWD will not upload into our Website

Hello Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

 This fwd. is so very neat!

Especially the ending credit.  A Canadian from S. Ontario, Chris Hadfield was a resource!

For the last number of years, I read his book the “The Darkest Dark” with various classrooms.

With a Grade Six focus year long,

on building resilience, we discussed how Chris overcame his fear of the dark, became a pilot,  astronaut, author and singer.

I’m delighted, he is one of those people choosing a positive attitude and continuing to better the world!

Thanks,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

June 16, 2020

Sympathies to the Murl Hill Children
From Ardys Bakken Honer:  Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

My sympathies to all of children of Murl Hill,  Jon and I enjoyed a visit from her in Valley City on one of her road trips.

She was a great person, loved the Lord and raised wonderful children.  She will be greatly missed.

Ardys Bakken Horner

 
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Larry Dean Haugen

Dec 04, 1945 – June 04, 2020

LARRY’S OBITUARY

Larry Dean Haugen, age74 of Bottineau, died Thursday, June 4, 2020 at his home in Bottineau.  A private funeral will be held.  His funeral can be lived streamed on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm at https://youtu.be/BSSyOkxqHHk.  Visitation will be Monday, from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Larry Dean Haugen was born on December 4, 1945, in Fordville, ND, to Palmer Haugen and Louise O’Neil-Haugen. He grew up in Michigan, ND, and on the farm in Fordville, ND. His father, Palmer, ran a dray, and mother, Louise, worked as a waitress at the Kite Café. Larry had one sister, Nancy, who passed away in 2018.

Larry learned hard work at a young age, starting a paper route and helping out on his grandfather’s farm. His happiest childhood memories were at the farm.

Larry met his wife, Mary Hagness, in Fordville, ND, at a dance. They married in 1967. Larry and Mary lived in Mayville while Larry finished his teaching degree at Mayville State College. They lived in Grand Forks for part of a year while Larry student taught, then moved to Dunseith for his first teaching position. Larry was an elementary teacher and coach in Dunseith, ND, for the first 5 years of his career.

They moved to Bottineau in 1973, where Larry spent the rest of his 40 year career. He taught elementary social studies and was known for his creative, hands-on projects. He coached basketball on and off throughout his career at both the junior high and high school level. He also refereed high school basketball for several years.

Larry and Mary have three children, Natalie Olson, of Bottineau; Kristin Petersen (Chad) of Valley City; and John Haugen (Monica) of Blaine, MN. They have 11 grandchildren: Austin, Ethan, Katelynn, Bauer, Kayse (Natalie); Abby, Elisabeth, Olivia, Corbin (Kristin), Dylan, Grant (John); and one great-grandchild: Layla (Katelynn).

Larry’s family was his passion. Besides his family, Larry was most known for being a favorite teacher and coach, house painter, hunter and fisherman, gardener, and for his hunting dogs. He will be greatly missed!

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Attached is a fwd. from the Bottineau Veterans.

Please note, owner of the Spectrum , Karen Larson.

Unbeknownst to many, Karen often quietly steps up to a need.

She has always been a willing participant in sending information on to you AKA. Dunseith Blog.

Gary’s Remarks
Vickie, you are so right about Karen Larson. She has electronically sent a lot of stuff to me for the blog that so many of you have taken to her.

Thank you, Karen.

==============================================
POSTING FROM THE PAST
Blog (92) posted on Jun 20, 2010

Happy Father’s Day to all of you fathers out there.

When I got up this morning, I had three homemade Father’s Day cards on my desk from our helper’s children. Tata has a boy, Jr. 9 and a girl, Angie 12 and one in the oven. Gaga has a little 5-year-old boy, Kurt. Tata’s husband, Aldrin, also works for us. We are good to them and they in turn are very good to us. I’m not sure how Bernadette managed to survive without their services for a whole month back in the states, but she did. They live next door in an apartment that we have provided for them. We have a door bell with a remote button in their apartment that Bernadette rings when she needs their services.

We have been invited to join several of our friends at a membership club they belong to for Father’s Day lunch at noon today. There were about 20 of us together at the same club last night for our monthly potluck dinner (this month it was not potluck). They invited us all back today for the Father’s Day buffet. My diet has gone to, you know where. I cannot resist all this good food. Gary

Sisters, Gaga & Tata.

Update for Art Rude Sr.
From Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND

Thanks again for your concern. I was in Minot yesterday until he came out of surgery, about 5:30 pm. He was resting comfortably when I left, so will look forward to seeing him today. I will be glad to bring greetings to him, thank you to those on the list who already responded, and I will share with you any new knowledge I have as to his condition.

Peace and Power,

Art

Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions,
webpage address: www.artrude.com
and Art Rude TV at: artrudetv on Utube!

Art, Thank you so much for keeping us informed about your dad. Please give him our regards and let him know we are thinking of him. Gary

From Sharon Peterson Harmsen (63): Bismarck, ND.

Good Morning Gary,

I’m enjoying the comments and pictures from the recent DHS reunion. We were in the middle of moving out of our house (one we lived in for 26 yrs) into a condo. Just imagine how much “stuff” one can accumulate in those many years…………….Yikes. Anyway, we do have a new mailing address of: 555 Brandon Place, # A, Bismarck, 58503. Email address remains the same.

Very, very windy here past few days with lots of tornado, high wind warnings. Some areas of ND rec’d much rain and had flooding issues to deal with. Bismarck just saw 1/2 inch of rain and lots of downed trees and wind damage.

Thanks for all you do. Like many others on the email routings, this becomes my “morning fix”.

Sharon

Esther Tangen:
Reply from Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND.

Yes, I worked with Esther Tangen @ St. Andrews hosp. Esther was a patient of mine when I worked as a nurse for home health. She was a good friend of mine. I visited her a lot when she lived @ Oak Manor. I think John is about my age. I was born in 51. Connie

Connie, how are you doing? We know it’s tough loosing Roger. He is no longer suffering. He was a good guy and you’ve got all the memories. We visited him at the funeral home, however we were unable to make it to his funeral. He looked so nice. We are thinking about you. Keep in touch. Gary

Jim Olson (Teacher):
Reply from Bob Lykins (Teacher): Hutto, TX

I believe you are correct, Gary. About Mr. Olson replacing me. I still intend to meet this fall with the Hutto HS Student Council to see what we can can do to help the people of your barrio to survive. In addition, I have just completed a course through the Hutto Academy on local government in which Hutto was used as the case study. Very interesting. As a result, I have volunteered for a couple of commissions and I will be working with the group that handles Hutto’s sponsorship of a helicopter detachment at Fort Hood. Between working, volunteer work, and traveling, I manage to keep myself pretty busy. My hat is off to you and all of the great work you are doing to help your community.. So much to do with such limited resources. Thanks for the photos. It is nice to see so many familer smiling faces. I wish I could have been there. Best to all.

Bob Lykins

From Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59): Tukwila, WA

Sounds like you had good time in good old Dunseith. I will be going back there, leaving here on Monday the 21st on the train , will be going to Sioux Falls the 23rd to pick up Lana, will be coming back on Saturday and leaving back for Seattle until the 5th of July.

Shirley, it’s too bad the reunion and your trip didn’t coincide. We would have loved to have seen you. We saw Ginger though and enjoyed our time with her. Ginger keeps hiding Toni or should I say Toni is a bit shy, however, I did have the opportunity to meet him when we had dinner with the group in Rolette. He’s a really nice guy and for you gals, pretty handsome too. Gary

Posted on our Dunseith Alumni Website

From: K. Jacqueline (Flynn) Richard Phone: (H) E-mail: Message: Hi Gary, I received your phone message. Yes, I changed my email. It is now as listed above. Thanks for contacting me.

1. Richard

K., Thank you so much for this reply. We saw your mother, Minnie, at the reunion and numerous times other places with our trip back. The last place we saw her was at the drive-in at the lake when we stopped there for a bite to eat. She drove up in her big SUV for a snack too. She looked great! I think she is ready for the next cruise too. I have updated my records with your most current info listed above. Gary

Wedding of Doris Peterson Williams (53):
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Congratulations Doris and Harvey.

Folks, being a sister to Vida Hiatt & Jack, Bill & Duane Peterson, Doris is related to a lot of you folks.

Ah-Gwan-Ching, Minn TB sanatorium:
Letters attached from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

I received this email from Fay today. I sent her Mom and Dad’s anniversary pictures only to discover that her grandfather also had TB. Both Fay and her husband Bob are from Minnesota. Thought the letters (see attached. Note can not be attached to Website. I can send as email attachement. Gary) were so poignant – obviously her grandfather could barely write and yet so much of what he talked about brought back memories of the San – the tunnels, the overcrowding, the boredom, the fear.

———- Forwarded message ———- From: fay

Date: Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 3:46 PM Subject: A bit of TB History To: Brenda Hoffman

Since you like history and we share another interest in TB, I thought you might like to read the letters my grandfather Carl wrote to my grandmother Rosetta and some other people, like my father Harold, while he was at Ah-Gwan-Ching, Minn TB sanatorium in the late 1923 and 1924. He died Feb. 6, 1924 leaving behind a wife and 8 children, the oldest of which, my dad Harold, was 13. He was 51. Get your box of Kleenex out.

Brenda, I know you didn’t expect this to be posted, but I think this may be of interest to a few of our folks. Gary

Condolences to Carman Richard and Family
From Carol Robert Braun (’69): Osceola, WI

My Condolences to Carman and Family I remember Floyd when I was growing up in the area.

Carol

Condolences to the Hill family
From Allen Richard (’65):   Grand Rapids, MI

Please pass my deepest condolences to the Hill Family. Murl was a sweet person.  Dad and Johnnie were more than neighbors.  This brings back wonderful memories of how things used to be.

Allen

Larry Haugen’s OBITUARY
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Larry Dean Haugen, age74 of Bottineau, died Thursday, June 4, 2020 at his home in Bottineau.  A private funeral will be held.  His funeral can be lived streamed on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm at https://youtu.be/BSSyOkxqHHk.  Visitation will be Monday, from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Friday,  June 5, 2020

Hello Gary and Dunseith Alumni Friends,

             Larry D. Haugen passed away at his home yesterday in Bottineau. Sympathy to Mary and her entire Haugen family on their loss.

I remember.

            Larry’s first year as a 6th grade teacher was at Dunseith Public Elementary.
While in Dunseith, he was also HS basketball coach.
Larry and Mary Haugen lived across the street from Dunseith High School

            My brother, while in grade 6 at Dunseith School was fortunate to have ‘Mr. Haugen’  as 6th grade homeroom teacher.
Larry Haugen fondly remembered many former students.
Mr. Haugen also taught my brother’s children, several of my nieces and nephews here in Bottineau.
Larry Haugen had a great relationship with parents and past students.

            I was fortunate to work in the same building with Mr. Haugen, for several  years before he retired from Bottineau Public School.
As a 6th grade teacher, he carried an innumerable amount of patience.

            A humble man who gave RESPECT, in turn he received RESPECT,
Larry was held with high esteem and regard by all who came in contact with him.
Mr. Haugen Professional Educator, was also well known as a Professional Painter.

==============================================
POSTING FROM THE PAST

Blog (90) posted on Jun 18, 2010

Art Rude Sr. is in the Minot Hospital. Reply from Art Rude (71): Bismarck, ND. Glad to hear he had such a good time. Thank you for sharing, I had heard good things from a few others as well, so that is great. As I write this, he is in surgery. Since he had his last defibrillator (his third), the site of the incision never healed properly. That was one of the reasons for the nursing home, his dressings needed to be changed twice daily. It hasn’t healed. Last weekend, Dad and I were at the Hawk Museum Farm Show near Wolford, and he had a great time there too. That place is very important to Dad, he was on the board of directors for many years, and brought Dunseith kids out there on 8th grade field trips for many years, the first time about 50 years ago. Anyway, his incision had opened up, so the nurse told me she could see metal from either his pacemaker or defibrillator. That’s not good, and so they are going in to remove one or both, and replace one or both, I guess we won’t know until he gets a look under the hood so to speak. This is becoming quite routine for Dad on one level, in that this is the seventh time they have opened him up to install, reinstall, replace batteries, and I’m assuming, change the filter. He was in great spirits on the way in, and this point we assume the procedure is routine. However, at age 87, I don’t know many things that are routine in the same way they used to be. Thanks again for your concern. Peace and Power, Art Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions, webpage address: www.artrude.com and Art Rude TV at: artrudetv on Utube!   Reply to Larry Hackman’s (66) Story: From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND Beautiful fun-loving couple. This picture was taken the last night of our visit at the Pizza Inn. Gary Gary and Friends, This same story was told to me by my dad, but not in the detail that Larry brought out. He also mentioned who it was but I am not sure anymore who he said. He was really laughing when he told me how the thing went down—it was funny! Good one, Larry! Dad also told about a guy, back in the late ’40s, who was driving an old single axle gravel truck and was really a wild man on wheels. He came tearing back into the old east gravel pit and slid the empty truck sideways and caught a ridge and tipped the truck on its side. As the workers were running toward the overturned truck, the guy threw out the grease gun and climbed out and said, “Looks like a hell of a good time to give it a grease job!” The boss grabbed the grease gun from him and said, “It probably is, but you won’t be greasing it—your fired!” I DO know who that was, but better leave it alone! Thanks Gary! Dick   Trish Larson Wild heads south, on horse back, on her 10,000 mile journey: From Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO Hi everyone, Click on the link below to the Loveland reporter/herald news story about my ride that came out on Tuesday. Also, I now have the beginnings of a website at www.equinenomad.com. My last day at work is June 27. I start living on horseback July 1. Should be a great summer! http://reporterherald.com/news_story.asp?ID=28448   Gary Fulsebakke (71): Posting from Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND. Hi Gary Sounds like you had a good time being back in the states for a while. I saw this story in the Devils Lake Journal about Gary Fulsebakke and since he grew up in the Dunseith area, I thought your readers would like to see it. LARRY  Larry, Thank you so much for sharing.   Gary Fulsebakke, Congratulations. You have come a long way and have done very well from your childhood days being raised on your family farm adjacent to the Peace Garden. Gary Folks, These are several newspaper articles and John Tangen’s picture that were among the pictures we recently found in my Grandmother, Julia Stokes’, suit case. My Grandmother, like most of the Ackworth community, was Methodist. I remember well, in my really younger days, the Methodist church services that were held in the Ackworth school. Do any of you remember Rev. Samuelson?   Esther Thompson Tangen’s mother was a Stokes, sister to my Grandfather, Frank. Esther Owned the original Stokes Place where the Cemetery is. A few years back she sold it to her Nephew, Dan Pladson. Esther passed away several years ago. Esther and Edmar Were Married April 26, 1948 John Tangen, Son of Esther and Edmar. John lives in either Oregon or California. John, I’m sorry I forgot which. I don’t have your address. Please let us know. John attended school and graduated from Bottineau. He is a first cousin to the Eldon/Ella Pladson children. John is also on our distribution. John, this is a beautiful picture. I remember you being so faithful to your mother when she was in Good Sam. Your mother was such a kind hearted sweet lady. She had a sharp mind remembering our family history well. I picked her brain shortly before she passed on about some family stuff of which she remembered well. Gary   Reunion Pictures: Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND. Gary and Friends, Great response on the folks in the pictures! Picture #12 — Harvey and Eileen Sebelius, Marcie (Mrs. Henry) Hackman, Marion (Mrs. Larry) Hackman, Larry Hackman, and in front Armella and Lawrence Hetle. I didn’t know the Hackman boys married sisters until the reunion. They are Schneider’s from south of Rugby, Larry told me. I think he wanted to keep the German genetics going. Right Larry? Thanks Gary! Dick Thank you, Dick, this almost wraps up the identification of this batch. We still need to ID the gal on the right in Picture #14. I have a few more pictures that I will be posting in days to come. I will repost Myra Henning Halvorson’s pictures too, that I posted from ND with no identifications. Folks, again please send pictures. Gary Picture twelve: Back: Harvey and Eileen Sebelius, Marcie (Mrs. Henry) Hackman, Marion (Mrs. Larry) Hackman, Larry Hackman Front: Armella and Lawrence Hetle Picture Fourteen: Front Left: Eric & Sandra Poitra Sitting behind: Bernice Belgarde Front Right: ???? Belgarde

Condolences to the Murl Hill Family
From Larry and Halvorson (’72):  Bismarck, ND

Our deepest sympathies to the Murl Hill family! May Gods peace give you comfort at the loss of your dear mother!

Larry and Gail (Halvorson) Schuler

Condolences to the Murl Hill Family
From Larrett (’71) and Yola Peterson:  Crosby, ND

Our Condolences to the family ! Rest her in Peace

Sunday lunch at Dales.
Thank you from Don & Colleen Conroy (’58):  Rosemount, MN

I would like to thank George for making It possible for us to dine together, while practicing social distancing. The food and service were just great.

He also made sure the hookups, in the RV park were turned on, so Colleen and I could stay there.

We had a great time and look forward to next year.

Don

Floyd Richard Obituary
Allen Richard (’65):  Grand Rapids, MI

Floyd Richard

Floyd Peter Richard of Rolette, N.D., died peacefully in his home on Friday, May 29, 2020, at the glorious age of 91.  A private family funeral will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rolette.  His funeral will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/kJt_0aqsYSw.

Floyd was born January 4, 1929, in the Rolette Hospital to George and Anna (Boucher) Richard. Growing up through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, Floyd was always enthralled with his parent’s farming operation, recounting numerous stories about bringing lunch to the field as a young boy, then threshing and hauling bundles as a teenager.

Floyd’s formal education ceased at 8^th grade as he struck out on his own at age 14, yet his thirst for knowledge – particularly about agriculture – never stopped. As a young man, he farmed with his brother Art and made ends meet by installing heating systems for a local contractor. A 1952 scholarship to a “Short Course in Agriculture” at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, N.D., solidified his decision to farm. He went on to farm for 66 years in Rolette, Pierce and Bottineau Counties, retiring from the profession at age 85. He saw the evolution of agriculture from literal horse-power, to today’s precision ag, survived droughts, floods, depressed farm markets and the farming crisis of the 1980’s. Floyd epitomized Paul Harvey’s writing “So God Made a Farmer.” He rejoiced in seeing a field of ripe wheat or a newborn Polled Hereford calf.

 On June 10, 1954, Floyd married Carmen Leonard of Fonda, N.D., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Thorne, N.D. The couple made their home 10 miles southwest of Rolette, where they raised six children, each of whom share their dad’s love of agriculture.

 Throughout his farming career, Floyd was recognized by numerous groups and organizations, being named a North Dakota Seedstock Producer of the Year by the ND Beef Cattle Improvement Association (NDBCIA), an Honorary State and Chapter Farmer from the FFA, an Outstanding Conservationist by the Rolette County Soil Conservation District and Rolette County Agriculturist of the Year by the Rolette County NDSU Extension Service. He was a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, president of the North Dakota Polled Hereford Association, a 26-year member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, and a member of the NDBCIA. He was proud to have exported Polled Hereford cattle to Chile in the late 1960’s.  

His opinions were as strong as his Catholic faith, which he lived out in quiet action, as a member of the Knights of Columbus and active participant in the men’s Cursillo. He served 18 years on the Rolette Hospital Board of Directors. 

Floyd could strike up a conversation with anyone and had the uncanny ability to make others laugh. He enjoyed a good joke, a strong handshake, playing cards, and dancing to the music of a live band. When he wasn’t farming, he absolutely relished a heated political debate among family or friends – particularly if the subject was. . . farming. He had more common sense than many with advanced education and could calculate numbers in his head faster than they could be punched into a calculator – routinely pricing the cost of the girls’ shopping trips in bushels of wheat.

Floyd is survived by his loving family, wife of 65 years Carmen, his children: daughter Cheryl (Keith) Anderson of Walcott, N.D.; sons Daniel (Mary) Richard, Curt (Cindy) Richard, Craig Richard and Mark (Lanette) Richard all of Rolette, N.D.; and daughter Sheyna (Aaron) Strommen of Fort Rice, N.D.; 10 grandchildren Brady Anderson, David (Kari) Anderson and Ryan Anderson, Chelsey (Eric) Rongen, Kacie (Lacey) Richard, Riley Richard, Megan Richard, and Cassidy, Cooper and Clint Strommen; and 4 great grandchildren Ridley and Ryker Rongen, Sadie Richard and Hayden Richard. He is also survived by a sister Stella Schimetz of Dunseith and brother Donald (Marlys) Richard of Bottineau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Lagasse and brothers Ernest, Arthur and Gene Richard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests

Condolences the Murl Hill family
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

I want to send my condolences to the entire Hill family on the passing of their wonderful mother.  I spent a few over night stays long ago at their farm as a guest of Diane, loads of fun.  Over the years when I would come back to visit she always had that beautiful smile and wanted to know how I was doing!  As a widow for many years I admired her courage and toughness to raise her family on her own.  You done well Murl!

God bless you all!

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Sent from my iPad

Condolences the Murl Hill family
From Allen Richard (’65):  Grand Rapids, MI

Please pass my deepest condolences to the Hill Family Murl was a sweet person.  Dad and Johnnie were more than neighbors.  This brings back wonderful memories of how things used to be.

As long as I am in a state of sadness, I wanted to share that my Uncle Floyd Richard is in hospice at home on the farm.

Allen Richard

Murl Hill (DHS ’50) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

April 05, 1932 – May 25, 2020:

Murl Hill

Murl Hill, age 88 of Dunseith, died Monday, May 25, 2020 at an Enderlin, ND nursing home.  A private family service will be held.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:30 am at the Riverside Cemetery at Dunseith.  Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Murl (Watkins) Hill, 88, formerly of Dunseith, ND went to join her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 25, 2020. Murl Lois Watkins was born on April 5, 1932 to Roy and Helen (Amundson) Watkins on the family farm in the Turtle Mountains, northwest of Dunseith. The family moved into Dunseith in 1939 after her father’s passing. Murl graduated valedictorian of her class in 1950 at Dunseith High School.

Although Murl vowed she would never live on the prairie, she fell in love with Johnny Hill and married him on June 18, 1950. They raised their family of seven children on the family farm south of Dunseith. She loved working on the farm and was John’s right-hand (wo)man! Murl was a good seamstress and taught each of her daughters to sew. She also drove school bus for Fugere & Hill Bus Company. Murl enjoyed visiting with family and friends, old and new. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and a woman of faith. Her grandchildren loved being with her. They will always remember her special homemade ice cream and sugar cookies.

Murl was a very active member of Peace Lutheran Church, serving on the WELCA, participating in numerous Ladies’ Aid groups, teaching Sunday School, and working at the notorious fall church suppers for many years. Murl loved to sing in the church choir at Peace Lutheran Church. She completed training and taught the ‘Bethel Bible Series’ study to several adult classes. Murl also served on the Book Committee for the ‘Prairie Past and Mountain Memories’ history book.

Murl died peacefully at Maryhill Manor in Enderlin, ND.

She is survived by her children, Tim (Laurie) Hill of Burlington, Brenda (Bryant) Mueller of Rolla, Gregory (Tami) Hill of Lignite, Joanne (Gregory) Evans of Owatonna, MN, Diane (Karl) Moline of Burlington, Bruce (Jackie) Hill of Billings, MT and Lynn McKay (Todd Mark) of Sheldon; grandchildren Sara (Aaron) Glasoe, Michael (Ricki) Hill, Taylor (McKenzie) Hill, Blake (Michelle) Gottbreht, Matthew (Carissa) Gottbreht, DeAnn (Patrick) O’Hara, Bridgette (Brodie) Odegaard, Jason (Tanya) Hill, Jacob Evans (Megan MacLellan), Samantha Evans, Nicole Campbell (Shain Fields), Nathan (Krystal) Moline, Gregory Hill, Walker Hill, Elizabeth McKay, Alison Toepke, Christopher (Kristi Jo) McKay, Naomi (Dave) Peterson; 35 great-grandchildren and one on the way, sister Carol Carbonneau of Watertown, SD and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John C. Hill in 1984, grandson Luke Evans in 1995, and her sisters Elaine Watkins and Jeannine Robert, as well as step-father, Erling Nelson.

Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau has been entrusted with arrangements. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Alice Atherton Selfors Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

Alyce J. Selfors
August 7, 1934 – May 21, 2020

 Obituary

On the morning of Thursday, May 21, 2020 Alyce J. Selfors of Minot, North Dakota, departed this life at the Trinity Homes in Minot. Alyce was born August 7, 1934 in Dunseith, North Dakota on the family homestead. She was the youngest daughter of Frank and Anna (Evenstead) Atherton. Alyce was educated in a one room country school house along with her siblings. She was previously married to Leonard Hanson. Seven children were born from this union. Alyce held several occupations in her lifetime. Some which included owning and operating Parrot’s Painting and Decorating, several waitressing positions, catering, and as a musician. Her smile was a beacon. A stranger became a friend instantly. She had the uncanny ability to send her smile over the phone! Alyce married Ted Selfors on Dec. 22, 1983. They resided in Minot for 38 years. Alyce enjoyed gardening and being in the outdoors. Her favorite road trip was to the Turtle Mountains to visit and relive memories of her birthplace. She valued every minute spent with her ‘Grandee’s’. They each were her own special “Sunshines”. Surviving Family Members include her husband Ted Selfors, Minot, ND; children: Lynda Ja’Nice, Great Falls, Mt.; Connie Smith, Minot, ND.; Ron (Pam) Hanson, Great Falls, Mt.; Jim (Audrey) Hanson, Westminster, CO.; Jeanne (Larry) Dodd of Rapid City, SD and Step Daughter Lynn Johnson of Tucson, AZ.. She was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren (41st in July), and four great- great- grandchildren. There are many nieces, nephews and cousins to be included as well. Alyce was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sallie Hanson; son, Lee Hanson; sisters, Millie Langehaug, Mavis Sandstrom, Norma Wilson and brother Francis Atherton. Alyce was the last surviving member of this Atherton generation. A special Thank You to the caring staff at the Trinity Homes for providing her with care and friendship. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.” Celebrating the Life of Alyce: (due to the Coronavirus Pandemic) A Private Family Funeral by invitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2020, at 10:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot. A Public Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 1:00 pm at Rendahl Cemetery, rural Dunseith, ND. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, please observe social distancing. Visitation: A private family viewing will take place at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to http://bethanylutheran.tv

Couple of pictures from the archives.

Floyd recently celebrated a birthday too.
Spry young 93 and very Facebook active too.
I noticed that Floyd and I have 95 Mutual Facebook friends.

 Floyd; You and Luella are looking great. Pillars of the community that we all look up to too.

Art Rude, Another Pillar that we lost several years ago too. Gone but never forgotten.

Question: Are any of these ladies still living?

Murl Watkins Hill (DHS ’50) passed away
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

– May 25, 2020

Murl Hill

Murl Hill, age 88 of Dunseith, died Monday, May 25, 2020 at an Enderlin, ND nursing home.  A private family service will be held.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:30 am at the Riverside Cemetery at Dunseith.  Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Reply to Tim Martinson’s story of Charles Plumb
From Manny Cuadrado (63): Omaha, NE.

Gary,

Thank you for your posting of Tim Martinson sharing the story of Charles Plumb, a true hero.  I have been lucky to meet and hear in person Mr. Plumb twice.  Both times it was very moving.  Mr. Plumb also shared how they communicated among the prisoners.

Regards,

Manny Cuadrado

Dannette (Boucher) Klebe Passed away.
Posting from kaye Lystad Kirk:  Fargo, ND

HI Gary,

This is a little late, but would you please post this obituary in your newsletter? It’s for my brother-in-law’s sister, Dannette (Boucher) Klebe.  (My brother-in-law is Merle Boucher, who is married to my sister, Susan.)

Thanks,

Kaye

Dannette (Boucher) Klebe

August 25, 1956 – April 28, 2020

On Monday, April 6th, 2020, Dannette Klebe, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully with her husband at her side, at the age of 63, after a three-year long battle with ovarian cancer.

Dannette was born in Rolla, North Dakota on August 25, 1956, to Alfred and Doris (Goodsell) Boucher, and grew up on a small farm with her older brother and sister, Merle and Vicki. She graduated from Rolette Public High School and attended the University of Mary where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1979. In October 1980 she married Douglas Klebe and began their life together in Fargo, ND where she started her long career as a Registered Nurse, primarily in critical care. Dannette and Doug subsequently moved to Pueblo, CO, Clearlake, CA, Newport, OR, Merced, CA, and Cypress, CA, before coming to Roseburg in 2012.

Dannette and Doug had two children, Damon Klebe who resides with his wife Samantha in Chino Hills, CA, and Desirae Allen, who resides with her husband Scott in Sandy, OR. Dannette is a grandmother to five-year-old Skylar, born to Desirae and Scott. Skylar was Dannette’s greatest joy.

Dannette enjoyed quilting, golfing, good wine, camping and having a good time with her family and many friends. She will long be remembered for her contagious smile, caring heart, and generous spirit, as well as her courage, dignity, and determination she exemplified during her battle with cancer. She was a nurse through and through and always put others before herself no matter the circumstance. We hope and pray that her spirit will live on through her children, granddaughter, friends and co-workers she touched during her lifetime. She had a beautiful life and will be greatly missed by all.

Dannette is survived by her husband Doug, two children Damon and Desirae, her granddaughter Skylar, her brother Merle, and sister Vicki.

A celebration of life will be announced when restrictions for social gatherings are lifted.

Scotty & Thelma Thompson and Gary Poitra: Band
Picture and Message from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary Stokes Comment
Scotty and Thelma were very close friends of my Dad’s Brother Emil and Lillian Petterson in Bottineau. Scotty work at the Bottineau Pride Creamery for a life time too. One of his first jobs at the creamery, that he is well remembered for, is Delivering Milk to the Bottineau Homes. Scotty and Thelma were very well known for their musical talents. 

Gary,     I think the bloggers might like to see what Scotty and Thelma Thompson looked like. We asked her if she would like to join us for the jams, we had in Bottineau years ago but she said she just lost interest after Scotty died.   They probably all knew Gary Poitra too from all his years singing with his brothers in this area.  They were well known as a very musical family.

I lived in a house in Grand Forks while I was at UND and one of the guys staying there was from the Wahpeton ND area and he had a big old ‘reel to reel’ tape player right next to the room Tim Hill and I stayed in.  He was a wild man and when he got off work,  he headed to the bar and then came home after closeup and fired up his tape player and his favorite tape was ‘Cindy and The Turtle Mt. Boys’ that he got from a friend in Rolla.  If you listen to that at 2 AM enough nights,  you even learn the words to the songs.  We would have to get up and yell at him to put his headphones on or shut it off so we could sleep.  He would put the phones on and not even turn the volume down so we could usually still hear it in the next room THROUGH his headphones!  Sometimes I would go into his little hallway space and just unplug it from the wall and he wouldn’t even flinch when it went from ridiculously loud to silent.  He was a good guy with a college degree but went to Vietnam and came back all messed up and just worked at whatever job he could get.  He loaded potatoes, ran a cement grinder,  stuff like that to make a few bucks.  When he passed out,  we would check to see if he had his old alarm clock set and if he didn’t, we would set it for 5:45 AM and turn it on.  A couple hours later,  we would hear about two dings and he was up and off to work in a few seconds—unreal!  Luckily,  I was told he got himself straightened out and is/was doing OK.  I haven’t heard anything now for a few years.  I’m getting a bit long here but it’s funny how the picture of ‘Cindy and the TM Boys’ can bring back memories from 50 years ago this year.  Thanks Gary! Dick

Gary Poitra, Scott & Thelma Thompson
Roger Thingvold on fiddle?

Subject: Bubba the Tiger
Posting from Tim Martinson (’69):  Anchorage, AK

Not sure how true this is, but it’s plausible and an interesting read–!!

Bubba the Tiger, Better Than Waterboarding

We lived with, and flew in support of the Green Berets out of Forward Operating Base (FOB)-2 in Kontum, Vietnam 1967-1968.  Here is a re-post on Bubba.

We got the tiger pup in Laos after his mom tramped on a land mine. He was only two days old, but I had him in my jungle jacket wrapped in a towel and when we were extracted we fed him milk and got him on his way.

He did well because he got much larger than an Asian Tiger usually grew to. His weakness was real beer (He had two cans a day) which he slurped down, went to a corner of the hooch, rolled on his back, showed his junk and snored like the last day!  If the bubster wanted to get in your bunk with you, you just rolled over and dealt with it. It’s such a shame so many tigers were killed over there because most were killed for sport and not in human defense.

When we cycled out, the question was what the hell to do with Bubba? He couldn’t survive because he only knew SOG, Special Forces, Seals etc. Here is where we got creative. We had access to things normal military didn’t.  So, we got creative and a phone call went to a research zoo in Sidney, Australia, and we asked if they wanted a free tiger. When the lady at the other end realized we were for real she said, “Yes, but how do we get him?”

I don’t want to reference Air America, but we flew the Bubster to his new home, and I got off the airplane with him walking beside me like a dog on a leash. They all went nuts when he walked to the lady and heeled by her side looking at her for instructions.  He must have had a very good time and life there because he sired tons of babies.

When I was back in Sidney in ’87,  I saw a bronze plaque telling about the Special Forces Tiger that came to them in 1969, and made lots of great baby tigers. That part of my life is gone like Bubba who lasted to ’85, but every time I hear a Tiger make those special noises my head and heart goes back to a tiny little baby, we found in Laos in 1968.  God, I miss him!

BTW, the Bubster never lived in a cage. He was always shown love from a bunch of very dangerous men whose hearts melted when they met him.  To discipline him, you grabbed a handful of hair and flesh on his shoulder and simply said “No.”  He never retaliated, he just complied.

When I said he never lived in a cage, the decision about the zoo where he ended up was a research zoo that was very excited because of gene diversity. It also had the new concept of no animals in cages. People were the ones in cages or behind glass.  It took a bit for him to get back to being a tiger, but after he figured out the male/female thing, nature took its course and he was off to the races and made a ton of tiger babies who are in zoos around the world. God Bless to my knowledge was the only Special Forces tiger in the history books.

An interesting side note is that SF and MACV were in many ways involved with the CIA.  The coats and ties back in Langley, VA, couldn’t understand how our intel was so accurate.

Picture a NVA prisoner strapped into a chair and questioned. Also, picture the prisoner telling us in multiple languages to go F-ourselves. So, a hood goes back on and the prisoner was told to spill the beans or we were going to feed the zip to our tiger.  They all laughed their asses off and said we were crazy.

Enter the Bubster and have his head about two feet from the prisoner, pull the hood off at the same time I would pinch the back of Bubbas neck. He roared in the dink’s face with his extremely nasty tiger breath, and the prisoner pissed his pants or worse while he sang like a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

God, I miss that stuff.  BTW, our intel was so accurate the pencil necks were amazed and never found out how we did it.

Sent from my iPhone=

Covid-19 Update in Cebu Philippines
Posted by Gary Stokes

Last Wednesday, April 20^th,we were released from 8 ½ weeks of Quarantine Lock Down. We are allowed to go out only in our own town of Consolacion. We need a border pass if we have a need to go to or pass thru any of our adjoining towns or cities. They are very strict. Each area of our town has been designated 3 days that we can go to the mall and major shopping areas. Our days are Sun, Mon and Thu. To Patronize most businesses, one needs a quarantine pass. One pass was issued per house hold. Multiple names can be on the pass, but only one user at a time is allowed to use the pass. I added my name to our helper’s pass.

Our local mall reopened on the 20^th also with about 60% of the businesses being open. Yesterday when I went to the mall there were about 200 people in a waiting area waiting to go into the supermarket. Being senior over the age of 60 I was allowed immediate access without waiting. They really cater to the seniors here. Sometimes I feel guilty for having head of the line privileges. The Supermarket was pretty crowed inside too, so those waiting were having a long wait.

The Philippines has only a fraction of the percentage of Coronavirus cases per million population as compared to the USA. I think this virus thrives better in colder dryer climates. We have had only one case in our town of about 150,000.  Some of the communities here are so densely populated that they don’t have enough space to provide the required social distancing requirement of 6 feet.

Lots of the locals here that are unemployed due to the closing down of businesses for Covid-19 are out of food with no money to buy more. The government provided some relief but not nearly enough.

That’s the latest here.

I down loaded a Pedometer App on my phone. Pretty neat app.

Yesterday I walked over 7 miles. I walk a mile in my garage parking area every morning and evening. In addition to that I walked another 5 miles in the course of the day with general activities.

 Gary

4-H Memories
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

May 20, 2020

 Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

                I once was invited and attended a Mountaineers winter sledding party where I witnessed  

a feeling of total neighbor comradery across generations and gender.  Everyone had fun!  

                 Thanks for the memory share Gary about Orvin Hagen who was an endeared 4-H mentor and community member.

                Dave Slyter, you hit the nail on the head summarizing the 4 -H fellowship community.

 “I will always remember the great friendships we had with our neighbors and all the hayrides and holiday parties

we had up in the old Ackworth School building right next to the Willie and Margie Hiatt farm.  Great time and great memories.”               

Until Later,

Vickie L.  Metcalfe

Don Vick, Forestry Math Teacher passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/dr-donald-vick

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

I attended “The Forestry”, AKA ” NDSU BB”,  Dakota College:

I feel sad reading of this loss.

Don Vick was a excellent math teacher at college especially for those of us who were math shy.

…….I had Math anxiety.

He was a patriot.

He was a veteran of Korea,

where he held a fascinating position whilst serving.

I recall those years while attending college, I believe he mentored many young… Viet Nam Vets..

He was a truly nice person.

Vickie L. Metcalfe

I Packed Your Parachute
Posting from Tim Martinson (’69):  Anchorage, AK

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile.  Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands.  He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison.  He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, ‘ You’re Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!

‘How in the world did you know that?’ asked Plumb.

‘I packed your parachute,’ the man replied.

Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude.

The man pumped his hand and said, ‘I guess it worked!’

Plumb assured him, ‘It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.’

Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man.  Plumb says, ‘I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers.  I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said ‘Good morning, how are you?’ or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor.’ Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, ‘Who’s packing your parachute?’ Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day.  He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory – he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute.  He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.  As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes.

I am personally sending you this as my way of thanking you for your part in packing my parachute.  And I hope you will send it on to those who have helped pack yours!

Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word. Maybe this could explain it!  When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do – you forward jokes. And to let you know that you are remembered, you are important, you are loved, you are cared for, guess what you get?  A forwarded joke.  So, my friend, next time when you get a joke, don’t think that you’ve been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you’ve been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile, just helping you pack your parachute.

Sent from my iPhone

I keep this site bookmarked
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Friday, May 22, 2020
Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Someone mentioned the folks, including Dorothy Lamb helping lead 4-H.

That reminded me of Lamb cousin adventures.

http://www.thepastwhispers.com/Texas_Spring.html

Texas in May beauty, was truly “Texas Spring”

This is site is one of my FAVORITE go to places! I don’t need to leave my house.

I let music flow and photos guide me into warm Texas Spring.

I went to Texas one glorious Spring!  A road trip south, this time of year.

I enjoy learning about American West History. 

I delight in turning off main road to look/see every scenic byway.

And I did all the way to South Texas.

Once at College Station, I spent a week with my best- est childhood buddy, Cousin L. Dean.

When we were kids in school learning to read. He was the tortoise I was the Hare.

Which lead him into focused study skills and he became an excellent scholar.

Dean went on to teach post graduate veterinary work at Texas A and M.

He allowed me to stay at his bachelor trailer house…I cleaned house!

Whilst there on campus, his students tried to bribe me into telling them what the L. stood for In Dr. L. Dean Lamb.

                Bribery never worked on me! 

Actually, it was a remnant of our childhood,  Cousins, we held onto loyalty to the end!

Dean took time off to take me to S. Texas where we met up with his Ralph Jasper cousins.

As our little group grew, we adventured over the Rio Grande River into Mexico.

And the white sands of South Padre Island.

Back at Texas A & M, Dr. Dean and his students took me on a late-night veterinary emergency run.

Oh my!  Texas skies at night were inky dark and lonely, kind of like Montana open country.

They doctored a sick horse.

        While I?  I encountered FIRE ANTS! I stepped and stomped!

 Dean made no comment

          I’d been bamboozled.

One Saturday night a group went dancing at a huge dance hall saloon/bar out in the country

West Texas Western Swing couples … 4 a Brest circled the floor.

Hundreds of couples circling the floor dancing Western Swing feels awesome!

My favorite thing we did.  I absolutely loved DANCING!

and

                That was the night…  I fell in love with Cotton Eyed Joe.

Until Later, 

Vickie L. Metcalfe
May 22, 2020

Selina Cree TMS newspaper article “An Independent Woman”
Question from Charlie Carbonneau (Carol Watkins Carbonneau ’46 son):  

As I was going through my mom’s (Carol Carbonneau) treasures I came across an Aug 1978 full page newspaper article from the Turtle Mt. Star. It is titled “An Independent Woman.” It is an amazing story of Selina Cree and includes photos. Do you know of any family member that would like to have this? I have a hard time throwing away such treasures!

Mom is with us in Watertown in a care center and still doing amazing, always cheerful and still has a very quick wit. She keeps everyone laughing.  We are so blessed. Thanks for any help with this. Charlie

ARLAN Hagen (’75) OBITUARY

Arlan Hagen, age 62 of Bottineau, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020 near Kramer.  His funeral will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Monday, May 18th from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Nero Burial will be at toe Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Arlan Hagen, a son of Clarence and Mary Ann (Rodlund) Hagen, was born on August 9, 1957 in Bottineau.  He was raised near Dunseith where  he attended School.  He later graduated from Bottineau High School in 1975.  He then attended NDSU-Bottineau.   On June 9, 1978, he married Denise Raap at Tolley, ND.   They made their home in Kramer where Arlan worked at the Kramer Elevator.  A year later they moved to Bottineau and Arlan purchased Paul’s Seed House in Bottineau.  He owned and operated the seed house for 20 years.  He then worked for area farmers.  He was currently working for Daniel Kersten.

He was a member of Our Savior’s where he served an several boards.  He also served on the Whitteron Township Board, All Season Water Board and Bottineau Volunteer Fire Department.  Arlan enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Arlan passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020 near Kramer.

He is survived his wife, Denise of Bottineau; daughter, Breien Hagen (Raymond Dutra) of Bottineau; granddaughter, Ophelia Marie and a granddaughter on the way; sisters, Susan (Myron) Brandt of Kramer, Karen (Dale) Simon of Bottineau and Ellen (Jim) Redding of Minot; brothers, Art Hagen of Bottineau and Henry (Sandy) Hagen of Dunseith and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

4-H Stories
From Dave Slyter (67):  Sabin, MN

Comment from Gary Stokes:
Folks please feel free to share with us any 4-H memories that you may have. 4-H was a big part of many or lives, especially for those of us in the “Mountaineers” 4-H club. We were a big club too with, as I remember, well over 40 members.
Thanks, Dave, for these good memories. You and your brothers were a big part of the “Mountaineers” 4-H club in my day too.

Gary

I saw they were requesting 4H stories from previous 4H members.  I have a couple.

Can’t remember the years this was, but the one year we were pretty busy on farm during the 4H achievement days in Rolla N. D.    Dad asked me what I was taking to achievement days this year.  I asked him, are we going?   He said this year we will go so what do you want to take?   That year I had signed up for sheep because we had many that year.

Then go and pick one out.   I had not much handling with sheep as we were always busy with so many other things on the farm.  So I went down to the pasture where the sheep were and studied them for about a half hour, wanting to pick out the best one I thought would at least bring home a blue ribbon.

Once we got to Rolla and unloaded the animals the sheep, I picked was being anything but cooperative.    So, I held him and combed him and got him ready to show.  Me being very nervous as I had never shown an animal before this event.  I got into the ring with the other participants and pretty much just followed their lead.  I think there were about 6 or 7 other sheep in the arena with me and my nervous sheep.

The judge came and looked at mine, felt of its wool and looked at his teeth and jaw line and said “nice”

Mmmm I thought, maybe a blue ribbon after all.     Now is the time the judge announced the winners.   Of course, everyone received a ribbon whether it be Blue, Red, or White, but the big prize was the purple big bow ribbon.   I just wanted a blue as I would have never thought of getting the purple.  I mean I just picked this sheep out that morning from the herd.

So there went a couple of red ribbons out of the arena,  then to my surprise there went all the blues out of the arena.  Leaving me stand there all alone with my sheep.  I thought oh crap I got a white ribbon.  But here came the judge over holding the purple beautiful ribbon and explained to the audience why my sheep was receiving the purple ribbon.    I was one very proud sheep handler that day.

It was the only one purple ribbon I had ever received but I was so happy and so proud of that ribbon.. 

The second story would be about the only one time we went to the North Dakota State Fair with our 4H projects.  The three Slyter boys decide to enter our sweet clover for judging.   Again, we never planted sweet clover we just picked it from our ditches along the Willow Lake road as there was plenty of it along the gravel roads.

We went to the fair that year and when we went into the display building where our sweet clover was, we were all three surprised to see blue ribbons on our projects.   Pretty proud to say the least.

4H is a great experience for any young adult.  It really teaches and shows many things in different categories for boys and girls alike.

I will always remember the great friendships we had with our neighbors and all the hayrides and holiday parties we had up in the old Ackworth School building right next to the Willie and Margie Hiatt farm.  Great time and great memories. 

Dave Slyter (70)

Class of ’58 mini reunion at Dales for Lunch (noon) on Sunday May 24^th at Dales.
Posting from Don and Colleen Martel (’58):  Rosemount, MN

Colleen and I have always gone back to Dunseith and Rolette usually Memorial Day weekend, to decorate our parents and relatives’ graves

We plan to do the same this year arriving Friday evening. We are hoping to meet some of Colleen’s classmates and our friends at Dales for lunch on Sunday.

So far, it’s always included Ellen Myrick and son Matt, Elmer and Joanne Bushie Peggy Espe, Rodney Armentrout and you Never know who may also show Up.

We’d love to have others, everyone welcome. See you on Sunday May 24 at noon at Dales.

Don and Colleen (Class of 1958)

Thanks Gary.

ARLAN Hagen’s Funeral

Arlan Hagen, age 62 of Bottineau, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020 near Kramer.  His funeral will be held on Tuesday May 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Monday, May 18th from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Condolences to the Hagen Family
From Lynette Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

Hello from New Jersey!  Very sad to hear of Arlan’s passing!  We were classmates and involved in 4H.  My condolences to his family and friends.

Lynette Halvorson Otto

Moose poaching recently near Dunseith
Posting from Ken Striker:

I became aware from the Facebook of cousin Deane Striker who lives within a couple of miles of the indicent.

https://www.kxnet.com/crime-tracker/five-moose-shot-and-killed-near-dunseith-reward-offered-for-information-on-poaching/

Favorite 4-H Projects and memories
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

State Fair 2020 Cancelled
https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/State-Fair-2020-Cancelled-570365971.html

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

            I know many people in the past, attended the ND State fair for years.

Many of folks, ( like you Gary and your family in the Mountaineers 4-H club ) 

were especially involved in the long tradition of 4-H.

            My family never became involved in 4-H.  I never attended a state fair until an adult.

            But, whilst in Montana I was invited to judge speech competition for the County 4-H competition.

That experience left me with quite an impression of this worthy Family & Parent involved organization.

            I wonder if you, your brother Bud, or other former members have some favorite 4-H memories?

Quoting Bob Hope, “Thanks for the Memory.” 

Until later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

May 11, 2020

Gary’s Reply,

4-H was a big part of my childhood days. My mother, Elaine Stokes along with Mary Ann Hagen and Dorothy Lamb organized the Mountaineers 4-H club. With their first meeting they agreed to ask Orvin Hagen if he would volunteer to be the 4-H leader for the boys of which he accepted for a term that lasted more than 25 years.

For those of you that were in 4-H in your growing up days, please share some of your experiences with us. In the Article write up with my picture below, I see Holly Meyer of the Busy Beaver 4-H club got first place in clothing.  

One of my favorite 4-H projects was My Registered Black Angus Heifer named Missy. I purchased her when she was about a month old with money, I earned from my summer Jobs working for Norris Knutson and Carl Melgaard. She was raised on Ground Oats that I purchased by the gunny sacks at the Bottineau Elevator. I worked with her, under Orvin’s leadership, teaching her how to lead and stand for showmanship. Following the 4-H Achievement Day in 1963 pictured below, I entered Missy in the Valley city Winter Show. Orvin Accompanied me to Valley City. We hauled her to Valley city in Orvin’s Pickup. That was a real experience going there too. The competition was pretty tough there, so we didn’t place very high, but the experience was fun. The following summer of 1964 I sold Missy at a 4-H Auction.

Arlan Hagen (’75) Passed away.

 Folks,

Art Hagen messaged me last night letting me know that his brother Arlan Hagen passed away yesterday. He was not sure of the details of his passing. Art was still in Arizona. He is on his way to Bottineau now.

Arlan I believe Graduated from Bottineau in 1975. He was with the DHS class of ’75 for many of his school years. Being with the class of ’75 I believe he would have been 63 this year. Very young for a sudden death passing.

The Hagen’s were our close Ackworth neighbors. We did a lot of things together in our growing up days. Our dads were raised in the Ackworth community too. Our friendship goes back many years.

We extend our condolences to his immediate family and siblings, Susan, Karen, Art, Ellen and Henry. Arlan was a well-respected good person. He will be missed.

Gary

Retired
Message from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX

Hi everyone

I haven’t written in a while…I finally retired on Dec. 31, 2019. George and I left for California to visit family and stopped in Arizona on the way back. We were gone for 3 weeks, home a week and then I made a trip to Disneyworld with my son and his family for a week. Diane and Scott came to stay a few days on their way home to ND from Florida, and I seriously considered going back with them for a couple weeks when things ramped up with the virus so I decided not to. It was probably the right decision because within days we were on lockdown. I was trying to figure out what my new normal was going to be when this pandemic hit and we have all been confined to home for this last 8 or 9 weeks or so. So I started cleaning closets and going through some of the paperwork and things I brought back from my Dad’s house after we sold it. Anyway, I am in the process of putting together some sort of memory book of family history and consolidating things into one good size box that I can pass on to my kids and the grands when I am no longer around, and share with my sisters.

So my question is this: does anyone have any memories or stories of my parents, Norman and Verdellis Richard Larson or my grandparents, Fred and Johanna Boucher Richard or any of us that they would like to share? Please feel free to email me at cheryl.dakin@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook, or even share on this blog if it would be permitted.

I thank you in advance and wish everyone well and safe. Texas is finally opening up, although I don’t feel the need to rush right out and go shopping. I could use a good mani / pedi though. How is everyone else faring?

Cheryl Larson Dakin

1957 Flu  and 1952 Vacine for Polio
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

I really like BBC as being very informative,   the video clips are not too long. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-52582124/the-1957-flu-that-killed-one-million-people

Gary’s comment
I remember that 1957 Asian flu very well. I too, like so many others contracted that flu. Our folks had gone to Washington State to Visit our Grandparents. It was winter. They took the train out and drove a 1953 Kaiser back that our grandparents had given them. Our younger brother Darrel who was 5 years old at the time went with them. Allen stayed with the Lagerquist’s and I stayed with the Albert Hiatt Family. I contracted that flu when I was staying with the Albert Hiatt Family. Albert, Alice, Arnie and Dennis all had it too, but luckily a few days apart. It was wicked. I was really sick.  

Reply from Larry Liere (’55):  Devils Lake ND.

Hi Gary

Thank you for the link on all the totals by countries for covid-19.  It was an eye opener for me to see that they had the numbers for 203 countries.

LARRY

Pastor Hayes
Reply from John Tangen (Pladson Cousin):  Zellwood FL.

Hi Gary (& Vickie)

Thanks for including the write-up about Pastor Hayes.  While he was chaplain at Good Samaritan Home where my mother resided for three plus years, I observed how he served the residents there so faithfully, brightening their days with his cheeriness and humor.  My mother always appreciated his ministry, and I enjoyed getting to know him somewhat also.  Wishing the best for you all in this trying time.

John=

Terry / Tim Martinson Correction.
Reply from Cousin Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC 

Gary,

I know it was an unintended oops.  But in replying to Allen Richard you said that Terry Martinson had died in 1999 – which I also seem to remember (Terry and I graduated together).  Then you went on to say Terry is living in Anchorage, AK.  Unless Anchorage is in Heaven, don’t see that as likely.  Did you mean Tim is living in Anchorage?

Keith Pladson

Corrected Posting
Tim Lives in Anchorage, Alaska. We haven’t heard from Tim now for a long time. Hopefully all is well with him too. For a period of time my messages were being return undeliverable to him. Hopefully that has all been corrected now.

Gary’s Reply:

Thank you so much Keith for bringing this to my attention. Yes, it was an oops and I didn’t catch it until you brought it to my attention. We didn’t hear from Tim, so he must not have seen this posting. I will send him a solo copy. Not sure he is getting the group copies of these messages.

Folks, you noticed I addressed Keith as “Cousin Keith”. Keith’s mother and my Dad were First cousins. Keith’s Grandmother was a Stokes.

Message from Vickie Metcalfe: (’70):  Bottineau, Nd

Good May Morning.

Thank you LeaRae Espe, for encouraging readers to write.

Lea Rae and her mom contain an abundance of golden Dunseith history memory.

Thanks, Lee Stickland, for sharing positive perspectives from your Evergreen Lock down in Dickinson.

And again, many thanks Gary for the continued centering of Dunseith Alumni community at …long distance.

Everybody, make safe choices, eat some U.S. beef, drink milk, and continue to pray!

Vickie Metcalfe

May 8, 2020

Coronavirus question for the Philippines.
From Larry Liere (’55): Devils Lake, ND

Gary

Do you have any Coronavirus cases close to where you live?   So far North Dakota is doing very well on keeping it under control.

LARRY

Gary’s Reply:
Larry, The Philippines is not nearly as affected as the USA with Covid-19. As you can see from the link below, the USA is reporting 244 Coronavirus deaths per million population. The Philippines is reporting 7. Quite a difference. The USA has done a lot more testing than Philippines, so the deaths per million population as a more accurate comparison. Cebu City has a few very heavily populated areas that are affected. In our town of about 150,000 population they several cases is all. Reports are that this virus thrives on Cold dry climates. We are hot and humid year around.

Can you believe that we have been on Quarantine Lock down going on 8 weeks now? We can’t leave our property. One family member from each house is given a pass that allows them to go out two days per week to buy groceries and supplies. Passes are checked at all of the open stores too. Our helper Mirasol has our pass. I can take her in my car, but I am not allowed to get out of the car. I just wait for her in my car while she does the shopping. If anyone is seen in public without a pass, they are politely told to go back home.

Continuous updated Coronavirus status web link for 203 countries
https://epidemic-stats.com/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3QYP7DHYL8ep1k-gd5INwxhzWgcO-mtPK15JXFDG2IpLOxIJBlk9hdvgM

Rev David Hays Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (‘70’) Via Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum)

Alan Stokes’ Memorial Cancelled

Folks,

 Due to the Coronavirus, we have Cancelled Allen Stokes’ Memorial service that was scheduled for Wednesday May, 13^th.

 My flights have all been cancelled back to the states too. My Tentative plans are to Travel back to the states in May 2021. My last trip back to ND was July 2015. I am looking forward to going back again too.

 Gary

Tim and Terry Martinson
Question from Allen Ricard (’65):   Grand Rapids, MI

I’m curious.  Does anyone have info on Tim or Terry Martinson?

 Gary’s Comments

 Allen, my records show Terry passed away on March 22, 1999.

Terry Lives in Anchorage, Alaska. We haven’t heard from Terry now for long time. Hopefully all is well with him too. For a period of time my messages were being return undeliverable to him. Hopefully that has all been corrected now.

Terry, hopefully you will see this and reply. We’d love to hear from you.

Mildred Wheeler | 1926 – 2020 | Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/mildred-wheeler

WWII Surender Documents
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70): Bottineau, ND

A British actor and theatre manager drafted the Act of Military Surrender while in the army.

‘Our dad wrote the VE peace document’
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-52530728/ve-day-our-dad-wrote-the-peace-document

Rendahl – Marty Wheeler’s passing
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67) Bottineau, ND

 Hi Gary,

Please put this announcement on the blog:  Thanks for keeping this going.  I wish more people would write.

The COVID has mostly spared us in the Turtle Mountain.  There was one reported case in Rolette County, but I believe that person has recovered.  According to the Rolla Star, the individual was employed at Rolette School.  The National Guard and other organizations did a big drive thru testing on the Turtle Mt. Reservation last Thursday. The state had 5000 tests taken, but was unable to process them because of an inability to get this one component.  That has now been resolved.  Someone saw on Facebook that the Turtle Mt came back 570 negatives out of 571. (I have not seen that confirmed by the regular news media yet that I know of.)

————————————————————————-

Rendahl Cemetery Annual Meeting and Clean Up
Thursday, May 21 5 PM

Donations always welcome.
LeaRae Espe, Secretary-Treasurer
401 Alexander St
Bottineau, ND  58318

Rendahl Cemetery Update

A few years ago, another half-acre was purchased on the West side. Allen Pladson has done a tremendous amount of work clearing the land. Jim Berg allowed Allen to use his caterpillar to do the clearing.   Many Thanks Jim! We are now in the process of fencing the new section.  Darin Nelson, David Landsverk, and others have also spent hours getting everything into shape. There is more work to do.

Kim (Mrs. Bob) Bott has been doing the mowing for a number of years.  Floyd and Luella Dion appear each year to put US Flags on the graves of the veterans. Kudos to all these dedicated individuals.

Current officers: Bob Bott, Pres Allen Pladson and Darin Nelson, Director   LeaRae Espe, Sec-Trea

Rendahl Cemetery is located from Dales in Dunseith- Four miles West, turn North up the Willow Lake Road for 5 miles, then turn West for a little over a mile. My aunt, Helen Amundson Watkins Nelson, once told me she had been there for all but two of the funerals/burials.  Oh, how I wish I written down or recorded her stories. (Helen was married to mom’s brother Erling Nelson. She grew up less than a mile from Rendahl Church and Cemetery.)

***************************************************************************************************************************

Thinking about this pandemic and the stay home recommendation:.  Aunt Helen told us how she had gone to town when she was 8 and again when she was 12. I can’t remember her birth date so don’t know what years that would have been.

During the Flu Epidemic of 1918, it doesn’t seem like the Rendahl community was hit very hard.  My mother, who was born until 1925, was told that her father, John Nelson, had gone to Dunseith for supplies-flour, kerosene, and a few other things.  He got what he needed and came home, didn’t linger. That December 1918 day, my grandpa Nelson heard that Supt. Cecil Parrill had died and there was a funeral service for him.

Grandpa Nelson already had five children at home. None of them got the flu. I will have to say, they certainly practiced the self-isolation as a life style.

Most of you probably know the story of my other grandfather, Cecil Day Parrill.  He grew up in Illinois and graduated from Vapariso University in Indiana with a teaching degree in 1911.  He came to Dunseith and taught the school in Russell township and later became Superintendent of Dunseith Public . He was employed there at the time of his death from the flu.  My uncle Thurman was one year old and my dad (Dean) was born April 1919.  They lived somewhere out by Thorne.   The story that has been passed down to us, is that Grandpa Parrill was feeling fine and was out helping others who were sick with some farm chores in the morning.  That night he passed away.

****************************************************************************************************

Marty Wheeler

Mildred “Marty” Wheeler passed away a couple of days ago at St. Andrew’s Health Care here in Bottineau.

She is the mother to Rick, Sharon, Judy, and Jim Wheeler.  The Wheelers moved to the farm next to ours out on OLD Highway 5 in about 1960.

Judy was in my grade (’67) and joined our class in 6th grade. We rode the bus together and crammed for tests for the couple miles.  I especially remember studying for Earth Science taught by my future brother in law Dennis Espe.

Marty (and her husband Jim) soon became active in the Happy Home Homemakers club whose members lived on Old 5 or close by . Charlotte Lang, Winifred Eurich, Sophie Schneider, Melvina Schneider, Loretta Boguslawski, Mabel Boardman, Alice McKay, Alice Evans Berube, Sis Hoopman, Lillian Houle are the ones I remember off hand.  The husbands attended as regularly as the women.  During the meeting they would usually play whist and be ready for a big lunch.

Mom (Mildred Parrill) is now the only member of the group left.  She and Marty were both at Oak Manor for a few years and now both were at St. Andrews. I think they did get in a game or two of whist up there.  However, since mid-March everyone is confined to their individual rooms for meals. They are not allowing any visitors.  We have been able to Skype with mom a couple of times a week. If any of her students would write her a short note and mail it to 316 Ohmer St.  Bottineau 58318, she would love it.  She still has a great memory.

Stay well, LeaRae

No positive results following mass COVID testing
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

by Ben Barr | Posted: Wed 5:31 PM, May 06, 2020  |Updated: Wed 5:57 PM, May 06, 2020

BELCOURT, N.D. – Some good news from last Thursday’s COVID-19 test operation in Belcourt.

Officials with Indian Health Services said that, of the nearly 600 people tested, no one came back positive.

Of the 591 tests administered, 590 came back negative, and one was rejected because that person was also tested at another site.

IHS said the sample test result shows that a large majority of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa are taking the right precautions during the pandemic, but now is not the time to relax.

Posting from Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

This is Lee, Me In #203 where the only tree with real leaves on this property (others have needles) is now in full of blossoms, The birds sing to me each am and pm.  I noticed a new pair of birds this morning: these birds are smaller than a sparrow, by far,  The male has a very rich reddish-colored breast.. This tree is 2 inches outside my window on second floor, the height of the tree exceeds my being able to see the top from my room, as it has grown the four (4) years that I have been in this south-facing room with a 4′ x 6′ window that DOES open to let in the fresh air.

The oil-industry has had a LOT to do with the growth of Dickinson, the development of our city, and the plans and hopes for the future.  Some of that was muted in the last years and IS

CERTAINLY on HOLD, now, I am sure.

Many of  the ladies who work here are not native North Dakota people but have come to the area with their husband, friends, etc.

I have visited with NO ONE that has told me that they have been negatively impacted by the DESTROYED/greatly depressed oil market prices, yet.  There has been companies that have had auction sales, early, which may be the best timing ?  I knew one fellow who once worked for this company for 4 years but he left 3 years ago to return to the east coast to join his brother in

a now-large and getting bigger, successful concrete enterprise in Sumter, SC.

This fellow grew up in Pennsylvania in a family that had nearly every piece of heavy equipment so when Nathan (Rusty-oil field name) came to ND, he could operate all equipment, down to

a “”nat’s eye-lash” or point of “strikin” a grade with a maintainer, hitting all of the ‘whiskers’ on the stakes, without bumping one of them.

Rusty wanted a bride and he was able to get in contact with a lady whom he met, halfway in distance, at Syracuse, NY.

They hit is off right away.  Caitlyn told Rusty that she would like him to  meet her parents.  Rusty said that could be arranged, when would YOU like to do that and Cailyn said NOW !

So he did and it all went downhill from there.  Caitlyn is from Canada.  When there is a marriage that involves immigration, the law asks that the LADY stay’

in the new country for 90 days before completing the marriage.  This is to alleviate the occasion of some coming to America just to get the benefits, ie, welfare,etc.

When Rusty moved to Sumter, he paid cash for a three (3) bedroom home on a large corner lot.  To accommodate space for Caitlyn, Rusty moved into an apartment located on the acreage where his brother lives, thus preserving separation of parties before marriage and meeting the request of immigration law.  Obviously, this was not an easy thing for either  Caitlyn or Rusty

but they were determined to be true to what they believed to be spiritual.  Finally, April 11, 2019 arrived and all was completed.  Then a new life followed in about 10  months, she is a

cuddly bundle named Cleo Isabel Purcell.

I read til 5:30 this am and it is 9:40 now,  Our EVERGREEN was locked down on March 17, asking residents to stay in their rooms or wear a mask when out of the room, being carefull to

keep 6 feet between everyone and to wash YOUR hands, WASH your HANDS.  One day I washed my hands 19 times,  Initially we could visit each others’ rooms but, no more.

ALL the residents at EVERGREEN will be tested for COVID-19 on this Friday (8).

Went to the dentist for three (3) fillings.  Have NEVER been afraid of needles, knives, nurses, white coats or operating room; good thing as I need a

6th surgery on my R foot and I need a new ball and cup in my R shoulder.  These are termed ELECTIVE procedures so they wait, no problem, til, things OPEN UP.

I firmly believe that will be awhile.  I hope that the public will not act as HUMAN NATURE has responded at times in the past; when YOU ARE ALLOWED AN INCH, A MILE IS TAKEN.

If the latter occurs, I fear for a rebound   Time for a shower and some new clothes, maybe a nap before they deliver lunch to my room. Have Adam Smith’s “The Wealth Of Nations” , written in 1776, which is still used

today as a great example for the principle of economics,  I have read it once but I will read it again.  Nearly done with Tom Clancy’s “Rainbow Six”.

“Floatin the stick” with 13 to 18 gears didn’t make any difference to  most

of the folks that ‘ran’ the “breaks” where HWY 85 or 22 sneaks down to the Little Missouri and then YA gotta crawl back up the other side.  Once YOU do this 4-5 times a day, hauling too much

weight of ‘what ever’, YOU are ready to drive drive home and find a shower and a HUG.   SNUF   LEE    (Stick)   Last phrase is out of place but Y’all will get the idea of how it is to drive a RIG in the Badlands.

Stokes Neighbor kids in Cebu, Philippines
Posting by Gary Stokes

These are a few of the Kids, 10 years old and under, that live within 10 Meters of our house. There are a few missing too, not in this picture.  They are all very well-mannered polite kids too.

Our house is directly behind this picture.

Bernadette’s, sister Berlinda’s (deceased) Husband, his four brothers and one sister all of whom live within 10 meters of our house. These are the Grandkids of Bernadette’s Brother-in-law and his Siblings.

The occasion was a treat of Powdered milk that each of the kids are holding from Bernadette’s niece, Novie Congson. For these kids, that’s a big treat. Their main diet is lots of rice with a little fish and boiled tree leaves for a vegetable.

These kids have never experienced Santa Clause. He has never come to their house.  Their play ground is the small area between the houses where this picture was taken.

The children of the siblings of Bernadette’s Brother-in-law, all of whom live right here, never left home. They are all living here with their wives/partners and their families. These are their kids pictured below. They just added rooms on top of their houses to accommodate. Four generations (three surviving) all living together right here. I am sure many of the kids in this picture will continue to live their lives right here too.

Needless to say, we don’t let these kids have the run of our place, however I allow them to play in our garage parking area. It’s a pretty big space for them to play in.

Directly behind our house is a small 300’ Square foot house with a family of 12. There are 9 kids, with one grand kid and the parents. That’s wall to wall bodies when they go to bed. They’ve only got about 150’ SF of yard space too. They are happy though mainly because they don’t know any other life.

Lorraine (Christianson) Cote (DHS ’47)
Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Funeral services for Lorraine Cote, age 92 of Bottineau,  were held on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Oak Creek Cemetery.  Officiating at the service was Father Michael Hickin.  Casket bearers were all of Lorraine’s grandchildren.  Burial was at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Lorraine Cote, a daughter of Anton and Tomina (Momb) Christianson, was born on December 20,1927.  She was raised in Rolette County and graduated from Dunseith High School.  On May 26, 1948, she married Rene Cote at Willow City.  They made their home on the Cote family farm before later moving to Dunseith.  In 1963, they moved to a farm east of Bottineau and in 1978 they moved into Bottineau.  Lorraine worked at St. Andrew’s Hospital and the Dakota College at Bottineau.  Rene passed away on January 12, 2002.  Lorraine moved to Moorhead in 2014.

She was a member of the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau where she was a member of the Altar Society.  She enjoyed quilting, baking, playing cards and spending time with her family.

Lorraine passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at a Fargo nursing home.

She is survived by her 10 children, Linda Dodge of Moorhead, MN, Allen (Pam) Cote of Gladstone, ND, Terry (Becky) Cote of Fargo, Brian (Diane) Cote of Fargo, Sandy Miller of Moorhead, MN, Tom (Diane) Cote of Bottineau, Lynnette (Tim) Ostgarden of Moorhead, Sherri (Mark) Indvik of Bottineau, Jeff (Barb) Cote of Castleton, ND and Kevin (Sue) Cote of Harwood, ND; 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Kenneth, Lendal and Wallace Christianson and one grandson, Ryan Palmer.

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

B-4 1963 – Highway #3 was redone
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Gary and Dunseith Alumni friends,

I was thinking this morning, of that long drive on #3,
It was two laned, narrow, up and down or around hills, lakes sloughs and curves.
I recall several Y intersections on #3.

The unpaved Jackrabbit was the same.  Remember Yellow Corners?  Highway off #5 East to Rolette was another dusty unpaved road

Highways have come along way.

As the vehicles which travel them too.  Front wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, all season tires, and head boldt heater ( invented by a North Dakotan).

Heartened by of all those engineering feats. I remember a child’s fear.

Mrs. Conroy our 4th grade class teacher discussed an article we read in Weekly Reader. It had pictures of people in iron lungs. She shared about scientist Jonas Salk who pioneered the polio vaccine. Of late. I read more about that endeavor.

“When asked who owned the patent on his vaccine against poliovirus, its inventor Jonas Salk famously responded:  “The people, I would say.  There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?” The Salk Vaccine is used worldwide to this day.”

I pray for the minds and hands of scientist inventors like Jonas Salk who are seeking ways to end Covid-19.

Until later,
Vickie Metcalfe

Bill Hosmer’s Tribute: Face Book Link.
Posted by Gary Stokes.

Bill Hosmer, Retired Colonel USAF
1. Thunderbird Left wing Pilot (1961-63)
2. Lead Fighter pilot with 240 missions over North Vietnam
3. 1953 West point Grad
4. West point class mate and friend of Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos

Face Book Link
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10222739975476757&set=a.1951201228466&type=3&theater

Elizabeth “Betty” Lamoureux Malone Badgett. (DHS ’49) passed away
Face book posting from her daughter Kathy Leeks Dean 

 As most of you have heard our mom passed away early this morning.

Elizabeth “Betty” Lamoureux Malone Badgett. 08/27/1931 – 04/29/2020

Mom was a truly exceptional human, and my siblings and I were so very blessed to have her as our mom. As the oldest. I had the great fortune to have 69 years with her. She would probably say this was fair since she often mentioned, when we talked about our childhood, that she worried about me being “neglected” when my brother Tom came along 15 months later! Family was everything to our mom, she had close relationships with all five of her kids, their spouses, and each of her eight grandchildren. Her seven great grandchildren also had the opportunity to develop special bonds with her. And although they are still quite young, she was able to impart her special wisdom and family values to them in the time they had together.

Although mom was born in North Dakota, and spent her early years there, Southern California was her lifelong home and where her heart was. The tragedy of her mother’s passing when she was fourteen would alter the course of her life. Her dad, a successful small-town business owner, felt he wasn’t able to provide a proper home for mom and her brother by himself. As luck would have it several of his sisters and sisters in law (he was one of 13 children) had gone to California to work in the defense industry in WW II, and it was decided Betty and Jay would make a new home out west with his sister, Aunt Alice. They arrived in Los Angeles in its’ Golden Age, 1945, and that young teenage girl from a small North Dakota town never looked back.

She met the love of her life, Tom “T.J. Malone”, in high school. They married young, had four kids in fairly rapid succession, but, alas, he broke her heart and the marriage did not survive. True to her loving and generous nature, she continued to welcome and include dad (and his wives) in our lives and family activities, until his untimely passing in 1994. She was kind and forgiving to every person she ever encountered, and this model for living is one of the legacies she has passed on to us. We often commented that were only 2 people ( who will remain unnamed!) that she ever uttered an unkind word about.

We are so grateful that she was able to pass away exactly where she wanted to be, in the home she lived in for the past 55 years. Special thanks to our sister Traci, mom’s caregiver over the past several years, and for her selfless devotion to our mom, and her changing needs, as she aged. It was a tall order, but Traci, being her mom’s daughter, was up to the task.

Our hearts are broken, but we are grateful for the life that mom lived. It wasn’t always easy, in fact there was tragedy, hardship, and heartbreak in addition to the joy. But as mom said to me on occasion, it was a perfect life.

Music is a Thread
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

One of my passion’s in learning while attending Dunseith School which followed through life was History.

All of us have ancestors who lived and persevered through trials of World War, Epidemics, the Depression era and etc.

I am keenly curious about their resilience. What are mindsets and passions that helped and or motivated them to overcome and survive?

I think, MUSIC is evident as a  strong thread.  

htps://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-52174772/the-queen-s-coronavirus-address-we-will-meet-again

“The Queen has promised the nation that better days are ahead, during a special address on Sunday.

In a rare speech, she acknowledged the grief and financial hardships Britons are facing during the coronavirus pandemic

Echoing the words of the Vera Lynn wartime song, she said that “we will meet again”  05 Apr 2020 BBC

We’ll meet again Don’t know where Don’t know when But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day Keep smiling through Just like you always do ‘Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away So, will you please say hello To the folks that I know Tell them I won’t be long They’ll be happy to know That as you saw me go I was singing this song

Until Later,we  will meet again.

Vickie L. Metcalfe
Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Corona Virus: We are not all in the same boat
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

 I copied/pasted this from Facebook.  Neola

 Don’t know who wrote it, but it’s spots on.

Perspective:

WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT … I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

Some who live alone are facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than they were when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don’t qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12-hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus; some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don’t believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Realize that and be kind.

Unknown author

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (’70):  Minot, ND

Gary,
I just want to thank you for keeping this blog going. I so enjoy the posts. Stay safe and love to you and yours.
Diane Larson Sjol

Gary’s reply:
My pleasure Diane. I enjoy doing this. Doing this blog, I have learned to know many of you that I had only heard of before. We all walked the same turf, just at different times is all. With this lock down, I have more time on my hands too, enabling me to do more postings.  

Bill Hosmer’s reply to Marshall Awalt
Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Gary,

Thank you for the continuing contact with you and all the friends and relatives of the terrific people of the Dunseith community now and in the past.

The recent post from Marshall Await, a close neighbor of many years ago, gave me a terrific boost of morale with his comments regarding the war time days of Vietnam. Marshall and his fellow fighting men are the ones deserving special accolades.  We who flew and may have been of some help, regard our troops on the ground in contact with the enemy, as being the true heroes of the conflict, and STILL.  DO !!!!!

Marshall, my friend and fellow Dunseith neighbor, I thank you for your comments and wish you all the possible comfort and joy you and your fellow fighting men deserve.  The missions I flew in support of you warriors was more satisfying than the other interdiction missions that made up my tours spent in either Viet Nam or Thailand.  As in World War II, Dunseith men served wherever they were ordered, doing what they were trained to do.  You and I were fortunate enough to serve,  AND survive!!!!!!!!!

I will be 90 later this year, and in good health.  Hearing from/about you makes me feel great. I thank you for your thoughts and memories, and I salute you for your GALLANT SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

I am proud to know you, Marshall.

Bill Hosmer

Boucher, Louise Melda Zoe (Cote) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Sept 1925 – Apr 2020

Louise Boucher, Minot formerly from Thorn, ND

https://www.thompsonlarson.com/obituary/louise-boucher

Reverend David Hayes
Comments from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Sunday , April, 26, 2020

Thanks Gary, Marlys H., Greg L.  and Dunseith Alumni Friends,

In reading the many comments about Reverend David Hayes I see, we are more alike than we are different.

There are times in life, we are blessed to encounter a person whose presence  touches, warms and fills us with the profound sense of PEACE.

It is rather an unexplainable safe feeling, isn’t it? Which brings to my mind the song made popular by Alabama.

            “Oh, I believe there are Angels Among Us, Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours To show us how to live…..…

Until Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gary Stokes Comment

Folks,

When I finish posting today’s blog, I will do a Face Book posting of Marshall Awalt’s posting of Bill Hosmer and the Thunderbirds. I will include a link to some of your comments on our Dunseith Alumni Website.  http://dunseith.net/blog/

Monitor my FB page for the posting. https://www.facebook.com/gary.stokes.18

Thunderbird and Blue Angel fly overs
Message from Marshall (’51): Newport, NC

Now that the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels are flying over cities to show support for our medical workers . It reminds me of when these courageous men flew cover over Vietnam always on call to support the ground troops. They saved many Marine lives and I personally want to Thank them the most important one Bill Hosmer. Bill Thanks.

Marshall

Rev David Hayes memories
Posting from Marlys Hiatt (’71):  Dunseith, ND

Thanks, Vickie, for the information regarding Rev Hayes.  I had not known he was ill and moved back to Michigan.  I had attended the church north of Dunseith when he was the pastor there.

I really enjoyed your memories and the piece about stone boats.  I hadn’t thought about a stone boat in years but I sure know what they are and how they are used.  My mom and Vickie liked to work outdoors so I stayed inside watching small children, if there were any, cooking, and dusting knick knacks, which I was very happy to do.

Stay safe – later,

Marlys Hiatt
School Social Worker
Dunseith Public School

Rev David Hayes memories
Posting from Greg Larson (’70): Bismarck, ND

Thank you, Vicki, for this information regarding Reverend Hays. I also knew him to be a man of God. We had conversations many different times over the phone. Sometimes talking about whether I could help somebody that he knew was coming to Bismarck. He talked about telling many people about the salvation they could have through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For many years, while he was in Dunseith, he sent me his church bulletin every week. One of those church bulletins had a profound effect on my life. I still have it taped to my desk at work after more than 20 years. I am sure there were many hallelujahs when Reverend Hayes was ushered into Paradise. He was a humble man after God’s own heart. I look forward to seeing him again when we all get to Heaven. What a wonderful day that will be!

Greg Larson, Class of 1970

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

Gary,

I liked this explanation from BBC. Vickie.

https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/52382236/coronavirus-how-close-are-we-to-getting-a-vaccine

How close are we to a coronavirus vaccine?

The coronavirus spreads easily and the majority of the world’s population is still vulnerable to it.

A vaccine would provide some protection by training people’s immune systems to fight the virus so they should not become sick.

But how easy is it to create a vaccine? And when could we expect one to be ready?

BBC health correspondent Laura Foster

Rev David Hayes passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

April 20, 2020

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

This just came across on the Bottineau Veterans news.

Many Dunseith folks will remember Rev. David Hayes.  He

was located and served for many years at the little church, North of the San Haven turn.

I recall often seen him driving the same station wagon that turned over many, many miles.

When driving N. on Highway #3 saw him on hot summer days,  pushing a lawn mower around the little church,

his home and the ditch all the way up to edge of the highway #3.

After leaving Dunseith, the next number of years he led the Baptist Church

here in Bottineau.  He was much loved there too.

I got to know him through Metigoshe Lutheran “A” Frame Church.

About 4 summers,  I worked weekends at the Wedding Services at the A Frame Metigoshe Lutheran..

I am not sure of the job title but I took reservations penciled in dates,  opened the building,

attended rehearsals,  managed the sound system (UFFDA)  cleaned up a bit after each wedding.

I titled myself as a go-for!  There were about 14 weddings each summer keeping a person busy for 2 days.

In that time, there were various Pastors/Priests of different churches, Justices of Peace and etc.

selected by the wedding couples.

They included Rev. Hayes who I recall performed about 2-3 wedding services each summer.

Those summers, I really developed a strong respect for this simple knowledgeable man.

I believe Rev. Hayes was a man of God and a Man of the many people he served.

Rest in Peace Rev. Hayes.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Rev David Hayes passing
Face Book Posting from Verena (Peter’65)

Stone boats and Draft Horses
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND 

April 21, 2020

Gary and former farm kids, and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Summer time on a boat?  You bet-cha for this former farm kid it was a stone boat.

Those of us ‘Farm Kids” of the hills learned early in our formative years never lowly -gag behind a horse!

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-shropshire-52357499/coronavirus-shropshire-shire-horses-become-lockdown-twitter-stars

I grew up among, Byrd, Barney, Babe, Corky, King and several other draft horses.  Each horse had her/his own personality. Our family considered livestock valuable assets and depended on them through the years.

Dad was a role model for his children in the respectful treatment of animals.  Somehow, he knew about/heard of various folks who maltreated or cruelly beat animal while down. Dad didn’t respect abusive people,  care for to be around them or tolerate that behavior.

I would bet a cup of coffee that many who grew up on working farms still have horse skill.  We could tell anyone how to properly put on the collar, harness, hitch up and drive a team.

I rather enjoyed cleaning barn and hauling hay/straw bales with a horse and stone boat. Yes ,as a teen, I’d rather pitch manure than dust knick-knacks.

My sister’s, Mom and I spent many days during the summer of ’64 with Byrd and a stone boat. We picked sticks, stumps, rocks on clearing bull dozing of the sheep pasture, my dad had hired done the fall before.

We’d get looking really good. Then, groan when Dad would get out John Deere, disc up more rocks and sticks. We all agreed years later …..picking sticks or rocks was not an enjoyable summer job.

The best part of those days, for me was unhitching, hanging up the harness and climbing Byrd’s bareback.  Off down south pasture to fetch milk cows.  Oft times after hot sweaty days, she’d take to her head, take off into a big puddle and have a roll.  I’d Yell, WHOA. then Jump and splash and avoid her roll.

I loved Byrd. She was a gem.

Art Seim would often repeat horse saying. Later, I found it was attributed to Churchill. “Winston Churchill said it best. The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”

If you choose to watch the attached. Look close for a stone boat. Its the only kind I used as a kid.

Later, Vickie L, Metcalfe

Carlyle and Ramona Nelson Memories
From Tom Hagen (’51 & Orvin’s Brother):  Mesa, AZ
Hi ,

Carlyle Nelson and I went to Beaver Dam for about 3 years, then we moved.

You knew he had a sister, Ramona (in the picture below, middle row wearing a hat) , who was Joyce, My sister’s classmate and a nurse.

Love Tom

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe (’70)
From Stick-Lee-Leland Stickland (’64):

Vickie,

Sounds like YA got things going YOUR way. I managed another outside excursion this morning; went to the Orthopedist to get a shot of Cortisone in R shoulder, I need a new ball & cup but that is an “elective” procedure that can wait till things amend. I will have the #6 surgery on my R foot during the 90 days I must wait between injection to my shoulder and surgery,  for sale of carefulness re: infection.

Your dog would be a great companion these days.  I last had one on 3-20-95, day B4 my divorce, came home and dog was not there?

Stick-Lee-Leland

Reply to LeaRae Parrill Espy (67) (Nelson family)
From Vickie Metcalf (70):  Bottineau, ND

April 18, 2020

Hello Gary, LeaRae, Terry,   and Dunseith Alumna Friends

I number of years ago, my brother and drove over dry Montana Prairies and steep Rockies to Seattle.

The Pacific NW has its own lush Mountain Evergreen fresh smell to inhale and behold.

On this trip, once again I stayed with Jean, Dad’s youngest sister.

Two of my paternal aunts were about the same age and friends of the Nelson sisters (Millie and Marie)

And my Uncle Lucky was married to their sister, Aunt Jennie.

Dad was very fond of Jennie Nelson as they both worked at the Seim farm in their youth.

Whether in ND or in Seattle, I felt much loved and welcomed by all of my Metcalfe family.

Aunts and Uncles and their spouse’s personalities embraced me as valuable and of worth as a child,

and continued on to adulthood.

Of course, whenever with any of the Metcalfe’s love of music,  there was also enjoyment of storytelling.

They were role models of the skill, “telling some tale with ability to laugh at themselves”.

My youngest brother was entertained royally by Aunt Jean to countless homemade goodies,

card games of SNERT and WAR, and chasing away homesick farm feelings she sensed.

She never was weary or impatient.  With a tender adoringly smile, in delight of him with every time he came

at her with a card deck.   He found a skate board and rolled around the outside of her home for hours.

The Seattle Center, Woodlawn Zoo, Pike Place Market, The Locks, Washington Ferry trips,   over the Cascade Mt to Wenachee,

were regional Pacific NW day trips taken with, Jean’s daughter, ‘City girl’.

One early morning after another substantial breakfast, ‘City girl’ gathered us into her car to drive West to the mighty Pacific  Ocean.

This day trip took us to the height of anticipation, with it came the reward of salty Ocean air.

Jumping out of the car with bare toes in the sand, we raced on the hard sand to chase waves,

whilst on the lookout for sand dollars.

After finding many treasures,  we gathered around a huge driftwood log to find more treasures of hard boiled eggs,

bread and butter, brownies which fed our hearty appetites and Kool aide inside the cooler packed by Jean.

Fond Memories

Soon it was Sunday,  we found time to be heading back to Dakota.

But awaiting was another surprise!

Uncle Lucky and Aunt Jennie (Nelson) Metcalfe had contacted and gathered everyone.

(Aunts, Uncles, and countless cousins)  to their home.

Aunt Jennie who enjoyed flea markets presented me with a depression era look alike bowl.

Years previously, she had given my other brother a reproduction of Blue Boy,

which he treasured for years until somehow, it disappeared when he and his wife lived on the Kavali farm

Oops back to my tale.

Hugs, music, laughter, cards and coffee drinking continued through that Sunday.

Cousins once played together as children, enjoyed the coming together as adults.

It is fun to finally grow up and enjoy cousins into adulthood who share common traits.

On a trip to the kitchen, looking for more of Aunt Jennies Julakaka,

I noticed the coffee pot was empty.

I said to Uncle Lucky.  ” Shall I make another pot of coffee?

Responding in a gruff voice loudly.

“Don’t make it like your mother! ( I was taken a back)

Then a voice kind and soft, “Your mom is a good lady.”

“But Jennie and I always say, after leaving your parents,

Lottie makes a good lunch,  BUT, the coffee!”

(he shook his head with a serious sad expression)

“….a person can see the bottom of the cup.”

His face softened in memory.

“There is a lady ? Minda Nelson? related to Abe Nelson… of the hills ( “she was a real character”)’

“She made coffee like it should be made!

GOOD and BLACK and so STRONG .

A person could stand up a spoon in the cup.”

He expounded more about various Nelson’s … I did not know.

Finally, saying, “Now go ahead and make some coffee!”

After all these years and one coffee lesson.

I still can’t make coffee ….like a Nelson STRONG and BLACK with a spoon standing straight up……..

But Lea Rae, I got a lesson today on blog about the Nelson’s from you. Thanks.

I would really like to hear more about the Nelsons and

in particular,  if you know that Nelson lady who Uncle Lucky recalled as ,”a real character”.

I love hearing about,  Dunseith Real Characters!

and,  Thank You Gary for keeping the dialogue flowing.

Until Later,  continue  to Be ND smart,

Vickie Metcalfe

Gary’s comments

I hope all of you are coping as well as can be expected with this Coronavirus epidemic. From news reports, they have several vaccines on the horizon.  Until they are developed and administered, we will continue to have social distancing.

Today is week four of our being quarantined and locked down. We still have a week and five days to go, it they don’t extend it.  They have given one pass per family or household. Mirasol, our helper has a pass for us. I can take her in my car to get groceries, etc., but I am not allowed to get out of my car.

Coronavirus numbers by countries Weblink:
https://epidemic-stats.com/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3J-_l3oYP-zMAUiKyNmLelGDGxMzFdUo139VXdmtg_V24YmB-A1QZQrlk

Memories of Carlyle Nelson
From LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Carlyle is a close, longtime friend of my family. He is the son of Abe and Mary (Evanstad)  Nelson. Annie Evanstad Atherton and Mary were sisters.

The children on the picture taken by Rendahl are cousins.

Carlyle’s older sisters Loretta and Evelyn went to High School in Dunseith with mom’s sister, Marie Nelson Parrill and mom, Mildred Nelson Parrill. Country kids had to room in town.  All four of the Nelson girls roomed together at Mrs. Bedard’s for one or two of the years.  Talk about confusing– four Nelsons, two sets of sisters, not related.

Later, mom would take a teaching job down by Minot. She could catch a ride up the Willow Road as far as Abe’s. Carlyle would hitch up the horse and buggy and give her a ride a few miles back to her parents’ home East of the Willow Lake road.  At the time Carlyle was 12 and mom was 19 and 20. They often talked about those rides and mom was so appreciative. Carlyle said he was happy to do it as he got out of milking cows on those occasions.

He would visit us often when I was a kid.  Sometimes he would stay overnight at our place.  He helped dad with different projects.  Later dad farmed his land in the hills.

After he was married, he moved to California and worked as a heavy equipment operator. (I think he also drove heavy equipment building the Garrison Dam). His wife, Teresa Davis,  worked for the??? park service Redwood Forest. We saw a picture of her in the huge tree that tourists drive through to enter the park.

Carlyle’s son passed away at an early age of leukemia.  He is buried at Rendahl. His daughter, Dr. Melissa K. Nelson is a professor at the University of San Francisco.

Mom and I still keep in touch with some of his sisters. Carlyle will be missed.

“I Contain Multitudes”
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): d Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

            It is Friday April 17, 2020.  

What a time in History to be living through.

            I was up and about well before 6:00 a.m. today on my way to the walking bridge on Oak Creek.

The bridge at mornings first light has gotten to be a special mindfulness time.

The   running water sets into calming the spirit for the day

            T’was about 26 above and Buie got somewhat chilled riding in his stroller,.

 Arriving home, we tucked into quick early morning naps.

            Whenever, I leave to go to school,  I hide dog treats before I go out the door.  

Buie is like a kid who once experienced something he likes, goes into “ready to repeat” attitude. 

He absolutely loves ….”Hide and seek, trick & treat,  run and look, look, look” command.”

            Off to school, I went to gather my Friday “DISTANCE things stuff and return home. 

This day warmed considerably but a mighty North Dakota wind is fixing to keep Buie’s stroller garage bound..

            Whilst checking out noon news I was sidetracked.  

I chose to listen,  Bob Dylan, “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Gobsmacked not country!  But what an exquisite song!      

            I refuse to listen to anymore news today until ND Gov. Burgum @4:00 p.m. 

(Facts just the facts)

             My plan is another listen,  “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Keep safe and be North Dakota Smart Everyone.

Later,

 Vickie Metcalfe

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND

 Carlyle Nelson, age 86 of Bottineau, died Friday, April 10, 2020 at his home in Bottineau.

Carlyle was a member of the BHS Class of 1951.  He was a brother of EdnaMae Nelson (member of my class, 1957, for a few years)

Neola

1/22/2009 Posting from Gary Stokes
Carlyle is Abe Nelson’s son who lived in the Willow Lake road. Carlyle is living in Bottineau. He went to high school in Bottineau. Carlyle still has the farm up on the Willow Lake road several miles south of the Willow Lake School.  I saw a lot of Carlyle, both in Dunseith and Bottineau, with our trip back for the reunion in 2007. Gary

Gary’s Comments
I am saddened to hear of Carlyle’s passing. I got acquainted with Carlyle at the 2007 Dunseith 125-year reunion.  With subsequent trips back we saw a lot of and became very well acquainted with Carlyle. We’d see him daily, often multiple times, at the Bottineau Bakery. He invited us to his house several times. The picture of him with Bernadette, below, was taken in his house. Carlyle was such a nice friendly guy. I will dearly miss him with future trips back to the area. He graduated from BHS but was Dunseith at heart.

Message from Lee (Leland) Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

Gary,

I just sat down this Monday,  3-30-20, @ 11:30 am MDT, waiting for my tea water, which comes a bit Before the meal that is delivered to our room, since about the 19th. Not a problem for me as I pretty well stay in my room anyway.

I have the telecaster and a superb amp that my son, Eric, who lives in Boston, sent me, and I have many books. When I need more books, I let Eric know and Viola’, in 3 or 4 days I rec. I get 4 new books with titles that are a surprise; usually biography.

I am great. Feel just wonderful. Hope YOU & YOUR BRIDE is ” hunkering-in-place ” successfully, also.  Lunch HAS arrived!

Later,

Lee

Gratitude
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Good Friday, April 10, 2020

Hello it so good to greet you Gary,
and many Dunseith Alumni friends,

            The Bottineau Vets building is closed for the coffee drinkers.
I think the vets see a need and are making a space available for sewers of masks..

            I listen each day to ND Gov Burgum on Bottineau ‘s KBTO Sunny 101,9 @ 3:30 pm. Gov Burgum talks common North Dakotan sense and uses true facts.

  ………no gossip or Facebook.

Yesterday, he shared of models that many national news’ outlets have quoted and shares FAULTY information.

            ND doesn’t have all the deaths that model has listed.
So far ND has 6 people who have passed away.
Today’s fact 9 North Dakotans yesterday were diagnosed.

            I especially like when Gov Burgum discusses GRATITUDE somewhere each time in his message.
Gratitude is a major factor being resilient.

            Yes, we North Dakotans are being challenged.
Mostly,  everyone is rising to the challenge of Social Physical Distancing.
Others are finding change extremely challenging.

            One of my own family members has written PHYSICAL Distancing notice posted on their door.
NO apology just stated facts.  Good for them!

            I do not wear a mask. Yet.
One of my siblings told me she is sending me one. If not i will drape a scarf. …. I will try to find a really ugly one.

            CHANGE’s of long held habits are difficult.
Stages of grieving when confronted with any kind of loss have been defined as follows.

Anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance
These stages do not follow in specific order for each of us .
Each of us may be at a different stages or places in their grief.
I need to remember this and know that this normal human behavior.

Two of my own personal examples’:

1. Dad’s diagnosis of Blindness.
   DENIAL
   I held on to hope after hope for a cure driving him to Minneapolis for treatment.
   My Denial was especially clear to mom.  When she told me of the notice for Dad’s license renewal had come in the mail.
   I ADAMENTLY expressed his license should be renewed!
   But Mom was well into ACCEPTANCE. She later experienced a brain tumor and loss of her sight in one eye
   She did all she could to continue making things normal for dad. 

2. Chainsaw accident years ago.
   I went into ACCEPTANCE immediately.
   FACT my arm was severely cut. FACT I lost blood, severed nerves artery. muscles, and bone
   FACT I was diagnosed as partial amputee.
   FACT I will never regain full feeling or use of left hand.
   Believing in the higher power carried me through.

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS   … begin the long list for which, I am grateful.

Later,

Vickie

==============================================
POSTING FROM THE PAST
Blog (90) posted on Jun 18, 2010

Folks, I have some other postings, but I have limited today’s message to the reunion pictures. Gary

Reunion Picture replies with identifications:

Thanks, folks, for all the replies and help with the identification of these pictures. I am posting your replies with a reposting of the pictures with the correct identities.

Again folks, please send pictures.

Thanks, Gary

Note: Pictures twelve and fourteen are the only ones not fully identified.

From Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hey Gary, in pics 14, I know the front 2 people are Eric and Sandra Poitra and the woman behind Eric is Bernice Belgarde I think, the one right of Sandra not sure but I believe another Belgarde. In pic 3, the two ladies sitting on the left are Pam Wenstad and Delorie Enno and the 2 handsome men on the right of course that is me Alan Poitra next to Delorie and my partner Mark Larsen and behind us is Bernard and Robin Morin and I think the lady behind Del and Pam is Mrs Espe, (Robin’s Mom)

Hopefully that will help you out!

Thanks Alan, It was a pleasure to finely see you face to face after all these email exchanges. I dearly love the CD that you sent me last year too with the good old ‘honky tonk’ tunes recorded by your family. It may not be Bernadette’s taste for good music, but it’s mine, so I listen to it when she is not around. Gary

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish S

#10 -Olynda(Eurich) and Ydola Pigeon, #8 Terry Halvorson on the left, Gwen Struck in the brown jacket, #7 Gwen Grimmes husband in the rear, #3 Peggy (sime)Espe in the green jacket, Alan Poitra sitting in the plaid shirt talking to Bernard Morin, #12 Lawrence Hetle in the blue t shirt and his wife in the pink jacket, #13 Lowell leonard visiting with connie burcham, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich –That’s all the help I can give.

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

picture 3 top right side is Bernard Morin
picture 4 is Richard Slyter, Dan McKown and Bobbie Slyter, Dan is a friend of Bobbie’s from Kansas
picture 5 in the backround is Diane Wenstad and Ele Slyter
picture 9/10 is Mr and Mrs Ydola Pigeon picture 12 guy with glasses is Harvey Sebelius and his wife on hiis left..don’t recognize the rest hope this helps

ele

Ele, It was a pleasure seeing you too after all these email exchanges. I recognized Richard from the pictures when you guys walked in. Had it not been for the pictures, I for sure would not have ever known him. He looks great, but not the way I remember him. My, how we all change and some more than others. 

From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

Gary, the lady in #3 in the white blouse is Pam Wenstad in #4 next to Richard is my friend Dan Mc Kown and I am next to him in # 5 next to Diane Wenstad is Ele Slyter great pics thanks for all that you do

Bobby, It was so nice to see you again too after all these years. You Slyter boys are looking great, but not the way I remember you guys and I knew you well in our growing up days. Gary
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
Picture 10 Olynda and Ydola Pigeon.

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, A couple of identifications that may help. In picture eleven you caught my brother Dan and his wife Robin. To the right of Robin and only partially visible is my sister Tina Bullinger in the pink sweater and to the right of Dan is Tina’s husband John Bullinger. In picture thirteen the lady at the back side of the table pointing to something is Shirley Bercham Sime spouse of Larry Sime (not present).

Hope that helps. Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, Those were some great old pictures that you were showing me that you got from your Aunt Lillian Thompson. When you get a chance, please scan and zap me copies. I’d love to share those. They included some of my/our Grandparents that I have never seen before. Thanks, Gary

From Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

picture 2 Lady in green standing is Peggy Espe (Sime)
picture 13 in back is Lowell Leanord, next two don’t know Eva Eurich and Cleo Kelly
picture 15 Barbara Iverson (lyonais) Helen Boguslawski

Marie Staub

Marie, It was so nice seeing you too.

From Gwen Struck Dumas (68): Havre, MT
Picture #8 Terry Halvorson Gwen Grimme Monte Espe Brenda Hoffman Dick Johnson Gwen Struck

 Gwen, I should have recognized you and Monte too. Gary

From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Hi Gary!

Photo eight: Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson and Gwen Struck either shortly before or after we took the class of 1968 photo.

Brenda

Reply from Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND
Number Eleven John Bullinger

Picture Three:
Sitting: Pam Wenstad, Delorie Enno, Alan Poitra & Mark Larson Standing Left: Peggie Sime Espe
Standing right: Bernard & Robin Espe Morin

Picture Four:
Richard Slyter, Dan Mc Kown & Bobby Slyter”

Picture five:
Front: Kenny & Sherry Nerpel
Back: Diane Wenstad, Ele Dietrick Slyter, Richard Slyter

Picture six:
John/Margaret Bedard, Cora (Warren) Anderson, Kenny Nerpel & Ele Dietrick Slyter

Picture Seven:
Front: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey
Behind George Eltz, Standing Gwen Struck Dumas

Picture eight:
Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme Eltz, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson, Gwen Struck Dumas & Ernie Gottbreht.

Picture Nine:
Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon, Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett.

Picture Ten:
Mildred Parrill, Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon and Brenda Johnson

Picture Eleven:
Nancy Hosmer, Robin/Dan Pladson & John Bullinger

Picture twelve:
Larry Hackman pointing his finger at the camera. Lawrence Hetle in blue T-shirt, Armella Hetle in pink – Need some help with the

Picture thirteen:
Around the table L to R: Sharon Zorn Gerdes, Lowell Leonard, Connie Burcham Sime, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich Paulson & Cleo Kelly

Picture Fourteen:
Front Left: Eric & Sandra Poitra Sitting behind: Bernice Belgarde Front Right: ???? Belgarde

Picture Fifteen:
Harlan/Joyce Flaata, Barbara Iverson Lyonais, Marie Iverson Staub& Helen Boguslawski

Gary Stokes Comment

Hopefully this Coronavirus will level out soon with an available vaccine. We are coping fine. Bernadette isn’t really aware of what’s really going on. Tata, Mirasol and Marites take very good care of her and me too. I have now arranged 24/7 care for Bernadette. Marites spends the night with her in our bedroom. I transferred my sleeping to one of our spare bedrooms upstairs. For the most part, Bernadette sleeps thru the night, but there are nights that she doesn’t too.

Starting today we are going into week three of our lockdown. Predictions are that this lock down will be until the end of the month. We have a large area so I am not confined to the house. I do Morning and night fast daily one mile walks, around my cars and pool table, in my Garage. Each round is 100’. 53 rounds makes a mile.

My husband passed away on St. Patrick’s Day.  Here is his obituary.  Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:   Bottineau, Nd

My husband would have been 89 years old in June.  He had had 3 stents in one leg and a tube from the knee to the groin in his other leg (circulation) for MANY years.  He had had COPD for many years and an incurable cancerous spot on one of his lungs.  He had had two other spots earlier.  Radiation treatments “worked” on them.  His mind was still good.  He even still had his own teeth and a full head of hair! He had lived in an assisted living facility for almost 2 years–mid-May 2018.  I know Wally went to Heaven, which gives me great comfort/peace.

God is taking very good care of me.

Neola

Wallace ‘Wally’ G. (George) Garbe

June 20, 1931 – March 17, 2020

Wallace “Wally” G. Garbe, 88, Minot, formerly of Kramer, ND, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in a Minot hospital. 

Wally was born June 20, 1931 at Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of Walter and Lillie (Thiel) Garbe.  He was raised and educated at Kramer and graduated from Kramer High School in 1949.   He attended Jamestown College for a year and then Minot State College, where he received a degree in Secondary Education.

Wally continued to assist with the operation of the family farm near Kramer and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in 1956.  He honorably served his country until 1958 when he was discharged and returned to North Dakota.  Wally taught in Kramer before he entered the military and in Bottineau after he was discharged.  He moved to Minot in 1960, where he became employed with First National Bank.

Wally was united in marriage to Neola Kofoid on November 26, 1969 in Minot.   They made their home in Minot, where he continued working at the bank as a loan officer until 1978.    He worked for a time at Northern Trophy and Engraving until retiring in 1996.  Wally moved to Edgewood Vista in May of 2018. He, along with his family, really appreciated the love and care he received from the staff there.

Wally was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot, where he had served as an usher.  He was also a member of the Minot American Legion, Minot Gun Club, Minot Jaycees and Magic City Drift Busters Snowmobile Club. Throughout the years, he had enjoyed bowling, wood working, clock making, dancing, fishing, camping, hunting and trapping. 

He is survived by: his wife, Neola, Minot; sister, Linda (Allen) Bjornson, Minot; brothers-in-law, Maynard Kuebler (Inez Nathan), Minot & Jim Kofoid, Bottineau; nieces, Kristi (Jeb) Fredriksen, Denise (Ray) Kofoid Corbo & Michelle (Scott) Byrd; nephews, Shane (Tara) Bjornson & Oliver Kofoid; great nephews and nieces, Riley Bjornson, Vinson (Christina) Corbo, Alyssa Corbo, Alexis Corbo; Trevor and Maya Byrd; great great nephew, Malachi Corbo; godson, Ronald Gust.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Kuebler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Emma Brudwick Kofoid. 

Service: Following the guidelines prescribed by Governor Burgum, there will be a Private Family Service by invitation in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.   ** A live stream of the service will be broadcast at (mtmsales.net/live) A Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to St Mark’s Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor’s choice.

3/31/2020

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Hey there Gary & Dunseith  Public School Alumni Friends,

Meanwhile back in ND it seems we are preparing for a covid 19 tsunami 

noun….an arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities or amounts.

If you please, “BE A LIGHT”.

MUSIC is another resilience strategy I share with students in grade six. 

Of late. it seems tonight, I am finding comfort food. 

 Homemade Mac and cheese with lots of Pride Dairy butter.

This past weekend I checked out Webb Pierce with the latest country countdown,

Number 29 featured his music on a current song by a current recording artist.

Hey, I was Country when Country wasn’t cool. 

The very first LP I purchased in HS was Willie Nelson.

Years ago, my “city girl” cousin pulled out and played her only guitar LP, Spanish guitar “Rodrigo”.

 I  had fretted  “Woes me” due to the lack of Country Music in her vast music library when she lived in a flat in Seattle.

                She had only Opera albums.

Thanks to her influence I did became a Rodrigo fan. Another treasured LP.

NORTH DAKOTA Smart!

Until Later, Vickie L. Metcalfe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YuWAZmD0aU

Mrs. Evans and the birds
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Wednesday, April 2, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Friends.

                Unfortunately, again today, the North wind is blowing BAH! …. the old “April FOOL”,  Mr. Snow around.

this past week, birds arrived just back in town from far and away.  They are very hungry with this cold weather; some are scarfing down bird seed on my deck. 

The   red ..red… robins , Pick, picking small crabapples off the tree and digging in the snow.

                This brought to mind, Randina Evans,  grandmother of some special cousins.

Children of James A. and Ella M. (Evans) Metcalfe.  

                When i was a wee child, I expressed my fear of loss of mom and dad.

(As a guidance counselor and grief work, I know this to be a common fear)

                 For children …. their greatest fear. Death pf a parent)  

I did go to my dad with that fear after Uncle Archie was killed.  

 Dad reassured me saying, “Don’t worry, you will be taken care of.  Your Jim and Ella will take all of you and your siblings.”

( Jim and Ella were my Godparents) and I always felt comfortable and loved by them both.

                And I recall staying with the Jim Metcalfe girls.   They tolerated my often impudence as a childlike behavior.

 Their maternal Grandma, Mrs. Evans often sang with her strong Norwegian brogue.

“Vat viil da birdies do den da poor tings?…” The memory of when she sang is indelible in my memories.

A tall graceful, angular woman, Mrs. Evans wore beautiful snow-white hair pulled up and back back, she had expressive dark blue eyes,

and an always twinkling smile as she sang. “They’ll stick their head under dere vings………”

                Today, Watching the many birds shivering in the snow. 

I googled small snatch of the lyrics that I recalled.  

      ” The north wind doth blow,

And we shall have snow,”

And what will the robin do then, poor thing? He’ll sit in a barn, And keep himself warm, And hide his head under his wing, poor thing!

 Thanks Gary and friends of Dunseith.

Low and behold!   The following came back.

https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

                 And I am so very delighted!

Take carem Keep Smart North Dakotans, while I sing watching the birds.

  Vickie L. Metcalfe

                https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the honey bee do, poor thing? In his hive he will stay, Till the cold’s passed away, And then he’ll come out in the spring, poor thing!

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the dormouse do then, poor thing? Rolled up in a ball, In his nest snug and small, He’ll sleep ‘til warm weather comes in, poor thing! The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the children do then, poor things? When lessons are done, They’ll jump, skip and run, And that’s how they’ll keep themselves warm, poor things!

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND

April 2, 2020
Subject: Return of the Birds \ 

A songbird clan was here yesterday in the April fool storm and ate quite well.

With today’s return,  again are eating scattered seed on my deck. 

They are flying in and out as I continue to scatter feed on the covered deck and out on the sidewalk.

Mr. Wood pecker is pecking away at the deck beams.

NO worry a few little holes, adds character to the deck!

There are about 8 robins trying to find food in the snowbanks.

I pray the neighbors 2 cats….. practice Social and PHYSICAL distancing today!

Later, Vickie

MOM ‘s April fool!
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

March 31, 2020
Gary and FRENDS of Dunseith Alumi,

I know you and yours will continue to be resilient! I am working at school today.

I can’t get into working at home. Lochbuie continues to be a ‘Terrible Two ‘even though he is now a 14-year-old geriatric.

We walked AT 6:00 am. To the Oak Creek several BLOCKS FROM OUR HOUSE The creek is flowing wide  open and running full blast.

I counted 10 raucous crows flying in, landing on tree next to the creek.  The Crows tended to be Mr. Sun’s Wake UP CALL!  When the sun awoke, the other birds pleasantly rejoiced and joined the crows.

We are keeping our distance at school. Down to a few.  The janitorial staff is painting the hallways It will freshen up and look clean whenever school children come back.

I really don’t think it will happen for a time.

I believe, ND Is preparing for the BIG TUSAMI to hit.

We have a wonderful leader in Gov. Burgum.  Yesterday, ND senators joined him in Bismarck on the broadcast at 4:00 pm.

Whoa every be prepared it is soon to be 1^st of April!

I remember my mom April Fooling my cousin Conrid who moved into our home after his dad died.  She covered a sponge with delicious chocolate frosting. (.which was one of my mother’s hallmarks i.e. homemade from scratch chocolate cake and frosting)

Then, she left it out on the counter before she went to bed.

She and dad , laid awake, until Conrid got home.  Then, they sniggered when they heard Connie him unlocking the door.

Mom said, “He paused by the ‘CAKE’ fetched a quart of milk out of the fridge. poured a glass of milk, then tried to stuff the ‘frosted cake ‘ on top the milk into the glass.

Conrid had a good sense of humor.  That event happenstance helped restore some of sense of humor and normalcy in our home after the cold grief of the loss of Uncle Archie who had been killed in January, by a hit and run drunk driver.

Conrid went back to his teasing ways!

Take care to You and yours.

Until Later, Continue to BE RESILIENT AND NORTH DAKOTA STRONG!

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Coronavirus and Colloidal Silver
Message from Mary Eurich Knutson (’62): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

I got my computer working relatively well again and decided to respond to the blog for a change.  Is the coronavirus hitting your area? I haven’t seen it mentioned but maybe I’m not receiving all my e-mails.  I don’t know if it’s worth mentioning or not but I saw an article on computer a few days back where a pastor had said that colloidal silver was effective in killing the virus and that the food and drug administration had told him to shut his mouth. I have no idea if the silver is effective or not but I started washing my mouth and taking a swallow of silver every day. It would be a shame if it really worked and people were deprived of the information and have to go through that misery.  I don’t think it could hurt you. They used to say it would turn you blue but now they say it won’t so what the heck, you could do a lot worse than turn blue.  They used to use silver nitrate to wash babies’ eyes at birth. I saved them from going blind if the mother was infected with venereal disease. There’s a lot of information on computer, just look up colloidal silver and decide for yourself if it may be something a person would want to try for themselves.

So sorry to hear about Neola’s husband.

Take care Gary and all. Times may seem rough now but when I saw how people were panicking over toilet paper my first thought was, I hope the leaves come on the trees early this year. Some may not know what I mean but some may have had the same thought.

Take Care

Mary

Gary’s comments

 Mary, it’s so nice hearing from you again.

 Yes Mary, I am sure most all our readers will follow the drift about the leaves, especially we farm folks. In our day we had to make do with what we could find.

 Colloidal Silver is worth a try for the Coronavirus protection.

 Yes, starting today our area is on total lock down for this Coronavirus for one month. On Sunday, March 22^nd, all those 65 and above and 17 and below were locked down. So, I have been on lock down 8 days now. With total lock down they have designated one person per household, with a pass, that can leave the premises for necessities. We have designated Mirasol, one of our helpers, for our designated runner. I take her in my car and just stay in the car while she does our errands .  Grocery stores, restaurants for takeout only, Pharmacies, Banks, etc. are remaining open.  

My Dad’s Humor
Posting from Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

March 27.2020

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Please excuse the many typing errors. One early morning this week finally, I followed Gary’s advice and picked up a keyboard from WM. Unfortunately, it has more keys and I my fingers get quite befuddled!

Years ago, My Dad’s vision was taken but never his humor. One summer in early August, Dad’s niece, my City-friend cousin, ‘City girl’ came and stayed at the farm for a couple weeks.

After supper, my young brother shared his concern that the young horse in the barn had somehow acquired a fetlock injury. He was successful at convincing Dad to walk down the hill to the barn to advise him on treatment.

‘City girl’ wished to watch and help her uncle Cliff administer aid to the horse’s injured ‘ankle’. Leaning on the white cane, the fetlock was held up to Dad while he shared with my brother how to care for horse. After advising how to treat the injury, Dad suggested refilling the bucket with fresh water and hay to be sent down a hay chute from the above haymow.

I filled the bucket, while ‘City girl’ volunteering,  nimbly ran up the steps (note’ where spring chickens happened to be roosting) She ran across the mow undid a Timothy hay bale and pitched it down. She then made a   hurried retreat across the mow, down the steps swiftly dropping the door.

Within the next minute flap, flap, flap, of wings SQWACKKKKKK! Horrified, ‘City girl’ crossing the length of the barn, ran back to the steps, looking up to the top, discovered a spring chicken’s head was caught in the closed door.

“OH NO!”  she yelled! She pushed up the door, gathered the limp chicken in her arms, continued sob carried the chicken to her uncle Cliff. “Oh no no! She moaned,  ” UNCLE Cliff, I KILLED one of Aunt Lottie’s chickens.”

Her uncle, white cane in hand, knelt down on the barn floor. “Bring me the chicken”,  he kindly said. He solemnly continued, “Turn it on its back.”  The chicken was laid out.  Smattering ‘City girl’ moved in closer looking for a miracle.

With curiosity, younger brother and I stepped back into the shadows watching the scene unfold. Our serious Dad, laying down the white cane, moved into kneeling position, held and moved the chicken’s legs Back and forth,  saying, “one,…. two,….. three,…. BREATHE.

It took a few seconds until “City girl” caught on and began to laugh the barn was filled with belly laughter! My dad consoled his sorrowful niece with humor.   Aunt Lottie echoed with a kind “No worry, let’s have some cool-aide with the jelly-roll.

PS ‘City girl’ had the singing voice of an angel ,studied  opera later chose became a 4th grade elementary teacher. She sang “The Lord’s Prayer” at her uncle Cliff’s funeral. Through the years we’ve shared many laughs over chicken dinner.

The above memory was activated by the b fwd from my departed friend Carroll’s, nephew I think Humor is the best tasting ‘social distance’ prevention medicine! Don’t You?

THANK YOU~Be SMART and take care everyone.  Vickie L. Metcalfe

==============================================
Blog (89) posted on Jun 17, 2010

Message with another good story
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Hello Gary

Happy to see you made it back to the PI safe and sound. It was great to finally get to meet you and your wife.

My brother Henry (class of 65) and his wife, and I (class of 66) and my wife had a great time.

We all wish we could of did a lot more visiting, with more people.

These type events are always tough to make time for and too attend.

Once you are there, you are happy that you made the decision to go.

Once they are over its sad, because it too, becomes a part of the past.

I thought I would write a funny little story that took place many years ago.

I hope you and everyone else enjoy the story and if nothing else it

puts a smile on your face for a little while.

Larry

The Backseat Driver

It was the 1960’s.This young fellow and his wife were headed for Bottineau to do some shopping. His wife was a back-beat driver, who sat right beside him as most backseat drivers do. She, as usual was on his case from the beginning of the trip to the end of the trip. You know, the usual stuff, you’re driving too fast, watch where you’re going, slow down, stay on your side of the road, and of course, turn here, signal before you turn, pay attention. This went on until they parked on

Main Street

in Bottineau.

His wife got out to go do her shopping, and with a smile and a cheery goodbye she was on her way. He stayed in the car, lit a cigarette with the push in car liter and put the radio on, as he did not like having to wander around through the stores. Sitting there on

Main St.

, Bottineau with not much to do, He began going through the glove box. To his surprise, he found a vice grips. Upon finding the vice grips a thought immediately passed through his brain. He had noticed while sitting there, that the steering shaft between the dash and the floor of that old car was exposed, and when he turned the steering wheel, it also turned… 

He wandered if he could steer that car with the vice grips attached to that steering shaft. He attached the vice grips to the exposed steering shaft, and pushed it back and forth and the steering wheel turned. He was getting excited as he knew he could make his idea work.

He was able to remove the horn button from the center of the steering wheel with his fingers. He used a screw driver that he had also found in the glove box to disconnect the electrical wiring for the horn. He then removed the nut holding the steering wheel onto the end of the shaft. To his surprise, as he lifted up on the steering wheel. The steering wheel just slipped off and on to the end of the shaft with ease. He was getting excited; this was possible and his plan was going to work. He replaced the steering wheel on the end of the shaft. Then he installed the horn button. He did not hook up the electrical wires to the horn. He put the nut to hold the steering wheel onto the shaft, into his pocket. He was ready! He was excited! He wanted his wife to hurry-up and finish her shopping. He was ready to head back to Dunseith.

The man could hardly contain himself as he saw his wife coming back to the car, loaded down with sacks. He got control of himself and greeted her pleasantly. He got out and happily, helped her put the sacks into the trunk. He made no comment about the stuff she bought or how much money she had spent. He even opened the door and let her in, and closed the door after her. He was happy. She was a little surprised, and asked him if he had gone to the bar while she was, she was shopping. He replied, no, and that he had stayed in the car and enjoyed the country music that was being broadcasted. She not wanting to spoil a good thing, happily said, lets, head for home.

He happily drove out of Bottineau and headed east down highway #5 toward Dunseith. His wife was her usual self, telling him when and where to turn, to slow down, and to stay on his side of the road. He would smile at her and say yes dear to keep her comfortable and happy. As he drove, he would feel down beside the seat to make sure the vice grip had stayed where he had put it and to reassure himself that everything was in position to implement his plan.

While driving east on highway #5 toward Dunseith, he finally came to the stretch of road that he was looking for. It was long and straight and as luck would have it, not another car in sight. He would have to distract her for a little while. He asked her if that was a coyote running out in that field as he pointed off to the south. While she was gazing off trying to locate the coyote, he calmly reached down grabbed the vice grips and locked them onto the steering shaft between his knees. His wife turned back to him and said she couldn’t see the coyote. He calmly said it had disappeared back there.

While driving he loosened his hand hold on the steering wheel and moved his knees back and forth and the wheel turned with the movement of his knees. He was ready. She noticed the car swerve side to side and told him to drive straight. He purposely now let the car drift toward the center of the road. She noticed immediately and told him to get on his side of the road.He argued with her, saying he was on his side of the road. She went onto say that he never keeps his eyes on the road or watches where he is going. He says to her, “Do you want to drive,” and calmly[1][1]y lifts off the steering wheel and places it in her hands. She looks at the wheel. She looks at him. Her eyes kept getting bigger. They look like they were going to fall from their sockets. Her face was going through all kinds of contortions, she was gasping for air and her mouth was open and moving. You could tell that she wanted to say something, but nothing was coming out, not a sound. She kept looking at him and then back at the steering wheel in her hands. Then all of a sudden, she found her voice and emitted this horrible sound of terror. A scream that chilled you, and made you shiver, a scream of pure terror. It surprised and scared him to the point, that he almost lost control of the car. It scared the hell out of him. He got so surprised by her look of pure fear, that he forgot where he was and what he was doing for an instant.

Remembering where he was and assuring himself that he still had control of the car, he reached over and took the steering wheel from her and slipped it back onto the end of the steering shaft.Removed the vice grips and continued driving. His wife who had watched him put the wheel back on and remove the vice grips in silence all of a sudden remembered how to talk and emitted a tirade of language that would have made a preacher blush. She pounded on his shoulder until it was numb. He laughed so hard that he was crying and could barely see the road.

This fellow , who is no longer with us, I’m sure, still laughs at this, and will appreciate me telling this story, so that everyone else can imagine how his wife felt, and how funny and proud he was and is of his accomplishment and his method of treating a backseat driver to some of her own medicine.

I think he is still laughing?

I was also reminded at the reunion that this fellow was also an excellent shot.That he once shot a hole through his neighbor’s ear, at distance of over 100 yards, with a 22cal. rifle. I don’t think his neighbor had asked for a piercing? Now, I have read somewhere that women, voluntarily started having their ears pierced in the year 1966.Apparently men started a little earlier and it was involuntary.

Larry

Larry, 

Story writing is a gift you have that we all enjoy. This one was no exception. Your stories are so bonding focused around Dunseith. Most of us walked the same turf, some at different times is all. That is what makes all this stuff so bonding. 

Yes Larry, it was a pleasure to finely see you face to face, after 45 plus years, at the reunion. As you noticed, I did not recognize you, even when you said Larry. It was a pleasure meeting your wife too. I did not realize that you and Henry married sisters. I’ll bet they’ve got some good stories they could tell too???

Gary
Reply to Mel Kuhn (70):
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Mel–

At least you are loyal to Mopar’s and didn’t “pollute” it! Nicely done!

Reunion Pictures:

Folks, I don’t recognize everyone in these pictures. Please provide feedback so I can repost with the correct identities.

Again folks, please provide any pictures you may have. I am nearing the end of mine for posting that we took at the reunion.

Thanks, Gary

Dale’s Bill board sign.

I was pleasantly surprised and honored when I saw this. Thanks George

Jerry/Susan Pladson & Keith/Alice Pladson

Picture Three:
Need some help with identification.

Picture Four:
Richard Slyter, ????,???? – need some help

Picture five:

Front: Kenny & Sherry Nerpel
Back: Diane Wenstad, ????, Richard Slyter.

Picture six:

John/Margaret Bedard, Cora (Warren) Anderson, Kenny Nerpel, ?????

Picture Seven:

Front: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey
Behind ????, Standing ????

Picture eight:
????, Gwen Grimme Eltz, ????, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson, ????
& Ernie Gottbreht.

Picture Nine:
????, ????, Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett.

Picture Ten:
Mildred Parrill, ????, ???? & Brenda Johnson

Picture Eleven:
Nancy Hosmer, Robin/Dan Pladson, ????

Picture twelve:

I beleive that is Larry Hackman pointing his finger at the camera.
I will not guess on the rest.

Picture thirteen:

Sharon Zorn is the beautiful blond in front. She has not changed.
I dare not guess on the rest.

Picture Fourteen:
I dare not guess with this one either.

Picture Fifteen:
Harlan/Joyce Flaata, ????, Marie Iverson Staub& ????

[1][1] It occurred to me that some people reading this might not know what a vice grip is and what it is used for.It is a hand tool with adjustable gripper jaws that can be set to the dimension of the object you are grasping with a screw you turn in the handle.The handles of the tool are spring loaded and so when you set the jaws to the object size and grasp the object with the jaws, and lock the handles, by squeezing them together.The tool stays locked onto the object until the tool is released by pulling the spring loaded handles apart.I still remember how proud my dad was to get his first vice grip tool to use on the farm.Before the vice grip came along, there were a lot of knuckle busting tools like the adjustable wrench.

Nut

When referring to a nut in the above story, I was not referring to the guy that lives down the street from you. I was referring to the fastener that is usually applied to the end of a bolt to hold something in place. In this case it was used to hold the steering wheel securely to the steering shaft that is connected to a lot of other stuff that makes the front wheels of your vehicle turn when you turn the steering wheel.