Condolences to the Betty Poitra family
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

To the Betty Poitra family,

I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing.

I visited with her quite often.

I saw her at the clinic where she worked,  rushing from here to there.

Always busy.

May God bless you all

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra

Class of 65: Memories of Shirley Boguslawski
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):Belcourt, ND

Hey Gary,

How many from our class are left?

I think about Shirley Boguslawski quite a bit.

She was my best friend from the first grade.

She passed so quickly after the festivities of Christmas from my understanding.

I remember her when we played in the snow at school during recess we would make snow angels.

I remember that I always thought she made the best because she had a long coat. I would always dream of owning a long coat.

There was one time we were all running in from recess and I stopped to lick the railing,  Shirley didn’t know and went on in, there I was with my tongue stuck to the metal rail. God knows how I got free!

We would swing together and an older girl would come and push us. She would push us so hard,  she would scare us because we would go so, so high.

Shirley would have these birthday parties at her house,  she’d play records and we would dance.

She would always have money.

At recess we would walk to Kassie Sime and she would always buy a treat for me.

She was always buying coke, she loved coke.

Just a few memories of a friend.

She was a good friend of mine,  and I miss her.

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra class of 65

Eurich pictures
From Mary Eurich Knutson (’62):  Dunseith, ND

Note: Thank you Karen Larson, from the Bottineau Spectrum, for scanning and sending these pictures for Mary.  We truly appreciate all your good services.   Gary

             Mrs. Eva (Kraft) Eurich and daughters Marie & Irene

                     Mrs. Eurich – little Eva – Marie

                                   Pat Gourneau & Freida Eurich

             Marie Eurich – Marshall & Eleanor Awalt About 1935

                                      David Eurich circa 1900

          Need some help Identifying the folks in this picture. Not sure of the school?

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau and Minot, ND

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Blog (418) posted on April 5, 2009

Reply to Karen Loeb Mhyre’s (’47) Post
From Ginger LaRacque (’47):  Belcourt, ND

Karen,

I too missed out on asking so many questions about our relatives.

I lived next door to my grandparents,  on my father’s side, I was 8 yet when grandpa Zephrin LaRocque passed away when he was 80 in 1956, June 29th.  He was born in 1876, March 6th.

My grandmother Mary (Delorme) LaRocque lived on until she was 83, passing in 1977, April 10th, she was born October 12th, 1893.

She lived on for 21 more years and I most certainly would have had time to ask her questions,  and I didn’t and I was 29 at the time of her passing. I am so sorry about that.

My maternal grandparents lived in Montana I didn’t see them often.

I thought it would be nice to make some of everything I can for  my children.  Hope I will have time.  We think we do but we don’t.

So do what you can to find out the things you would like to know. I am sure if you could ask questions,  on the blog or send pictures of people from the reunion to Gary ask him to put on the blog you will find out who they are or any info you would like to know.

If you choose to do this.

Ginger

Betty J. Poitra

Born: April 23, 1934
Died: February 08, 2016

Send Flowers

BETTY J. POITRA

Betty J. Poitra, age 81 of Dunseith, died Monday, February 8, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Eagleheart Cultural Center of Dunseith.

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Blog (417) posted on April 4, 2009

04/04/2009

Posted on April 4, 2009

Folks,

I didn’t have anything to post today so I snagged these photos from Dewy Morinville’s FB pictures.

Thanks Dewy,

Gary

                         Carl Grimme

                     Joe Morinville

                      Frances, Joe and Toni  Morinville

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Blog (416) posted on April 3, 2009

Posted on April 3, 2009

Reply to yesteday’s picture from Bobby Slyter (70):
Wichita, Kansas

Gary: I too swear that is your dad caring the u.s. flag in that picture, I remember growing up with you guys and always thought your dad needed to gain weight, but then all of you guys where tall and skinny, but I do believe that is him,hope someone can tell us for sure, if its not him like you I think he has a twin.

Bobby, How I wish for those skinny days once again. Age has a way of correcting those skinny days. However, dad never was over weight. He never watched his diet either. He loved his onion and sugar sandwiches too, right up until the time of his death.

Dad did have a twin. Her name was Margaret. Following their birth, their mother died. Dad went to live with Stokes’ and Margaret was sent to Canada to live with relatives. From the time of their separation they did not see each other until they were in their mid 30’s. Gary

Reply to yesterday’s picture from Dick Johnson (68):
Dunseith, ND

Gary,

I thought of saying it, but thought it would be fun to see if you caught
it! It most surely is your dad, everyone who knew Bob can tell by his
stride and glasses etc. One of a kind!

Dick

Dick,

You had me going with that one. Yes, Dad had his own unique stride. I had
totally forgotten he had ever done any parades in Dunseith. Thinking more
about that picture, later in the day after I sent out the daily blog, I
remembered dad telling me he had marched in several Dunseith Parades. The
time frame I remember his telling me this was in the late 80’s and 90’s
when Jack Peterson was still around. Dad was a guy with many friends, but
Jack was extra special. Not long before Jack died, Dad & Jack were in
Dunseith for some kind of a Legion event. At the moment, I have forgotten
the occasion. With dad, nothing ever stood in the way of “Old Glory”, the
American flag. “If Old Glory”, as he called it, “is not welcome, neither
neither am I”. Those were his exact words.

Do you know who the other guy is caring the American flag?

Thanks Dick,

Gary

Question from Cystal Fassett Andersen (70):
Walhalla, ND

Question for Mel Kuhn… Does St. John still have the “Bull-a rama”?? (I think that’s what they called it). If they do could you please send me some info about it? Thanks Crystal

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

To Geri Metcalfe Munro re:

the ‘don’t see”–it is such a pleasure and security to not have the intentially destructive tendencies that WE have been made aware of from the sites of other tragedy.

We do not need the ‘release of tension-expression’ as is tendered in defense of actions when bad things are trying to be justified.

WE just woth work hard.

Many folks want a job, do not work and have no intention of really WORKING, but do want that paycheck.

Geri, I did note that there was 13 items. I AM not superstitious, thanks goodness.

I continue to feast on the bountiful offerings of facts of, about, and toward life that WE get each day, thanks to GARY. Lee 1964

Pictures posted by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hi Gary, At last I got the Pictures from Liz Miller, She was on Vacation for awhile, and some technical difficulties were overcome. These photos I took at The Nursing home during Mid Fulsebbakes 90th Birthday Party. Unfortunately, these photos were the only ones that turned out.

Mark, Is this Gary Fulsebbake with Dick and Brenda Johnson? Gary

Brenda & Dick Johnson, Gary Fulsebbake?

Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
 Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I received a note from Pete Solberg a few days ago, identifying the children in the picture with his mother. They are Melissa and Mathew Langor from Perth, ND. I think Pete’s mother was Alice.

I seem to require much more sleep these days, so that’s what I’m doing.  As of today, I’ve received 21 treatments; I have 15 left. Thanks to all the friends/relatives who are praying for me, this has not been a negative experience. All is going well; the doctor says my radiated skin looks “good”. After 4 more treatments, something “good” happens; something about the radiation not going so deep/won’t take as long/something like that. This may sound strange, but being it was good news, I didn’t pay much attention to what was said. I just show up for my daily treatment and let the professionals take care of the rest.

I’ll scan/send the Dunseith news from today’s Courant now.

Neola

Reply from Karen Loeb Mhyre (’65): Bellevue, WA

Hello Gary!

Hope you are doing well. I too enjoy your updates.  Ginger said she keeps obits, important dates and the like in an old address book.  My mom, Hannah Higgins LOEB kept all such things in her copy of the 2007 Dunseith reunion book!! I wish I had more knowledge of all the families that you all write about!  So much info I did not know to ask about, and now she is no longer here to ask.  Same goes for tracing our genealogy!

Best to Bernadette! Am sure you are enjoying those grandbabies!

Karen LOEB Mhyre

Copied from Face Book: Trish Larson with her show horse.
Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):  Livingston, MT

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Blog (415) posted on April 2, 2009

Folks, With yesterday’s blog Bill Grimme has posted the last of the Tickle Pick songs. I have down loaded all 29 songs unto a CD. Surprisingly the recording of these songs turned out pretty good with just a single headed cassette recorder. Kenny Nerpel, you did a great job with what you had to work with, 35 plus years ago, recording these songs.

Thank you Bill for the posting of these songs on your WEB site for our enjoyment. Gary

Jeanmarie (Jean) Abrahamson (65): Denver, CO

Jeanmarie (Jean) Abrahamson (65) called me today telling me she has been on Kidney Dialyses for about 6 weeks now. I was Surprised and saddened to hear that. She said it was like hitting an electric cattle wire on the farm. In spite of this tragic event that has greatly altered her life, she was in good spirits and upbeat. She said her brother Doyle has been helping her a whole bunch. She was very grateful for all that he has done and is doing. Doyle lives about 30 minutes away from her. Jeanmarie told me she weighs about 100 lbs, so she needs to gain some weight and is very disappointed following each of her dialyses treatments with the weight loss.

With the volume of these message, Jeanmarie has opted not to be on the daily distribution of this daily blog, however she does have email and told me she is going to start reading her messages again. Her email address ishealinghorizons@ecentral.com Her phone number is (303) 825-1871

Gary

First cousins – Kenny Nerpel & Jeanmarie Abrahamson – 2007

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND Was surprised to see Dennis and my picture. It was nice to see all at the July 2007 reunion. I drove up from Dickinson that am ,278 miles and returned to home that evening, so I did not have an opportunity to see all I could have. For a moment< I did not know who that fat guy was, I weighed 261 there, I now weigh 211. Have spent many hours the last week shoveling partly cloudy from the park lot, here at the apt and at the motel. Don’t need to go to the rec cntr for exercise on those days. I will for sure go to rec cntr on the morrow for the hot tub and steam. I can still shovel snow for 3 hours without stopping. I have not missed the 100 pounds that I lost over a 3 year period. My friend, Dr Wolf said that if all had the numbers that I have, he would be out a job. There has been many accounts about just how much snow we have received here in Dickinson during the two (2) last blasts; the most accurate is TOO MUCH. SNUF–I see that verbosity has again struck. Lee Sandbagging vidio posted by David Slyter (70): f Sabin, Mn Hi Gary;I got this link to a video of the sandbagging efforts here in Fargo. This is when they first started. It grew to way bigger numbers as far as volunteers are concerned. What plan this turned out to be. Great efforts and kudos to everyone that was helping. ><http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/25/video_fargodome/?refid=0>http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/25/video_fargodome/?refid=0 > Hope it works. Dave Slyter (70)

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,Thanks to Randi Mongeon for the picture of her dad, Armand Mongeon, and
Floyd Dion presenting the flag. I can remember them being part of our
Memorial Day program since the very onset of my memory. Can other school
band members remember how we used to sit on the chairs in front of the
stage ( city hall ) during the program and watch Floyd and Armand stand
at attention (on guard with a rifle) on either side of the stage. They
stood there, without as much as flinching, for the entire duration of
the program! To this day I find it amazing. One other memory of early
Memorial Day programs was when they would introduce the veterans and
tell in which conflict each had served. We had several from WWI–I
believe Alphie Dion, George Albert, and Henry Sunderland were some. The
WWII vets were very well represented as that war had ended just 10 years
or so before the first programs I remember attending. Each year they
named all the Gold Star mothers–those who lost a son in battle. I also
remember how the American Legion and all veterans would march the entire
two miles from the city hall to the cemetery for the last part of the
program and the rifle firing salute. We kids really liked that part and
we got to keep the extracted empty casings that hit the ground. I
remember thinking how they weren’t real careful about where they were
shooting and might hit something. I didn’t yet know about ‘blanks’.
Memorial Day was always a very respectful day. Most people wore their
best clothes and showed their respect for the fallen soldiers and the
veterans in attendance. It was also a big day for the Legion Auxiliary.
They were a main part of the program and served a lunch to the entire
crowd in attendance. Most people who are my age or older, already know
all of what I am explaining. The younger generations may not have been
involved with Memorial Day programs and how important they were to the
community. Each program was filled with speeches, stories of valor,
music provided by both the school band and by individuals, presentation
of awards to the kids for their ‘poppy posters’, and more. The key word
for this entire thought process was / is / should be ‘patriotism’. Let’s
all make an effort this coming Memorial Day to remember how and why we
have all these freedoms we take for granted. Thanks Gary!

Dick

This is a picture from a parade in 1977, Dunseith American Legion
leading the Boissevain Band in Dunseith Parade–Don Johnson was the
Boissevain Band Director at that time.

Dick, The one caring old Glory, the American flag, to the right in front sure looks like my dad, Bob Stokes. If it’s not him, it’s his twin. The facial features, the glasses and the body profile are definitely his. The more I look at this photo the more I’m convinced it’s him. I was not aware that he did any of the Dunseith parades. Maybe Lloyd Awalt can shed some light on this one. Dad and Lloyd Awalt carried old glory, for years, in the Bottineau memorial day parade. Lloyd, is that other guy caring old glory you?

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND

Gary,

We feel these comments are a tribute to the people here in ND:

Geri Metcalfe Munro ’59–Fargo, ND

Someone posted this comment on an article about the Fargo flooding at the Boston Globe website (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/red_river_flooding.html)


Just a personal observation…as I watched the news coverage of the
massive flooding in the Midwest with the levee’s about to break in Fargo, ND, what amazed me is not what we saw, but what we didn’t see…
1. We don’t see looting.
2. We don’t see street violence.
3. We don’t see people sitting on their rooftops waiting for the
government to come and save them.
4. We don’t see people waiting on the government to do anything.
5. We don’t see Hollywood organizing benefits to raise money for
people to rebuild.
6. We don’t see people blaming President Obama. (Except for Don Marchant, post #30)
7. We don’t see people ignoring evacuation orders.
8. We don’t see people blaming a government conspiracy to blow up
the levees as the reason some have not held.
9. We don’t see the US Senators or the Governor of North Dakota crying on TV.
10. We don’t see the Mayors of any of these cities complaining about
the lack of state or federal response.
11. We don’t see or hear reports of the police going around
confiscating personal firearms so only the criminal will be armed.
12. We don’t see gangs of people going around and randomly shooting
at the rescue workers.
13. You don’t see some leaders in this country blaming the bad
behavior of the North Dakota flood victims on “society” (of course there is
no wide spread reports of lawlessness to require excuses).

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe’s (’70) posting
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

I too have a memory box of sorts.

Mine is written in an address book of which there are very little addresses.

It consists of family names with dates of their births, dates of  deaths, dates of marriages.  Important dates of surgeries,  sickness. Items which were bought with a description of each item and the year they were purchased. Funny things the grandchildren said.

There are items written by my mother , such as our relatives names by families. Unfortunately all are not there in her writings. I tucked these papers inside my address book. I ran out of room in my book so I needed to write the birthdays and other info on separate papers and tuck them in my book as well.

I have kept the eulogies of the funerals I have attended throughout the years.  My mother did the same but unfortunately after her death all were thrown by the siblings who think that that stuff is nothing but junk. My mother hadn’t put them in scrap books and suchlike I haven’t as well,  I guess like a lot of people we too were having it hard so didn’t buy unneeded items.

I sure wish we could have,  it is very difficult to organize items after so many years.  I just hope all my things don’t get thrown when I am no longer around.

I have some totes with cards and the above mentioned in them. I hopefully will have time to complete my task of organizing them before my time comes.

I truly enjoy these kinds of things,  organizing I not always my first priority I have come to realize,  unfortunately.

I love it all !

Until later

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of 65′

Glen Isaac Hiatt

Born: March 01, 1932
Died: January 30, 2016

Glen Isaac (Ike) Hiatt, age 83 of Rolla, died Saturday at a Minot hospital. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.

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

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Blog (414) posted on April 1, 2009

04/01/2009

Posted on April 1, 2009

Reply to the Seim School Picture
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I found the Seim School picture very interesting and another look into days gone by.  One bit of information I might add is about the Olson kids in the picture.  Their father was Bennie Olson who was a brother to my grandfather Henry Olson.  Bennie and his wife Maisie lived on a small place south of Horseshoe Lake in the deep woods.  My dad can remember Bennie coming through the woods in an old pickup from the ’30s and borrowing things from my grandpa Hans Johnson.  They were poorer than church mice and had almost nothing to live on.  I think this was some of the beginnings of the Olson-Johnson linage I inherited.  Dad told me a few stories about Bennie that were interesting but a bit sad in other ways.  Dad was just a young kid and he rode with Bennie in his old pickup to do something.  Dad said he told Bennie that his generator wasn’t charging according to the gauge on the dash so Bennie pulled out his pliers and tapped on the gauge but broke the glass lens so he just bent the needle over so it showed ‘charge’ and then told Dad that that should fix it.  Dad said that even though he was a kid he knew something probably wasn’t all hooked up with Bennie.  One time in the ’70s,  Dad and I were on the very south end of the lake tearing out a beaver dam and I found an old tire along the edge of the creek flowing out of Little Horseshoe Lake,  which is just south of Horseshoe Lake, and I tossed it up on the bank.  I looked at it and saw that the entire side of the tire had been laced with a leather lace like a football.  I asked Dad who would have done that?  He laughed and said the only one down in here that would have done that would have been Bennie Olson.  I hung the tire in a tree because I planned to go back and get it sometime just to have it for kicks but the next time I was down there,  it was gone.

Bennie and Maisie moved to Montana and later divorced.  She was working in Big Timber in the ’60s and we stopped in to see her once.  Bennie ended up being a ranch hand and was a sheep herder in the mountains.

The kids all grew up into responsible productive adults.  We are in touch with Don and Sarah Olson and they have been back here several times to visit over the years.  The last time was a couple years ago when we played at the Hostfest and as I looked out at the crowd, they were sitting near the front and Don was smiling at me.  It completely took me by surprise!  They live in Idaho and he is a general contractor who builds and rents apartment buildings etc.  He looks so much like my mother and my aunt that I can’t miss him even in a crowd.  They are first cousins so the family traits are very evident.  On another trip to the west coast in the ’60s, we stopped in Spokane and visited Beverly but that’s the last time I saw her. She did call me a few years ago just to talk about old times and family but I’m not sure if she is still living.  I don’t know what became of the other sister, Betty.  Thanks for the picture Vickie and thanks Gary for keeping this going for all of us!

Dick

Reply to Teresa Sivertson Delikat’s ‘Proverbs’ post
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Folks, Teresa Sivertson Delikat’s  parents were Lars and Ruby Adams Sivertson. They lived several miles Northeast of Lake Metigoshe. Teresa’s mother, Ruby, was a sister to Irene Stickland, so she is a first cousin to Leland (Lee), Darrel and Dean Stickland.
Gary and friends,

Teresa (Sivertson) Delikat’s  recent #2342 sharing of  ‘Proverbs,  Tapestry  Threads ‘ nailed it!

Through  the Dunseith Blog; classmates, neighbors and friends  have discovered  magical intricacies  woven together.

As a graduating  teen I started with one box of treasures.

When my Dad lost his vision I took to ‘really listening’ to  oral history’.

One box  began to  grow to several  throughout the years.

I  once  truly believed,  I’d   remember each  piece  of  significant data i.e.’Who’s- who’, ‘Where-wheres’ and ‘Whats- whats’ .

Stories;As shared from my Dad, his siblings Metcalfe Aunts and Uncles,  my Mother, and newspaper articles gathered from sources.

The boxes contain  photos,  note slips of paper on family history, mom’s bridal book and her wedding cards,

my Grandpa’s 1875  worn commencement book, scraps of newspaper cuttings.

Alas, some do not have dates recorded!

I wondered? Does any one else  have things like this stuffed away? Through family stories my  parents gave me my piece of  identity.

I was delighted when Ginger shared photo’s and memories of her family. I recalled Dad and Emil Morin discussing many of those names.

So I   continue to be a  keeper of family history. Why?

I want my nieces and nephews to understand their identity and  value connectedness to others.

Whilst visiting last week, with Marie (Eurich) Beachler  regarding  the Seim School photo.

I discovered  she too  keeps a  box! Yippee!

With her permission, I would like to share some  (Eurich /Kraft) family photos from Marie’s box of treasures.

Many Thanks.

Until later, Vickie

Benefit for Duane Sebelius (70)
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Bottineau Chamber of Commerce Community Update  

February 7^th: Benefit for Duane Sebelius – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – BHS Multi Purpose Room – Serving pancakes and sausage – Silent Auction – Free will offering – Sponsored by Bottineau Farmers Elevator, Thrivent Financial & the Good Samaritan Center.

Gary’s comment
I am assuming Duane is having Medical issues? Can anyone fill us in?

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Blog (413) posted on March 31, 2009

Posted on March 31, 2009

Picture posted by Randi Mongeon (68): Chaska, MN

Hi Gary,

I enjoy reading your blog and all the information and history of Dunseith that has been passed around and shared. Your commitment to this is amazing and want you to know you do a great job. I thought I would send a picture of my Dad, Armand Mongeon and Floyd Dionne presenting the colors at the rodeo in Dunseith last summer. They also just presented the colors at the basketball tournament in Dunseith a few weeks ago. It’s Dad’s 86th birthdday on April 1st and he is still working at he hardware store after 60 plus years.

Thanks Gary

Randi Mongeon

Randi, Thank you so much for sharing this picture. Your dad and Floyd are true Dunseith pioneers remembered by most every Dunseith Aluminum. They are and continue to be strong pillars of the community we all came from. They are admired for the strong character values they posses. Our hats are off to both Armin and Floyd. Gary

Armand Mongeon (40)& Floyd Dionne(45)

Posted by Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Flooding Photos – Fargo and Bismarck

These are some good pictures of the damage in Fargo and Bismarck, ND

Clic on the link below – Great Pictures

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/red_river_flooding.html

Cemetery report posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Tickle Pink songs posted by Bill Bill Grimme (65): wgrimme@charter.netBirmingham, AL

Gary,

Last nine tracks of Tickle Pink songs are now on the ftp site. Access instructions below:

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

You should see a page that looks like this:

If you place the mouse on a track and click the left button, the selection will play using Quicktime, but you will not download the track with this method. To download, place the mouse cursor on the track, click the right mouse button and you will see a pop-up menu. Select “Save Target as….” and you will be taken through the download process to put the track on your computer. From that point, you can play the track with about any music program, such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill

Reply to Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s posting
From Teresa Sivertson Delikat:  Box Elder, SD

Gary,

After reading Ginger’s comments and your reply I want to share a proverb called An invisible thread…I have thought so often of the many people who who have flowed through my life; schoolmates, patients, co-workers, friends and acquaintances and every contact makes us who we are.  I also remember that as a farm girl, I felt inferior and now I’m thankful for my farm upbringing and proud of my heritage.  Over the years, I have found that the people I held on a pedastal are just like you and I with their own struggles in life.

Theresa Sivertson Delikat

Seim School Photo Identified
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends,

Karen Larson of the Spectrum on Main Street, Bottineau was  ever so kind as to enlarge the photo of Seim School, Holmes Township.

I connected with Marie (Eurich) Beachler regarding the Seim School  photo. She graciously invited me into her home to look the photo, had a wonderful discussion and…. shared a little lunch.

Marie told me her family, (David and Eva Eurich) lived on the road south of the school from 1940-Dec.1943 until moving to the Halstead farm in Willow Lake Twp.

With the clear enlargement, Marie quickly with ease, identified everyone. She said she believes the school term year was about 1941.

Mrs. Hazel Brennan  the teacher  for one school term was  also the photographer behind the camera.

The children of Maisie and Bennie Olson lived South-east of the Eurichs.

Marie said,  “Mrs. Hazel Brennan and her husband Ross lived in a little house in the School yard with their two daughters, Carol Jean and Kathleen.”

When the school term was over, the little Brennan home located in the Seim School yard was sold and moved to a new location.

The next school term the teacher at Seim School  was Mrs. Eva Seim.

The Central Telephone Office which had been located in the big white Seim farm house, operated by Mrs. Ingrid Seim  relocated  into that little house.

Its  new location was  a wee bit south of Kelvin Store overlooking the shores of Lydie Lake on Highway Number Three.

Among the Central  operators on location there; Bette (Eurich) Nerpel, Bertha ( Metcalfe) House, Kathy (Maginel) Gregory, Eleanor (Metcalfe) Nerpel .

‘Central’ telephone office continued to operate  from that little house office until about 1963-1964 when SRT’s  Metigoshe exchange came into being.

(Any mistakes are mine. Please, if anyone has further information regarding Seim School and Central Telephone, or corrections please respond)

Whoa!

T’is soon the end of January, the days are getting longer!

I haven’t seen any ‘Sun Dawgs’ this beautifully mild week.

And, t’was an especially fine melting day today, January 27, 2016.

Until later, Vickie

James Melvin Enno
(March 29, 1938 – January 26, 2016)

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James Enno, age 77, of Dunseith, ND passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

James “Jim” Enno was born March 29, 1938 to Alex and Rachel (Morin) Enno. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up and attended St. Ann’s Mission School in Belcourt. Jim started working at Neameyer’s Body Shop in Rolla at a very young age. It is where he found his passion for painting and auto body work. He was united in marriage to Gwendolyn (Kjervestad) Enno on November 15, 1958, they later divorced in 1995.

From the years of 1958 to 1965 he worked various auto body jobs in St. Paul and Cokato, MN, to Rugby and Bottineau. In 1965, he moved to Dunseith to start his auto body business, “Jim’s Body Shop.” People came from all over other counties and as far as Canada to have Jim work on their cars. He was know as “The Body Man” as he could fix anything no matter how wrecked the car was. He sold his auto body business in 1985 and started Enno Enterprise from 1986 to 1992. He also worked for the tribe as a carpenter until he retired in 2002.

Jim was a great softball player in his day and had his own softball team. He participated in demolition derbies, loved racing snowmobiles with is sons, loved to hunt deer, play “chase the ace” with his kids, and fish with his special friend, Melba Lund. He took up bowling and had one hell of a curve on his ball.

He also loved to play golf and had a mean left hand swing. He never outgrew his love of coloring eggs at Easter and was happy to do it with his grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and loved sitting outside watching them play basketball, football, and baseball. He also enjoyed being the “babysitter” for his youngest grandson for the past few months.

Jim is survived by his children, Everett (Kim) Enno of Williston, Dellorie (Mark) Enno of Fargo, Allan (Shari) Enno of Horace, Laurie Enno of Rolla, Bonita (Jim) Enno of Horace, and Cherrie (Alan) Belaskie of Kindred; grandchildren, Catlin Enno, Lexi (Kenny) Kloste, Jordyn (Jamie) Helgeson, Jacob Peterson, Kaycee Peterson, James Mitchell, Jaide Enno, Lane Belaskie, Alison Enno, Andrew Enno, and Stanley Belaskie; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister, Blanche Kroll of Williston.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Rachel Enno, son, Clarence Enno, brothers, Sam Enno, George Enno, and Raymond Enno, and sisters, Laura Azure and Rose Anne Azure.

The Enno Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Melba Lund for all that she had done for our dad over the years.

A visitation will begin at 6 PM on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 10 AM in the church with Fr. Tony Hession, S.O.L.T. presiding. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

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Blog (412) posted on March 30, 2009

My cousin Jack Wifladt from Edmonton, Alberta Canada visited us here in Cebu. He arrived on January 15^th and left last night. Jack’s mother and my Dad were twins.  We truly enjoyed his visit. Lots of fun. With his visit I missed posting the last three blogs, so this is a catch up.
Gary

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

I have been wondering how you are.

Thinking of you and Bernadette,  how much you have done for everyone.

Bernadette was always so helpful when we had a class reunion and so graciously giving of her expertise.

Gary you have made everyone so much more aware of their families and friends around the community. I feel that everyone is closer,  those who weren’t in days of old.

I for one, know more people who were around me all those years in school and never knowing who they were.  Now I at least know them some what better than I did back then. For that I am so very grateful. All because of you and the time you took from your wonderful family to bring a bigger family together.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing us all so much closer than we were as kids.

May God bless you and keep your heart as big as it is and has been, forever and always.

Bless you my friend and classmate,

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra our class of 1965

Gary’s Reply

 Thank you ginger for this wonderful eulogy. I must say that I too have learned to know many folks whom as kids I really only knew who they were, some of whom I had never even seen or talked to. I think that was so true of so many in many of the smaller rural communities of our days too. The common tread being that we are a close knit community with common ties that we can all relate to.   

Lillian Thompson Bergstrom (’36): Superior, WI.
Reply from her Granddaughter Bev Rochon:   

Good Morning,
I am the eldest grand daughter of Lillian Thompson.
I stumbled onto your website by accident when I typed my grandmothers  name into the “search”.
Grandma has quite a few  relatives on Face Book and I was wondering if it is possible to share your site.  All of her grandkids, and some great grandchildren are members too.
If you have any pictures of grandma, class photo’s etc..
I would love to see them.
Thank you,
Bev Rochon.
Lillian’s first grandchild and grand daughter

Gary’s Reply,
Thank you Bev for this reply. Lillian to our knowledge is the oldest living to have ever graduated from Dunseith High School. Lillian’s mother was a sister to my my Grandfather, Frank Stokes. Lillian and my dad were first cousins. Ella Pladson was also a sister of Lillian’s.

Radom acts of Kindness
Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

In  this  day  and  age  of  rapid  change  in  which  we  live, I  find  it   more and  more difficult  to  find  anything  that really impresses  me  anymore,others  than  random  acts  of  kindness, like  the  guy  on  the  New  York  subway  last  week  that  literally  gave  this  homeless  man  the  shirt  off  his  back, and  his  wool  knit  cap in  freezing  weather….. I  couldn’t  watch  it  enough  times….I  was  so  totally  impressed,and  it  seemed  like  so  was  the  rest  of  the  world.  Today  while  reading  the  Dunseith  blog  I  came  across  the  picture  of  the  USS  New  York  made  out  of  the  salvage  of  the  World Trade  Center that  Alden  Allard  sent  in……totally  impressed….thanks  for  taking  the  time  to  share  that  Alden, it  is  so  interesting  to  look at, and  very  impressive.  Thanks  again  for  sharing.  God  Bless   Aggie.

Seim school picture in the late 30’s: Need to identify
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends,

I am on a mission to  help a long ago neighbor of the hills.

I received this photograph just this past Monday, January 19, 2016,  from Ursella; Carroll Carlson’s younger sister.

She seeks help identifying former schoolmates from her country school days. (She didn’t  not say  the year, I wonder  late ? 1930’s ? early 1940’s?)

It is  a  photograph  of Oakes Country School a.k.a. Seim Country School; on the front steps facing West, Teacher, older Youth and several children

This school was located  on the dirt road about one mile south of the John & Ingrid //Arthur & Eva Seim Farm///Peter & Christina Carlson Farm.

1. The school would have been located, one mile North of Henry & Josephine Birkland farm site; a wee bit  shy where David and Eva Eurich once lived on a farm.

Ursella said the teacher, was a  Ms. Brennan.

Ursella is standing  by the teachers husband in this photo.

The teacher was probably the photographer,

(I do not know if the teacher would be  Mrs. Hazel Brennan  i.e. Mrs. Ross Brennan or a sister of Ross, Ray & John  Brennan)

Some of the  older girls are Ursella Carlson, and  friends Emilie Birkland, and Bette Eurich.

Ursella also  said there were ‘a lot’  Peterson children in the photo. (Max and Mary Awalt Peterson)

Thank you  all so much on this endeavor!

Vickie  L. Metcalfe

Seim School in the late 30’s
Need to identify

North Dakota’s Six pack
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

http://www.agweek.com/news/north-dakota/3867264-six-pack-rodeo-members-be-recognized-nfr

Gary and Friends,

Today’s January 18, 2016,  Minot Daily News front page was interesting. An article  and photograph  of  North Dakota’s Six Pack.

I was fortunate to have met good people who knew, were in awe of,  and respected the Six Pack.  I  also had the opportunity to work with

one of their wives who was a reading teacher.

Before I went to work in Sidney, I knew very  little about Eastern Montana.

Moving to Sidney was a rare educational experience.

The first few weeks,  I met children of  dry land farmers, irrigation Beet  farmers, people who owned oil wells, Cowboys and Ranchers,

descendants of Migrant workers, Sheep ranchers,  Dane’s who came to work annually  in the Yellowstone Valley, and rig workers.

The first day,  I also quickly found out how to respond when  asked what kind of  rig  I had.

Then, came a  learning experience in true cowboy culture and the “Cowboy Way”.

The people in ranch country of  rural western  ND and Eastern Montana hold good cowboys with high esteem and respect.

One friend who  I  often rode horseback with lived just over the Yellowstone in North Dakota.

Her husband saddled up his horse Pepsi for me to ride and we’d ride in the shadows of the bluffs.

I was leary and chicken about  rattlesnakes, I’d watch Pepsi’s ears believing in the horse sense.

The first spring I was  invited  to come to  their ranch for  branding.

She said  “branding” is the neighborly event!

“Sure”, I said, “How do I find where to go” in the big cattle pasture?

She gave me general directions then added, “If you get in the general area and see a butte;

Stop,look and listen.  I did,

It was a hot, dry, spring, midday when finally, I saw  dust and smelled burning hair… I knew I was close!

I drove over  another cattle guard and  grassy knoll.  There on the open  range was the cattle herd.

Cowhands of every age (5-75)   from the area were riding and roping. One guy  stood holding  the branding iron.

The younger guys were wrestling calves.

And a  cacophony of loud  bellering!

A hundred feet  away from that action tables  covered with cloths, laden with every kind of potluck salad  brought by the ladies; hot bbq beans and  roasters full of

warm slices of  roast beef, homemade buns  and cold beer and soda  provided by the owner.

Soon everyone stopped, ate discussed  when and whom was having the next branding.

There would be several of these events within a month.

My friend once told me, anyone can enjoy Montana  mountains but  true Beauty,  Eastern Montana, isn’t just seen with the eye, it’s felt in the heart.

And I hold Eastern Montana  fondly………

(Sorry folks I know its winter but I’m thinking spring)

Later,Vickie Metcalfe

Condolences to the Leonard Delorme Family
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

My sincere sympathy to the family and extended family of Leonard Delorme on his passing.

His cousin, Shirley (Hunt) shared her sorrow of his passing .

I recalled  when  ‘Lennie’  as a youngster, came to our farm with his dad, Leonard and uncle Tom Belgarde to haul hay bales.

Those guys worked hard  in unison in the summer sun.

Dad was most appreciative to have the hay brought to the home place stored and  ready for the sheep, cattle and horses.

Vickie Metcalfe

http://www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1736208

Leonard David Delorme Lenny
October 24, 1961 – January 20, 2016

Leonard David “Lenny” Delorme, age 54 of Grand Forks, ND, passed

away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the University of Minnesota

Medical Center Fairview.

Lenny Delorme was born October 24, 1961 in Rigby, ID, the son of

Amanda Poitra and the late Leonard Delorme. He grew up and attended

school in Dunseith, ND and later attended the North Dakota State College

of Science in Wahpeton where he graduated with a degree in business

management. Following his education, he began working for Automated

Maintenance Services in Fargo. He later started his own window cleaning

business and worked for various meat packaging plants including Greater

Omaha where he was the Manager of Engineering. He was united in

marriage to Lisa Peterson in 1986 in St. Cloud, MN. The couple moved to

Grafton in 2002 where he continued his window cleaning business and

later in Grand Forks in 2010. His health forced him to retire in 2012.

Lenny had a passion for motorcycles and riding horses. He was a people

person and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He

wasn’t just a brother to his siblings, but also like a father.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Delorme, Grand Forks, ND,

children: Reannen (Kevin) Blake, Omaha, NE, and Karly Delorme, Ryan

Delorme, Danielle Delorme, and Leonard Delorme Jr., all of Grand

Forks, 12 grandchildren: Riley Hanson, Kyler & Khloe Blake, Jordan

Johnson & Grant Galloway, Caitlyn, Myah, Alivia, Ryan Jr., Ryder, &

Rydn Delorme, and McKenzie Pederson, mother Amanda Poitra, West

Fargo, ND, siblings: Denise (John) Lettow, Robert (Debbie) Delorme,

both of West Fargo, ND, Deanna (Patrick) Devine, Grand Forks, ND, and

Gary (Heidi) Delorme, West Fargo, ND. Several nieces nephews, and

friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his father and sister

Sandra Delorme-Peltier.

Born: October 24, 1961

Place of Birth: Rigby, ID

Death: January 20, 2016

Place of Death: Minneapolis, MN

Message from Lee Stickland (’64): lDickinson, ND

Y’ALL

This morning in a Care Conference I was informed that my health was too good to warrant my continued staying at

St Luke’s Home.

I was admitted on August 22, 2014 when the hospitalist @ our local St Joseph’s Hospital determined that I could no

longer safely live alone.  I was repeatedly falling flat on my face.   ( A TRUE faint/loss of consciousness is always

forward. )   { [seizures, from 1965 head injury] decreased blood pressure, heart stoppage>>>???}

My last fall at home was the fourth (4th) for the day, by 11 am.  I was standing in my apartment’s bathroom and ended up with my face on the new carpet in the hallway; blood all over. When I fell, I kicked the seat off

from the toilet, and broke other surrounding items.  In spite of my years of EMT training and experience with the ambulance, I failed to know enough to just put pressure on the cut; I kept trying to staunch the blood flow.

Don’t know how long I lay but when I woke I was not able to use my cell phone until finally remembering that I had

an app that allowed me to press a button for the first name of a friend.  He quickly sent his two (2) sons over.  I thought

they could maybe discover a towel that was not full of blood and use it to apply pressure and get me to the emergency

room.  NOPE—ambulance time.

9 stitches and 8 days later I was fortunate to gain my bed in room number 110 here at St Luke’s.  My seizures are now

in control, I have went through a battle with cancer of the prostate; beginning with a PSA # of 96.0 and being able to

get it down to 0.10 in just 6 months.  Dr. says my A1C, which measure my diabetes,is wonderfully stable.

THEREFORE: I no longer require skilled nursing care and can safely move to the Evergreen Care Cntr. where Dad was for 4 and 1/2 years.  I will be interviewed by two (2) ladies on Monday whom I know well.  One is the administrator and one is the front office person; each who have been with Evergreen for many years.  I look forward to new horizons, even though new curves in the road will present themselves.

The 88 year old gentleman who sits across from me at meals learned last week that he would be going to Evergreen on the 25th.  Nice that each of us can get better together and move about the same time. He likes to play cards and I like to read and write and work with the computer so all should “go just OK”

Don’t know what there may be for furniture at the Evergreen.  I may be sleeping on the floor.  As I recall, there is a lot

larger area for hanging up clothes, so that will be convenient.

” When A New River Presents Itself, I Will Just Have To Construct A New Bridge”    LEE      s       12:am        MST      1/23/16

Yours, as always:::Dad, Dad Lee, Grampa, Classmate, (A) brother, Uncle, 1st cousin, 4th cousin, friend

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (411) posted on March 29, 2009

Posted on March 29, 2009

Condolences to the Albert Johnson (’70) and David Striker (’70) families
From David Slyter (’70):  Sabin, MN

Gary:

My condolences to the Striker family.   David was a classmate of mine from the class of 70.   In just a couple of weeks we have lost two of our classmates to cancer.    Albert Johnson and now David.   So sorry to hear this news.  Our thoughts and prayers are with both families.

Dave Slyter  (70)

Condolences to the Albert Johnson (’70) and David Striker (’70) families
From Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

I would like to send my condolences first to the Albert Johnson family and then to the David Striker family. The story goes that Albert and I first met when we were babies in Perth, North Dakota. My parents worked at the school and Alberts parents taught. We met up again as freshmen at good old DHS. I met David as a freshman also. I believe we shared lockers that year and Albert and I shared the next year. Albert and I did a lot of chasing in High School and beyond. I would really like to have the Cuda he had in about 1972 or 73. We kind of moved on at about that time and met up again in about 2008 or so. My memory don’t work so good no more. David and I carried on a friendship through High School and beyond and he even worked for me at a lumber yard in Rolla back in about 1989. I had thought of them both through the years.  I now wish we could maybe have gotten together again for a few more laughs about the things we did when we were younger. We just took it for granted that we would be doing those things forever.  I hope now Albert and David can maybe get together and share a good laugh. I will still think about them both as good friends and with a smile as I think about those High School years.

Mel Kuhn

Condolences to the David Striker (’70) family
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

To the Family, Extended family and friends of David Striker,

David, was a neighborhood of the hills friend and classmate,

I recall when  mom and dad would ‘go visiting’ back and forth with Doug and Marlene or with his grandparents, Art and Effie.

David and I were classmates for years beginning within the group of  9 second graders and many first graders in Mrs. Hanson’s stage combination room.

David was always cordial, pleasant and kind  through all the years.

My sincere sympathy as you mourn.

Vickie Metcalfe

A Winter Day at Tractor Supply.

My dog Thor’s stomach has issues. Finally, I found dental treats which his stomach  tolerates.

I  usually just go in and out quick to the treat section at Tractor Supply.

With today’s January  cold,  Thor and Buie  fussed with cabin fever;

I put on their coats, leashes, and took them to Bottineau Tractor Supply store  which welcomes dogs within the store.

Buie and Thor thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour exercise walking  and exploring every aisle.

Buie’s favorite find? … a big box with big,huge, giant  bone’s _;the greedy little skunk wanted  to drag one home.

T’was not-a-thing I wanted in my living room!

One of the clerks gave Thor a  t-r-e-a-t. He went back again as he’s chosen that clerk for a new friend.

Yup. Just once, Thor goes up, looks him in the eye and the clerk is now trained to give him a treat!

I could  have stayed  all afternoon!  Going way back into the depths of the store I discovered;

Sections for birds, rabbits, dogs, horses, porcine,__ salt blocks for cattle…Yum. lickin salt blocks as a kid on a hot summer day.

We were sidetracked in the poultry section.  Speciality feed,waterers, brown and white clay eggs.

Say what?__Yes, fake eggs so the chicken will be encouraged to lay.

Hmm?   Mom’  never had to put fake eggs in nests.

May be the chickens of yesteryear were smarter. Ours at  the farm were smart and tame.

They perched on our shoulders while we worked..

Recollections of the cold  winter Saturday’s on the farm and choring flew through my head.

Saturday’s outside chores of cleaning gutters and calf pens,  hauling loads of straw bales from the bale pile with the horse or skidoo and stone boat to the barn.

We girls  let the laying hens out to scratch through the straw;  some  chose to sit our shoulders while we worked bedding down the calf pens.

We loved those times of  being out side in the  cold fresh air, crunching through the snow, keeping company of livestock,chickens, cats and dogs.

About this time of year after lunch came inside chores and may be mom would find an extra… it’s time to go to dirt cellar, to sprout potatoes. Yuck!

I believe walking the dogs indoors at Tractor Supply may continue at least until the warm breath of spring.

That’s my thought.

Until later.Vickie

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Blog (410) posted on March 28, 2009

Posted on March 28, 2009

David Striker (’70) Passed away.
Posted by Deb Striker Kubela (’74): dkubela@hotmail.com Wahpeton, ND

Gary,

thought I needed to let you know, our brother David passed away after a 5 year battle with brain cancer. He graduated with the class of 1970.

He passed away Jan 2nd. We will be having a family service this summer in Dunseith. No obit yet

Thank you!

Deb Striker Kubela

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

Howdy Y’all,

On 12-24-15 a colonoscopy and an endoscopy were done on me; primarily looking for a contributor to me being anemic.

I did not get a report over Christmas or through New Yews, which is reasonable.

I planned to go to Boston on the 8th of January so I called the surgeon’s office and asked that they do not call me with any results until after the 13th, at which time I would be home from Boston.  Did not want to receive a discouraging phone call while I was at my son, Eric’s.

I called the office today and learned that all was OK.  The surgeon found some questionable spots but all turned out fine.

He had shown me some photos he had taken along the way of his exam.  Obviously, all looked foreign to me but I could see the difference in colorations that he pointed out, as one section would differ from surrounding tissue.

Glad all I OK for now.   Will repeat this exam in a year.   Love Dad/Dad Lee/Grampa/A classmate-brother LEE

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Blog (409) posted on March 26, 2009

Posted on March 27, 2009

Cebu City, Philippines: Dinner at Maya’s Mexican Restaurant

Our on Bernie has been visiting since December 21^st. He got sick and was unable leave on 1/6 so he rescheduled his departure to tomorrow, 1/15. He is feeling fine now. His supervisors at Microsoft were very understanding and strongly encouraged him to get well before returning.  Bernie has boned well with his twin boys too.

Lorelie and her 5 year old Daughter Nika have their US Visas. All they are waiting for now, before going to the USA, are the US Citizenships and US passports for the Twins.

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Blog (408) posted on March 25, 2009

Posted on March 25, 2009

Condolences to Al Johnson’s family
From Pamela Fugere Schmidt (’73):  Mandan, ND

My heart goes out to Linda, Joe, and Al’s children.  My memories of Al are from my early junior high and high school years, when he was a Junior and Senior.  I remember Al as a thinker,  a dreamer, and a great conversationalist…a friend with a memorable personality and a heart of gold.  I’m only sorry we didn’t have a chance to stay in touch over the years.

Gas Engine Washing Machines
Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Gary,

Ginger LaRocque’s reference to a gas engine washing machine reminded me that we had one of those when I was a little guy. Mom was washing clothes one day and just dropped out!  She got a few too many carbon monoxide fumes.  She had come-to and was still sitting on the floor when my dad found her.  Needless to say, that was the last time it was used.  My dad rewired an old electric motor that someone had given him and hooked it up to the washing machine; no more fumes.  I learned about this many years after the incident.  I would say that Mom and the rest of us got lucky that time.  Be Safe!

Dale Pritchard

Darrell Abbey Passed away
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

DARRELL E. ABBEY

Darrell E, Abbey age 87 of Dunseith, died Friday, January 8, 2016 in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, also of Dunseith. Visitation will be Monday, January 11, 2016 beginning at 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday, noon until service time in the church.

Photo (Carroll Carlson) from Ursella Carlson (’44)
Posted by Vicky Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary.

I was delighted to receive a Christmas Card from Ursula , Carroll’s sister.

She  sent   the photo.

It was great to hear from her.

I hope someone can help identify.

Back row,

Carroll is the young man in the middle.

Ursula wrote one of the young ladies is Mary Evans I am not sure which one.

The young man in front  ?Cook

Thanks Gary.

Vickie

Folks, Please identify – DHS class of 1934. My guess – Gary
Back: Mary Evans, Carroll Carlson, Lodena Sanders
Front: Robert Cook

Memories 1981 and 1982
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Gary and friends,

I read  about an Owls in the Canadian news, today and   thought of the winter of “81-’82.

I’m recalling the cold North Dakota winter of ’81-‘82 I lived in a graduate student dormitory at UND pursuing a graduate degree. I drove to East Grand forks for practicum, which meant, frequent trips to a back lot and starting the car often!

It was a cold trudge through the snow to the student parking lot on a late afternoon as the darkness drew close. I was relieved despite December’s cold of 1981, had not affected starting of my car.

The heat was on full blast as the car sped west/north to my parental home while listening to radio’s Christmas music as I peered through the windshield.

Finally the hills of home!

Turning on the gravel road and seeing the familiar Carlson lights off in the distant hills beyond the ‘homestead meadow’. The front two-wheel drive car effortlessly pushed through the light snow, up the big hill, past the mailbox, turned into the farmyard.

The garage door was open thanks to thoughtful parents.  I drove in, sigh of relief, opening the door grabbing a suitcase, glanced to the right.

At the front of the garage sitting by dad’s old workbench was a winter-wonder sight.

Look again!

No, not imagination but quite alive, were two, a wee duet of fluff, small white owls.  Each was no more than 6-8 inches tall gazing without fear sitting in on a board four feet above the garage floor well out of winter’s fierce windy cold.

Wishing not to disturb, the creatures, I climbed the steps.  The dogs, ‘Chilou’, dad’s blue heeler and ‘Shiloh’ his border collie wagged and wiggled their welcomes.

Opening the door into the entryway, I was greeted with flavors of mom’s kitchen and her hug. To the right, I peered into the living room for dad’ in his recliner.

His feet were propped up greeting me as I smoothed his warm hands.

I asked, “When did the owls move into the garage?”   Mom said she had not seen any thing earlier that day in the garage. My dad who was without sight said with a grin, “I haven’t seen any thing”.  Then said, “Don’t disturb them they will stay or they will leave when they are ready.”

I wondered if the owls were eating. They seemed still except for watchful eyes. And seemed to quietly move around in their sitting places when we were not in the garage.

Of course over the vacation, we used the cars, the dogs were always greeting with wags and wiggles but they did not disturb the owls. Each day we drove Dad to his local coffee spot the fourth stool in Dale’s café.

The owl duet sat.

The owls stayed in the garage the entire weeks I was home.  They were quite content when I left going back to university.

One week into my last semester studies an early morning phone call from mom notified me that Uncle Emil had passed away.

I talked to my advisor, with defrosters on high headed through the North Dakota Winter‘s Cold, home to grieve with family.

With anticipation of mom’s warm kitchen the car plowed through the snow into the garage.  I crawled out of my car greeted by dogs.

One little white owl.

Opening the door I went into the stillness of a grey house…. Dad quiet in his chair and mom quiet in the kitchen.

The Metcalfe Clan gathered at Peace Lutheran, Little Prairie Cemetery, and Kathy’s house where we grieved together for Uncle Emil.

One little owl continued to sit solo in the garage. I wondered if he was lonely missing the other?

I left to resume university studies semester student counseling practicum at a K-12 school in East Grand Forks.

On an icy morning, ten days after my return into my studies, mom telephoned more sorrowful news.  Uncle Jim had passed away in the night.

Icy cold highways and snowy drifts returned me to home. The farmhouse atmosphere was now a heavy, heavy grey. The dogs had greeted me.

Walking through the door to greet me? Pain.  My father’s loss was overwhelming.

The Metcalfe family clan returned to mourn at Peace Lutheran, and Little Prairie for my James A. Metcalfe, my uncle and Godfather.

Remember the winter of ’81-’82?I think and recall a burden on my heart colored a heavy grey.

And I remember and wonder about owls.

Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

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Blog (407) posted on March 24, 2009

03/24/2009

Posted on March 24, 2009

Cecile Gouin Craig (’61) passed away
Message from her daughter Dawn Cherne:

Gary,
I know my mom enjoyed connecting with you and all the happenings in Dunceith so I am emailing to let you know that she passed away on Jan. 2.
She appreciated getting all the news and heading about what others were up to, thank you for doing all you do to keep people connected.

Best wishes,
Dawn (Cec’s daughter)
Dawn,
I am shocked and saddened to hear this news of your mothers passing. We exchanged many personal messages too. I truly enjoyed her. We will miss her. Our condolences are with you and her entire family. Thank you so much for letting us know.
Gary

Obituary for Cecile Craig

Cecile Craig
Cecile was born to Eugenie and Laurent Gouin January 28, 1943 in Windsor, Colorado and passed away January 02, 2016 in Federal Way, WA. Cecile is survived by her husband of 48 years, Keith; her children Michael Longie, Barb Brindle and Dawn Cherne; grandchildren Mikaila Fulfs, Makenzie Cherne, Danielle Fulfs and KC Cherne; and brother Maurice (Morris) Gouin.

Condolence to the Johnson family
From Ron Peltier (’70) Dunseith, ND

Condolences to the Johnson family on the passing of Albert.  Albert was part of my class whom I thought was a very intelligent and outgoing individual.  I had the utmost respect for Albert, his sisters and brothers.  Albert lived in Rolla a few years back and he made a point for me to come and visit him, talked about the old days and about his sickness.  I also knew his mother and father very well, use to have a few beers with his dad in the Corner Bar after I turned of age, and Velma taught me how to play pinochle after our catechism class on Wednesday evenings.  Rest in Peace my friend, we will meet again.

Kramer CCC Camp
Reply from Larry W. Moore: 

Gary,

I was doing some research on Pop’s CCC Camp when I ran across this Site. http://dunseith.net/blog/?p=7611

Wanted to tell you how nice it was to see Pop’s CCC Bio posted there with the Kramer CCC Picture at the bottom. Thanks to Tim Martinson, It made for a warm place in my heart.

I also saw your photo from Vietnam and want to thank you for your Service and Sacrifice. I was lucky and did not have to go to Vietnam. I was in Army 67-68 and another 22 year in the Army Reserve. Pop was called for service in summer ’42 but failed physical several times. He always regretted no being able to serve, so I did my best to even it out.

Thanks again, I really appreciate your kindness in posting his Bio.

Larry W. Moore

Paragould, Arkansas

Larry,
Thanks for the nice reply and kind words. That picture and article was posted with blog number 2087 on 9/7/2014. Click on this link http://dunseith.net/blog/?p=7611 and go all the way to the bottom of that day’s posting.

 I too spent time in the Reserves too. 25 years. When we turned 60 we were officially retired army soldiers with all of the benefits too.

 Gary

Reply to Larry Hackman (’66)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Very cute jokes, Larry
Ginger

Glen Shelver: Reference to 1/6/2016 Posting
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary

I forgot to tell you that Garry and I had been smelling gas from the washing machine, that was the reason we fell asleep,  you probably figured that out anyway.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra Class of 1965

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Blog (406) posted on March 23, 2009

03/23/2009

Posted on March 23, 2009

Albert J. Johnson (DHS ’70)

Johnson, Albert J. Age 63 of Minneapolis, formerly of Dunseith, ND. Went home to the Father on January 1, 2016. Well known motorcycle professional and racer, master of all things mechanical, avid outdoorsman, eagle scout, amazing dad and teacher. Preceded in death by his mother Velma, father, sister and brother. Survived by children: Matthew, Marshall, Kelsey, brother Joe, sister Linda. Celebration of Life Service 5:30PM Saturday, January 16, 2016, visitation 1 hour prior. Washburn McReavy Davies Chapel, 2301 Dupont Avenue S., Mpls, MN 55405. Memorials preferred to The Hope Lodge – American Cancer Society, or The Pillars Hospice – Health East. Washburn-McReavy.com Washburn McReavy Albin Chapel Eden Prairie (952) 914-9410

So sorry to hear of Albert’s passing. With the email messages we exchanged I found him to be a really decent nice man. He fought a long hard battle with this cancer too. At one point I thought they had it arrested. He will be missed. Our condolences are with his entire family.  Gary

Happy Anniversary to Allen and Susan Richard
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Allen and Susan,

Happy Anniversary! I wish you many more wonderful years.

Ginger (LaRocque)Poitra Class of 65′

Yvette Belgarde

Born: October 08, 1965
Died: December 30, 2015

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YVETTE BELGARDE

Yvette Belgarde, age 50 of Dunseith, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in a Minot hospital. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s of The Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. A wake will start on Monday at 4:00 P.M. at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center in Dunseith.

Yvette was born on October 8th, 1965 to Steve F. Belgarde and Delores M. (Roussin) Belgarde in Belcourt, North Dakota. She graduated from Dunseith High School and attended college and graduated from United Tribes Technical College with a Health Administration and Injury Prevention Degree. She was employed with St. Michael the Archangel Church, the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Aberdeen, and St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck as a Director of Telemedicine. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church.

Pall bearers included her nephews: Braden Allery; (god child) Dalton Kopecky; Davin Depoe; Davalance Depoe; Sharlo Davis; and Jake Marion who she had a special place in her heart for. Honorary Pall Bearers were Hunter Karlson; Ryder Belgarde, and Parker Belgarde, (nephews) and her brothers Stuart B. Belgarde, Lance M. Belgarde, and Shawn S. Belgarde. Gift bearers were cousins Debra Wilson Schieffer and Mark Wilson. The rosary was led by Alvin and Ella McLeod. She was carried by Steve Leonards’ beautiful team and wagon.

Yvette is survived by her two daughters, Nashay Bercier of Bismarck, Deete Belgarde, (Kyle Mathiason), son Dontae Maloney and her very special granddaughter Malani Mathiason. Sisters Patti Belgarde (Wayne Cornelius) Oneida Wi., Sandra Belgarde Karlson (Neil Karlson), Surprise, AZ-Mandan, N.D., Wanda Belgarde, Fort Yates, N.D., Michelle Kurle (Casey Kurle), Mercer, N.D., Elaine Gunville, Grand Forks, N.D., Stuart Belgarde (Teresa-Cha Cha ), Lance Belgarde (Kim), Horace, N.D. and Shawn Belgarde (Brenda Martell) and her special mother who she loved dearly Delores Belgarde. Uncles Louis Roussin, Clifford Belgarde, Aunts Gladys Azure, Mabel Roussin, and Theresa Heath of Patossi, Mo.

Yvette enjoyed watching the cooking channel and cooking, riding horse as a child, and visiting family and friends. She was very witty, fun loving and enjoyed dancing. She will be greatly missed and was loved very much. She was preceded in death by her father Steve F. Belgarde, niece Natasha Depoe, paternal grandma, Elsina Belgarde, grandfather Frank Belgarde, and maternal grandma Clemence (Jerome) Roussin, and Louis B. Roussin.

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Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith,

At the end of the old year, I am always filled with sweet memories of my parents, Charlotte and Cliff.  The following is based on their memories shared with me. How blessed I was! Happy New Year.

Ice House and Ice Cream

I remember the days before my parents owned a freezer.  The only freezer at the farm had, was the top of an old Frigidaire that came with the house when they bought it in the winter of ‘51. With heavy frost buildup, my mother would spend one of the first warm summer days defrosting that freezer.  Later it became another designated ‘CHORE’ for one of her girls.

I do not recall the days of ‘ice houses’. People who lived close to a lake harvested lake ice, using a horse and sled, hauled huge ice blocks to a cool storage area built into the ground, perhaps in the shady side of a hill, dugout or the ground. The bottom of the icehouse would be graveled and covered with wood poles.  This allowed the melting water to not muddy the ground.

During winter’s cold, blocks of ice would be stacked on the wood, then layered with sawdust or straw.  The icehouse would be packed with the blocks of ice then topped with a roof and straw.

Whence cometh, hot summer days, ice was a valuable commodity.

Mom told me my Grandma Lamb was known for two major things in the Carpenter neighborhood;

1. Sylvia Wicks Lamb had a prolific garden. Vegetables, soft fruits and flowers. People would drive North to her home to gather sweet smelling blooms. I recall while in grade four, Mrs. Florence Conroy telling me about my grandmother Sylvia’s wonderful garden.

#2. My mom said her grandmother,  Elizabeth Welch Wicks a local midwife, was a wonderful cook and her ‘pop’ Bob Lamb cooked the best flapjacks and biscuits. Her mother, Sylvia would rather be outside, tending her livestock, or in her garden than in the kitchen cooking.   However, Sylvia enjoyed making ice cream.  Sweet cream, sugar, and many flavor varieties. Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Juneberry, Ah, How she loved experimenting!

My mother recalled the hot of summer Sundays, when the wood handled crank ice cream tool was brought out and made ready.

Come Sunday morning, Sylvia Wicks Lamb began preparing various ice cream mixes.  Ice would be fetched from the icehouse. By afternoon, neighbors, friends, and relatives would gather in the Lamb yard on old gravel road #43 East.

Games of horseshoe and tag would commence. Sylvia filled the little cylinder tank with her creation.  Strong boys with muscles took turns. Some one would add a bit of rock salt to the ice. Visiting, laughter and anticipation filled the air

Finally with a C”MON GET IT!!!!

Ice Cream was finally ready!

Summer’s hot breath was quenched under shady trees with cool licks of the cold, sweet, heavenly, icy creation.

Until Later,

Vickie Metcalfe

Shelver’s Drug Store
Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Speaking of Shelver Drug Store.  I have a couple stories to tell of our very important druggist.

I am sure many of you know he was also our doctor.

There was one time when my brother Garry and I were being babysat by our Aunt Alice LaRocque,  we were very young and not of age to go to school. Aunt Alice was washing clothes in a gas powered washing machine.  Aunt Alice sat us by the washing machine so she could watch us I expect. I remember (there aren’t many things I remember when I was young but I remember this) getting off a bench she had us sitting on.  We went to the living room got our coat/jacket and we’re helping each other put our coat/jacket on, we were told we were laying on the floor,  out ! sleeping!

I woke up in my Aunt’s arms and she was running to our house or grandma LaRocque’s house. While my brother was with Uncle Jerome, so we were told.

Our mother was working and came home.

Glen Shelver was also called to come and check us out. He stayed until he knew we were fine.

Mom said when she got home Garry was walking back and forth with his hands in his pockets. I was in the house lying on the bed still sleeping.

Another time,  Mom was working,  I am unsure about dad or what time of year is was so if he was working on the railroad and it was winter then he was home. I was in our house cutting a slice of bread,  and lo and behold!  I cut off the tip of my finger on my left hand.

Glen Shelver was called again,  he had to have put the tip back on because I still have it. There is a scar , not numb. Mr Shelver did great!

He was great,  to come and take care of us in our time of need. I don’t know if any of my other siblings ever needed his care but he sure did good for my brother and I.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra  Class of 65′

Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Three older ladies are discussing their problems with aging. The first one says, “Sometimes I find myself holding a loaf of bread in the kitchen and I can’t remember if I was putting it away, or, about to make a sandwich.”  The second one says, “Sometimes I find myself on the stair landing and can’t remember if I was going up or down.”  The third one says, “Well, so far my memory is perfect — knock on wood.”  She raps her knuckles on the wooden table and then says, “Wait here while I go answer the door.”

A bus driver for a retirement home has a busload of seniors. They’re taking a day trip to the seaside. About 20 minutes into the journey, an elderly lady walks up to him and says, “I’ve just been molested!”  He thinks she’s senile and tells her to go back to her seat.  Ten minutes later, another old lady has the same complaint. He thinks something in their coffee must’ve made these ladies delusional and tells her to sit down, too. Another ten minutes go by, and a third lady tells him the same complaint. He decides to stop the bus and investigate.

He goes to the back of the bus and finds an old man on his hands and knees. He asks, “What the hell are you doing?”  The old man answers, “I’m looking for my

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Blog (405) posted on March 22, 2009

03/22/2009

Posted on March 22, 2009

Shelver Drug Store
Reply from Lee Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

LEE here.  I feel honored and compelled to contribute to the Shelver Drug Store legend.  When our Mother discovered a health-related situation in our home that exceeded her excellent German upbringing, she found it easy to call Glen and ask his input; esp. @ nite.

Glen was kind to offer ameliorative advice if appropriate or to facilitate further steps to satisfy the situation.

Darrel (Doc), Dean and I each had a paper route.  Mine was the first; I took over from Darrel Haberstead .  His mother ran the show for the ‘transfer of operations (money)’.  It was only after Dad got the Minot Daily News man involved that I was able to make a “go of it”.

Anyway, back to the drug store.  Each fourth (4th) Saturday I would collect for the papers that I had delivered.

I would unerringly go to the drug store and for only 75 cents could get a large chocolate malt, a juicy hamburger and a generous side of french fries.

One Saturday night some fellows whom I thought were my near-friends wanted me to share my collected money with them.

They got some of it.  The next time that was attempted, I had 2 old-fashioned “church keys” in my pockets.  Once I presented them and stated that I may draw red, that never happened again; to me or to my brothers that I know of.

So glad for YOUR efforts to keep OUR blog going, Gary.  I would like to contribute to it, if that could help:

so that you have content and do not need to walk the street of CEBU to gain NEWS,

Say, I hear fireworks and I notice that it is 5 minutes before midnite, 2016.  I watched the ball fall in New York on the TV in the DR 2 hours ago.  Now it is our turn.  YOU had your turn many hours ago, I reckon: right?

LEE

24 year Anniversary
Posting from Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI

24 years ago yesterday, 12/31/1991 at 2:00 P.M. I married the most amazing person in the world.  Happy anniversary my love!

Congratulations Allen and Susan. Wishing you many more years together too. Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (404) posted on March 21, 2009

Folks, I went up and got a hair cut and a foot scrub at one of the local beauty parlors located in our local mini mall here in the Philippines the other day. The hair cut cost a dollar and then I gave the guy a dollar tip, so 2 dollars in all. I got a very thorough foot scrub with nail clippings and the whole bit. They scrubbed away all the old calluses and dead skin leaving my feet as smooth as a babies butt. The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours. The foot scrub cost 5 dollars, so with a 2 dollar tip, 7 dollars in all. Bernadette’s manicure and pedicure cost 2 dollars total. That’s 50 cents per limb. What a deal. Gary From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND Gary A beautiful day in Dakota today. The sky was clear with a slight breeze. The sun was shining. The snow was melting. The water was running. The birds were singing. The geese were flying. Spring has sprung. My thermometer showed 60 degrees in the shade. I went out and washed the car on the driveway in between the piles of snow without a jacket. I even got a little sunburned. I have to say it again. A truly beautiful day here in Bismarck after a long winter. Just so you don’t get homesick and jump on an airplane and come flying in to enjoy spring in the Dakotas. You have to remember that Spring here includes snow and they are talking 3 to 4 inches next week. Them flocks of geese that were flying today were flying both ways. The flocks flying north were honking with joy. The flocks flying south had been up north and saw the snow in the fields and the ice on the lakes and were honking their disappointment as you know they want to get up north to lay their eggs and start their families. It still was a beautiful sight and at least reminded a person that summer isn’t to far off and that it is good to be alive to enjoy days like this. I’ve worked outside most of my life and I know there are not too many perfect days like today. Hope you had a good day, I did. Take care and again thanks for all that you do. Larry Folks, I want to share this message of Lee (Leland) Stickland’s with you. Lee and Gloria have registered for our cruise. Unless told other wise, Lee has told me I can post what ever he sends. Gary Lee Stickland’s (64) message: Dickinson, ND Gloria, Gary and Bill, I have had a couple very pleasant/constructive phone visits with Gina, She purposely stayed after normal hours at work in WA DC this afternoon and called me to continue booking procedures. I now have completed the deposit, received a registration/confirmation/booking number of 16415392. Gloria and I have elected to have a cabin with a balcony. I understand that there is always the possibility of a free upgrade. I have made reservations at the Ramada for the nights of July 23 and 24, 2009. I was told the rate is to be $99 per night, confirmation # 60418104. WE sure wish to participate in the gala of the reunion to be held at the Best Western. I am a list-maker and have a few pages of, with questions that will either be answered by the many questions/answers in the links sent or I will ask them directly. THANKS SO much for the multitude of arrangements that are in place and the efforts to do so. Lee Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Renee is the daughter of Rodney (67) and Karen Peterson (77) Lagerquist.

Hilmar Berg (98 years young) Honored
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
Summery up-date Posted by Sue Berg (Hilmar’s niece):   Bottineau, ND

Folks,

Many of you know Hilmar, a brother to Erling and Clarence Berg. Hilmar has lived the Majority of his life in the Bottineau county Area.

Hilmar’s brother Clarence was Married to Mabel Berg. Mabel was a sister to my aunt, Helga Berg Petterson. Helga was married to my dad’s brother, Nels Petterson.  They lived in Everett, WA.

I first met Hilmar in the Winter of 1967 / 68 when he spent the winter staying with Nels and Helga Petterson, in Everett, WA, working in a paper factory.

With most all of my trips back to the area over the years I have seen Hilmar.  He is always so friendly and nice and likes to visit and talk. Very nice gentleman in deed. Hilmar has never married.

Thank you Sue Berg for your prompt reply sending the latest update for Hilmar too, pasted below the picture.  Most appreciated.

Summary Up-date of Hilmar, posted by Hilmar’s niece, Sue Berg.

Hilmar turned 98 October 7th, 2015. On the 17th of October he entered St. Andrews hospital with pneumonia ( the third bout in one year) and a UTI which is terrible for the elderly. He seemed to take some time to recover with a few ups and downs along the way. He made the decision to stay in long term care at St Andrews in Bottineau. He was a very fortunate man to live on his own all these years with a little help the last couple of years from relatives, a good neighbor and veteran friends. His heart is not in the greatest shape, but he has a strong will and great determination, which is amazing!

Reply to Shelver’s Drug photo posted by Jeff Skjielver
From Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (’65): Rolette, ND

Whenever I drive down Main Street Dunseith, I always miss the Drug Store on the corner.  Sweet memories

of chocolate malts made by Edna Leonard at the unbelievable price of 25 cents!  Indeed, those were the good

old days!  So fun to reminisce about those delightful days of growing up in a small town where everybody knows your

name!  What a gift!

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Blog (403) posted on March 20, 2009

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND Reply to Phyllis McKay, Roy Anderson was Fred Anderson’s son who was a brother to my Granddad Bill. Myrtle Anderson my Grandma could write a book about her. She was one great lady , I think she was a Grandma & every one in Dunseith,when they moved to town in 42 they lived down by the cross roads which is just North of town. They would walk up town about 10 in the morning & all the business places worker would go out on the street & look for them to come. The reason was Grandpa 6’4″ tall Grandma 4’2″ tall they would say here comes Mutt & Jeff. McKay’s only lived about a mile or two from Anderson’s, we visited alot together. Phyllis your mother & Grandma were very close friends. Lloyd Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT I too own “Cindy and the Turtle Mountain Boys”. I remember when my Grandpa Pete Longie bought it. We played it every Sunday afternoon, it sounded good then and it sounds good now. Actually my brother Roger but it on a cd because I wanted one for my car. And it sounds great!! They wer all awesome singers and musicians!!!! It wa alwasys more fun to go somewhere when you knew the Poitras were gonna play!!!! Families and friends all gathered and had wonderful times together listening to there music!! Thanks Alan for bringing up such great memories!!! Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA Bill Hosmer is right, postcard emailed by friends in Grand Forks. Time to look up that family! The Alaska cruise was the best Shen family holiday ever. Saw big blues leaping and slaming their tail fins; many Orca groups. Cannot express the beauty of the Misty Fiords visited on return trip. Sharron Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ I got Dot from the hospital at 7 tonight. She spent 2 nights in the hospital. She is doing fine and will not go to rehab or therapy but will do some home exercises. We willdo them 3 times a day and then she must walk, walk, walk. Got in an out of the van with no problem and up the 3 steps, no problem. She can’t run any races yet but can maneuver pretty well with her walker. Thank you for the many letters and prayers you have sent and we want you to know it was very much appreciated and welcomed.We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot Picture from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND Gary I decided to edit this photo and perhaps it may be more recognizable to some one. So, to save some time. It was found in Ester (Bakken) Schimetz’s memoirs. The Bakken’s had a farm about 3 miles south of Yellow Corners. Two of My Uncles, John and Mike married Bakken sisters. Ester and Molly respectively. No one in the family is able to identify they 3 people. The Little one may be a girl. To Ardis Bakken Horner (Teacher) and Marsha Getzlaff Bakken (74): Is this Bakken Family related to your family? Gary

Picture posted by Dave Shelver’s (’63) son
Jeff Skjelver:  Rugby, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (402) posted on March 19, 2009

03/19/2009

Posted on March 19, 2009

Condolences to the Pladson Family
From Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA.

Our condolences are to the Pladson family. My wife and I are in Miami, FL this week and missed the first posting.  Linda baby-sat a couple times for us in the late 70s when we were back to ND.  I had not seen her since then so that is the way I remember her.  Linda was a very fun loving person who will be greatly missed.

Dale Pritchard

Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi  Gary,   As  much  as  I appreciate, and  enjoy, and  have  enjoyed  the  Dunseith  blog you  created, I  for  one  totally  understands  you  reaching  the  burnout  point, to  some  degree.  I  don’t  fully  understand  all  what  goes  into  it, but  it  sounds  like  quite  an  undertaking.  With  Bernadette  being  sick  and  all  I  know  you must have  alot  on  you  on  a  daily  baisis, no  matter  how  much  help  you  have.  I  personally  feel  if  you  wanted  to  cut  back  to  a  once  a  week  post  or  every  other  week  that  people  would  understand. Like  the  Turtle  Mountain  Star  only  goes  out  once  a  week…..(I  think???) at  least I  know  it  use  to…. :).  You  have  to  do  what  works best  for  you  Gary…. as  we  all  know,  nothing  stays  the  same  forever.  I  just  want  you  to  know  you  got  my  100%  support  what  ever  you  choose  to  do, God  Bless  you  for  your  faithfulness  this  far  with  keeping  the  blog  going  for  as  long  as  you  have.  I  will  keep  both  you  and  Bernadette  in  my  prayers, and  that  you  find a  peace with  any  changes  that  you  feel  you  need  to  make  with  the  blog.  Take  Care, and  God Bless.  Aggie

Thanks Aggie, Gary

Dinner last night at the Cebu Tops overlooking Cebu City.

Bernadette was a bit better last night so she was able to go with us for dinner at the tops. Very nice view of Cebu up there too.

Today we are going to the New Seaside mall with Bernie and Lorelie. Bernadette will be in her wheelchair. She can’t walk long distances or be on her feet very long.  The new Seaside Mall is one of the largest in the world. I think maybe the 3^rd or 4^th largest. We will check it out today. It is located about 10 miles from our house.  Within a span of 5 miles we have 3 very large modern malls.

Gary

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Blog (401) posted on March 18, 2009

03/18/2009

Posted on March 18, 2009

Reply from Bill Hosmer (’48):  Tucson, AZ

Gary, I would like to thank you and congratulate you for the loyalty

and care you have managed to keep us North Dakota folks in touch

with one another.  The historical significance of the re-plays of some

of the posts is beyond imagination.  Reading words of terrific people

no longer with us as well as current dialogues from people all across

the country has become a big part of my daily routine.

You created something of value that at first,nine years ago, seemed

novel and original in every way.  Now, for some of us it has become

a NEED to get our Hills and Prairie “fix”.  When Bernadette is having

a bad health time and you need to focus on her needs, that is completely

understandable and I believe we all feel compassion for her when those

days occur.

Personally, I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet you and your bride

when you were home for a visit. I’m proud to be a part of the community

of us who started life, or continued it, or lost it in that special place.

God Bless Gary and Bernadette Stokes and Happy Holidays to all

of you fellow Dakotans.   Bill Hosmer

Thanks Bill for the kind words.  Gary

Condolences to the Pladson Family
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Pladson family and the Ash family upon hearing of Linda’s passing.  May God give you some peace in your hearts.

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Linda Pladson Ash Killed in a Car Accident
Obituary posted by Keith Pladason (’66): Roanoke Rapids, NC

 Linda Ash
9/3/1961 — 12/16/2015

• Send a Condolence

Linda Ann Ash passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in a car accident. She was 54 years of age.

Linda was born Sept. 3, 1961, in Bottineau, N.D., to Elden and Ella (Thompson) Pladson. She attended schools in Dunseith, N.D., and graduated from high school in Bottineau. She went on to attain an associate degree in forestry.

Linda moved to Lewiston in 1986 and worked as a social worker in the area for Community Action Partnership and Goodwill Industries. She loved her work helping her community.

She and Bill Ash were married on Oct. 3, 1999, and they were married 16 years until his passing in September of this year.

Linda enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling and anything having to do with the outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her siblings, Florence Sime, Floyd Pladson, Keith Pladson, Dan Pladson, Fern Beaver, Tina Bullinger and Victor Pladson; stepsons Shane (Kasey) Ash and Brandon (Tiffany) Ash; children AJ (Crystal) Pladson and Nichole Pladson; as well as stepgrandchildren Wyatt, Wayne, Rhett and Kean Ash.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; and brothers Jerry, Clarence and David Pladson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am. Wednesday at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home. Any memorial donations may be made to AJ Pladson, 1515 23rd Ave., Apartment No. 9, Lewiston, ID 83501.

So so sorry to hear this Keith. Our condolences are with you and your families.

Holliday Greetings
From Ron Longie (’65):  Yakima, WA

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may you all “LIVE LONG AND PROSPER” ————— Ronnie Longie

Memories
Posting from Lorraine Richard Nelson (’46):   Mesa, AZ.

Oh what fun to read all the fun things that happened in Dunseith so many years ago. In answer to Gary Metcalfe’s email.. What memories!! I still sing a lot, whenever I get the chance. We always look forward to “Crazy Fingers” Gordie Lindquist’s arrival in January as he entertains here in the Valley for about three months, at the Senior Centers and Wayne and I are part of his program..We really enjoy singing with Gordie and folks love him as we do. Lorraine Richard Nelson…Our home is now in Arizona.. Payson (in the Mountains) and Mesa in the Summer.Merry Christmas and a Happy 2016 to all..

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

Gary and friends,

Yesterday, Christmas eve morning  while I was out shoveling the sidewalk a blazer drove up.
A little boy about 6 jumped out and ran up  to me.  I had never seen him before. Nor the driver of the vehicle.

Leaning on my shovel, I said, ” Are you looking for someone.?
The boy said,  “I am looking for you.”
He handed me a brown paper bag.  Then,  said,” Santa gave me this to give you.”

I replied, “You saw Santa”?
He nodded.
I said,  ” Did he have along white beard and was he dressed in red?”
He grinned one tooth missing, saying,  “YES.”

I replied….”Wow! that is so exciting!  Thank You!  If you see Santa again please tell him, Thank YOU and Merry Christmas.”

He nodded, saying  “Merry Christmas,” ran back to the vehicle and which sped away.

I didn’t stay l puzzled at the child’s  identity.

I am certain  He was sent by Santa and that’s enough for me!

I believe!

It was just the great beginning to a great HoliDay!

Happy 2016.
Vickie, Thor and Lochbuie

Christmas day eve party in Cebu

This picture was taken last night at a Christmas party we attended at one of our Cebu Expat friends. They had catered food for about a hundred of us. Bernadette was not well enough to go. Our son Bernie and his wife Lorelie were with me too.

Note: Dave Sandness in the picture is a cousin to Richard Sandness, Now disease. Richard worked at the First National for many years. I knew him as a loan officer.

Gary Stokes, Barbara Kenny, Bernie & Lorelie Stokes, Dave Sandness and Richard Mitchell

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Blog (400) posted on March 17, 2009

Posted on March 17, 2009

We are into Year nine.

Folks,

We have just completed 8 years with this blog. We are now into year nine. In the past 8 years we have hashed over a lot of memories of which we plan to keep on doing for years to come too.  My daily distribution is about 750 plus the posting of each of these blogs in our Dunseith Alumni Wed site.  http://dunseith.net/

I will be honest there are days I feel guilty for not getting a blog posted, especially if I have missed several days. I am getting burned out posting one every day.  The fun part is putting it together. The not so fun part is the distribution.  I find if I miss a day or two, I am eager to get one posted.

I am no longer posting the “Happy Birthday” wishes either. It just took too much time to put all those together. That was one area I thought I could eliminate.

Starting Next week I will dedicate myself to posting a blog on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings my time.  That will be Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Dunseith.

Linda Pladson Ash died in a car accident
Message from Keith Pladson (’66):Roanoke Rapids, NC

Gary,

My youngest sister, Linda (Pladson) Ash was killed in a car accident on Wed, Dec 16th in Lewiston, ID.  I am currently in Spokane, WA, in route to Lewiston.  I’ll try to send you an obit soonest.

Keith Pladson

Such sad news Keith. She was only 54 years old too. Our condolence are with you and all of Linda’s family.

Reply to Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s posting
From Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dear Ginger,

Thank you for sharing your memorable childhood Christmas story.

            I am WOW-ed, you actually saw  Santa Claus!

 I never got to see him in  person.  

            Like you,  I’ve  always been a believer. 

At school there is always a kid who asks, “Do you believe in  Santa?”

            ….I say “Yes!”

            Like you,       I like the joys in life; 

wise and wonderful things which come from within 

the human heart.

Vickie

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Blog (399) posted on March 16, 2009

03/16/2009

Posted on March 16, 2009

Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom (DHS class of 1936)
Posting from Ron Cain:  Superior, Wi.

Gary:

Thanks for posting a recent photo of Elaine Stokes and Corbin & Luella Pritchard.  My mother -Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom-has some unidentified pictures and I can now put a name to the face.

She is doing well and in two months will hit the century mark.  WHEW!

Ron Cain

Thank Ron for this reply.

 Your mother, to our knowledge, is the oldest living to have ever graduated from Dunseith High School.

 Folks, Lillian’s mother was a Stokes, sister to my grandfather Frank Stokes. The Thompson farmstead was located in the Ackworth community about a mile east of the Fauske Farm or about a mile north and about a half mile east of the our farm, the Stokes farm.

 Lillian was also a first cousin to the Pritchard’s, (Robert, Corbin, Winifred Eurich and Floyd Pritchard’s dad)

 Advance happy birthday to Lillian too. Not often folks reaching a hundred still have s sound mind like Lillian. I understand she is a little hard hearing is all. Remarkable. Ron please keep us posted with your mother’s 100^th birthday. We are most certainly interested.

 Gary  

Memories
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

I grew up in a small house in shanty town, of Dunseith. Our house WAS SMALL!  We were a family of 7, one boy and 4 girls.

We were poor money wise. Our mother made our clothes including our coats for the most part. Our father worked different jobs, draying, driving truck for Evie, Ernie and George Gottbreth’s grandfather, he did what he had to do to feed his family. He later got a job on the railroad, working summers in the beginning, later working year round, retiring from the railroad.

Our mother began working at the Crystal Cafe as a cook, she always said that Rosie McCoy was a good cook, who taught her a lot. Working at the Crystal Cafe began because she wanted to buy Christmas gifts for us. She ended up working there for 9 years before going to work at San Haven for 27, she was a cleaning lady,  she cleaned for Dr. Loeb and other people.

There were no doors for the two bedrooms so mama made curtains for doors.

One Christmas Eve when I was maybe 5, 6. After having eaten our supper the dishes were washed and put away, floor swept, the kitchen having been cleaned extra good we sat around for a while.

We were all told to go to bed and sleep or Santa won’t come, we couldn’t go to our usual places to sleep so we went to mom and dad’s bedroom knowing we would soon be awaken to open our gifts.

What kid could go to sleep with the excitement that Santa would soon be here.  Knowing what we knew,  my brother and I knelt on the bed peeking through the curtains which were opened a bit, just enough to see pretty good.

We could see the door leading outside. It opened!  There stood dad, mom! And Santa!  Carrying a sled!

The sled was my brothers,  I got a black bear with a white face.

This was a memorable Christmas for me,  I got to see Santa Claus!

I didn’t tell anyone I saw Santa until way later in life, and it was my kids I told it to.

Merry Christmas to all and to all I ask.  Did you ever see jolly old Saint Nick? The real one!

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of 1965 a most wonderful year!

Pictures posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (398) posted on March 15, 2009

1943: Corbin and Luella Woodward Pritchard with my mother Elaine Woodward Stokes.

My Mother and Luella Pritchard were sisters. This picture was taken when my dad was in the Army during WWII.

When our dad got drafted into the army, Luella went to stay with our mother on the Stokes farm in the Ackworth community. During this time Luella taught school at Acworth. It was there where she met their neighbor, Corbin Pritchard. Corbin and Luella were married in 1943. In 1944 Luella died, from TB, in San Haven. Corbin then met and married Doris smith the mother of their three children Bill, Cheryl and Keith. Since Corbin was my uncle, even if we are not blood related, Bill Cheryl and Keith are my cousins.

Corbin Pritchard was a real gentleman type guy too. He and Doris owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years. With each of my trips back, each summer to the area, when Corbin would see me he’d always took the time to shake my hand and visit. Most often I’d see him in Tommy’s café.

Bill is a mirror image of his dad too and I am sure with his gentleman characteristics.

I saw Keith, very often, this past July at the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau when he was giving Physical Therapy to Eleanore Fauske  and Angus Campbell. Keith, like his dad, is such a gentleman, super friendly and nice too. He is an excellent Physical Therapist too.

             Elaine Stokes            Luella and Corbin Pritchard

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Blog (397) posted on March 14, 2009

03/14/2009

Posted on March 14, 2009

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Blog (397) posted on March 14, 2009

Happy birthday Ivy Eller Robert (’74)
Message from Ivy:  Bottineau, ND

Today, December 12th, is my 60th Birthday. I know that there were many people in my class that had their Birthdays in December as well. I just don’t remember who was on what day…….all I know is I would like to say a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone in the class of 74, who has their Birthdays this month.

It is so unbelievable to think that the people I graduated with have been around for 6 decades, WOW! (I hope we still have a few more to see before we are gone).
Just to sit & think about all the things that have happened & all of the thing that have been invented and manufactured since 1955 is mind blowing sometimes.
Well, I had planned to take a drive and explore the area for my Birthday, however it’s raining…………At lease I am not in the snow and cold of North Dakota. My sister Julie decided this year to winter in Southern New Mexico. We are in Alamogordo area. We just didn’t realize it’s 4000 feet up & not as warm as we would like it to be. Great area to explore, but I want warm, so we just might go back to Arizona, to the same place as we have been the last two winters.
Hope everyone has wonderful holidays & Grand New Year.

Ivy (Eller) Robert ’74

Reply to Dale Pritchard’s (63) question
From Rod Hiatt (’69):  Bottineau, ND

Gary

In response to Dale’s question on the TV show, I believe it was the Pat Beardstail show he was talking about. I remember watching that all the time with my Grandpa John and old Mr. Abrahamson that lived just west of his house. Granddad always liked the girl that sang Little Bitty Tear let me Down.

Brings back the good memories of growing up in Dunseith

Reply to Dale Pritchard’s (63) question
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

I recall a show with local talent being broadcasted on one of our Minot stations.  Although I don’t remember who performed.  I remember another show with Pat Bearsdale or Bearstail. I’m thinking it was country and western music. Probably not local singers.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

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Blog (396) posted on March 14, 2009

Cebu City SM Mall

This picture was taken several days ago while we were shopping in the Mall. We ran into Dimple, the girl on my left, so we took a picture.  She is a former girlfriend of Bernadette’s nephew.

                      Mirasol         Novie  Gary/Bernadette     Dimple

Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA

Gary,

All the “posts” about music lately reminded me of a TV program in the late 50s – early 60s.  There was a TV channel out of Minot that invited musically talented folks to be on TV live and play some of their music and sing if they were so inclined.  One of the best on the program was a guy from Belcourt, I think.  There was also a father and his 10 year old (?) son from somewhere around Minot who were really good.  The father played a double-necked guitar and his son had a regular guitar.  Does anyone remember anything about this program?  I think it was on a Saturday or Sunday.

Dale Pritchard

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (395) posted on March 13, 2009

Posted on March 12, 2009

Dean Lamb (’70) and Joanne Millang (’70):
Not sure of the occasion or the year?

Orvin Hagen. We miss him dearly too. He passed away in August 2013 at the age of 92.

Ed Milligan – Forestry History teacher

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Blog (393) posted on March 11, 2009

Posted on March 11, 2009

A couple of photos from Dewy Morinville’s (72) Face Book pa
Thanks Dewy.

Johnny Myers

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Blog (392) posted on March 10, 2009

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03/10/2009

Posted on March 10, 2009

Reply from Alan Boguslawski (’65):  Vancouver, WA.

Happy Anniversary Gary and Bernadette!!  I admire you!

Alan Boguslawski

Thank you Alan,
It is great hearing from you. I have often thought about you too. Now we know you are alive and assuming well too. I am assuming you are probably retired now, enjoying your Yacht. If possible, we’d love for you to sail to the Philippines too.
Gary

Rely from Ralph and Luella Boardman Bjornseth (’49):  Bottineau, ND

Happy Anniversary!  Great picture of you  guys.  Hope Bernadette is feeling better again now.  Tell her HI from us.

Thanks Luella and Ralph.

Gary

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

Gary and Bernadette,

Beautiful bride and handsome groom,  very nice picture.   Happy Anniversary!   Hope you two have a beautiful time at your anniversary dinner.

Ginger

Thanks Ginger
Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher):  Hutto, TX

Happy Anniversary to you two.  Enjoy your day together and may they be many, many more.

Bob Lykins

Thanks Bob,
Gary

Reply to Bernadette (Wedding picture)
From Elve Hill Fuchs: Bismarck, ND

Beautiful !!

Thanks Elve.
Yes that is beautiful picture of Bernadette.
Gary

North Dakota
Posting from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi  Gary,  It  was  interesting  reading  all  the  comments  about  North  Dakota…… I  think  I  might  have  shared  this  story  a  few  years  back, but  I  will  share  it  again  for  the  benifit  of  those  who  havent  heard  it, and  feel  a  bit  put  off   with  the negative slights by  whoever.   A  few  years  back  I  went  out  to  breakfast  with  a  friend  of  mine  at  a  popular  restaurant (Shoney’s) near  the  Charlotte  Motor Speedway  on  race  week-end.I  just  happened  to  be  wearing  my  white  North  Dakota Centennial  jacket. Shoney’s  was  packed  the  waiting  line  was  long, but  race  fans  are  99.9  country   folks,  so  the  wait  was  friendly  and  interesting. Our  name  was  finally  called  and  as  we  worked  our  way  through the  crowd  to  our  seat, I  heard  someone  holler  out, “Hey  North Dakota!!!  as  I  turned to  see  who  hollered,  this  truck  driver  waved  and  hollered, “I  drive  truck  in  that area, prettiest  country  you’ll  ever  see”  I  smiled  and  waved, and  the  people  smiled  back.  Another  time  I  was  up  in  Gatlinburg  Tennessee  where  me  and  friends  would  get  together  to  go  do  New Years  every  year. Again  I  was  wearing  my  North  Dakota Centennial  jacket, as  we  were walking  down  the  street  New  Years  Eve night. The  traffic  was  bumper to bumper and  moving slowly. Pretty  soon  a  car  went  by  with  this  guy  hanging  half  way  out  the  window  and  hollered as  he  waved “Hey  North  Dakota!!!  The  nicest people  you  could  ever  meet, I  waved  back  and  hollered  “Yes  we  are!!!   All  at  once  everyone  one  around  me  wanted  to  claim  me  with a Whoo!!!  Whoo!!!……. So  with  that  bit  of  a  holiday  story,  I  would  like  to  take  the  time  to  thank  you  Gary  for  the  blog, and  to  wish  you  and  Bernadette, and  all  the  Dunseith  bloggers  a  very  Merry  Christmas &  Happy  New  Years  with  every  thing  “Good”  that  the  Lord  can  bless  you  all with  this  Holiday  Season.  Aggie 😉

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Blog (391) posted on March 9, 2009

03/09/2009

Posted on March 9, 2009

Gary and Bernadette Stokes’ 37^th Wedding Anniversary

Folks,

Today is our 37^th Wedding Anniversary. Bernadette wanted to go to the new mall today that  open last week. Of course if we went there Novie and Mirasol would have to go along to assist Bernadette. Anyway the girls talked their Tita (aunt) Bernadette into going to the new mall tomorrow instead. They told her that just the two of us should go out for a special dinner this evening. She listened to them too, but not me. She wants to go Maya’s for a Mexican dinner, so that is  where we are going.

Gary

Reply to picture
From Dewey Morinville (’72):   Dunseith, ND

Gary the man sitting next to dad (Joe Morinville is Oscar Hagen. He married our cousin myrtle daughter Emmy

Dewey,
Oscar was a brother to Orville and Clifford Hagen. John and Agnes Hagen were their parents.  They live 1.5 miles south of us and a half mile west.  From the time I can remember back  too Oscar had already left home, so I never knew him.  He sure looks like a Hagen though. Oscar is on our distribution too. Not sure if he is reading them though.
Gary

                      Oscar Hagen and Joe Morinville

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Blog (390) posted on March 8, 2009

03/08/2009

Posted on March 8, 2009

 Happy Birthday Don Boardman (’60): Bottineau, ND

Happy Birthday Darrel Fassett (’47):  Boynton Beach, FL

Happy Birthday Pam Fassett Faust (’47):  Lilburn, GA.

Betty Hackman Schmidt (DHS ’68) Obituary
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Larry Hackman’s Comment:
Betty left us way to soon.

Betty Ann Hackman Schmidt, 65, retired from Bank of America and previously AT&T was greeted in heaven on Sunday, November 22, 2015.

Betty was born on March 22, 1950 in Rolette, ND She was the fifth of eight children born to Clarence Hackman of Dunseith, ND and Marian Kraft Hackman, Rugby ND.

On May 23, 1969, she married Gordon Schmidt at the Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby ND and went on to raise their four children while living in Devils Lake, ND.

In 1986, the family relocated to Arizona, which she has called home ever since.

She will be truly missed by her husband, Gordon Schmidt; her four children, Pamela Schmidt Kosh, Penny Schmidt Prespentt, Gordon Schmidt Jr. and wife Melanie and Keri Schmidt; her grandchildren, Jacob and Nicole Kosh, Marcus Prespentt, Zachary and Aurora Schmidt and four legged grand-baby, Cheba.

She is also survived by her brothers, Anton, Henry, Larry and Lanny; sisters, Clarice, Rosie and Jeanne.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Marian Hackman; her in-laws, Phillip and Leona Schmidt, Rugby.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2016 in North Dakota

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Blog (389) posted on March 7, 2009

03/07/2009

Posted on March 7, 2009

Folks, I’m a bit later than normal getting today’s message out. We had a few errands to run today in conjunction with getting our plane ticket’s to go back to the states in July. July is a high season travel month from the states to the PI, so the rates are about 1.5 times higher than off peak seasons. Our travel agent here in Cebu beat any price I could find on the internet by $60. Our round trip ticket’s cost $1,290 each from Manila to Seattle. Better rates can be found departing from the states to the PI, than from the PI to the states. We are flying on Northwest airlines and will be arriving in Seattle on July 23rd at 8:55 AM. The flight time is 15:45 hours, but with the time change we will be arriving in Seattle 45 minutes later than when we left the Philippines. We will be staying at the Ramada Inn at SeaTac on July 23/24. Gary

Question from Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

Hi Gary,

Just a note, I was just thinking about a family that used to live in Dunseith. Does anyone remember the Orville Sutton family and whatever happened to them. I know there was Gail, the twins, Janet and Janice and I think few other ones in the family and I can’t remember there names. Does anyone possibly know what happened to any of them? Give my best to Bernadette and also you. You know that, Have a good day.

Esther

Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, I do believe we have some CD’s left or if the need be I can get some more made. By all means let me know and I will see what I can do! Thanks! I will attach a song that was on the album and written by my dad.

Alan, I listened to the song you attached to the message you sent me that was written by you Dad. It’s beautiful! It’s a crystal clear recording, very professionally done. The file size is a bit large to be attaching to one of these daily messages, but for those that like, they can request a copy from either you or me. We may be able to get Bill Grimme to post some of these songs too. You’ve got some beautiful music there that will for sure bring back memories to many. Gary

Radiation treatment update from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau ND

Hi Friends/Relatives,

Thanks for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf; they are working. I have now had three radiation treatments, only 33 left! Ha! I’ll have treatments 5 days a week, except for holidays, or if for some reason, I can’t make it. I should be finished about April 22, or so.

As those of you who have experienced radiation treatments know, there is no pain with the actual treatment. To have my breast positioned exactly correct, my body is in a position I don’t usually use–arm stretched above my head/body lying so my back is in a kind of twisted position. On “planning day”, a cast was made of how my body would be positioned for treatments, and many marks were drawn on the upper right portion of my body. That day, my fingers went numb first, and later my hand/arm started to go numb. I was such a wimp! I felt like a new recruit in boot camp! Ha! The next day was better, as it didn’t take nearly as long. Today, they didn’t need to take x-rays, so the treatment didn’t take as long as it did yesterday. It will all be fine.

I’m in Bottineau tonight (After my treatment today, I came directly to Bottineau.). I’ll be here until Sunday (later in the day), or until Monday about noon. My appoints are at 2:30, so IF I get my body out of bed and get going, getting to Minot by 2:30 shouldn’t be a big deal. Ha!

I’m going to visit my mom at Good Samaritan tomorrow, and on Sunday, I’m planning to attend the music event at the Senior Center her in Bottineau. Highway 43 (Bottineau Group) and musicians from Frozen Fingers organization in Minot, are performing at 2:00. It’s open to everyone, so if you live “fairly close to Bottineau”, come to the program on Sunday and spend the day with many other friends who enjoy country/old-time music. Senior Citizens are serving lunch. I don’t know if it will be free-will donations; items marked individually, or how it will be handled.

All for now.

Neola

Reply to the ND video from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I was amused and yet disgusted by the video on traveling to North
Dakota! The TYPE of people asked, “Would you go to North Dakota” or
“Where would you least like to go?”, happen to be the TYPE we don’t have
here and I think it’s great that we don’t! I watch the Weather Channel,
headquartered in NY City, and they think that Cleveland, Ohio is way out
in the midwest! It’s no wonder they have no concept of the midwest, when
the farthest west they seem to have dared travel is western
Pennsylvania! It is also good they don’t come out here in the
summer—we probably couldn’t get rid of them! The colder climate is
what has built a decent and hardy lot and has also kept us from becoming
like those who belittle us and our way of life! To the producers I say,
“Thanks for staying in NY!” In a more serious tone, thanks Bill and Gary!

Dick

Dick, I was thinking the same thing of the folks selected for interviews, when viewing that video. They did not select a true representation of the ND folks to be interviewed in this video. The John Doe’s selected did not appear to be very knowledgeable of the jobs they are holding. We know that’s not the case. Gary

MILDRED PARRILL’S 90TH BIRTHDAY
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Saturday, December 5th 2-4PM
Oak Manor in Bottineau

No gifts or card.  Just come and enjoy cake & coffee & sign the guest register. If you can’t make it, I know she would enjoy email messages or a note from her friends and former students.  Emails can be sent to me at  espe@utma.com.  Snail mail can be sent to 823 Railroad Ave., Apt #29, Bottineau, ND  58318.

Mildred (Mom) taught school a total of 36 years of which 28 were at Dunseith Public.  She began her career in Dunseith with 37 first graders in 1955. (This was my class of ’67.) The following year they gave her 39 students (Class of 68).  She only lasted until Christmas as my brother Joel was born in Feb 1957.  Her break lasted three years and she returned to teach 2nd grade in Feb 1960 where she stayed until retirement in 1986.  In the early 60s the classes were split to have two and later three teachers per grade. Before Dunseith she taught country school near Sawyer, the Medrud and Butte schools in Bottineau County, at Russell, ND and at Wetherelt (Rolette County) the summer of 1955.

Mom (Mildred Nelson) graduated from 8th grade in 1938 (age 12).  She skipped a grade, but then had to stay home a year to earn money for books.  She and her sister Marie Parrill roomed in town at the Riverside Hotel and later at Mrs. Bedard’s.  She graduated from DHS in 1943.  She attended Minot State where she graduated four times-with a 6 week rural certificate, one year rural, two year life time standard, and finally a BS in elementary education. Students from her earlier days remember her red hair.

Her favorite hobbies now are reading, reading, reading- mostly nonfiction and especially biographies, watching NFL (Vikings/Bears) and NBA (Lakers/Bulls) and playing whist.

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Blog (388) posted on March 6 , 2009

Folks, With all that Dick provides with these daily messges, The name “Dick Johnson” has become very familiar to most all of us. For those of you in the area, here’s your chance to see Dick & Brenda. I am reposting Dick’s message as a reminder of the entertainment He and Brenda, along with the Frozen Fingers group from Minot, will be providing this Sunday at the senior center in Bottineau. There is no admission charge. What a deal for some great entertainment. Gary Brenda & Dick Johnson Dick Johnson’s message (68): Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends,I should have been more precise. The Frozen Fingers group from Minot, which we belong to, is joining us for a jam session in Bottineau, at the Senior Center on Main Street every second Sunday of each month. The first jam session is planned for March 8 at 1 PM. It’s open to the public at no charge and the Senior Citizens will be providing the lunch. At this time I’m not sure if the lunch is free will or if items are priced, but either way it will be great! There will be pickers and singers from all over the area taking turns playing all kinds of music . It should be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there! Dick Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) permission to post:Dickinson, ND Yes, do, Gary, on both accounts; Dad’s obituary and my wordy last note. Black ice this earlier am but now shows 34 degrees; just don’t jump to conclusions about weather in March or any other time for that matter. I find myself nearly turning to go to the NH some mornings. That is probably not unusual as the grieving process goes on. I once thought I knew a bit about aging, dying, grieving, etc. We are never ready. I am so impressed by YOUR ability to ferret out information, Gary. Again, yes, post what ever I write to YOU or that YOU are able to find rellative to the remaining Sticklands that grew up in Dunseith. We all started out in that locale, Grandmother May Striker grew up just south of the Peace Gardens, Grandfather Lee came to ND from Indiana. Lee ( leland–stick–sticky) Robert Elmer Stickland The Dickinson Press Published Saturday, February 28, 2009 Robert Elmer Stickland, 87, Dickinson, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Robert’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Mr. Martin Wilson and Mr. John Simons officiating. Spring interment will take place at the Dickinson Cemetery, with a military flag presentation to follow the service and will be provided by the Dickinson Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to service time on Saturday at Ladbury Funeral Service. Robert was born to Edward Lee Stickland and May (Striker) Stickland on July 6, 1921 near Dunseith. Following two years of high school, Robert joined the Civil Conservation Corps and served in North Dakota, Arizona and Utah. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation metal smith in the U.S. and Panama. After the war, he worked as a Rural Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 plus years. In 1944, he met Irene Adams. They were married in Ayer, Mass. on May 3, 1945 while he was stationed at a Naval Air Base in Quonset Point, R.I. They later made their home in Dunseith where they lived for 31 years. In 1976 they retired to Bozeman, Mont., then transitioned to Dickinson in 1992 and have remained there ever since. Irene preceded Robert in death on April 17, 2002. They have three sons, Lee of Dickinson, Darrel of Blaine, Minn., and Dean of Olympia, Wash.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard; and three sisters, Doris, Joy and Marian. Robert and Irene met God’s servants in the fall of 1949 and made their decision to follow Christ’s teachings in the spring of 1951. Their lives have been enriched with the love and care of family and many friends. Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) reply to Gary: Dickinson, ND Gary, I was Stick to many in HS, my grandfather Edward Lee Marchant’ Stickland was called Lee. I found that saying Leland Stickland on the phone when attempting to successfully communicate with strangers was a mouth full. The migration to Lee took some time and was assisted by my having nursing home in varying locales; three homes in ND/// Dunseith, Dickinson and Mandan. I worked with Dickinson and Mandan at the same time as they are less than 100 miles apart. I was in Wis with 9 different homes at the outset and also at Boise ID. My self-imposed moniker was thought to be actual. Much of my mail is Lee. My passport is Leland as is the drivers’ license; when we fly I must be sure to have all names as Leland or I could left behind. Yes, there was an good obit of Dad, written by Dean, following the format of Mom’s Darrel’s name is as appears here. He is Doc to many but his name in the MPLS area is Darrel; a reverse of circumstances that ensued for me. I was and am Mr Lee much of the time, esp when I practiced MBWA (Management by wandering around) in the homes that I was responsible for. No one ever worked for me, we all worked with and together. I will send a cc of the obit shortly, have not made all of the rounds yet locally to thank folks for all each did for Dad so have been doing that. My apartment is a typical bachelor dwelling in order but not definitely so, thus things are here and there. I will also send a cc of the editorial that I wrote and that just happened to appear in the local paper on the day of Dad’s funeral, February 28, 2009. There is no convenient time to die and it is not easy to say good bye. Dad asked to see my girl friend, Gloria, on the morning of the day he died. He and she had shared some “secrets” and were fast friends. Dad had recently been sent to the ER more often. At these time we would go to the hosp and meet him there. This time I was called for OK to send him to the ER. About 7 minutes later, I was called back to be informed that he had died at the nursing home. And times moves on. Lee Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN Hi Gary, Frank Poitra is my grandfather and if possible I would like to get a copy of that article written about him. I have listened to many artists from the Turtle Mountains and have to say there is so much talent that I would love to go to a jamboree with nothing but the Turtle Mtn Artists. For those of you who do not know me, my father was the late Gary Poitra, he was the youngest of Grampa Franks children and I am so proud of the music played by my father and uncles. I cannot tell you how many house parties, weddings, anniversaries that I have sat and listened to my father and uncles play their hearts out. They were well known around the Rolette County and other counties and played many a nights at many bars and events. Like the Metcalfe’s, the Poitra’s were a talented family and the gift was passed on down to many of the children (Rodney, Ron, Stuart, Daren, Timmy, Gary Jr). For those of you that knew the Poitra music, you can attest to the fine country sound that came out. As they grew older, they did not always play together but when a family get together was in place, you can be guaranteed that their would be some good old fashion music and we love to dance!!. Like the article mentioned, the Poitra family was quite huge and when we got together with relatives and friends it was quite the party. I would also like to mention that my father in his earlier years did play with a band from Bottineau called ‘Cindy and the Turtle Mtn Boys’, they were well known also, and recorded a album which was sold around the area. I did see that there was an article about Scotty Thompson also, his wife Cindy and Roger Thingsvold, along with my father were recorded on this album. At the request of my father I did reproduce this album on a CD so he could share with friends and relatives at their request. My uncle Darrel also recorded a 45 that was very good. I do live in Minneapolis and do get over to see my uncle Francis every now and then, and he still loves to play the violin and sing, so that brings back so many memories of my father and uncles. It can be very comforting to put on “Mule Skinner Blues” and listen to my father sing. I wish I could have taped many sessions of the family get together’s. My hat is off to all those talented people from the Turtle Mountains, their music is and will be remembered for many years to come! Thank you for bringing back some cherished memories!!! May the music memories of my father Gary, uncles Darrell, Leo, Irvin, Lloyd (aunt Clarines husband), Dominic (aunt Mildred’s husband), Francis, and uncle Alfred.and last but not least my Grandfather Frank live on forever.. Alan Poitra (class of 76) Allen, You mentioned Thelma Thompson. Scotty and Thelma were very close friends, for many years, of my Dad’s brother Emil (Lillian) Petterson. Scotty worked for about a half century at the Bottineau creamery. Scotty is deceased, but Thelma is still living in Bottineau. Are any of these recordings or CD’s that you mentioned, available for folks to purchase. My uncle Emil did a little jamming with Scotty/Thelma, Ken Severson and Ole Bursinger over the years too. Gary Reply from Lyle Olson (75) – Lorraine Metcalfe’s son: West Fargo, ND Gary:I sure have enjoyed the many memories of the greatest band to ever come out of Dunseith. I saw Travis Metcalfe’s e-mail about the band and immediately remembered the band singing “It’s a Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Junior. That was Travis’ favorite song if I remember correctly, and the girls would play it as many times as Travis wanted to hear it. My favorite song from the band was “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. Great memories to be sure. I was surprised to see the newspaper clips of my mother and Uncle Jack. I note that one of the pictures encompassed a time when she played with Blanche Hunt, Lorraine Haggerty, Jack Metcalfe and others. That band’s name was the “Country Travelers” and they focused more on bluegrass. Although my mother played in many bands, my favorite was the “Turtle Mountain Stump Jumpers”. That band included my mother and Ole Bursinger as the corp and many others depending on who was home and available. Ole and Glynnis would always stop at the house for a bite to eat (and other libations) after the band got back to Dunseith and many times the music would continue until late in the morning. I especially remember the house parties at my grandparent’s (Bill and Mary Metcalfe) home. The kitchen table was moved to the corner so people could dance and the grandchildren would gather around an air vent in the upstairs and watch everyone dance and have a great time! Thanks for all you do Gary! Lyle Olson ND Video from Bill Grimme (65):BIRMINGHAM, AL Gary, Your friends in the PI will probably enjoy this. Actually, pretty funny. Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6c8bYq9Ve8 Bill, This is very a interesting Video, so I decided to post it for everyone’s enjoyment. The folks here in the PI have no idea what snow and cold is. March & April are the hottest months here. Instead of day time highs near 89F, it’s closer to 92F for these two months. Surprisingly those extra couple of degrees are very noticeable. Gary