Second anniversary:

Folks, Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the this daily blog. I have 717 published messages in the Dunseith Alumni folder. We didn’t start the numbering at first. With vacations etc, I missed a few days publishing too. You folks have done a marvelous job keeping this going. Now we will start year three with today’s blog. It’s amazing how well connected we have become. We currently have in excess of 600 on our daily distribution all around the globe. I know there are many forwards from those this is sent to everyday too. Pretty amazing for a small ND town. Gary

Holiday greetings:

From Esther Murray Fleming (65):Flint, MI

Just thought I would take a minute to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Not too much time to say anything now, as I have to get busy and get my dinner started. So, have a safe and a really great new year.

Love you all

Esther

Art & Laura Fassett Halvorson’s marriage date:

From Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Sharron Gottbreht Shen said she had the marriage date of Art Halvorson and Laura Fassett, but could not find it, so I will save here the trouble looking for it it was January 8, 1935. It is in the family bible that we have.

Floyd

Reply from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN

Gary what a bunch of beautiful children. And it appears they must think you and Bernadette are Mr and Mrs Clause! It sure looks like you all have been busy. I’m sure you have a wonderful Christmas. It is around 30 degrees here and getting more snow. So we will have a very white Christmas

Jan, Reading the weather reports, they are advising no travel for the majority of the State of ND. It looks like you guys didn’t get hit quite as hard with the midstate storms. That may have changed by now though? Gary

Hill Side School:

Message/Picture form Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND.

Hi Gary

Merry Christmas to everyone! Since I found this blog from my 2nd. grade picture being forwarded to me I am sending another picture to see if anyone knows who these girls are. I am guessing the picture of Hill Side School was taken about 1943 so the girls would be in their mid 70’s by now. I remember going with my mother to this school during the summer but I do not remember if it was only run during the summer because of bad winters or if this was just a summer make up session. I remember being at this school during a very bad storm the killed cows and I think one or two people. The burn marks on the Ellsworth School picture are from me putting the picture in to a lamp socket that was plugged in, until the picture would start to smoke. My Mom said I did this to 8 pictures with out getting a shock or starting a bad fire. I sometimes wonder how I ever lived to be 72 years old. We leave for Mesa, AZ next week so warm it up down there.

Larry Liere

Question from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Gary, How close are you and Bernadette to that volcano? I’m curious. I just saw some pictures of it erupting and the dangers. Hope you aren’t close to it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE. Sybil Johnson

Sybil, I forgot to answer your question yesterday. Fortunately we are not affected by the Volcano. This volcano is about 200 miles north of us. With the latest news, it’s on the brink of eruption. Gary

Merry Christmas from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here is sunny Arizona our weather will be sunny and temps in the high 50’s. Alot better than ND temps. We are looking forward to Christmas with our children and our first grandchild Joey who is 10 1/2 months. Happy Holidays.
Jean

Art & Emeline Pigeon Richard:

Reply from Dick Johnson (67): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

To Allen Richard—Your folks were a very nice looking couple! It
would appear those Frenchmen really liked their ’41 Chevys, three in the
same picture! Maybe, with the heavy French accent, it was easier to say
‘Chevrolet’. Just kidding! As I was growing up (still in the process), I
remember your Dad always driving a Buick. He probably had other makes
too, but it seems to me he liked Buicks. Thanks for the pictures and
story. Merry Christmas to all. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND.

Gary:

This video is a wonderful tribute to all soldiers and should be viewed by as many people as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM

Diane Fugere

Diane, This is a wonderful Tribute to our soldiers this Christmas day. Thank you for sharing. Gary

Message/Pictures from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
I hope this comes through okay. I know for those still living in ND this may not seem so bad, but for us, this was quite a storm. Only one other time in the 39 years we’ve lived here, have we gotten more snow in one storm. The attached photo was taken from inside our breakfast nook and looks out over the back yard, the dock and the creek. You can see the railing for our deck on the left and it has several inches piled up on it. I took this and other photos while it was still snowing on Saturday. We got at least four more inches after I took the photos.
Keith

Gary,
Again, I hope this comes through okay. This was taken at the same time the other photo was taken, and it shows the front of our house. I had shoveled some of the drive and while I was shoveling, it kept on snowing so you can see how much additional piled up while I was shoveling. Note the build up on the vehicles too. The weather has been in the high 30’s and low 40’s all this week so plowing has went well and the overall depth has melted down some. But, we will clearly have a “white” Christmas this year. Looks like parts of ND is in for it tonight, so they too may enjoy a white Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!
Keith

Message/Pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

Yes Bill, the Fassetts and the Boucher and the Gottbrehts have been friends and neighbors for as long as there has been a Rolette County. I have two pictures scanned that I promised to Susan Fassett so I shall post them this morning. I also have a graduation picture of Laura Fassett as well, taken about 1937. Somewhere I have the exact marriage date of Art Halvorson and Laura Fassett with their witnesses, Frank Higgins Jr and Arla Gottbreht circa 1940. My hunt through old notes failed; there must be some readers that have the facts. I know that my mother and Arla Gottbreht sent Christmas best wishes to these two close friends forever. I am sure Hanna Higgins Loeb will confirm the identity of her half brother Frank Higgins. Cleora Fassett, a close friend of Alma Boucher was the same age and Russell Twp neighbor Dale Gottbreht; his sister Arla was the same age as Kathleen Fassett Grimme! Sure glad you made this association for me Bill.

You might also enjoy pictures of Alice Fassett who married Albert Boucher. I long to have a picture of John Gottbreht’s first wife, Helen Fassett, also of Thorne. Do you know Bruce Fassett of California who maintains a Fassett History web page? I think Gary will paste that address for any interested.

Blessings on you and yours, Sharron

Follow up message from Sharon:

I hope you declared a holiday for yourself! Thanks always for all you do.

Corrections: I should never rely on my poor memory!

1. John Gottbreht was married to Myrtle E Fassett, daughter of Elihu Smith and his first wife; I think her last name was LEE.

2. Pearl Fassett was daughter of Ales and Anna Hughes

3. Alice Fassett was daughter of Ales Chester and Lenora Mason [Ales C was son of Wesley]

I tried to contact Bruce Fassett but mail returned.

Merry Christmas, Sharron

Art Halvorson, Laura Fassett, Hector Boucher

1940
Back: Frank Higgins Jr and Arla Gottbreht circa
Front: Art & Laura Fassett Halvorson

Christmas at the Stokes house in the Philippines:

These are Bernadette’s Great Nieces, Nephews and our helpers 3 kids waiting to get

their Christmas packages.The packages these kids get from us are the only packages

they get at Christmas. They were all waiting outside when we got up on the 24th.

These kids all live in our compound.

Bernadette’s 3 year old Great Niece, Elizabeth, with her packages. She’s the little

computer girl that I mentioned several days ago.

Her Grandpa was Bernadette’s Brother that recently passed away.

Elizabeth’s little 6 year old brother, Joshua.

Joshua wearing his new clothes that he received in the packages above.

Princes, our little dog loves kids.

Elizabeth and Joshua’s mother, Mirasol. She is married to Bernadette’s nephew, Joseph.

Bernadette’s Neice, Novie, with her little boy and husband Louie. Novie’s mother, Berlinda, is Bernadette’s sister who lives next door.

Grace with her packages. Grace’s father is a brother to Bernadette’s sister’s husband.

They live next door. Grace is 7 years old. Grace’s father earns about $140/month with a

job he has had for years. Her brother also earns about $140/month with a job he recently

made permanent status with. They are a family of 7 with Grace being the youngest.

They manage to live on these two salaries. There are times that the going gets very tight,

but they make it.

These are our Helpers, Tata & Aldren (Husband & Wife). Tata’s sister, Gaga, also

works for us. Aldren is a brother to Bernadette’s sister’s husband who lives next door.

Aldren and Tata take good care of us 24/7. They have been with us since the year

before we moved here 7 years ago.

Thank You:

From Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): Farimount, ND

Gary,

I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who attended the prayer service and funeral for my sister, Bev. It was truly wonderful to see so many family and friends and hear the incredible stories about Bev. She was a loving, generous person who opened her home to all. You could do no better than to have Bev as your sister and friend.

My parents died long before my daughters could get to know them. Megan was with me, and she was so moved to have so many people speak to her about Bev and my parents.

Thanks again to everyone.

Toni Morinville Gredesky

Reply to yesterday’s message:

From Pam Fassett Faust (65): Lilburn, GA

Gary – Isn’t it kinda scary? These kids can access information and can find stuff that we never in our wildest dreams even thought about. When we were “kids”, we played ball, chased each other around, ran the neighborhood, rode our bikes, spent time with friends, annoyed our parents and our friends parents (and were disciplined by them in many cases), and were just kids being kids. The internet is a wonderful thing, but I don’t think it’s best for the children. Kids need to be kids (or maybe that’s just an “old fashioned” way of thought). Since I have no children, maybe I’m just being too paranoid. But I wonder about “the way of the world”, so to speak. Thanks for all you do on this blog. We all appreciate you.

Pam

Reply from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary / Dale

Yes, Dale, I was disappointed that I missed you. Your mom said you walked in about a half hour after I walked out.

Question – If Andrew Bergan was Clayton’s grandfather what was his dad’s name? I had always thought Oscar and Clayton were cousins. Also regarding the cabin on the picture- I thought it could have been a root cellar. That is a garden hoe in Bergan’s hands and it must have been his building as he wouldn’t take the hoe to visit a neighbor.

zI pulled the Bottineau County Atlas to see if I could find anything of interest cause I knew there was a Bergan Lake somewhere out there. I’m sure those Lakes derive their names from the first homesteaders. I found it right north of Peterson Lake. I wonder if that Peterson Lake is where Sam Peterson’s place was only the spelling differs from the name Gary mentioned (Pederson). This is also the case with the Bergan vs Bergen lake. Brian and Carrie Johnson live a little to the NE of Peterson Lake on the north side of the road and it looks like Bergan Lake would be right behind their house. Paulette Efimenko lives right on the west side of Bergan lake. I’ll send more pictures as I run across them. Mary K

Mary, Clayton Bergan’s dad was Louis. Louis, Oscar, Bertha (Erick) Bjornseth & Julia Trent were siblings. In my day, Erick and Bertha lived west and a little north of where you live, several miles east of Salem church. Julia Trent lived in Bottineau. Julia was very well known in the Bottineau community. Julia’s daughter, Barbara Trent Riehm, lives in San Diego, CA. I have included a picture that Barbara sent to me of her with her husband Charles who has now passed on. I am including Barbara with today’s message as well. She may be able to shed some light on some on these things we are talking about. I will also forward her that message with those pictures you sent a while back too.

From your description, the Bergan lake would be the lake that is located just south of the former James Johnson buildings. Melvin Pederson told me the Bergan’s lived on the west end of that lake. My guess would be that is where the lake got it’s name. I have seen Bergan spelled Bergen too. I’m sure it’s all the same family.

I always thought the Pederson family name was spelled Peterson too, until I was putting together the Ackworth Cemetery list. Olaf Pederson (1861-1938), Sam’ dad is buried in Ackworth. I’m assuming he was the original Pioneer of that family. Melvin Pederson told me their family originally lived on the south side the Pederson/Peterson lake. Most maps list that lake with the spelling “Peterson”.

I’m thinking that is probably a spelling error that has been copied over and over.

I just looked at the original homestead listing of Willow lake Township and it lists Olaf Person as the owner of the 1/4 section adjacent to Pederson/Peterson lake. I know that Person is a misspelling. It should be Olaf Pederson. It also lists Louis Bergan as the owner of 1/4 section one mile north of the Ackworth cemetery, now owned by the Fauske’s. Gary

Charles and Barbara Trent Riehm

The following pictures/messages were previously posted with message 207 on August 30, 2008

Picture/Message from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA

Picture was sent to me today from my cousin’s wife Tangee Brunsell of Bottineau, guess there are free Wondrasek photos at the museum in Bottineau. Rachel Berube’s wedding 1965

Evie Pilkington

949-246-6984

RACHEL BERUBE, CECILE BERUBE, AND EVIE GOTTBREHT 1965

Picture/Message from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA

Hi Gary,

I wanted to share this picture of my Mom and Dad, thought my old friends would enjoy it. This was taken, summer of 1938, in Thorne, ND – my Mom was raised in Thorne. This was the summer before they married. I especially miss them the month of August. Dad died suddenly Aug 29, 1961, 45 years old and Mom died Aug 15, 2005, 88 years old. They produced 8 children, 35 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and counting……

Thanks Gary

Evie

Alma and Dale Gottbreht 1938

Reply from Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62): Elk River, MN

Hi Gary,
I’m up at Nancy Hosmer’s place. She showed me the picture
taken so long ago. The kids names’ are from left to right are
Dawn,Teri, Kelly and Todd. Order of birth, Todd, Dawn, Teri and
Kelly. When Kelly was five, we had Heather. Who knew way back
when we would have twenty grandchildren and one great
grandchild. Mike remembers your Dad having to pull him out of
the ditch, once. I think he had to pull Dad out, too. Folks are
coming to Mn. with us for a few weeks. We will enjoy catching up
on the e-mails. Thanks a lot, Sandra

Pictrue L to R:
Back: Sandra & Mike
Front: Todd, Dawn, Teri & Kelly

Albert & Eller families:

Reply from Ivy Eller Rober’t (74): Everett, WA.

My Mom and Dad were Herman & Emma Eller. Dad was married to Laura Azure Eller first, she died after giving birth to a son named Thomas. He was pre-mature, 3 months early. He died when he was a week old. Laura had gotten a sever infection, complications from the birth. She died 3 weeks after Thomas did. They are buried at St. Anthony’s Church Cemetery, approximately 5 miles east of Dunseith, along with Rose, who died when she was nine. Laura & Dad had 9 children together, Gladys, Leonard, Herman Jr., Elizabeth, Leo, Margaret, Richard, Rose & Thomas. A couple of years after Laura’s death, Dad married my mother Emma Albert (Father: George Albert, Mother: Agnes Warren Albert). She was the only child. Mom & Dad had four girls, Julie Eller Dahl, Carol Eller Djarlais, Bonnie, & me (Ivy). Mom died in 1976 and a couple of years later, Dad married Georgaleen (I don’ recall her last name). Dad died in 1984 and “Georgie” died a few years later. They are buried in the ST. John Cemetery. Of the 13 children Dad had, there are only 7 of us still living. I am the youngest of the bunch. It’s funny, when most of then were alive, we haven’t ever been all in the same place at the same time.
Smiea is my Mom’s step-sister. Grandpa had went back to Syria to find a new wife a couple of years after Grandma had died in a car accident on the San Hill. It was actually right at the entrance where the gulf course is now. Grandpa’s ‘new wife’ was Fatima. Smiea is her daughter. Grandpa died in 1979. Him, Grandma, & Mom are all buried together at Riverside Cemetery. Fatima died about 3 years ago, according to Smiea and is buried some where in Canada near where she lives. I lost touch with Smiea & Grandma (Fatima) after Grandpa had died. To tell the truth, I had spoke to her almost a year ago for a few minutes, then again, less than a week ago. I haven’t really gotten caught up with her on her life yet. I plan on going to visit her next summer. She lives in Grand Forks, British Columbia. (I think) I do have her number & will call for directions.
I hope this answers some of the question about my family…….

I want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR……….be safe everyone!

Obituary

Beverly Lynn Azure
(February 23, 1956 – December 6, 2009) 

Sign Guest Book|

BEVERLY AZURE

Mass Of The Christian Burial was held for Beverly Azure, age 56 of Dunseith, on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial was in the St. Louis Cemetery also in Dunseith. The Celebrant for the Mass was the Reverend Father Jeff Eppler S.O.L.T. Special music was provided by Monica Nadeau. Honorary bearers were Floyd Dion, Arnold Morgan, Craig Richards, Duane Morinville, Ken Marmon and Jerry Gredesky. Casket Bearers were Darren Opstedal, Bill Krause, Dale Juntunen, Kent Cote, Lyle Olson and Paul Messner.

Beverly Azure, a daughter of Joe and Frances (Hanson) Morinville, was born in Bottineau on February 23, 1953. She was reared in Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1972. On August 16, 1980 she was married to Clarence Azure at Dunseith. Following their marriage, they lived in various places such as, Manheim, Germany, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. She was a homemaker until 1992 when they moved back to Dunseith. Bev worked at the TMC for several years. She most recently worked at the Log House in Dunseith.

Bev enjoyed beading, painting, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed going to concerts and gardening. She taught Sunday school for several years and was an active member of the St. Michael’s The Archangel Parish in Dunseith.

Beverly passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Clarence of Dunseith; daughters, Shonda and her husband Matthew Campbell of Minot and Shannon Azure and her special friend Steve Catalano of Grand Forks; sons Cody Azure and his wife Diana, and Jason Azure both of Grand Forks; a grandson, Chris Scott of Minot; sisters, Debbie Marmon of Miles City MT and Toni Gredesky of Fairmount, ND; a brother, Duane Morinville of Dunseith.

Beverly was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents.

Replies from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Gary Stokes

Gary, it is coming back to me now, Sam Pederson was married to Jennie Handland’s sister, who must have died young and left four or five children. The ones I remember were Charles, Lowell and Paul. Charles with the curly hair was Jennie’s favorite.

To Margaret Seim Lawson

Now the story makes more sense. My dad said Eva was working on Edwin’s attitude, so she said “EDWAA, Be a good boy or you won’t be able to go see Uncle Pete.” Another one was that Pete told my dad that he exactly the same name as a very famous baseball player. He said, “My name is Pete Mosho and his name is Joe Dimosho.” For those who don’t understand French very well, the ball player was Joe DiMaggio!!

Thanks everyone. Sue and I will be gone for the next week or so. Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and wonderful family memories of Christmas 2009. Gary Metcalfe

Story from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

There is a cute movie that usually plays every Christmas Day. It’s
called ‘A Christmas Story’ and is about a kid named Ralphie who wants a
BB gun for Christmas. My BB gun story is not as good when it gets to the
ending. George and Lela Cota were working at the Peace Garden in the mid
50s and one time when we were visiting them at the caretaker’s
residence, George brought out an old BB gun that had been his son,
Gary’s, and gave it to me. I was about 6 at the time. He told Mom that
it wouldn’t shoot BBs any more but still made the noise. It was a Daisy
with a wooden stock and I was really proud of it. My grandparents lived
upstairs in our house in Dunseith and sometimes Grandma would keep an
eye on my cousins and me. One day this was the case and my cousin Doug
Warcup and I were out in the yard playing with my prize BB gun when he
asked if he could shoot it? He cocked it and aimed it and just before he
pulled the trigger, I noticed he had the lever down. This is a NO-NO
with those old guns. I said, “NO”—Bang! The lever slammed shut on his
fingers when the gun fired and put a small cut on his finger. He did
what any 5 year old would do, ran to Grandma screaming about his finger.
She did what any grandma would do, asking what happened? He said , “The
BB gun did it”. She did what most grandmas would do and assumed he had
been shot. I tried to explain but she called my grandpa up at the Garden
Tap (he was the owner) and told him I shot Doug with that damn gun. I
remember Grandpa came walking briskly down the alley and as I was trying
to explain what happened, he grabbed my BB gun and whacked it on the
ground a couple times until it flew in two pieces and then threw it in
the garbage barrel and headed back to work. That was the worst feeling I
had ever had up until that time. Everything went from bad to worse and
none of the people involved did anything they shouldn’t have done, given
the circumstances. Obviously it is burned into my memory because of the
way it all went wrong for me that day. I lost my prize possession over a
mistake. Ralphie gets his gun—I lose mine. His story is better! Thanks
Gary!

Dick

Correction to yesterday’s message from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Thank you From the Azure Family:

The Azure family would like to thank all of Bev’s friends and family for
being so supportive in our time of need. And also to those who sent kind
words, cards, and prayers not only while mom was in the hospital but also
at her wake and funeral. Also a special thank you to those who followed
Bev’s last wishes and to those who have brought figts and helped at the
luncheon and dinner. We are very thankful and appreciative for all your
kindness and friendship.

Sincerely with great thanks-
The Azure Family

From Dianne Rober’t Johnson (76): Rolla, ND.

Gary,

Thank you for doing all the postings in E-mail, it’s nice to read about the old days & any current news. I for one, really enjoy your daily postings.

Wishing you (& to everyone) a “Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year”.

Dianne Johnson

Reply to LeaRae Parrill & Ivy Eller:

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND.

Reply from Roger & Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

How are things @ the Stokes’ .I was reading the Dunseith news & By reading it I gathered you guys had alot of fun in high school.We had alot of fun during our high school days. My sister Linda, myself & one of my friends like to date some of the Forestry guys. We partied alot. We drank alot of wine. It’s a miracle none of us got picked-up for DUI’S. We were good girls during the week but sometimes naughty on the week-ends.

I talked to Evon Lagerquist last-evening & she explained to where the Stokes lived in the hills on the Ackworth road. Please excuse my spelling. I’ve been up in that country in the summer time & it’s very pretty.

take care

Connie

Folks, Connie’s dad was Leo Zorn. She is a cousin the Sharon, Myron and Marlys.

Willow Lake Road.

Folks, I am posting this picture for reference to several email messages that are posted with today’s message.

This picture, of the willow lake road, was taken on top of the Ackworth Cemetery Hill looking south. The Cemetery is to right and our former yard, the Bob Stokes farm, is to the left from where this picture was taken. Bottineau County is one mile to the west (right) on the road at the bottom of the hill. Highway 43 is one mile south from the intersection. The trees that can be seen farthest south in this picture are adjacent to Highway 43. The original site of the Ackworth School was a half mile east (left) from the intersection. In 1981 the school was moved and is now located 1/8 east from the intersection behind the trees on the left. Gary

Note: Clarence Hagen owned 3 quarters of the section of land to the south and west of the interestion. The other quarter was the Pederson place. Elmer Lindberg’s farm and property, in Bottineau county, was adjacent to the west of this section. Elmer’s sister was Alice McKay.

Sam Pederson family reply:

From Luella (Boardman 49) & Ralph Bjornseth: Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary!

You asked about Paul Pederson. He was married to Marlene Rude (Kenneth Rude’s Sister). They are divorced and Ralph thinks he is either in South Dakota or Montana. Sam Pederson’s children were Oscar (deceased), Eileen (don’t know if she is still living), Melvin, Paul and probably 2 other boys. Ralph hears from Melvin every year at Christmas time. He lives in Spokane. Mrs. Sam Pederson was a sister of Jennie Handland so any of the Handland girls could tell you the history of that family. Ralph remembers Sam as being a very big man. They evidently moved around a lot and had moved out to Washington. He came back here at one time and worked for Carris Vandel. Ralph thinks he was working for Carris when he died. I hope this answers a few of the questions.

Luella

Follow up reply from Luella:

Gary

We talked to Glen Rude this noon and he said Paul died about 10 years ago. He doesn’t remember where he was living at the time or where he is burried. Another boy in that family was Lowell and Ralph thinks he is still living. That is all for now.

Luella

Folks, The Sam Pederson Farm was located 3/4 mile west (right) and on the south side of the road from the interesection at the bottom of the hill in the picture above. The Jacob Bjornseth farm now owned by Ralph & Luella is located 1 3/4 miles west on the north side of the road from the interesection in the picture. That is where Ralph was born and raised.

Luella, This answers a whole bunch of question for me and I know others too. I had no idea that Mrs. Sam Pederson was a sister of Jennie Handland’s. I have her daughters Beverly, Muriel & Lorraine in my records, but they do not have email addresses. I found Melvin Pederson’s phone number in Spokane. I will call him in the morning, my time, before sending this message out. Thank you so much Luella and Ralph for this info. We’d love to hear more from the rest of you that knew the Pederson family too. This is one bit of history that will be captured and recorded that could have been lost. Thank you Gary Metcalfe for bringing this family to light. Gary

Pritchard Picture & the Thompson Place:

Repy from Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary,

I really enjoyed the information on the blog today. I do have a couple of
questions and a little more information. Is the little boy in the picture
with the cabin identified as Robert Pritchard the same Robert Pritchard
that lived down the road from your family and across the lake from my
family? Dorthy Pritchard’s husband? If it is then it is pretty amazing to
me to see the person I thought of as an older man when he was just a
toddler. I guess we all start out that way.

Also about the Thompson place. Was that the land straight north of where
we grew up. If I am remembering right it was the land where my father,
Norman Hiatt, would put his stock cows for summer pasture. Every so often
we would all go up to take a head count to make sure all the cattle were
okay. There were times we had to walk through the pasture to find them
all. I remember being quit young and walking with grandma Margie when we
came upon some old buildings that had not been lived in for quite a while.
Grandma Margie told me that was the house where Ella (Thompson) Pladson
had lived when she was a little girl. Grandma then went on to tell me
about what hard working and good little girls Ella and her sister were.
If I remember the story right Ella’s mother was handicap and unable to
make bread so she would tell the little girls how to do it and they had to
stand on chairs in order to make the bread because they were so little.
My memory is a long way from being reliable so if I Have this wrong please
let me and all the other readers know. In my minds eye I can still see
how the buildings looked and remember how special my grandma thought those
little Thompson girls were. Would this then be where boundary lake is
located? I remember hearing my father talk about boundary lake but I do
recall knowing exactly where it was.

There is a story that occurred which I know to be true. It happened in
the spring and we were on that family outing to check the cattle in the
North pasture or as it was sometimes referred to as the Thompson place.
As Vickie and I were walking through the woods I got tired and sat down
for awhile and got more that a little rest. As some of you might have
already guessed – wood ticks.

Some questions came up about Paul Pederson. I believe this is the same
man that worked for my dad, Norman Hiatt. This was before I can remember
but I heard many stories about him all of which were good. I believe my
parents thought a lot of him. The last time I remember seeing him was at
my cousins wedding in Montana. I do remember going to see his baby girl
that was named Marla but I do not remember his wife’s name or the name of
his in-law’s. I do think they were from the Metigoshe area and I believe
that Marla still lives in Bottineau but I do not know her last name. I
don’t think that marriage lasted very long.

As Dick always says – any additions or corrections to this information is
always welcome. As I think about this I am aware of how foggy some of my
memories are.
Marlys

Folks, Norman & Irene Hiatt, Marlys’ folks, lived 7/8 of a mile east (left) from the intersection in the picture above. The Thompson place that Marlys talks about in her message was located a mile or so north of their place. The Robert Pritchard farm was located 3/4 of a mile to the south of the intersection in the picture above. Evon Lagerquist is currently living on that place.

Marlys, you are absolutely right, that was the Thompson place located a mile or so north of your place. There are no roads other than for field roads to that area. Because there were no roads I was never back in that area. I left ND before the snowmobile days too or I would have probably explored that area in the winter on snowmobiles. Folks will have to correct me if I’m wrong, but I think, as you mentioned, that is where Ella Thompson Pladson and Esther Thompson Tangen were born and raised? Their mother was a sister to my grandfather Frank Stokes. Rab Lake is the lake in that area. Boundary lake is located a little farther west in Bottineau County. The willow lake road, going thru some fields, ends on the Canadian line. From that point, on the line, Rab lake is about one mile east, Hartley lake is located about 1 mile west and boundary lake about 2 miles west. Folks please correct me if I’m wrong.

That is the Robert Pritchard that you knew in those pictures that Mary Eurich Knutson posted yesterday.

Pritchard/Pladson relationship:

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

This is in response to Dale Pritchard’s and Mary Knutson’s recent comments and a comment from from Dale several months ago.

Dale, several months ago you mentioned to Gary Stokes, that you weren’t clear on the connections between my family (and Gary’s) and yours. I think Mary has helped to clear that up. If I remember correctly, Ida Thompson was my Mom’s Aunt on her Dad’s side. So that makes my Mom, Ella, a first cousin to your Dad, Robert (and of course Mary’s Mom, Winifred). The biggest difference was age. Since my Mom was born in March of 1923, she was 12 years younger than your Dad. I believe your Dad and my Mom’s oldest sister, Ester, were the same age. I’m not sure what the age difference was between Mary’s Mom and my Mom, but I think it was somewhat less. Interestingly, my Mom was quite close to your older sister Shirley. My siblings and I saw Shirley and her family several times while we were growing up. And Shirley continued to visit Mom often in Bottineau after my Dad, Eldon, died. That, of course, was all through my Grandfather’s family the Thompsons.

Gary Stokes’ connection to my family was through my Grandmother’s (Mom’s Mother’s) side — the Stokes’. My Mom’s Uncle, Frank Stokes, adopted Gary’s Dad, Robert.

Thank you Mary for bringing this up. Very interesting stuff.

Finally, a question to my classmate, Janet Bergan Evans. Does this mean that your ancestors lived in or near the Ackworth community?

Thanks Mary for bringing this up — very interesting.
Keith

Folks, The Eldon Pladson family, Keith’s family, moved to Keith’s mother’s sister place in about 1962, located several hundred feet to the right half way up the hill from the intersection in the above picture. Esther Tangen, sister to Keith’s mother Ella, owned that property. That property was formerly owned by Keith and my Great Grandfather, William Stokes.

Keith, you explained the relationships well. I will take a stab at answering what I know about the Bergan family. Do you remember Oscar Bergan. He and Sylvia lived several miles north and west of your place when your family lived on the Zieman place west of Salem church. Oscar was an uncle to Janet Bergan’s dad. Mrs. Erick Bjornseth, Bertha, was also a sister to Oscar and Janet’s grandfather. Erick and Bertha Bjornseth lived about 1/2 mile north of #43, 2 miles or so from the Rolette/Bottineau county line. They lived west of Sander Johnson’s. That’s all I know about the Bergan family. Janet or some of the others can maybe fill us in with the history of where the Bergan’s were raised. It must have been in that general area. Gary

Previously posted:

Subject: (471) Dunseith Alumni..
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 12:24 AM

Striker/Bergan pictures & Striker History provided by Ken Striker: Dayton OH

Wm. Striker & his children on his 81st Birthday, 1943

L to R: Georgia, Gladys Brill, Della Lockhart, Lee, Vernie, Erman, Mae Stickland, Cora Lockhart & Ellen

Gary’s comments

I think this picture was taken of Oscar & Sylvia on their golden anniversary in 1979? I’m kind of thinking they had their celebration at the Christian Center at Lake Metigoshe. This is exactly the way I remember them. They were a great couple. They had no children. Oscar was a brother to Clayton Bergan’s father. Sylvia Lockhart Bergan’s mother was a Striker. Oscar & Sylvia lived a few miles east of Lake Metigoshe and several miles north of #43. They lived close to Bernard Kavlie and Lars Sivertson. John & Pat Frykman are currently living in that area too. Gary

Oscar & Sylvia Bergan

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and All the Great Dunseith Alumni folks

I heard Bonnie Awalt Houle Christmas message this morning and I simply had to thank her for her eloquent way of describing everyone’s attachment to the members of the Alumni, and to all the wonderful people within the area as well. Thank you Bonnie. If I may, I would like to add a Merry Christmas greeting of my own. I feel very fortunate to have lived with and known so many great people such as the Awalt family. Naturally Gary, you and your wife Bernadette are also included in this wish even though you don’t have to shovel snow this Christmas. Have a super New year everyone Erling Landsverk

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Thanks, Dick, for the information about the green and red boat trailer. We spent many summer vacations at North Thomas while using that trailer as a table/buffet. Mom served “thousands” of fried perch from it. She also converted wooden orange and apple crates from the store to use as camp cupboards. All five of us used to sleep in a heavy canvas tent — Mom and Dad on one side of the pole and we three girls on the other — in big cotton & canvas sleeping bags … remember those? Another wooden orange crate used to separate us and also held a coleman lantern. We bought big blocks of lake ice kept in sawdust from a Ukranian man on the way to the lake for our cooler — 25 cents.

The days of camping pre- Gortex. I think the red Jeep was a ’54 — am I right, Dick?

I read this blog in China — I fly home tomorrow after six weeks here.

Colette, It’s great hearing from you. Having not heard from you in a while, I kind of figured you were out of country. I’m assuming you have another art project that you are working with over in China? Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Reply to Mongeon Family

I certainly wanted to recognize Adrian Mongeon before his passing. I knew that he was a real war hero, but like most of that generation, they did not want to talk about it anyway. His dad, Pete, was a pretty amazing guy. I think Margaret Seim could vouch for that.

To Gary Stokes

What ever happened to Paul Peterson from your neck of the woods? He used to herd cattle for Johnny Myer.

I think the Fassett girls are still sitting on some good family history. Just once I saw how your dad could enjoy a good party. It was a wedding. With that deep voice and those plumb pitiful songs. By the way, “All Around The Water Tank” is one of my favorites. How about a copy of one of his tapes?

Thanks for keeping the BLOG going everybody. Gary Metcalfe

Gary M, First off I second your comment thanking everyone for keeping this Blog going. It’s everyone’s input that has kept this going nearly two years now. There has been a lot of Dunseith history reveled in the past two years and we’ve got it all saved.

You asked me about Paul Pederson. I’m assuming Paul is Sam’s son. The Pederson’s lived 3/4 mile west of us. They moved from there when I was 4 or 5 years old. I do not remember any of the Pederson family. I heard lots of talk of them though. Dad farmed their land for several years and then Norman Hiatt purchased the land. I’m not sure if Jim, Marlys, Vickie & Lorie still have that quarter or not. Sam and his father are both buried in Ackworth. There is no history of the Pederson family that I can find anywhere. I’m hoping some of our Ackworth readers, a little senior to me, can fill us in on what they remember of the Sam Pederson family. How many children were in that family? I never heard much mentioned about Sam’s wife. I’m wondering if she pasted on early in life? She is not buried in Ackworth. Gary

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

I’ve been waiting for someone to send a video like Pete and Verena’s. I really enjoy watching them. Last year/year before, I received several of them, including one from Eileen.

I was surprised to learn when I clicked on the arrow, the video actually played–I was hoping it would, but wouldn’t have bet money on it. 

Neola

Smiea Haimour (67)

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): joannanderling@charter.net Portage, WI

Hi Gary and All the Great Dunseith Alumni folks

I heard Bonnie Awalt Houle Christmas message this morning and I simply had to thank her for her eloquent way of describing everyone’s attachment to the members of the Alumni, and to all the wonderful people within the area as well. Thank you Bonnie. If I may, I would like to add a Merry Christmas greeting of my own. I feel very fortunate to have lived with and known so many great people such as the Awalt family. Naturally Gary, you and your wife Bernadette are also included in this wish even though you don’t have to shovel snow this Christmas. Have a super New year everyone Erling Landsverk

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): colettehosmer@gmail.com Santa Fe, NM

Thanks, Dick, for the information about the green and red boat trailer. We spent many summer vacations at North Thomas while using that trailer as a table/buffet. Mom served “thousands” of fried perch from it. She also converted wooden orange and apple crates from the store to use as camp cupboards. All five of us used to sleep in a heavy canvas tent — Mom and Dad on one side of the pole and we three girls on the other — in big cotton & canvas sleeping bags … remember those? Another wooden orange crate used to separate us and also held a coleman lantern. We bought big blocks of lake ice kept in sawdust from a Ukranian man on the way to the lake for our cooler — 25 cents.

The days of camping pre- Gortex. I think the red Jeep was a ’54 — am I right, Dick?

I read this blog in China — I fly home tomorrow after six weeks here.

Colette, It’s great hearing from you. Having not heard from you in a while, I kind of figured you were out of country. I’m assuming you have another art project that you are working with over in China? Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): moniesue@yahoo.com Forsyth, MO

Reply to Mongeon Family

I certainly wanted to recognize Adrian Mongeon before his passing. I knew that he was a real war hero, but like most of that generation, they did not want to talk about it anyway. His dad, Pete, was a pretty amazing guy. I think Margaret Seim could vouch for that.

To Gary Stokes

What ever happened to Paul Peterson from your neck of the woods? He used to herd cattle for Johnny Myer.

I think the Fassett girls are still sitting on some good family history. Just once I saw how your dad could enjoy a good party. It was a wedding. With that deep voice and those plumb pitiful songs. By the way, “All Around The Water Tank” is one of my favorites. How about a copy of one of his tapes?

Thanks for keeping the BLOG going everybody. Gary Metcalfe

Gary M, First off I second your comment thanking everyone for keeping this Blog going. It’s everyone’s input that has kept this going nearly two years now. There has been a lot of Dunseith history reveled in the past two years and we’ve got it all saved.

You asked me about Paul Pederson. I’m assuming Paul is Sam’s son. The Pederson’s lived 3/4 mile west of us. They moved from there when I was 4 or 5 years old. I do not remember any of the Pederson family. I heard lots of talk of them though. Dad farmed their land for several years and then Norman Hiatt purchased the land. I’m not sure if Jim, Marlys, Vickie & Lorie still have that quarter or not. Sam and his father are both buried in Ackworth. There is no history of the Pederson family that I can find anywhere. I’m hoping some of our Ackworth readers, a little senior to me, can fill us in on what they remember of the Sam Pederson family. How many children were in that family? I never heard much mentioned about Sam’s wife. I’m wondering if she pasted on early in life? She is not buried in Ackworth. Gary

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

I’ve been waiting for someone to send a video like Pete and Verena’s. I really enjoy watching them. Last year/year before, I received several of them, including one from Eileen.

I was surprised to learn when I clicked on the arrow, the video actually played–I was hoping it would, but wouldn’t have bet money on it. 

Neola

Smiea Haimour (67)

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Hi Gary,

I have the answer for Claudette regarding George Albert’s wife. Apparently they married. Her name was Fatima (Heymour) Albert. George died 23 August 1978 in British Columbia, Canada, and is buried at the Riverside Cemetary, Dunseith, Rolette County, North Dakota where his 1st wife, Agnes (Warren) Albert is buried. Agnes died, 9 October 1960. I found Fatima’s Social Security information.

Social Security Death Index

Name: Fatima Albert SSN: 502-86-0514 Last Residence: 953 (U.S. Consulate) Born: 20 Jan 1911 Died: 11 Jan 2007 State (Year) SSN issued: North Dakota (1974)

Apparently Fatima had a daughter, Smiea Heymour with her 1st husband, who I do not know his name. Fatima & Smiea Heymour were both born in Syria. This is all I know about them.

Eileen

Smiea Haimour (67)

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary,

I think Claudette is asking about Smiea Haimour (67). The last I
heard she was married and living in Alberta, Canada. Don’t know anything
about her life after high school. She was George Albert’s stepdaughter,
daughter of his second wife. I think she came from Lebanon or Syria and
went to school with us for a couple years. She once told us she was 22
years old when we were about 16. George Albert’s first wife died in a
car wreck. She was related to Ellers. I thinks she was Ivy Eller’s
grandmother, if I remember correctly. Don’t quote me on this one though,
I might be all wrong.

Dick

Dick and Eileen, Thank you both for the information you provided about Smiea. LeaRae Parrill actually located Smiea when we were putting the class of 67 together. She provided her contact info to me at that time. I just called Smiea. She does not have email yet. She has her computer still in the box. She said she is going to unpack her computer and get on line. She still has the 67 class list that I sent her via snail mail. She remembers everyone well. Claudette, she remembers you very well and was asking for your phone number of which I don’t have. She then asked for your email address. She said she was going to send a message to you via her daughter. I have pasted her address and phone number below. She’d love to hear from any of you. Gary.

Pictures from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Here’s some pictures I thought some of your viewers might find interesting. Willliam Pritchard’s homestead was on the west side of Boundary Lake. I think Bernard and Betty Kavli wound up with that place and now I think Lars Sivertson or his son owns it. Notice the sod roof on the building. If the picture doesn’t copy real good and anybody wants one – let me know I’ll mail one out to anybody.

Ida Thompson (to become William Pritchard’s wife) home-

steaded on the east side of Boundary by the Canadian Border and after they married they apparently chose to keep her homestead as their home place.

Oh, and add Karen Larson to your Blog list. She sent these pictures for me. One of these days I’ll send a few pictures to see if anybody can identify the people for me. Thanks.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Mary K

Mary, Karen Larson, Wesley Schneider’s Step daughter, does wonderful work and provides a great services to the Bottineau community with her store. She is the owner of the Spectrum Store located on main street. She has scanned stuff for me several times with my visits back to the area. It’s always a pleasure visiting her and her friendly staff.

Karen, It is a pleasure adding you to our daily distribution. Vickie Metcalfe keeps us posted with Wesley and your mother. Gary

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a

thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier

that is currently serving in Iraq. You can’t pick out who gets it, but

it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to

know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it’s a wonderful way to say thank you.

Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others

to do. We can never say enough thank you’s.

Folks, I was in a hurry yesterday and got the message number mixed up. It should have been 649, not 349. I am continuing on with 650 today.

Yesterday was not my day for driving. There are few rules of the road that are followed in this country. Everyone is pretty much on their own maneuvering in the traffic of which is heavy most of the time. One has to be aggressive or you won’t get places. All the traffic enforcers are pretty much at intersections directing traffic. Yesterday the traffic enforcers decided they needed a little extra revenue, so they placed a small “no left turn” sign, not easily seen, on a busy intersection where I have frequently been making left turns for several years. After making the turn, there was an army of traffic enforcers flagging me and a whole bunch of others down to give us tickets. It was a $10 ticket that I had to go all the way across town to pay. There wasn’t much I could do but pay the ticket. Gary

Memories of Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

From Janice Leonard Workman (56): Auburn, WA

Shirley was 6 or 7 years older than I, and I remember a day that she talked her sister into taking some of us little kids out to the lake to swim (loosely translataed) and play in the water. She watched us all afternoon. Shirley was always gracious and a real special person. I am sure she will be missed by many people. Dick and Brenda, you have my deepest sympathy. Janice

Condolences to the Azure-Morinvilee Families:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

I would like to send our condolences to the Azure-Morinville families
on the loss of our friend, Bev. We will miss her entries on this site.
She was always cheerful and compassionate to anyone who was hurting for
any reason. She will certainly be missed by all.

Dick

Bev morinville’s last posted message on 9/15/09

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND.

Shirley Olson Warcup’s last posted message on 11/08/09

Danny Lovass

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): ronsw28@msn.com Ivans, UT.

Here is a little information on Danny Lovaas: Danny’s younger brother, Paul, and I kept in touch until his death about 6 years ago. We talked on the phone a few times a year and I remember once he mentioned that one of Danny’s daughters had come to Nebraska to see him. I believe he said Danny lived in Louisiana and that he had 3 daughters. I could be wrong about both state and number of children. I don’t think Paul ever named the city in La. I wish now I had written down some of that information. Paul was pretty much confined to his apartment by this time–he used a wheel chair to get around. He apparently had regular communication with this niece and appreciated her visit. A former co-worker of Paul’s called me after his death. He might know something about Danny, but I didn’t write down his name or phone number and can no longer remember either. Both Ron, my husband, and I appreciated Paul’s calls–if I wasn’t home Paul gave Ron a run-down on things and they always had a good visit. I wish I had more information!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Class of 65 Eighth grade graduation picture:

Folks, I received this picture from Dick Johnson (68), who received it from Paula Fassett (71), who received it from her sister Susan Fassett Martin (65). This is one of the pictures that I lost when my Hard drive was accidentally reformatted a few months back. I am so glad to have it back again.

I was with the class of 65, but did attend Dunseith until High School. I was the last lone graduate to ever graduate from Ackworth. That was in 1961. I went trough the graduation ceremonies with the Dunseith folks though, but I am not in this picture. Not all in this picture were with us in High School, so there are some I don’t recognize. I’ll take a stab at identifying those in this picture. Folks, I know I have some wrong, so please make the corrections. If you see a mistake, please reply. Please don’t wait for the next guy to reply. Gary

3rd Row: Phyllis McKay, Margaret Metcalfe, Esther Murray, Kenny Nerpel, Allen Richard, Gladys Roussin, Tim Strong, Roberta Wilke, Myron Zorn.

2nd Row: Donold Egbert, Susan Fassett, Evi Gottbreht, Bill Grimme, Henry Hackman, Earl Hiatt, Carol Jasper, Lorraine Kalk, Ginger LaRocque, Art Rude, Ron Longie

Front Row: Jean Abrahamson, Carol Allard, Larry Allard, Warren Anderson, Sheally Baker, John Bedard, Alan Boguslawski, Patty Boguslawski, Angela Berube, Cecile Berube, Pam Fassett

Shirley Olson Warcup’s (49) obituary provided by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND

http://www.spilsburymortuary.com/view_obituary.php?id=1277

Shirley Mae Olson Warcup

May 05, 1931 – Dec 06, 2009

Shirley Mae Olson Warcup passed away on Sunday night, December 6, 2009 in St. George, Utah, as a result of complications from recent surgery. Shirley was born to Henry and Myrtle Olson on May 5, 1931 in Dunseith, North Dakota. She attended grade school and high school in Dunseith and graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in education. Shirley was employed by the Merced High School Union District in California, where she served as a teacher, then a counselor and dean of girls, and finally as vice principal. She finished her 45-year career in education as an instructor at Merced Community College.

After retiring in 2006, Shirley and her husband of 58 years, Ronald Warcup, moved to Ivins, Utah. She loved the beauty of the Ivins area, and she and Ron lunched at Zion National Park every Monday.

Shirley was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was eager to serve wherever needed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father and mother; her sister, Bernice Johnson; and a granddaughter, Ashley Warcup. She is survived by her husband, sons Douglas and Bradley, daughter Janet, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor Shirley will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Ivins City Cemetery, 400 N. 200 W., Ivins, Utah. All family and friends are invited to attend

Memories of Shirley Olson Warcup:

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51) Prescott, AZ

Dick: I was three years behind Shirley Olson Warcup in school, but I always admired her friendliness, zest for life and that wonderful smile! You have wonderful memories, I’m sure. Lois Lilleby Fielding

Condolences from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

To Gary & Bernadette,To Bev Morinvilles Azure’s Family, To Dick & Brenda:

This morning as I sit in the quiet early hours,amoung the warmeth of my fireplace,and peaceful beauty of Christmas lights,my heart,thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you,at the loss of someone special to you this Christmas Season.As you sit in your quiet moments,reflecting on the thoughts,and memories,of the one you loved, cherished,and lost,I wish you all a Peace,that passes all understanding,and a renewed Hope for the New Year. God Bless each and everyone of you.

With Sympathy,

Ms. Aggie

Aggie, Thank you so much for these nice comforting words. Gary

Condolences to the Warcup family.

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Ron,
I did not know Shirley, but just recently (early Nov) I exchanged a few inputs with her here on Gary’s Blog in reference to my Dad and Uncle helping her family out back in the 30’s. I am truly sorry and saddened to hear of her passing. May God be with you and all of your family during this difficult time.
Keith Pladson (66)

Bev Morinville Azure:

Posted by Audrey (Hanson) Aitchison)Bottineau

Bev (Morinville) Azure and I were first cousins.

My Dad (Bert Hanson) and her Mom (Frances Hanson) were brother and sister. It has been a hard time for the family sitting at Trinity Hospital in Minot for 3 weeks with the stress of watching Bev failing and knowing she wouldn’t be with them too long. Her suffering is over now. I send my condolences to the family and may the Lord comfort them in the days ahead. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:2, 3) Keep your faith.

Reply from Heidi Hanson Danielson (69): Bottineau, ND

Hi, Gary!

No, I am not on the daily list. You can add me, please.

Becky’s info:

She is married and lives in Devils Lake.

Becky Elllingson

114 Country Club Road

Devils Lake, ND 58301

ccrd@stellarnet.com

I know she was friends with Peggy Wurgler. She would have been with the Class of ’71.

Thanks!

Heidi

Folks, I recently discovered that Heide was not on our Daily distribution. I have now added her along with her sister Becky. Their mother was a teacher in Dunseith when Heidi was in the lower grades. Heidi is a teacher in the Bottineau schools. Gary

Obiturary provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Sign Guest Book

ADRIEN MONGEON

July 12, 1919-December 5, 2009

Adrien Simeon Mongeon, 90, Rolette, died on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Adrien was born on July 12, 1919, on the family farm near Thorne, ND to Pierre and Anna (Grenier) Mongeon. Adrien attended school in Shell Valley and Rolette. He completed his high school education through the GI bill adult education program.

During WWII he served our country in North Africa and Italy from 1942 to 1945, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Following the war he met and married Sylvia LaDouceur on October 25, 1947, in Minneapolis, MN. They farmed north of Rolette for 37 years. He retired from farming in 1984 and moved to Rolette, spending many enjoyable winters in Mesa, AZ with close friends and family.

He was very civic minded, serving on the elevator, REC, and Rolette School boards. He was a church trustee at St. Michael’s in Thorne, was active in the American Legion, and a founding member of the Rolette Country Club. Adrien was instrumental in bringing telephone services to their rural area by obtaining and setting the poles with his neighbors. He greatly enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, reading, and “coaching” the Twins, Vikings, and Phoenix Suns.

Adrien was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia, in 2006, his parents, Pierre and Anna Mongeon, siblings, Leo Mongeon, Janet Evans, Eugene Mongeon, and Lorraina Trimble.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Ron (Nancy) Mongeon,Lincoln, NE; Janel (Dennis) McCall, Helena, MT Susan (Dan) Hare,also of Helena and Jim (Beth) Mongeon,Rolette.

Grandchildren: Darin(Paige) Mongeon, Paul (Traci) Mongeon, Greg (Rachel) Mongeon,Steve (Sarah) Mongeon, Zach McCall, Jake (Ashley) McCall, Josh (Tennille) McCall, Zeb McCall, Brian Hare, Jill (Mike) Haubert, Mark Hare, Jessica Mongeon, Rebecca Mongeon, Joe Mongeon.

Great-grandchildren: Sierra and Lane Mongeon, Jarrett and Josie Mongeon, Adrienne and Jayden Mongeon, Kate McCall, and Sienna Haubert.

Siblings and their spouses: Roland (Nora) Mongeon and Armand Mongeon, Dunseith, Alfred (June) Mongeon, Rolette, Sister Stephanie Mongeon, Ogden, UT and Dennis (Carol) Mongeon, Mandan

Many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette. Fr. Philip Chacko will celebrate the Mass and burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Rolette. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dethman-Armstrong American Legion Post #94, Rolette.

Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with vigil services at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Serving as Casket Bearers for Adrien will be Joe Mongeon, Steven Mongeon, Greg Mongeon, Brian Hare, Mark Hare, Josh McCall and Zeb McCall.

Honorary Bearers will be Jake McCall, Zake McCall, Darin Mongeon, Paul Mongeon, Jessica Mongeon, Rebecca Mongeon and Jill Haubert.

Reading the Scriptures will be Rebecca Mongeon and Zach McCall and Prayers of Intercession will be read by Darin Mongeon.

Gift Bearers will be Jessica Mongeon, Jill Haubert and Jake McCall.

Music will be provided by Jim Mongeon, violinist, Lisa Denzel, vocalists and Gail Tastad, vocalist and pianist.

Memorials can be sent to: Presentation Medical Center, 213 2nd Ave. NE, P.O. Box 759, Rolla, ND.

Dunseith News:
Posted Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) funeral:

Posted by Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

Gary,
Funeral services for Bev are as follows:
Wake: Friday, Dec. 11th-6:00 pm with a rosary service at 8:00 pm
Funeral: Saturday, Dec. 12th-10:00 am-St. Michael’s Church, Dunseith, ND

Shirley Olson Warcup’s (49) Graveside Services:

From her husband Ron: Ivins, UT

To all

As general info and update for Shirley,

Graveside Services as per her wishes will be on Thursday Dec. 10 at 1;00 pm in the Ivins Cemetery , Ivins, UT

I wish to thank all for their sympathy and concern.

Ron

Condolences to the Zorn Family:

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I was saddened to hear of Myron’ son. I can not imagine what they are
going through. Myron your family will be remembered in my prayer’s, so
you can make it through this terrible loss you are feeling. Please Lord
bless this family and give them the strength to overcome what is ahead.
God bless you and yours.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65)

Ginger, I’ve noticed that your email box has not been functioning for the last while. It’s great to have you back on line. I know you and Myron were class mates long before I joined the class of 65 in our freshman year. Gary

Condolences to the Morinville/Azure family:

From Gail Halvorson Schuler (72): Bismarck, ND

Azure Family

My deepest sympathy to the family of Bev Mornville Azure. She was my classmate. May the Lord comfort you in your time of loss and sadness.

Gail Halvorson Schuler

Class of 72

Condolences to the Morinville/Azure family:

From Dianne Rober’t Johnson (76): Rolla, ND.

The Armstrong’s & Johnson’s send their condolences to the Azure family. We’ve known Bev since Darla & I were kids. Bev (& Dewy) spent so much time @ our house, Dad called them his kids too! I use to work with Bev @ TMC in Dunseith, and she was one of the people I missed after leaving there.

When the folks owned the Gas Station in town, I remember Duane & Russell were always playing jokes on Bev. One time, they sent her to the Hardware Store to get a left-handed monkey wrench. Then another time, sent her looking for a kinfle-pin. She never caught on to what they were doing. God they’d laugh!! And, she would use the word “ish-ka-bibble” alot!!!

I have lots of good memories of Bev, she was a good person, and I know God has another Angel in Heaven. She is at peace now, and watching over the rest of us, til we are all together again.

Dianne Johnson

Condolence to the Morinville & Azure family:

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To all of you. Bad things happen to good people. You are all in my prayers. Joe and my dad were good friends — and special friends in the Knights of Columbus.

Allen Richard

Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) Obituary:

Shirley Olson Warcup (49) memories:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Right now we are attempting to grasp the loss of my Aunt Shirley, or
‘Snookie’ as she was known to all of us. She was a remarkable person
with a heart of gold and a no nonsense concept of right and wrong. She
was a hard worker and continued to work well after the age of normal
retirement. I have memories of her from the beginning of my ability to
remember and yet am unable to have a single bad memory. This includes
when we were young (my cousins and I) and she would dole out the
discipline as needed. We knew we had it coming and we got it! Never was
there a time when I thought she was mean or uncaring. It was all part of
my growing up process and now I respect this even more. Although she was
gone from North Dakota since 1959, whenever we talked with her it was
like she never left. She remembered her roots and many of you now know
this because of her entries on this very blog. She was the type of
person many folks can only wish they could be. I really don’t think I
ever believed illness could take her from us. She was determined and
strong willed and could handle nearly anything in put her path . As Ron
said though, her age and the severity of this acute illness was just
more than anyone could overcome. We certainly will miss her. Thanks to
those who have called and written with their condolences. It means a lot
to us. Thanks Gary.

Dick

Shirley & Ron Warcup

Reply with memories of Herman Martinson & Pictures:

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Thank you Gary Metcalfe for the kind words. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for the contact with idols and friends of my childhood and youth. I actually think that long unused neurons are being awakened some mornings. I carry messages with me all day and in idle moments [read hours] a thought long forgotten springs to mind. Out of nowhere the memory of Mr. Schwab our neighbor across the street sprang to mind this week. He had come striding out his back screen door with a pair of leather gloves and said that we should use them to handle the feisty squirrel we had caught and that he advised release soon; “Wild creatures should live free.” Harriet Schwab was a frail beauty by then, perhaps 1947/48, but often at her window or door way checking on the local noise makers. I read in the early issues Turtle Mt Times of Marchand Lumber of Rolla wanting to open a yard in Dunseith. Such an important service in our growing community. I cannot picture C. Watkins, but WP Schwab I see in color. Edna Leonard put me on the trail of Montague/Monty Schwab his son, back in the 80’s. We had a lengthy conversation, all about family and Dunseith history. Wm Gottbreht Jr was his brother-in-law and Monty connected me with his nieces and nephew of Washington.

Naturally, my mind then flits to the Morgans and I picture Margie and her accomplished sons. Then memory leaps forward and George is on the phone telling me that the irrepressible John Morgan has passed. There is always that shaky moment of loss, but I recall John sitting behind me in one of the basement classrooms. John had waited for a quiet moment during a study period; he sat right behind me. I am absorbed in some reading or math and so startled when Johnnie, in a clear stage whisper says, ” Sherin, Sherin, will you marry me.” Total loss of control in that classroom. About 15 minutes later, when our teacher regained order and the room quiet, but my face still aflame, Johnny repeats the whole scenario. My first proposal and one I still cherish.

I set out this morning to share a great photo of Herman Martinson. Tim’s presence on the blog recently was welcome and he should see his dad in 1987. Being a foodie, Snow White Bakery is way up on my list of Important. Dad’s success with the Dale’s Special and Jumbo happened in no small part because of Herman Martinson and the numerous special order buns he created. For that matter, I have yet to find a slice of plain white bread as delicious as Herman’s Old Home. The picture and many more which I will share, was taken by my husband Victor. Alma’s eight were all home for a reunion at Clear Lake Canada and the culminating event was open house at the Bingo Barn. I did not do well introducing Victor to everyone, but he wandered around and taking pictures that he knew I would treasure. So thanks to Victor, we have this capture of Mr. Herman Martinson.

Sharron

Herman Martinson – 1987

Sharron, I’m assuming this cute little girl is you?

I think this was maybe taken prior to 1987 though.

Shirley Olson Warcup (49) passed away. Shirley was Dick Johnson Aunt, sister to his mother Bernice.

From Shirley’s husband Ron: Ivans, UT.

To All

Shirley lost her battle with surgery complications Sunday Dec 6 and passed away at 8:15 PM. Funeral Arrangements are pending.

Ron

Ron, This is sad sad news. We were so hoping Shirley would snap out of this. Shirley was such a kind and compassionate lady. I exchanged many personal email messages with her, some quite recently too. She contributed frequently to our daily blog. We will truly miss her. It’s so hard to believe she is gone. You and your family have our condolences with her passing. We know you will miss her dearly. She was a wonderful person. Gary

Condolence to the Morinville & Azure family:

From Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

To the family of Bev Morinville:

You have my deepest sympathies ad condolences. I knew Joe and Frances when I grew up in Dunseith. May God be with you at a time like this.

Esther Fleming (Murray)

Condolence to the Morinville & Azure family:

From Vickie Hiatt Lafontaine (73): Grafton, ND

My heart is so saddened by your loss. I was honered to be a friend of Bevs. Loss is so hard especially this time of year. One thing that makes me smile is her and my husband can trade stories about me and have a good laugh. Isnt it awsome that we have a savior that promises has everlasting life. Also my thoughts and prayers go out to the Salmonson family he was a good neighber. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine

Condolence to the Morinville & Azure family:

From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

To the Azure/Morinville families:

My heart goes out to all of Bev’s family and friends. I remember when Bev’s Mom, Francis, died – it was around Christmas time also. Jean Pladson told me that she (Jean) found much comfort in seeing the casket next to the Christmas tree – it represented to her the birth of the Christ child and reassured her of the promise of eternal life. I have no doubt Bev is in good hand now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Paula Fassett

Condolence to the Morinville & Azure family:

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Bev Morninville Azure passed away:

Posted from Bev’s caringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you all that mom passed away today at 3:00pm from her battle with cancer. She hung in there as long as she could but passed without any pain. Her suffering is now over and in heaven. We would like to thank you all so much for your infinite love a support. Mom was very appreciative for all her friends and family],as so are we.

The Azures

To all of Bev’s family; I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful person, loved and liked by so many. That is quite evident with the thousands of messages posted on her caringbridge site. She was a wonderful caring person. I know you will miss her dearly. My condolence go out to your whole family with her passing. Gary

Harlan Salmonson’s Obituary:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neola@min.midco.net Minot & Bottineau, ND

(May 8, 1934 – December 4, 2009)

Harlan Salmonson, age 75 of Bottineau, died Friday at a Minot hospital. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. in the Metigoshe Lutheran Church. Friends may sign the register book on Tuesday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Harlan Salmonson, a son of Clarence and Edna (Christianson) Salmonson, was born on May 8, 1934 on the family farm near Dunseith.

He is survived by 2 daughters, Carolyn and her husband, Brian Johnson of Bottineau and Debra and her husband, Shannon Metcalfe of Dunseith; son, Gregory Salmonson and his wife, Renee of Minot; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; one sister, June and her husband, Leonard of Seattle, WA and numerous nieces and nephews.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau

Question from Ardys (Bakken) Horner (Former Teacher): Detroit Lakes, MN

Gary, what did B’s niece say about the “bankrupt” building program in Dubai?
what does she do there, I know they have anormous number of shops. Ardys Horner

Ardys, Edelyn didn’t really have much to say about the situation in Dubai. Edelyn is the daughter of Bernadette’s sister Berlinda, who lives next door to us. Her dads name is Edwin. She is the first born so her name is a combination of her parents names. Many first born children in this country have made up names with combinations of the their parents names. Edelyn has a BA degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM). She went over to Dubai three years ago with a visitors visa and landed a job within 2 days at the Majestic Restaurant. She was working in food services. She met a guy from India who is also working in Dubai that she is engaged to. She did not renew her contract with the Majestic, but has plans of returning in February. Gary

Message & pictures from Tim Martinson (69): Anchorage, AK

Gary, do you have the classes listed seperately, as this would make a nice list for

quick reference and Christmas cards? I sent that picture off to you and sat down

to watch a movies and fell asleep, woke up and six hours later went into turn the

computer off and see that you had responded back to me. The temperature is

around 20 with about eight inches of snow on the ground, just to remind you that

it is white out here and people are downhill and cross country skiing as well as

starting to get ready for dog sled racing. It warmed up a little last week so we had

nice snow for making snow people. Enjoy. Take Care, Tim

Tim, I have a combined class list from the years 1930 thru 1978, attached, sorted by class year.

This attachment has made this message a little larger than I like to send, but I feel it is something that should to be posted for general info.

You are looking great in this picture! Is that your airplane in the background? Gary

Shirley Olson Warcup (49) in intensive care:

From Ron Warcup: Ivans, UT

To All

Shirley had to go into the hospital on the 10th of Nov and susequently ended up having surgery for bowel obstruction. As a result, she contracted some infections that later settled in her lungs. That complication has now resulted into what is called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndome. At her age, this condition is especially critical and her prospects are uncertain. I’ll keep you posted. She has been in ICU for almost 3 weeks and I have been spending a lot of time near her. Thanks for the e-mails -it helps to have something to help fill the time when I’m home.

Ron

Reply to Dick Johnson (68):

From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Dick,
Thank you. I look at that of “Pa” and it brings tears to my eyes. He was a good guy. There will never be another like Axel Helmar Johnson. Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com)

Reply to Randy Kelly (69):

From Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Randy, the last time I saw you, was 25 yrs. ago on June 30th. Nice to see you are still kicking-hahaha! Sybil Johnson

Sybil, now you have us all curious. what is so significant about June 30th, 1984?

Bernadette’s brother Jose:

Folks, Until Bernadette’s brother’s funeral one week from today, things will be pretty active at our house. They started the formal Rosary’s and prayers last night. A lady came in last night at 7:00 PM to do a Rosary. That was followed with a team of 3 lay ministers from the catholic church that went through a series of readings and prayers. In all it lasted nearly two hours. This will be repeated each evening until the funeral. Following this whole process last night, Bernadette served lunch and drinks. Last night she served tuna fish sandwiches and pastries. Following the lunch, tables and chairs were set up for folks to play cards and games. Folks stay until the wee hours of the morning playing cards and games. This is traditional with the morning of deaths in this country. When I went to bed at 12:30 there were still 25 to 30 folks here. It’s nice living in the tropics where all this can be set up outside. Jose’s body has been and will continue to be attended by his family members until he is buried. Two of his daughters in law are currently with him at the moment. His wife and daughter took shifts during the night. The temperature drop several degress below normal last night to about 78F. These folks were chilled. Gary

O.J. Robert Family L to R:
Back: Duane, Russell & Orphela (O.J.)
Front: Carol holding Mike, Dianne, Darla & Dorothy

Jerome LaRocque family picture L to R:
Top row: Curtis, Richard, Ronald, Sylvester, and Brian
Middle Row: Linda, Bernice, Alice (mother), Jeanette, and Joy
Bottom Row: Debbie, Annette, Sherri, and Jackie

Rene & John Bedard (Father & Son)

Roberta Hagen (75) & Kim Hiatt (77)

Randy Kelly (69): Saint Paul, MN

Folks, I just had a nice chat with Randy Kelly. Randy is a past mayor of Saint Paul and he was also part of President George Bush’s staff, so he has been a hard guy to get in touch with. Randy told me he plans on making it back to Dunseith/Bottineau this next summer to celebrate his uncle Elwood Fauske’s 90th birthday. Randy said it was OK to post his email address and add him to our daily distribution. Gary

Cousins Randy Kelly (69) & Donna LaCroix Allard (64)

Latest postings for Bev Morinville Azure from her CaringBridge Web site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

Thursday, December 3, 2009 4:44 PM, CST

Hello All,

We would like to thank every one for sending letters, cards and of course your support. Mom is still in a sleep like state the Doctors and medical staff here at Trinity have assured us that mom is in a very peaceful state. Her breathing has become more shallow and we can only pray that the Good Lord is ready for Mom. As we all know she is Spiritually ready for him. Thank you all and God Bless

The Azures

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 9:24 PM, CST

To answer any questions about moms state is that she has been given “comfort medications” and they are doing the job very well she remains in a continuous sleep like state. Also her radiation treatments have been stopped. I have added a few photos of mom and family please take a minute to look at them.
And also if you would like to leave your e-mail that would be great. Thank You all so much for your support it is greatly appreciated.

The Azures

Reply from Joan Tremblay Johnson (79): Dunseith, ND.

Gary,

Thanks for adding us to the reunion list. I’m really looking forward to it! My contact info is :

Joan Johnson

Box 296

Dunseith ND 58329
701-244-5549

Roland and Nora Mongeon are my parents. Roland (97) is the oldest of the Pierre and Anna Mongeon family. His siblings are Leo, Janet (Evans), Adrian, Eugene, Armand, Lorraina (Trimble), Germaine(Sister Stephanie), Alfred, and Dennis. Probably too much information but I wanted to give you a little background.

Also, my condolences to you, Bernadette, and her family on the passing of Jose. It must be interesting to live in a country so rich in traditions.

Thanks again for sharing you time and talents with all of us. A lot of work for you but we get to reap the rewards!

Take care, Joan

Joan, Never too much info. I remember our previous correspondence and remember you now that you jarred my memory. Thank you so much for your condolence too. Gary

Axel Johnson:

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Bill Hosmer and all,
Thank you so much for the stories about “Pa” Johnson. He was a wonderful person and had such love for all of us. I remember him driving that old black car and how we tried to keep him from driving. His eye sight was getting bad and he drived so radically. Finally, the state took his driver’s license and he had no choice. Remember, how he told Augie that if I didnt drive him and “Ma” home from Minot, he wasnt going to go; because Augie drove to fast. So, I drove them home. Augie did have a tendency to drive to fast and not watch the road, like he should (he still does, I bet). Sybil Johnson

Axel Johnson:

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

Gary and Friends,

Sharron’s memories of Axel Johnson bring to mind another story I was
told by my dad. He said Axel was a master with a double bit ax. Dad said
Axel would sit and sharpen his ax with a carborundum stone until it was
razor sharp. Then he would tell Dad, “OK Donald, let’s go and ‘slash’
down some trees. He meant what he said! Dad said that any poplar tree
that was not wider than the width of the ax head came down with ONE
whack! Many years after Axel and even Dad were gone, I moved an old
wooden granary and under it were several stumps of small poplar trees
about 2-3 inches in diameter that were cut off slick, with ONE whack.
They must have cut the trees to move the granary to that spot. Most
people leave a stump looking like a beaver chewed it off, but not Axel!
As Bill Hosmer said he wasn’t fast, but was steady and never slowed down
or quit for hours on end. Grandpa Hans Johnson had a similar pace. Once
when I was around 11 years old Grandpa took me to a 50 acre field and
got me started harrowing with an old ‘boss’ harrow. He told me to go in
second gear. I said, “Fifty acres in second gear, I”ll be here forever!”
He looked at me sternly and said, “Better forever going than forever
broke down–second gear.” Grandpa always used to say ‘Forth and back
across the field’ while we all said ‘back and forth’. I asked Dad why
Grandpa always said it that way? He asked me, “Now who do you think is
right?” I guess you go forth before you come back. More old lessons!
Thanks Gary, Sharron, and Bill!

Dick

Axel Johnson 1965

Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

 12/1/09

Soldier Christmas cards:

From Brenda Hiatt Parker (73): Wilton, ND

Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

Gary,

Brenda Hiatt Parker(73) sent this to me but I wanted to share and ask you to put it on the blog. What a fabulous way to make a service person smile during this time of year. I have done the Dear Abby thing and sent letters to service people overseas but they don’t allow that anymore so I thought all of the folks connected to the Dunseith blog could send just one card we could make a lot of smiles!!!! I bought a box of cards!! Thanks Brenda!!!

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

CHRISTMAS CARDS THIS YEAR!

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take
one card and send it to
this address. If we pass this on and
everyone sends one card, think of
how many cards these wonderful special people who
have sacrificed so
much would get. When you are making out your
Christmas card list this
year, please include the following:

A Recovering American
Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army
Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,
NW
Washington,D.C.
20307-5001

Folks, Thank you so much for the many condolences we have received from you folks. I have placed them all in a separate folder that I will be reviewing with Bernadette when I can tie her down long enough. I will answer them all later. Bernadette does have an email account, but I’m pretty safe in saying she hasn’t opened it for nearly a year. Many of her local friends are into facebook, so she said she is going to get a facebook account. She can sure find things quick enough on the internet though when the interest arises.

Jose’s body is resting in his coffin on our porch. His funeral will be Saturday December 12th. They had a prayer session for him last night and they will have another this evening, but the formal prayer’s will begin Friday with the 9th day being the formal mass of his burial. The formal prayers are conducted by clergy assistants from the Catholic church. They have a regular reading that they go through each night. The whole process takes about an hour. It’s exactly the same each night. When their Dad died there were 50 to 75 folks that attended the evening prayers. Most of the folks that attend the evening prayers are neighbors. The Majority of Bernadette’s relatives live about 10 miles away in another community. Some of them will attend one or so of the nightly prayers but the majority will wait and attend the funeral. They can not afford the Jeepney ride each night.

With all the added activity at our house, I nearly forgot that today is our wedding anniversary. It was 31 years ago today that uncle Nels Petterson, Dad’s brother and his wife Helga walked Bernadette down the isle in “Our Saviors” Lutheran church in Bremerton, WA. Bernadette had no family in the USA, so Nels and Helga were her proxy’s. Bernie, her son, whom I adopted, was 7 years old at the time. Bernie was the Ring Bearer and can you believe lost the rings. They had fallen off the little pillow onto the floor. We found them, but there was a moment of anxiety. Gary

Posted from Bev Morinville Azure’s caringbridge sight:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

From her daugher Shonda Azure Campbell (94): Minot ND.

Sorry for the lack of information but it seems that the server has been on the fritz. My sincere apologies. Mom is currently resting quite well she has been given a medication for anxiety and as a result is sleeping allot. It seems that she is very peaceful. We won’t know what will happen next it is all in the hands of the Lord. But we would like to thank everyone for your great letters and strong support thank you .If you would like to e-mail me I will try and answer your letters the best that I can.

With great love and infinite appreciation, The Azure Family

my e-mail is cody.azure@yahoo.com
shon_campbell@yahoo.com

Request posted on the Dunseith Alumni Web sitehttp://garystokes.net/default.aspx

From: Traci Zahn
E-mail: tracizahn@live.com
Message:
I would like to be added to the email list. My grandmother is Dorothy Pritchard and it is nice to hear news about the area and people I grew up around

Traci, It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution. I believe your mother was Shirely Pritchard, Robert & Dorothy’s oldest child. Your Grandma Dorothy is on our distribution list too. She’ll be having a birthday next month too. She was born in 1913. That’s nearly a century ago. Gary

Dick Johnson (68):

Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

That was a great story that Dick wrote up about his grandpa. I think he deserves to be promoted to the class of 66. I’m sure he is honored. What else could he be? Gary an error to the good side is not really an error.

Larry

Larry as you well know, I know better. I’m not sure if Dick would agree it was a good promotion though??? Speaking of errors, when I was talking to Bill Grimme the other day, he said he had gotten a message from Johnny Frykman complimenting him on his younger age. I had Bill listed as being with the class of 75 on the reunion list. Gary

Axel Johnson:

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Dick Johnson’s piece about his Grandpa was wonderful. When he mentioned the big rocks that he and Axel moved about with their own strength it reminded me of working with Axel at the gravel pit in Dunseith in 1948 after I graduated from high school. We worked on the trap, which was the entry point for gravel being dozed onto the rock crusher. Sometimes a boulder would find its way onto the grill which separated them from the flow onto the belt leading up to the crusher. It was necessary to lift the boulder out of there, up a six foot slope of gravel and metal intake to the crusher. Sometimes the boulders were so big we had to have the belt stopped and wrap a chain around the boulder to have the bull dozer drag it out. Often, I’d try to budge one unsuccessfully, and Axel would say, “Billie, back off, I’ll get that one.” Then he would get his hands and arms under a monster, work it up the steep slope of the trap and roll it out of the way. We did this for ten hours a day at a buck an hour, with time and a half after a week of 40 hours which happened on Friday, and Saturday. On Sunday we made Double time. It was a about 90 bucks a week, and that was fine. Axel showed me alot about staying with it, and encouraging me with great stories about his young years so I wouldn’t get discouraged. I look on that summer with alot of pride and fond memories of a work ethic he demonstrated, which gave me something in life that lasted for years doing other things of challenge. Thanks, Dick and Gary. Bill Hosmer

Bill, seeing your name brings Colette Hosmer to mind. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from her. I’m thinking she may be back over in China with another Art project?? Gary

Reply to Dick Johnson’s messages posted yesterday:

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen: Everett, WA.

Thank you Dick and Gary, I will pass the information on to children of Mildred and Ralph, Fred and Pearl’s descendants. The 41 Dodge sure has a beautiful grill. It seems Dick Larson had personal knowledge of performance. Dick Johnson, I look forward to your contributions. I’m thinking I should seek out a lighted wrench kit for your xmas! There are few of my aquaintance who had the endurance qualities of Axel Johnson. Dad certainly was impressed with Axel who put far more into every task Dale asked or expected. It has been a revelation to hear of his youth and struggles on these pages. Trenching without a backhoe? Unheard of today. Thanks again. Sharron

Gary, I have no sisters or brothers to spare! Although Jose is at peace, I know Bernadette and the family will be remembering and missing many of their departed in the days that come. I sat shiva with a Jewish neighbor a few of her seven nights and I think we all benefit and find comfort from the rituals surrounding our life companions when they pass. Many cares this side of death, that’s certain. Keep well Bernadette and Gary. God bless. Sharron

Thank you Sharron for the comforting words. Gary

Reply from Lorie Hiatt (88): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

The little girl in the picture with dad and I is Vickie’s youngest daughter Cahla. Please add my name to the list I would love to come also please tell Bernadette how sorry I am for her loss you are all in my thoughts & prayers.

good morning to you &

good night from me

Lorie

Thank you Lorie too, for your comforting words

Ackworth Alumni picnic around 1990:
Back: Norman Hiatt talking to Willis Bowers and Russell Fauske. Gary Stokes with the Red cap
Front: Lori Hiatt and Cahla (Vickie Hiatt’s daughter)

Bernadette’s Brother passed away.

Folks, As I’m putting this message together, Bernadette came in the office and said her Brother, Jose, had just drawn his last breath. Bernadette was there. That was about 15 minutes ago. They have called the funeral home and are getting a doctor. He is now at peace with no more pain. He was ready to go and his family had accepted that. It’s currently 9:50 Wednesday morning. I’m expecting the Funeral home will have his body embalmed, in a casket and back to our place by mid afternoon. His body will remain on our porch for the next 9 or 10 days before the burial. They will have nightly prayers with a mass the last night for the next 9 days. Filipino custom, there will be a family member with his body from now until he is buried. Gary

Correction From Dick Johnson (66):Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Tonight I spent some time on the web searching for the correct year
and type of car in Sharron’s old steamer picture. Dick and Jerrine
Richard (49) Larson wrote and correctly identified it as a 1941 Dodge,
in fact a model D-19, according to the Dodge folks. I mistakenly
identified it as a 1941 Lincoln. Thanks to the Larsons and Gary!

Dick

Hans Johnson Story with picture

From Dick Johnson (66): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

With winter fast approaching, I haven’t had much time to reminisce.
Today something made me remember some of the things my Grandpa Hans
Johnson used to do. He was only in school until about the mid grades
(4-5) and then he had to work. Even as a kid, I was amazed at some of
the things he could do with no more of a formal education than that.
They never had electricity until he was over 50 years old, yet people
used to have him repair their electric devices of all kinds. I remember
watching him take someone’s electric iron apart on his kitchen table
once when I was probably 7 or 8 years old. I asked him how he knew how
to fix it? He said, ” If one man was smart enough to make it, the next
man should at least be able to fix it.” As I got older, I also found out
that most things aren’t as complicated as they at first might seem. He
had a simple way of figuring out what should do what, and why. My
Grandma told me that one night her brother Otto and my Grandpa Hans
decided to build a crystal set radio from scrap parts, wire, wood, and
other junk. They had a plan from some magazine like Popular Mechanics.
She said it was in the dead of winter so they thought it might be
something to do one cold night. I only know enough about a crystal set
radio to know it involves wrapping fine copper wire around a tube and
using a battery for power. She went to bed but woke up in the wee hours
of the morning to the sound of music playing in the kitchen—and two
guys grinning from ear to ear!

They lived through some tough times and knew how to repair things
rather than to buy new. Some of the old farm equipment should have been
replaced but he just kept on fixing what broke and continuing to use it
until there just wasn’t anything left, then he got another one! I gave
an old D John Deere tractor of Grandpa’s to my wife’s uncle, as he was
really into restoring them. Years later he retired and had an auction
sale, selling several restored JD tractors and many parts. I asked him
which one was Grandpa’s old D , thinking I might buy it back if he still
had it? He grinned and said that there was hardly a single piece on the
entire tractor that wasn’t worn completely out! I told him that when
Grandpa couldn’t make it work anymore, it was probably shot! I remember
Grandpa taking the tires off his ’34 Chevy truck, when the cords started
to show, and then putting them on the front of the tractor and running
them some more! This may sound a bit miserly but he always had money for
things that were really needed. He was able to slowly buy land and
expand the farm while others couldn’t make it and headed out for other
places. Most of the people that made it through the tough times, at
least in this area, did so by dedication to hard work and by being
careful with what little money they did have. He was definitely one of
those!

The extremely hard labor of those early days also made him a very
physically strong man. He died when I was 15 so I did get to work with
him for several years here on the farm. There were times when Dad and I
couldn’t quite lift or move some real heavy equipment part or hitch for
a piece of equipment and Grandpa would come over and lend a hand. When
he grabbed on, things were going to move! Later, after Grandpa was gone,
my Grandma sold the house and my parents moved a newer house to the same
location. John Boguslawski and I were tearing out the old foundation to
prepare for the new one. The north wall was made of stacked rock, mostly
bigger flat rocks from along the lake shore. We could handle most of the
rocks by hand, as we were pretty big and healthy guys about 19 years
old, but a few were huge. I would guess they weighed 300-400 pounds. We
lifted them out with the old Farmhand loader and chains. I remember John
asking me how the heck they got them in there in the first place? When
Dad came to see how it was going, I asked him. He shook his head and
told us that Grandpa and Axel put them in there by hand! He was a very
kind and gentle big guy. I once asked Dad if he ever saw Grandpa get in
a fight? He said no, but he saw a guy who was going to hit Grandpa once
and it didn’t turn out the way the guy thought. He said they were
traveling on a curvy mud road and met another car right in a mud hole.
Neither car could stop and they both got stuck just about against each
other. Dad said the guys jumped out of the other car and one said,
“Johnson, I’m going to knock you on your ass”, after which he swung at
Grandpa! Dad said Grandpa caught the guys fist like a baseball and then
just said, with his Norskie brogue, “Oh, I don’t tink so.” He just put
the guys hand down and let go of it. Dad said the guy was suddenly as
sober as a judge! I would imagine his life was flashing before his eyes,
as they say! I’ll attach a picture of my grandparents, looking the way I
best remember them. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Zorn Family

From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

To Sharon Zorn Gerdes

Thank you for sharing the details of Ryans funeral with us. I cried as I read the newspaper article and saw the pictures in the paper on the blog. My heart just broke not only for Myrons family,but the Zorn family all together. There is something about the beauty of a military funeral and the support of the people that does make it easier for awhile.,and knowing the honor and sacrifice that Ryan died. My thoughts were with your family alot this past week,because I remember your family so well. I remember Marlys like yesterday,she was in my grade, and you and Dennis,and I remember Myron was best friends with my brother Rene,and Billy,was my youngest brothers Jimmy’s best friend.So to you and your family God Bless you,and Take Care…. Sincerely, Aggie Casavant

Reply to Sharon Zorn Gerdes’ email re: Ryan Zorn’s funeral:

From Marlys Zorn Bryan (69): Fairbury, Nebraska

Gary,

I completely agree with Sharon’s sentiments regarding the funeral; she was able to express it so much better than I could have, and expressed it perfectly. The honor that the military, the citizens of the states of Wyoming and South Dakota (Ryan was buried in the National Cemetary in the Black Hills), fellow veterans, the Patriot Guard, and the United States paid to one fallen soldier was inexpressible. It restored my faith in America, that we are still One Nation, Under God, working for liberty and justice for all. It made me proud and very grateful to be an American.

Marlys Zorn Bryan

Reply from Dick & Jerrine Richard (49) Larson: Seattle, WA

gary—I believe the car in Sharon Shen’s steamer pic is actually a ’41 Dodge-I had one back in the 40’s. It was in fact the car that Jerrine (Richard) and I moved to Seattle with right after we were married in Nov of 1950. Keep up the good work. Dick L

Helen Metcalfe Barden’s (62) struggle with cancer:

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND.

Hi Gary,
Chuck and I visited my sis, Helen (Metcalfe) and Lance Barden at their home this afternoon and we talked about sending an update on Helen’s health issues. Lance had sent the following to us yesterday (Saturday):
Thanks!!!! 
Geri Metcalfe Munro

Helen has finished three of the fifteen radiation treatments on the cancer spots in the brain..the other medication is a steroid pill three times a day to reduce swelling that was there and may be added to by the radiation.. She is perhaps a little less steady on her feet so the “house rules” require her to use her walker even when she is moving around the house..(normally the walker was only used for rests during shopping trips!!!)

Next Thursday we meet with Dr Gaba to discuss her case and probably begin a chemo infusion regimen to work on the increased activity noted before in her liver.. we hope the combination of radiation-chemo will not be too exhausting..

The realities of the situation are really just starting to sink in!! The big reality is, either God grants a miracle cure or we will pray for some relief/reprieve from the onslaught so that we will be able to enjoy some quality family and fun time..It is not fun this way!!!

To anyone who has hesitated to make contact because of the situation please don’t worry about any disturbance!!! She really doesn’t fuction well until at least noon so contact after that would be preferred.. If she isn’t “up to visiting” she is aware enough not to try.. also keep in mind she may not respond to quickly or sometimes totally appropriately but she needs outside contact!!! She’s had a couple calls from friends and enjoyed them immensely.. She also needs people face to face.. ( someone other than the slavedriver husband)

Forgive me if this sounds a bit down and pessimistic.. I don’t want it to be and Helen doesn’t either.. Outwardly at least (and I don’t think it’s different inside) she is completely at peace.. everyone she talks to hears the same message.. If I’m cured it will be terrific but if it is not to be I completely accept that..

This is sent to a limited number of family and friends but if you want to send it on please do so.. the more praying the better!!!!!

Helen, even though you are 3 years my senior, I remember you well from our bus riding days to Dunseith. I always looked forward to when we’d stop by your place and you and your 3 sisters, Margaret, Patti & Lola would hop on the bus. Your charm radiated the whole bus. You girls were always so cheerful and friendly. How could anyone ever forget the Metcalfe girls.

With faith and a positive attitude, you will beat this current turn of events. We are in there with you all the way with these treatments you are going through. Just hang in there. Our thought and prayers will always be with you. Gary

Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59) & Aggie Casavant (69):

From Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

To Sharron and Aggie

My hats off to you Sharron for honoring the past generations with pictures and stories. The picture of the Gottbrecht family is priceless to me. All the stories my dad told, I can now put faces on, like Fred Gottbrecht’s wife, Pearly. She was a force to be reckoned with.

Aggie never forgot where she came from either, very compassionate, what in the world is a higher calling than humanitarian.

Gary Metcalfe

Also From Gary Metcalfe:

Hello All, Last night we went back in time, over a hundred years. Silver Dollar City is a theme park built around a cave not too far from the place that Harold Bell Wright wrote the book, “Shepherd of the Hills”. Branson has over a hundred top notch shows, so I asked my wife how did Silver Dollar City bring in 19,000 people tonight. Answer….the nostalgia such as I have not wanted to lose in my boyhood times. I won’t say much about the park, just that there are not many level places in it….such are the Ozarks. My favorite time is World Fest in early summer, performers come in from all parts of the world. The door to the best hour of nostalgia for me was not marked or lit. The small window showed a faint light, like a match burning. I pushed the ole door opened enough to squeeze in and there they were…..fiddle, banjo, bass and guitar and none of them plugged in. They just absolutely played their instruments and they had written all their own songs. The Appalachian and Ozarks is where country music originated. Someone requested a special song called, “Big Tom”. The bass player crossed the small cabin floor and locked the front door, as they proceeded with the song, I realized why they locked the door. This little cabin reminded me of the winter night, 50 years ago when Doug Striker and I stopped on our way back from St. John after midnight to pay Gus and Bill Hackman a visit. The low ceilings, 4 x 8 joists, kerosene lamp, the old wood burner gave off some light. I thought Gus was sleeping, but pretty soon he came through the front door. I think he left his gun outside. It was a cold, moonlight night….you might guess what Gus was doing.

K.C. Sign spent 40 years making life better for hundreds of kids, and that would be a hard act to follow….but I think Mr. Stokes that you have gone above and beyond to help stir memories for many.

Erling….you said it– our parents were color blind. I doubt that Dunseith was much different than any place else except for diversity. Which as you said, “served you well when you went out to meet the world”. You won’t get too far out there in our wonderful world if you are self over rated in the least way. I have to pay tribute to a few who showed me so much. The Syrian people left an impact on a lot of us and it was a good one! Thanks Gary. Gary Metcalfe

Railroad Round House

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Dick’s reply to some of our behind the scenes email exchanges.

Gary,

The old roundhouse was where the train locomotives were serviced and
then turned around to head back south. It was located south of the
elevators and as Sharron says, her dad bought it in ’52-’53. He tore it
down and used the lumber to build their new house right behind Dale’s. I
helped Rick Gottbreht move the house about a hundred feet west. The
timbers under that house are huge! It was well built to say the least.
It was one of the first ‘flat roof’ designs in the area. The high school
(the ’56 addition) was also flat roof design. Rick made an upstairs and
completely remodeled the inside to a beautiful home. I bet Sharron would
know that the old roundhouse lumber was used to frame their house.
Thanks for including me in this email!

Dick

Question from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

I have a question about your address. Does it cost the same to mail something to your address as it would to someone in the U.S.–such as a flat-rate envelope?

Neola

The answer is Yes. Fleet Post Office (FPO) and Army Post Office (APO) mail is treated like regular US mail with a San Francisco Zip code on the west coast and a New York Zip code on the east coast. Other than for prescription medicines, there is a one pound limit that can be sent to my FPO address. Gary

Gary Stokes

PSC 517 Box RS/CC

FPO AP 96517-1000

Darrel (Bud) Stokes (70) & Angus Campbell

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Gary,
Do you get the courant? Perhaps Neola can e-mail todays paper There
is a wonderful article on Bud and Angus!
Quoting Angus, Bud is like a son…..
What a wonderful pair. And, I’m privileged to know then both! Vickie

Vickie, Neola did scan and send me that article. It gives me great pleasure and with pride to post this too. I am proud to say it was through my affiliations that Angus and Bud connected. I have always known who Angus Campbell is, but it was when I worked for Dave Clark following high school that I learned to know Angus Campbell well. Angus and Dave pooled a lot of their resources with their farming in those days including their hired help. Following HS, I lived with and worked for the Clarks for 16 months before heading west. They are great folks too and treated me very well. After I left for the coast, Angus needed some help so I suggested Bud and the rest is history. Angus says Bud was 17 when he started working for him, but I’m thinking he was several years younger. Bud is a perfectionist of which Angus took great pride in and liked in Bud too. When Bud Started working for Frykman’s, Angus found it hard to part with Bud of which he did not. They worked out a deal where Bud worked for Angus in the evenings and on Saturday’s in the spring and the fall of the years until Bud took over his farming operation in 1990. Angus seldom works Sunday’s. Bud & Angus have been like a father/son team since the first day Bud set foot on Angus’ farm back in the 60’s. Angus totally trusts Bud with anything and everything. Angus takes pride trusting Buds judgment with every situation inclusive of circumstances outside of their farming operation. Bud has never been known to make hasty decisions. Angus spends the majority of the holidays and has for many years, with Bud & Debby and their family. For the past 30 years Angus has been at most all of our family gatherings. He is one of the family. Angus looks pretty good in this picture for being 84 years old. He may have turned the farming operation over to Bud 20 years ago, but he has never ceased to quit working and helping Bud. He has done the majority of Bud’s combining all these years. He’ll fill up all the trucks during the day when Bud is working his other job for the City of Bottineau. Gary

PS – I believe those are all Bud’s grain bins in the picture. I kind of think they are all full too.

Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Update on Elmer & Mable (Espe) Striker Family,

Sent by Ken Striker, Dayton Ohio

H1k Elmer Striker b 1907 Rolette Co ND d Sep 1973 Edmonds Snohomish Co WA
+Mabel Espe b ab 1909 Dane Co WI d/o Iver J & Martha (Eriksdatter Myklemyr) Espe. According to Prarie Past and Mountain Memories, A History of Dunseith ND Mable Striker m Elmer Striker and they lived near Kelvin before moving to Seattle where Elmer worked as a building contractor and Mable a clerk. Elmer died in 1973 and Mable now lives in Corona Del Mar, CA. Their children were: Eunice, Gary and Donna born while they lived in the Turtle Mountains; and Jackilyn and Marie born in Seattle. Eunice, Gary and Donna are all married and live in the Seattle area while Jackilyn and Marie and their families are all in California.

H1k1 Eunice Patricia Striker b 15 Sep 1930 Dunseith ND
+Jim Morrison Patsy, as Eunice likes to be called, live in Kaiuai Hawaii (see H1k3 LeaRae Espe (Mrs Terry Espe) wrote the email address for Pat Striker Morrison is:

H1k2 Gary Striker born 7 Mar 1934 Bottineau ND
+C. Carlson m 1953 (divorced 1982) 3ch: see below
+Liliane Morel-Maroger. (1937-2004) m 1983 From Casablanca, Morocco. Gary graduated from University of Washington 1959 MD, Gary wrote in 1985 “Liliane has four children. She is a world recognized authority in renal pathology, who directed a renal research laboratory in Paris, France before coming to U of WA to become a Prof-of Pathology” The Journal of American Society of Nephrology wrote a Tribute to the passing of Liliane in New York on November 18, 2004. (jasn.as journals.org)

About Gary: (from directory.mssm.edu/faulty/faculty 10/1/2007)
Dr. Gary Striker is a Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. He maintains research laboratories devoted to stem cells, aging and diabetes-related topics in both New York, New York, and Miami, Florida.
After receiving his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, he completed his Rotating Internship in General Medicine at the University Hospital in Seattle. He then completed a Residency in Pathology at University of California at Los Angeles–Wadsworth General Hospital and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Los Angeles. He returned to the University of Washington–Seattle for his Fellowship in Experimental Pathology. He is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology, and is licensed to practice in California, Washington, Maryland, and Florida.
His academic career began at the University of Washington, where he became a Professor in 1972. He directed the M.D.-Ph.D. program and was the Dean for Curriculum, among many other activities at the University of Washington. He became Director of the Kidney, Urology, and Hematology Division, NIDDK, NIH in 1984 until 1997. He was Director of the Vascular Biology Institute at the University of Miami from 1997-2004. He came to Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2004, where he is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology.

H1k2a Gregory W. Striker b 11 Jul 1957 Seattle d 29 Jan 2007
Gregory Waine Striker Seattle native Gregory Waine Striker, born July 11, 1957 was killed in an industrial accident January 26, 2007 in Portland, OR. Born to parents, Gary E. Striker of New York, NY and Carlene S. Hartenbower of Yuma, AZ. Greg chose to raise his family in the Seattle area close to his church. Greg was a very active and much loved member of the Foster Tukwila Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, teacher and mentor to many. Greg is survived by his children, Cabrina, age 14, Breanna, age 16, Johnathan, age 18 and Angela Emerson, age 20. He will also be missed by his brother, Gary E. Striker Jr. of Spokane, WA and sister, Kris Betts of Mesquite, NV. Services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon at The Church By The Side Of The Road, located at S. 148th & Pacific Hwy in Tukwila. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com. Published in print on 2/1/2007. Seattle Times

H1k2b Kristin Striker b 2 Jan 1961 Los Angeles res Mesquite, NV (2007)
+ ___ Betts Mesquite, Nevada
Feb 13, 2008 … Take a gamble on Mesquite, Nevada, a growing golf and gaming …. Instructor Kris Betts gladly gives us a safety briefing and some …

Oasis Gun Club about five miles east of town. Instructor Kris Betts gladly gives us a safety briefing and some instruction. With protective eyewear and earplugs in place, it’s off to shoot skeet and trap. Even with earplugs in place, Kris managed to explain precisely how to use the sight

H1k2c Gary E. Striker Jr b 10 may 1963 Seattle res: Spokane (2007)

I was a little internet surfing and noticed information on a Gary Striker associated with horses training, etc. References to Eastwich Hunters and Jumpers and True North Summer Shows. Wondering if this might be Gary Striker Jr, s/o Dr Gary Striker.

H1k3 Donna Striker 7 Oct 1935 Bottineau ND
+RA Cruikshank
+ ___ Neumeyer? At the Dunseith HS DHS blog 8/25/09, LeaRae Parill Espe email: ‘67 wrote “that on the way back from Alaskan cruise we visited Terry’s first cousin Donna Striker Neumeyer d/o Mable Espe & Elmer Striker. Also, spoke on phone to Pat who is sister of Donna she is 78 years old “(see H1k1) “We have visited Donna a few times in Seattle and Donna has visited us here in ND once. We met Pat in 1972 in Seattle when Terry took his father to see his sister Mabel Espe Striker. Mabel did visit ND either 1974 or 1975. Interestingly “for Elmer and Mabel Striker- his nephew (Douglas Striker) m her niece (Marlene Espe)”

H1k4 Marie Striker b 15 Aug 1937 Mont
+William Lillas

H1k5 Jackie Striker b 19 May 1939 Seattle
+James Martin

Condolensces to the Zorn family:

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

Gary,

Please add my name to the list of those sending condolensces to the Myron Zorn family on the death of his son, Ryan. The family can take pride in knowing that Ryan served his nation and all of us with compassion, distinction, and honor.

Bob Lykins

From Mr. Lykins:

Gary,

Let us know what your FPO address is so we can all send you at least a Christmas Card. I’m sure you had a great Thanksgiving. Telling old “war stories” with friends and colleagues is always a blast. You can never lie because they know better but you always have fun stretching the truth.

Being retired to Austin was a good move as I am enjoying it here. There are so many opportunities for a retired dude. This fall I signed up with the University of Texas Athletic Department to usher at their home football games. It’s been a blast. I wear one of those ugly lime polo shirts that says “EVENT STAFF” on them and direct human traffic. I report 3 hours before the game, work through the game and remain until the last person has left the stadium. It all works out to be about 7 hours and they pay me so that’s OK. I also get to see a good deal of the game and with Texas having such a good team this year the fans are usually pretty upbeat. I’ve had very few problems. I usually work the tunnel area in the North End Zone. If you see on TV a fat guy on the walkway just above the field and near the cannon, it is probably me. (see picture below)

So sad about the massacre in regards to local elections there in the PI. I would be interested to know the real story rather than just what is being printed in the newspapers.

My best to Bernadette and my best wishes to her family regarding her brother. I will add him to my list when praying.

Bob Lykins

Here you are Bob – This is my FPO (APO) address

Gary Stokes

PSC 517 Box RS/CC

FPO AP 96517-1000

Yes, that was quite an ambush of killings between two Muslim groups in southern Mindanao here in the Philippines. A private army of the current governor of that province ambushed a strong contenders party of about 70 folks while they were on their way to formally file his candidacy for the upcoming election this next May. It was planned, because they already had dug a big grave about 40′ long and 20′ deep where they buried several of the vehicles with some of the folks in them. They buried the rest in shallow graves. The sad part is that this current governor is allied with Gloria Arroyo, the current president. He got many critical votes, probably illegal, that helped her win the last election. President Arroyo was reluctant to issue an arrest warrant for this guy. At first she just sent an investigative team to the area. Under tremendous pressure she did order an arrest warrant. This guy surrendered and is in custody. There is fear that true justice will not prevail because of his affiliations with the president. The Filipino Army has arrested this guys Army and followers and has taken control of all of his commands.

San Haven Question:

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Does anyone have an aerial shot of the San in color, circa 1950 — 1965? Maybe we need to go to the State Archives or Historical Society. A lot of out spouses and younger people really don’t have a good idea of the beauty of the place in its heyday.

Allen Richard

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,

Just a quick note to you. I continue to be impressed with your apparent knowledge of so many different families. It’s like whenever anyone mentions a family, it jogs your memory banks about so many different details of that family — the spouses, the siblings, the children, where they lived who their friends and neighbors are/were. It’s like a continuing history lesson with all the details included. What I find particularly amazing is that you and I have been away from ND for similar numbers of years. And, we grew up in fairly close proximity within the Turtle Mountains. I knew many of the same families you did and through your Dad’s adoption we are even cousins (though I really don’t understand all that first or second or third once or twice removed stuff). Yet I either never learned of all the connections between families that you did or I have forgotten many of those I may have known. So thank you for keeping me informed.

Many people write in to your blog and some of them (Mel Kuhn, Larry Hackman, and Dick Johnson to name a few), are gifted story tellers and thus make for very entertaining to reading. But I can’t imagine anyone doing what you do better than you do it. If all the readers of your blog had been tasked with finding someone to put this all together and keep it going like you do, I can’t imagine that we could have found anyone better or more perfectly suited for the job. With all the various inputs that you receive, you are able to show genuine interest, compassion and knowledge when and where appropriate and the willingness to spend the time necessary to do all the postings and keep it current and up to date. And all we can do is say thanks. So, thanks again, Gary, keep it going.
Keith Pladson (66)

Thank you so much Keith for this wonderful compliment. I’ve got to get some anti swelling medication to bring the swelling down in my head. I don’t get a swelled head easily or that often. At least that is what I try to think. You’ve got a wonderful way with words. I hope I’m at least part of what you said. Yes, you and I came from the same neighborhood. In our high school days your family moved to the old Stokes place then known as the Thompson place, the family of your mother Ella. Her mother was a Stokes, sister to my Grandfather, Frank. Your family moved around some in your growing up days too. Speaking of the Helgeson’s, I remember well when you guys lived on the Zieman farm west of Salem church. Helgeson’s lived several miles south and a little bit east of where you guys lived. My first memory of your family thou was when you were living on Lester Halstead’s place south of the Willow Lake school. Elwood Fauske farmed that land in later years. How was it that Lester Halstead owned land up there. He was a big time prairie farmer in Bottineau County. He lived near Maxbass as I recall. That’s half way to Minot from Bottineau. My folks were very active in the Metigoshe Lutheran churches. 90% of the Bottineau county hills folks were members of those churches. My folks were very active in Rolette county community affairs as well. My dad had lots of relatives (biological) living in and around the Bottineau area too. My folks were also involved with many of the Bottineau activities. With all these connection and going to school in Dunseith, I learned to know many folks in my growing up days. Being the socialite that my dad was I was able to maintain, thru him, many of these relationships. He died in 2000. I was a lucky guy. Speaking of my dad. Two weeks before his death, he and I were visiting folks in the hills. He was driving. When we stopped by to see Glen and Gladys Rude, getting out of his Pickup he told me, “we can’t stay long because Gladys will think she has to make us lunch.” He said “you know she’s over 85 years old”. She was only 2 years older than he. Dad was a week shy of his 85th birthday when he died. Gladys did fix us a nice lunch and our stay wasn’t short. With that visit, Glen could have been out bailing hay, but he chose to visit with us instead and insisted we stay. When I mentioned this to LaVerne, his brother, his words were, “Glen is a gentleman farmer”. How true those words were. That was probably the last visit Glen had with my dad, so he probably made a good choice in that respect.

Message/Pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

Several years ago Angelina Duchesneau Forman, former wife of Harland Gottbreht sent me the excellent picture of Myron Evans, Harland and Charles Watkins. I believe it was taken in 1936 at the graduation of Harlan. All three were cousins: Myron the son of Ole Evans and Cecelia Gottbreht; Harlan the son of Fred Gottbreht and Pearl Fassett; Charles the son of Glenn Watkins and Madeline Wolcott [Madeline’s mother Louise was a sister of Wm Gottbreht Sr]. All three lived in the Dunseith area until WWII disrupted their lives. Myron and Alice Tennancour laboring on their farm; Harlan off to the Pacific Theater where he served with the original SeaBees; Charles in the Air Force. Harlan continued as a road and bridge builder in the state of Arizona. At the time a son of Mildred Gottbreht Solomon stayed with him, he was proprietor of a Tavern in Scotts Bluff, AZ. The descendants of Fred Gottbreht know very little about the family. Some of you may be able to tell them more. Susan Fassett Martin sent a quote from the memoirs of Wm. Fassett and I am sure Gary can attach those remarks here.

Wm. Fassett’s quote from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

(1936) Dad said in his history book….” When we lvied on the farm in the twenties, one of my early memories was of watching Fred Gottbrehts threshing rig coming across country to our place. The old steam engine took most of the day getting there and the big column of smoke announced their coming long before they arrived. I remember making several trips back and forth on my pony to check their progress. Both grandma Kate(Fassett) and grandma Goodie(Gudrun Amundson Rennick Watkins) worked on the cookcar at one time or another during threshing season.”

I am trying to date the tractor pictures. These were given me by Arla Gottbreht. She said that her father George worked on this tractor many times. I do not know if they were still in use in 1935 or the date of the car sitting in the roadway. I thought someone might recognize the bee skips in the background or the short approach into the farm. That certainly looks like an ash heap near the tractor.

Myron Evans, Harland Gottbreht, Charles Watkins

Picture taken by Dakota Memories Photography, Bottineau, ND, Clyton Parrill (72) Owner

Former Dunseith Teacher’s – Class of 65 reunion – 7/12/07
L to R: Dennis Espe, Vinian Hewson-Dinius, Art Rude & Bob Lykins