Condolences to Carmen Myer’s family
From Randy Kelly (’69): St. Paul, MN

So sad to hear of Carmen Myer’s passing. My condolences to his family. I had the pleasure of singing with him in a boys quartet for Mr. Johnson. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He was always nice to everyone. I know he will be missed

Condolences to the Gregory Family
From Jeanie Tooke Berger (’75):  Mandan, ND

To the Gregory family I’m sorry to hear about your mom passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Jeanie Tooke Berger

Kathryn “Kathy” Angela Gregory | 1929 – 2018 | Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Kathryn “Kathy” Angela Gregory
January 15, 1929 – October 19, 2018

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Kathryn “Kathy” Gregory, age 89, of Bottineau, ND, formerly of St. John, ND, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Bottineau, ND. Kathryn Angela “Kathy” Gregory was born on January 15, 1929 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Camille and Mathilda “Tillie” (Peterson) Maginel. Her family moved to Wenatcher, Washington while she was an infant and then to Ellsworth Township, ND where she completed her education at Ellsworth and Dion Lake schools. In 1940 she moved to Hutchinson Township in the Turtle Mountains and worked at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau, as a waitress in Grand Forks, Rolla Garden View Café, and Dale’s Café, and also at San Haven near Dunseith until its closing. Kathy was united in marriage to George M. Gregory on February 18, 1956 in Rolla. They lived for at short time in the Turtle Mountains, Glenburn, Dunseith, and Kelvin where she was a switchboard operator, living on the George Gregory family farm which they later purchased and lived for many years. Kathryn loved to visit with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, reading, and gardening. She was a member of the St. John Presbyterian Church and the Dunseith American Legion Auxilliary. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed. Kathy is survived by her children, Dawn (Larry) Allard of Dunseith, Twila (Martin) Peterson of Dunseith, Jason (Penny) Gregory of Minot, and Lori (Randy) Abrahamson of St. John; daughter-in-law, Joyce Abrahamson of Washington; grandchildren, Shawn Gregory, Melody (Fred) Lemke, Kevin (Kristen) Allard, Donovan (Shawna) Allard, Timothy (Megan) Allard, Michelle Peterson, Monica (Greg) Gussiaas, Terri Peterson, Tiffany (Seth) Bercier, Kent (Desiree) Abrahamson, Kelly (Kayle) Abrahamson, Kasey Abrahamson, and Kamille Abrahamson; great grandchildren, Garrett (Jessica) Rude, Kathryn Lemke, Olivia Lemke, Kooper Allard, Kynzie Allard, Cody Allard, Ashtyn Allard, Kamryn Allard, Morgan Allard, Cole Allard, Harrison Allard, Elliott Allard, Madalyn LaVallie, Jaren Peterson, Devan Peterson, Addyson Gussiaas, Alayna Gussiaas, Brantley Gussiaas, Rylan Bercier, Brooxyn, Bercier, Quinly Bercier, Natalie Abrahamson, Ty Abrahamson, Tyler Abrahamson, Desmond Abrahamson, Knox Abrahamson, and Danika Abrahamson; great great grandchildren, Maddy Grandbois, Ian Rude, Abel Rude, and Lilleth Lemke; sister-in-law, Helen Meyer; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1995, son, Terry Gregory, brother, Joseph Maginel, sister, Lavina Mayes, half-brothers, Vernon and Arlo Keil, half-sisters, Gladys Ebel, Agnes Erickson, Eleatha Christenson, and Thelma Keil. Casket Bearers are Grandsons, Kevin Allard, Donovan Allard, Timothy Allard, Kent Abrahamson, Kelly Abrahamson, and Kasey Abrahamson. Honorary Bearers are Granddaughters, Shawn Gregory, Melody Lemke, Michelle Peterson, Monica Gussiaas, Terri Peterson, Tiffany Bercier, and Kamille Abrahamson. Music by Dick and Brenda Johnson. A visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND with a Prayer Service at 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the St. John Presbyterian Church, St. John, ND. Pastor Elaine Svette officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John City Cemetery, St. John, ND. Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

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Kathy Gregory Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe.

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

            I extend sympathy to the family of Kathy Gregory.

http://www.elickfh.com/obits

            Recalling my  pre school childhood, 

I do remember Kathy’s days as the Central operator for  telephone services here in the hills. 

She lived and worked at the little house  office which overlooked Lake Lyde, on Hiway #3 N.

just a wee bit  south of Kelvin Store.

            At that time,  Mom told us curious sisters,  my older sister and  I,  “Kathy is  a friend.”

            And they were friends of  youth,  of days gone bye in the Carpenter Lake neighborhood, as young mother’s, 

 to days of mothers of teens  attending  and graduating Dunseith School,  to  serving  together at funerals  and   later days  as silver haired ladies  riding senior  bus.

            And I? 

Dawn,  I cannot recall your mom, Kathy  ever saying an unkind word.

            Kathy Gregory exemplified  the word…….K I N D.         

Sincerely, 

Vickie L.  Metcalfe

==============================================
Blog (750) posted on March 21, 2010

Judy Johnson from Wolford:
Reply from Lee Halvorson (Les Halvorson’s sister): Williston, ND.

Hi, I am Lee Halvorson, a 1965 Wolford High School graduate, and Les Halvorson, now living in Bottineau, is my brother. Les mentiioned to me that you requested information about Judy Johnson in the emails that you send out. I graduated one year after Judy Johnson; her and my mother, Eleanor “Eddie” Halvorson were best friends and I believe classmates during their school days in Wolford. Dora Connover Johnson, Judy’s mother, moved to Kalispell, MT., sometime during the 60’s. The last I heard of Judy, sometime during the late 80’s or early 90’s, I believe that she was living in either Prescott or Flagstaff, AZ. By the way, I would enjoy receiving your blog emails…as it seems you have developed something really interesting for those of us from the Wolford, Rolette, Dunseith, Nanson, Omeemee areas. Thanks.

Lee

Lee Halvorson Auctioneer Broker High Plains Auction & Appraisal Basin Brokers

Lee,

What a wonderful surprise hearing from you. With today’s message I have added you to our daily distribution.

I too am a 1965 graduate, but from Dunseith. You probably know a lot of my class mates. Evie Gottbreht, also from our DHS class of 65, is the one asking about Judy Johnson. Do you by chance know Judy’s current last name? Do you know if her mother is still living? It would be nice if we could locate her. Evie has previously asked about Judy, so I know she’d love getting in contact with her.

You too, Like your brother Les, are and auctioneer. Les and Myra live directly across the street from my brother Bud and his wife Debby in Bottineau. We’ll be staying with them with our trip back to the area in May.

Ed Milligan:
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I agree with everyone who says Ed Milligan looks so young–he looked much older when I took class from him at the School of Forestry, 1958-1960. The date was my error. Sept. 3, 1975 was stamped on the back of the picture. I usually check to see if it is an actual date, or if it is a “copied by” date. This date is a “copied by” day. I guess the old brain was taking a break when I added the date!! LOL!!

In one of the classes I took from Mr. Milligan, I was the only girl in a class of Korean Vets. That should have been a girl’s idea of heaven. However, I was a very naive girl, and when Mr. Milligan would say anything that might cause me to blush, the vets turned to look at me, and then I really blushed. My mistake was sitting in the front row the first day of class, and I had blushed several times at comments that were made. After the first day, I did NOT sit in the front row; that’s why the vets turned around to see if I was blushing. They were great fellows. It was a fun year. If my memory is correct, except for the nursing students, this particular year, there were 3 girls enrolled–at least for one of the quarters, maybe more. I’m sorry to say I still blush very easily.

Neola

Ed Milligan:
Reply Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

It appears Ed Milligan made quite an impression on lots of people. Dale is correct about Ed’s car too—it was a baby blue ’65 T Bird with a black vinyl top. I think he lived in the Woods Hotel on the west side of Main Street. One winter quarter I stayed in Bottineau and went to college. I used to walk from Brander Street uptown to Saunders Cafe once in a while for a supper meal. Ed walked over from the hotel and ate there often. His T Bird was nearly always parked in front of the cafe, across form the hotel. I remember how he nearly always wore his maroon and black vets club jacket, the same as the student vets. He was proud of his association with the club. After reading about his unit, the 104th Infantry ‘Timberwolves’, I am starting to understand the name he called his place at Lake Metigoshe. It was called ‘Timberwolf Up Milligan Manor’ and Ed had a ‘stuffed’ wolf in a glass enclosure above his entrance gate. Now it makes sense.

I remember a story Ed told us in history class that really had everyone listening closely. He said there was a blizzard in the early 1900s and Bottineau came to a complete stop. A guy rented a room on the third floor of the Stone Hotel and stayed there for three days as the storm raged on. The heat finally gave up and the hotel froze up on the second day. On the third day the guy got out of bed and went over to the window overlooking Main Street. Ed said the guy took a coin and scraped the frost off the inside of the window and looked down on the street below. The only life on the entire street were two jack rabbits and one had the other one by the ears trying to ‘jump start’ him! I remember the whole class was on the edge of our chairs until the punch line and we all went, “AH, ED—–What the hell!” Ed just stood there, expressionless. He got us!

Somewhere we have an article about Ed Milligan and some of his interesting historical findings (opinions) about this area. I will locate it and post it—it’s interesting! The picture of Ed with the head dress is most surely not from 1975. My guess is 1940 or before. The date is probably from a reprint of the picture. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Message from Donna Wenstad (75): Amado, AZ

ND People:

Message from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and All You Great North Dakota Folks!

I simply had to tell you how proud I am of those folks in North Dakota, especially the people in and around Fargo and up and down the Red River. It makes me smile kinda knowingly to myself when I hear some news reporter talking to someone working at the area where the flood is expected. Instead of a lot of crying and wringing of hands and calling for help, the folks out in the Fargo area just say “yah, we are filling sand bags, and there is lots of high school students, and college students volunteering along with people from our on the prarie and all over North dakota. and we really appreciate it” When questioned if they are going to be able to avoid a serious flood? They simply say that they are pretty sure things will be okay It was the same last year. People from other states can look to the . Fargo folks for an image of real independence with a calm humility so very apparent to anyone who visits the great state. Perhaps the high plains, with its hard winters, and unpredictable summer weather along with the tradition of the early settlers has created a breed of people that are far above average and an independent spirit without equal.

Think I’m bragging about North Dakota? You bet I am.

Erling Landsverk

Did the Vikings make their way to the Turtle Mountains a thousand years ago?

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

Hi Dick,

I also found your information about ancient Lake Agassiz and the Vikings fascinating. I “googled” the information and found some interesting accounts — one example:

http://newsarch.rootsweb.com/th/read/NORWAY/1998-05/0895621228

The theory was also “debunked” in another posting. In any case, I had never heard of Lake Agassiz and found lots of very interesting stuff on the web about this particular era in our geological history.

Thanks,

Colette

Question about Raymond Burr and Fess Parker’s hunting trip in Turtle Mountains:

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

I heard about these men hunting in the Hurdsfield, ND area for bird hunting… there were quite a few Hollywood types who came to the Dakotas to hunt while we lived there, raymond burr did it regularly so maybe he brought friends with him. Ardys Horner

Posted by Vicky Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary’s comment.

So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. We extend our condolences to all of her family. She was one of the Turtle mountain anchors indeed. She will be missed.

I spoke to Dawn Yesterday. She will be sending me her Obituary when they have it ready.

Delores Faine – DHS class of 1969 Obituary
Posted by Vicky Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

==============================================
Blog (749) posted on March 20, 2010

Correction from yesterday:
Question from one of our alumna:

Have you ever heard about the Raymond Burr and Fess Parker hunting trip in Turtle Mountains – both movie stars who may have been on a hunting trip in the Turtle Mountains at some point? I never have. Wonder if it’s true?

Larry Nagel (Former Teacher): Shields, ND
Message from Floyd Dion: Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

What a nice surprise, Larry Nagel visited us today, we had a nice talk about his stay here in Dunseith and telling us about his life at home. He lives on a farm and he still teaches school three days a week Hs is supposed to be retired but he keeps getting deeper and deeper into different jobs, like school bus driver , on the board of cenex, on the board of student drivers,etc

He comes to Bottineau every year to have his income tax done.

Larry was my teacher in typing class, as I did not take it in high school, I worked in the office at Pride Dairies and had to do typing, He was a very good teacher and still is good.

I hope Larry will be here for the reunion.

We sure enjoyed seeing Larry after all these years

Floyd

Ed Milligan:
Memories from Ardys Bakken Horner (former teacher): Detroit Lakes

Hi everyone, we are home after 4 weeks in Arizona, came back to cool weather but much less snow. My first husband, Arv Bakken, used to hunt and walk our German Shorthair up in the hills, looking for agates, arrows etc while the dog ran….one day he found a large spear point which he took to Ed Milligan for identification…he declared it quite old and is still in our collection….Ed was always a good source of information and stories. Ardys Horner

Ed Milligan:
Memories from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, This in in response to Dick Johnson’s input on Ed Milligan. I too remember him. Before I entered the US Army (April 3, 1969), I was managing what was then the HiWay Mobile Gas Station in Bottineau. I had worked there for a couple of years and Mr. Milligan became a frequent customer of mine. As I recall he had an early model T-Bird (that’s when the T-Bird was considered a 2 door sports car – maybe a 64 or 65 model or such). Anyway, what I mostly remember about him was his absolute conviction that there had been early European visitors to the Turtle Mountain area. Though I do not now remember him mentioning the mooring stones, I do very well recall him telling me on more than one occasion about the cave in the foothills and the Gothic stonework. It’s interesting that I had pretty much forgotten all about Mr. Milligan and the cave and such until Dick mentioned it. I too, remember Mr. Milligan as being a bit older than the picture you posted in an earlier edition of your blog. Thanks Gary, Keith Pladson (66)

Ed Milligan:
Memories from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): Bedford, TX

HI Gary Boy, the list for the reunion has sure grown. I wish we could be there, but won’t be able to come up until July this year. Ed Milligan was also a renowned sociologist and taught that subject at the Forestry. I took his class in 1971. As Dick has said, he lived so much history and his place at the lake was filled with found artifacts and ceremonial headdresses and things presented to him from different tribes in the area. He was so interesting to talk to and knew so much about so many different subjects. Cheryl Dakin

Ed Milligan:
Memories from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Ed Milligan was one of my all time favorite teachers — rivaling Lincoln Jerstad, ob Likings and Ben Grossman.

Allen

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Edward Archibald Milligan was born on June 14, 1903, at Michigan, North Dakota, the son of Robert and Emma (von Evers Gennamt Behme) Milligan. He attended Mayville Teachers College in 1927, and then became a teacher of history and anthropology at the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau, North Dakota from 1927-1934. Milligan conducted archaeological and ethnological research among American Indians in North Dakota from 1934- 1940.

He served in the U.S. Army from November 14, 1942, to September 2, 1945. Milligan served in the European theater, received the Bronze Star, and separated at the rank of Sergeant. After his separation, he attended the University of North Dakota, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1947. He also obtained a Master of Science degree in Education in 1948. From 1948-1972, he was head of social sciences and instructor at North Dakota State University in Bottineau. From 1972-1977, Milligan was curriculum coordinator of the Turtle Mountain School of Paramedical Technology in Bottineau.

Milligan’s teaching, writing, and research centered around the history of American Indians in general, and the tribes of North Dakota in particular. In pursuit of this interest he was also associated with several anthropological digs in the Upper Midwest. He also served in an official capacity on several boards and commissions, including the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission.

Other interests of Milligan included the American Legion (North Dakota Department Commander); the Timberwolves (104th Infantry) Association (Past President); the Sondre Northern Fund, Inc. (Executive Director); and the North Dakota State Historical Board (Board member and President).

Edward Milligan died in 1977.

Allen Richard’s (65) Work email address

Folks, Allen is one of the folks that is having problems with AOL converting some of these daily messages into Zip files. He as asked that I also include him with his work email address. He also asked me to post his work email address as well.

Gary

Update from DeAnn Gottbreht: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:15 PM, CDT

I would first of all like to say Thank You! Thank you to everyone for all of your support. Thank you to all of you who worked at my two benefits and all who donated food and supplies. Thank you to all of you for your gifts and cards. Thank you for all of your prayers. I am sorry that I will not be sending out Thank You cards to each of you personally. It really means a lot to my family and I to to have all of your support!

Connor is really doing great! He is our little miracle! He is weighing in at 5lbs 1.9 oz today. He is also eating most of his feedings out of a bottle now. I can’t explain how amazing it was to hold him and feed him from a bottle for the first time! He got out of the incubator he was in and into a crib earlier this week as well. Now his proud parents can finally hold him as much as we want! He really seems to be improving every day. I hope to be able to take him home in 2 weeks at the most as long as he keeps improving. We are so thankful he is doing so well. He is not on any oxygen or IV’s but does still have a nasal feeding tube so he can get his full feeding if he decides he doesn’t want to eat his whole bottle. He eats about an ounce and a half for each feeding. He hardly fusses at all except when mom changes his diaper and when he is wide awake and ready for his bottle! It is hard to believe he is already 3 weeks old!

On Tuesday I had a port put in. It was a quick out-patient surgery. What it is is a device just under the skin near my collarbone that the nurses can use to give me my chemo drugs through and also draw blood from. The port is hooked directly into a vein in my neck so I just have to be poked with a needle once to access the port each time. They used it on Wednesday for my latest blood draw and chemo treatment and it was almost painless. Much easier than having my arm poked and poked for IV’s. My veins were starting to get pretty scard from being used so much. The chemo went pretty well. I get pretty exhausted by the time I am done with it but I go home and rest after and am usually feeling better by the next day. Should be only 8 more of this type of chemo treatments to go! Staying in Fargo this whole time Connor has been in the hospital sure has made getting to all of my doctor’s appointments much easier. The nice weather we have been having lately sure helps too. Hopefully winter is over!

Take care everyone and stay in touch. I love hearing from all of you!

Carmen Myer – DHS Class of 1967 – Obituary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

April 16, 1949 – October 11, 2018

Carmen Myer

Carmen Myer, age 69 of Dunseith, died Thursday at his home.  His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. 

Carmen Myer, a son of Johnnie and Patti (Schmidke) Myer, was born on April 16, 1949 at Bottineau.  He was raised on the family farm near Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High school in 1967.  On June 27, 1970, he married Beth Coleman in Dunseith.  They made their home on the family farm near the International Peace Gardens where they farmed and ranched.

Carmen passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at his home.

He is survived by his wife Beth; sons, Ryan (Denise) Myer of Lake Metigoshe and Justin (Sandra) Myer of Brighton CO; grandchildren, Hailey, Nathan and Taylor; brother, Garrett Myer of Decker, MT; sister, Holly Wheeler of Casper, WY and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Myer, and brother, Mickey Myer.

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

Carmen Myer Memory
From Allen Richard (’65):  Grand Rapids, MI

 So sad to hear. Turman was one of the best of the best.

Condolences to Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant (’65)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

 Morning Gary,

First of all I am sending my condolences to the many who have lost a loved one in this short span of time.

To Margaret Metcalfe, Leonard, Casavant. Who is from my class of 1965. I send my heart felt thoughts to you,  l realize no words can truly comfort you with the loss of your husband. May your heart and sole find peace and comfort in time.

May God bless all the families who lost loved ones.

Ginger Poitra (class of ’65)

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

Hey Gary!

I was watching a documentary the other day on TV. There was something of a place in Old Japan, New Jersey. The name of the place is, ” Stokes Farm.”  Cider donuts and other items that are on the farm are sold there.

Ginger

Hey Gary, isn’t  Holly Wheeler Carmen’s sister?

Gary’s Comment
Ginger, My kind of farm too. I live Donuts. Yes, Holly Myer Wheeler (’68) is Carmen’s sister.

==============================================
Blog (748) posted on March 19, 2010

Folks, I have gotten several replies, from folks using AOL, telling me that yesterday’s message was delivered in what appeared to be a ZIP file format. I am doing nothing different on my end, so the system must have taken it upon it self to do reformat yesterday’s message for some of you folks. Please let me know if this problem continues. Thanks, Gary

Reply To Les Halvorson:
From Paulette LaCoix Chisholm (68): Newark, Delaware

Les,

Thanks for the kudos on our nephew. Jerry’s son, Marc LaCroix enjoys playing sports. Ken and I were out to dinner when my sister called from Rugby where Marc scored the winning points with a layup in the last 4 seconds in the first round of the tournament. It was hard to contain our excitement in the quiet candlelit atmosphere.

In the story, I enjoyed the remarks made by Petric that the huge Minot gymnasium, being the biggest thing they’d ever seen at that point, could hold a lot of hay. It was amusing too that their monastic focus on winning would make them abandon beer and the thought of girl friends. Who knew tractor ruts and cow pies which inhibited a dribble would aid Bowersox in honing his long shots.

Wolford was home to my widowed grandfather on my mother’s side, John Click. We often visited him there where he lived with his brother. Wolford’s youth challenged themselves and came out winners that gave us all a boost. You guys from Wolford make us all proud.

Thanks Gary and Les,

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

Les Halvorson and the Wolford Wolves:
Reply/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Les Halvorson’s memory certainly hasn’t begun to fail! Thanks Les for the great story of the Wolford Wolves basketball team. I remember losing a heartbreaker to you guys in a tournament in Rolla in overtime. We lost by one point at the buzzer. I would like to mention a little about Les’ own personal ball playing. Dunseith was a fast team and we often worked a full court press to our advantage. Les was one of the best ball handlers in the area. When we threw the press on Wolford, they always switched around so that the ball was passed in directly to Les, who then brought the ball up the floor by himself. He could dribble right through the press and behind his back if needed. I learned early on that when guarding Les, if he started to grin, you better be backing up! He would be past you before you knew what happened, if you were too close. Wolford coach Ross Julson had a good way of switching players in and out. If someone made a small mistake or looked tired, he would run in a new player off the bench. This made for a complete team of quality players who could come into a game without seeming like a second string man. If one fouled out, the next one in already had the game in hand. Other coaches usually played only the five best players and the rest of the bench were only used in an emergency. Maybe it was only my observation but I thought that Ross Julson always had such a cool head. He never seemed nervous or upset even if the game was tight. I wasn’t in the locker room with them so this is just my perception of him from the court. Les is a modest guy and certainly wouldn’t mention his exceptional abilities at handling the ball, but he needs to be given credit for this. I guess I can verify this as I was often on the receiving end and was a quick learner when Les taught me the lessons! Thanks Les and Gary!

Wolford Wolves 1967

Question from one on our alumna:

Have you ever heard about the Fess/Raymond hunting trip in Turtle Mountains? I never have. Wonder if it’s true?

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

Gary and Friends,

The picture of Ed Milligan sure brings back a lot of memories. He taught history and social studies at the Forestry when I attended from’68-’70. History was one of my favorite classes and Ed really added to it with his personal observations. He was a WW II vet and saw a real side of war that he related to us in his daily lectures. I bet there are very few history instructors who actually lived through the battles they were teaching about. Ed was one. He also was a hands on kind of guy who really dug in and studied what he was teaching. It was from Ed that I first heard of the local history about the mooring stones that are along the foothills north of Bottineau. These stones are believed to be where the Vikings tied their ships to explore the Turtle Mountains. The large stones have holes bored through them in the same way the Vikings did it in other areas the explored. The entire prairie was covered by Lake Agassiz until about a thousand years ago, allowing ships to travel all the way inland from the Atlantic. Many years ago I saw a picture of Ed Milligan holding a Viking sword that had been found in the Turtle Mountains. He also told us about the ‘cave’ along the foothills that appeared to have been built using Gothic techniques of stone work with a keystone wedge at the top. He said this was definitely European and not native to this area. This is a very significant part of local history that not too many people put much significance in. If the Vikings were in fact the first people in the last several thousand years to walk in the Turtle Mountains, it could alter much of the history as we know it. I find it fascinating! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Gary Morgan (54):
Message/Picture from Glen Williams (52): Missoula, MT

This Dude is a 1954 Graduate of DHS and played running back for the football team….look at him now..

He will be at the Alumni gathering in May…be sure to say hello to him…

Thanks for all your work for the Alumni..

Let me know if you have problems opening the attachment..

Glen Williams

Gary Morgan (54)

Carmen Myer – DHS Class of 1967
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith  friends,

 Memories of childhood I recall,  being at  Seim   and Little Prairie 
Gatherings with the  Myers family.

 Profound sympathy to Beth and Family on the passing of Carmen.

Sincerely, Vickie L.  Metcalfe

Gary’s comment.
I remember Carmen very well from our High School days. He was two years behind me.
Our condolences were with his family with his passing.

Carroll Carlson, Hilmer Berg, Hank Salmonson and Angus Campbell… were  of the Greatest Generation.
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

 Gary, Friends of Dunseith School, 

            A number of years ago in mid August, I went on a road trip to the Bear Paws of Montana with Carroll.

My first thought, “I would take him to a place of his youth, as  a gift of thanks for revealing “what he knew about a decades old  family mystery.”

            However, mid trip, “hmmmm.

“I am getting more than I’m giving Carroll………I am hearing a first person experience of;

            the depth of  friendship of young men,

             sheep/cattle ranching on a huge spread in North Central Montana at the end of the Great Depression.

             the  beginning of an enormous decades long ,  building  of  Fort Peck Dam,

            and WWII on the European Front through the eyes of a Veteran.

            On our return, crossing the mighty Mouse N of Upham, I asked Carroll, “Could I  write your story?”

The next day,  I began to  write.

 We’d meet  for lunch so he could review writing. I’d ask  more questions. He shared books and things.  

            Soon, Carroll began  picking  me up,  and driivng to the Bowling alley, where we would sit for a couple hours.

Our table grew and we discussed WWII;

             Veteran, Hilmer served in Alaska, 

              Hank was married living on a farm in the hills,

             Angus was on the family prairie farm. 

            4 Men, whose lives were all impacted in their youth by WWII.

Each of  those shared  perspective what they were doing thinking and feeling during those War years.

            One day, someone slyly said, “You’re always are  talking and sitting with those 4  older men.”

             “Hmm” my thought…..

                         ” a person  with a “gutter mind” is making reference ?my motivation ? for lunch___ ? 

            Thankfully, in grad school, I  read a theory on  levels of communication….something like this         

1.  few people find glee in misery…and some fuel gossip… talking about about  others 
2.  a few others talk about  about   things i.e. cars.. hobbies.. guns. stuff…
3.  some who freely give, talk and communicate ideas  

            I found those 4 guys were (# 3) mutually respectful in  their discussions. 

They didn’t always agree. But always listened.

Each shared  first person accounts of his life during World War Two. WOW.! 

What stories they told?  They lived history!

            I remember,a Saturday, Carroll was quite explicit in his political opinion about the President….

He yelled…actually ROARED!

Everyone in the restaurant,  turned and stared with raised eyebrows toward our table.       

            Carroll was not apologetic.

It was Angus C. who  shrugged. 

The  shrug which seemed to say.

……”My friend is a Veteran who fought for the right for each of us to freely state beliefs”.

            The next spring, Carroll passed away.

Angus called expressing his sorrow.

At the funeral, Hilmer, Hank, Angus and I sat together. 

Afterward, keeping with tradition  we sat and ate our Saturday lunch together.

            Carroll, Hilmer, Hank and Angus…………. were  of the Greatest Generation.

Repectully,  

Vickie Metcalfe

10/11/18

Gary’s comment.

I knew Carroll, Hank, Helmer and Angus well. Carroll I don’t remember as well, but the other three I knew very well. What great guys in deed. The best of the best. They may be gone, but not forgotten.

Ackworth Cemetery Raffle drawing for a new fence

 Please fill out the below raffle ticket and mail to

 Martin Peterson
20379 35^th Ave NE
Dunseith, ND 58318

 ==============================================
Blog (747) posted on March 18, 2010

 Wolford Basket Ball team: Reply from Les Halvorson (Former DHS teacher): Bottineau, ND.

Note: Les is formerly from Wolford.

Gary, This is in response to Paulette LaCroix Chisholm’s story on the ’68 Wolford BB team.

Paulette, it has been fun watching your nephew Mark play for the Botno Braves the past couple of years. He is already a good one and has two more years to go. Thanks for the nice words regarding the ’68 Wolford BB team and for bringing back the story that John Ydstie had done on that team. John still works for national public radio and has been all over the world covering news stories for them. Gary was correct in that I had graduated a year prior to that team…we thought we had a pretty good team in ’67 but halfway through the season Bowersox suffered a knee injury and after that could play only a quarter or so a game. We lost that year to Belcourt in the dist. title game in two overtimes…from our region Crary went to state (we had beaten them during the season) and Ellendale won the state title. Who knows how far we could have gone had Vance Bowersox been healthy. He had surgery during the off season and came back strong his senior year.

Wolford was the second or third school in the state to have a video tape machine and during my freshman year in college (Forestry in Botno) I attended all of the games of the ’68 team and would do the play by play on the video for them. Guess that was the beginning of my sports broadcasting career.

Wolford was back in the state tourney the following year..losing in the semi’s to Fargo Oak Groove and taking 3rd place that year.

This week-end the state class B tournament will be held at the Dome in Minot. Many folks may remember that fifty years ago Rolla won the state B and that team will be honored and recognized between semi- final games on Friday evening. It will be fun to see how many members of that team will be in attendance. That Rolla team lost twice to Botno during the regular season, lost to them in the dist. title game (back then both went on to region) they met in the region title game..Botno won (both went on to state) and they met in the state championship game and Rolla turned the tide and won 69-50. Rolla had four losses that year .all to Botno. In the state title game soph. guard Rick Neameyer got hot from the top of the key and hit around nine in row to lead the Bulldogs to the win. I think he ended up with 26 points. Other Rolla starters included Doug Foley, Barry Dunn, Dwayne Ostenson and Leo Dionne. The first guy off the bench was Jim Howson..he had a long and very successful coaching career at Hatton, N.D.

I remember watching that game on our snowy black and white TV as if it were a month ago. Where did those fifty years go?? For the past 35 years I have done the play by play for thousands of games…many forgotton about a week or two later and some I remember as if they took place yesterday.

One other thing I remember about that ’60 Rolla team..on their traveling uniforms they had Bulldog printed on the waistbands.

Thanks Paulette and thank you Gary.

Les Halvorson

Reply from Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65): Irvine, CA

Hi Gary,

I am seeing Wolford on the blog today…..I am still wondering if anyone knows anything of Judy Jo Johnson…probably class of 64, she was one of my good friends in my young days….I haven’t heard anything of her in 45 or 50 years. Her dad was at the elevator I believe, but became sick with MS …at that time they moved to her grandparents in Wolford, I went to Wolford on the train to visit….I am thinking 7^th grade….I have no memories of that family after that but have often thought of them over the years. I think they were friends of the Sunderland’s….they moved into the home of Judy’s mother’s family so the name in Wolford of the family would not have been Johnson. I was hoping Myra Henning might have some info?

Very busy for the Pilkington’s this month. Our youngest daughter married on March 6^th, it was a blessing to have all eight of the Gottbreht siblings gathered together to celebrate this day with us. I put the last visitor on the plane Wednesday morning and drove my daughter to the hospital to deliver our 6^th grandchild around noon on that day – March 10, she was scheduled for a C section for the next day but when I checked on her, she said Mom I am feeling a lot of pressure….I said let’s go and when we got there she was at 9 centimeter…..HELLO!

Happy Spring to everyone. I am still working on several units I have committed to getting completed. Just finished Micro Economic and Entrepreneurial Finance, doing Real Estate Law presently and next week I have to start Algebra.

I leave for 2 weeks in NZ and Australia on April 7^th…..can’t wait!!!!!

Blessing wishes for all,

Evie Gottbreht Pilkington

Congratulation Evie with the arrival of your 6th grandchild and with your youngest daughters marriage. I’ll bet it was nice having all your Gottbreht brothers and sisters together too. It’s so nice they were all able to be at the wedding. Enjoy your trip to NZ and Australia. You are getting close to our world with those travels. Gary

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

Hi Gary,

Lynn (Henriksen) described in a recent e-mail how her brother Rick “allowed” us to check his trap lines with him. I also remember it being a privilege and also a trial! It was up to us to keep up with him (not easy) — the trap line seemed to go on for hundreds of miles. However, it was all worth it when we reached the house and thawed out our stinging, frozen feet — having earned the treat of dipping buttered toast in to what must have been a gallon of hot chocolate. No wonder I was chubby.

Colette

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Gary,

Not to brag, but when I quit bowling 25 yrs.ago; after Kelly died, I had a bowling average of 169. Keep up the good work, Bernadette. I bowled on 3 leagues, 3 times a week. It all started after my youngest son, DJ was born in 1974. I ended up throwing away all my trophies, except my crystal bowl. They all tarnished so bad, that they could not not be cleaned. I still have my 35 lapel bowling pins. Now, Beckie bowls on a couple leagues up in Wisconsin. Take care and IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE! Sybil (great_grandma2007@live.com)

“Just US” Band picture provided by Dave Mettler (Bottineau)
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Don Boardman (60) and Tina Pladson Bullinger (78), both from Bottineau,
are Dunseith Alumni folks. Dave Mettler is a farmer west of Bottineau.
He and my brother Bud (Darrel) are farming neighbors. The often times help each other.

Ed Milligan: Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Folks, Those of us that attended the Forestry remember Ed Milligan Well. He is now deceased.
This sure does not look like the Ed Milligan I remember. The outfit really changed his looks.
He looks so much younger than I remember him looking.
Gary

Condolences to Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant
From Bill and Eunice Awalt (’61):  Lincoln, NE

Dear Margaret,

We were so sorry to hear about Stanley.  Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bill and Eunice Awalt

Don Corbin Memorial

There will be a memorial for Don Corbin in Garrison at the American Legion on Saturday, October 13th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.  Anyone that would like to come is welcome.

Lydia Fauske LaCroix Beck

April 04, 1922 – October 03, 2018

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Age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Elk River, MN (formerly of Dunseith, ND & Virginia, MN) on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Born on April 4, 1922 in Rock Lake, ND to John J and Anna (Ludvigson) Fauske. Lydia grew up in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota where she married and raised her three girls (Judy, Donna and Joan) with Ernest LaCroix. She was a farm wife and worked as a nurse’s aide at the State Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Dunseith, ND. After Ernest’s death, Lydia moved to McKinley, MN when she married John Beck in 1973. Here Lydia loved all types of gardening with roses being her specialty. She was a proud supporter and dedicated much of her time (and caramel rolls) to Story Book Lodge Christian Camp and Virginia Bible Chapel. She is survived by her daughters Donna (Jerome) Allard of Elk River, MN and Joan Lannie of Olive Branch, MS; son-in-law Larry McGuire of Litchfield, MN; sister Ruth Clark of Valley City, ND; sisters-in-law Eleanor Fauske and Rosemary LaCroix of Bottineau, ND and Betty LaCroix of Kalispell, MT; grandchildren Lynn (Trent) Negaard of Litchfield, MN, Mark (Ruth) McGuire of Arden Hills, MN, Jill Truth of Minnetonka, MN, Janel (Bob) Kess of Owatonna, MN, Chuck (Tina) Allard of Elk River, MN, Jerry (Lori) Allard of Elk River, MN, Doug Lannie of Olive Branch, MS, Angie (Eric) Miller of Olive Branch, MS, and Melissa Lannie of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; nephews (like sons) Cleo (Char) Kelly of St. Paul, MN and Randy (Cathy) Kelly of St. Paul, MN; and 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Lydia was preceded in death by her husbands, Ernest LaCroix and John Beck; daughter, Judy McGuire, brothers Elwood Fauske and David Fauske; sister Naomi Kelly; brothers-in-law Harold Kelly, Eldon Clark, Leonard LaCroix, Alfred LaCroix and Oscar LaCroix; and son-in-law James A Lannie. A Celebration of Lydia’s life will be at 4:00PM on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Northridge Fellowship, 12522 Main Street, Rogers, MN with visitation starting at 3:00PM.

SERVICES

Visitation

Sunday, October 07, 2018 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

NorthRidge Fellowship  12522 Main Street  Rogers, Minnesota 55374

Celebration of Life

Sunday, October 07, 2018 4:00 PM

NorthRidge Fellowship  12522 Main Street  Rogers, Minnesota 55374

Dorothy (Warren) Mae Schneider 1931 – 2018
Obituary posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Dorothy Mae Schneider, 87  of Bottineau, passed away October 1, 2018 at a Bottineau nursing home. A private family service will be held at a later date.

She was born on March, 12, 1931 to the late Dave and Bertha (Patnaude) Kraft. On April 16, 1949. she married Warren Schneider.

Dorothy attended Dunseith Schools and was a member of the Methodist Church in Dunseith. She worked at San Haven and Dunseith Nursing Home as a nurses aide, and  at Turtle Mountain Corporation for a time.  Warren passed away on September 15, 2004.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy is preceded in death by a son Steve Schneider brother, Lester Kraft and sisters Annie Hills and Marlene Armentrout.

She is survived two daughters, Sandra (Kevin) Gilchrist of Bottineau, and Kimberly Schneider of Silverdale, WA; son Warren (Pat) Schneider Jr. of Bottineau; three grandchildren, Curtis (Judea) Prouty of Olympia, WA, Ryan Prouty of Bottineau and Lee Schneider of Bottineau; and 4 great grandchildren, Joshua, Ethan, Isabella, and Evelyn Prouty; sister Bertha Handeland of Pocatello, ID; sister-in-law, Alice Kraft of Oklahoma; and brother-in-law, Rodney Armentrout of Dunseith.

==============================================
log (745) posted on March 16, 2010
Gwen Grimme Eltz (68) & Brenda Hoffman (68) will be attending the reunion.
Reply from Gwen: Spokane, WA.

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the personal message about attending the Dunseith reunion. Since we don’t finish our school term until mid-June, the reunion does come at a difficult time to get away. On the other hand, I really want be in Dunseith on May 22. So, I flipped a coin (LOL) and found that I should be at the reunion. Please add me (Class of ’68) and my husband George to the list of people attending. If it’s not too late to sign up for the meal, we’d like to be able to attend that event, too. I’ll send in our registration fees this week.

Thanks again for the message. I’m really looking foward to seeing you and Bernadette at the reunion–and especially eager to spend a little time with my brother, Bill, and Irina!!! Telephone conversations are good, but there’s nothing like being together in person.

See you in May!

Folks, I received a message from Brenda Hoffman that she will be attending the reunion too. She said she will most attend following the dinner sometime. Both Brenda and Gwen, as I understand it, will pretty much be in the area for just the week-end. This will be a whirl wind trip for both of them, with each coming from separate coasts too. Gwen from Washington and Brenda from South Carolina. It’s so wonderful that both these gals will be attending. We are excited to see them both.

Reunion entertainment with Dick/Brenda Johnson and the Highway 43 band.
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

With the reunion fast approaching, I thought it might be good for me to mention the type of entertainment we will be providing for those in attendance. We know that people are going to be there to visit so we won’t be playing so loudly that it will make it hard to hear over the music. We plan to play songs from all decades and all types and intermix the songs in each set . So if you don’t happen to like the song, the next one might be one of your favorites. Kind of like North Dakota weather, if you don’t like it just wait a couple minutes and it will change! We hope to have an area near the band where folks can dance. The current plan is to play sets of about 40 minutes and take a 20 minute break so everyone can visit—including us. At this time we are open to suggestions too. This should be a fun time for everyone in attendance! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, we are so fortunate to have Dick providing us with their entertainment. I have heard nothing but outstanding reports of their music. They aim to please of which they accomplish very well. I have one of their CD’s of which I listen to often. It’s a wonderful piece of Art. Dick is great at keeping things spiced up a bit too. Dick has offered their services for free. Being part of us, he said this is something he wants to do. I have had several personal messages asking if we plan on compensating Dick and the Highway 43 band. The answer to that question is yes. We plan on having a donation Jar at the registration table for Dick and his folks. I too personally feel they should be compensated. Not all of the Highway 43 band members are Dunseith Alumni and they too have agreed to provide their services for nothing. What a wonderful group. Gary

Reply from Lynn Henriksen (64): Tiburon, CA

Dear Gary,

I had a moment this morning to take a look at your Dunseith blog, and I was glad I did.

The ice fishing pictures Randy sent in brought back delightful memories. In contrast, though, I don’t usually think of the cold as much as I do about the fun we had. Randy is right, ice fishing (what a catch!) on a sunny day can’t be beat – and neither can growing up in the Turtle Mountains. I have great memories of being “allowed” to run the trap-lines with my brother, Rick – now that was cold – great globs of ice stuck to wool socks and all, but I loved it. Then thinking about the hours Colette and I spent wondering the frozen wilderness our minds made the neighbor’s pasture out to be, building igloos of sorts and retracing our thigh-deep, blue-hued steps back to Kelvin, lure me back to the innocence of a childhood I wouldn’t trade for anything. Although at this stage in my life, I have to say that I wouldn’t trade being warmed by SF Bay Area sunshine and cooled in her delightful fog for anything, either. Guess it nice to just be happy wherever you are and count the blessings of just being.

Thanks you.

Keeping Spirits Alive,
Lynn Henriksen, The Story Woman

President, Women’s Nat’l Book Assoc–San Francisco
Blog: www.thestorywoman.com Website: www.telltalesouls.com
Red Room Author, Where the Writers Are

Reply from Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fauske – I am delighted to hear about their wonderful day and how happy they are.

Marlys Hiatt

Fishing Memories of Minnie Flynn (47):
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

With the posting of Larry Tooke’s fishing crew, I remembered a cute story about Minnie Flynn and fishing. I’m trying to remember which lake I was ice fishing on back in the 60s and ran into Minnie and Marlene Armentrout, who were also fishing. I just can’t remember where. Anyway, I just stopped by to see how they were doing and they had caught some nice fish. I asked Marlene what they brought along for bait? She pointed at her minnow pail and mistakenly said, “Minnie.” We all had a good laugh! The good old days. Thanks Gary!

Reply from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant (’65):  Rolette, ND

Hi Gary

Just wanted to respond to your gracious expression of sympathy. Thank you for your genuine concern and caring.

My heart is broken while I praise God for the amazing gift Stanley was to me. We had a beautiful life; it just wasn’t long enough.   I will love him always and miss him forever.

So sorry to hear of your health concerns and Bernadette’s as well. You have been a good and faithful caregiver to her for several years now. It is such an inspiration to me to see how important those wedding vows are in a loving marriage. You are certainly a special God given gift to her. It is totally heroic the way you care for her. Take care of you too. May God richly bless you. My friend.

Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant
Reply from Larry Liere (’55):  Devils Lake, ND Gary

Keep well BP is nothing to fool around with.  I agree with what Lee Strickland said below.

As you may remember Margaret married my 1^st. cousin Chuck Leonard so Margaret has always and always will be part of our family.  We were at the wedding of Margaret & Stanley and were very happy Margaret found a great guy like Stanley after 15 years as a widow.  I told Margaret that she and Stanley did a lot of living in the 3 short years they were married with all the traveling and fun things they had done. She will have many good memories of their time together.

LARRY

Barn on highway #43 west of St. John.
Facebook Posting from Anita Larson Hovland

I’m so glad I took this picture in 2015 because that unique old treasure finally fell

Gary’s comment
I’m sure the majority of us remember this old Barn. I know I sure do.

==============================================
Blog (744) posted on March 15, 2010
Pictures from Larry Tooke (71): Souris, ND
Posted by Randy Flynn (70): Happy Valley, OR

Gary,

When we move away from North Dakota we always seem to remember the cold days but sometimes forget about the winter fun. Ice fishing on a sunny day is always a great time. Summer or winter, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work. The attached pictures are of my cousins’ (Larry Tooke’s) family and my mother (Larry’s aunt) Minnie Flynn ice fishing in the Turtle Mountains. There are some great fishing houses as well as portables for this winter pasttime.

Thank you for keeping us in touch with Dunseith.

Randy

Hi Randy,

We took Minnie fishing last weekend. Had a great time.

 I have attached some pictures.

Larry, Leslie & Boys

 The Fishin’ Team

Folks, These are a few pictures from the Archieves. Gary

July 15, 2007
Dennis Dubois and Phyllis McKay. Note: Dennis will be at our reunion in May.

 Dunseith Alumni Alaskan cruise – July 2009
Cheryl Haagenson with the judges of the singing contest she won

Folks,

With a few health issues, I have not gotten a blog posted since September 20^th.

On Sunday 9/23 I had an upset stomach and was quite dizzy when sitting upright and standing. I attributed to a flu bug sickness expecting it to pass.

On Monday, our helpers strongly suggested I have my BP checked. It was very high. I immediately  went to the local hospital. Within an hour and half they were able to get it down to an acceptable level. On Tuesday I had a very thorough physical with all the Labs, ultrasounds and heart tests.

Wednesday when I was at Clinic for a follow-up on my lab tests, I got a message that Bernadette had fallen face down. The local hospital immediately sent her to the main hospital, where I just happen to be, for a CT scan of her head and other X-rays too. When she arrived she was accompanied with 7 of the local folks from our area inclusive of 2 of our helpers. The third helper was with me. She was admitted and spent two days in the hospital. Her CT scan was good and there were no broken bones. Our three helpers/caregivers stayed the entire time in the hospital with Bernadette too. She was well taken care of.

My Labs were all good. They are monitoring my BP for the next two weeks to get it stabilized at a target level. So far all is well.

This is my first time to be on BP meds. When I last had my annual physical 16 months ago, my BP was OK. Now that my BP is down, I feel so much better too.

Gary

Facebook comment from Lee Stickland (’64)

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

Stanley A. Casavant (Margaret Metcalfe ’65)
July 09, 1940 – September 23, 2018

Stanley’s Obituary

Stanley A. Casavant, 78 of Rolette, ND passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 23, 2018 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Stanley will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette with Reverend Paulraj Thondappa Thomas celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Thorne, ND.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Stanley Albert, son of Albert and Henrietta (Grenier) Casavant was born on July 9, 1940 at Bottineau, ND. He attended Russell Township School and Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, ND, graduating in 1958.

Stanley was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Rose Bachmeier on June 26, 1961 in Rugby, ND. They established their lifetime home on the farm at rural Thorne, ND where they lived, worked and raised their family. Rose died on April 13, 2014 after 52 years of marriage.

Stanley’s passion was farming, but he worked at several other jobs in his life. He worked at San Haven, Harlow’s, Pamida and as a rural mail carrier.  He was always very active in his church and the community.  He served on the Russell-Shell Valley Township Board, active in 4-H and was a Club Leader, a member of the Farmers Union Local.  The family attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Thorne until it was moved to Rolette and then were active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as a Trustee for many years.  Stanley was a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

Stanley’s life was very diversified. Stanley was the Thorne “historian, the “great ham” chef, a huge baseball fan, especially a Twins fan. At age 17 he pitched a no-hitter game, which he was very proud of, and played men’s softball for many years. He was an animal lover and had cattle, pigs, angora goats and many dogs-always willing to take in the stray dogs that came around the farm.  Along with baseball, he watched all kinds of sports, especially the activities his children and grandchildren were a part of.  He tried to quit, but couldn’t help himself and was a super Viking football fan.

Stanley was blessed to find love again and was united in marriage to Margaret Metcalfe Leonard on August 15, 2015 at Rolette where they made their home. These latest years brought much travel including trips to Australia, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Washington State, Ohio, Alaska, Ireland and Switzerland. Together, they were active in the church and community.

Stanley loved life, loved kids (he was a kid at heart), loved his Lord, loved his family and his many friends. May he rest in peace.

Stanley is survived by his wife Margaret; children Mark (Sue) Casavant, Minot, Deborah Anklam, Fargo, Jodi (Todd) Lagasse, Devils Lake, Brett (DeAnn) Casavant, Burlington and Lisa (Guy) Azure, Grand Forks; step children Nikki (Keith) Medalen, Towner and Chris (Lisa Kramer) Leonard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; fifteen grandchildren Calahan Casavant, Shaydora (Matthew) Todd; Bobbi Jo (Dustin) Church, Krista (Cory) Wright, Nikki Anklam; Britton Lagasse, Jacob Lagasse (fiancé Alyssa Hornstein); Jayden Casavant, Jaren Casavant, Alyssa Casavant, Alyea Casavant; James Azure, Natasha Azure; Shamas Kirk; Oscar Leonard; six great grandchildren Alyvia, Aidyn, and Owyn Church, Brogan and Mox Wright, Weston Sebastian; brother Kenneth (Dorothy) Casavant, Pullman, WA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Theresa (Frank) Brossart, Rugby, Marus (Bernice) Bachmeier, Phoenix, AZ and Emanuel Grad, Beulah; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rose; brother Conrad Casavant; sister Lorna Zeiler; father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph and Katherine Bachmeier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the American Cancer Society

Gary’s Comments:

I was so saddened to here this news of Stanley’s passing. I had the opportunity to meet Stanley at our 50^th DHS class reunion in July 2015. He was such a nice likable friendly gentleman sort of a guy. A very pleasant man indeed. Of course he was with and engaged to one the nicest, sweetest, down to earth ladies on the face of this earth too,  Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant.

Margaret, Our condolences are with you and all of Stanley’s family with his passing. I know you miss him dearly too. In the three plus years that you were with Stanley, you did so much together.    

Condolences
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):

Gary and friends

Sincere sympathy to Margaret , and the Casavant family on the loss of Stan.

My  first memories of Stan was  delivering our  rural mail to my

parents  farm.

He  always carried and held  respectful,  pleasant,  and  kind  qualities  which were reflected in his character  and personality.

Blessed be the memory of Stan.

Vickie Metcalfe

Condolences to the Joy Peterson Family
From Lyle Olson (’75):  West Fargo, ND

Deepest condolences to the family of Joy Peterson. I, along with many other boys from Dunseith, used to haul bales for Larrett and his father. The highlight of those hard days was the noon meal carefully prepared by Joy. A full meal followed by pie was enough to forget about day’s wages.   I remember those days with great fondness.  She and Bill were also great friends to my grandparents, Bill and Mary Metcalfe.

Lyle Olson

Ella Berg Christianson/5 generation clipping
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-45548495

Gary and Friends of DUNSEITH School,

It seems where ever I have worked, the coffee pot is always on.  Workers like  coffee.

I have notice those of Scandinavian of Germanic heritage like their  coffee really strong and HOT.

I  admit, I am a weakling, lukewarm coffee drinker.  I figure It has to be in the genes

My Dad did not marry a person of Scandinavian heritage.  My uncle’s, Lucky and Jim married women who made strong coffee.

Dad would  always say after  every late night visit to Jim’s or Lucky’s, “We won’t sleep tonight.  “Ella/Jenny always makes a good lunch, but the coffee is too black”.

Once I asked Uncle Lucky, “Should  I make another pot of coffee?” Adamantly he replied, ,”For goodness sake,  don’t make it like your mother!”  Then kindly, ” She  makes  a good lunch but I can see the bottom of  my cup under the coffee”.  Uncle Lucky went on to tell of  a  woman, a Nelson, some odd relation to Jenny,  ‘Aminda?’_–NOW she could make coffee!  “Her coffee so___ good it’s  black, thick  and strong the spoon stands straight up!

(_____ I’m sorry uncle I have no  magic coffee touch.)

My mom preferred  tea or very weak coffee. I’ve wondered if this was the influence of her  ‘Irish/ English/Penn’Dutch  parentage.

When purchasing tea, Mom always chose black tea and only made by… Lipton.

Whenever,  she expected John  Brennan  to be working at the farm, or a Brennan  to visit, she would  be certain to purchase Lipton  green tea.

She said,  “The Brennans only drink_ green tea.”

I think back on my mother’s statement now and think how  thoughtful folks were….  to graciously serve to the  personal preference of the guest.

My interest was piqued  when I came across the  BBC article  about  Thomas Lipton.

I  gathered he was a very admirable person; a  person born of poverty who worked hard  to succeed. And, a  gracious loser.

I was drawn to the statement ,  “It is said he banned all talk of religion or politics while on board.”

In light of all the junk on the news, I’m thinking for the sake of  proper digestion, it would be a good idea  to ban talk of politics…….

while drinking  a good cuppa.

Until Later,

Vickie

==============================================
Blog (743) posted on March 14, 2010

Reply from Connie (Roger) Zorn: Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary, It’s allot of fun reading the Dunseith news. I didn’t go to school in Dunseith so I don’t know allot of the people who write in the news. I do know the Christianson’s. Helen was a Rivard huh!! Is she related to Robert Rivard?? I knew Lillian Houle. She was a neat lady. I know her daughter Shirley. Doris Kessler wrote in the Botno Courant & did a good job. I see her allot @ Good Sam. take care Connie

Connie, Yes Helen Christenson is a sister to Robert Rivard. Both Robert and Helen are from my class of 65 too. Robert is married to Barbara Boucher. Her father and Mrs. Dale (Alma) Gottbreht are siblings. Robert and Barbara live on the Rivard home place near Rendahl church. Robert/Barbara and Helen/Duane plan on being at the reunion too. I’ve talked to them all, several times, in the past couple of weeks. Gary

Sylvia Bergan – Metigoshe Store:
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

Sylvia Bergan baked pies (and other pasteries) for the “coffee shop” section of the Metigoshe Store. They were the BEST pies! I had never liked raisin pie; Mrs. Bergan’s sour cream raisin pie changed that. To this day, sour cream raisin pie is one of my favorites (along with lemon).

Neola

Brian Fauske’s (70) Wedding:
From his cousin Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND.

Hello Gary and all the Dunseith family

I believe Friday was the perfect day, the clear sky’s, the sun shining for the first time in like months and the total warmth of the day. I actually felt that nothing could top this beautiful day, until my wife Suzy and I walked into the Vegas Motel banquet room in Minot to help celebrate the wedding of Brian Fauske and Deb Middaugh.

The happy couple met us at the door and the glow on there faces was by far more enlightening than the days sunshine, and the warmth you could feel from their love and sincerity was more soothing than the hottest sun rays of midday.

Arriving somewhat early(unusual for us), we had the opportunity of noticing how Brian and Deb greeted each and everyone that came to share in their joyous day. Both the bride and groom must be well known and very much liked as the banquet hall was filled to capacity with friends and family from Dunseith to the west coast, including Brian’s sister’s Connie, Carrole, Carrole’s husband Laverne, and their daughter Melissa who drove in from Washington to surprise Brian and his new wife. Its always a great time when you have the opportunity to bring back the memories of cousins growing up in Dunseith.

I personally would like to welcome this beautiful woman into the Hiatt Family and thank her for putting that spark in my cousins eye.

Rolette County History:
From Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL.

A little bit of history…..

Dakota Territory was created in 1861 by a bill signed by President Buchanan just before his term ended. Two days after the territory was created, one of the first official acts of the new president, Abraham Lincoln, was to appoint his old friend, Dr. William Jayne, as Governor of the Territory, of which Yankton was then the capitol. By 1873, an act of the Congress divided North Dakota into counties and what is now Rolette County was then known as Buffalo County. Since then the boundaries were changed twice to form the present county and the name Rolette was given in honor of “Jolly Joe Rolette”, a French-Indian fur trader who was a vital part of the development of the Great Northwest and what is now North Dakota.

In 1883, settlers were coming into the area locating primarily near St. John and Dunseith. Many of them felt the time had come for the county to be organized. In 1884 Arthur Foussard, M. Welton and Fred Schutte were named as County Commissioners. The newly formed board met near Dunseith to organize, Fred was named Chairman and Dunseith was established as the County Seat.

There were citizens who were not content to see Dunseith set up as the county seat of Rolette County. It soon became apparent that the people of St. John were prepared to make trouble. At any rate, St. John was determined to get the county seat at any cost. Although there is no record of any petition for a county seat vote, an election was held May 6, 1885. Much campaigning on both sides preceded the election and considerable ill feeling was engendered. Neither the Dunseith or St. John partisans had much respect for the intentions of the other.

On election day a committee from St. John came to Dunseith to watch the voting and a committee from Dunseith went over to St. John. But despite this vigilance, a large amount of repeating is said to have taken place. Although both sides accused the other of illegal tactics, St. John appeared to have been the worst offender — the charge being that 1,125 votes were cast by approximately 225 voters. Before the issue could be settled in court, St. John proceeded to set up their county government, even though a second county government was still functioning.

The county records for this period have the unique distinction of containing the minutes for two rival county boards of Commissioners. When the issue had finally been settled in court, officials from St. John went to Dunseith for the records. On the way back, one of the big safes fell into a creek, important books and papers scattered. The Dunseith citizens felt they had the last laugh even though they had lost their bitter fight. In 1889, the northern part of Dakota Territory was admitted to statehood as North Dakota and in the general election of 1889 the county seat was changed to Rolla and moved from St. John in 1890.

More cars:
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Just wondering how many folks can remember the winter evening in about ’62-’63 when a guy, coming south on Main Street, lost control of his car and slammed into the back of Rod Armentrout’s blue and white ’60 Pontiac. Rod’s car was parked in front of the Garden Lanes. This happened because of the built up ice on the street and a little too much speed for the conditions. Rod’s car was parked behind Dennis Espe’s nearly new blue ’62 Ford four door so Rod’s Pontiac slammed into Dennis’s car and slammed it into another car in front of it. About like a freeway pileup! I think Rod’s car was totaled out as the back end was smashed nearly up to the back window. Rod bought another identical car and then made a sheet metal trunk portion on the wrecked car and drove it back and forth to town as a work car. The story goes on. In the fall of ’67, Rod took a temporary position teaching automotive mechanics in the newly built DHS school shop. His good car needed an engine overhaul so he had the kids in shop class rebuild the engine. He used the engine from the wrecked car and the engine from the good car and took the best parts from each for the rebuild. When the good car was done, he told the kids to put the old parts engine back together and put it back in the wrecked car, just for the practice. John Bogus told me that when they finished, the junker engine ran just as well as the new one! I remember Rod put lots more miles on the old wrecked car with the homemade trunk section—and with the junk parts engine! Anyone remember any of this? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Lagerquist family – 1982 Dunseith Centeniel Book:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Folks,
Neola asked me to combine these two scans into one for her files.
In doing that, I thought I’d also post. Gary

Joy Peterson’s obituary:  February 12, 1927 – September 16, 2018
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

JOY’S OBITUARY

Joy Peterson, age 92 of Dunseith, died Sunday at a Rolette nursing home.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.  Burial will be at the Little Prairie Cemetery north of Dunseith.

Joy Peterson, a daughter of Edward LeMarchant (Lee) and Alice May (Striker) Stickland, was born on February 12, 1927 on the family farm in Willow Lake Township.  She attended school in the country and in Dunseith. On October 20, 1944 she married Maynard (Bill) Peterson at Little Prairie Lutheran Church.  They lived on the Peterson family farm and farmed with Bill’s parents until they were hailed out in 1955 and moved to Virginia, MN for work. They later returned to the farm and ran the operation until 1988 when they moved to town.  In October of 1994 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the International Peace Garden celebrating with family and their many friends.  Bill passed away on August 31,2004 after 60 years of marriage.

Joy was very active in the community including the Farmer’s Union, the Turtle Mountain Homemakers serving many a meal at the Peace Garden, the American Legion Auxiliary, Little Prairie Lutheran Church and later Peace Lutheran Church.  She particularly enjoyed working at The Food Pantry, her quilting group at the church and meals at the Senior Center.  She loved her grandchildren who frequently stopped by her house to visit or sleep over. Joy was a wonderful baker and it wasn’t uncommon for guests to stop by and for her to go the freezer and bring out 3 different kinds of cookies, bars or cake. The coffee was always on. She loved working in her garden in the hills, her flower beds and feeding the numerous hummingbirds who visited her feeders.

Joy passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the Rolette Community Care Center.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Bill) Harmsen of Bismarck, 3 sons, Robert (Monica) Peterson of Alexandria, MN, Larrett (Loyola) Peterson of Crosby and Scott (Leslie) Peterson of rural Dunseith; 8 grandchildren, Shayne Denise, Christopher, Ryan, Maxwell, Jeremy, Jacob, Justin and Kaycee; 5 great- grandchildren, Hannah Joy, Kole, Rhylee, Ricklyn and Rickayla; brother Leonard (Eleanor) Stickland of Mandan and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Delma, Robert, Ennis, Lois, Doris and Marion.

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

Philippine Typhoon (Hurricane)
Concern from Randy Kelly: (’69 – Former St. Paul mayor)  St Paul, MN

Gary,

I have been following the hurricane and thinking of you folks. Are all of you ok?

Randy

Gary’s Reply,
Randy, We are OK.  We live in the Banana Belt of the Philippines. Most all of the storms pass to the north of us over the northern tip of our Island. In the 15 years we have lived here, we have never had any destructive storms hit our area. The closest they have passed is with the center of storm being 60 miles to the north. We will often times get some of the heavy rains and the lighter winds associate with the storms.  Manilla normally gets hammered pretty hard with the majority of storms that pass over the Philippines.

Arvilla Hobbs (Harvey diseased) Obituary (Metigoshe Store)
Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (Btno HS 1961): Spokane, WA

Folks,

By sheer coincidence, today’s achieve posting from March 13, 2010, posted below, includes Harvey Hobbs Obituary along with pictures and memories of the Metigoshe Store.  

Arvilla (Wolf) Hobbs
MAY 22, 1939 ~ SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 (AGE 79)

 OBITUARY

Arvilla Hobbs, 79, of Pick City, ND passed away September 4, 2018 at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Riverdale with Pastor VanVechten Crane officiating. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith, ND.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arvilla Erika (Wolf) Hobbs was born on May 22, 1939 in rural Ashley, McIntosh County, ND to Martha (Scheuffele) Wolf and Henry C. Wolf. She attended rural school for two years and graduated from Ashley High School. Arvilla was married to Harvey Hobbs on June 29, 1957. To this union two sons were born, Steven and Scott. Together, Arvilla and Harvey owned and operated Lake Metigoshe Store and Café. They later bought a farm near Lake Metigoshe. Arvilla worked at Benson Law Firm as a secretary and tax preparation personnel. In 1971, Arvilla and Harvey moved to Crosby, ND where she worked at Kress Swander Accounting. She became a partner and earned her insurance license to sell commercial, home, farm and crop insurances.

In 1994, Arvilla retired and they moved to Pick City where she worked with her son, Scott and family at Scott’s Bait and Tackle. She loved people and working among the public. Arvilla also loved the outdoors. She greatly enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and walking, sometimes up to three miles a day.

Arvilla is survived by her sons, Steven (Yadireth) Hobbs of Portlaw, VA and Scott (Teresa) Hobbs of Pick City; four grandchildren, Juan Carlos (Tasha) Hobbs, Serina (Wyatt) Eisenbraun, Scott Hobbs, Jr., and Shawna Hobbs; five great-grandchildren, Loye Eisenbraun, Carlos Hobbs, Lilliana Hobbs, Isabella Hobbs and Jasmine Hobbs; one brother, Howard (Doris) Wolfe of Bismarck; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey; three sisters, Anna, Laura and Violet; and one brother, Harold.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

Reply to Bill Hosmer’s Posting
From Travis Metcalfe (’76):  Mesa, AZ.

That is about the same saying as  “Never argue with a fool-someone listening may not know which is which”….

THX, TRAVIS

==============================================
Blog (742) posted on March 13, 2010

Sunshine & Debbie Morinville (70):
Memories from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Greetings from Bottineau, For the past week or so its been a foggy gloom with some icy doom. But at 8:30 a.m. this Friday morning it became sunshine and blue skies here at the feet of the Turtle Mountains. Just a wonderful spring fresh air March morning!

At break time I left the school building for a wee bit. All of a sudden I was driving down the street singing and I mean SINGING! . I startled myself! “Whoee where did that come from?” The song was, “Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy….. sunshine in my eyes can make me cry…..” Ah… What a glorious day. And poof.. my thoughts drifted away to Debbie (Morinville) Marmon wherever she may be. The year was 1970 and she could sing that song so sweetly, without accompaniment. I wish her sunshine wherever she is. Because today the memory of that song sung by her added to my sunshine. Vickie M. Thanks Gary

Thank you Vickie,

As we all know, Debbie Morinville Marmon is recovering from a stroke she had several years ago. Gary

Lagerquist family photo:
Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Thank you Neola for sharing this beautiful photo. Rodney, Lyle, Ray & Dale all attended Ackworth before we were all sent to Dunseith. I remember this family very well down to Evon. Kim, Bruce and Carl were very young and/or came along after I left the area. As you can see, Evon is the only girl of nine siblings. Evon lives on the Robert/Dorothy Pritchard place 3/4 of a mile south of the Ackworth Cemetery. Leola, Rodney, Lyle and I believe one of the younger boys are living on the Lagerquist home place located 1 1/2 miles east and 1/2 mile south of the Ackworth Cemetery. Gary

Metigoshe Store: Picture posted by Jerry Olson (formerly from Souris, ND): Bremerton, WA.

Folks, I have a good story to tell you about how I met Jerry Olson. First off I will tell you he was born and raised in Souris, graduating from Souris in 1968. Jerry’s uncle was the owner of the John Deere implement dealership in Bottineau. His sister, Nadine Little, is well known in the Bottineau and surrounding community as the cake lady.

Now the story of how we met. Jerry has lived in Bremerton, WA for many years. We too lived in Bremerton for nearly 37 years. A good friend of mine who now lives in AZ sends out 6 forwards everyday to about 60 folks on his list. About 2 months ago one of his forwards was the picture of the deer on the snow mobile trail near Lake Metigoshe feeding on the grain that had been dumped there for them to eat. My friend really has no idea that I’m from ND. He had no idea where this picture was taken when he sent either. It had been forwarded to him as a joke that folks couldn’t use their snow mobiles because of the deer. I instantly recognized that photo from seeing it in the Bottineau Courant several years ago. I did a reply all to that message letting everyone know where this picture was taken with a bit of the history and geography of the area. The next day I got this reply from Jerry Olson who had gotten my reply forwarded to him. His comments were “Holy cow, I recognize that area”. He then said, “I think we have a lot in common” of which we do. His mother was a Dunderland from the hills. The Dunderland’s lived south of Lake Metigoshe. Jerry spent a lot of time at the Lutheran bible camp and church at Lake Metigoshe and also the Boy Scout camp in his youth. Jerry and I have never met face to face, but we have exchange a number of messages in the past several months. It’s a small world.

Jerry I have included you with today’s message. Thank you so much for sharing this photo. Gary

Folks, There were a lot of discussions about the Hobbs, the Metigoshe Store, etc back in January 2009. I have reposted several of those discussions below. Gary

Previously posted with message 347 on 1/22/2009:

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

 Gary and Friends,

Harvey Hobbs and his wife, Viola (also his sister’s name) operated the Metigoshe Store. It was just south of the bridge and on the south side of the curve. We went there many times in the late 50s and early 60s, usually by boat from the cabin on the south lake. I remember how the store had lots of steps up the front and you first entered the lunch counter area. I had many sundaes at that little counter, while the folks got groceries and supplies. They handled nearly everything lake related. When the Hobbs’ left Lake Metigoshe, I think they moved to Crosby, ND. Last Memorial Day I walked around at all the cemeteries and at Riverside I saw the Hobbs grave where Harvey is buried. I believe he passed away in the last couple of years, if my memory serves me correctly. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I remember that store and park area well. I was thinking it was Harvey Hobbs that owned that and you have just confirmed what I thought. We frequented his store and park area with many picnic lunches over the years of my childhood. I remember the water cooled pop dispenser that they had. Orange was my favorite, but it wasn’t always that we had a nickel or a dime to put in the machine. I remember our good Friends, Oscar and Sylvia Bergan, being connected to the Hobbs’ in some way too. Maybe they were just good friends of Harvey & Viola. Gary

 Harvey Hobbs’ obituary & reply from Doreen Bailey: 

 Gary

Just to clarify Harvey Allen Hobbs was full name of Harvey E. and Viola’s father. It was very common to use the Middle name in the years past. I believe one reason for it was that so often families repeated the first names from generation to generation to honor fathers and grandfathers, etc.. It makes for some confusion when doing genealogy. I attached the son Harvey’s obituary it gives a good outline of his life’s activities. Thanks Doreen Bailey

Previously posted with message 348 on 1/23/2009
Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48):

 Gar;y: Our cottage was not very far from the Metigoshe Store (Hobbs), perhaps a mile, and we went there often. If we were working on the boathouse or something and took a break, Chuck, Ross (our son) and I would go for a snack, and this is where we met Sylvia Bergan, as she worked for them and she baked the BEST frosted ginger cookies that I have ever tasted. Ross just loved them, and was raring to go when we said we were going to the store. Harvey & Arvilla were so well liked at the Lake and ran a good business, and would help you in any way they could. We missed them when they moved away. Mona Dionne Johnson, ’48

Mona, Now that you mention it, I do remember Sylvia Bergan working at the Hobbs store. Being good friends with Oscar & Sylvia, I think was the reason we were at the Hobbs store often. Sylvia also cooked for the Boy scouts camp at Lake Metigoshe for many years. She was well known for her baking and cooking abilities. Sylvia will be 97 this year. She is living at the long term care facility at Saint Andrews hospital in Bottineau. Sylvia and a lot of the older members of the Metigoshe Lutheran church Ladies Aid served lunch at both my parents funerals, Dad in 2000 and mom in 2004. It sure brought back some good memories seeing all those folks doing what I remember seeing them doing, many times, in my growing up days. Sylvia was an aunt to Clayton Bergan. Gary

Newspaper articles:
Posted byNeola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

 Note: Myles Brooks Grandparents are Orville & Gloria Hagen. His mother is Kristy (Hagen) Brooks.

They live on the Former Elmer Lindberg farm located about a half mile into Bottineau county on

Highway 43 (Peace Garden Road).

This Reunion announcement was posted in the Bottineau Courant. I sent it to the Turtle Mountain Star

and the Turtle Mountain times as well. I’m hoping it was published this past week in those papers too?

Gary

Bill is Melvin Foss’ step-son. Don is a member of “Just Us”, a musical group from Bottineau.

Other members in this group are Tina Pladson and Dave Mettler.

Neola

Great Caption
From one of Bill Hosmer’s (48) Postings: ftrpilothoz@gmail.com Tucson, AZ

“It is better to be thought a fool
then to open your mouth and
remove all doubt”.

==============================================
Blog (741) posted on March 12, 2010

Question from Bob Lykins (Former Teacher): Hutto, TX

Gary,

How much does it cost to support a family of 8 in your village with food for one month?

Bob Lykins

A family of 8 with younger children can have a balanced diet for about $100/month. Rice is their staple and a good filler. A 50 KG (110 LBS) bag of rice will last about one month for a family of 8 with younger children. Rice is their main coarse for all meals. A bag of rice costs about $28. A rice diet alone without much other food tends to create pop bellied malnutrited folks. Gary

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

Gary and Friends,

Brenda’s memory of the early Mustangs is appreciated. The way the Mustang that I had came to us, is a story in itself. Dad bought a lot at Lake Metigoshe in 1956 for $500. He moved a small cabin to the lot by himself and with the improvements had probably a couple hundred dollars more invested. Nine years later we were kind of burned out with the lake deal and a fellow offered to trade Dad the blue and white Mustang, even up, for the lake cabin. The car had around 1100 miles on it and was worth around $3400 so Dad jumped on the deal. When I graduated in ’68, he gave me the car with a couple stipulations. I had to stay at the farm and feed the cattle and watch the new house they had just moved there and also trade him my brown and gold ’57 Ford Fairlane 500. I drove the Mustang to college in Bottineau for two years and had racked up about 75,000 miles on it. I traded it to Leo Lamoureux for his ’67 Ford LTD in 1970. Jay and Gayle Lamoureux bought the Mustang and Gayle still has it, the last I heard. I was told that she had it professionally restored in Arizona. Someday I would like to see it again. In the late ’70s, Mom said she would like to have another Mustang. I was doing a lot of car stuff and ran into a kid in Bottineau who was just putting a ‘for sale’ sign in the windshield of a blue ’68 Mustang fastback. He was asking $1000 and I had $830 in my billfold—he took it on the spot! Mom drove the Mustang to work at the bank until she died and now I still have the car in the same condition as it was in 1980. It needs a paint job and maybe tires as it has the same tires on it yet. We start it twice a year, spring and fall, and drive around the farm a bit and run it back inside the quonset. The original owner, at least the guy I bought it from, has made several trips up to see it and once made an offer that is well over 10 times what I paid him, but it’s still here! My son has a ’68 Mustang GT and I also have some other Mustangs, but this one is quite special to me. It brings back good memories. Attached is a picture of my first Mustang–the 64 1/2. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Lillian Houle:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Marvin & Alida Christenson:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Remembering the Dirty 30’s: Courant, July 19, 1992

Marvin/Alida are the parents of Marlys and Duane. Marlys passed away a couple of years ago. Duane and his wife, Helen (Rivard), live in Bottineau. Alida lives at Good Samaritan in Bottineau. Alida is the daughter of Hjalmer/Irene Pederson, sister of Lloyd.

Neola

Neola,
Duane, Marvin & Alida’s boy is married to Helen Rivard from my class of 65. I have known that family my entire life. We all belonged to the Metigoshe Lutheran churches. I know many of you probably Remember Duane Christenson too from our younger days. Gary

Cote/Berube Round Barn: “Valley City Times Record” Newspaper : chelsey.olauson@vcsu.edu
Posting from Angela Berube Malget (’65):  Minneapolis, MN

Hi Gary

I have been in touch with Chelsey from the Valley City Times Record. She is interested in observation/comments/experiences from people who actually danced in the round barn, so please extend that to anyone on the blog.  I would suggest it be done as soon as possible as she gave me a September 21 deadline. I’m sure she would appreciate comments prior to that date.

Thanks for all your efforts in keeping the blog going.

Angela (Berube) Malget

Class of 65

Joke of the Day
Posted by Don Malaterre:  

The bride was escorted down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side. She said: “What are your golf clubs doing here?” He looked her right in the eye and said, “This isn’t going to take all day, is it?”

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Blog (740) posted on March 11, 2010

Reply to Dunseith Lutheran 1969 Confirmation Picture:
From Connie (Roger) Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

Neat photo of the conformation class of 1969. I knew Allen Strong quite well & some of his brothers Ron, Jerry & David) I know Myra (Henning) Halvorson & Shelley Fulsebakke.

take care Connie

Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Dear Gary,

Thank you for your kind remarks indicating that I was responsible for creating the Dunseith Blog PI Food Fund. Not true. You and Bernadette started it years ago, I just asked questions about why you felt the need to provide food and clothing for PI children at Christmas time. The result of those e-mails was a joint venture between you and I to share that info with those who read the Dunseith Blog.

And now I want to bring up my absolute favorite1960s Dunseith car. Many of you might remember that Ford introduced the Mustang in 1964 or 1965 with a great deal of fanfare. A short time after that announcement (at least I think it was a short time after), a beautiful blue mustang with a white top appeared in Dunseith. Don Johnson had bought THE car of the decade for Dick – only I didn’t know that for some time. Guess Don thought Dick needed to grow into it..or he just loved his Mustang as much as the rest of us did.

Brenda Hoffman – class of 1968

Alumni Reunion – Dunseith Monthly Newsletter and postings:
From Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

> Hey ya all. I personally do the monthly newsletters for the school and distribute them all around town, local businesses. There was an announcement concerning the reunion in the last two newsletters and there will be another in April and May also. Verena (see attachment)

 Verena, This is Wonderful! You do great work!
Thank you much for posting around town and also with us on the Blog. Gary

Ruby Adams Sivertson –  Find a Grave
Posting from Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA

Hi Gary,

I remember that you ran obituaries on Lars and Ruby (Adams) Sivertson  when they passed away.  The “Find a Grave” web site for Lars listed his own family.  However, the “Find a Grave” website for Ruby provides links to her parents as well as all her known deceased siblings.  One of the links is for her sister, Lorena (Adams) Aus, who apparently worked at San Haven at some point in the past.  Some of our alumni who lived and/or worked at the San may remember her so I am providing a complete web site from Google for Lorena:  “Lorena Adams Aus (1921 – 2007) – Find a Grave Memorial”.  The web site for Ruby is:  “Ruby Adams Sivertson (1926 – 2015) – Find a Grave Memorial”.

Dale Pritchard

Gary’s Comment
Your family and our family’s mailman, Bob Stickland’s wife, Irene, was an Adams too,  sister to Ruby Sivertson. Two of my 2^nd cousins, Brothers, Larry and Alney Kofoid married two Adam sisters too. Their mother too was a sister to Ruby and Irene. Looking in the Bottineau Centennial book there were 11 siblings in Ruby and Irene’s family.

 Lars and Ruby Adams Sivertson’s daughter,  Theresa Sivertson Delikat is on our distribution too. I’m sure Theresa and Leland Stickland can fill us in with all the history of the Adams family.

Reply From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): tBelcourt, ND

Hi, Gary

No need to apologize Gary, don’t ever have to, we all understand what you are enduring and will be enduring. It takes a good caring person to be able to withstand everything you are going through. God knows you are that. All the people who work with Bernadette also need to be commended, it’s a long hard journey. I will say prayers for you to help with this heartbreaking journey.

God Bless you and Bernadette

God Bless all her family for being there for you and Bernadette.

God Bless everyone with their big hearts helping you two.

So sorry,

Ginger

Gary’s Comment

Thanks Ginger for the consoling words.

You are right, it’s a challenge. The hardest thing for me to deal with, with Bernadette now is with my every move, she asks me where I’m going and what I’m doing. I mean every move too just going from one room to the next. When I tell her, often times she doesn’t understand.  When I leave to go somewhere, she gets very angry. It’s hard to understand her now too, so when I don’t understand what she wants she gets very upset too. Most of the time when our help leaves at 9 PM, Bernadette is in bed with the door open. She will continually call me asking when I’m going to bed. When I’m in the office, 30’ from her recliner, like right now, she is continually calling me. If I don’t answer she gets mad. If I don’t go in the house she gets mad. Her short term memory is very much affected now too. She can’t walk without assistance. Yes, it’s becoming a challenge, but we will make. When I’m not here she is much better behaved making it much easier for the girls to take care of her. Thank god we’ve got good wonderful understanding help.  

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Blog (739) posted on March 11, 2010

Earl Schneiderman:
Reply from Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND.

Greetings Gary

This is so late and so last decade, however Earl Schneiderman and his dad did live behind the Elvin Haagenson farm for a while. They lived in the house that belonged to my Aunt Alpha and Uncle Ed Gunderson. They, Ed and Alpha moved to Arizona due to my uncle’s health issues. Dad said that the reason the Schneiderman’s took shelter was because of a fire. They would stop sometimes for coffee on their way by. I recall Earl had big cars, but in those days most of the cars were big, perhaps loud would be more accurate. Dad thinks they stayed about a year. I remember when we left we inherited an Irish Setter!

Thanks for all you do Gary

Cheryl Haagenson

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

Gary and Friends,

Brenda and Dale opened the can of worms when they brought up cars. I’ll try to keep my ‘dissertation’ short. Brenda mentioned the number of cars you could legally sell in one year without a dealer’s license. In 1968 it was 5 cars. Dad got a letter from the state telling him he had sold all he could without getting one. He had just sold off extra vehicles and bought others, but it was too many according to them.

I do remember Barbara Schlaat’s, salmon and white, finned Plymouth. I believe Emil and Ann Metcalfe bought it later and it eventually ended up at Jim Birkland’s farm out in the trees. I think it’s still there.

In the summer of ’66, I was pumping gas at the Standard Station on the north end of Main Street. A Canadian drove in with a big Oldsmobile that was made in Canada. I opened the hood to check the oil and there sat a dinky 250 cubic inch Chevy six cylinder engine. I saw the guy go into the restroom so I thought he was out of earshot when I yelled at John Bogus to come out and see what this guy put in his big car for an engine. We were chuckling about it and hadn’t noticed that he had come back out and was standing there listening. He gave me a snap lecture about how, “I’ll have you know that is a factory engine and is all that is needed to make this automobile function as well as anything you Yanks have down here!” I’ll say–crap. The starter had as much torque as that engine, but he was as proud of his car as he was of his ‘flat hat’. We laughed out loud when he ‘powered away’ from the pumps. The Canadian built cars had different chrome and also went by different names than the American built cars of the same manufacture. Ford trucks were called Mercurys, Mercury cars were called Meteors, and some Pontiacs were actually Chevys with odd chrome.

Lamoureux Bros. Ford garage used to get model cars for each year of production. They had these models displayed on a shelf in the showroom and I used to go in and drool while looking at them. I asked several times if I could have one, but they were all spoken for. The Lamoureux Bros. used to give these model cars to kids when the new models (next years) came in. I can remember as plain as if it were yesterday, Dad and Jay Lamoureux and I went out shooting gophers at Ernest LaCroix’s farm west of Dunseith on Good Friday, 1961–I was 10 going on 11. When we went back into town, Jay said he had something for me if we stopped at the shop. He handed me a baby blue 1961 Ford two door hardtop model car! I thought I had the world by the tail! I kept it for many years but gave it to someone when I was older.

It nearly impossible for me to stop talking about old cars so I’ll just have to quit, as I promised! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks,
A very generous Dunseith Alumni couple provided funding for food for these three Filipino families pictured below. With the money they sent, we purchased three 25 KG bags of rice along with the other food items shown in the picture. These folks were so happy. After purchasing these items, we asked these three families to come to our house to pick up their grocieries. They repeatedly thanked Bernadette and me as they left. When the neighborhood heard we were doing this, folks started coming to our house thinking there was more. These three families all came back with thank you letters the next day that we forwarded onto the donors.

On a typical day, when these folks get up in the morning there is no food in their house. Family members will go out seeking ways to earn a little bit of money to provide a little food for their family for the day. They will try and find odd jobs here and there. Often times they will go around the neighborhood selling food items and other stuff on consignment. They are willing to do anything at all just to make a few Peso’s to feed their families. Many days they have very little and some days nothing at all to eat. In spite of all this, most are happy go lucky friendly folks with a smile.

With the donations we received yesterday, the Dunseith Alumni has helped 6 needy families. The Dunseith Alumni has currently contributed $238 for these folks. With the many needy families in our area, to simplify things, Bernadette and I have decided to merry up separate families for each donor. Subsequent donations that individual may send will go to the same family/families.

Brenda Hoffman (68) is the one that has spearhead this whole effort.

We have an FPO address (Regular US mail). Packages greater than one pound can not be sent to this address.

 Gary Stokes
PSC 517 Box RS/CC
FPO AP 96517-1000

I have more info posted on our Dunseith Alumni Websitehttp://garystokes.net/SponsorFilipinoFamily.aspx

I have been rather busy lately, so I have not had a chance to post these latest pictures on the site.

Gary

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

Hi Ginger (and Gary).

This is interesting, but not 100% a surprise. A few years ago, I heard something about a Brudwick who might be related–I don’t know where I read/heard this. It caught my attention at the time, but nothing ever came of it. I don’t know of a Carl Brudwick who is a relative of the Bottineau Brudwick’s; Eileen Brudwick most likely has more information on distant Brudwick relatives than I do. Many people used, as a sir name, the town where they lived. This was the case with my great grandfather, Steffen Bruvik (On some letters, he’s signed it “Steffen Bruvik”; on others, he’s signed it “Steffen Bruvig”. My great grandfather and his wife, Ingrid Aasheim, lived in Bruvik, Norway (Bruvik is on the island of Osteroy.). Steffen/Ingrid had four children who lived to be adults: Anna, Arne, Anders/Andrew, Axel (American spelling).

Anna and her husband lived in Washington state; they had two daughters, Helen and Anita. Helen married and lived in Ferndale, Washington. She/her husband have three children–two boys and a girl. Anita married a Canadian and lived in Canada. She/her husband had two children–Carol and Larry, who both live in Canada. Carol is married and has, I think, 5 girls. Larry never married. Anna died when her daughters were quite young. Her husband remarried a few years later. Eileen, you know the history of Ole’s second marriage/children better than I do.

Arne moved to Blooming Prairie (later Bixby) Minnesota and married Mathilda. Arne/Mathilda had five children: Edward, Margaret, Merton, Agnes, Arnold. I don’t remember who Edward married. I think he/his wife had five children; I’ve only met two of his children—Shirley and Izzy. I think one son lives in Mankato, MN. As I understand it, Mathilda changed the spelling from Bruvik to Brudwick.

Andrew/Anders married my grandmother. They had six children: Emma, Milen, Alvina, Alice, Kenneth, Gerald. We are the “local” Brudwick’s.

Axel was killed when a ship he was working on, hit a mine that was left over from World War. He wasn’t married.

I know/have visited some of Steffen’s cousins/nieces, but I have never heard of a Carl. Again, Eileen would know more about this. If she doesn’t know, she’ll find out!! Right, Eileen?

Ginger, if you/any of your family members would like to visit about the Brudwick’s/visit Bottineau, I’d be happy to do so and meet them

Don Corbin (Former DHS Teacher/Principal) Passed away
Facebook message from Don’s sister, Pat Miller Corbin.

Message dated Wednesday August 29^. 2018
Gary, I’m sorry to tell you that my brother, Don, passed away early this morning at 3:47 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Services will be held at a later date.

Don Corbin
Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher):  Hutto, TX

Gary,

Sorry to learn about Don Corbin.  He was truely one of the “good guys” on the Dunseith staff.  He was of great help to me as I began my first year of teaching at Dunseith in 1962.  Don was an active officer in the National Guard attached to the Bottineau company.  I worked out with him a few times in the gymnasium on self defense moves.  Being the skinny little guy that I was it didn’t take much for him to flip me up and over.  You are right about him being a no nonsense kind of guy but he always had a great sense of humor.  Great memories.

Bob Lykins

Joe Peloe (Pilloud): Question from Ron Peltier (‘70):
Reply from Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND

 Gary:

Joe Peloe  (correct name Joe Pilloud) was my half-brother and operated  Joe’s Trucking.

He owned a building half mile north Dunseith, now belong to the tribe.

He passed away in 1976 at age 57.

My father was a brother of Toni Gredeskys grandmother (Eve Dion Peat) so Toni

Is my second cousin.

Todd Boguslawski Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith friends,

Earlier this week, while reading the Minot paper I noted passing of  Todd.
He was a well known friend to many.( including my brothers)
Todd  also had many extended  family members in the area.
I wish to extend  to the family of Todd on his passing

______ Todd  always acknowledged and greeted people whenever he met them..

He was one of the   good guys!

Sincerely,
Vickie L.  Metcalfe

http://www.thompsonlarson.com/obituary/todd-boguslawski

“Todd was born on June 27, 1965, in Rugby, North Dakota to Joseph and June (Boppre) Boguslawski. He was raised in the Dunseith area and graduated from Bottineau High School in 1983.”

“While in high school, Todd worked on both the family farm and at Dale’s Truck Stop”

“Todd is survived by his sisters: Kim Boguslawski and Kay (Tim) Jacobson; nephew Taylor (Kayla Reierson) Parisien; grandmother Eloise Boppre; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousin; and his many friends.”

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

 Gary’s comment:
How well I remember Earl Thompson from the Metigoshe Lutheran Churches in my growing up days. Earl was one of the nicest persons on the face of this earth. A real gentleman too. Now both he and Glen Rude are gone. A great loss for the whole community. I extend my condolences to Earl’s family with his passing.

Earl Thompson

Earl Thompson, age 87 of Bottineau, died on Thursday, August 30, 2018 on his farm north of Bottineau.  His funeral will be held on Monday, September 3, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center.  Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Burial will be at the Nordland Cemetery.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

 Exhibit at Bismarck Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

http://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/The-Horse-in-North-Dakota-exhibit-opens-491760001.html

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

            This looks to be a new exhibit at the State Heritage Center.

It is titled “The Horse in North Dakota”.

            Many folks can  recall every model of car they owned.

Some with personal experience with horses on working farms probably can recall with fondness,

 every name, color, temperment and etc.

            I grew up listening to horse  stories.  

I was told my paternal grandmothers eldest  brother, was a known  as a “horse whisperer”.

And the other side of the family were also horsemen.

            My neighbor  Wes, told of  a daring young Jim Metcalfe riding  a Schneider horse which  wasn’t broke.

Dad told of haying  and putting in crops with the Seim’s draft horses.  And I remember Art Seim driving a prancing sorrel team, 

with braided tails and mane and sleigh bells.

            Dad pitched hay in to the hay rack and fed cattle every day in the winters before he owned a tractor.

Dad  told of being a child and open range in the hills riding to collect cattle.

            i remember  Dad saying, “Ward Anthony  had up to twenty some horses.  And……Not a one he could drive or ride.”

            I have a picture of my Uncle Bill with his 3 horses plowing.  

He was one of the last horsemen using 3 bottom plow and cutting hay  pulled by horses.

In the spring of 1962 he  was  breaking a young team and had a serous run away. Whilst he was  in the hospital, 

I made him my first May Day Basket courtsey of  Mrs. Conroy’s  4th grade.

Yup~  “Horse in North Dakota” should be interesting.

            Until Later, Vickie

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

Blog (737) posted on March 8, 2010

Request from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, can you add my sister and her husband to the email list . Leslie Peterson (Poitra) was from the class of 90 and Scott Peterson was from the class of 79. Thanks!!

They farm north of Kelvin Bar. Interesting but they did not know of the mini-reunion this summer in Dunseith. I know it was in the Turtle Mtn Star awhile back but not sure if there was anything posted.

I look forward to the get together in Dunseith. It will be nice to catch up with the old gang once again!!!

Al Poitra (class of 76)

Alan, We will see about posting some fliers around town. That’s a great idea.

Leslie & Scott, I have added you to our daily distribution. We are hoping to see you guys at the reunion on May 22nd too. Gary

Request posted on the Dunseith Alumni Website:

From: Rod Parrill E-mail: Message: Please add me to your list of update recipients.

Rod, It’ a pleasure to add you to our list. I know you transferred to and graduated from Bottineau with redistricting. I’m guessing you were in the class of 73, so I will include you with that year. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Your parents, Thurman & Marie Parrill are my god parents too. Gary

Cote Sister’s photo posted yesterday:
Reply from Connie (Roger) Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

hi Gary, I would like to comment on the photo of the Cote sisters. It’s nice photo. I’ve known all 5 of those ladies from working @ the Good Samaritan Center. I had lots of visits with Evelyn–& I visit with Alice each time I volunteer or stop @ Good Sam. I guess Evelyn is living in Rugby now. I think @ a Nursing Home. I think there was some boys in that cote family too!! Take Care Connie

Leona Hosmer:
Reply from Jan Hosmer Cobb (60): Wilsonville, OR

Gary,

Thanks for the warm welcome you extended to my mother, Leona Hosmer. To answer your question:

Leona lives in a lovely apartment just a mile from me in Wilsonville, Oregon. Wilsonville, like Dunseith, is a small town. She walks everywhere: grocery store, bank, dentist, hair dresser, drug store, library, community center, restaurants, parks, and even a fun pub “where everybody knows your name” – are all within a few blocks.

We play bridge together, occasionally competing in tournaments. She is still my teacher and with her lead, we usually do well. We have over 100 Master Points.

It is such a treat having her close by at this time in our lives. She models for me every day on how to grow older with grace, intelligence, charm and and curiosity. She is always surprising me with her desire to expand her world, to see and try new things. Learning computer skills and joining the community you have created is just the most recent of her adventures.

Jan (Hosmer) Cobb

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

Gary and Friends,

Dale Pritchard remembers Dale Hoffman’s black and yellow ’55 Ford. Dale, do you remember Dale Hoffman’s first car? He had a bright red Model A Ford coupe that was the nicest little coupe in the country! His little sis, Brenda (68) had a pretty pink and white ’55 Ford Victoria two door hardtop. Those were all real cream puff cars that their dad located for them, I believe. Harvey had an eye for classy cars! Any time I ever saw Harvey, he had a clean and shiny car no matter what time of the year it was. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Message from DeAnn Gottbreht’s Carringbridge Website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

It has been an amazing couple of weeks! Patrick and I were married on Wednesday March 3 at 6:30 pm in a gazebo in Island Park here in Fargo. My dream of having an outside wedding came true! The gazebo is in the middle of the park surrounded by trees and snow. It was a cool night but the ceremony was beautiful in the twilight. Now I am a very proud wife and mother! We will still have our large wedding in October so this one was just for us and Connor.

Connor is doing great. I just left the hospital a little while ago and he was sleeping soundly. The doctor increased his feedings amount a little today and his weight is up to 4lbs 3oz. He is completely off of IV’s now and hopefully will start growing quickly. We do not know how long he will have to stay in there but the doctors tell me he is doing great so what more could I ask for!

Hello from Costa Rica:
Message/Picture from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO

Just finished a morning ride on Criollo ponies in a town called Mal Pais, which means “bad country” because the rough mountains come down to the shore. My horse won the race down the beach…! I return on march 9th and have decided to get my act together as soon as possible for living on horseback. Pura Vida!! Trish

Conrad/Mildred Atherton Langehaug’s Family Picture:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Gary,

Here’s Myron email:

Hi, The missing names are Marilyn, GloriAnn, Rodney, Arnold, and Kenneth. And now here’s the story behind this photo. My mother insisted that we have a family picture before I left for the Army. The time is December 1969 on the day that I left for Active Duty Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Thanks Myron

Neola, Evie is married to Rodney Kalk (61). Rod & Evie live up at Lake Metigoshe.

Conrad/Mildred Atherton Langehaug’s Family

Confirmation Picture:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Folks, I know I know most everyone in this photo, but I don’t want to start guessing.

That looks like one of the Lagerquist boys in the back with glasses?

Please reply with names. I will repost. Thanks, Gary

Confirmation Picture reposted with correction:
Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary
Thanks to Dick Johnson and Eileen Brudwick, I now have the correct “first” name for Pastor Bakken.

Neola

Judy LaCroix McGuire (’59): DHS Class of 59 Valedictorian: Visitation and Celebration of life Reply from Colette Hosmer (’64 Santa Fe, NM

What an absolutely beautiful tribute for Judy.

Thank you,

Colette

Don Corbin (Former DHS Teacher/Principal) has the Final stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Facebook message from Don’s sister, Pat Miller Corbin.

NOTE: Pat has given me permission to post her reply to me. She can be reached on Facebook messaging.

Hi Gary,

Things are OK with me, hope they’re good with you. I’m sorry to tell you that Don doesn’t have an email address. He has the final stage of Parkinson’s Disease and is under hospice care in Fort Collins, CO. He’s not able to speak and is very frail. It’s a very sad time for us. Please say a prayer for him, that he doesn’t suffer. I’ll update you as I know anything new. His wife, Irene, and his kids are with him. Sorry to have to tell you sad news.

Gary’s reply
I know many of you remember Don Corbin Very well. He was my Biology Teacher in our sophomore year. That was the first year in the new high school and the present DHS today too.

 Mr. Corbin was one guy we didn’t screw with. He was very liked and a respected disciplinarian too. Midyear (1962/63) as I remember, Mr. Conroy, our School HS Principal had to leave for medical reasons. Mr. Corbin, as I remember, filled in for Mr. Conroy in his absence. Miss Diane Liere was hired fresh out of college to take over Mr. Corbin’s classes. Miss Liere was a very attractive young teacher. She was having disciplinary problems with some of the boys in our Biology class. I remember Mr. Corbin giving our class a very firm lecture. We all got the message loud and clear.

 I remember well Mr. Corbin pulling me to the side in the hallway, telling me I could do a lot better than I was doing in his biology class. It felt really good having Mr. Corbin take a special interest me too. Especially from him. Long before I started doing this blog, I often thought of him too. I will never forget him. 

Joe Peloe: Question from Ron Peltier (‘70):
Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (’68):   Farimount, ND

Gary,

Floyd Dion would know the answer to Ron’s question about Joe Peloe. I believe he was a half-brother to Floyd. Their mother was Lydia Dion who was a sister to my grandmother, Eva Dion.

Not sure about the spelling of Peloe.

Toni Gredesky

Gary,

Rethinking this, I am wrong about Lydia being my grandmother’s sister. I believe that here husband, whose name I don’t remember, would have been my grandmother’s brother. As I said, Floyd Dion is the person to talk to.

Toni Gredesky

HMS Hood …..’Sink the Bismarck’ and Uncle E.
History posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

My first music lesson of  WWII history  Bismarck and the Hood  began in early grade school, listening to  a song Uncle Emil enjoyed.

I figured out by listening, the  ‘Bismarck’  sailed by German’s sank  the  ‘HMS Hood’.

Uncle Emil was in the army corp in Europe in WWII and owned  a  Johnny Horton LP in the late 50’s.

I believe we  must have rather liked Johnny Horton  “historical saga” music.

We all enjoyed  listening to the entire LP.Uncle Emil  would be singing the song and others on the LP while strumming the guitar.

Later on, my  family purchased the record.  The  ‘Sinking of the Bismarck’ was favored by my  brother.

He’d play it over and over and over again……while holding his  half grown cat( Twinkle-Toes kitten).

Holding onto Malty’s  orange, black and white body with  his right hand

and her tail in his left with  a wide mischievious grin,he sang along and  point the  tail as a  gun toward…. us sisters.

Apparently, we (sisters) represented the enemy sailors as we were forever telling him to put on other music.

Later,vlm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgw8UYAxMgY

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-45270946

‘The ship was sunk in 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck, with the loss of all but three of the 1,418 sailors ‘

‘The Bismarck was probably the most powerful warship in commission at the time and the Hood was a battle cruiser, rather than a battleship.’

“It was the equivalent of three battalions of troops lost in three minutes,”

==============================================
Blog (736) posted on March 7, 2010

Leona Hosmer: Request from Jan Hosmer Cobb (60): Wilsonville, OR

Gary,

Please add my mother, Leona Hosmer to your list. She would enjoy getting your newsletter.

Thank you

jan

Jan, where is you mother living now? I know many of our readers know and remember your mother well. She is from the Richard family too. Thanks for including her.

 Leona, we’d love to hear from you too. Gary

Dunseith School Song:
Reply from Blanche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND.

It was interesting to read the Dunseith school song and the notation on the boys. There is a movement (or perhaps just an idea as this time) regarding the national anthem of Canada. This group feels that the song should be more nongender — at the present it says “the patriot love in all thy sons command”.

Perhaps this world is going to the side of political correctness a bit too far

Dale Pritchard (63):
From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Dear Gary,

Dale Pritchard sent me an overview of his travels and adventures with the US Air Force and other military branches. I thought the Dunseith blog readers would be as interested as I was.

Brenda, It is my pleasure to post this. Dale has most certainly had a very interesting career. Gary

Hi Brenda,

I’ll answer your letter so I can procrastinate on something I should be doing. My Air Force time was all spent in aircraft maintenance, starting as the lowest paid wrench carrier. In my last 5 years, I supervised about 75 people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in one of three different areas we had. Then I moved from that to being the overall supervisor of all three sections, about 450 people. I then spent two years supervising the scheduling of missions and scheduled maintenance. Because of that job, I got promoted to Superintendent of Aircraft Quality Assurance with only 20 people under me.

My first base was a two year tour in Japan, of which I spent most of my time in Viet Nam. I then ended up at Langley AFB in Virginia. Much of my time there was spent in Europe. Then on to Taiwan (or the Republic of Formosa) where I ended back in Viet Nam again. I came back from there and went to Topeka, Kansas where I continued the 3-month rotations to Europe. The base at Topeka closed in the summer of 73 and I got sent to the base of Little Rock, Arkansas. European rotations again! From there I landed in Okinawa for eight months after which they moved me to Japan, just five miles from where I was stationed the first time. During my Okinawan time, I again spent a lot of time in Viet Nam and was there with a team repairing one of our planes the day before Saigon got overrun. Got out just in time. When I left Japan, I got sent to Abilene, Texas. Because there was no more Viet Nam, I got stuck in Abilene for eight years.

Memorable parts include getting to see about 95% of the countries in Europe, including England, Germany, Norway, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey. I forget the rest now except Poland. Being a communist country, we had to paint over the US markings on the plane and fly in civilian clothes. I also made it into many of the islands in the Pacific. Korea, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran and Indonesia. The memory is getting away and I’m rambling here.

Because of my service connected Quality Assurance time, I got my first Government job for the Army as a Quality Assurance evaluator at an ammunition plant in South Mississippi. They closed after 4 years and I got sent to a Defense Logistics Agency supply depot at Memphis, TN. They closed after I had been there 5 years and I got sent down to Fort Polk, LA where I have been now for 14 years as a Contracting Officer’s Representative working Contract Quality Assurance. It’s ironic that I spent 20 years in the Air Force and will spend another 24 or so working for the Army.

As a small farm kid, at graduation time, I never dreamed how things would work out for me. How I would get to see a small part of so many countries (add Africa and South America to the list above). I do not regret the experience, but I wouldn’t want to go through it again.

Carol is married to the county sheriff of Yokum County, Texas and has three kids who are all married now and some grandchildren. I am married with two children, one of each but no grandchildren yet. Our daughter is now 26, married and living outside Washington DC in Fairfax. Our son is 32, and because of a severe head injury as a teenager, he will be with us forever.

It is truly amazing that so many small town area kids can get into such a wide variety of careers, live in so many different places, do so much good, and turn into such good folks in the process. Guess I better get back to work even though it is Friday.

Hey, I still remember Dale’s black and yellow 55 ford. That was the best looking car I had ever seen up to that point.

Dale

Judge Ketterling passed away:
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

From CaringBridge:

It is with a very heavy heart but also a peaceful one that I make this journal entry. Lester passed away this morning around 2:15. The nurse informed that it was a very peaceful death. I am sure this comes as a shock to many of you. I have sat with Lester many days and could see his decline so for me it is such a relief that he is now being comforted by God’s loving arms. Jeremy was able to be here and say his goodbyes. Unfortunately Jeremy and Lester weren’t able to communicate with each other but they have had so many wonderful times and also Jeremy was aware of his dad’s decline. I don’t know any details as of yet but will inform you as soon as I can. Jeremy and I will be flying to Bismarck on Monday night. My brother will pick us up and bring us home. Thanks again for all your prayers cards. calls. emails and concerns. I pray that God will all give you some peace with the shocking news about Lester. God bless all of you Ketterling’s

Mel Kuhn’s (70) mother, Alice Cote Kuhn:
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi,

I visited Mom this afternoon at Good Sam. When I was in the hall, I saw a lady I thought was Mel’s mom. She was. She was dressed so nicely/had a big smile/lovely lady. I think I’ve mentioned her room is very close to my Mom’s room.

Neola

Previously posted with message 277 on November 8, 2009:
Reply to the Cote sister’s picture from Mel Kuhn (70):

 Gary,

 Boy, you put a lot on to an old CRS guy, but here goes. Standing left is Lillian [Bill]Allard, they lived in Overly for many years. Lillian is the youngest of the 5 sisters. Standing center is my mom, Alice[Marvin]Kuhn. Standing right is Evelyn[Phillip]Seneshal, they farmed and lived in the Overly area for many years. Evelyn is the oldest of the 5 sisters. Sitting left is Adeline[Fred]Allard, she is Alden and Merle’s mom, I believe you would know them. Sitting right is Olivine[John]Allard, again using names you would know she is Carol and Larry’s mom. If I provide very little information it leaves less room for error. Carol could give a lot better history then I can. Maybe we could talk her into doing so?

We’ve just had the first of this winter’s blizzards. It looks like 8-10 inches of snow here, and as Dick said some lovely 40 mph winds. The electricity is still out in many places. I got called in to Park View where I had to scrounge up a couple of generators to get some light and heat going for the old folks. The powers that be who built the place decided that it was more important that they eat off of $3000.00 solid oak tables then to have a standby power plant. It was a good thing that I had the heat all up in the floor. That will hold at a comfortable temp for many hours for people like us, but not for old folks. If it gets under 75 they start complaining. When I came home from work last night volunteers were busy at work trying to clean the snow off the football field in St. John. We are supposed to play a game today[Sat] to see who moves along to play for first place in State. It could be interesting. Later.

 Mel

Standing: Lillian Allard, Alice Kuhn & Evelyn Seneshal
Sitting: Adeline Allard & Olivine Allard

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Neola, Your are right, this is Diane Larson Sjol (70).
Thank you so much for sharing. Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Dear Dunseith Alumni and Friends,

As I report with the two prior posting, I lost all of the email addresses in my address book. It’s been a long process, but I think I have finely recovered. I lost over 2,000 email addresses. Nearly 750 just for the Dunseith Alumni distribution alone.

This is the first posting using the recovered Dunseith Alumni email distribution list. For some of you  I have several email address.  I will delete any returned email addresses I get for those of you that I multiple email addresses for.  For those of you that get this twice, please let me know which email address to keep.

Following this posting I’m anticipating a certain amount of cleanup with return undeliverable email, etc. Today’s posting is a trial run.

With Monday’s Posting I should be back to normal inclusive of past blog postings.

Take care everyone and have a nice weekend.

Gary

Reply from Curt and Ann Rotto: Former Peace Lutheran Pastor: 

Gary,

I did the same a few weeks ago. Please add our name and address to your blog list. We have appreciated your efforts and time to produce this “good work”. Curt and Ann Rotto carotto@prtel.com Address: 21373 Sunny Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537; Phone: 218.739.2488; cell 218.205.7235

We lived in Dunseith from 1964 to January, 1968. Curt was the Pastor at Peace Lutheran, and two other country parishes,  Chaplain at San Haven and Ann was a stay at home Mom with two young children and one more shortly before we left. She did direct choirs at Peace Lutheran and gave piano lessons to local young people. We have great memories of our years there…. and the good people. Hello to all.

The Rotto’s

Judy LaCroix McGuire (’59): DHS Class of 59 Valedictorian: Visitation and Celebration of life

Caring Bridge Journal entry by Janel Kess — Aug 20, 2018

Celebration Videos

Journal entry by Janel Kess — Aug 20, 2018

We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of people who came to both the visitation and celebration of Judy’s life this weekend. Thank you just doesn’t seem to even begin to be enough. We love you all!! I know many of you missed things due to vacations and prior commitments. You’re in luck! Here are a few links from the Celebration of Judy’s life. Judy McGuire’s Story Video (10:24) https://youtu.be/N_IY3CvrF6Y Judy’s Ice Cream and Goodbye Video (1:24) https://youtu.be/2eTmBXDrC40 Full length celebration of Judy’s Life (59:58) https://vimeo.com/285702876

Judy LaCroix McGuire (’59) passed away: DHS Class of 59 Valedictorian
Caring Bridge Journal entry by Janel Kess — Aug 12, 2018

Judy is with Jesus! She left this earth at 10:38pm on August 11, 2018. We will sure miss her! Details regarding a celebration of Judy’s life will be shared once things are finalized.

The Visitation and Celebration of Judy’s Life will both be held at Cornerstone Church in Litchfield, MN.  Visitation will be 5 – 7pm Friday, August 17 Celebration of Judy’s life will be 2pm on Saturday, August 18 We’d love to celebrate and remember with all of you!  Cornerstone Church  205 County Road 34 Litchfield, MN 55355

Gary’s comments.
How well I remember Judy when the Ernest LaCroix family lived on the Johnny Hiatt farm north of us. I was only 5 when they moved from there, but I remember them well. Our families were together a lot.  While living there both Judy and Donna attended Summer school at the Ackworth country school. Judy has commented on the blog several times about her experience live there and attending Ackworth. In 2013 I saw Judy at Stubby Fauske’s 90^th birthday celebration. It had been probably 55 or more years since I had seen her too. At the age of 16 Judy was the Valedictorian of the  DHS class of 1959. She got a good start in Ackworth. I believe Charlotte Lang was the teacher.
We extend our condolences to all of Judy’s family. She will be missed.

Joe Peloe

Question from Ron Peltier (70):  Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary, I was wondering if you or anyone who reads your blog remembers a “Joe Peloe”?  He used to own a building just north of Dunseith where he did some trucking out of.  Was he married? his wife’s name? did he have children? and if so, where would his children be today?  Any information would be appreciated.

Reply to Bill Hosmer and Don Conroy postings
From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (’59):  Watertown, NJ

Thank you Gary! Seeing Bill Hosmer among TAF pilots made my day. I may have been a protestor back in the day but can feel only pride in recognition of their service. This of course includes my dear brother Ernest J Gottbreht USN.

Don Conroy sent a flawless account of the “springs” property in Gilbert Twp. I would dearly love to have that article to include with a report on Gottbrecht history in Rolette County. John Sebastian Gottbrecht wanted to enhance the waterfall at that site, place turbines, and give electricity to Dunseith in 1910. His children had John declared incompetent and locked up in an old soldier’s! He was a dreamer and doer; the father of William Gottbreht.

Thank you for your faithful service! Sharron Gottbreht Shen

 
Reply to computer issues and lost email addresses
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX

Hi Gary

What a pain in the neck when we have computer issues. Is there anything any of us can do to help recreate your email list? Let us know…

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Gary’s reply
Actually I have back-up files from 2014 from when I upgraded my computer. I will merge those files with the email addresses I was able to capture from recent postings and delete the dupes. It just takes time is all. For now I will just continue to copy and paste the email addresses I have without names for these postings.

Ramblings of Summer memories, circa ’61
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70 Bottineau, ND

Wholly Cow  Gary, that’s so many names to copy and paste!

Thank you.

Friends of Dunseith,

It’s to be another hot day here, in  the Turtle Mountain HEARTlands !

I  went out early, watering the Carlson Apple Tree again today.

Yesterday, I touched the drying  August  leaves while  watering  flowers.

I feared they would soon be brittle, quickly put the water on slow tickle to the apple trees for hours.

(Don A. Carroll’s nephew told me to plant something in my yard. in memory of Carroll, the Harlson apple  a.k.a Carlson  tree)

Years ago back at the farm, water was not wasted it  was saved.

Dishwater, laundry water, cream separator discs water, and  soapy dishwater.

Every meal  was followed by constant chores  for us dishwashers. One chore was  to  carry  out dishwater mom’s  flowers.

There  was something about dishwater which made the colorful sweet peas flourish smelling delightful.

In her  first  small gardens,  mom emptied rain barrels then pumped well water into buckets  and carried  up hill to her garden.

In  the spring of 1961, Dad contracted Duane Sorbin from Bottineau to dig in lines for  running water and sewer  to the house.

Water was  piped uphill N. into the house. Also, Duane dug a waterline  from the old Seim East-well to Mom’s  new  acre garden.

That  summer, I recall  getting to know  Dad’s friend, Walter DuBois.

The DuBois’ were long time friend’s of the Metcalfe family on  Rabbit City Lake.

Walter came everyday for weeks.

Down deep, many feet  into the earth next to the main well  each day Walter crawled twenty feet down a ladder into earths cool depth.

Laying concrete blocks was hard manual work first completing digging by hand, mixing mud, carrying block and mortar down, climb back up over and over.

When that was complete, Walter built, the covered  shingled well house, which he painted.

Electricity began to   power  the pump which pushed fresh cool spring water to the house.

( prior to that, my folks used lots of muscle power & elbow grease pumping by hand and carrying)

On a farm, dinner and supper was always, potatoes, meat, vegetable, dessert.

There would also be coffee breaks. People, like Duane and Walter who came daily or helped,  sat down at the table and ate with our family.

We kids learned alot about how to converse. We learned mutual respect, and how to listen.

recognize friendly teasing  and enjoy laughing. We girls washed the dishes, pots and pans.

And continued using the water for outdoor plants.

Walter hailed us  of his  3 children who were mostly grown. He  spoke  proudly of  Loren, Cookie, and Dennis.

One supper meal he said to my younger sister,”Would you like a kitten?

He told us, “The  mother cat a few weeks ago had a new litter. The cat belongs to, ‘Cookie.’ ”

One morning, Walter came earlier for morning coffee visit  with dad while we ate pancakes.

With little claws stuck to close into his  shirt, under his chin,  Walter  held a  petite, gray, tiger striped  kitten.

He told us,  “She is a little girl.” He gently stroked her.   She had a little pink tongue, paws were white as was her underbelly,

chin and white on the tip of her tail. Finally,Walter handed her to a  delighted fair haired 5 year old, who immediately christened, “Twinkle Toes.”

Because of a gift  of  a wee grey cat, with cossolal personality……… Walter never forgotten by any of  us.

Twinkle Toes lived a long life on the farm. She  lived in the warmth of  sweet smelling  hay mow,

and drank milk twice a day. Before a milk machine was put on any cow, Twinkles would meow talk  and we’d respond in kind with warm stream from  teats  which she caught on her  pink tongue.

Twinkles supplimented her milk diet by hunting mice, gophers,  and rabbits.

In years there after, whenever she was due with babies she would find follow and meow talk to my mom .

There is something about mothers isn’t there?  It is  a knowing gentile wisdom of understanding.

The need to keep their babies safe.

Mom would respond by calling and talking to Twinkles,  while carrying  a plank  to the opening in to the basement coal / wood shute  slanting incline down.

Mom would fill a box with old rags. Twinkles then would be  content that her babies  would be born in safety, warm and protected.

After a time, Twinkles would carry one by one down the hill to the  haymow in the red barn south  of the house.   She would usually start under the cover of  darkness.

And take them into hiding up somewhere in the haymow.

For days thereafter,  at milking time,  Cyndy would  venture into the haymow, listen for mewing and finally locate  kittens in Twinkles  concealed ‘lair.’

Time for  weaning, Twinkles would start by bringing  her kittens a whole (deceased) mouse.

After a time, she would revert to a live .. crippled mouse.

a few days later, she’d bring  an energetic frightened mouse in her mouth unhurt. Twinkles would set it free among the kittens.

They slewed a mouse.Her next step?  she’d take them on the hunt.

Her kittens all were mousers.

There was a Washington cousin, a.k.a City- girl  who was the bane of Twinkle Toes……..

When ever, Twinkles arrived with a mouse, City- girl cousin promptly take it away from her.

City -girl,  then would  get a shoe box, then arrange a funeral procession  for the mouse.

Poor  puzzled Twinkles  tolerated the stranger behavior.

The farmer- girls politely allowed misguided City-girl’s behaviours about mousers  refraining the need to say,

We ‘re country and we  don’t buy cat food.

Twinkles lived out 9 lives for many, many years  on the farm  and  was well loved by all.

in old age, Mom found her a warm shelter and fed her raw eggs daily.

Summer of ’61, Mom  finally got her wish for a ( Huge) new  garden  complete with a water hydrant!

Our growing daily chores  included, hoeing, pulling weeds, shelling peas, snapping beans, and turning on the water.

While in the garden, mom could often be heard humming song ….usually off key.

I hear her voice clearly in my memory    “And the joy we share while we tarry there’……

In the midst of the weeding, beans, peas and carrots were snacked on.

Pull a carrot wipe the dirt off on the jeans and devour. Carrots often taste fresh best with a bit of grit.

After mid-summer, in the cool of the morn mom

gathered the fruits of her labors and began to can….can… can…pickles, beets, beans, placed the jars in root cellar storage.

and,  watered her garden.

Finally the garden when  at it’s peak height of production. Mom shared.

There were no Farmers markets.  ……. Friends neighbors,  People shared.

Long time Metcalfe friends of Rabbit city lake’,

Ward and Annie lived miles to the south. They didn’t garden big any more.

Annie and Ward would stop in on warm afternoons after trips to intp Dunseith.

We girls,  always knew by smell whenever Anthony’s had been at our house.

The pugent aroma that only could come from Ward and Annie pemeated the house.

“O’wweee. ”

Annie  had come to  “broad hint” to Mom .

“I hear you have a wonderful garden this year……”

Mom  fetched vegetables for Annie and Ward and off they went.

I decided, when I was 10 they were smelly but they knew  KINDNESS.

Ward, didn’t tease when I  put 4 teaspoons of salt into by first cake from scratch, (it was rhubarb and I 3rd grad going into 4th.

He answered, ‘Yes Please, I’ll have another piece’.

And, Annie? Annie awed me, ”

She  dressed like a Hepburn. She wore belted trousers with a shirt  neatly tucked into her trim waistline.

Her clothes were not  stained. Rich chestnut  brown hair in a neat braid wrapped around the crown of her head.

And she’d tell delightful stories of my Grandparents Metcalfe, saying respectfully, “Your grand pa  Billy or Your grandmother Rose.”

Yes, my parents were aware, they had the smell.

Dad would say to them  “Take a bath”.  But he didn’t harp. He’d tell them once. then let it go.

We all knew and felt our  Dad tolerance  for them.  He invited them for the Easter dinner every spring. And every time,  we recalcitrant daughters complained,

My parents always welcomed them into their home.

Dad never  waivered. His word was final.  He let me know I was heard,  nod, and  never giving into his girls’ ‘snooty’ behavior and invited them and expected to be  courteous.

I believe, that was the way with my dad and the people of Rabbit City Lake.

I learned at dad’s hand, unconditional acceptance  and understand their are different perceptions. Do the best to treat people humanly with dignity.

Mom’s Garden song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn4dIPkBepk

Until later,
Vickie Leona Metcalfe 8-13-18

Lost email addresses

Folks,

I executed a Microsoft Windows 10 “Fresh Start” operation on my desktop computer. In the process I lost every email address in my address book.  I was careless and didn’t read all of the info. I was able to go back thru my sent files and retrieve email addresses only without names. That is what I’m using for this posting. Eventually I will get the names married up the Addresses.

I lost over 2,000 email addresses. I am recovering. It’s a slow process.  With all involved I haven’t been able to get a blog posted for the past 10 days.

Gary

DHS class of 1969 Fifty year reunion
Post from Marvel Hill Thompson (’59): Bottineau, ND

Is anyone interested in a 50th year class reunion.  If interested contact Marvel Hill Thompson at:    Thompson.marvel@yahoo.com with any ideas (month, place, etc.:  My thoughts lite supper (pizza etc at Dales  Friday evening and Saturday, tour school, class picture at the turtle wheel.

End with supper at Dales.   If interested would love others ideas also.

Please let me know if interested.

Judy LaCroix  Mcguire (DHS ’59): New Journal Entry on Caring Bridge Site
In March of 2018 Judy was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors

 Visit the site to read the Journal entry

Jesus is Calling

Journal entry by Janel Kess — 11 hours ago

Judy surprised us this past week and rallied for a few days but her time has come! Judy is surrounded by those who love her and she’s had many visitors the past few days. We’ve given Judy permission to go and sit at the feet of Jesus and be healed.  We will update everyone when we have more information to share.  Love, The McGuire family

Bill Hosmer (’48): American aerial bombing campaign during the Vietnam War
Posting from Jim Kofoid:  Bottineau, ND

Excellent piece!  Our Dunseith neighbor, Bill Hosmer, is shown!  Must watch!

Jim K

Operation Rolling Thunder was the code name for an American aerial bombing campaign during the Vietnam War. U.S. military aircraft attacked targets throughout North Vietnam from March 1965 to October 1968.

Subject: F105’s Nam

Friends, I hadn’t seen this before and found it very interesting and moving.

A fighter pilots current color picture, a simple paragraph with a powerful message, along with some black & white original photos … this format tells the important story in a different way.

Over  War – Cade Martin Photography

Thank you Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum)
Post from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary this is for your information.

I  wonder  how many folks realize what  a true community area treasure …. Karen Larson is?

She deserves recognition for all she does. She does it well!

Thanks. V

Gary’s comments

Vickie, I eco both yours and Al’s comments.

Karen has done so much for our group too with all the pictures and posting that you folks have asked her scan send.

Thank you so much Karen for all that you do.

Subject: BIG THANKS TO KAREN LARSON (Bottineau Spectrum)
VFW/American Legion posting from Al Wondrasek: AMVETS State Commander

ALL,

MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHAT VET ORGANIZATION YOU HAIL.

WHEN EVER YOU SEE KAREN, JUST THANK HER FOR ALL THE SUPPORT SHE GIVES TO VETERANS.

A BIG CHUNK OF COPY WORK SHE DOES, SHE NEVER CHARGES US………

THANK YOU KAREN………

al

==============================================
Blog (735) posted on March 6, 2010

Reply from Lorraine Richard Nelson (46): Mesa, AZ.

Hi Gary.. I , Lorraine Richard, at that time in my life..attented my jr. and senior year in Dunsieith.. My classmates were Dorthy, Darrell and those great folks. Thanks.. Wayne and I are now Mesa AZ residents..but head back to the Tutle Mts. every once in a while, as that is where I was raised, and our grandson Bryan Schweitzer, is owner of State Farm Agency in Bottineau. Lorraine Nelson

Folks, Thanks to Darrel and Dorothy Fassett for referring Lorraine (Wayne) Richard Nelson to us. I just sent Lorraine the Richard Matrix that I put together asking her where she fits into the Richard family.

 Thanks for this reply Lorraine. We are excited to hear more from you. Gary

The Dunseith School Song:
From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN

Good Morning Gary,

In answer to Kenny Nerpel:

Dunseith School Song

Hurrah for Dunseith High School we’re out to win,

You may have beat us once before but you won’t do that again. Rah, Rah, Rah,

Hurrah for Dunseith High School we’re out to fight

The Boy’s that are going to win tonight are the Boy’s in the Blue and White.

Rah, Rah, Rah, (actually 15 Rahs)

The Girl’s Basketball Team had no cheerleaders and we had no other female teams so I guess no one was bothered by the phrase (The Boy’s that are going to win tonight are the Boy’s in the Blue and White.) Today that would be a BIG ISSUE!

Our song was sung to the same tune as the one used by Belcourt. In one Tournament game both the Belcourt Cheerleaders and the Dunseith Cheerleaders were out on the floor at the same time doing their different songs. Neither group backed down and we both finished together.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

The Dunseith School Song:
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary,

This is the banter between Lola and me about the school song. She remembers it well!

Dick

Gary and Friends,

Kenny Nerpel asked about the Dunseith School Song. It’s ‘Our Director’ but I can only remember part of the words. It starts out — “Hurrah for Dunseith High School” and ends with “the boys that are going to win tonight are the boys in the blue and white.” I think I have that much right, but our many cheerleaders should be able to cover for me on this one! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick’s message to Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Lola,

Hey there cheerleader, do I have this right? There are more words that I remember but not how they fit together. Maybe you could send the words to Gary if you remember. Thanks.

Dick

Lola’s Reply:

Oh Brother a blank but this is what comes to mind– seems kind of screwy though

Hurrah for Dunseith High school We’re out to win You may have beat us once before But you won’t do that again-rahrahrah!-

Hurrah for Dunseith High School We’re out to fight For the boys that are going to win tonight Are the boys in the Blue and White—

or something like that!__ HA!!

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

Gary,

Has this grad been included in your newsletters? She graduated in 1971. I checked with Karen Larson, a Bottineau High School member of the Class of ’71–she didn’t recognize this grad.

Neola

Neola, I think this girl was identified as being from Dunseith. Without a name, I’m not sure.

 Folks, do any of you recognize this gal? Gary

Stella Ann Belgarde DeCoteau’s Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

http://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/stella-decoteau

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

To the family of Stella Decoteau

Sincere sympathy to your  family including,   Melinda on the loss of her daughter.

I  understand, Stella was a graduate of Dunseith High School.

Stella’s  mother, Melinda and her twin  sister, Margaret attended school with me and the class of ’70.

I  recall the Belgarde twins  friendly, smiling,  happy classmates who enjoyed  laughter.

Margaret and Melinda were  daughters of Alex and Stella Belgarde long time Dunseith area people.

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Judy LaCroix (’59) is in Hospice care.
New Journal Entry on CaringBridge Site

 https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judymcguire2/journal/view/id/5b625c1f8cab9cc142f12f30

Loving Judy until the end

Journal entry by Janel Kess — Aug 1, 2018

Since Judy came home she has been getting great care. Hospice has been so helpful in teaching us how to make Judy’s life the best as possible. All of Judy’s family is enjoying the time caring for Judy and treating her like a queen. Each day Judy gets a little weaker and deteriorates. She has not been out of bed now since Friday evening and is unable to feed herself. She has experienced some first bit of pain and is now taking pain medication to keep her comfortable.  We appreciate your prayers for Judy and her family as she enters these final days/week(s) in her life here on earth.
John 14:1-4 (emphasis added)

Dear Judy, don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home for you. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? Judy, when everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am. Love, Jesus
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

==============================================
Blog (734) posted on March 5, 2010

Tour the Rolette County Museum on Friday, May 21st
From Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND.

Gary,

Dick and I were talking and if anyone that is coming home for the reunion would be interested we would open the Rolette County Museum in St. John for people to go through. Friday the 21st. works best for us. We would just have to pick a time. We don’t have it open for the season yet so we may come across some dust.

Mel

Folks,

We have decided on the time to be 1:00 PM

Thank you so much Mel & Dick for doing this for us.

What a great opportunity for us that Mel and Dick are doing enabling us to see this site.

We’ll see you guys there at 1:00 PM on Friday, the 21st.

Gary

I found this on the Net. Gary

One of the most interesting sites in Rolette County is the Rolette County Historical grounds located on the south edge of St. John as you come into town from the South. It consists of 12 lots, part of which is surrounded by a chain link fence.

The Rolette County Historical Society was organized by a small group of interested people in 1974. Its goal and purpose as an active organization is to help preserve some of the relics of the early pioneers–historical monuments, landmarks, buildings, etc., that have historical value. The initial grounds were donated to the Society in 1975 by the Mill Lake Cemetery Association and consisted, at that time, of 6 lots and the Mill Lake Lutheran Church, which was built in 1911. There are now several buildings on the site; the Church, a little one-room school house which dates back to early 1900’s; a little pioneer log cabin; a display building containing many different memorabilia; another display building with larger antique machinery; an immigration building, toy shop, boxcar, caboose, and an outdoor stage.

 Dunseith Sr. Citizens will be serving lunch on Sunday May 23rd.
Posted by Jackie Peterson Hansen: St. John, ND

 Folks, Jackie’s parents are Jack (deceased) & Nettie Peterson.

 Jackie, this is wonderful that the Sr. Citizens are doing this for the community and those of us visiting the area. In 2007 they had some of the best home baked goodies ever. Their pies were out of this world. I had several plus pieces. I was reminded of this by non other than Larry Hackman. Larry we’ll have to pay them a visit again for some more of those great home baked goodies if they’ll be serving them again. Bernadette and I plan on attending the Sr. Center for lunch on Sunday May 23rd. This is another great opportunity to see more of the Dunseith Alumni folks. Thank you so much Jackie for this posting. Gary

From: jackie hansen Phone: 701 477 5780 E-mail: jackie.hansen@sendit.nodak.edu Message: Would you please post this for my mom {Nettie) and other Sr. Citizens: A lunch is being served at the Sr. Citizens’ Center on May 23, starting at 11:00 AM. The seniors in the community welcome visiting alumni as well as those from the area.
Baptismal of Connor O’Hara, DeAnn Gottbreht’s son:
Message from DeAnn Gottbreht O’Hara: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

We are going to be getting Connor baptized on Saturday May 15th at 11am at Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith, ND. All are welcome. We will be having a meal afterwards at the church. Thanks Cheryl for the reminder to get it posted on here. Take care everyone

The Conroy’s
Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

Thanks to Don Martel for the great photo of the principals – brings back memories! I wonder if Don & Colleen have photos of Mrs. Conroy, too, that they would like to share? I remember learning to count money in her 4th grade class by playing “store” with a cash register and toy money – buying cans of soup, etc. that she had brought from home just for that purpose. We had singing in her classroom on Fridays – with Mrs. Elsie Schneider coming in to play the piano. Mrs. Conroy also had the best arts & crafts – we made candles, plaster wall-hangings, corsages for Mom at Christmas and grew petunias in paper cups for Mother’s Day. She also read aloud to the class every day after noon hour – “Little House On the Prairie” was always my favorite.

And remember the “sick room” between the 3rd and 4th grade rooms – upstairs in the old Dunseith School building. I think we hung our coats in there and I remember lots of bookshelves, but there was a bed in there so if you got sick there was a place to go until the bus came, or your mom came to get you………..

Paula Fassett-Pfuhl

Joy Bashara (Teacher)
Question from Diane Fuger (75): Minot, ND.

Gary:

I have a question for the class of ’75. Does anyone remember Ms. Bashara(sp?) or know where she is nowadays?

Diane Fugere

Ronald Oswell, son of Leona Metcalfe, passed away:
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Ronald George Oswell August 07, 1947 – May 01, 2010

Ron Oswell passed away May 1, 2010. He was born in Seattle on August 7, 1947 to George and Leona (Metcalfe) Oswell. Ron grew up in Seattle, and graduated from Shorecrest High School, where he was the school’s first bagpiper and gave himself the rank of Pipe Major. He attended Shoreline Community College before receiving his draft notice in 1967, precipitating his enlistment in the U.S. Army, where he served four years in the Army Security Agency. [He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967, serving four years in the Army Security Agency] He also served four years in the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II. He married Christine Gaston, a former Shorecrest Pipe Band member, in Basle, Switzerland on November 10, 1970. After returning to Seattle in spring 1971, he worked in construction, first as a union carpenter, then as a foreman, and in due time as a superintendent. He was generous with these carpentry skills, helping family and friends with household projects. Ron always had many interests, and was talented in many areas. He had a beautiful tenor voice, and learned musical instruments easily. He had a lifelong love of photography, and always had a darkroom to work in, wherever he lived. In recent years, he was working to master PhotoShop. He also continued his interest in bagpiping and things Scottish. He played with the Washington Scottish Pipe Band for many years and was a very good piper. He also spent time over the years dirt biking and trap shooting. He coached a girls’ soccer team for 15 years, bringing a core group through three team name changes and from mod soccer to high school graduation. He always dreamed of owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and finally purchased a beautiful bike a few years ago that was his pride and joy. He always had a big smile on his face as he drove into the driveway after a ride. Ron is survived by his wife Chris, and two children, Bergman, born in 1974, and Katie born in 1978. Also by his brother Ken Oswell and sister-in-law Carol.

Funeral Information

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 10:00 to 8:00 PM in the family service suite in Evergreen Washelli. Graveside service at 3:00 PM in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Gary, Ron has many Metcalfe cousins in Turtle Mtn.area. Ron Oswell was a kind, compassionate, honest ,hard working man, with a wonderful sense of humor. Aunt Leona at times, when he was 17 often slipped and called him Cliff. She felt he was alot like my dad at that age. Each of my nephews and nieces met and spent good times with him. He always took time to get to know and mentor kids. Ron was also a double first cousin to the children of Emil and Ann (Oswell) Metcalfe. Our family mourns. Vickie

Funeral Services for Richard Slyter (’67): Saturday August 11^th.
Facebook posting From Sophia Slyter Anderson (Daughter)

Sophia Tigz Anderson
10 hrs ·

Funeral services for Richard Slyter will be on Saturday August 11 at 11am. They will be held at Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads near St. John ND with fellow ship to follow. Come comfy as the man of the hour would want it no other way. If there are any questions please let myself or Pastor Joel Brandvold know

Thankyou

Road Map to Shepherd’s Hill church.
Map to 

Catholic Daughters of America Photo
Previously Posted by Sharron Gottbrehe Shen (58) with message #453 on May, 9, 2009

Folks, Sharron asked me to find this photo that I’d like to share again with all of you.

Row 4; Stella Schimetz, Esther Fugere, Lorna Zeiler, Josie Dionne, Katherine Berube, Eugenie Malo Grenier, Leona Picard, Alma Gottbreht, Phyllis Barbot, Maxine or Carol Barbot, Leona Mongeon

Row 3: Rebecca Cote,_________, Alice Christianson, Eva Siem, Josephine Fugere, _______Volh, Cora Mongeon, Eva Morrinville Peat, Elise Picard, Sylvia Heffelfinger, Melvina Schneider, Flora Casavant, Emeline Boucher

Row 2; Olivine Allard, Beatrice Robert, Lillian Allard, Helen Haberman, Alma Casavant, Frances Morinville, Loretta Boguslawski, Alice Boguslawski, Dorothy Robert, Mary Ann Malo, Rita Boucher, Irene Pigeon, Lenore Malo, Alma Berube, Germaine Barbot, Lillian Houle

Row 1: Eva Trafford, Stella Vandal, Esther Neameyer, Emma Cooper, Father Wolf, Lenore Lamoreux, Alice Evans Berube, Hermine Dionne, Gail Lamoreux, Janet Evans

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Blog (733) posted on March 4, 2010

Request from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I work with Arlene (Nadeau) Davis, she is the director of Special Education in our school. She attended school in Dunseith, I forgot to ask her the year she graduated. She would like to be added to our e-mails. Ginger

Ginger, It is my pleasure to add Arlene to our distribution.

Arlene, Please let us know your school year? Thanks, Gary

Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Thank you Gary. How nice of you to remember. Yes I am just hours away from the big 60. It doesn’t seem possible does it that we are no longer teen-agers or young adults? I still feel that way often inside – there is no way that I can sit still while listening to Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and in comparison doesn’t most of today’s music sound dull and boring? I wonder if our parents felt/feel the same about our music…and thoughts. And so it goes. Thank you again for remembering…and allowing me to remember a bit.

Judge Ketterling’s address:
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

From Eunice Ketterling on Judge Ketterling’s CaringBridge site. Neola

Just a note the address here is 2136 Leisure World Mesa AZ 85206 – 5348. I have received some cards with 1236 instead of 2136.

Thank you.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lesterketterling

Report from DeAnn Gottbreth:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

I am happy to report Connor and I are doing great! I started chemo again on Monday. It was my second treatment of 12 weekly treatments. Other than dealing with how much I hate getting IV’s put in it went fine. I really had no side effects other than being tired. I am healing well from the birth of Connor and hope to be back to normal soon.

Connor is really doing great as I said. He has started gaining weight and is almost 4 lbs. All premature babies go through a time of losing weight before they start gaining when they are born so he is right on track. He is also completely off oxygen and breaths great on his own. This is a huge milestone for him since lung development in preemies is one of the major concerns. They also have been increasing his feeding amounts daily and he is handling it well. He learned to suck on his pacifier quickly and that was also a sign he needed more food! He is definitely a growing boy. I get to hold him for about an hour at a time and it is truly the highlight of my day! They will not tell us how long he may have to stay in the NICU but at the great rate of improvement he has had I hope it is no more than a month. I can’t wait to get him home. Patrick is here as well for a couple of days and we are enjoying our family time together! Please keep us in your prayers.

Proud Great Grandma:
From Marge Longie Langan-Wilcox (56): Vancouver, Wa

Gary,

I am the proud great grandma of a great son born yesterday to my grandson Darrell.

he born at 9:21 pacific northwest time they named him Tanner Lee he weighed

7# 2 oz and 21″ tall….. very pretty baby. This makes # 9 great grandchild for me.

he weighed the same as his grandma Eunice did.

Marge Langan-Wilcox

Congratuations Marge, Gary

Appalachian Mountains:
Reply from Gary Fulsebakke (71): Devils Lake, ND

Dear Gary, Having lived in Virginia for over 25 years, I also have an appreciation for the Appalachians and its sister ranges, the Blue Ridge, Smokies and Alleganies. I often would travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, just a few miles from where I live at Smith Mountain Lake, or hike portions of the Appalachian Trail which follows the same basic route as the Parkway. The views are fantastic! One has the illusion of being in an airplane as you can often see both sides of the mountain as the road usually follows the crest of the mountains. One of my favorite places is the Peaks of Otter, twin peaks which are two of the highest mountains in the range and originally surveyed by George Washington. There is also a beautiful lake at the foot of the Peaks which one can enjoy from the lodge and restaurant on its shore. Some other great places are Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Washington D.C. Virginia Beach, Montecello, and the Biltmore estate in North Carolina. Its a great place to live. Gary Fulsebakke

Appalachian Mountains:
Reply from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Thanks for the memory of the area. Skyline Drive really can’t be described or compared. It is what it is and it is beautiful.

Other areas — more off Highway places are very interesting too — especially for history and Civil War buffs. Driving those roads in a sporty car is the best way to go. Who knows — If this becomes a plan and i can make it, Big IF — my goal would be to take ol’ Dakota Midnight on a road trip. Made it to the MINNEAPPLE last fall — but 13 mpg on premium is an issue — to my wife!

Allen

Appalachian Mountains:
Reply/Picture from Ken Striker: Dayton OH

Gary-

The painting I attached as jpeg pic is entitled “The Virginia Turnpike,” popularly described as “Army Supply train in the Shenandoah Valley”

Ken

Reply to the Appalachian Mountains:

On the subject of Appalachian Mountains, I would like to contribute that the location and geography of the Shenandoah Valley that parallels the Blue Ridge Mts to the east gave it significant military importance during the Civil War. Its south west to northeast direction provided for the Confederacy an ideal Avenue of Invasion. Of interest to descendants of Wm Elmer Striker who homesteaded in Rolette Co ND, his Uncle William Striker of Ohio was a Civil War Veteran, having participated in several battles from Winchester Va down the Shenandoah Valley to New Market. I have visited that area and saw the areas of the CW Battles. My visit was capped off by a drive down Skyline Drive and a visit to Hall of Valor, Civil War Museum New Market Battlefield State Park. See Painting by Johannes A. Oertel

Neola’s 70th Birthday Party:
From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

My cousin, Debby Brudwick Sapp, and her family arranged a family party for my 70th birthday. It was held in the south solarium at Good Samaritan. The fellow in the background lives at Good Samaritan, as does Mom. Before the party started, Sam (Plorin) decided to check out the party. The bruise on Mom’s face was caused by a fall; thankfully, other than the bruise (bad enough!), she wasn’t hurt.

Neola

 Congratulations Neola! You are so young. The older we get, what was once considered old, all of a sudden is not so old after all. I know you’ll probably be going strong 30 years from now too. Gary

Richard Slyter (’67) passed away this morning 7/28/2018
Face Book Posting from David Slyter (’70)

David Slyter
7 hrs ·

It is with a heavy heart that I let all my family and friends know that my older brother Richard Slyter passed this morning. He fought a great battle and instead of living a life of medical issues he decided to go home and see all the relatives and friends that have gone before us. Yes, I will miss him but so respect his decision as I too would not want to live a life where others are taking care of you. I want to Thank all for your prayers during this trying time and I ask again for prayers for strength of his family as we go forward without him. RIP my dear brother. Loved YOU so much.

Gary’s comments
I am so saddened to hear this sad news of Richard’s passing. Richard, David and Bobby were close childhood friends. Richard was very well known and liked in our days too. Everybody knew Richard in a good way too. He will be missed. Our condolences are with all of his family with his passing.

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Blog (732) posted on March 3, 2010

Posted on March 3, 2010

Happy Birthday Brenda Hoffman (68):

Brenda, I believe today, March 3rd is your birthday. We wish you the happiest birthday ever. Enjoy. Gary

Reply from Traci Zahn: Pittsburg, PA

My mom is Shirley (Pritchard) and my dad is Verble Zahn from Westhope. I grew up in the Landa/Westhope area but remember many good times and people from my time spend at my Grandparent’s farm. I love checking this site daily and learning new things about my family and friends from the area as well as catching up on the lives of people I haven’t seen or heard about in years.

I am currently living in Pittsburgh, PA. I have been in this area for about 12 years. I do miss the culture and ease of North Dakota but not the slow pace and bad winters.

Thank you so much for all the work you put into this site, it is greatly appreciated.

Traci

Reply to pictures posted yesterday by Myra Henning Halvorson (72):
From Marlys Hiatt (71): Dunseith, ND

I really enjoyed those pictures. Thanks Myra, for sharing them.

Marlys

Reply from Pam Lagerquist (68): Seattle, WA

Hey Gary unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be making the reunion, I have relocated out to Seattle area with my son and we’re looking at medical situation out here. Thank you Pam Lagerquist

We are so sorry you will not be able to attend the reunion. We are hoping all is well with you. Gary

Reply to the Appalachian Mountains:
From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, Just a little addition to Kenny Nerpel’s and Allen Richard’s comments on/about the Appalachian Mountains. Alice (originally from Louisville, KY) and I have lived here in Virginia for 40 years now and have made many trips up in the mountains just to the west. I’ve always thought that one of the most beautiful trips is to drive down Skyline Drive in the Fall as the leaves are turning color. Skyline Drive starts at Front Royal, VA and runs south, southwest for approximately 80 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Waynesboro, VA at which point it becomes the Blue Ridge Parkway and continues on for another 100 miles or so. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the eastern most range in the Appalachian chain and extend through Virginia and North Carolina. Along the drive, there are many pullouts with beautiful panoramic views of the Piedmont (the rolling wooded hills) to the east and the Shenandoah Valley and the higher and much larger mountains in the distance to the west. Its always a thrill for us to go up there in the fall.

Also, we have visited the Gatlinburg, TN area many times. Angela (our youngest daughter) and I have hiked several of the hiking trails in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (also part of the Appalachian chain) and thoroughly enjoyed each of our hikes. We’ve also been lucky enough to see Elk, Moose, Black Bear and Wild Boars in the mountains during different trip to that area. Attractions within a few hours driving time include mining for semi-precious gems in North Carolina, hiking the mountain trails in the National Park, enjoying a day at Dollywood (a large amusement park), numerous shows in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, fishing on either Douglas or Cherokee lake (TVA dams just to the north of Pigeon Forge) and for me enjoying the numerous go cart tracks. There truly is plenty to do and all you need is a pocket (or perhaps bucket) full of money and a few days of time.

Thanks Gary, Keith Pladson (66)

Error correction. Larry, not Henry Hackman

So sorry Larry for this error. I subconsciously typed Henry’s name. I do know you two apart very well. I got the year right, so I had you in mind.
Larry, you are a handsome guy, but if you keep going to Dale’s and eating their Jumbo Burger, not so sure you will maintain that slim trim handsome look.

Larry’s reply
Mistaken identity- the Hackman photo shown below in today’s blog is of Larry Hackman (DHS 66) Not Henry Hackman (DHS 67).  I don’t know why there is always this confusion?  One of us is the good looking one?  Right! Mel?
Larry

Mel Kuhn’s (’70) Reply
Larry,
I don’t know why you’re asking me. You should know who you are. Could have been Gene Hackman but he’s too famous to be you.
Mel

Corrected posting
Dale’s – 3 years ago today
Larry Hackman (’66) Enjoying a Dale’s Jumbo burger

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

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

I enjoy  walks on a  cool  morning of summer.

Lochbuie, due to diabetes and age needed help in walking.

The problem was solved when I found a  Pet Stroller.

I chose this particular Pet Gear,

Well, because  it reminded me of an old faded  D ‘John Deere Tractor I drove sweep raking  during haying season.

Two smaller tires in front , bigger wheels in the back and  green.

This stroller, is way better than that old D-John Deere!

….turns easy, doesn’t need gas, oil, or be cranked  to a start by a  big guy wearing bib overalls and muscles.

And, Buie sits proudly enjoying his rides, especially over the walking bridge over  Oak creek.

In former times we  enjoyed our walks seeing beaver, porcupine, fish and…. malodorous skunks.

Alas, Oak Creek is rather dry this summer.

A few years back,  another dry year, the streets of Bottineau were tore up  to be renovated,

___a lone muskrat wandered far from Oak Creek.

The lone critter  diligently wandered westerly searching for water.

I was “afeared”to let my Westies at the time, ( Molly and Kin ) out of my car or yard when he came round my neighborhood.

I am a ‘wuss’ for critters, I  felt sorry for the muskrat, “Ahh, the poor little buggar…..”

Deciding  to point him away from my house _____      he seemed to be moving  toward,

toward … underbelly of my  deck.

Confidently  circling  around him, following slowly while he waddled.

Moving my hands,  I herded, soothingly…”Shoo….shooooo.”  down the street gutter.

With intent he slowly lumbered on about ten feet.

My last thought “Yes, He is going to be…….

.WHOA! he whipped around  barring his teeth, hissed!

Heart thumping wildly out of my chest, I tried to  turn my 2 left  feet.

Finally  they moved.

Mr. Musk Rat chased me up the driveway,  toward the house.

Desperate, I scrambled, then sprinted, toward the front end of the car.

Breathless… hastily, grabbed  the door handle it opened.

I leapt into the drivers seat. The two dogs  curious confused.

“Mmmm. So is this how running with the bulls in Pamplona  feels?”

NO sir -ree. Not my kind of fun activity.

Reading the BBC article about the ‘Rat killers of New York’ ,

“my Westie’s  have entertained the squirrels running from tree to tree.

But they and me will always be  prohibited from chasing Rats!

https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/44907439/meet-the-rat-killers-of-new-york-city

Thanks  Gary.

Later, Vickie L. Metcalfe
7/20/18.

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Blog (731) posted on March 2, 2010

Memories of Judge Ketterling:

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

>Gary

I was reading about Judge Ketterling having a good sense of humor. I
guess this very young lady went to his court and was wearing red western
cowboy boots. He says to her if you think those fancy red boots are going
to get you out of anything young lady your mistaken. She just looked and
thought to herself, I thought he was blind.

Ginger

Reply to Trish Larson Wild (73):
From Lynn Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

This is a response to Trish’s great adventure plans.

Hi Trish, you don’t remember me but I’m Lynn Halvorson Otto, my older sister you might have known better is Gail Halvorson Schuler. I graduated in 75 but anyway, I just read your plans for a 9000 mile journey through the Americas. I’m awed and truly amazed at your courage to do this. I can’t imagine the logistics in planning all of this. Do you have to make all governments aware of your plans in advance with border issues, etc. ?
I lived with my family in Brazil for two years and traveling there, through the amazon I can’t imagine going through these places on horseback.
I just want to wish you all the luck with this and hope you’ll be safe along the way.
Best regards,
Lynn Otto

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Gary,
YES. Kristie(Hagen) Brooks and her family live on the
Lindberg site. The Hagens and Lindbergs are related. The Hagen
cousins, Orville and Clarence were cousins to Elmer and his sister
Alice(Lindberg) McKay.
My good friend Karen (Hagen) Simon (Clarence and Mary Ann)
attended Ackworth School too. I first met Karen when she came into
Mrs.Conroys fourth grade class when she transferred into Dunseith
School. Through the years I also was quite privileged to meet her
Grandpa Hagen who lived with the family of Clarence and Mary Ann.
Vickie

Pictures from Myra Henning Halvorson (72): Bottineau, ND.

Hello Gary!

Hope this finds you and Bernadette doing well. I ran across a couple of pictures I thought I would share with you and your readers. These were taken in ’71 and ’72 at proms, homecoming and at a basketball tournament. The girls from the class of ’72 in pictures 1 and 2 were from left to right: Kathy Schimetz, Ann Marie Boppre, Loraine Neameyer, Myra Henning, Gail Halvorson, Loretta Neameyer and Linda Johnson. The second picture was taken at the prom when they were seniors. They are Loretta, Loraine, Myra, Gail, Kathy, Linda and Donna DuBois. The third picture is of some of the girls from the class of ’73. They are Trish Larson, LeaRae Hagel, Pam Fugere, Cathy Campbell, Lynn Gillis, Edith Struck, Becky Coleman, Laura Fettig and Marquita Counts. Then there’s Coach Larry Haugen being held up by his some of the ’71-’72 team members. Pictured are from left to right: Lyle Olson, Greg Evans, Don Olson and Jim Mellmer after winning either a district or regional tournment and getting a handshake from Supt. Leo Fettig. That team went on to the State Tounament at the Minot Auditorium where they took 5th place. Starters on that team were: Curt Berg, Jim Mellmer, Don Olson, Greg Evans and Terry (Pie) Counts. The black and white picture was a float from the Homecoming parade in the fall of ’71. On the float are Gail Halvorson, Greg Hill, King Greg Evans, Queen Loraine Neameyer, Curt Hagel and Myra Henning. Thanks Gary! Myra (Henning) Halvorson ’72

DHS class of 72 girls L to R:
Kathy Schimetz, Ann Marie Boppre, Loraine Neameyer, Myra Henning,
Gail Halvorson, Loretta Neameyer and Linda Johnson

DHS class of 72 girls L to R:
Loretta Neameyer, LoraineNeameyer, Myra Henning, Gail Halvorson,
Kathy Schimetz, Linda Johnson and Donna DuBois

DHS class of 73 girls L to R:
Trish Larson, LeaRae Hagel, Pam Fugere, Cathy Campbell, Lynn Gillis,
Edith Struck, Becky Coleman, Laura Fettig and Marquita Counts

Homecoming parade in the fall of ’71:

Gail Halvorson, Greg Hill, King Greg Evans, Queen Loraine Neameyer,
Curt Hagel and Myra Henning

Coach Larry Haugen being held up by his some of the ’71-’72 team members.

L to R: Lyle Olson, Greg Evans, Don Olson and Jim Mellmer

Reunion Tee Shirt:
From Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

Gary,

Could you please post this on the blog? This is what the T-Shirt is going
to look like. The date will also be on the bottom of the all school
reunion in white lettering.

Thanks,
Verena

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Dale’s – 3 years ago today
Henry Hackman (’66) Enjoying a Dale’s Jumbo burger

Daniel Luther Lovaas Obituary
Posted by Kaye Lystad-Kirk:  Fargo, ND

Hi Gary,

Doreen (Larson) Moran had mentioned Danny Lovaas’ death and had asked about retrieving an obituary for him.

I had heard of his death from my aunt Joan (Emerson) Wall as she is friends with Danny’s wife, Eunice (Larson) and was in their wedding. I’m also pretty certain that Doreen is related to Eunice.

At any rate, I found a link to Danny’s obituary at a funeral home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where Lovaas’ were living:

Gary’s comment.
I believe Eunice Larson Lovaas is a sister to Doreen Larson Moran’s Father (Ledolph Larson).
Daniel Luther Lovaas
June 17, 1927 – June 28, 2018

Daniel Luther Lovaas, 91, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died peacefully Thursday, June 28, 2018 at home. Daniel was born June 17, 1927 in Taylor, Wisconsin to Grace and Olaus Lovaas.

Daniel served in the U.S. Army and worked as a finish carpenter in the construction business.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers: Orren, Henry and Paul.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Eunice; daughters: Patricia, Linda, LeAnn (Joe) Cisneros, Kathy; son, Bradley and grandchildren, Erin and Matthew Cisneros.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 7^th at United Lutheran Church in Bella Vista. Lunch and a time of fellowship will follow the service.

Memorials may be given to the United Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are provided by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

SERVICES

Memorial Service
Saturday, July 07, 2018 10:00 AM
United Lutheran Church 100 Cooper Road. Bella Vista, Arkansas 72715

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Blog (730) posted on March 1, 2010

Reply from Virgil Rude: Minot, ND. Hello Gary, Thanks for sharing the pictures of Ackworth School and my old school which was named “Happy Hill School ” which was later given to Homen Township as a town hall when the school was closed. My mother attended Ackworth and I believe your father attended at the same time. As ever, Virgil R Virgil, I wasn’t aware that you mother, Voila Bjornseth Rude, attended Ackworth, but with the Pritchard’s and other close neighbors of hers having attended Ackworth, it stands to reason that she would have too. Gary Reply to Kenny Nerpel’s posting posted yesterday: from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI I’ve been to that general area several times since leaving ND for MN, DC and MI. It is always beautiful, and driving in some of the areas of Appalachia are as challenging as they are fun and educational. I’ve done those trips with Susan and her parents, Susan, Alaina and my older kids, and just for the hell of it when we lived in DC. There is a beauty there that is unequaled anywhere. A rendezvous is not a bad Idea— Say Gattlinburg — Dollywood? And there is always Nashville!!!!! Allen International Peace Garden – Connie Peterson Lagerquist (74): Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND. Note article in todays Minot Daily http://minotdailynews.com/BORDERLINE BEAUTIFUL Connie (Peterson)’74 Lagerquist (daughter of Lorraine and Duane Peterson) Connie Lagerquist, staff horticulturist, maintains many plants during the winter months at this International Peace Garden’s greenhouse. Lagerquist also starts new plants from seed each winter that are destined to be transplanted throughout the Peace Garden Athlete of the Week photo posted yesterday: Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND. Gary, Please note: athlete of the week photo in the Bottineau Courant posted in the blog, The three seniors are all hockey teammates. Myles Brooks is the son of Kristy (Hagen) and Larry Brooks, grandson of Orville and Gloria Hagen. Another Hagen grandson, Cody Brooks in grade 10 is one of the goalies for the Bottineau Hockey Team.Vickie Vickie, I know Kristy Hagen Brooks. She and Larry live on the Former Elmer Lindberg farm located about a half mile into Bottineau County on Highway 43. Elmer was Alice McKay’s brother. This is where she was born and raised too. Gary Confirmation picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND. Deb Brudwick Sapp is Neola’s first cousin. Rodney Parrill’s parents are Thurman and Marie Parrill. Brenda Hiatt Parker’s (73) parents are Freddie and Margo Hiatt.

14^th Annual International Country Gospel Music Festival
Posted by Don Boardman (60): Bottineau, ND

Good afternoon Gary

It is coming time for our 14^th annual International Country Gospel Music Festival at the Peace Gardens in the Burdick Center.  We have some new talent  this year – Nancy Unsworth and band is from near Edmonton AB and has traveled in Europe, Africa, and the US doing gospel music ministries and recordings.  Greg Hagar is from the Valley City area and spent time in Japan last year and was invited back.  He has done recordings in Nashville and travels in the US doing many original songs.  Living Waters are from the Austin MB area and have a music ministry to nursing homes, retirement homes and gospel events.  The Redding Family is from Northwood ND and he is a pastor and the family records music  and travel extensively spreading the gospel in music and testimony.  Lastly there is our Hills and Plains Country Gospel.  You can find it all on www.internationalcountrygospelfest.com.

Don Boardman

Posted by EdnaMae Nelson Olufson-Smith:  Edmonds, WA

Hi Gary:  Thanks for posting the info I sent to you.  Ramona Hultman is our sister – just two sisters and Carlyle left of  Abe Nelson’s kids!!  Ramona lives in Sturgis, SD and I am in Edmonds, WA

Thanks again, EdnaMae

Gary’s Reply:
EdnaMae, We lived across the sound from you in Bremerton for 37 years. I’ve ridden the Kingston/Edmonds Ferry lots of times on our way to Everett to visit relatives.

Letter from Doreen Larson Moran (Btno HS 61):Usk, WA

Gary.

I wish I had an obituary to send for Daniel Lovaas; son of Pastor Lovaas – Lutheran Church in Dunseith late forties and early fifties.  Maybe you can retrieve one from  Bella Vista Ark newspaper.  Nothing was mentioned about their time in Dunseith or when Dan was in the military,  I believe 1946-1948.  I believe he went from high school to military for two years.  When he returned he worked at the Peace Gardens doing much of the stone masonry work and building cabins.

Thank you for keeping the memories alive from what we now have to call “the early days”.  I can’t believe that I turned 75 this year.

Doreen Larson Moran

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Blog (729) posted on February 28, 2010

Message/Pictures from Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND.

Gary,

RE: Southern Rendezvous

We just returned from the first annual Appalachian adventure. It wasn’t well attended but we were able to get together with old friend Billy Grimme at a cabin near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Stopped in on the way at a casino near French Lick, Indiana. I’ve always wanted to visit the home town of basketball legend Larry Bird and took this occasion to cross it off the bucket list.

It snowed for four days in the Smokies and rarely got above freezing, but North Dakotans do not let small things like this interfere with fun. The pool tournament , hot tubin’ and reminiscing went on as planned. Billy says that he honed his considerable shot-making skills at Sayid Kadry’s Pool Hall in Dunseith.

Took a different route on the way back passing through Memphis for a visit with my son. We visited a hotel there where they have ducks living on the top floor that they escort each day, via the elevator, to the lobby. Then on to Little Rock and Conway Arkansas, stopping briefly to visit the Toad Suck Ferry. (Toad Suck). May have stumbled upon the site of the next Southern Rendezvous. Hmmm.
  

Pool tournanment Snow 28 Degrees

Kenny

Newspaper articles posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Trent Metcalfe is the son on Archie (79) & Sally (Knutson) Metcalfe. He is also the Grandson of

Mary Eurich Knutson (62). Archie/Sally and family live on the former Orville/Gloria Hagen farm

located a half mile south of #43 and a half mile east of the Rolette/Bottineau county line.

Bottineau County Centennial Book on Ebay
From Francie Gottbreht Dutra’s (’63) Son, Robert:  

Sir,

Just another “fan” of your Dunseith blog (and son of Francie Gottbreht).  I wanted to tell you that there is a copy of the Bottineau County Centennial Book for sale on Ebay $145.00    Also, I located two “Searchlight” high school yearbooks for the classes of 1938 and 1939 (more reasonably priced at $29.00).

-Robert

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Blog (728) posted on February 27, 2010

Traci, I believe your mother was Shirley Pritchard, daughter of Robert & Dorothy. She has passed on and is buried in Ackworth. I do not remember your dad’s name though.

You requested to be added to our distribution list some time ago. I added your name to the master email list, but I don’t see where I’ve added you to our daily distribution. I have added you now, so please let me know if you are receiving it twice. For our records, where are you currently living? Gary

Jenny Gottbreht, George Gottbreht, DeAnn Gottbreht & Ashley Pilkington

I’ve been battling a cold since February 16; I haven’t been out of my apartment since the night before when I arrived in Bottineau. I don’t have much energy these days, but I’m going to scan/send a few articles from the Courant to you for your newsletter. The good part about having no energy is I’ve watched much more of the Olympics than I usually do.

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

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe Minot, ND

 

Judy LaCroix McGuire (’59) has been admitted to Hospice
New Journal Entry on CaringBridge Site: 

Hi Gary, Janel posted a new Journal entry, “A shift in our hope for Judy,” on Judy ‘s CaringBridge Site. Visit the site to read the Journal entry

 

A shift in our hope for Judy

Journal entry by Janel Kess — Jul 11, 2018

When we began this journey back in February we didn’t know anything about brain cancer, best parking spaces at Mayo, steroids, depends, wheel chairs, sneaky tricks to make pills tolerable, in home care… Nope, we were clueless! We’ve learned a lot in the past few months as we hoped we could help Judy fight cancer and enjoy more time here on earth with family who love her dearly.  The past two days Judy, Larry and the family returned to Mayo for further tests and doctor visits. After much discussion, lots of questions, and many tears, we have decided to pursue hospice for Judy. Her current condition makes it difficult for Judy to undergo any further medical treatments. Judy has fluid on her brain (from surgery and treatments) that can not be drained without excessive medical intervention. This fluid and extra pressure is causing her to be very sleepy and weak. The tumors actually look pretty good right now due to treatments but it is an aggressive cancer. It’s expected to return. As a family, we want her to be comfortable and keep the best quality of life for the time she has left. We know this would be Judy’s wish too! So now our hope shifts! Our hope and faith in the promise of eternity for Judy. This hope has always been within us but the result of this faith is near for Judy now. We are not sure how much time before Judy steps into the home Jesus has made for her. Maybe a few months. Maybe less. Her body is strong and healthy in many ways but her brain will begin to fail. Judy will not suffer. Brain cancer is painless and she will likely just fall asleep one day and not wake up.  We know where Judy is heading and until then, we will rejoice and praise God for his goodness together!

I Thessalonians 4:13-14 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.  Hebrews 11 reminds us of the the purpose of our faith and hope in Jesus. It’s full of examples of people who with great faith lived a life to honor God and were confident in his promises! What is faith? Here’s what a few verses in Hebrews say… (1) Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  (13) All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them….(40) since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Prayers: – Drainage of excess brain fluid (this would increase her quality of life).  – Healing. It’s still possible.   – Emotional and physical strength for Larry and family – Wisdom as decisions are made for her comfort and medical care Praises: – Judy and Larry had are great week together over July 4th with all the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. It was a gift of HUGE proportion for all of us.  – Hospice care is covered by insurance and will allow Judy to be home with Larry.

 

Posted by EdnaMae Nelson Olufson-Smith

Please note: EdnaMae is a sister to Carlyle Nelson who lives in Bottineau who many of you know. Their Father was Abe Nelson who lived south of Willow Lake in the Turtle Mountains.

Hi Gary,

This is a pic of Harvey & me.  Ramona HULTMAN (Who is Ramona Hultman?) is in the pictures I sent with Mildred & Marie and Joyce.

Thx, EdnaMae

 

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Blog (727) posted on February 26, 2010

 

Lester Kitterling – Former Rolett/Bottineau county Judge – has cancer:

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

 

Judge Lester Ketterling and wife Eunice are in Arizona. The Judge was diagosed with an agressive lymphona (cancer) a few days after they got there. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.They were just planning to spend a couple of months in the sun and it hasn’t been good. He started chemo, but has a ton of side effects. Lester served as District Judge for this area including Bottineau and Rolette County for a number of years. He is blind and his wife has low vision.

 

Also From LeaRae

The Bottineau County Centennial Books used to be available at the Bottineau County Public Library and/or the Bottineau County Auditor’s Office. I just called both and neither has any for sale. Mom found one at a garage sale a couple of years ago for 50 cents. Sounds like it could soon be a valuable as a Rembrandt!

 

Gene Bender Benefit

For those who don’t see the Bottineau Courant or Metigoshe Mirror, I would like to remind everyone there is a benefit for Gene Bender, former science teacher at Dunseith High School. He suffered a severe stroke in November. He was in Rochester, then Fargo, Bottineau Good Sam, and is finally going home this week, but will continue to be an out patient. His right side and speech were affected. One of things they are trying to get is a machine to help him communicate. This item is not covered by insurance.

 

The Benefit is Sunday February 28 from 11AM to 2:30PM Multipurpose Room at the HS. Menu Spaghetti -Garlic Toast -Dessert Sponspored by Metigoshe Lions and Dakota College (Forestry) and Supplemental Funds by Thrivent. Come to the East side of the HS, just South of Thatcher Hall.

Free will offering.

 

Make it a day and attend the Bottineau Community Theater production of “Curtains” at 2:30 in the Holwell Auditorium. It’s a musical-comedy and mystery. You may recognize some actors/actresses with a Dunseith connection-Duane Sebelius, Keith Pritchard (son of Corbin) and his wife Jan Pritchard, Loretta Neameyer Wall, and Diana Awalt Bullinger. Also, Robert Christianson whose dad was supt of the Peace Garden a few years back.

Hope I didn’t miss anyone.

 

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot ND.

LINDA C. BJUGSTAD

Linda Bjugstad, age 59 of Dunseith, died Monday in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Friday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. also in the church

Linda is survived by her husband Don Bjugstad of Dunseith, ND, Her sons, Wayne “Stompy” (Sherry) Poitra of Grand Forks, ND, Terry (Audra) Poitra if Cando, ND, Christopher “Pd” (Arlene) Poitra Of Mandan, ND and daughter Tobbie (John) Vivier of Dunseith, ND, Step-daughter Joani (Lee) Jarus of New York, Kelsey Bjugstad of Fargo, ND and Jasper (Amy) Bjugstad of Missouri; Mother Betty Peltier of Dunseith, ND, brothers Dennis “Magoo” (Gail) Belgarde of Moorhead, MN, Tommy (Paula) Belgarde and Sylvester “Buster” (Ginger) Belgarde of Dunseith, ND; sisters Janice Morin of Fargo ND, Debbie (Elvis) Gladue and Betty Jean (Ray) Ostby of Dunseith, ND; 28 grandchildren and 3 great-grand children.

Peace Garden 85th Anniversary Ceremony –  SUNDAY – 15 Jul
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

This is a fwd from the Bottineau Veterans. Thanks Gary.

Thai Cave Rescue (July 8^th)
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary’s Note. Since Vickie sent this to me, All 12 boys and their coach have been successfully rescued. What an underrating that was followed by the entire world too.  Those Navy Seals are to be commended for all their endless efforts to have successfully found these boys and to have accomplish this Rescue. The rescue tunnel, much of it being flooded, was 4.1 KM, nearly 2.5 miles, in length. It was an 11 hour round trip journey for these divers.

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

I, like many, have been following the “Thai Cave Rescue”.

I understand a need for  youth  to be curious. ‘To see and experience adventure.’ Which this team did.

When the first report that the young boys had been found it was such a relief!  Then, as information came about it became a complicated task to rescue.  It is quite a feat to be accomplished with Thai Seals and authorities, working in unison with multiple internationally skilled trained “divers”, “climbers” and “cavers”.

I did underground caving once in my life.  Once was enough.

As a kid, whenever passing through Montana, I’d see signs –à indicating places of interest which aroused my curiosity.  How I longed to seek adventures off the main highways.

I got the opportunity with a paternal cousin during the last couple summer breaks during and after college.  Elaine and I made several road trips to Seattle Washington.  We drove the Interstate’s, US Highway’s, Trans Canada and several other Highways to and fro our Seattle auntie’s i.e. destination. Every trip we traveled a different route. Interstate was not completed across Montana and Idaho at that time in the early ‘70’s. So at times the highway was quite precarious.

I believe on our first trip west we drove off every exit to see —-à a historical site or viewpoint close to the highway.

Driving along, close to Three Forks Montana, there is a sign reading Lewis and Clark Caverns.

“ I said, “I’ve always wondered where that leads?”Elaine swung the car off the exit and drove the dusty trail to the site.  (The 1 car trail was quite primitive).

We got to the site and read instructions; ‘park the car and go on foot. We hiked the gravely walking path where we were met by a “guide”. We were to follow down a gravel incline to  an entrance. The leader guide carried flashlights, handing one to each of us, which should have told this  ‘novice’ explorer something!

One other small party was going into the cave.  Elaine followed that group. I was last.  Skittering on gravel into the entrance, where we were to crouch. Firmly holding on to a flashlight, I crouch walked, and then belly crawled through a narrow and low passage fit for 1 person in single file.

We got to crouch walk again, then, down slide into a cavern filled with light filtered with dustmotes.

Amazing stalagmites and stalactites filled a cavern, a hole in the limestone ceiling stretched high above filling the cavern with and spotlighting fragile, limestone columns.

The “college” students in the other group (I assumed were earth science majors excitedly talked in  scientific terms; I didn’t recognize.) Some were examining columns of connecting stalagmites and stalactites.

As I listened to the relentless drip, drip, drips of precipitation, and their professor’s endless pontificating.  My gut said, Time to get out now! I wondered, “ O, how the heck am I going to manage to crawl out of here?”

Finally we crawled up and out. Winded,  I was quite relieved to be back to the entrance thanks to Elaine’s cajoling. I  had always known Elaine to be confident and kind. She was gifted intellectually, academically, and musically.

She also had a rare trait , “The patience of Job.”

I have come to believe the Thai soccer team with skilled knowledgeable rescuers have that kind of  rare  trait…patience.

Thanks Gary, until Later, with thoughts on that far and away place in Thailand.

Vickie  L. Metcalfe
July 8, 2018

Fwd: Thunderchiefs Photo Essay
Posted by Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

From: William Hosmer <> Date: Sun, Jul 8, 2018 at 8:52 AM Subject: Re: Thunderchiefs Photo Essay To: John Morrissey <>

John,
Thank you a ton for forwarding this revealing records what happened those years ago.  I’d  forgotten about  this project and am grateful for your making it available.  It really says a lot about what we were engaged in with one hand tied behind our backs.   Thanks again,
Hoz

On Sun, Jul 8, 2018 at 8:35 AM, John Morrissey > wrote:

 Please pardon any unintended repeats.  John

P.S. And do feel free to share this around with friends and family as you wish.

Hello Gentlemen,

I know it’s been a journey to get us here but am honored to share that on Monday July 9th we will be “soft” launching our pilot series on the photographer Cade Martin’s Instagram. Following that will be quite a bit of a PR push to many other areas, both print and online.

Here is the link to the finished website:   http://cademartin.com/overwar/

Please also let me know also that you have received a printed copy of your image from Cade, I know that its important to us that you receive it.

FYI the launch will consist of a series of six portraits over six days and here is our copy, written in Cade’s first person POV that will accompany each of those posts:

Day 1 of  6:

I was 7 when the Vietnam War ended. I know what I do – as most my age – from movies, books and documentaries. And most of what I encountered was about the ground troops, rarely about the pilots.

For years, in the face of so many loud voices taking stock and making record of this controversial war, the pilots who flew the missions of Operation Rolling Thunder have been notably silent; the exceptions, I discovered, take place at reunions.

So I jumped at an opportunity to attend one of their reunions. And owing to special circumstances, they welcomed us in – just me and a small crew. Over portraits, their shared, collective story started to unfold, and it was full of revelations that might leave you speechless. 

And while I may have many personal projects under my belt, I can now say that Over War has been one of the most in-depth thus far; evolving from what I had envisioned as a series of Air Force pilot portraits to a project that fifty years later, ultimately gives voice to these men who had a unique vantage point on the Vietnam war – an airborne perspective as they flew over the conflict below.  

Day 2 of 6

Almost fifty percent of the 837 F-105’s were lost in combat and hundreds of pilots were killed or captured.  

The pay in 1965, including housing and combat hazard allowance was on average $995 a month (about 72 cents a combat flight hour) 

Yet it’s as though the solemn reality of what it meant to become a career Air Force officer who followed orders without question, allows them to cherish the good stuff. 

Day 3 of 6: 

“The losses were appalling,” – wrote Ed Rasimus in his 2003 memoir, When Thunder Rolled. 

And while it might be easy to mistake stoicism for a lack of opinion or an absence of emotion, a few minutes in their presence and a good look through the camera, provided a sea change of perspective.

Day 4 of 6:

I have used a similar approach before, renting space and setting up a booth. I like to go to the source for these group portrait projects, embed myself in the space and community they share. Here we set up in a conference room and over the course of 3-days, pulled each man aside during breaks in their conversations.

As they talked to each other and then later through our interviews, I heard the things said echoed in what I saw through my lens — brotherhood, support, joy, pain, pride and life.

Day 5 of 6

It was an extraordinary and life altering privilege to be a witness to this military gathering, listening to the conversations and banter buzzing through the room. 

Ultimately this project fit the textbook definition of collaborative; a reflection of so much of what I’ve come to believe about the power of photography, of storytelling and of true character.  The series given depth, context and meaning first and foremost by the Thunderchiefs themselves who shared their time and insights, by Kate Chase sparking and then digging-in and producing, by Ron Walter’s story and narrative development to give it voice, and by the support and help of the great photo producer, Amy Whitehouse.

Day 6 of 6:

Pilot Name

Along the way we’ve also been fortunate to cross paths with a number of people who are working to ensure that the individual stories and first person accounts of these pilots who put themselves in harm’s way to guard our American way of life are being told.  Because many of the pilots did not speak about their experiences in Vietnam when they returned; and because it seems a question too rarely asked – we’ve come to understand that information is difficult to source. 

And while there are not a lot of Thunderchiefs left that can give us a window through which to view and learn from their experiences, we believe it is important that we do whatever we can to make sure they are able to speak their truths, to help us and generations to-come, accurately view the war. So over the coming days and weeks, we’ll be back to tell you about some of those people who are going above and beyond to help collect and learn more about these Thunderchiefs; and we’ll ask for your help to get the word out and support their efforts.

——

If per chance you are on Instagram, you will see it first here and then shared by myself and hopefully others    https://www.instagram.com/cademartinphoto/

Again, my heartfelt appreciations for not only who you are and what you’ve accomplished but for your allowing us to give context to your sharing of your stories and your images and hopefully we’ve done you proud by turning it into what I believe are informative and important insights.  (on so many levels).

Thank you everyone.

Humbly,

Kate

==============================================
Blog (726) posted on February 25, 2010

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Gary

Bottineau County Centennial Books:

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

Gary,

The Bottineau County Centennial Books are VERY hard to find. I haven’t seen/heard of a new copy for years. Estate sales sometimes have a copy. It seems the people who own them, are hanging on to them. I’m guessing many of the original books have worn out over the years. The book was kiddingly called “The Bible”. I located a copy on the net about three weeks ago (used). It was selling for $295. Sometimes, of course, a person lucks out and finds a copy. I’m trying to locate a copy for a friend of mine, too.

Perhaps an ad in the Courant would bring results.

Neola

Neola, I am so sadden to hear that those books are no longer available. Whose in charge and what would it take to have a few more copies Printed? I know they’d get the sales. The Dunseith Centennial book can be purchased at the Log Barn and the Security State Bank in Dunseith. Gary

Phyllis McKay (65): Auburn, WA

Folks, I just had a really nice visit with Phyllis McKay. In the coarse of our conversation, she mentioned that she has file folders for certain folks that are mentioned in our daily blogs that are of special interest to her. She copies and pastes all entries mentioned about these folks into these folders. What a brilliant Idea. I’m wondering if anyone else is doing this? Phyllis is recovering from Rotator cup surgery. She is well on her way to recovery and has gone back to teaching half days. Gary

Reply from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68): Dunseith, ND.

Hi-Gary

We were so saddened to hear of Dan Morgan’s passing- he was a good man!

Trish- I remember when you got your first horse- you were a youngster living at the port- I believe your Dad was a customs officer. You kept your horse in my parent’s pasture and my mom, Ella Metcalfe used to haul water to it every day . Those were many years ago.

Also, one thing I remember my mother saying about the flu years was that she and her sister Hannah (about 8 and 10) were lying in bed sick with the flu and their little brother Neil (18 mo) was In his little bed and she said they could see him play with his hands above the top of the crib . She said one day

that stopped and then she could see a small white box on Gramma’s sewing machine- he had died. She said Gramma (Randina Evans) never did get the flu and she would go around to the neighbors and milk their cows and leave the milk on the front porch. It was so contagious they didn’t dare go into the houses. Those people sure rallied back after every crisis- then they went through the depression and then wars. Tough ! they were!!- enuf rambling!-Lola

Update from DeAnn Gottbreht: Carringbridge link – http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Note: Brenda has been diagoised with breast cancer. Her parents are Ernie Gottbreth and Brenda Hill Mueller.

Hello from my room in MeritCare hospital. We went to our ultrasound appointment yesterday morning and the fluid around the baby had gone done more. He spoke with out high-risk doctor who consulted with the Neonatologist (Baby ICU) doctors, my Oncologist, and my regular OB here who will deliver the baby and they decided the best route for me now is to deliver. The main reason being so they won’t have to put off my chemo treatments any longer. So I can deliver our son and get started recovering. I was admitted into the hospital yesterday afternoon and have been relaxing here in room 437. They are going to induce my labor starting about 5am tomorrow morning so I guess I better get my rest tonight while I can. I’m just happy they are letting me had supper tonight before I go on my liquids diet tomorrow morning! I am pleased with our doctors decision and look forward to meeting our son, the newest O’Hara to enter the world. I probably won’t be able to update this again for a couple days so I just wanted to keep you updated as best I could. I appreciate all of your prayers and we go through this next step in our journey. It sounds like he will have to be in the NICU for atleast 3 weeks to a month but I know he will be in good hands. Take care everyone and Ill keep in touch. Oh and we will be moving to a different room starting tomorrow morning so if any of you are looking for me I should be in the directory. Oh and I sure hope this is a easy delivery with very little pain!! I can hope for it right!!

Love, DeAnn

Wm Elmer Striker:
Question from Ken Striker: Dayton OH

Hi Dean-

Thanks for sending that link of the picture of Adda/Adele’s stone. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=striker&GSiman=1&GScid=2179256&GRid=14673518&

I read at the Dunseith HS blog that many folks died from the flu epidemic 1918 are were buried at Little Prarie Cem. (see below)

I would like to learn where Wm Elmer Striker, Adda/Adele’s husband was buried. In 1943 he and his daughter Ellen moved into Dunseith and later they moved to Seattle. He died at the age of 91 d 19 Dec 1953 Seattle King Co. WA

Lake Metigoshe Hotels:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

If you are interested in staying at Lake Metigoshe and want to make reservations online, here are the websites for the two Lake Metigoshe sites.

I sent the phone numbers for both facilities before.

Quilt Inn at Lake Meigoshe: http://quiltinnandsuites.com/

Twin Oaks Resort at Lake Metigoshe: www.twinoaksresort.net

Neola

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

Gary and Friends,

The picture of so many kids and parents by the school house makes

me think it could have been the annual event called ‘play days’, when

several of the schools would take the kids to a centrally located school

for games. They had running races and ball games and other things for

healthy competition. It’s just a guess as to why so many kids would be

at one school at one time. This school is very similar to the Hilltop

School that was southeast of the Peace Garden. I imagine many school

buildings were built alike and maybe even by the same carpenters. I’m

not real sure, but I think Glen Honsey bought the Hilltop School and

moved it to his place for a shop. It looked quite similar to the one in

the latest post by Mary Eurich Knutson. Several of the kids who attended

Hilltop are readers of this blog and may shed more light as to which

school this is for sure. It certainly looks like Ackworth and many of

Mary’s other pictures are from that area. Wasn’t the Ackworth school

moved at one time to it’s present location? It just seems to me that it

was located a short distance from it’s current location. Thanks Gary!

Dick

In about 1981 the Ackworth School was moved a half mile west to it’s current location, pictured below. The community got together and made the move. It is currently sitting on the exact spot where the original Ackworth Post Office was. Albert Hiatt owned that 40 acres. I think the Lagerquist’s may have it now. Gary

Pictures from Clayton Parrill (72): Bottineau, ND

Note: Clayton purchased Wondrasek’s studio a number of years ago and he renamed the business to “Dakota Memories Photography”. Gary

Gary,

Was looking at old picture of Ackworth School. Here is one I took last summer as it is today.

Clayton Parrill

I added a couple of other photos you might be interested in. I have taken a lot of landscape and scenic art images of the Turtle Mountains and from Rolette-Rolla-St.John to Bottineau-Souris areas if you think anyone would interest in seeing them I would post one every now and then.

Thank you.

Clayton, these are great. Yes, by all means we’d love to see more. Your Photo’s are absolutely wonderful! Gary

This is Ackworth as we see it today. The bell has been removed and the siding and shingles have been replaced. Those are the windows that were in the school when I attended school there for 8 years. I remember those long windows being replaced to these modern windows, for the time, about the time I started school. The school year of 60/61 was the last year school was held at Ackworth. I was a lone 8th grader with no one in the 7th. Dagney Haagenson was our teacher. For the hundreds of kids that were educated in Ackworth, I hold the title of being the last to have graduated from and to have attended all 8 grades in Ackworth. Most all of the Hiatt’s, one generation ahead of me and earlier, attended Ackworth. Many Hiatt’s of my generation attended as well. At one time the Hiatt’s accounted for more than half of the nearly 50 kids in attendance. Gary

Clayton, this is precious. I have a picture of my folks Headstone, but it’s not nearly as nice as this. Dad had both of their funeral arrangements made inclusive of the headstones. He had it all drawn out on paper in Nero’s hands. He visited Bill Nero often, so he and Bill had everything all in place when he departed this earth. It was so easy for us. Bill just followed thru with all of dad’s plans. These headstones, with the base, just appeared on their grave sites as they are pictured.

Ackworth Cemetery

I believe this is the old Homen school that was located on the north side of Highway 43 (Peace Garden road) about 2 miles west of Salem church. We used to attend Bible school in this school. Virgil Rude told me this is the school he attended too. I know LaVerne Rude, Carrole Fauske’s husband, attended this school too. This school was moved for a period of time to the church yard of Salem. I believe it was later purchased by Dan Pladson. Dan moved it to it’s current location next to his house located behind the west fence of the Ackworth cemetery.

Reply to Bill Hosmer (’48)
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I just want to tell Bill Hosmer thanks for the nice complements to my dad and mom.  They also had a deep mutual respect for you Bill and were proud of the achievements you made as a kid from a small town growing up and doing exceptionally well in the Air Force and beyond.  I still have the articles about the Thunderbirds that Mom saved out of the newspaper.  As far as Dad’s singing,  I always wondered when he really started singing?  It never occurred to me that I should have asked him?  Not too long ago,  I found a clipping that my grandmother had from a church program in Towner ND where they lived from 1933-1944 and there was an acknowledgement that “Donald Johnson sang a song accompanied by his mother on the piano.”  That would have put him somewhere in grade school, so he started pretty young.  He had boxes of funeral cards and wedding cards from those he had sung for over all the years.  I still have those too.  Thanks again Bill and thanks Gary!

Dick

Judy LaCroix  McGuire (DHS ’59): New Journal Entry on Caring Bridge Site

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judymcguire2/journal/view/id/5b4159b42cd9af890ecccdd6?utm_source=JEN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JEN+email&token=ZXlKMGVYQWlPaUpLVjFRaUxDSmhiR2NpT2lKSVV6STFOaUo5LmV5SjFjMlZ5U1dRaU9qWTFOekExTkRZc0luSmxjMjkxY21ObFNXUWlPaUkxWWpReE5UbGlOREpqWkRsaFpqZzVNR1ZqWTJOa1pEWWlMQ0owZVhCbElqb2lhbTkxY201aGJDSXNJbWx6YzNWbFpFRjBJam94TlRNeE1ERXhNall6ZlEuYzF5S3F6RVBXQ1lmQWR1bHpwTTBrbHc0QW8yRU43UWd0Y3MzRXRMYmVsWQ%3D%3D&utm_content=visitsite

Ambulance Ride 🚑

Journal entry by Lynn Negaard — 9 hours ago

We watched mom grow weaker and less responsive in the past 24 hours …we were not sure what the cause was other than it’s must be related to the tumors or the treatments she’s had.

Around noon we decided she needed to visit the ER to evaluate the situation.  All her vitals are good.  They did decide to admit her to the hospital here in Litchfield.  Around 5pm she “woke up” and has been more alert but is still weak.

They are going to try the steroid treatments again which were very helpful last time.  She will be in the hospital until she is stronger.

We’ll bring her down to Mayo this Tuesday and Wednesday for a planned visit.

She fell almost two weeks ago so you can see her bruises in the pictures… old news for us but maybe not for those who haven’t seen her.

Evelyn Ardell Nelson Kriz (DHS ’44) Obituary (Abe Nelson’s Daughter)

Posted by EdnaMae Nelson Olufson-Smith

Hi Gary:

I have never met you, but enjoy being included in the Dunseith blog.  Attached is my sister, Evie’s obituary.  I was sad to see Marie Parrill’s obituary last month.  My two older sisters, Lauretta and Evelyn, were best friends with Mildred and Marie.  If I get this attachment to you, I will try later with some pictures when Ramona and I visited them in 2015.

Thanks,

EdnaMae

Posted by EdnaMae Nelson Olufson-Smith

This photo was also in July 2015.  Our two older sisters (both deceased now) were best friends to Mildred and Marie Parrill.  We had a special coffee time at Marie’s home.

Marie and Thurman Parrill lived on our farm when they were first married.  Abe moved into Bottineau to work with a brother from 1947-1950.  Carlyle graduated from Bottineau High School in 1951.  LaVonne (Vonnie) and I lived with our aunt and uncle, Art and Christine Lokken.  Thanks, EdnaMae

Gary:  This is one of two photos I will send.  The summer of 2015 Mona and I were back in ND for a Nelson reunion.  So we went to see old friends.  Mona and Joyce Hagen were best of friends.  I was pleased to see Joyce again in 2017 when visiting another “old” friend at Good Sam in Bottineau.  Ramona is 88 years old and her husband Neil Hultman is 89!  They live in a beautiful log home between Sturgis and Deadwood.

I will be 78 on the 30th, so I guess we are all “old” now.  Thanks, EdnaMae

Peace Garden Events/July 14, 15
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:   Minot, ND

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Blog (725) posted on February 24, 2010

Posted on February 24, 2010

Don Johnson Memories
From Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Dick Johnson,

I really enjoyed reading about your Dad, Don.  I was two years behind him in the Dunseith school, but we played basketball , and shared the friendship of all of us who  lived in that time. There was no other male with the voice that he had and impressed us  at different events and celebrations.  I believe he was the handsomest guy that ever attended our school. Besides all of his attributes I mention, he was a good friend and I will never forget  him and Bernice. Respectfully,

Bill Hosmer

Dunseith Days schedule
Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX 

Hi Gary and all

I am so  happy to see that Dunseith Days will take place during my trip to ND this summer. I just made reservations for the first week of August and then opened this email. Yay!

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Dunseith Days schedule
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary, Verena, and Friends of Dunseith,

I am most appreciative of your response Verena.

I know many folks  from a distance  read the Dunseith Blog.

Accommodations  this time of year, can be difficult to find.

(during the summer  area  motels are booked for wedding guests)

Thanks, Verena and Gary …….. many times, you are the social committee.

Later. Vickie

Lisa Counts-Ogden Obituary
Web Link posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

http://www.elickfh.com/obituary/lisa-counts-ogden

Sincere sympathy to the family of Lisa Counts-Ogden.

            “She was a happy, joyful person who always had a smile on her face…”

was used to describe her in the obituary.  It is  comment describing  Lisa’s disposition perfectly.

I know this to be true  because,  I knew Lisa as an elementary student.

I hadn’t t seen her for years, then a couple years ago, she sought  me  out at at the local Wal -Mart.

Lisa  told me she had completed college  and was a teacher, and  she still loved  to read. I was  delighted! She shyly said, “I wanted to tell  you because  I  knew you’d be proud of me.” O my garsh  she blessed me,  touching my heart.

Bless  the memory of Lisa Counts Ogden.

Most Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe
(former 3rd grade teacher)

Ballard Locks
posting by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8D1mwchrCA

Gary and friends of Dunseith,

Aww to see this!

Many folks in my family and   folks of my parents generation relocated to WA, after the Great Depression, looking for  WORK. During WWII they worked on ship building  etc.

My dad enlisted in the navy there.

After WWII my dad and several uncles worked  construction.

At Seattle, Dad and Uncle Emil trained  in their profession.

They apprenticed, became journeymen then master Plasterers.

They were well acquainted with  the Pacific North West.

People  from North Dakota often gathered  yearly for North DAkota picnics.

They kept  relationships, and raised  baby boomers.

I don’t think the North Dakotans  gather any more for yearly picnics.

One of my uncles wanted me to apply for jobs at Boeing.

He told me, “North Dakotan’s were known for their work ethic.”

I never applied. I couldn’t see myself …. a happy person in a city.

However I love the Pacific North West

The smells of wood mills, the salty sea air combined with  tangy lush pine I enjoy visiting.

I went to the Locks  various times with Washington Cousins.

What a  great interesting  sight to see!

Washington Cousins always  took time for  me and  gave me the gift

of   many adventures exploring such great places like the Ballard Locks!

They opened their doors to adventures for……. the next generation,….. my kids a.k.a.  my nieces and nephews.

Later,

Vickie Metcalfe

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Blog (724) posted on February 23, 2010

Posted on February 23, 2010

Pat Bearsdale TV Show Comment/Question
From Peggey Wurgler Axtman (71): Kent, WA.

Hello Gary & All . . .

Just want to inquire if there is any more info on the Pat Bearsdale Show? We have relatives (the Arland Borgen Family of Wolford) who had a band that appeared regularly on the show. I am fairly sure they would be interested in seeing any old tapes or recordings of past performances. I recall my parents (John & Irene Wurgler, Rugby) would never miss the show on TV. I remember Pat always sang “On the Wings of a Snow White Dove”.

Thanks for keeping this ‘blog’ alive. I certainly appreciate the opportunity to stay connected!

Peggy Wurgler Axtman
Kent, WA

Dunseith Days schedule
Posted by Verena Gillis:  Dunseith, ND

Hello everyone. We’ve had a lot of people asking when Dunseith days is going to be this year. It will be starting Friday August 3rd and ending on Sunday August 12th. The parade will take place on Saturday August 4th and we are planning activities throughout the week. We are hoping to put our schedule of events out soon!😎

Thank you

Marilynn Sawchuk (Dr. John Sawchuk) Obituary.
Comments and Web link posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):

http://www.dunnigandix.com/obituary/marilynn-sawchuk

Note: Dr. Sawchuk was a physician at the Dunseith Clinic for a number of years during my childhood days.

Obit Web Link
http://www.dunnigandix.com/obituary/2997556

Gary  and Friends of Dunseith School,

This past month  of June, at a Children of Trauma conference, I met  an elementary  teacher. She told me she is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Sawchuk.
We had a warm visit discussing her dad.  And she shared her mum was  living at Fargo.
Marilyn Sawchuk was the wife of an esteemed Doctor.
Dr. Sawhuk practiced medicine  at  Rolette Hospital.  He also served Dunseith and  possibly Belcourt.
Dr. Sawchuk was our  family physician  for many years.
As  our family doctor; he  and Dr. Cook, delivered my brothers,  surgically  removed my third grade  appendix in the operating the theatre at Rolette Hospital.
Later,  when  I was in college, Dr. Sawchuk surgically removed  a growth on my eyelid….at the Dunseith Clinic office.
Both mom and Dad felt they could call on him and he would be open to discussion.
My parents respected him immensely/He was smart, capable and very kind.

Later, Vickie

“Only in your State” San Haven News article
Posted by Do Martel (Former DHS Principal):  Rosemount, MN

Everyone In North Dakota Should See What’s Inside The Gates Of This Abandoned Sanatorium

North Dakota is dotted with the occasional abandoned farm house, empty towns that once thrived, and a few unusual facilities that are no longer in use and have been mostly forgotten about. One of the most notable is an abandoned places in the Peace Garden State is the San Haven Sanatorium. It was once a state facility for tuberculosis patients, then later for mentally ill patients, before being shut down in the 1990s. Today, it still sits like an empty shell of what it once was with a dark past, and seeing what’s inside those grounds is staggering yet fascinating. Take a look for yourself:

The San Haven Sanatorium was built as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1912 in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. Today, it sits abandoned.

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Blog (723) posted on February 22, 2010

When Are Dunseith Days?
Question from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,
I know the annual Dunseith Rodeo were  this past weekend, Friday and Saturday,  (June 22 & 23)

Annual St. John Days festivities  are  also this weekend.

Rolla Ragtop will be next weekend.

I was asked by someone, out of the area,  when are  Dunseith Days?

Hopefully someone will kindly respond.

Thank You.

Vickie M.

Dawn Allard (’74) – Recipient of “Employee of the year award”
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

 Hello Gary and friends of Dunseith School,

            Congratulations Dawn (Gregory) Allard  DHS ’74,
regarding a  recent article which is news worthy to all  former classmates.

            Dawn  (Gregory) Allard,  former  DHS graduate is  the head school cook featured in the attached Bottineau Courant clipping.
Last fall I  told her, “Dawn,  Every time I look at the school  menu,  it  seems you’re cooking food kids actually  like to eat.”

Dawn   replied “That’s why were here.”  

           “We are here  for the students”.

My thought , 

            “Yep Dawn, Right answer!    

No matter what kind of stressful day,  whenever one has a  good meal  created by a HAPPY cook  it makes a day go much  better.”

 Dawn,

Thank you  for  coming in smiling every morning  at 4:00 a.m.  to create kid friendly meals, and double thanks for   greeting  each child as someone special.

Until later, 

 Gary’s comments

 Congratulations Dawn. Well Deserved.

 I remember you so well from the your days and many years too, working at the Bottineau Bowl. My folks ate there evening supper there for many years. Of course dad was often in there many other times during the days too having coffee and visiting with you and his other friends too. He thought the world of you of which he told all too. You guys clicked well. You were one of his drawing cards for going to the Bowl. We will be forever grateful for your friendship and services to our parents. They idolize you. I know you will always remember the burnt toast too.
 

Shirley McCloud obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends of Dunseith,

Sincere sympathy to the McCloud  family on the passing of Shirley McCloud.

Our class and other  DHS classes  attended school with many  of her McCloud  siblings. 

          I believe, the class of ’70  (Kenny was her  younger brother).

I seem to  recall homecoming  while decorating  the class  float.

          Kenny entertained with his guitar.

Thanks Gary.

Until Later,

 Vickie L. Metcalfe

Shirley’s Obituary

Shirley Yvonne McCloud

June 10, 1940 – June 14, 2018

Shirley Yvonne McCloud, 78 of Devils Lake, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in Buxton, ND in the loving care of her daughter Mary and Red River Hospice.

A Memorial Service, Rosary and Scripture Service for Shirley will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A private burial will be held on Monday, June 25^th  at St. Mary’s Cemetery, north of Dunseith, ND.

Shirley was born at the family home in Bottineau County on June 10, 1940 to Collin Joseph and Agnes Mable (Houle) McCloud. The second oldest of 17 children, she attended boarding school in Wahpeton, ND and Flandreau, SD, graduating from Flandreau Indian School in 1958.  She met her husband to be Phillip “Skip” Longie at Flandreau, eventually marrying in 1960 and making Chicago, IL their home for the next seven years.  During this time, two children were born to them, Phillip Duane “Skip Jr.” and Nancy Cheryl.  In 1967, Shirley and Skip moved to Devils Lake where a third child, Mary Kay was born.  They ended their union in 1972.

Shirley chose to remain in the Devils Lake area to raise her children and spent most of her adult life here apart from two brief stints in the Belcourt and Dunseith areas to care for an aunt and her mother during their declining years.

In 1992, Shirley began a relationship with special companion Edward “Eddie” Larson where they shared a life and brought together two families until Eddie’s passing in 2003. She remained close to Eddie’s children and their families up to the time of her passing.

Shirley had a varied work career with the most tenure at Sioux Manufacturing Corporation, Turtle Mountain Corporation and lastly with Devils Lake Public Schools working at the Central Middle School, where she eventually retired from in May 2017. She also worked part-time at the KC Hall every Tuesday for Taco Night.

Shirley was a hard-working individual who had many friends and was always willing to help anyone that needed a hand. She was always willing to volunteer her time and was one of the cornerstones of her large family, often being the organizer of the large family gatherings.  She loved and was especially proud of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always interested in their lives and accomplishments.  Even close to the end, it was her grandchildren and great grandchildren that would lift her spirits either through pictures, videos or in-person visits.  While Shirley will be missed greatly by all she touched, she will be especially missed by her close siblings and her three children.

Shirley’s loving family include her children, Phillip “Skip Jr.” (Cheryl) Longie of Phoenix, AZ, Nancy (Hyllis) Dauphinais of Phoenix, AZ, and Mary (Kevin) Longie-Bailly of Buxton, ND; eight (8) grandchildren: Jonathan (Brittany) Dauphinais, Alyssa (Craig) Longie, Brett Gaspard, Orion (Melissa) Dauphinais, Jordan Longie, Hyllis Dauphinais, Jr., Alexander (Sarah) Rask and Zoya Longie; three (3) great grandchildren: Isabelle Anderson, Quinn Goo and Harper Dauphinais; siblings: Ernest (Sally) McCloud, Peter McCloud, Sylvia Haakenson, Donna (Kenneth) Johnson, Leland McCloud, Clayton (Marilyn) McCloud, Clinton McCloud, Kenneth McCloud, Bonnie McCloud, Dale McCloud, Collin (Germaine) McCloud, Jr., Colleen (Arthur) Cartwright, Byron (Lynn) McCloud, Kevin (Louella) McCloud and Ann (Tom) Cartwright; as well as many nieces & nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her toddler sister Viola, and her special companion Edward Larson.

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Blog (72) posted on February 21, 2010

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

Jim Banish, Janet Kalk’s husband, Passed away.
Posting from Al Lopez (Barbara Kalk ’65):  Minneapolis, MN

I wonder if you knew Jim Banish, he married Janet Kalk, well Jim passed away yesterday.

Al Lopez.

Gary’s comments
Thanks Al for letting us know.
We extend our condolences to Janet and the rest of her family.

Joseph “Jim” Banish

August 25, 1938 – June 18, 2018

Joseph “Jim” Banish, 79, West Fargo, formerly of Milnor, ND passed away June 18th at Moorhead Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Joe was born Aug 25th, 1938 to Joseph L and Ethel (Baumann) Banish in Cayuga, ND. Joe attended primary school at Hermann #2 before attending Lidgerwood High School and graduating in the class of 1957. Joe spent one year at NDSU studying Ag Tech prior to returning to work on the family farm.

In the summer half of the year, Joe worked on road construction projects before making it his primary profession. In 1963, while on a long term project in northern North Dakota, he met Janet Kalk. On July 30th, 1966 they were married at St Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith, ND. From there they lived in Milnor, ND for 32 years prior to transitioning to the Fargo metro area.

Joe worked 27 years in road construction before being injured and discontinued road work. He also served a combined 12 years on the Milnor City Council as well as Mayor. He served on St. Arnold’s church council as well as trustee, a Boy Scouts committee member, and is a Knights of Columbus Honorary Life Member.

Joe loved fishing, hunting and especially tinkering with small motors.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Janet, 3 sons Daren and James, West Fargo and Brian, Bloomington, MN; sisters Shirley (Ray) Jawaski, Adrian, ND; Marie (Tim) Kempel, La Porte, IN; Clarence, Wheatland, WY; Dana (Sandra) Banish Cayuga, ND; Robert (Carrie) Banish Milnor, ND; sister-in-laws Helen Banish, Fargo, ND, Karen Banish, Florissant, MO.

Joe is preceded by his parents; two brothers John Banish, Cayuga, ND; Paul Banish, Florissant, MO; sister Sonja Sperle, Napoleon, ND; sister-in-law Eugenia Banish, Wheatland, WY.

Visitation will be held at Boulger Funeral Home Thurs Jun 21st at 6pm with a prayer service immediately following at 7pm. Funeral Service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church Fri Jun 22nd at Noon. Burial is at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery South also on Friday.

Seeking Info on Pat Beardstail show: Genevieve “Genny” Belgarde and David Belgarde
Tim Hyke: Stewartville, MN
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Hi, Gary.

This is a portion of the reply I received from Rod Romine’s daughter concerning if Rod Romine might be able to provide information about Pat Bearsdale to Tim Hyke.  Hopefully, Rod will contact Tim.

Rod Romine’s daughter reply:
“I will forward your email to dad and if he can offer any insight he can contact Tim Hyke.”

Neola

VETERANS GROUP (2^nd Posting)
Posted by Todd Poitra (Ginger ’65 Son)

VETERANS GROUP
PLACE: ROLLA CITY HALL

DATE: 24 JUNE 2018
DAY: SUNDAY
TIME: 1PM – 5PM

Open to all Rolette County Veterans and active military. All branches of the military welcome to attend. USMC/ARMY/NAVY/USAF/COAST GUARD, to include all National Guard and any Reserve personnel. Also immediate family members will be welcome. Spouse/dependents. Widows and widowers of vets that have not been remarried.

The purpose of the vet group is to educate our veterans on any Federal/State/County programs or medical services the veteran may be eligible for. To keep our vets informed about changes and current happenings with existing programs. We also will answer any questions our vets or family members may have as it pertains to the needs of veterans.

As of now, no meals will be served but we will  try to have light refreshments available. Also watch for times and dates for our monthly meetings in the local paper or our local radio station.

THANKS TO OUR VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Rolette County CVSO –

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Blog (721) posted on February 20, 2010

Sylvester LaRocque (Relatives) Reply from Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN. Ginger, the other brother is Curtis, married to Debbie Cree. Duel LaRocque is a first cousin. Alice his mom, and my mom Lola Lajimodiere were sisters. The were Plantes or LaPlantes. Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND. SYLVESTER LAROCQUE July 22, 1946-Feb. 12, 2010 Sylvester Gerald LaRocque, 63, Dunseith, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, in a Minot hospital. He was born July 22, 1946, to Jerome and Alice LaRocque in St. John. He married Shirley Myers on Oct. 17, 1975, in Rolla. Survivors: wife; daughter, Shylow LaRocque, Dunseith; sons, Christopher Martin and Shane Martin, both Kansas City, Kan.; three grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Poitra, Linda Poitra and Jackie LaRocque, Debbie LaVallie, Joy Myers, Jeanette LaRocque, Annette Lunday and Sherry LaRocque; brothers, Ronald, Richard, Curtis and Brian. Funeral: Friday, 10 a.m., St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dunseith. Burial: St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith. Prayers service: Thursday, 8 p.m., in the church. Wake: Thursday, 4 p.m., in the church. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau) SHIRLEY A LAROCQUE PO Box 821 Dunseith, ND 58329-0821 (701) 244-5338 Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND. LAURA STRIETZEL Nov. 24, 1911-Feb. 16, 2010 ST. JOHN Laura Victoria Strietzel, 98, St. John, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, in a Rolla hospital. She was born Nov. 24, 1911, to Clyde and Emma Sager in Richland County. She married Otto Strietzel on June 15, 1934, in Rolla. Survivors: daughter, Loretta Mayer, St. John; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Berg, Fargo; brother, Harold, Devils Lake. Funeral: Saturday, 2 p.m., St. John Presbyterian Church, St. John. Burial: Rolla City Cemetery, Rolla, in the spring. Visitation: Saturday, two hours prior to the service, in the church. (Elick Funeral Home, Rolla) Filipino poverty with families in need of assistance:http://garystokes.net/SponsorFilipinoFamily.aspx Message from Brenda Hoffman (66): I don’t know how many of you remember some of the stories Gary has posted about the poverty of the Philippines, but one of his posts (or was it a personal communication?) struck a cord. I was in the midst of the usual frantic Christmas preparations when he wrote that most kids in the PI don’t get Christmas gifts – their families barely have enough money for fireworks. Additional info from Gary indicated that many of the PI children are starving or malnourished. I asked Gary how I could send some money to a family with small children and he and I set up the following system: I sent Gary a check at: Gary Stokes, PSC 517 Box RS/CC, FPO AP 96517-1000 Gary transferred my check into PI currency Gary and Bernadette purchased food with the money and delivered it to the family in the pictures pasted below. In the last few years, I have been hesitant to donate money to charities because I’m never certain that the dollars I donate will be used to help the people I want to help – I would rather volunteer my services. Gary altered that picture for me. He and Bernadette make sure that the children receive the food. A bag of rice costs $14 for 25KG; $28 for 50KG. A $28 bag of rice will probably last a family of 8 for a month. Rice is the staple of all of their meals. Most families have no stove to cook on so they set a pot on stones and cook with wood. My thought was that anyone who might be interested in helping feed a family – particularly one with small children – might send Gary $5, $10 or whatever amount. And maybe, just maybe, those of us from the Dunseith area could sponsor one family or even a few families. Bernadette’s sister works in social services in the PI and could help us target the poorest of the poor. The family I helped lives right behind Gary.   Gary added that he would make sure that contributors would get recognition at the Barangay level – the first level of government in the PI and of course receipts, etc to be used for US income tax purposes.   Brenda Gary’s reply and comments: Folks; Brenda did send me a check of which I cashed and exchanged for Peso’s. With Brenda’s donation Bernadette and I purchased Rice and food and gave it to this family, pictured below (follow link posted above). 100% of the money she sent was used to buy food for this family. This family was so happy and elated to receive this donation. They are a family of 8 that live in a 5′ X 7′ house. They, like so many families in this country, often go without meals, for lack of food. There is no welfare in this country. With Brenda’s suggestion, we would like to help more of these folks. Bernadette and I are willing to purchase food and give to the needy families in our area with the donations sent. 100% of your money will be used to buy food or requested items for these folks. I will keep an updated listing posted on the Dunseith Alumni Website of the total moneys collected and how they were spent with pictures and listings of the recipient families. Individual donations will not be listed separately. We feel individual donations should remain silent. For United States Income Tax rules, we will keep detailed records, of individual contributions, of all moneys collected and where they were spent. Please see pictures of some of the needy families on the next tab of this site (link above) that we will be giving our donations too. If you’d like to help a specific family, please let us know with your donation. If you have specific requests for your donation, please let us know that too. I have a United States FPO address that you can mail your donations too. A regular US postage stamp is all that is required. The Mailing address is Gary Stokes PSC 517 BOX RS/CC FPO AP 96517-1000 I will reply to each and every donation with an email message that we have received the donation. For those I do not have an email address for, we will make a personal phone call letting them know their donation has been received. Thank you Brenda for your inspiration in seeing this thru. I am always amazed with how happy go lucky these folks are that have virtually nothing. These folks are always so very friendly and more often than not have a smile on their face. Gary Adventuresome night For Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND. Hey Gary, I had quite an adventuresome night, had not been feeling very good for a few days. Tried to get into the Dunseith Clinic and they were all full, tried Belcourt Hospital, sat there for over an hour and you know me when I have to wait too long for something….well, pardon the french but the poop hit the fan, lol. I finally had to go to administration and boy did they catch it. I was feeling dizzy, lightheaded, having chest and back pain, my left arm was hurting, and my neck and jaw were misbehaving too. What a day! Well, I ended up storming out of there and told them I was going somewhere else and they would be receiving the bill. Of course, that didn’t happen since I couldn’t get in anywhere anyway. I told Pete I would go with him this AM to Rolla when he went to take care of Little Pete’s pickup. Anyway, started getting ready for bed, about 10:00 pm, just couldn’t get comfortable, so got back up and told Pete, I don’t think we should wait for tomorrow, call Brandi and see if she will take me. So did that, then I called IHS and they told me they would be sending an ambulance since they have all the necessary equipment in case of cardiac arrest, wow! Anyway, ambulance gets here, begins the blood pressure routine, tried to put an IV in but of course these little night crawlers of mine kept ducking on them, (I have terrible veins). Then the one guy starts to get real loud, 213 over 137, huh? I say, “is that my blood pressure?” “Yes it is young lady.” Oh oh, I’m in trouble, I thought to myself, remain calm….into my mouth comes a nitro. I then pulled out my cell phone and called Brandi letting her know everything that was happening, “Holy ….” was her reaction to how high my blood pressure was, OK Mom, just relax, Dad and I are on our way. So here I am riding around in this big old ambulance at 11:00 pm at night, pretty rough ride too. Someone happened to be driving down our road at this time and of course had to report to the Garden Tap where our Harold was. Then the calls started coming in and we weren’t even home, lol. Longer story short, got to the hospital, got hooked up to an EKG, meantime, blood pressure is going down gradually, still trying to get IV into me, night crawlers still won’t have that, lol. Did blood work, X-Rays-very thorough doctor. In the end, seems my hiatal hernia was the culprit and the blood pressure meds were not working for me. This was about 5:00 am. OK, so what now, I am tired, I hurt and I just wanna go home to sleep. Wait, gotta get that ole GI Cocktail first, yum, yum. This numbs my esphagus-they then gave me a shot on the hip to relax me, tells me I need to start relaxing more. Me? LOL. “I can’t”, I say, “got a benefit on Saturday for Snowball Poitra who has stomach cancer. Been having these just about every week for someone.” Why? I was asked. “Because my husband and I have been fighting this horrible monster for 14 years, we know the expense of driving back and forth, the cost of the chemo or radiation, whatever it is they are having, IHS does not help everyone so there you go, answer your question?” “Yep.” Well ya’ll, hope this wasn’t too boring, tried to make it as adventurous as I could, lol. I look forward to hearing from you. “Can’t get a good girl down” Verena  Verena, We need you well for this reunion. You can’t get sick on us like this. A friend of mine that I used to work with had a hiatal hernia problem too. Twice that I know of they hauled him out of the shipyard to the hospital and put him in ICU only to find out it was his hiatal hernia acting up. Gary From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI 48640 In case anybody thinks people in the Frozen North don’t mean business—– Allen