11/30/2009

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Gary

Zorn Family

From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

To Sharon Zorn Gerdes

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

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

From Marlys Zorn Bryan (69): Fairbury, Nebraska

Gary,

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

Marlys Zorn Bryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

To Sharron and Aggie

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

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

Gary Metcalfe

Also From Gary Metcalfe:

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

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

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

Railroad Round House

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

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

Gary,

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

Dick

Question from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

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

Neola

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

Gary Stokes

PSC 517 Box RS/CC

FPO AP 96517-1000

Darrel (Bud) Stokes (70) & Angus Campbell

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

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

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

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

Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Update on Elmer & Mable (Espe) Striker Family,

Sent by Ken Striker, Dayton Ohio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H1k4 Marie Striker b 15 Aug 1937 Mont
+William Lillas

H1k5 Jackie Striker b 19 May 1939 Seattle
+James Martin

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11/29/2009

Posted on November 29, 2009 by Gary

Myron (65) & JoAnn Zorn’s son, Ryan’s, funeral:

From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Gary, I just got home from the funeral of Myrons son.. It was just amazing how awesome and beautiful a military funeral is. We were just overwhelmed with the entire process. We had the governor, two senators, two generals, and many local dignitaries there. It gives one so much pride in our country and our military. I spoke with one of the generals and he said they are trying hard to erase the problem of the soldiers being blamed for the war, which is what happened with Vietnam. Anyhow, there were actually thousands of people, kids, disabled, VFW’s, Vietnam vets on bikes, all lining the streets and overpasses. The support and love of those people was overwhelming. I will forward everything you send, and their family is deeply moved and thankful for the support and love of people everywhere. It restores some faith in our country, the people ARE still good and wonderful. thank you. Sharon Zorn Gerdes.

Kenrose Medlang:

Reply from Bonnie Smith Kohler: Mountain Iron, MN.

Gary:
Thanks for sending a message to everyone to send a card to Kenrose Medlang in honor of her 90th birthday. I am sure that she will be thrilled as she called me a few months ago and then sent me a picture and note that she would be 90 this November. That was really kind of you and it is really appreciated by us Minnesotan’s. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!
Bonnie Kohler and family

Bonnie, Vickie Metcalfe is the one we need to thank for that jester. I believe your mother and Kenrose are sisters. I understand that Kenrose got a lot of cards. It was our pleasure to be able to do this for Kenrose. I’m speaking for Vickie too. Gary

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone!

After listening to the last couple of blogs that contained colorful tales about folks in the turtle Mountains, I felt compelled to share some rather whimsical information that I experienced whenn I was pretty young, but still of school age in the lower grades, if not in the first. At any rate this is how it goes as I remember it. The Lund family were probably the closest neighbor we had at that time, and although we attended school together we had different routes to and from school through the woods etc. It is important to remember that virtually all of us in that particular area spoke Norweigen very fluently and wwe actually learned Norweigen before we learned English. this happened the day after we returned from Christmas vacation, We were in the outer cloak room talking about the great christmas we had, some of the kids were telling about their toys or some other gift, not to be out done the Lund girls, Margaret, and Evelyn, said, ” we got a new duke for our board”, Well of course it wouldn’t make sense to anyone who didn’t speak Norweigen so the Amsbough kids just laughed and made fun of the statement. the actual translation phonetically in Norweigen amounted to this We got a new tablecloth for our kitchen table. I am sure everyone remembers the oil cloths that graced the kitchen tables. The girls were undaunted by the derisive remarks, and simultaneously lifted up their dress to expose their brand new home made flannel bloomers that reached nearly down to the knees and had an elastic band sewn to keep the body warm from the cold dakota winds. This brought on more peals of laughter and the girls ran crying into the school school, embarrassed,, but not knowing why. I remember watching all this but i remember I didn’t laugh, but rather thought, why would anyone laugh at such good things happening to their family. I thought about the tin whistle I got for a toy. I felt a little envious Later into the early summer my Dad asked me to go over to Nick Lund, and give him a dime he handed me, and bring back a box of copenhagen snuff. When I got there Nick lund was seated at the kitchen table drinking coffee, and when I asked him what my Dad had asked me to do, he looked a little confused, then he said “I just opened my last box, but I will give him half of it and you keep your dime and your Dad can pay me back when he gets to town to buy some more snuff”. When I got home with the half box of snuff, i handed it to Dad along with the dime and told him what Nick Lund said, As Dad took the snuff and the money, I noticed his eyes were filling . He turned quickly and walked away. As I look back he must have been embarrassed,probably thinking he shouldn’t have to ask the neighbor to share his tobacco, but I know had the tables been reversed, Dad would done the same. There existed such fierce pride among all of those people, I remember Dad telling someone that he wouldn’t work on the WPA, because he thought it was a form of welfare. I can’t help thinking about those years, but everyone worked together and got through it and with a smile as well. I hear the moaning and groaning among the people now as they go out and spend about $150 each for a seat at a football game, but the economy is bad and my goodness, when is the government going to get it right? Besides the unemployment comp is not enough but its no use, I don’t want to go out and look for work right now. . Of course a wide screen television is in the living room along with smaller sets to watch before going to sleep. Go to work in a $35,000automobile and complain all the way to work as they talk on cell phones while the car glides over paved streets.

Maybe those who think Uncle Sam owes them a living should look around and be “Thankful” on this thanksgiving holiday

Erling Landsverk

Sharron Gottbreht Shen’s photo:

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

Gary and Friends,

In response to Sharron Gottbreht Shen’s photo, the car appears to be a
1941 Lincoln. The steamer is quite small, as steam engines go. The
larger ones almost all had a canopy over the operator’s station and many
had rear wheels at least 8 feet in diameter. I can’t make out the name
on the front cover of the boiler or we would be able to find more
information on it’s size and year. The car appears not to be new so the
picture probably would have been mid 40s or so. I hope this helps you
somewhat in dating your photo. Thanks Gary!

Dick

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11/28/2009

Posted on November 28, 2009 by Gary

Condolensces to the Zorn family:

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

Gary,

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

Bob Lykins

From Mr. Lykins:

Gary,

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

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

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

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

Bob Lykins

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

Gary Stokes

PSC 517 Box RS/CC

FPO AP 96517-1000

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

Debbie Morinville Marmon (70) update follow a stroke:

From Shonda Azure Campbell (94): angelic_desires_of_a_firefairy@yahoo.com Minot, ND

Gary and All, my Aunt Debbie looks great she is walking short distances…..with a smile that can still melt hearts . She can say a few words but some how you know what she is saying !!

May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home.

San Haven Question:

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

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

Allen Richard

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myron Evans, Harland Gottbreht, Charles Watkins

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

Former Dunseith Teacher’s – Class of 65 reunion – 7/12/07

L to R: Dennis Espe, Vinian Hewson-Dinius, Art Rude & Bob Lykins

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/27/2009

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Gary

Myron (65) & JoAnn Zorn Family:

From Marlys Zorn Bryan (69): Fairbury, Nebraska

To everyone who has been writing to Myron Zorn and his family,

We all appreciate you so very much. This has been an incredibly hard time for Myron and JoAnn. But at the family gathering in the chapel the night before the funeral, JoAnn stood up and thanked everyone, saying “We have been held up by prayer. We know it.”

So thank you all so much for what you have been doing for them; you have made a difference.

Ryan was a great man.

Marlys (Zorn) Bryan, (Myron’s sister)

Folks, The email address, listed above, the we have on file for Myron & JoAnn Zorn is good. For some reason my messages to them were getting returned a few months back. I’ll give it another try with today’s message. Gary

Florence Pladson Sime (62) – Update following her car accident:

From Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND.

Gary,

We have so much to be thankful for this day!! Florence got to go home yesterday!! She will be taking out-patient therapy in Minot for her hand and arm, but is doing so well, even the doctors are amazed at her progress. We just want to say thanks for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits. Thanks you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Tina Bullinger

This is wonderful Florence that you are recovering this fast with all the broken bones you had following that accident. You have to be one healthy hearty person with a lot of determination to recover this quickly. This has to truly be a wonderful thanksgiving for you. Gary

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND

Gary, yes Della was the mother of the Hermanson boys and Marvel was in
my grade . Lindstrom’s lived east of the school , not sure which farm.
It has been too long ago but Orvin would know . and yes Clem Helgeson
attended with us at Loon Lake # 2 but as a high school correspondence
student. Also Amsbaughs,Ted Pladsons , Knutsons , Martin Rudes, Ingolf
Fulsebakke, Ole Hagens, Ritzmans, Christiansons, Cliff Halvorsons, Tom
Hagens, Clyde Satrang, Olsons, over the years I attended there and I
may have forgotten some families!!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Tom, I recognize all but the Ritzman family in those you mentioned. Your dad’s name was Tom making you Tom Jr. or as a lot of us know you as Tommy. You have always been Tommy to Orvin and your nephew Don Nelson, Donny. Elmer and Millie Torgerson Lindstrom were always very close to our family. They were extremely close friends of Leonard and Dot Kevil’s over on Little Prairie too. They belonged to the same church. I only remember Della Torgerson Hermanson, Millie’s sister, as being widowed living in Bottineau. I never knew her husband or any of her children, who are older than me by a number of years. Elmer Lindstrom came to my folks rescue several times when they were down and out and had no where to turn. I remember one year he brought his big “R” John Deere tractor and bailer all the way up from the prairie to bale the hay in my folks meadow when dad’s equipment broke down and he had no means of putting up the hay. Elmer gave my folks some butchered beef in some trying times too. For a number of years, Dad and Elmer put up all the hay on Oscar & Sylvia Bergan’s and John Wolf’s east of Lake Metigoshe. Elmer and Millie’s youngest daughter Deb is married to Kevin Lee, brother to my Brother Darrel’s wife Debby. Elmer and Millie had 5 girls. Elmer always wanted a son. He would have dearly liked to have Adopted my brother Allen, but my folks did not agree to that.

Sept. 1970 – Not sure of the occasion

Dean Lamb and Joanne Millang both 1970

A Horsetale story from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

A Horsetale

The Louis Bergan family and William (#1) Metcalfe family were friends and neighbors in Hillside Township for many years from the early 1900’s-1935.
Emil Metcalfe and Clayton Bergan were about the same age,attended Bergan School, and enjoyed an easy and life long-lasting friendship.
Quiet, gentle Emil (Cliff fondly called him ‘Joes’ or ‘Joesy’) allowed Cliff who was younger by about three years tag along on his ventures with Clayton.
One sunny Sunday, summer afternoon adventure, in the early 30’s, could have quickly turned to be almost fatal disaster.
Three “boys”, were left to their own devices. (William)Bill Metcalfe had a yearling colt which was broke to lead but someday, he planned to break to drive. Clayton and ‘Joes’ were “Boys will be boys”, who want to prove their worth as men,and convinced each other. They had seen horses broke by men and they were big enough to do the job!
After catching the green broke gelding,Cliff hung onto the halter, while the other two managed to collar and pull on a harness. The horse shied, was nervous, sidestepping round and around. With much effort and team work, he was finally quiet and hooked up to a single tree, to the wagon.
The boys were quite certain the hard part done, now, was the easy part. Just climb up in the wagon and go for a Sunday drive. Then, return to the farm with the horse pulling the wagon.
‘Joesy’ crawled up on the wagon seat, and in his broad capable hands,took up the reins. Clayton, a slender, gangly, young fellow, climbed up to next to ‘Joesy’ to ride shot gun and specifically give advice on how to accomplish the job.
Cliff let go of the horse, moved quickly as not to be left behind, jumped into the box to stand behind the seated older boys.
The horse with a sudden snort, squeal, then mighty leap, burst into a mad trot then gallop. An immediate runaway! The wagon _ took off bouncing up and down, to and fro over and across the trail! NO brake! Three boys hanging for dear life onto the careening seat!
Try with all his might, there was no easy way ‘Joes’ could slow the horse down. A bright idea! Clayton pointed toward two lone trees,and stutteringly yelled, “P-p-put him–wite– be-tween d–d–does too tw—ees…..!”

‘Joesy’ putting his strength into both arms steered. Clayton and Cliff hung on as the horse leapt between the two trees, snapping the harness, next the single tree, off and away went the horse on a dead gallop, reins trailing along behind.

The wagon bluntly jarred to a Sudden. Complete. Stop. Stuck right-between- the two solid trees. Three boys sailed out and over the wagon onto ……..

…………………………………………………………HOT, HOt. hot sun overhead.
The next thing Cliff recalled, he woke up, walking, slinking along in the shady shadow of the tired, sweaty horse, holding his throbbing head. ‘Joes’ groaned and moaned as he led the horse, the other hand clenched against his ribs. And, Clayton? Clayton with nary a scratch, un harmed, took off briskly in direction of home.

When they were together years later recalling experiences of horse breaking, Emil said, he’d landed on his chest on a big boulder where Cliff had landed squarely on his head quite unconscious. Clayton had dropped and rolled. Emil and Clayton then caught the horse and got Cliff up and walking.

The moral of this story told to me often, probably could be, from another saying, more often quoted by the storyteller, my dad,Cliff Metcalfe. “One boy half a man. Three boys ain’t worth a______.”

Metcalfe boys were careful to never complain about injuries. Nor could they recall being punished for a broken wagon. William Metcalfe was a man who somehow knew the boys had learned their lesson that Sunday afternoon.
Years later, a doctor told Emil, he had broken his ribs sometime and another asked Cliff, when he had a severe concussion.

They chuckled heartily, as they remembered the day when three boys discovered they were not yet men. And they, The Boys of Hillside….always enjoyed their life long friendship.

This is story told to me by my dad, I’ve told to my nieces and nephews and I tell them it’s a tale from their Grandpa Cliff. Vickie Metcalfe/November 2009

Post card post marked 1939

11/26/2009

Posted on November 26, 2009 by Gary

Condolence to the Ryan Zorn family:

From Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

I just wanted to send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Myron Zorn. I was so sorry to hear about Ryan. I did not know him but I know his dad from high school. May God be with you at a time like this.

Later

Esther Murray (Fleming)

Sharon Zorn, I do not have a good email address for Myron & JoAnn. Can you relay this messages and the others previously posted to them?

Thanks, Gary

Dunseith Alumni Reunion:

Dorothy Hiatt Swanson (46): Moorehead, MN.

Folks, I received a phone call last night from Dorothy Hiatt Swanson. We had a wonderful visit. We both grew up in the Ackworth community, so we had lots of things to talk about. She was enquiring about the date of the Alumni Reunion. She had seen our publication in the Bottineau paper. For some reason the Date got dropped when it was published in their paper. When I asked her if she’d like for me to add her to our list of those attending, she said “YES”. Dorothy does not have email. Dorothy is a sister to Eleanor Fauske, Charlotte Lang, Florence Dahl, Howard Hiatt and that family. Gary

Dunseith Alumni Reunion – 5/22/09 – Bingo Barn:

From Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

Gary,
Please add Gaillord and his wife Rene Peltier to the reunion list. Also
Shannon (Gillis) LaVallie and her husband Stacy
LaVallie-Devils Lake, ND
Unsure as to where Gaillord is right now but will find out.

Also, thank you to Vickie Metcalfe for the wonderful pumpkin donuts, they
were very delicious!

We are going to need to do a survey on food, I am currently getting
estimates on Ham, Roast Beef and Turkey, also twice baked potatoes. If we
can order these items along with some baked beans, vegetables & dinner
rolls, we can charge so much per plate to pay for it, what do you think?
I will have an idea on what the cost would be by next week. This would
relieve people from having to bring, right?

Folks, what do you think about Verena’s idea for food? This sounds like a pretty good idea to me. It puts a lot of the work load on her though, but it will for sure keep the costs down which is one of their main objects.

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND

Hi, Gary Just a quick correction as my mother, Agnes maiden name was
Melhus which most people spelled Melhouse. Her father Peter Melhus came
from Indiroy, Norway , when he was 5 and they landed in Minn. where
he met our grandmother Helen Halvorson, (not related to Henry ) but
her sister was married to Hans Satrang so we are related to them. Clyde
went to school with us at Loon Lake #2 and also Irene Lindstrom, at
first Aanon Torgerson ‘s lived north of the school and Lorraine went to
school with us. Then Don and Marv Hermanson who moved there.

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Tom, These are some of my relatives you mentioned. I did not realize they lived in your neighborhood. Mrs. Anton Torgerson was is sister to my dad’s adopted mother and also to Mrs. Nick Lund. Of the Torgerson’s I knew Mildred, Knute and Della very well. Millie married Elmer Lindstrom. When they lived in the hills, I always thought they lived farther North. That was before my day. Irene was the oldest of their 5 girls. I did not realize that she attended school in the hills. Elaine was several years younger followed by Shirley, Dianne & Deb. In my day, Elmer & Millie lived a mile or so west and south of where #43 comes to and end on the west end of the hills. Is #14 the intersection there? At the moment I have forgotten. Irene Lindstrom Tonneson has done extensive history on her mothers side. Irene lives on a farm NE of Souris. You mention a Hermanson. I’m not sure who Don & Marv were, but Della Torgerson was married to a Hermanson. He died before I can remember back to. Della lived in Bottineau. Knute lived in Alvarado, MN. He visited the Bottineau area often. Gary

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND.

Ryan Zorn was the son of Myron (65) and JoAnn (Soland) Zorn.

Fallen soldier honored as person who worked to make a difference

JOSHUA WOLFSON Casper Star-Tribune | Posted: Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Brig. Gen. Tim Cole embraces JoAnn Zorn after presenting her with a Bronze Star for her son, Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn, during his funeral Tuesday morning at Wright Baptist Church in Wright. (Courtesy photo)

WRIGHT — Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn gave a simple answer when his father once asked him to consider leaving the military.

“Dad, I’m making a difference,” he said.

Zorn, who died last week in Iraq, was remembered Tuesday at his funeral as a model soldier who gave his life for a cause he passionately believed in.

“He had an undying loyalty to his country, to his family and to his God,” said classmate Jeri Gibson, one of more than 300 people who packed Wright Baptist Church for the service.

Zorn, 35, died Nov. 16 when his armored vehicle overturned near the city of Tal Afar in northwestern Iraq. The Wright resident had been helping Iraqis develop communications and intelligence operations as part of the 311th Military Intelligence Unit of the 101st Airborne Division.

In his 16 years in the U.S. Army, Zorn served tours in Saudi Arabia, Korea, Germany and Iraq. He was a battle-hardened officer who embodied Army values, said Brig. Gen. Tom Cole, who addressed mourners during the 75-minute service.

“Ryan was not a complainer,” Cole said, standing near Zorn’s flag-draped casket. “He would just say a simple ‘Roger.’ That was his hallmark.”

Cole presented Zorn’s mother, JoAnn, with a Bronze Star earned by her son.

“It’s not just our soldiers who sacrifice so much for our freedoms,” the general told mourners. “Families give so much.”

While stationed in Iraq, Zorn made sure the soldiers under his command received care packages. A deeply religious man, when back in Wyoming he’d ask his pastor to pray for his men’s safety.

“He was proud of what he did, and he died doing what he believed in,” said his father, Myron.

Zorn never married, explaining that he didn’t want to find a wife only to be sent back to war. But he had a close relationship with his parents and other family members, said the Rev. Clay Alexander, who officiated the service.

Alexander read from two letters written by Zorn’s nieces. In one, Paige Zorn called her uncle a hero. “He’s a little chubby and had short, spiky hair,” she wrote. “He is really cool.”

Mourners — including Gov. Dave Freudenthal and Sen. Mike Enzi — watched a video that showed Zorn grow from a skinny, blond boy into a burly soldier, posing with other troops in front of a mural of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

The video also included footage of the scene in Gillette on Sunday, when thousands of people lined the streets to watch a hearse take Zorn’s casket from the airport to a funeral home. Dusty McClintock attended that procession and made the 50-minute drive to Wright for the funeral.

“We just wanted to come out and show our support,” said McClintock, who traveled with a group of about 10 motorcyclists.

Zorn was born in North Dakota but moved shortly after his birth to Upton, in northeastern Wyoming. His schoolmates described him as a big-hearted person with a constant smile.

He didn’t have a single enemy, said Hidie Bland, who traveled to the funeral from Sheridan.

“Not one,” she said. “I don’t think I ever saw him raise his voice.”

Friends said Zorn was soft-spoken but had a hearty laugh. He enjoyed athletics and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of sports that some claimed rivaled the ESPN staff’s.

Upton High School Principal Gary Glodt recalled Zorn as a quiet, family-oriented student who enjoyed helping others.

“He had a distinct laugh,” Glodt said. “Everybody knew it was Ryan when they heard it.”

Even after Zorn joined the military, Glodt maintained contact with his former student. The educator remembered the pride Zorn had for the military’s mission in Iraq.

“He kept telling all of us that we were over there for a reason and helping out the Iraqi people,” Glodt said. “He was proud to be part of it.”

Contact Joshua Wolfson at josh.wolfson@trib.com or 307-266-0582.

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

The only Thanksgiving Day that stands out in memory must have been about 1949. It was very cold, lots of snow and Dad’s car would not start. He arranged transport via Dunseith taxi service; Mr Lilliby no doubt. I believe Grandma Evelyn was back from Seattle and working for Rosie McCoy at the Crystal Cafe and served up a fine meal in a small separate dining room. Mom and Dad had light duty on very few Thanksgiving Days; both would give the turkey their expert attension. Mogen David was for toasting, but I remember Dale splashing some on the turkey, Thanksgiving 1954 in our new home at The Corner.

Main Street Dunseith looked much the same as in 1949 as in the picture attached plus snow over a paved roadway. Of my old photo collection, those from Evelyn Gaudette Gottbreht are the only ones dated! And always in her beautiful script. Arla Gottbreht and Mary Evans [daughter of Celia Gottbreht and Ole Evans] were 6 going on 7 years old. Is anyone surprised to see the barber poles in the Fassett and Gottbreht Hardware window? It was 1932 that Main Street was paved in preparation for the crowds that would arrive to attend the dedication of the Peace Gardens. It must have been Floyd Richard or Oville Grenier who told me that Gr Grand Wm Gottbreht would sit out front of the Hardware Store and converse with the visiting locals in his last years [1859-1945]. In 1927, all of the children of Wm and Mary Ann Gottbreht retuned to the family home to celebrate Thanksgiving. Only Joe Gottbreht traveled the great distance from Superior, WI where he and Murtle Marie Duffy lived after his harbor/port service in WWI. Their mother was in poor health and passed the following February.

Corrections welcome. Thank you Gary, Sharron

Standing: Frederick, John, George, Joseph, James [Teddy], Wm Jr
Seated: Anna Borland, mother Mary Ann Kelly, father William, Cecelia Evans

Arla Gottbreht and Mary Evans [daughter of Celia Gottbreht and Ole Evans]

Thanksgiving:

From Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND.

Gary, One month from today will be Christmas. My principal sent me this fwd. It has some things to reflect on for THANKSGIVNG. May you and Bernadette have a HAPPY one. Vickie

Folks, today is Thanksgiving. We are a little ahead of you guys in the states. As I previously mention, we are going to the Marriott Hotel, this evening, for a genuine Thanksgiving dinner buffet with turkey and the whole works.

I want to share this Thanksgiving Trivia from Vickie with all of you on this Thanksgiving day.

I wish you all the best on this Thanksgiving day. Gary

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

How Erma Bombeck viewed Thanksgiving Day…
“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are
consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes.
This is not coincidence.”

How Rita Rudner viewed Thanksgiving Day…
“My mother is such a lousy cook that Thanksgiving at her house
is a time of sorrow.”

How Mark Twain viewed Thanksgiving Day…
“Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two
or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really
had something to be thankful for–annually, not oftener–if they had
succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the
previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their
neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the
reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was
perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was
all on the white man’s side, consequently on the Lord’s side; hence
it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual
compliments.”

How P. J. O’Rourke viewed Thanksgiving Day…
“Thanksgiving is so called because we are all so thankful that it
only comes once a year.”

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

\\ \\\ | /// //
\\ \\ | /////
\\\\~ ~////
( @ @ )
—-OOo-(_)-oOOo——–

Turkey growth and development…

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store,
but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock
boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?”

The stock boy answered, “No ma’am, they’re dead.”

—–oooO————
( ) ) /
\ ( (_/
\_)

Be thankful…

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire…
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something…
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times…
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
…because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge…
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes…
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
…because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

…and they can become your blessings.

11/25/2009

Posted on November 25, 2009 by Gary

Beachler Family

Reply from Allen Richard (65):

Lynette Beachler is married to Mark Richard, son of Floyd and Carmen. They live on a farm outside of Rolette.

Allen Richard

Allen, That’s all I needed was a memory jar. The Beachler’s are originally from Little Prairie. Lynette’s parents were LuVerne (deceased) and Marie (Eurich) Beachler. Marie is a sister to Dave Eurich. Lynette (82) is the author of a children’s book.

I recieved the following messages after having responded to Allen’s message above.

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard:Rolette, ND.

About the Beachler family, the parents are Luverne and Marie (Eurich) Beachler. Their children are Wyatt, Clayton, John and Lanette. Luvern passed away in the year 2000 and Marie lives in Rugby. Wyatt and his wife and family live in Steele ND where he works at the Cenex Station. Clayton and his wife, and John and family live and work in Minneapolis. Lanette is married to our son Mark and live on a farm near Rolette. They have two children Riley and Megan. She works at the Rolette school and has written two childrens books.

If you wish to have addresses I can get them for you. We saw Clayton and Betsy this summer when they were home

Marie is always included in our holiday gatherings, and she always brings the pies. Juneberry pie is her specialty.!

Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND.

The Beachler’s that lived in the area were LaVerne and Marie. Their daughter, Lanette, is married to Floyd and Carmen Richard’s son, Mark. I think they had 3 sons, Wyatt, Clayton, and John. LaVerne passed away a few years ago, and Marie now lives in Rugby………

Evon

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

Gary,

Yes, the Clifford and Charlotte Metcalfe family photo was taken the fall of 1970.

Nancy, a public health nurse for Park County lives in Powell Wy with her husband Norm Moreno.

Their son is a Desert Storm vet, who lived in Nebraska with his family. The rest of us now live in the Bottineau -Dunseith area.

To help with your information.Re; Beachler

I ‘m sure there are family members who could give you more information.

Cecil and Ruby Beachler were sweet people who lived close to my great uncle Carl Wicks on West High Way #43. Ruby had beautiful snow white hair.

I believe Clayton and Wyatt are the son’s of Marie (Eurich) Beachler who lives in Rugby, Marie’s husband Laverne is deceased. Their daughter Lanette (Beachler) Richard lives in Rolette.

Colette (Pigeon) Schimetz and Mary {Eurich) Knutson are nieces of Marie (Eurich) Beachler whose siblings included Eva, Betty, Olynda, Frieda, Irene, Erma and brothers, Dave( who was married to Winifred Pritchard) and Fritz who passed away during WW II.

I don’t know if I listed all the David and Eva Eurich “‘kids”…who were neighbors and friends of many folks in the hills and on the prairies around Dunseith.

Eva Eurich, Dave Kraft and Kate Fassett were siblings.

Dave Kraft’s daughter,my neighbor, Dorothy (Kraft) Schneider lives down the street across from Wes and Ovida.

Telling about your dog, gives me a sense of your home. Dogs provide lots of company and delight. Mine make me get out and go for a walk when its cold. This morning it’s +18., the weather forecast for tonight, ” up to a couple inches of snow coming”, so I’ll be reluctantly finding some warmer boots.

My dogs are very multi talented “guard dogs”? The first responder, Sven the cockatiel, sits in front of a sliding glass door and raises lots of ruckus whenever something is intruding in the back yard. This alerts the furry critters and soon they are at the window jumping and barking. Quite the alarm system! Someday’s I am alerted to the meter man, rabbits, or stray dogs. Once a couple deer. Recently its been a big ….C-A-T. Yep, somebody’s hungry fat fluffy white with gray and black spotted house c-a-t, is on the prowling stalk for birds. It tries to slink by my car when the garage door is open. Then, slyly comes and peers at Sven through the glass swishing its magnificent fluffy tail. The dogs are very happy to add to the birds commotion!

Well enough rambling it’s time to be off.

Have a good day. Vickie

Bev Morinville Azure (72) update:

From Shonda Azure Cambell (94): Minot, ND.

Just a quick note as we get ready to go to the hospital .Things here are still the same we are just taking things a day at a time . Mom had a nice suprise last night when my Aunt Debbie and her husband Kenny got here. Other then that there is not much to report , please keep all the praying going it help so much and again I can not tell you enough she loves each of you very much.

Shonda

Shonda, We have not had an update on Debbie (Morinville 70) for a long time. How is she doing following her stroke?

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44):Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone:

Dick Johnson beat me to the punch again. Thank you for the kind words Gary. I was unaware that you knew so many of our neighbors. I do have a few questions, so I will list them and do what you can;

Before Nick Lund lived over near Rispa’s I believe that it was the Andrew Bjerklund family that lived there. I went to school with Engrum, Evelyn and Margaret Lund. I knew both leonard and Obert., what happened to Engrum, Margaret and Evelyn. I was under the impression that Mrs Lund’s sister was Mrs Aanon Torgeson,is that the way it is. Ole Rispa was a tough old Norweigen, My brother went out to visit folks around 1969, and he said that he helped Ole, and Albert Saw wood. They were sawing up logs out of the woods, and Ole must have been around 90 years at the time. How about the Fulsebakke family? Did you by any chance know any of the helgeson family or the Amsbough family? I wonder if you knew any of the Christianson family, they lived across the lake from the melhouse family. Those Christianson girls sure were attractive. As far as I know they had one brother, Clarence. He Was still single in 1943 when we moved to wisconsin. At any rate, you should be getting your Audio book any day now and I put something else in along with it. Hope it makes it O K.

I want to thank you for all the help I received in locating folks, it meant a lot to me and to those that I contacted as well. And to Dick Johnson, I really have to take my hat off to you. You obviously have a razor sharp memory and a heart of gold to go with it. As I remember in other messages that i listened to, you were pretty active bringing smiles to retired folks with music and good followship. The world needs more folks like you.

Iwant to wish everyone of you North dakota folks living there now or elsewhere the happiest of Thanksgiving days, and a super time with your family and friends.

Erling Landsverk

Erling, It wasn’t until later in my adult life that I realized Mrs. Nick Lund’s wife was a sister to my dad’s adopted mother. We were with Leonard a lot, but not to much with the rest of his family. I always knew Dad and Leonard were related, but never knew the connection. You are right, mrs. Lund’s sister was a Torgeson. I knew most of her family quite well. It was through them that I learned the connection of Mrs. Lund and my grandmother. We don’t have any history at all about my Dad’s adopted mother, however, Irene Lindstrom Tonneson, granddaughter of Mrs. Torgeson does and has done extensive genealogy on that side of the family. I will send you here contact info with a separate message.

I will let some of the others speaks for the Christianson, Melhouse and Fulsebakke families. Clarence Christianson was married to Neola Kofoid Garbe’s aunt, Alvina Brudwick. There were two Christianson Families, Casper/Ella & Sigur/Hanna (Lagerquist). These two families were neighbors, but were not related. Agnes Melhouse Hagen is Orvin, Leland & Tom’s mother. Donnie Nelson, she may have been your grandmother, but she was a mother to you.

The Helgeson’s lived south of Salem church. I knew Clem and Selmer quite well. Clem never married, but Selmer was married to Joyce Smith, sister to Joanne (65) and Eldon (63). Clem & Ralph (Luella Boardman 49) Bjornseth were diesel mechanics. They worked together as a team doing onsite overhauls all over the country. They were some of the best mechanics of all times. I didn’t realize the Amsbaugh’s lived in that part of the hills. Franklin was married to Edna Clark, Dave Clark III sister. Franklin was working for the Minnesota Valley Breeders when he died back in the 60’s. Gary

Ryan Zorn, Son of Myron (65) & JoAnn

From Rene Casavant (65):Bismarck, ND

I want to give condolences to the Zorn family for the great loss of their son Ryan. Myron and I were best of friends during our High School years. I travel through Newcastle, Wyoming on my way to visiting my step-daughters in Colorado. I plan to jog off from Newcastle to Wright and visit the Zorns during my trip next summer. I haven’t contributed much to this blog, however I have really enjoyed keeping up with the Dunseith Alumni nostalgia. Please put my name on the list for attendance at the May Mini Reunion. Rene Casavant

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Today’s Billings Gazette
Wyoming News
Thousands line streets to honor fallen soldier
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Dignitaries to attend services for Wyoming soldier killed in Iraq

Staff Sergeant Ryan Lee Zorn

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Gov. Dave Freduenthal says he plans to attend services in Wright for a Wyoming soldier killed in Iraq.

A funeral service will be held today for Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn at the Wright Baptist Church. Zorn will be buried at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

The Department of Defense says the 35-year-old graduate of Upton High School died last week in a vehicle accident in Iraq.

Myron Zorn, Ryan’s father, said U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso are also scheduled to attend

Thousands line streets to honor fallen soldier

JEREMY PELZER Casper Star-Tribune | Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:00 am |

Wyoming-linked service members killed in action listed

CHEYENNE — Wyoming-linked servicemen killed in action since 2001 include:

Iraq:

• Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn, 35, Wright, Nov. 16, 2009.

• Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Pickett, 28, Saratoga, June 8, 2008.

• Army Pvt. Corey L. Hicks, 22, Glendale, Ariz., son of Russel Hicks of Casper, May 2, 2008.

• Army Staff Sgt. David Julian, 31, Evanston, March 10, 2008.

• Army Staff Sgt. Brian M. Long, 32, Burns, June 10, 2007.

• Airman 1st Class Eric…

Full Story

CHEYENNE — When Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn finally returned home to northeast Wyoming on Sunday morning, thousands braved cold and windy November weather to pay tribute to the fallen soldier from Wright.

People of all ages lined the streets of Gillette as Zorn’s casket entered town from the airport, escorted by more than a thousand vehicles including police cars, emergency vehicles and motorcycles with dozens of leather-clad military veterans and supporters.

“It was just incredible. It really was,” said 80-year-old Gillette resident Nancy Yonkee, who watched the procession with her daughter along Highway 14/16.

“I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never seen an outpouring like that before.”

Helping Iraqis

Zorn, 35, was killed Nov. 16 near the city of Tal Afar in northeastern Iraq when his armored vehicle overturned. A communications expert with the 311th Military Intelligence Unit of the 101st Airborne Division, Zorn had been helping Iraqis develop their own communications and intelligence operations.

Zorn’s body arrived at Gillette-Campbell County Airport late Sunday morning in a Falcon 20 jet from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

A crowded terminal fell silent as an honor guard and Zorn’s family approached the plane and pallbearers lifted Zorn’s flag-draped casket over to a waiting hearse.

“There wasn’t a sound to be had anywhere through that — (a) whole 20 minutes or better,” said state Sen. Michael von Flatern, R-Gillette, who was in the terminal building.

“It’s a moment that sends a chill up your spine, there’s no doubt about it.”

As the casket was slowly driven from the airport to a downtown Gillette funeral home five miles away, thousands of flag-waving Gillette residents lined the streets to pay their final respects to Zorn.

Signs of grieving

People held signs saying “God bless you” and “We love you, Ryan.”

Firefighters saluted as the hearse passed underneath a fire engine ladder extended high over the street, with an American flag unfurled underneath it.

The outpouring of support was even more impressive given how little time there was to prepare for Zorn’s body’s return.

Gillette Mayor Duane Evenson, along with several military, veterans and civilian organizations that helped plan for the procession, had less than 24 hours’ notice that Zorn’s remains would be flown back to Wyoming on Sunday.

Word of the planned procession quickly spread around town through word of mouth, newspaper and radio coverage and forwarded and reforwarded e-mails.

Myron Zorn, Ryan’s father, said it was “mind-boggling” to see the amount of support his family has received from perfect strangers around the community.

“It was just, well, gee it was nice,” he said. “I feel so bad, but you can’t imagine how good it feels to know that people are willing to come out and support you like that. It means so much.”

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. today at Wright Baptist Church. About 12:30 p.m., a funeral procession will take Zorn’s body from Wright to be interred at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, as well as Gov. Dave Freudenthal and other dignitaries, will attend the funeral. Freudenthal has directed that flags be flown at half-staff across the state today to honor Zorn.

Greg Dougherty, who owns and operates a welding shop in Gillette, paid $6,500 to give the Zorns a red, white and blue Christmas tree from the Gillette Festival of Trees, an annual event in which locally crafted Christmas trees and wreaths are auctioned off for charity.

The tree was sent to Wright for a Monday afternoon memorial service and today’s funeral.

Dougherty, who’s often made charitable donations, insisted that he didn’t want any publicity about his gift.

“I just thought it would be a nice gesture to do for the family,” he said. “I have a son in the military, and I respect all the people in the military very much.”

Contact Jeremy Pelzer at 307-632-1244 or jeremy.pelzer@trib.com

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/24/2009

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Gary

Thanksgiving in the Philippines”

Folks, I forgot to answer Angela Berube’s question about how we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Philippines. This year we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with the folks from the US Retired Military activities Office (RAO). Being retired from the Army Reserves qualifies me to belong to this organization here in Cebu. We will be going to the Marriott Hotel for a genuine American Thanksgiving Buffet dinner. It is through the RAO that I am able to have a Fleet Post Office (FPO) address. That in it self is a great benefit. The local mail system is very unreliable here in the PI. We RAO members pay an annual fee to maintain the local office here in Cebu. The United States mail system delivers all of our mail to our local office. Three years ago Bill Grimme sent a CD to our Local address and to this day that CD is still in the mail. I received Dick and Brenda Johnson’s CD, mailed to our FPO address, in 10 days. Gary

Beechler’s question Previously posted:

Question from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Hi Gary, can you put this on the blog! Does anyone remember the Beechler (spelling) family that lived in Dunseith. One son was in my grade and his name is Clayton. Another son’s name was Wyett, not sure though. Thanks, Lynn Halvorson Otto

I remember the Beechler name well but I’m brain dead remembering anything about the family. I’m sure with a memory jar I will remember. Gary

Ryan Zorn Commemoration – Veterans Burial Flags

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

Ryan Zorn was listed in silent commemoration this morning’s KOMO 4 National News. We stand in the shadow of yet another soldier gone to glory. Evie and I talked, then Ernie and I spoke of the loss for the Zorn Family and our wish to console them. I pray for Ryan’s eternal rest and feel such gratitude for the years and life Ryan gave for us.

The attached notice was published 1931; the practice was initiated in 1930.

Thanks Gary, Sharron

Me again Gary. This item was also quoted from the American Magazine in June 1931.

“It is for babies that we live and love and strive; they are the essence and joy of life; they are the hope of the future.”

Sharron

Clifford Metcalfe Family:

Back Row L to R: Nancy, Vickie & Cliff

Front Row L to R: Cyndy, Archie, Shannon & Charlotte (Lottie)

Back: Roberta Hagen Striker (75)

Front: Kim Hiatt Hermann (77)

Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65)

Class of 65 gals:

Margaret Metcalfe, Susan Fassett & Carol Jasper

Our little dog

Our little dog went in the house about 9:00 PM last night. Since about 2:00 AM it has been raining. It’s currently 12:15 PM and out little dog has not gone out in the rain to relieve her self yet. She’s been on the porch and that’s all the farther she’s gotten. She’s back in the house now. It’s amazing how long these animals can hold out. Gary.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/23/2009

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Gary

Birthday card shower for Kenrose Medlang who will be 90 on Thanksgiving day.

Folks, If you haven’t already done so, please send Kenrose a birthday card. She will be 90 on Thursday. We need to make her day. Even if your card gets there a day or so late, that will be fine. I sent her a letter with several pictures last week that I know will not arrive until after her birthday. Gary

Kenrose Medlang

RR #1 Box 128

Dunseith, ND 58329-9451

(701) 263-4232

Rispa’s, Lund’s, Crawford

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ

Gary, I had to jump in here when you mentioned those who lived by Long
Lake and we knew well such as Johnny Crawford and Leonard Lund. Ole
and Grace Rispa were our nearest neighbors and I was often sent with a
message to Rispa’s and had quite a time talking to Mrs. Rispa. One
time Albert (who did a lot of mechanic work for us)got a Model T and
stopped at our house. He asked if we wanted to ride and of course , we
did. We thought we were practically flying but with no top it just felt
like it, ha!!!! We were probably going about 20 mph. Rispa’s had , I
think 3 or 4 beautiful Percheron dapple gray horses they used for
farming and they were a sight to see and so powerful pulling the
machinery!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

I actually recieved this message about a week ago from Keith:

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
Alice and I and some neighbor friends just got back from a week in Myrtle Beach, SC. We had a great time and attended some really entertaining shows. Myrtle Beach is a fun vacation destination. Unfortunately, like many other vacation locations in the US, Myrtle Beach has become very commercialized. So for us older generation, its best to go there in the off season. We’ve actually been there three previous times to include once in the summer, and learned from that trip that the off season was best (less people, less traffic, more space on the beach, etc.). In any case, we had a wonderful time and beautiful weather for the first four days with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-seventies. Then the remnants of hurricane Ida moved in and we got a lot of wind and rain and high surf — though Ida got a lot meaner as she moved further north into NC and the Virginia Beach,VA area. I would think Aggie Casavant also got hit with some of the remnants of Ida over where she lives near Charlotte, NC (though she lives in SC).

Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

This is a picture of the DHS basketball team in March of ’67. It’s
from the Dist. 14 tournament in Belcourt. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Bernadette’s Brother Jose.

Folks, I mentioned about 10 days ago or so that Bernadette’s brother had another stroke. He and his wife and also their oldest boy and his family live on the big Island of Mindanao. On Saturday August 7th a team of nurses along with Jose’s wife brought him over to our place. It was a 12 hour ferry boat ride. Jose and his wife are currently in one of our apartments that we gave to their son who is living in Mindanao. They are living in our compound, but not with us directly in our house. This last stroke pretty much did Jose in. He is pretty much in a vegetative state with a tube running through his nose and down his throat for feeding. We have hired two RN’s and two helpers to watch and care for him around the clock. We know the end is very near. I have let it be known that if I am ever in that state that I want all life supports removed. The doctors have said he will never recover and will always be in a vegetative state. The Filipino’s have strong belief’s that big miracles can happen. Bernadette is well aware of reality, but Jose’s family I think is having false hopes. Gary

Christmas 2008

Bernadette’s Brother Jose. He had his first stroke 4 years ago.

Ackworth Alumni reunion in the 80’s or 90’s

Lori Hiatt in the foreground. Not sure who the little girl is.

In the Back: Norman Hiatt talking to Willis Bowers and Russell Fauske.

Gary Stokes with the red cap

July 29, 2001

Elaine Stokes (Mom) on her 80th Birthday

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/22/2009

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Gary

Erling Landsverk’s book “My Dakota Years”

Folks, Dick and Brenda Johnson sent me a copy of Erling’s book. Last night my plans were to read a chapter or two, but before I knew it, I had read the whole book. Erling, being 21 years younger than you, I can still relate to a lot of what you talk about in your book. Your stories brought back a lot of my childhood memories too, but they were not quite to the severity of your times. I remember the no electricity days, the wood stoves, the one room schools, the dirt roods, etc. I remember a lot of the folks you talk about in your book too. To name a few, the Halvorson’s, the Hagen’s, the Johnson’s, the Lund’s, the Rispa’s, the Crawford’s and more. I got a letter a while back from Charles Hagen. He is living in VA. His wife passed away a few years ago. He recently remarried. Ole Rispa was 100 years old in 1982. He was in the 1982 Dunseith Centennial parade. I remember his wife speaking only Norwegian. Orvin Hagen, their Neighbor, could speak Norwegian, so he could talk to her. Albert, their son, lived with them too. How well I remember Johnny Crawford making his rounds around the hills selling garden seeds and other miscellaneous items. In my day Johnny Crawford lived next door to Leonard Lund on the west side of Long Lake. Johnny Crawford’s sister Eva was married to George Hiatt. They had 12 children. Many of their grandchildren are on our distribution list. Albert (deceased) was the oldest and lived a very short distance north of Herman/Charles Hagen’s in my day. One of their daughters, Leola Lagerquist, currently lives about a half mile north of the home place. Nick Lund lived to be 104 years old. His wife was a sister to my dads adopted mother.

I’ll never forget the year that the ND game and fish department killed off a lot of the fish in Long Lake. I don’t remember the reason for them doing that, but the dead fish all floated to the top of the water. We and a whole bunch of other folks used to go over to Leonard Lund’s recreational area on the west side of Long Lake on Sunday after afternoons. The women would visit, the men would play horse shoe and we kids would go swimming and also do a little fishing off of the dock. Johnny Crawford, who lived next door to Leonard, was a very conservative type of a guy and could never let anything go to waste. He always had a large garden space between his house and Leonard’s. This particular year he gathered up all the dead fish he could gather from the lake and lined them up sideways, not end to end, on his garden rows for fertilizer. Needless to say things smelled kind of ripe for awhile in that neighborhood. Gary

Zorn Family:

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish SD

I remember Bill Zorn as this very large, blond gentle man. He was head of the Sunday School at the Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Myron was in our class of 65 although he did not graduate with us. When we were in the 6th or 7th grade, Pam (Fassett) and I would ride our bikes to their farm south of town. Pam had a crush on Dennis at the time and I was quite infatuated with Myron. I still have a ring that he gave to me. I don’t know if any of them remember this, but it sticks out in my mind. I am truly sorry for the loss of Myron’s son, but know that strong faith in God helps get us through. Prayers and best wishes to all the family in this hard time. Susan

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/09:

Message from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND.

OK, I know the class of ’67 wasn’t the closest class ever, so far as friendships go, BUT I am upset to see that I am the only one on Aggie’s list…HURRY UP PEOPLE!!!! Let’s do this. Bev is teaching us a lesson here, we may not get another chance. So take/make the time to join us on May 22, 2010. You are going to miss a lot of fun if you don’t.

P.S. How’s that sound Aggie??? lol

ele

Follow up reply from Ele

I need to appologise to Diane Wenstad..I completely overlooked you on the list yesterday. To the rest of ’69 tho, I repeat “where are your names on the list?” Let’s get movin’ folks so Aggie can make room for us.

ele

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/09:

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

Hi Gary,

Just a note to say that there is a couple local peoples names that I have not seen on the roster,so I’m going to give them a shout out over the blog Rod Hiatt, Marvel Hill…sorry Marvel I know you have a differnt last name now but I don’t remember it….the Campbell’s,and I know your not locals anymore Fauske girls,and Russell and Brian,but I sure hope you make it. I chatted with Pennie & Cheryl Kester,Cheryls a serious maybe,and Pennies pretty sure. Sooooooo who knows what the roster will be by the time we wrap this up.

Gotta Run…………… Aggie

Follow up reply from Aggie:

P.S. I forgot someone really important for me to see….. “Pam Fugere Schmitt from Bismarck” Hope you make it Pam!!! Aggie

Marian Berube’s obituary Provided by Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Folks, With a little research I discovered that Marian’s father, Wilfred Cote from Bottineau was a brother to Alfred Cote from Dunseith. With that relationship, Marian was related to lots and lots of the Dunseith folks. Marian’s husband, Andre, was a brother to Mrs. Art (Eve) Seim, who is Margaret Seim Lawston’s (54) Mother. Gary

I recieved these next four postings after putting some of today’s blog together before going to bed last night. Gary

Reply from Margaret Seim Lawston (54): Citrus Heights, CA

Hi Gary, In reply to your inquiry, Marian Berube was my aunt married
to Andre Berube, brother to Fortune, Edward, Lawrence, Phillip and
Louis. She was a Cote girl from Willow City. Thanks for all the
blogs. I enjoy! Margaret Seim Lawston

Reply from Rachael Berube Franchuk (62): Bend, OR

Hi Gary, In response to Marian’s death. She was married to Andre Berube, brother to my Father Lawrence Berube, to Fortune and to Eva Sime, sister. There were in total 14 children in the Berube family of Arthur and Victorine who lived in Rolla during my childhood. Marion was also a neice of my Grandfather, Alfred Cote, Dunseith, and a first cousin to my Mother Fern Cote Berube.

Aunt Marian was a delightful lady! I remember her smile and laughter and that yummy glorified rice!

Rachael Berube Franchuk

Reply from Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN

Hi Gary and All,

Your assumptions were correct in that Eva Seim was a sister to Lawrence
and Fortune Berube. Their brother, Andre, married Marian Cote. She is
my mother’s (Fern Cote Berube Lagasse) first cousin. Her parents were
Flora and Wilfred Cote (my grandpa Alfred Cote’s brother). Marian and
my mother married brothers – Lawrence (my father) and Andre Berube.
They had five children: Stephen, Diane, Art, Rich, and Duane. Andre
died in 1994. I had posted a picture some time ago of Andre along with
my Uncle Urbain Cote (mom’s brother). This family history can
certainly become confusing after a while. With all you have going on
Gary, I’m amazed at how you keep everything straight! Sadly, I have no
uncles left and very few aunts. I guess that’s what happens when we
ourselves become seniors. The funeral services for Aunt Marian are on
Tuesday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church in Wolf Point, Montana. I don’t have a complete obituary yet.

Happy Thanksgiving wishes to everyone. For all those who are suffering
from illness and loss of loved ones, may you find comfort and healing in
the days ahead.

Thanks Gary for all you are doing for all of us and best wishes to you
and your family. Perhaps you can tell us how you will be celebrating
Thanksgiving on your side of the world.

Angela Berube Malget

Angela, with your reminder, I remembered that picture. I have posted it below. Gary

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Hi Gary,

I have attached a family group sheet of Arthur & Victorine Mongeon Berube for you. You are correct about Fortune being a part of this family. Hope this helps you some. I don’t have all this family’s information, but I am sure it’ll help you remember people in this family.

Eileen

Folks, please Berube family attached. Gary

Marian Lorraine Cote Berube

Visitation: will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday November 23, 2009 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT.

A Mass of Christian Burial: will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24 at Immaculate Catholic Church in Wolf Point
Interment: to follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.

Marian Lorraine Cote Berube, age 85, of Sidney, MT formerly of Wolf Point, MT passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Angel Avenue, Sidney Extended Care. Marian was born on August 8, 1924 in Bottineau, N.D. to Wilfred and Flora Cote. She was the 3^rd oldest of four boys and six girls. Marian married Andre Berube on April 29, 1946 and to this union four sons and one daughter were born. He passed away in 1994.

Marian enjoyed fishing, boating and camping, sewing, quilting and baking. She enjoyed the activities of her grandchildren; going to their basketball and baseball games. She was a member of the St. Catherine’s group of the Altar Society. Marian will be remembered by her family for always being there for them.

Marian is survived by all five granddaughter Christina (Rod) Gehring of her children, son Stephen (Rita) Berube of Glendive,MT and family: grandson Craig (Gretchen) Berube, Kyle and Ryan Berube all of Laurel, MT and Derek and Scott Berube of Billings, MT; daughter Diane (James) Maki of Maple Grove, MN; son Arthur (Shirley) Berube of Cedar Park, TX and family: granddaughter Grace (Wayne) Donovan and Isabella Donovan all of TX, granddaughter Andrea (Jeff) Crause and Madyson and Braden Crause all in the western US; and grandson Curtis Berube of Cedar Park, TX; son Richard (Debbie) Berube and family: granddaughter Christina (Rod) Gehring and Shaelee, Tryegon, Kilyn Gehring all of KS and grandson Darren Gehring of TX; and son Duane (Nikki) Berube and granddaughter Lexi Berube of Sidney, MT; sisters and brothers: Florence McCann of Moorhead, MN, Rose Ann (Maurice) Knoepfle of Portland, OR, Yvonne (Gordon) Boucher of Rolette, ND, Gerald (Bernice) Cote of Seattle, WA and Emede (Olive) of Williston, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andre; two brothers, Ralph and Clarence Cote and one sister, Luella Vorhees.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday November 23, 2009 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24 at Immaculate Catholic Church in Wolf Point with Fr. Anselm Odwith interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Marian to a charity of ones choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at csmc@nemont.net or www.stevensonandsons.com . Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Picture previoulsy posted with message 87 on 4/29/08:

By Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN

Back row: Ydola Pigeon, Dorothy Strietzel Fassett , Betty Watshke, Urbain Cote.

Middle row: Howard Landsverk, Bernice Olson Johnson,
Bob Molgard, Shirley Sunderland

Front row: Patty McAtee, Andre Berube

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/21/2009

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Gary

Posting from Bev Morinville Azure’s Carringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

Shanda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND.

To All that have sent words of different treatments thank you so much I know I have been very private with what is going on with my mom and yes she does have squamous cell carcinoma and it is the same cancer that was in her tongue however this cancer has moved it is now all over her body I am not gonna go into details cause some may not want to know . However if you do want to know you are welcome to call my brother Cody or myself are numbers are a few posts down….I will tell you all this our mother and my fathers wife is one strong lady (not that we didn’t know this) !! However as it was spoken the other night sometimes when we know it is our time we know and she says she knows it is her time and as much as that pains me I also find a warm comfort in that she is ready to go home to our LORD …. So friends and family instead of feeling the pain and grief as I know we all will feel please hold on to the happy times and remember that Bev Azure is one tough women!!!!!
Shonda

Thank you Verena Gillis:

From Ann Boppre Perry (72): Dunseith, ND.

Dear Gary and all,

First, I want to extend a PUBLIC big thanks to Verena Gillis for heading
up the benefit for Bev (1972) and Clarence (1970) Azure.
We here at DHS work with Clarence every day and miss him as he is with his
wife in Monot.
Verena has been such a geat organizer. As she herself is helping her
husband go through a difficult time as well.

Second, I did get to see Bev yesterday and as always she said tell
everyone “hi” and “thanks”. I told her to have Shonda check the blog
since so many of you have responded here to send her greetings.
Thanks from me, a friend and classmate of “72!!

Thanks to Gary for this wonderful site……….
Ann Perry (Boppre)

W4 (US Army Retired) Ron Longie (65)

Reply from Marge Longie Wilcox (56): Vancouver, Wa

Gary,

I do agree with you that Ron Longie should be saluted for his many years of active duty in the guards and service in the Guard.

Not only is he my brother… but I am proud of Ron for his service for our country.

Marge wilcox

Thank you Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Reply from Shanda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND.

Dear Gary ,

Upon reading the daily blog I read something posted by Neola about sending her caramels to the troops I for one think this is a amazing idea !! And I would like to let her know that as things being to calm down in my life with all that my mother (Bev Morinville Azure) is going through I would love to offer my help ! As we go day to day in our lives no matter what is going on we still have many brave men and women fighting for this country and its the unselfless acts of kindness that make my heart warm in these trying times !! So to Neola THANK YOU !!!!!

Shonda Campbell (Azure)
Army Brat and Air Force Wife

Marian Berube Passed away:

SIDNEY – Marion L. Berube, 85, of Sidney, formerly of Wolf Point, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Sidney Health Center.

Marion Berube was married to Mrs. Art (Eva) Seim’s brother. I’m not sure of his name, but I’m assuming he was related to the Dunseith Berube’s possibly a brother to Fortune & Lawrence?? Margaret Seim Lawston and the Berube family, please correct me if I’m wrong. I know that Fortune and Lawrence came from large families and I have always assumed that Eva was their sister??? Gary

Ryan Zorn, Son of Myron (65) and JoAnn Zorn was killed in Iraq:

Thank you Vickie Metcalfe (70), Eileen Brudwick & Neola Kofoid Garbe for providing this article:

Zorn

Myron & JoAnn

346 Willow Creek Dr

Wright, WY 82732

(307) 464-1359

Wyoming soldier killed in Iraq

JEREMY PELZER Casper Star-Tribune | Posted: Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:00 am

Associated Press
An Army carry team carries a transfer case Tuesday containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Zorn, of Upton, Wyo., died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CHEYENNE — Whenever Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn could lend a hand, he didn’t hesitate.

“Anybody who needed any kind of help, he’d help them,” said Laura Oliver, who knew Zorn since he was a student in her church youth group. “No matter what it was — starting a car, or whatever the case may be. Ryan was a dependable person, I can tell you that.”

Zorn, 35, was killed Monday near the city of Talifar in northwestern Iraq when his armored vehicle overturned. A resident of Wright who grew up in Upton, he was the 25th serviceman with ties to Wyoming to be killed in Iraq since 2003.

A communications expert with the 311th Military Intelligence Unit of the 101st Airborne Division, Zorn had been helping Iraqis to develop their own communications and intelligence operations, said his mother, JoAnn Zorn. He was serving his third tour of duty in Iraq.

“He loved his country, and he loved serving his country, and that’s what he lived for,” said JoAnn Zorn.

That included acting as Santa Claus for others in his unit. In December 2005, during his second tour in Iraq, he called his parents after noticing some of the service members he worked with weren’t receiving Christmas presents or mail from back home.

“He asked his dad (Myron) and I to take money out of his savings account and buy gifts,” JoAnn Zorn said. “He didn’t want them to know it was coming from him — he wanted us to put our names on it. And that way, they would have a gift to open on Christmas.”

When Ryan’s parents mentioned his request to friends, six families volunteered to each “adopt” a serviceman in his unit, and shipped care packages with movies, candy, baby wipes, clothes, baked goods and Christmas hats.

“They kept sending all these boxes over to Iraq, and (Ryan’s) commander finally said, ‘You got to get to opening some of these, Ryan.’ Because he didn’t have any room to hardly crawl into his bed,” JoAnn Zorn said.

“And then that’s when Ryan said, ‘They’re not for me. These kids have been adopted out, and it’s all for the soldiers over there,’ ” she said.

Many who knew Zorn said both his family and his Christian faith were very important to him.

When deployed, he would rarely go for long periods without calling his mother. And when he returned home, he would play with his two nieces, giving them presents and telling them stories about his experiences overseas.

Kay Johnson, a neighbor and friend of Zorn’s, said she never saw him lose his temper when home. He was always open and friendly, she said, with a broad smile and a great sense of humor.

“For me he was still a little boy,” she said. “He just was excited about stuff. He always showed me pictures of the new vehicles that the Army had.”

Born in North Dakota, Zorn graduated from Upton High School before joining the Army. He is survived by his parents and a brother, Todd, all of whom live in Wright.

Despite the hopes of his family and friends, Zorn never married, saying he didn’t want to find a wife only to be redeployed to a war zone, Johnson said.

“We just wanted Ryan to meet a nice, wonderful, young lady and have some babies,” she said. “But that’s not a possibility now.”

Ryan’s Grand & Great Grand parents info provided by Eileen Brudwick & Neola Kofoid Garbe

Again, thanks to Eileen Brudwick for this info from “The Centennial Book”. If you are like I am, I can “place” people better if I know who their grandparents are/were. Neola

Ryan’s grandparents;

Source: The People of Bottineau County, 1884-1984, page 637 & 638.

BILL AND MYRTICE ZORN

William (Bill) Zorn, son of Alfred and Martha Norenberg Zorn, was born April 3, 1919 in Oak Valley township where he attended school. Bill farmed for many years. He was a car salesman for C. R. Gleason Company for seven years. He is presently self employed in the trucking business.

Bill married Myrtice Ellis, daughter of Eugene Ellis and Mary Larson of Granville, who was born September 1, 1922. Before her marriage, she was employed in the County Judge’s Office in McHenry County. She has been employed in the nursing department at San Haven since 1961.

Bill and Myrtice now reside in Bottineau. They have raised seven children.

Sharon (Mrs. Gilmer Gerdes) is nursing director at Martin Luther Hospital in Anaheim, California. She has three children.

Dennis of Tower City works for Otter Tail Power Company. He married Linda Grover and they have two sons.

Myron of Upton, Wyoming is employed at Thunder Basin Coal Company, is married JoAnn Soland, and had two sons.

Marlys (Mrs. Brooks Bryan) of Los Angeles, California is a part-time physical therapist. She and her husband, a youth pastor, are now in Greece where they are Evangelists for the Four Square Gospel Church.

Bill, Jr. of Upton, Wyoming is employed at Thunder Basin Coal Company, is married to Kim Schmitz of Dunseith, and had two daughters.

Gene is employed with his father in the trucking business.

Pennie attends NDSU Bottineau and plans to teach in the field of special education.

===========

Ryan’s great grandparents:

Source: The People of Bottineau County, 1884-1984, page 637.

ALFRED AND MARTHA ZORN

Alfred Zorn was born April 29, 1881 in Iowa, and at the age nine he came with his parents to homestead near Gardena in Oak Valley township. In 1914 he married Martha Norenberg who was born in 1892 at Michigan, North Dakota, and who had moved with her family to Overly when she was twp years old.

The Zorns raised their children on the farm, moving to Bottineau in 1950 at the time Alfred retired. Bottineau neighbors recall seeing the Zorn clan congregate at Grandpa and grandmas after church on Sunday for a cup of coffee and a weekly visit. It was said that they rarely missed a Sunday. During nice summer days Grandpa Zorn would sit with the neighbor kids on his front porch joking with them, but mostly teaching them to play whist and rummy.

Alfred and Martha had six children: Mrs. Larry (Dorothy) Drew, Mrs. Arnold (Ruth) Nilson, Bill and Leo, all of Bottineau; Erwin from Kansas City; and Howard from Orlando, Florida. Dorothy died May 11, 1983.

Martha died in 1974 and Alfred in 1975.

11/20/2009

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Gary

General information

Folks, I am a really healthy guy and plan to live past a 100, but one never knows their fate. It would be a shame to loose all the history and stories that you folks have provided the past several years to include all the lists and files that I have created. For your information, I periodically give Bill Grimme and Dick Johnson updated copies of all my files. I have also given them access rights to my master email files and the Dunseith Alumni WEB site. December 26th will be the 2 year mark for this daily Dunseith letter. Without all of your contributions, this would have never been a success. Gary

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

Hi Gary

Just wanted to let you know that I too REALLY enjoy all the interesting articles and pictures that are posted to your blogs. I have especially enjoyed the articles about the older folks from the Dunseith area that I have heard my folks talk about. I have been able to put faces to names of people they knew i.e. Baileys, Andersons, etc. It’s fun to see the connection the area people had to each other. I can’t believe the people that are related. I sure wish I hadn’t talked so much all my life. Ha. I see where Tommy Hagen had Donny’s name added to the blog. I think Donny is about 10 days older than me. In my “baby book” it is recorde that my first outing was the day of Helen Nelson’s funeral. My folks took me to town and left me with Gertrude Awalt while they attended the funeral. I found it kind of ironic that on the same day you received the request to add Donny & Sharon to your list that Bonnie Awalt Houle had also sent a letter . This is what sets one to thinking back of the close connections that folks had years ago. I have a picture that my Mom gave me when I left home. It is a lamb laying in the snow and a dog standing beside the lamb howling. Ma said that when we would go to Awalts, when I was very small, that that picture was hanging on their wall and I would stand and stare at the picture till finally one day Gertrude took it down and gave it to me. It hung on Ma’s wall till I got married. After I was married Ma took the picture down and told me where it came from and how it came to mine and it’s been hanging in my house ever since. It is still my favorite.

I sure do feel bad about Myron Zorn losing his son. Nobody deserves that. He’s lucky he’s got a big close family for him in this time of need. Mary Knutson

Mary, As you know, Lloyd Awalt was a good friend of my folks. When I first met Lloyd, at the Bottineau Bowling Alley Cafe, in as I remember, in about the mid 80’s, he told me he had first met my folks, in the 40’s, at Corbin Pritchard’s farm. Corbin’s farmstead was within rock throwing distance of the Canadian fire break located several miles north of our place. The buildings were still there in my childhood days. It wasn’t until with the comradery of these daily messages that I realized the connection your mother, Winifred Pritchard Eurich (37), had with the Awalt’s, with her staying with them when she went to HS. They had a close relationship that lasted well beyond her HS days. I often wondered how Lloyd ended up being good friends with Corbin, being at his place, back in those days. Now I know. Gary

Pete Gillis (65):

Reply from Ron Longie (65): Yakima WA

Gary,

I to salute Pete not only for the person he is but, also for being a person I am proud to call friend. Tho Pete is going through a rough time now I am sure he will prevail his character is strong and he has Verena by his side. I wish
only the very best for my old friend, and I also salute you for your service to our great country.

Ron Longie

P.S. Maybe this summer

Ron, You are the guy we need to be saluteing with your 40 years of combined active duty and National Guard service to our country. Gary

Gene Bender – Former Teacher:

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

Gary, Thoughts and prayers are needed for Mr. Gene Bender who taught science at Dunseith High for many years. For just the last few years he has taught Physics and Chemistry at the “Forestry” (Dakota College at Bottineau). A couple of days ago he collapsed in his classroom. He had dismissed class and a couple students came back to the classroom and found him. Apparently, it was a stroke and he has been airlifted to Rochester. We heard he will have some surgery, but I don’t know any details.

LeaRae Parrill Espe ’67

Requesting addresses of current soldiers serving in the US military:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

When I was making caramels now, a “bright idea” came to me. Some of your newsletter readers have a child/brother/etc. in serving in Iraq/Afghanistan/etc. If they will send a mailing address for these loved ones, to me, I’ll do my very best to get a couple of pounds, or so, caramels sent to them. I will use flat-rate envelopes. They cost $4.95 to mail (until January) so that’s quite inexpensive. I can usually get about three pounds in one envelope. I can’t guarantee I will get this done, but as I stated earlier, I’ll certainly do my very best to get it done. Addresses should be sent immediately so the packages get in the mail ASAP. I pay for the caramel and the postage; this is FREE for the families. This is one way I can contribute to our precious military members.

What do you think about this idea?

Thanks, Gary.

Neola

Neola, This is big commitment on your part. Other than for that, I think this is a great Idea.

Thank you so much Neola for this great gesture. You are such a wonderful caring person. Gary

Bev Morinville Azure Benefit:

Organized by Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Gary,
Just wanted to post this on the blog…if anyone would like to donate
merchandise towards the bingo (within the vacinity of course) they may
drop it off to me at the High School by Friday or bring it to the Garden
Tap.

Janice and Vincent Azure have been a godsend during times like this by
allowing us to hold these activities in their establishment.

Verena

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

11/19/2009

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Gary

Bev Morinville Azure Update:

From Vernena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND.

Gary,
I just received word on Bev’s condition. Clarence called the school this
morning and said Bev has been diagnosed with SCC-squamous cell carcinoma.
This is a terminal cancer. He said the doctor’s plan is to do 18
radiation treatments (4 have been done) to try to shrink the tumor to
release the pain. They will do chemo after the completion of radiation
treatments.

Clarence will be calling us once a day with updates.

Verena

Bev Morinville Azure:

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

Dear Bev,

I am so sorry to hear the bad news. God, you & our family have endured alot in the past few years. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family. Stay strong, and know that lots of people love you. Sending you a big hug & kiss.

Dianne (Rober’t) Johnson (76)

A small thank you:

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69) : Dunseith, ND

For the past two days I have been reeling in shock about what is going on with Bev Azure. Today, while reading your blog, Vickie gave me a good reason to feel better again by asking for the birthday card shower for KenRose. What an upper that is for me. Thank you Vickie and Gary for making my day so much better.

Bev, you hang in there and remember if the burden is too much, just give it to Him and He will carry you through. God bless you and all your family. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.

ele

Harlan Salmonson not well: Dunseith/Bottineau

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Regarding my sister-in-law Debbie Metcalfe’s dad, HARLAN SALMONSON, currently a patient in very serious condition at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND.

Recently,Harlan had surgery on his shoulders to remove an infection.

Harlan is a diabetic. Two years ago had a pacemaker put in, and also has other major health issues.

I stopped at the bank this morning and spoke with Debbie.

Yesterday the drs. diagnosed the staph infection as MERSA .

Harlan was put into an isolation room and is getting better care since the move.

Debbie and her sister Carrie are awaiting more information from the medical staff on the route to take.

Reply from David Schimetz (79):Bismarck, ND.

Gary

I was in the class of 79 but I took a “social promotion” into the military in Feb. 79 so I did not graduate from Dunseith. I was classmates with Rob Olsen, Rick Kuhn, Bob Moe, Monica Counts, Larkie Neameyer. Daily distribution to this email address may unfortunately not be appropriate so I must decline. My other private email kdschimetz@.com I rarely look at it, as I’m pretty busy 24/7. I’m kind of like my Mom I can’t sit still work, work, work. In my limited free time I restore old vehicles for which my latest is attached above…1950 3100 Chev. I better get to work it is MAD house Monday. Have a great day.

2nd reply from David Schimetz

Gary,

I do not work at the Capitol. I am the Facility manager for the North Dakota Association of Counties. As far as what I do Electrical, Plumbing , Carpentry, all HVAC systems including Trane Tracer Summit control systems, Winpak security door systems, Security Camera systems along with Art Bakke from the state security whom is a Is Enterprise Security Analyst for Information Technology for the state of North Dakota, Video conferencing/Audio conferencing control systems sometimes phone systems, cad 5 cabling, Siamese cabling. I manage a fleet of vehicles, generator back up system, UPS back up units, vendors, contractors, establish contracts I struggle through engineer blueprints ect. ect. The list goes on and on as my limited brain starts to cook just thinking about it

J

I keep very busy and I do the best I can at saving money as everybody else here does trying to save money for all the counties in N Dak. I guess I like the old vehicles because I feel comfortable working on them and plus they were unique. When I was a kid Terry Wenstad had a blue 50 chev. Pickup, I think Chip Tooke had one too, my brother Bryan had a 49 Ford trk, I think Ted Nerpel had a 55 chev trk? Tom Krause had a 1955 international pickup painted house paint Black with a 327 v8 w automatic transmission that Ted Nerpel installed and Ted even made home made headers for it. These old trucks just bring back good memories of some young crazy talented people.There are a lot of people from the Turtle Mountains that are very skilled at about everything they touch and they can build or fix about anything it was pretty fun growing up with these guys as you never new what they were going to build/blow up, fabricate, design and did I mention wreck. So this is one of the reasons why I built the 1950 3100 ½ Chevrolet pickup it is a salute to the boys whom I learned so much from. The other reason was to teach my son body and metal, mechanical restoration as he is a teenager. He has been helping me on Hotrods and Harleys since he was old enough to hold a wrench. Thank god he is more like his mother he is a great kid whom is very caring and helpful. I better go I have to go to a OSHA seminar this afternoon..o joy!

North Dakota Association of Counties

Facility Manager-David Schimetz

1661 E Capitol

Bismarck, N.Dakota 58501

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/18/2009

Posted on November 18, 2009 by Gary

Myron Zorn’s (65) son was killed in Iraq:

From Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62): Windsor, CO

Gary, I don’t know how many people remember my brother Myron Zorn. He graduated from Bottineau, not Dunseith, but did attend Dunseith. He and his wife Joann had two boys. His son Ryan was killed in Iraq yesterday. Thanks , Sharon Zorn Gerdes

Yes, we remember Myron well. He was with our class of 65 thru his sophomore year. We are so sorry to hear of his son being killed. What a tragedy. It makes that war so much more real when folks we know are taken from us. This has to be so hard for Myron and JoAnn. Our condolences are with them and the whole family. The email address I have for Myron and JoAnn is no longer good. Their address is

Myron & JoAnn Zorn

346 Willow Creek Dr

Wright, WY 82732

Birthday card shower for Kenrose Medlang who will be 90 on Thanksgiving day.

The Tale of Red Rabbit and the Sunday school teacher.

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary and friends,

This morning,while on a pumpkin doughnut run to the Family Bakery, I met Bob Lagerquist coming out the door. Bobnin his red chevy car, drives down #43 and county line, from the hills of Little Prairie with KenRose weekly to do laundry here in Bottineau. Today, KenRose’s chestnut brown curly hair, with just a hint…just a wee bit of minor strands of silver looked especially nice. She said, she’d just been to the local beauty shop early this morning. …….. We girls feel so good when we can sit back relaxed and someone else pampers us by washing our hair!

It is always a pleasant visit with the pair of them, whom I’m very fond of. Our families “went visiting” back and forth with KenRose’s family years ago when I was in early elementary school. Odin was so handy with mechanical things and always willing to help out my dad who was not a “motor head”. Oft times in the summer, their family would come down, Odin and Dad would meet under the old red gas barrel, with pieces of machinery and tools,we kids would race around the yard playing games like tag, kick the can, Mom and KenRose would “visit” and put together a little lunch and coffee.

And, those years ago, between springs work and haying, Odin spent Sunday afternoons building a pontoon. I thought it a grand adventure one sunny summer day when our family packed a lunch and went to it’s launching at Pelican Lake. It seems to me, he was a welder too. I recall, him with used parts of an airplane jet engines? and oil barrels. He’d sometimes combine our crops in the fall. He also had one of the first small hay balers and would do custom work. The summer of the big rains, the Seim-Metcalfe bales floated back and forth over the road Art Seim and my dad could tell which ones belonged to each of them as Art used twine and Odin’s were wire.

At her house, those “visiting times” , KenRose alway’s looked trim in her dresses serving cookies and a special drink. What a treat, cool water drawn from the well, ice cubes from the refrigerator and red kool aide! My first Sunday School teacher was KenRose. Our little circle, Joanne, Marlys and myself, would sit on those blonde-slated-wood folding chairs behind the altar gathered around KenRose. The beautiful Jesus painting from behind the circular oak altar now graces the hospitality room of Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. I believe the baptismal font at Peace was also an original from Little Prairie Lutheran.

This little family lived on Little Prairie; Odin, KenRose, Obert and Marlys. I admit, I was always a little jealous of Marlys. Marlys had a mom who let her daughter keep a live animal in the farm house. Something no other mother I knew allowed. NO. Not a dog. Not a cat. Marlys’ pet was an exceptionally clean long eared animal with is own litter box and cozy bed. His name? His name was “Big Red.” Red was a beautiful big red rabbit, who lived behind KenRoses combination wood-electric range in her kitchen!. And while she was tending to making lunch he’d hop around her feet!

The Medlang farm thermometer usually dips degrees below others. This morning, Bob said, “The coldest at Little Prairie was -6 below just once this past week.”

Bob and KenRose usually end their errand run with a visit to the Family Bakery for coffee, and a little lunch. Before heading home to the prairie, north- north east,Bob purchases some bakery treats for coffee time and takes them out to the car. Then as Bob helped KenRose to step out, down the curb, and opened the door he said to me. Vickie, She’s going to be 90 years old next week on Thanksgiving.

I’m requesting, you all to join me in a birthday card shower for KenRose next week on her big day. Her walking,vision and hearing are slowing down a bit but she’s still KenRose soon to be 90 years young.

P.S. Just for you all to know! I’m jealous no longer, I grew up and now usually have 2 white Westies usually, around my feet when I make lunch!.

ThankYou all. Vickie Metcalfe

Folks, Let’s make Kenrose’s day and shower her with lots of cards as she turns 90 years young on Thanksgiving day, November 26th. That’s next week. I will have a card in the mail today. I know many of you know Kenrose. She is the mother of Obert (66) and Marlys (70): Every card she gets will make Bobby Lagerquist’s day too. Bobby has lived with the Medlang’s for many years. Kenrose has lived in the same house on the same farmstead on Little Prairie for as long as I’ve known her and that’s been my entire life.

Neither Kenrose or Bobby have email, so they will be surprised. I’m sure that Vickie will get a report from them. Gary

Kenrose Medlang

RR #1 Box 128

Dunseith, ND 58329-9451

Bobby Lagerquist (58) & Art Rude – 7/12/07

Pete Gillis (65):

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

Gary, I just wanted to include my sincere message to Pete about his current challenge. Hopefully, my good golfing friend, you continue to combat the enemy messing with you now as you did when the other one you faced was shooting at you in Vietnam. You returned from that war with honor, and my belief is that you will face this enemy with the same valor and success you did before. I stand at attention and salute you during these days of concern. God Bless, Bill Hosmer

Bev Morinville Azure (72) update – not good:

From Shonda Azure Campbell (94): Minot, ND.

Gary if you could please post this is the next Dunseith blog and just so everyone knows she is in trinity she is very weak and tired …..

Hello All Family and Friends Today it is with tears in my eyes I bring you this news …. My mother was admitted back to the hospital and today we learned the news that the cancer is back and its full force this time it seems there is no stopping it ….As of right now they are treating the pain the cancer is spreading so fast there seems no treating it …I am so sorry all please know she loves you all very much

Shonda

Shonda, we are so sorry to hear this grim news. Never loose hope. Hang in there. Your mother, Bev Morinville Azure, the wonderful lady that we love so dearly, is in our prayers. Gary

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

Bev Morinville Azure:

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND.

Toni, Thanks for the note, that cancer is insidious. I was an orderly at Trinity 1967-69 but can only pray for Bev, now. It is very nice that the family can be there. Lee Stickland

Alan & Phyllis Campbell:

Bev Morinville Azure:

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

I just read the Dunseith News in the Bottineau Courant that Phyllis and Alan Campbell sold their house and are now living in Minot. This is like the end of an era. I think so many of us remember hanging out there and parties in the garage and so many gatherings. I have never forgotten a special breakfast treat that Phyllis fixed us one Saturday morning that I occasionally treated my kids to when they were young….cocoa krispies and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The idea being the the ice cream melted and became the “milk” for our cereal. It was the most special breakfast I could ever remember having to that point. So to Phyllis and Alan, thanks for some really wonderful memories and best wishes in your new home.

To Beverly, be strong, stay hopeful. You are in my prayers my friend. I love you.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Question from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

Hi Gary,

Thought you might relate to this mail from Jean, my brother Bill’s wife. It seems whenever I have a few ideas and pictures together I get distracted by small everyday tasks that are not nearly as important to me as your blog and all the mutual friends that have formed a special and unique community around events that touch their lives way back when and now. I am so very thankful.

Sharron

HIGH SCHOOL — 1957 vs. 2007

Scenario 1:
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck’s gun rack.
1957 – Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack’s shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 – School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 – Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 – Police called and SWAT team arrives — they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged them with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 – Jeffrey sent to the Principal’s office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 – Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 – Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 – Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy’s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 – Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 – The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 – Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2007 – Pedro’s cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro’s English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.
1957 – Ants die.
2007 – ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents — and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny’s dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 – In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 – Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Postings by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Neola’s mother, Emma Brudwick Kofoid

11/17/2009

Posted on November 17, 2009 by Gary

Bev Morinville Azure – not well

Message from Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): Farimount, ND

Gary,

Just wanted you to know what is going on with my sister Bev. After weeks of thinking that she had a ruptured disc in her back, other things started to happen. Lumps formed on her jaw, neck, and side. Last Tuesday they admitted her to Trinity Hospital in Minot. At this point, the prognosis is grave and seems inevitable. The are doing all they can to keep the pain at a minimum. I have been here at the hospital with her family and am grateful that I have had some time with her.

Bev is a warm, compassionate person who has always been willing to help others, evidenced by her many friends. It is devastating to see her so afflicted. Her children are wonderful, and obviously, taking this very hard.

It is so important to embrace each moment of the present with thanksgiving.

Toni

Toni, I am so sad to hear of Bev’s condition. Yes, reviewing her Caringbridge site, it is quite evident that she has a lot of friends and is well liked. We hope and pray that Bev will snap out of this. Bev is one of a kind, loved by all. Gary

Bev Morinville Azure’s CaringBridge website http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevazure

Jim Kofoid:

Reply from Joan Richard: Dunseith, ND.

Congratulations to Jim Kofoid and his prestigious award. I’m sure
everyone applauds all of your involvement. Keep up the good work!
Joan Richard, Dunseith Teacher

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot ND.

Hi Gary,

Thank you for including Bev Morinville Azure’s Caring Bridge website.

Thank you for your kind words, Gary. Now that the “caramel pressure” is off, I hope to get back to a somewhat “normal” life, including scanning the Dunseith news on a regular basis and, after Christmas, getting back to the “courthouse” pictures. I do a little “pirating” this time of the year.

Neola

From Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Gary,
I think with the numbers adding up (for the reunion) that we should go ahead and book the
Bingo Barn. I will call George and set it up.

Also wanted to fill you all in on Pete.

Went for his check up last week in Fargo. The PSA has gone down some so
are going to continue on the Casadex until it no longer works for him.
After that, he will have to start chemo. The cat scan showed lesions or
tumors next to his kidney and the doctor feels that is where the cancer is
trying to come back. So will keep you posted. Prayer is powerful!

Verena

Folks, as many of you know, Pete has been battling with prostrate cancer for a number of years now. He’s been able to beat it thus far and we feel confident he will beat this last bout too. Pete, you are in our prayers.

Verena, I will publish an updated list of those planning on attending the “Dunseith Alumni Reunion” with tomorrows blog. Neola just sent me a scanned copy of the announcement that was published in the Bottineau paper. For some reason the Date got dropped when it was published. The date is May 22nd. I think the Bingo barn will be a great facility to have this reunion. Gary

Reply to Larry Hackman (66):

From Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

Gary,

I’m really happy that the stick pin incident was useful later on in Larry’s life and wish that I could take credit for it, but I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything. That’s my story and I’m “sticking” to it.

Kenny

Former Dunseith resident, Gerald Martin, Williston, Passed away:

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND.

A family friend named Gerald Martin passed away about two weeks ago. The Henry Martin lived along old Hiway 5 near Butte St. Paul. Gerald’s mother, Josephine Martin, baby sat me the summer of 1950 when mom attended summer school at Minot. She was working on her standard degree. During the 1948-49 Mom had taught at the Butte School where the Martins attended. (John Allard, Omar Richard and Peter & Joe Boguslawski children attended there at that time also) Of course, only the older children were in school at that time-Betty Allard Heinz, Marie , Donald, and Martin Boguslawski, Janet & Helen Boguslawski, then Gerald and Janie Martin, Teresa Allard, Doward and Maxine Richard ). Mom and dad enjoyed the people of that rural school community. When she needed a babysiter she picked Josephine. She was such a wonderful kind lady. Then later in 1952 when my brother Clark was born I stayed there a few days. When we went to get mom and Clark home from the hospital, dad picked up Charlotte Bogus and Josephine and me and drove to Bottineau. I remember the first time I saw Clark. Josephine said , “Look at your little baby brother!” I can remember it so well. When they flipped the blanket back, I was so excited. Then later during the summer of 1955 when I was f ive and Clark was two, Gerald was hired to babysit us and help dad while mom taught the Wetherault School.

Gerald wife, Loni, is a cousin to children of Arland and Ron Monson, Mildred Sather, Stella Kamrud and others from the Bottineau area. LeaRae

Gary,

You can also note that Gerald Martin’s sister Janie married John Andreoff. I believe John’s sister married a Falde and was the mother of Dean Falde who was one of the 37 first graders taught by my mother, Mildred Parrill, during the 1955-56 school year. I don’t believe we know where Dean is now. They moved from Dunseith shortly after first grade.

I wonder if anyone else on the blog remembers the Martins, Andreoffs, or Faldes. Falde’s lived on the Fagan place which is also on Old Highway 5. The house was on the South side of the rode and right close to Dale’s gravel pit. If anyone would share some memories I would like to forward them on to his wife and daughters. Thanks, LeaRae

Gary,

I connected up with Neola today gave the longer version of Gerald’s obituary to her at the craft sale at the Botno Armory today. She will scan it in for me along with the picture. We had a very nice visit and I introduced her to my mother. I also asked Neola to scan in the picture of her mother. I thought people would enjoy seeing that.

Neola’s brother Jim Kofoid is getting the Friend of Education award from the Bottineau Education Association this coming Tuesday. There was an ad in the Courant stating it was Wednesday, but for some reason it has been moved back a day. It is open to the public. Like Neola, her brother Jim does so many good deeds for so many. This reception is open to the public at Middle School Library at 4PM. LeaRae

The following scans are from Neola.

LeaRae, I just happen to have a picture of Neola with her mother that I have posted below. Gary

Neola with her mother, Emma Brudwick Kofoid. I know many of you know the Brudwick Families from the Hills. They are all from the same family. Emma is currently a resident at Good Sam in Bottineau. Her health is pretty good. Neola visits her often and often times includes her visiting folks and attending community activities in the area.

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11/16/2009

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Gary

A new journal entry for Clarence and Bev Morinville Azure’s CaringBridge website 11/15/09

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

Shanda Azure Campbell’s comments (94): Minot, ND

Greetings to all family and friends as you all know we once again are facing the challenging of my mother being sick . Let me say now that our family appreciates all of you being important in her life and I will do my best to update this on a regular basis

Bev’s Journal entry:

hello to all my family and friends WHAT A BATTLE.He thinks its from and old infection that never cleared up or from a few months ago when I fell really hard in my house. In any case it isn’t cancer and for that I am truly thankkful. Still in the hospital sill have this awful tube in my side in my lung. I am ready to get on with living. THis has not been as easy surgery but this is the small one he says if it doesn’t clear up I will need the BIG one. But I am not even thinking that. So I want to thank all of you for the kind words and the well wishes. I miss you very much.Thanks to my family and friends……all the phone calls and visits. love u alll Bev

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone

For the past few days, I have read of the great times that you all have enjoyed. By looking at the graduation dates, it makes me feel like an old timer who just likes to talk about the good old days! It seems however, that some of you are waxing a bit sentimental over your younger years and that is exactly how it works. I am aware of some really bad times, which I tried to avoid getting into very much in my story, instead, just like all of you, I tried for the most part to talk about good and tender memories, that we all like to recall. I must say though, that you younger folks were able to do more than us older Alumni. We simply didn’t have the where with all to enjoy too much in extra curricular activities. So I envy you your experiences and memories. Cherish them for they are the glitter from the past so important to each one of us.

Erling Landsverk

Folks, Neola asked me to combine her brother Jim’s pictures into one email message of which I did and have included below. I think Neola deserves an award too for all the community things she does. I’m not sure how she fits everything into her day. She has sure done a lot for us too, as you can see she is continuing to do with her message below. I just got another message from Neola letting me know she is working on some requests for LeaRae Parrill Espe too, to send to me for posting. Thank you Neola for all that you do. You are an awesome lady. Gary

Neola Kofoid Garbe’s reply:

Thanks, Gary. I’m going to forward the email to my lists now.

Mom and I attended the “Just Us” performance at Good Sam today. “Just Us/Just Us” is comprised of Dave Mettler, Don Boardman, and Tina Pladson Bullinger. I took a picture of “Just Us”/Florence Sime/Arla Hall/Marie Parrill and her sister–not LeaRae’s mother/Shirley Houle Vandal/Don Boardman and his wife, Irene/Tina/others. I don’t have my picture transfer “gadget” with me, so I’ll send the pictures sometime after I return to Minot on Nov. 22. I told the people I was taking pictures of “Dunseith people” today so I could send them to you to include in your newsletter. Yesterday, at the sale, I took a picture of Carmen Richard. I’ll send her picture when I send the others.

I think Jim deserves the award, too. He’s done much for education/the city of Bottineau since his move back here. Thanks for including his pictures/invitation in your newsletter.

Neola

Jim Kofoid, Neola’s brother

Folks, Jim Kofoid is the recipient of this years “Friend of Education” award. A reception in his honor will be held at the Bottineau Middle school on Tuesday, November 17th at 4:00 PM. With the time difference, that is tomorrow for me.

Jim has and continues to be involved with so many community affairs. He’s an active member of many organizations. He is deeply involved with the VFW and American Legion too. Jim’s picture and name appear in many issues of the Bottineau courant, of his involvements, with the stories they are covering.

Jim has been driving the Forestry bus for a number of years now. He takes the sports teams to their games, some of which are in neighboring states. Those of coarse are overnight trips.

Jim is a retired “Command Sergeant Major” from the US Army. Neola is Jim’s only sibling. Jim does not have email. Neola will relay messages to him. Gary

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11/15/2009

Posted on November 15, 2009 by Gary

Erling Landsverk’s book, “My Dakota Years”

Folks, I talked to Sharon Landsverk Beckman (63) today and she told me she has requested another order of Erling Landsverk’s book, “My Dakota Years”. Sharon is a Checker at Jerry’s Jack & Jill in Bottineau. She has had a lot of requests for Erling’s book. I’m not sure if copies are available at the log house or not? Gary

Message posted on the Dunseith Alumni WEB site: http://garystokes.net/default.aspx

From David Schimetz: Mandan, ND.

From: David Todd Schimetz
Phone: E-mail:
Message:
I’ve been reading mesages that were posted for hours now. I really enjoyed everyones messages. It really brought back alot of good memories. I do get back to Dunseith a few times a year but I’m usually caught up in family things as I’m sure happens to us all. I was home recently to visit mom and do some minor repairs when I decided to take a trip to Belcourt,Rolla,St. John with my wife and son Jake and daughter Tessa and My nephew Danny Schimetz (Reids youngest son) As I was in St. John I Tried to use my Direction literacy and go west on 43 “about?” 4 miles before turning south on god knows what road. After about 15 minutes I realized I was obviously directionally illerate!! I had no clue where the hell I was and I was getting close to dark “lovely”. I decided to “go towards the light” as this will surley get me back to HWY 3. I continued on my adventure for 30 minutes and I did find a paved road. I thought this has to be “Jack Rabbit” where I spent alot of time on especially coming and going from “Uncle Bens” aquiring some tickled pink, purple passions or my favorite mellow nights mixed with some Harvey wall banger mixed by “Uncle Ben” in conjuntion with ALOT of rope along with numerous Dunsith heathens( whom you all know whom you were) yet again puking their guts out at the peace gardens at overlook like it was a right of summer passage(or maybe that was just me, it seemed like I always puked during those joy us times! As I traveled on west on this family adventure I realized the years have been less kind to my memory then previously percieved as I came to the HWY 3 intersection. I was at least 3 miles north of jack rabbit on a road I never new existed &qu

Reply from Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND.

Gary

That Kenny Nerpel finally let the cat out of the bag after 45 years. It was him that almost pierced my ear lobe. I always wondered who threw that paper airplane. I did have a hard time getting that stick pin out my ear lobe. You remember in basic, during bayonet training the instructors told us how hard it was going to be to get the bayonet out of a body if we would ever to have occasion to stick someone. They said the best way to get someone off your bayonet was to shoot the person off and the next best way was to stomp them off. They pointed out that if you had bullets it was actually best to shoot the person before he got stuck on your bayonet. War is hell. Bayonet use was only reccomended as a last resort. Remembering how tough it was to get that stick pin out made it easy to understand what them military instructors were talking about. So, Kenny some good did come out of the paper plane debauchery. Him making the statement about being engrossed in his studies. I can only think of only a couple of things that Kenny was ever engrossed in and I know neither one had anything to do with school work.

However, eating balute or drinking raw eggs for ED. Don,t they have pills for that?

By the way Kenny our bootlegger had no moniker. Vince Kalk was known as the Big Iron, but I never knew the reason why? Maybe there was another incident at the outdoor picture show?

Larry

Former Hosmer Store owners

Lawrence & Eva Struck

Previously posted with message 192 on August 15, 2008

From Stan & Joan Wurgler Salmonson (both class of 61): Dunseith, ND

Subject: Artist Janet Haagenson Sedlacek ’61’

Janet Haagenson Sedlacek, DHS Class of ’61’ who lives in Great Falls, Mt. was a featured artist at the Prairie Artists’ Show & Sale at the Christian Center of Lake Metigoshe on Aug. 9-10. She has exhibited her works at numerous shows in Great Falls and the area. She is famous for her painting of the Rendahl Church of rural Dunseith. The beauty of her watercolors can also be seen in her flowers, scenery of the Turtle Mountains, Montana and Alaska. Janet is a sister of Cheryl Haagenson and the late Mickey Grenier. Janet does not have e-mail but can be contacted at 224 Riverview Dr, Great Falls, Mt. 59404.

PS: In a previous picture of the 40th Anniversary of Wayne & Rosemary Smith–Wayne is also from the Class of ’61. Congratulations Janet, Wayne & Rosemary. Class of 61, let’s hear it from you!!

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11/14/2009

Posted on November 14, 2009 by Gary

Shirley Anderson Doan:

Request from Warren Anderson (65): Rolette, ND.

Gary—my sister, Shirley (Anderson) Doan asked to get on the daily blog. She graduated from Dunseith High in 1961 with Florence Sime. Her E-mail is:

Yakama, WA 98902

Thank You, “65” Warren, keep up the joyful work!!!!!

Warren, It’s always a pleasure seeing your name in my in box. It’s been awhile. Shirley told me that she was in the process of getting email when I talked to her back when I was putting class lists together. I have added her our distribution list and have updated all of my files with her email address.

Shirley, I have you listed with the class of 60. If that is wrong, please let me know. Gary.

Reply from Bonnie SmithKohler: Mountain Iron, MN.

WHAT A HANDSOME COUPLE THAT WAYNE AND ROSEMARY SMITH ARE. WE ATTENDED THAT PARTY AND HAD A GOOD TIME WITH THEM AND THEIR FAMILY.
LOVE FROM YOUR MINNESOTA COUSINS!!!!!

Reply from Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND

Gary,

Somewhere in the the deep recesses of my mind I recall bits and pieces of the story that Larry Hackman related in the last message(622). I don’t know if I was at the same “dusk to dawner”, or if I just heard it through the grapevine, but I do know that there was a shadowy figure in the Dunseith area at the time that went by the nickname of the “big iron”. Could it be possible that this incident is how he acquired that moniker.

I’m also wondering if Larry remembers the time that he got an ear pierced in a classroom in good old Dunseith High. Or maybe it was grade school. I’m not real sure of the time period, but back then a frequent activity to pass the time while ignoring the instructors was the making and flying of all types of paper airplanes. I don’t know who the guilty party was, but someone fashioned a paper airplane with a stickpin glued into the tip. I just remember turning around and looking up from the schoolwork I was engrossed in and there was Larry struggling to remove a stickpin from an earlobe.

Some of the members of the class of ’65 got an early start “eating any damn thing”. I remember that water glasses filled with raw eggs were pretty much a staple after trips to Perth and Mylo for dances. The Balute that was consumed at the reunion is rumored among those living in the Philippines to have aphrodisiac qualities, but a good friend of mine said that he ate five of them and only two worked so I wouldn’t put much stock in that belief. I’m sure the consumption of the raw eggs was based on similar rumors.

Kenny

Kenny, it’s always a pleasure seeing your name in my in box too. You have good recall of the past with some good stories. I will always remember you being on my right with all of our formations in Basic Training. If I remember right, you were on the bottom bunk and I was on the top throughout our basic training. I will never forget those days. I turned 21 in basic too. Following basic, we went our separate ways, but both ended up Viet Nam. Gary

Reply to yesterday’s Blog

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

Hurray for Florence!!!

This was a very comical/interesting newsletter. Great pictures of you, Bernadette, and Gee.

Neola

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11/13/2009

Posted on November 13, 2009 by Gary

Florence Pladson Sime (62) update – (701) 228-2310

From her daughter Becky Sime Coles (83): Spokane, WA.

Gary,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I visited with mom today and she wanted to send her thanks to everyone. She had so many flowers, plants and cards that I think she was a bit overwhelmed but grateful. She is coming along quite well though still has a ways to go. I was lucky enough to be able to witness he first steps today! She was able to walk to the door of her room and back. Tomorrow we will hope for two trips! Thanks again for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

Becky

Folks, Florence is in the Bottineau Good Samaritan home. Her phone number is (701) 228-2310. Feel free to call her. I know she’d love to hear from you guys. I called her several days ago and had a nice chat with her. Gary.

Congratulations to Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith (40th anniversary)

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

I haven’t seen either of you in ages! Congratulations! Rosemary and I were in a number of classes together at Mayville. You have not changed at all!

Allen Richard

Beautiful “Thought for Today”

From Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Thought for Today:” An Act of Kindness Can Never Be Done Too Soon, Cuz You Never Know How Soon It Will Be Too Late”…

Ms. Aggie

Another good Larry Hackman Story

From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND.

Gary

Its been a while since I have written. I hope this finds you and your family well. We have had a few in the family sick with the the flu. They have all recovered. I thought maybe I would try and write something up that would cheer people up. It has been a rough fall for deaths. I love falls but the space between fall and winter always seems to fill pages in the newspaper with obituaries. May God be with all our loved ones that have passed on, and comfort their families and friends that have lost loved ones, and comfort and cure them that are ill or hurting.

Gary,Your place really looks nice.

Larry H.

Larry’s story:

THE OUTDOOR PICTURE SHOW

Do you remember when it was harder to say no to your bootlegger then it was to your girl friend.Hard to believe that there was such a time!This is such a story, a little exagerated to provide some humor, but it happened just this way, back in the day of the outdoor picture show in Rugby, ND.Its hard to believe that the owner ever shut it down.Some say he did, because he got religon, and the movies were showing to much sex, violence, and bad language. We all are in trouble arn’t we?If he thought them movies were getting that way back in the sixties, what would he think now?I don’t know!But as we get older, we all know we are getting a little closer to our maker.There is now a church on the old movie site on the south side of Rugby.Maybe there is a reason for that?

I understand that someone bought and movedthe screen and movie equipment up to a site near Rolla, ND.I hope them folks up there enjoyed the outdoor movies as much as we did.I’m sure there is a few Dunseith folks, who have attended movies over there and have their own stories to tell.

The story

There was going to be a dusk to dawn showing of movies at the outdoor theater in Rugby.Excitement was running high all day, as plans were being made.The car was washed and vacuumed, everyonewould be bathed, dressed to catch a grils eye,and ready to go by 9:00 am.Arrangements were made to meet the bootlegger and to obtain the refreshments for the trip.Everything was going according to plan. The three of us had met our bootlegger, who was also our friend,and he had went into the bar and was buying our refreshments.As you probably noticed,I’m trying not to say beer here as I understand that their may some reading this that detest the word or be offended.Thats right, we all are from Dunseith or the proximity.Who am I kidding?Our bootlegger came out of the bar with the beer, and jumped into the car, and announced that he had decided to go to the movies with us.You could of heard a pin drop.A near 30 year old man going to the movies with us, a bunch of teen agers.Who would have thought?Nothing to do, but make the best out of a bad situation and buy more beer, and after all, we would have our supplier with us.I guess we would be just watching the movies and running back and forth to the restroom.Damn beer.

We made it into the movies.Sometimes they searched your car for more people who were trying to get in free by laying down on the floor, or hideing in the trunk.I guess that old guy rideing shotgun (on the passenger side up front) was doing some good after all.

We were all watching the movies and maybe getting a little bored.Usually the first one was a fairly new movie and probably the best one of the night and then the next three went downhill from there.I think it was about the middle of the third movie of the night, when this big fellow seemed to get interested in the movie that was playing, right in front of our car, blocking our view of the screen.Now, I don’t remember who threw the beer can and told him to get the hell out of the way.But, I knew from the size of this fellow, that this might not be a good thing.Hell, this guy was big, He looked like he could have escaped from a NFL training camp for Viking, centers.No, I think he was even bigger,He was probably more likely from a Green Bay Packer camp? He was big.He had shoulders that went from here to there, long arms,no neck and a small head.

Does anyone remember that lyceum at the old city hall, when some artist was up on stage showing everyone how to draw pictures.He did a drawing of Mr. Jerstad and he said he had a football players build, because he had no neck?

Like I said, this guy of very little brain, looked like a Bruiser and he came up to the window of the car and saw there was four of us.He said we were in trouble, and that he was coming back.We all looked at each other with that look, “What the hell are we going to do now”?

This guy looked like he was bad.When he turned and walked away from us his arms were so long, I swear his knuckles were draging on the ground behind him.Now I said he was bad, but he was no way as bad as them fellowsyou heard of walking the streets of Mandan, ND. in the sixties, after midnite on Saturday nights.Them guys were bad!I heard tell that some were so bad that they had moss growing on their backs!Thats Bad!Thats damn bad!

Anyway, Dick, the son-of-John, I know you are getting ahead of me with this story?No, I did not ask the guy his nationality.This is not a joke. It seems every time I send Dick a joke about, Ole and Lena, or Lutafisk.He sends one back to me about sauerkraut or tubed meats (sausage).This just makes me hungry.There is nothing better in a slow cooker then a couple of pounds of sausage, (country or German) and a bag or tin of sauerkraut, or a half of a sliced pork loin with a bag or tin of sauerkraut. Let it cook all day. Then enjoy.I can’t imagine anyone trying to mix Lutafisk or balute with sauerkraut, but its been noted before that a few from that class of 65 will eat any damn thing?

This guy that said he was coming back.I think he wof these people that use to live in this part of Pierce County.Some say that when civilization started moving into this area, this group was forced to move out.According to the history of Pierce County, between pages 65 and 66 this group split into two parts.Half moved up to Northern Canada and the other half moved to the Southern Appilachians where they were accepted as kin.Apparently this guy was a straggler and was infatuated with the Creature From The Black Lagoon.Anyway, He said he was coming back.We, continued watching the movie, had another beer or two, and wondered what hell he was coming back as?

It wasn’t long before our car was surrounded with about eight guys,none looking any sharper then the other, and all had about the same build as that first guy, I described.Apparently that history of Pierce County was wrong.They didn’t all move to Northern Canada, but we all know that, that portion of the group that moved South, did move South don’t we? I think Bill verified that in a prvious corespondence.Them eight fellows were all kind of just leaning against our car, like they were tired.

Well anyway, we all knew that we were definitely in a precarious situation.That big dude came up to the front,as a troglodyte.Someone once said there was a encampment passenger side window.Our bootlegger rolled open the window.This Troglodyte at the window, slobbered that he wanted us to get out or they would pull us out.Sounds like they wanted a game of pump-pump-pull-away.Our bootlegger who was as calm as a cucumber, motioned to the fellow to look down at his lap.The fellow looked down and his eyes got bigger then they were, and he shouted, “He has a gun”.Them fellows disappeared so fast, that a person didn,t even know that they were there.I leanedup and looked over the front seat and their in our friends hand was a pistol.I don’t think he had a concealed carry permit.I don’t think we knew what a concealed carry permit was at that time in our lives. So after typing this story and thinking about it,Its probably not a good idea to say no to your bootlegger, if he wants to go along to the outdoor picture show.

Remember to laugh,

Because when you laugh the whole world laughs with you.

Some say that the more you laugh the longer you live and by laughing, you will be helping others live longer also, as they will be laughing with you.

Think about that?

Larry

Bottineau Wal-Mart & Geraldine (Gee) from Cebu, Philippines.

Folks,

As many of you know, Jared Steele who works for Terry Moe (72) at “T’S” Yamaha in Bottineau is married to a Filipina gal from right here in Cebu, Philippines. Her name is Geraldine (Gee). Gee was a cashier in one of the larger department stores in one of the malls here. One evening when we were paying for our stuff and Gee was checking us out, she asked if we had an available son, like so many folks ask. I told her I knew an available guy and asked for her email address. I passed her email address onto Jared and the romance blossomed into a wedding that was held here in Cebu in July 2008. Gee got her Visa and was able to go back to Bottineau this last May.

My brother Darrel (Bud) told me several months ago that he had seen Gee working as a cashier at the Bottineau Wal-Mart. I was recently told that Gee is working days at the Bottineau Wal-Mart. When you guys are in the Bottineau Wal-Mart and you see Gee, tell her “Sir Gary” says hello. Gee is a really nice friendly polite gal. Jared is the same. They make a great couple. Gee stayed with us for nearly nine months while her paper work was being processed. Jared was back and forth during that time too.

Can you believe the Department store Gee was a cashier in, here in the Mall, requires their cashiers to have a college degree. Gee has a Bachelors degree in teaching. I can tell you one thing, her wages are a little higher at Wal-Mart than they were here. She was making less than $6.00 per day here gross. She had withholdings taken out of that and she also had to pay for her uniform.

Before going to Bottineau in May, I know that Gee seldom saw temperatures below 80F. I’m willing to bet that the coldest she had ever seen was about 75F. Jared told me Gee is adjusting well to Bottineau and the weather.

Gee was a bit nervous in these two top pictures of her with Bernadette and me. These pictures were taken early on after we first met Gee. We were evaluating her to give a report back to Jared and of coarse she knew that. Can you emagine how nervous that would make a person? Anyway we gave Jared a great report.

Gary

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11/12/2009

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Gary

Lovaas Family memories

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Tis the Season…Ah memories, going outside,breathing and seeing the cold air, crisp and crunching, snow angels, walking up the hill to fetch the mail. Then with warm wooly mittens, carefully,carrying the treasured mail down hill to mom. When we were small children, many familiar names arrived on the much anticipated Christmas cards.

We’d gaze at the beautiful cards. Asking our mother, “Who was this card from?” She’d explain it was from this aunt or that friend, the wife of the pastor who officiated at her wedding in 1947. “A lady, who was very good, kind and sweet.”

Years later,while working in Montana, I attended an intense, week long summer session, at Rimrock Foundation in Billings. One of the sessions was led by a counselor….. a familiar name from mom’s card list from long, long ago. When time permitted, I inquired, “Your name is very familiar to me, as the pastor who officiated at my parents wedding in Dunseith, North Dakota had the same name. My mother exchanged cards with her for years.” …… We had a nice visit and the classes continued……..After that week, I headed for the hills of home, arriving back at our family farm I told mom about my class and that one of the leaders I met was a son of Mrs.Grace Lovaas.

Vickie

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

It is a lovely “fall” morning here, the leaves are gone from the trees, most of them have been raked and swept clean from the lawns around town. The Westies enjoyed our walk, wind, rain and snow free. Blue skies and sunshiny day.

The Red, White and Blue Flags are swaying ever so gently in the light breeze over highway # 5 , from the west end bowling alley, to the east end WalMart, and down Main street Bottineau.

Isn’t it great to walk free!

THANK YOU VETERANS!

Vickie

Dad (Bob Stokes) & Lloyd Awalt carrying “Old Glory”

Correction

Folks,

I screwed up yesterday and labeled this article 1980. Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2008, not 1980.

Gary

2008

Folks, This is a recent picture that I captured of David Slyter from Facebook. It’s kind of faded, but at least we can see the David Slyter today, that we all knew back in our younger days. David, you are looking great! It’s been nearly 45 year since I’ve seen you. You have changed some, so I don’t think I would have recognized you walking down the street. Gary.

David Slyter (70) Fargo, ND

11/11/2009

Posted on November 11, 2009 by Gary

San Haven Memories

From Shirley LaRocqueWendt (59): Tukwila, WA

I too have a few memories of San haven, I had several uncles who were patients up there, my uncle Art met and married. Jimmy, Billy and Denny, also my grandpa LaRocque died the in June of ’56’. MY MOTHER MADELINE WORKED THERE FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS, SHE WAS DR.LOEB’S HOUSEKEEPER FOR A LONG TIME. WE MEANING MY SISTERS LANA, GINGER AND MYSELF WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM IN 2007 AT THE REUNION.

Shirley, I met Hannah and Karen Loeb for the first time at the 2007 reunion. Karen was in our class of 65, but they moved before she started High School. Karen and her mother are such nice friendly folks. I could tell they really enjoyed being reconnected with all of the Dunseith folks. In the late evenings when Hannah got tied, Karen would take her back to their hotel room in Belcourt and then return. We and everyone else truly enjoyed their company. I got connected with Karen putting our class list together prior to the 2007 reunion. I had the wrong spelling of her married name and was unable to locate her, but Evie Gottbreht came to the rescue and found her. We have all remained well connected since. Gary

Philippines

Folks, I have a little extra room today, so thought I’d include several pictures of our place following the installation of ceramic tile on the upper area between my work shop on the left and our office on the right. The first picture was taken from our Bedroom window. Our next project will be to erect a high roof over the area between the workshop and the office. Being a farm boy from ND I had quite a collection of tools that I did not want to part with, so we had them shipped with the rest of our stuff to the PI. I have all these tools in the work shop. I’ll be honest, I don’t use many of these tools anymore. Our helper uses them a lot though. Gary

From the achieves:

1980

TMS – 1940

11/10/2009

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Gary

Previously posted two days ago

From Susan Brew Roussin (59): Rolla, ND.

Remembering…. Do any of the older classmates from Dunseith remember early days when Paster Lovaas lived near the school house in town. He had a son named Danny. Danny worked for a while at the Peace Garden with my step-grandpa (Jerry Demo). I must have been in first grade, the teacher was Eunice Larson, if I recall rightly. We thought it was a good idea if we got these two people together. I don’t know how it actually happened, but we felt like match makers, when they did get married. Does anyone know where are they now. Have a great day. Thanks much, Gary and all who keep the past alive in our thoughts and prayers. “Daddy” Jerry was the gardener at the Peace Garden in the late 40’s.

Folks, I just had a very nice visit with Eunice. She and Dan are living in Arkansas. It’s a small world. Eunice was born and raised in the Turtle mountains south of Lake Metigoshe. I knew her brother Ledolph Larson very well. Ledolph and Edna lived on the lake road a few miles south of Lake Metigoshe. Eunice and I knew many of the same hills folks. She said she taught school in Dunseith for two years. She and Danny got married in 1951. Susan, she remembers you and your family. Shirley Olson Warcup, she remembers you too. She also remembers Don and Bernice Johnson. She said they knew Art Rude really well and would have visited him had they known he was living in Dunseith, when they were back in the area last summer. Shirley and Susan, I told Eunice that I would forward their email address to you. I have Eunice/Dan’s email address for those of you that would like to contact them. Gary

Daniel & Eunice (Larson) Lovass

5 Mansfield Dr

.

Bella Vista, AR 72714-5100

(479) 855-2911

Virgil Rude: Minot, ND

Folks, I received a very pleasant call from Virgil Rude several hours ago. Many of you folks remember Virgil from the National Guard, The Minot Schools, Bottineau, and the Turtle Mountains. Virgil is recovering well from the stroke he had several months ago. He said he drove for the first time yesterday and it went well. Geri, Virgil’s wife was surprised when a friend of hers mentioned she had heard of Virgil’s stroke from her daughter who lives in Fargo. Her daughter had seen it posted on our daily blog. Virgil did not know the daughters name, but thought it was Darcy or something like that. Virgil, Eunice Larson Lovass (listed above) also mentioned knowing your folks, Alfred & Viola (Bjornseth) Rude. She also knew Albert & Gladys (Bjornseth) Rude, LaVerne and Glen’s folks.

San Haven Memories

From Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary, me again talking about the San. No one has mentioned that they had there own farm. They milked cows morning and night, 40 at a setting. They had hogs, sheep, chickens. They planted all there crops potatoes, corn, beans, peas. Every thing there wasn’t much shipped in. More was shipped in after the farm closed Cliff Magnusson was the drayman for the san. I worked with Brenda Hoffman’s dad when he had the bakery, Eva Trafford was in charge of the kitchen. I worked out off the kitchen. Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Erling Lansverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone!

After listening to the Halloween pranks perpetrated by some of my fellow North Dakotans, I have been thinking that perhaps I should not have praised the populace to that degree. gracious, Dick Johnson, I am surprised at the length some of you went to cause havoc and mischief about the neighborhood. You see, We of the older generation never engaged in such antics, instead it was bobbing for apples and dancing to skip to my Lou. Of course, its possible that you may not believe that.As a matter of fact, I could be having some doubts myself Lloyd Awalt, you probably remember, since we were classmates, at any rate my father Gunder Landsverk and your Dad were great friends, and worked together on several projects through the years, My Dad always said that John Awalt is a hevk of a nice guy and great hard worker. I knew he meant it, and my Dad was no slouch when it came to hard work. Sorry I missed you in 2007. We could have gotten together and exchanged lies. Just kidding. I do remember you and your father quite well. Brenda, I am sorry about not noticing you trying to run us down but had i known about you, I would have gotten out and unhooked the horses , its a funny thing though, , the buggy was not equipped with seat belts. It was a great ride all the same. Next time we will wait for you Brenda, I promise.

On a more serious note, I am very concerne about my cousins my cousin Sharon (Landsverk)) Beckman tells me that 5 of her 6 brothers have cancer Could this have anything to do with the defoelegent that was sprayed in the fifties in that area. The landsverk farm has a lot of water surrounding it and perhaps this defoelegent may have gotten into the ground water, but then so have others near there. I know that many of the veterans I talk to who were in viet Nam either have cancer or know someone who has due to the defoelegent Agent Orange. i hope that some research has been done in this area, since I notice so many cancer deaths in the turtle Mountains. I wonder what they were trying to do or why did they do it. meanwhile, those poor guys along with others have to go through hell just because of “some experiment” ?

Erling Landsverk

Erling, When Virgil Rude called me today, he mentioned that Elwood Landsverk, Sharon’s brother, had visited him when he was in the Minot hospital. I’m wondering if Elwood is one of her brothers with cancer? Gary

Fort Hood Shootings

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

To Susan Malaterre Johnson

Thanks for taking the time to give Capt.John Gaffeney of Williston,N.Dak the mention that he deserves. That incident was horrific and unbeleivably sad. I was happy that the guy who did it,did not go out like the martyr I’m sure he thought he was going to go out as…I’m confident that they will find alot of worms in that can that he busted wide open. My heart and prayers go out to the families of Ft.Hood,and military families across America. God Bless You Susan and Take Care….Ms. Aggie

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

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11/09/2009

Posted on November 9, 2009 by Gary

Dr. Loeb & Erling’s Book

Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Dear Gary,

My Mom and Dad still talk about Dr. Loeb’s brilliance. They contend that if Dr. Loeb had not been our doctor at the San, mom and I would have been hospitalized much longer. Dr. Loeb’s high expectations encouraged San Haven employees to perform just a bit better. In the ‘its a small world category,’ one of Dave’s periodontal patients in St. Cloud, MN was a next door neighbor of the Loeb family and I was able to take a letter from her to Hannah Loeb at our last Dunseith reunion. Our patient also talked about Dr. Loeb’s expertise.

And then of course, I just finished Erling Landsverk’s book My Dakota Years ( which I loved -I asked him to write another!) and via our emails found out that he and his sister were in the carriage with Hannah Loeb at the reunion. I so wanted to talk to Hannah and tell her how grateful I was for all that she and Dr. Loeb did for me that I chased the carriage for a few blocks (running all the way!). The carriage driver and passengers (if I remember correctly!) thought is was kind of a silly sight to see me running as fast as I could in the back streets of Dunseith.

Brenda Hoffman class of 1968

Loeb’s & Erling

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary just some answers to some of writers. Karen Loeb Mhyre that was a very nice article about your dad. I worked at the San when I was about 15 I lived across the street from your mother Hannah I grew up in Dunseith. I’m glad to hear that Hannah is doing fine. Erling that was a good article about the dirty 30s. I grew up then and it was a hard time. reading the Dunseith blog it is very interesting I know most every one that writes knew your folks better . keep up the good work Gary.

Reply to Karen Loeb Mhyre

From Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND

Thank you for your prompt response. I was right! it is interesting and enlightening.
That Intern Program during WW II is a dark chapter in our country’s history. Apparently, there were actually cases where the younger generation gave their lives fighting for their country while their country thanked them by confiscating all of their parent’s property and relocating them to prison camps.

Gary Morgan ’54

Danny Lovass

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT.

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

Shirley Olson Warcup

Shirley and Susan Brew Roussin, I believe this is Danny and Eunice’s phone number an address. I believe Kathy and Patricia would probably be two of their daughters. Do either of you want to call them? If not, I can call them tomorrow, that is not a problem. I’m sure they would be glad and pleasantly surprised to receive a call from either one of you. Danny is 82 years old. Gary

Daniel L Lovaas

5 Mansfield Dr

Bella Vista, AR 72714-5100

(479) 855-2911

Household: Eunice D Lovaas

Daniel L Lovaas 82

Bella Vista,AR

Kathy L Lovaas
Patricia K Lovaas
Eunice D Lovaas

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Hey Bonnie, Thanks for the memories….you would have found someone else already sitting in the car if I had not found a dead furrow and a couple of shadows on the way out of harms way! What memories!

Sue and I have just returned from a Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas on Norweigan Cruise Line, Sky. (Same as our Alaska Cruise Line). All fun and relaxation. Many of the crew was from the Phillipines and some even from Cebu. After talking to several young people we were diffinitely of the opinion that the natives of the Phillipines appreciate having families like Gary and Bernadette retire in the area. They told of how some of their very own neighbors were US born married to Phillipine natives and help out the neighborhood so much with social events that go on at church or community. We are already looking forward to the 2012 cruise! Gary Metcalfe

Gary M, Yes, the Filipino people are very receptive of us being here and yes we do our share of community service. At the moment one of our spare bedrooms is loaded with Christmas packages, many of which are for some of the neighbor kids. We don’t spend a lot of money on each, but with the numbers, it adds up. Many of these folks are very poor. Some of the kids have few clothes, so we concentrate on giving clothes. I told Bernadette that we have to draw a line. There is only so much we can do. Gary S.

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

Hi Gary,

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning here in the Carolinas,with the leaves at peak fall colors,against a clear blue sky,and a crisp cool in the air that makes a person happy to have a church family to go worship with,good friends to go out to lunch with,and get together to watch the Carolina Panthers beat the New Orleans Saints…Go Panthers!!!! And those of you who follow football, that statement about the Panthers beating the Saints is not one of those “LOL” moments….And I am so serious….Even though the Saints are undefeated,and the Panthers are every thing but….I still believe todays game, is “OURS”….Guess by the time everyone reads this,we will know for sure,now won’t we!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ! PANTHERS!!!!!

Gary,what I really e-mailed you about is that I’m not sure if I e-mailed these last couple names to you to add to the list,they are as follows…Mel & Kathy Khun—Bill Krause—-And yes Del Enno is the lady you asked about.

You also asked about my brothers…All I know is that, Joe ,Gerald and Rene and Jimmy had a great time at the last reunion,and that Aime and Bobby, expressed,kinda like…”Darn I wish I would of went”, all of them are on your blog I believe,and as a rule are kinda the spur of the moment kinda guys,so that’s all I can tell you… Guess will see…I sure hope so….

Well gotta go Gary,gotta go get my Panther Jersey on,and get ready for the “Show Down” in “Gumbo City”…. Thanks Gary! Ms. Aggie

Aggie, in several days we will publish an updated list of those planning to attend the Dunseith Alumni Reunion in May. Gary

11/08/2009

Posted on November 8, 2009 by Gary

Memories of the Rober’t family

From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND.

This message is for the Rober’t family. I remember all the fun times
we had at your house as kids…your mother was a wonderful lady. I am
sorry you had to go through this tragedy. Please know that we are
thinking of you.

Diane Larson Sjol

From Susan Brew Roussin (59): Rolla, ND.

From Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): Alvarado, TX

One of the Ft. Hood victims was born in Williston, ND. Capt. John Gaffeney.

Reply to Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Again, I’m delighted my family was able to help you folks out when you needed help. I would so love to relay your thanks to them, but unfortunately, both of my parents and all of my Dad’s siblings have been gone for several years. I have often wondered what life was really like back then and your little historical story and shone a bit of light on that. Thanks

Keith Pladson (66)

George Loab – Former San Haven Superintendent:

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

You asked about my dad’s history before he came to the San. George L. Loeb was the only son of a German, Jewish Professor of Chemistry in Germany. Dad was born in 1912, in Gottingen, Germany. In 1914, his father was killed in a fall from a horse while he was serving in the German military in World War I. His father’s name was Loeb. Dad’s mother took my dad home to her parents in Celle, Germany. Her father was a Bishop in the Lutheran Church in a big cathedral in Celle, Germany. Dad’s maternal grandparents were names Beurker. With the help of her parents, my grandmother was able to go to medical school after the loss of her husband.

My grandmother, Lenke, met and married one of her surgery professor’s, a Dr Fromme. They had 4 additional children, all full blooded Germans. I think my dad was considered kind of a “black sheep” by this step father. In 1938 or 39, after my father had finished medical school in Germany, his stepfather arranged for him to go to England where some of his Loeb relatives lived. Dad’s Aunt Marie Tutour (a sister of the professor Loeb, Dad’s birth father) helped my dad with the arrangements needed to come to the United States. He traveled by ship to New York City, entering our country through Ellis Island. Dad would tell us that he spent about 3 months in New York City. Mostly he went to movies to hear English spoken and worked on his language skills.

Next, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he sold used cars! He always loved fast cars with big engines! From there he moved to New Orleans where he repeated an internship at the big Charity hospital we heard so much about during the Katrina Hurricane days. On Sunday, December 7th 1942, Dad was working on Obstetrics and stayed all night with a woman in labor. On the morning of the 8th at 7 AM, Dad and his supervising faculty physician were walking across the street from the hospital to have breakfast and to discuss their cases from the night before. In the street, coming towards them were 2 FBI agents who arrested my dad as an enemy alien. We were now at war with Germany. Dad told us that if he had not been arrested that morning, he had planned to enlist in the US Army!! Dad said that he believed he had been on a “watch list” by our government. My Dad was always a man of strong political beliefs and he felt strongly that the German government of that time (Nazi) was very BAD. Dad frequently would talk about the political climate in Germany and the rest of Europe. He loved a good political discussion. My dad believed that someone probably reported him for how he talked about the Nazi’s at the time and that he had a lot of knowledge about what he thought was going on in Germany. Maybe too much knowledge of our enemies for a person living and working in the USA, wanting supposeedly to become an American.

Dad was sent to Stringfellow, Oklahoma where he was “@&&’m qqinterned” with hundreds of other enemy aliens who were also arrested when we went to war. Most people know that the Japanese on our West Coast were interned in prison camps in Idaho, Oregon and other states as well. The German’s were interned in similar camps. I do not know how long they were in Oklahoma, but at some point Dad was moved by train to Fort Lincoln near Bismark where he spent most of the rest of the WWII. Dad was a physician, so in both camp locations, he was given responsibilities to help with the medical care of his fellow prisoners.

As the war was ending, and I am not sure exactly when, Dad was “paroled” to the San as they were in desperate need for doctors. He was required to report weekly to a US Customs official who was stationed at the Peace Garden border crossing. I think the man’s name was Nesse (?) or something like that. (Not Elliot Ness!!!) He was not allowed to travel any further than Dunseith. Any other travel required special permission, etc.

My mother, Hannah Higgins grew up in Dunseith. She was the daughter of Alida Olson Higgins (sister of Christine Olson Carlson), from Trail County near Larimore/Grand Forks. My mom’s Dad was Frank Higgins, an Irishman who homesteaded several farms in the area and managed the hardware store in Dunseith in the 30’s. Frank was a widower with one son who suffered from TB of the bone. This half brother, Francis was post master of the Dunseith Post office while my mom was growing up. Frank died fromop some liver disease when my mother was 16 (1937). Both my mom and her sister Pat, went to high school in Fargo at Sacred Heart Academy (now Shanley High) and then to nursing school at St John’s hospital in Fargo. My mom was a nurse at the flight training school after she graduated until the war was over in 1945.

With the war over, Mom went home to Dunseith and lived with her mother for a while. She got a job at the San as a nurse. She and my dad have social security numbers one apart from each other as they were hired nearly at the same time.

My parents were married in the spring of 1947 and I was born in October of that year. Dad continued to have to report to his parole officer for some time, even after he married my mom.

My parents stayed at the San until 1958 when Dad moved us (Mom and 4 kids aged 11-2)to Minneapolis so he could do a residency in Radiology at the University of Minnesota. Dad was 39 at the time. My youngest sister, Jane was born in Minneapolis during Dad’s first year of residency. Following the 4 years of residency, we moved for 2 years to Seattle, WA where he worked for the VA and ran the Radiology department while the man who normally had that job was on a sabbatical. In 1963 our family moved to St Cloud, Minnesota where Dad practiced Radiology at the St Cloud Hospital. He loved radiology and was greatly respected for his skills in seeing the whole patient, not just the Xray. in using his many years of treating TB patients, he was able to really communicate with his patients and they really appreciated his sense of respect of the patient as well as his great diagnostic skills.

Sadly, Dad passed away unexpectedly, May 29, 1975 (age 63). He had been suffering some sleep apnea related seizures that caused his sudden death. My mom remained in St Cloud for a few years and eventually moved to her summer cottage in Longville, Minnesota. In 1998 ???? my mom and sister, Jane built a home near Jim and I in Bothell, Wa. My sister, Marianne also lives with them. Mom is now 88 and is slowing down a bit, but she reads everything she can, as well as plays amazing games of Scrabble and Pinnacle, We are so lucky to have my sisters and Mom close by (about a 20 minute drive).

Dad was a man with a huge need to be a successful physician. I think he always was trying to show that step father that he was worthwhile. Dad never went back to Germany to visit his half brother & 3 half sisters and Mother until after the step father had passed away. It is interesting to us to think about what a perfectionist and man of high expectations he was. He was a tough father on all of us kids, but he expected a lot from my mom and anyone he worked with as well. It was not always easy for kids or his employees to live up to his standards.

It is sad that he passed before he could see what ‘our” next generation of scientists, physicians and horsewomen have accomplished. He would be very proud of all that has been accomplished. We all have our own troubles and failings as well. Those would have killed him for sure!!

Thanks for asking about my Dad’s history. I do ramble on, but then we all think he was an amazing man. I hope I have most of these “facts” right.

Take care, and again, thanks for asking!

Karen Loeb Mhyre

November 2008

Karen Loeb Mhyre (65) with her granddaughter Katelyn

November 2008

Hannah Higgens Loab (39): with her Great Granddaughter Katelyn

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND.

Gary, thank you so much again for sending obituary for Loren Smith as we
had not gotten all of that even though Dot attended the funeral!!!!
So sorry to hear about Jose and pray his pain will soon end. You
really do a remarkable service in your daily messages and they are
always interesting. We know Clarice Aus well and enjoyed Aggies blog
about her!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Dot, I think some of our readers will remember your brother Loren, so I have posted his Obituary below. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Gary

Loren E. Smith
Jan. 21, 1931-Oct. 21, 2009

POSTED: October 25, 2009

Loren E. Smith, 78, Rugby, died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at the MeritCare
Medical Center in Fargo.

Loren was born Jan. 21, 1931, in Rolla, the third of four children born to
Melford Dewain and Lillie Augusta (Carlson) Smith. He was raised in St. John
until the family moved to Rolette in January 1946. Loren graduated from
Rolette High School in the class of 1948.

He met Esther Violet LaVerne Tastad at Luther League and the two were
married July 29, 1951. They moved to Rugby that year, and Loren began
working at a gas station in town. He moved on to jobs at Anderson Funeral
Home and Jacobson’s Department Store before becoming the working partner at
Leegard and Smith Men’s Store. He later purchased the store, owning it until
1978, and then finished out his professional career as a traveling salesman.

Loren was an active member of First Lutheran Church from the time he moved
to Rugby until his death, serving as a Sunday school teacher, council
president, custodian and choir member.

He was also active in other areas of the community, as a member of the
Chamber of Commerce and Red Cross, a school and district PTA president, and
a charter member of the Heart of America Concert series. After retirement,
Loren kept busy cutting lawns for people around town, volunteering at the
Heart of America Hospital, and taking care of the grounds at the Rugby
Country Club.

Loren is survived by: his wife of 57 years, Esther, of Rugby; six children,
daughters Laurel (Kevin) Toyne, of Rugby, Naomi Schmitz, Cashton, Wis.,
Cynthia (Mark) Granger, St. Louis Park, Minn., Sidonia (Bob) Burnell,
Oshkosh, Wis., Sonja (Milt) Myhre, Fargo, and a son, Tim (Kristin),
Russellville, Ark.; one sister, Darlene (Thomas) Hagen, of Mesa, Ariz.; 14
grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other
relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Christine Cooper; a
son-in-law, Mike Schmitz; two brothers, Neil and Doug; his stepfather,
Seivert Solhein; and his parents.

Funeral service: Monday at 10:30 a.m. in First Lutheran Church in Rugby with
burial in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby. Pastor Sharon Baker,
officiating.

Friends may call today (Sunday) from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in
Rugby and for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on
Monday.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.

Rick Casavant’s mothers Obituary

Note: Rick is married to Denise Wheeler. Rick/Denise are on our distribution.

Rick, we are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. It’s always hard loosing a parent. Our condolences are with you and your family. Gary

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

Alma Casavant

Aug. 7, 1916-Nov. 3, 2009

POSTED: November 6, 2009

ROLETTE Alma Emma Casavant, 93, Fargo, formerly of Rolette, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in a Fargo nursing home.

She was born Aug. 7, 1916, to Hector and Eugenie Malo in Union Township, Rolette County. She married Merle Joliffe in 1935 and he preceded her in death. She married Lucien Casavant on July 9, 1946.

Survivors: sons, Garry Joliffe, Chandler, Ariz., Richard Casavant and DuWayne Casavant, both Rolette, Doyle Casavant, Mora, Minn.; daughters, Janice Pickard, West Fargo, Julie Luoma, Tehachapi, Calif., Colette Olson, Fargo; 22 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Boe, Devils Lake, Jeanine Zeffero, Suttons Bay, Mich.

Funeral: Saturday, 10 a.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette.

Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rolette.

Rosary service: Today, 7 p.m., in the church.

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11/07/2009

Posted on November 7, 2009 by Gary

Reply when asked about the correct spelling of her Maiden name:

From Jeri (Gordon 55) Fosberg Neameyer: Moorhead, MN

The spelling is Fosberg. Didn’t think about correcting that when I replied to Dick’s message.

Jeri Fosberg Neameyer

Note: Jeri is originally from Rolette.

Dorothy Rober’t – (Killed in a car accident near Langdon – Messages 599 & 600)

March 25, 1933-Oct. 18, 2009

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

Morning Gary,

Back to work on the 26th of Oct, but just now getting thru my e-mail @ work. Darla & I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts & prayers. The last few weeks have been real hard for Darla & me.

We were the ones who had to take care of the arrangements, the other 3 were too far away.

In the hospital, after the accident, Darla, Aunt Marlene & I went into Mom’s room, to say our final good-byes. The Doctor came in and told us that she didn’t suffer, the steering wheel and airbag crush her chest and her main artery burst, she was gone within minutes. We got the 1st call @ 9:40 am, she was gone before we got half way to Langdon.

The man involved in the accident, didn’t see her and pulled out onto the hwy. From the Highway Patrols report, witnesses said “it looked like she didn’t see him either”, there was no signs of her trying to stop, her van hit just behind the front wheel, passenger side of the truck. He was hauling grain from the field to a grain bin, in his yard, across the road.

I figured people would like to know what happen.

Mom was in the process of moving back to ND and going to stay with Marlene in Langdon. She had been living with our oldest sister, Carol, in WI. I was so glad Mom was coming home to ND to live, I missed her.

I’d like to extend my condolences to Janice’s family. She was a nice lady.

Gary, thanks for posting this for me.

Dianne (Rober’t) Johnson – Rolla, ND

Dr. Loab (San Haven Supt.)

Question from Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND

To Karen Loeb Mhyre,
Was not your father interned at the Bismarck camp during World War II? Did he ever talk about it?
I think it would be interesting and enlightening to hear of the hardships our predecessors endured that were not necessarily related to finances or weather. To know where we came from helps define who we are.

Gary Morgan ’54

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

Gary and Friends,

Jeri Neameyer, thanks for the correction on who was who in Rolette. I
do remember Ron Cameron and now remember he was the coach who was
married to Myrna, not Ross Julson. Myrna was a very pretty gal, I do
remember that. Sorry to hear of her passing at such a young age. Thanks
for setting me straight and thanks Gary!

Dick

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

UffDa Gary, Where was my brain? The class of ’70 were seniors in ’69
and ’70. The year of biology lab was our sophmore year! Although, I
believe Mr. Espe and Biology students continued the rabbit
Although, Ray had lots of younger brothers who were quick on the draw
and could get “wabbits” too.
Vickie

Speaking of the Lagerquist Family. Being close neighbors, I knew the family well, However, those from Evon on down were not yet in school when I graduated in 1965. I left the country in 1966, so I wasn’t around the younger Lagerquist kids nearly as much. I remember their nice big two story house with a very large room on the north end that was often used for dances in the earlier days before my days. That house caught fire and burned down a number of years ago. Gary

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/06/2009

Posted on November 6, 2009 by Gary

May 22, 2009

Dunseith Alumni Reunion

Folks, For those of you that replied indicating you’d like to attend this reunion, I have passed your messages onto Aggie and Verena. I have not talked to Aggie or Verena about any of the specific’s of their plans, but I know that Verena checked with George Gottbreht about using the Bingo Barn and she can get that facility for a very reasonable price. The cost, divided up among those attending would be very little. I know they are considering the HS gym too. I know the Bingo Barn is all set up to accommodate this sort of an event. To even consider either of these facilities, they need the numbers, so please let them know if you’d like to attend. Remember, just because you tell them that you plan on attending doesn’t mean you are locked into attending if for some reason something comes up and you are unable to go. They are just trying to get a feel for the number of folks to plan for. Once they lock their plans in, it may be hard to change if more folks decide to attend.

Please just reply to any of these messages if you’d like to attend and I will forward your message to Verena and Aggie. I will not be posting your replies on the daily blog. Aggie will be sending me periodic updates of those planning on attending that I will be posting. Gary

Florence Pladson Sime has a phone at Good Sam – (701) 228-2310

From her sister Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND.

Just an update on Florence. She now has a phone in her room……the number is (701) 228-2310. Give her a call and say hi!

Tina, I did just that. I just called her. It’s 8:30 AM her time. I think I woke her up. Florence sounds great! She said she had lots of broken bones, so it takes taking time for all these to heal. She seems to be in good spirits too. Gary

Dunseith Community Nursing Home Caring Hearts Auxillary:

Request from Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary

We have a group of ladies here in town known as the Dunseith Community Nursing Home Caring Hearts Auxillary and they do an annual toy bingo/donation fund raiser for the nursing home every year. We were talking about the blog and wondered if it would be appropriate to mention and see what kind of a response we’d receive. If any would care to send small donations. Club is headed by Cheryl Haagenson and Kim Marion. What do you think? If interested donations can be sent to DCNH, Box 669

Dunseith, ND 58329. Thanks. Mary Eurich Knutson

Mary, Yes, by all means we can post this. How much more Dunseith can this be. With Cheryl Haagenson being one of the heads of this group, you’ve got good direction too. What a wonderful thing you guys are doing and for a great cause. Gary

Reply from Jeri Fosbert Neameyer (Gordon 55): Moorhead, MN

Reply to Dick Johnson—I don’t remember that and it could have been Lynette, but Laurel Mongeon may have been that singer. She has a beautiful voice and sang solo’s, duets and however many other groups they could put together., I remember Myrna (now decease1990) sang with Laurel. Myrna sang alto. I also had an older sister Carlene . Myrna married Ron Cameron who was the basketball coach in Rolette. That’s to many years ago to remember all those details.

Jeri Neameyer

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

You are SO WELCOME for anything I’m able contribute to your newsletters–I thoroughly enjoy being part of your newsletter recipients . Knowing (and hearing about) some of the Dunseith/hills area people and Dad’s owning a garage in Dunseith for a few years, gives me a feeling of being a small part of Dunseith, too, even though I never actually lived there.

I, along with everyone else, look forward to your daily newsletter. Thanks, Gary!

Neola

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

We have no school tomorrow here, as it is a comp day at Bottineau School. Many folks will be use the day hunting deer.

In regard to hunting, I believe the class of ’70 can boast of at least, two of our very own proficient hunters who began a little tradition. After carving lab frogs, two kids of the hills, Ray and Brian made a very convincing argument to our biology teacher.

Mr. Espe, our insightful teacher recognized teachable moments, was “game’ and in the course of a weekend in fall of ’69 or early winter “70, Ray and Brian filled a couple of Dunseith Public School lab refrigerators with rabbits.

Mr. Espe changed the course of his lesson plans and for a couple of weeks squeamish girls and tough boys diligently working in teams of two proceeded to dissect. The most amazing things happened. We learned how to skin, used microscopes, prodded at vital organs, stretched out intestines which we measured and compared the lengths.

Moving into the second week ,as the buses pulled into the parking lot at Dunseith High we were greeted by the……….aroma of those rabbits. There hath no aroma like the stench of an un-preserved rabbit!

Thanks. Gary.

Vickie, With the class of 70, we all know that has to be Ray Lagerquist and Brian Fauske that provided all those Rabbits. Gary

A message for Keith Pladson,

From Shirley Olson Warcup: (49): Ivans, UT

I’m sure it must have been your Dad and uncle who were always there to help us. It would have been in the latter part of the 1930’s–37,38, 39. There was always a bit of a discussion about the road as we made our way to Grandma Johnson’s house. I can remember my Dad expressing regret at having to always ask “The Pladson Boys” for help. Not only did they have to harness the horses, they had to put on rubber boots and work clothes because they knew they would get muddy. We were probably a real “pain in the neck” but they never gave any indication that we were causing them any inconvenience. And there was never a mention of money. Once we were out of the mud and on our way, my Dad always talked about “The Pladson Boys” and how generous and helpful they were. I never spoke to either of the boys and saw them only from the inside of our car but I have always had great respect for them for their willingness to help. I don’t know how old they were back then or if they are still with us now–but, if they are yet here–please convey my thanks–not just for getting us out of the mud but for being such “good guys”.

Shirley Olson Warcup

Dunseith Runion in May:

Aggie Casavant’s (69) reply to Susan Fassett Martin (65): Fort Mill, SC

Susan, Got you on the list…now if we can talk Crystal and Pennie & Cheryl Kester to go, that would be great! Looking forward to seeing you there. Ms. Aggie

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

Gary and Friends,

Thank you to Karen Loeb Mhyre for the great story of her childhood
memories of the San and Lake Metigoshe. I remember going to Vanorny’s
cabin that was just north of McKay Island. In those days (late 50s) it
seemed like a long boat ride from our cabin on the south end of the lake
to Jay’s folks cabin. Karen, your cabin would have been just west of the
old Metigoshe Store, so I bet you made a few trips there for treats!?!?
That was a neat place, with something for everyone. Things have really
changed at the lake in the last few years. There are very expensive
homes going up all over and the old traditional cabins are disappearing
fast. It’s amazing how your parents had a cabin on Girl Lake near
Longville, MN. In 1960 or ’61, when we were 10, Rich Campbell and I went
to a YMCA camp on Little Boy Lake, near Longville. I remember one of our
camp counselors told us about Little Girl Lake being not far away. Maybe
it was Girl, not Little Girl, I’m not sure. We were there for two weeks
at a place called Camp Olson—-Olsons in Minnesota—imagine that! It’s
a small world we live in anyway! We had a counselor who probably was
glad to see us leave. He had a habit of snoring so we zipped him
completely in his sleeping bag as the zipper went all the way across the
top. We also caught a small brown lizard and put it in his sleeping bag.
He about went nuts! We had a crafts class every day and I still have a
few of the things we made. They had a brutal way of teaching kids to
swim. We had to tread water for something like 20 minutes. When I was
playing out, I reached for the dock. One of the counselors put his foot
on my forehead and pushed me back out, and it wasn’t the counselor we
tormented either.I did pass the test and graduated to what they called
the ‘Sharks’–big deal! I’ll attach a picture from our big adventure. I
took the picture on my own camera so I’m not in the photo. The haggard
guy behind is the counselor! Rich is wearing a white shirt and is
second from the right. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Holiday Arts, Crafts and Bake Sale at the Bottineau Armory:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Everyone,

In addition to the craft sale at the Carnegie Center this coming Friday/Saturday, I’ll be selling caramels at the November 14 event in Bottineau. If you live in the Bottineau area/don’t have this poster “tacked up” somewhere/are allowed to print and place posters on a board (or elsewhere)/please print and post this poster.

Thanks.

I hope to see many of you who live in the area, at one/both sales.

Neola

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/05/2009

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Gary

Dunseith (All School) Alumni Reunion

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

Hi Gary

I just woke up so I better get busy on my “To Do List” before I go to work tonite.

Now for the list of people who said they would attend…in the order that they notified me.

1. Paula Fassett

2. Debbie Fauske

3. Richard & Ele Slyter

4. Diane Winstead

5. Allen Poita & Mark Larsen

6. Billy Grimme

7. Lance & Helen Metcalf

8. Vicki Hiatt LaFountain

9. Charles & Geri Metcalf

10.Gary & Mary Lou Morgan

11.Mel & Kathy Khun

12. Neola Garbe
13. Pete & Verena Gillis

14. Dick & Brenda Johnson

15. Ron Hett

16. Aggie Casavant

If there is someone who notified me and I “messed up” and do not have you on the list,I “SO” apologize and please let me know.

I’m 99.9% sure I didn’t forget anyone, but there is always that chance… I hope this list generates more people that will come…”Don’t make me call you out by name!!!! But you sure are going to get an e-mail from me, if I find your e-mail…..Wink, Wink….. Well gotta go… and unto the next item on my “To Do List”.

Thanks Gary !

Ms. Aggie

Dunseith (All School) Alumni Reunion

Folks, Please let us know if you plan on attending this event. Please let us know even if you are not sure. Aggie and Verena need to know so they can plan accordingly.

This is a personal invitation to each and everyone of you from the hills, from the prairies, from the city of Dunseith, from the surrounding areas and to those from a distance to attend this event. If you like you can just reply to this message and I will pass it along to Verena and Aggie. I will not post any of your replies on the daily blog. I will just pass them onto Aggie and Verena. Those attending from a distance would love to see as many of you local folks as possible too.

Bill Grimme called me several days ago and he told me he plans to attend this great event also. Bill also plans to visit us here in the Philippines in July.

Please just hit the reply button if you plan to attend. Thanks, Gary

To be published in the local papers:

Dunseith (AllSchool) AlumniReunion

May 22, 2010

Dunseith location will be determined by the number of people planning to attend. The Dunseith High School Gym and the Bingo barn are available if enough folks sign up.

4:00pm to 6:00pm – Social Hour – Beverages available for purchase

6:00pm to 8:00pm – Dinner – Potluck or catered to be determined with a survey of those attending.

8:00pm to Midnight – Hwy 43…AKA Dick & Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett

The concept is to have fun by keeping the costs down.

To Attend, please contact one of the following to get your name on the list.

Note: For those of you reading this on the WEB site wishing to attend, just reply by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab on the upper left side of this site page. I receive all those messages. Gary

Aggie Casavant

Verena Gillis

Gary Stokes (360) 362-1222

Mrs. Aus

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

Gary

Much thanks to you, is how Neola fits in this picture. I have never met Neola, but we communicated thru e-mails off and on concerning different subjects on the blog. To say she’s been a blessing would be an understatement. Mr.&Mrs. Aus taught school in Minot after leaving Dunseith. A friend of Neola’s knew them quite well, so she contacted them on my behalf and got her address and phone number for me. What a blessing. I can’t wait for the Christmas cards to come out, so I can go find Mrs. Aus that special card for the special teacher…. And speaking of special, I’m looking forward to meeting Neola at the reunion.

Speaking of the reunion, I’ll be sending you the list of people going, tomorrow… I’m on my way out the door to go to work to slay some dragons……either before I get there or after I get punched in…..LOL! Thanks for the connections Gary!

God Bless You,and Take Care

&n bsp; Ms. Aggie

Aggie, Neola has been a god send to our daily blog too. She has provide so much and has connected so many loose ends. She knows so many people everywhere and can make lots of connections. Neola spends a lot of time researching her saved news paper articles, etc looking for stuff for us. She has sure found a whole bunch of stuff too. She has also spent so much time finding, scanning and sending us a whole lot of pictures too. She also keeps us abreast of the current newspaper articles that are published about our folks too.

Neola, we truly do appreciate everything you do. We all know that it takes a lot of time to research, scan and send all the stuff you provide. You, a Bottineau girl, have done so much for us Dunseith folks. It’s such an honor to be your cousin. Thank you, Gary

Mrs. Aus

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

You wondered how I was involved with Aggie/Mrs. Aus. When I read Aggie memory, and she mentioned Mr./Mrs. Aus, I was quite sure she was referring to Perry/Clarice Aus. As you know, Perry is deceased ( He was a large man; I think he had health problems for several years before he passed away.). Perry/Clarice were good friends of Rodney/Sandra Wetzel, who are my good friends. I think, because of this, I had heard about Perry/Clarice before they came to Minot to teach. I can’t remember how many years they taught in Minot. Neither Perry/Clarice taught at Bel Air, where I taught. I understand the Aus’ have a very large/interesting house near Norwich, ND. I’ve never seen it, but I would like to have seen it. Perhaps Aggie will tell us about it after she visits Clarice this spring.

Now, back to how I’m involved. I located Clarice’s mailing address/phone number on the internet and sent the info to Aggie. The rest, as they say, is history.

Neola

Russell School – Blanche Wicks Schley

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

Gary

This is an e-mail that I got yesterday from Blanche Schley. I do not know her personally,but I thought her story was interesting enough to share. Who knows maybe there is someone out there who went to Russell School with her brother and sisters who is familiar with the Lake and Fassette family that she knew during that period of time. I remember an old vacant house down the road west of the school that we referred to as Alias Fassettes.But no one ever lived there when we were growing up. So interesting how this all comes together.

Thanks Gary

Ms. Aggie

From:Blanche Schley (42)
To:
Sent: Tue, November 3, 2009 10:03:00 PM
Subject: Russell school

Is this the school that was near Thorne? My family lived in that area and my sisters and brother attended school there. We lived near a Fassett family and our neighbor was a Mr. Lake. One time when we went back to Dunseith we drove to this Russell school. It was a two story four rooms on each floor (reminded one of the school in Dunseith). Our family moved from the Turtle Mountains to Thorne and then to Dunseith in 1929. I have never known if my father was buy the farm or rented it, but in 1929 he decided not to farm anymore.

We moved to Dunseith and lived there until 1938.

They say that everyone has a story and I really enjoy the stories that are sent to Gary’s blog. Dorothy Schneider was a classmate of mine in grade school as was Alan Campbell and Emerson Murry, Barbara Nelson and Margaret Ann Myhre.

Have a good day!

Blanche Wicks Schley

2005 First Avenue North

Grand Forks, ND

Erling Landsverk’s book

San Haven

From Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): Bellevue, WA.

Hello Gary,

I was looking back through the email list and was trying to find the information about ordering Mr Landsverk’s book, “My Dakota Years”. Can’t seem to find it. Could you pass along the ordering information, please?

I have read the notes from various people about the San and have been thinking alot about the wonderful days we had as kids living there. It really was an idyllic world for the kids in the 50’s. Our family moved to Minneapolis in the summer of 1958, but we continued to visit the San almost yearly for many years. My grandmother, Alida Higgins had her place at Lake Metigoshi until the early 70’s, I think and we would always drive through the San after visiting the Lake before going on to my parents place in northern Minnesota. Their cabin was at Longville, Minnesota on Girl Lake. My parents lived for many years in St. Cloud, Minnesota. That cabin was no match for Metigoshi when it came to early childhood memories. We took swimming lessons at the little park near “Slemmons Store.” We would swim with the raft we built out of washed up boards out to what I think is Mac Kay Island. My Gramma’s cottage was next to some cabins owned by Bottineau and Minot Families, the Stover’s and I can’t remember the Minot family name. Jay Vanorny and his parents had a cabin a few doors down too. One of these cabins is now owned by Lola’s sister and her husband, a Mr Woods who is related to the Stovers, I think. We looked across at Rugby Point(?). I think most of the cabins over there were owned by Rugby families, but am not sure. I am also not sure what they call “our” side of the lake. After a few years my gramma sold the cabin to my Aunt Pat Black and she eventually sold it to a woman named Robin (also a Stover relative) who is a Veterinarian in Nebraska. We always heard that she planned to rebuild the cabin when she retires. We always stop and look at the cabin when we are in the area. In September, my brother Tom and I stopped. It is still the old cabin. We always remember it as a wonderful place with a beautiful screened porch and amazing fireplace made out of BIG rocks. it also had a huge wooden beam running the length of the main living room. When my husband built our home here in Bellevue, Washington, we tried to build the fireplace like the one Gramma had at the Lake.

It has been amazing to go back and see how small the cabin is really and that the fireplace was not so big either. It is so interesting to revisit the old places of our childhood.

Up until and including the year of the reunion we were always able to drive through the San and even get out and walk around and look at so many places we remembered. When I was born, my parents lived in the Children’s Building. We then moved to one of the Green buildings (I think) and then to one if the two white cottages that was across from the play ground. Eventually we moved to the Superintendent’s House when my dad became the head of the hospital. I only really remember living in that house. It had beautiful furnishings and many rooms to play in. The big enclosed porch on the east side of the house had red brick like linoleum on the floor and I remember practicing my roller skating there for hours. In good weather the kids living at the San would all be out on the sidewalks skating. My brother Tom (born in 1956) was born at home in one of the upstairs bedrooms. My mom had worked in surgery (she gave anesthetics for the surgery cases my Dad was doing) that day he was born and was very tired that night. I think she woke up about 2 AM, she had one pain and then Tom was born. My Mom says that after they cleaned up the baby and everything was taken care of, my dad went up to the hospital and brought home everything you would need to handle any medical emergency. Mom often comments that it was the only time she saw George Loeb not know what to do!!! I still have a visual memory of my dad coming downstairs with a metal pan to show my brother, Bob and my sister, Marianne and I the placenta. He never missed an opportunity to “teach”!! We three older kids were all born at the hospital in Rugby. My sister, Jane was born in Minneapolis after we moved away from the San.

The San was a wonderful place for kids in those days. We ran through the tunnels in the winter and had the most amazing times sledding on the little hills. the North Dakota snow made amazing drifts of hard compact snow that we would climb on and through.

I first watched television at my friend, Carol Jasper’s house. It took a while for my folks to decide TV was OK. Carol and I had wonderful collections of paper dolls which I kept at Carol’s house. I guess my Dad did not approve of “pretend” play with paper dolls. I guess they were a little on the sexist side. Kind of like paper Ken and Barbie dolls, I think. We loved going to the commissary to get the mail and look at comic books and buy candy. I remember a Hersey bar was 5 cents. Outside to the west of the Refectory building where the dining room was was a sidewalk triangle filled with what I remember to be three very large fir trees. We would play inside this treed area, pretending it was a play house, village, a fort and the like. The whole San really was a wonderful place to explore. The last evening before we moved to Minneapolis, I remember walking around to all the special places and saying “good bye” to these favorite places. The rows of holly hocks along the sidewalks where we would catch bees in the flower cups, the playground with swings, of course. There was a big hill below the Commissary building (maybe called the AD Building?) where my dad taught my brother and I to ski. It really was not such a big hill, but it seemed big when we had to sidestep up to the top. I remember how unbelievably cold we would get when we were out in the snow.

I remember our friendships with the other kids who lived at the San. Carol, Jay, the Hoffman’s, the Pearson girls, Link boys, Johnson’s and there were others too. I am just not remembering all the names. It was all such a long time ago. Sadly, I have not kept in touch with these long ago friends.

I better get back to my packing. I leave on Thursday to visit my daughter and her two kids who live in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan!! Go Blue! Such fun being a grandmother.

Take care, and again thanks for all the email postings you send out. Many names are so familiar and it is just fun to read about the place where you come from.

Karen Loeb Mhyre

Folks, I forwarded an advance copy of Karen’s request to Erling when I got her message last night (10 hours ago). Erling has already called her. This is his reply. Gary

Reply from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone:

I received your E Mail requesting information for Karen Mhyre. I called her this morning and had a most delightful conversation with her. It so happens that her mother, Mrs Loeb rode in the same buggy as my sister Borg and I did at the parade in 2007 that comemorated the 125th anniversary of dunseith as a city or village, I believe that was the year. In Addition, her father was the superintendent of the Tuberculosis sanitorioum during the fifties, and I guess we actually spoke to Karen, but in the hub bub of the celebration and the unexpected invitation to ride in the parade, I guess some things just didn’t come to the fore front. Thank you very much for forwarding her request to me. I was able to help her with the book. I would like to add that as I have more and more contact with former North Dakota residents, more esspecially those from our own particular area, the more interesting the history. Now i know I missed out on a lot of good things when we left so early, but of course you know as well as I that when Dad and Mom say lets go, we jump. Maybe its because i am blind now that I wax more sentimental about the Turtle mountains and the immediate area. I am not sure about that because I know how I felt about the hills and the people there when I lived ther , and the affection I felt for the land and for the people has always been with me. I know the living was tough in the 30s, I know because I lived it, but I learned a lot about life, and about the great folks that i met and and associated with. Perhaps its like this: they have been tempered by the harshness of severe winter, the difficulty with economic conditions like the great depression, and how their spirit of independence has made them a cut above the whining populace so often demonstrated in other parts of our country. . Has memory softened reality, I don’t think so, I read the reference to the Pladson boys who pulled us out of mud holes and snow drifts. That wasn’t done for moneyk they didn’t charge a nickel, It was doing something for your neighbor. God bless them. North Dakota folks looked after their own, just like the flooding crisis at Fargo last spring.

Erling Landsverk

Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,

This is a response to Shirley Olson Warcup’s input on your last blog.

Since you graduated, Shirley, the year after I was born, my memories of the past are somewhat different than yours. The Willow Lake Road past the “Pladson Farm” (my older siblings and I still refer to it as the old “home place”) wasn’t that bad as I remember it. But I’m sure it had been somewhat improved when we (my dad and mom and my siblings) lived there. That was in the early 50s. Since you are probably referring to an earlier time frame (mid thirties?), it would probably have been my Grandfather, Olaf and Grandmother, Thyra and there four children living there (though my Aunts may have both been married and gone by then). The two Pladson boys you refer to would then have had to have been my Dad, Elden and my Uncle, Arthur. That generation in my family is now all gone. However, when we were growing up, our dad often entertained my siblings and I with stories of his childhood on that farm and how different things were. Though pulling people through the mud on the road was not something I remember him specifically speaking of, there were many other stories of the use of horses on the farm and around the neighborhood. If it was my family, I’m glad they were able to help you out.

Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, I am only a year older than you, but I remember, Well, you guys living on that place. That would have been my pre-school days. Speaking of the Willow Lake road, I remember the road washing out frequently on the south side of the lake where the creek runs under the road. In the spring, the water used to run over the road. Clarence Bye, the county commissioner, lived close by though and he always got it fixed. Clarence and Helen were such wonderful folks too. We used to visit them often. In retired years, they visited my folks often. Gary

Halloween Story

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Just another story of Halloween tricks from days past. Dad taught in
Rolette from ’58-63 and told about a Halloween prank gone bad. A bunch
of high school kids went to sneak into someone’s yard and tip his
outdoor biffy. They figured the best way was to run up behind it in the
shadow of the building. The owner thought this was probably going top
happen so he moved the toilet toward the light and left the open hole in
the shadow. A tall girl named Lucy Doehlen (sp) was the poor soul who
got there first! They gave her a ride home—but she had to sit on the
front fender of the car! A couple messages ago (#603), Jeri Fosberg
Neameyer mentioned Dad teaching in Rolette and ending his concerts with
‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’. I remember going to most of the
concerts in Rolette. He had some really good singers. One of the boys
sang Mancini’s ‘Moon River’ very well. I think it was Robert Graber. He
also had a girl in choir who had what is called ‘perfect pitch’. If the
song started in a certain key, he would tell her the key and she would
hum in that key—very rare! I believe it was Lynette Gilje. Jeri
Neameyer—help me here! I want to test my memory. I think the Fosberg
kids were–Myrna, Jeri, Deanna, and Chuck, who was my age. I might have
it wrong. If I remember correctly, Myrna married Ross Julson, who was
the coach for Wolford when Les Halvorson played for the Wolves. Les is
married to Myra Henning (DHS ’72). If I have any names or memories
wrong, please correct me. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/04/2009

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Gary

Folks, When I went through my messages this morning I remember seeing a request for someone to be added to our distribution list. At the moment I can not find that message. Whoever sent me that request, please send it to me again. Thanks, Gary

Mrs. Aus (Former Teacher)

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

WoW! It’s only 3:35 p.m. Not even 24hrs. since I sent my Russell School story about Mrs. Aus to the blog….I just got off the phone with her,talked with her for an hour….Thank You Neola Garbe for making the connection!!! Thank You so much! It’s hard to beleive Mrs. Aus is 75 yrs.old now,and talks like she just called us in from recess. Amazing! She remembered every detail about Russell School. She remembered everyone of us kids by name and age order,and incidents.It was totally amazing visiting with her… I will be stopping by Norwich on my way back to Bismarck to spend the day with her after the reunion…I can’t wait… Said,she hasn’t gotten involved in the computer age much,and doesn’t have a computer…but maybe just maybe will reconsider…We exchanged addresses,she said she will add me to her Christmas Card list and send pictures…Mmmmm “Christmas Card List” when is the last time you heard that term? Only someone like Mrs. Aus could keep that tradition alive…. Thanks Again Neola…Thank You So Much… Sincerely, Ms.Aggie

Ms. Aggie, Now we are curious. How does Neola fit into this picture? I’m assuming she must know Mrs. Aus. It’s wonderful that you were able to connect with her. Gary

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

Gary,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bernadette, and other family members. Last spring Ron’s sister chose this same path. She had an incurable immune system problem and had tried all treatments–after several years of pain with no hope of a cure, she chose to be taken off life support. She spent her summers in Minnesota and her winters in Arizona. When things got worse last spring she was taken to a hospital in Las Vegas and decided she had had enough. She chose to go to a hospice unit–we went down as soon as they called us. She lived only 7 or 8 hours after they took her off life support. The people at the hospice unit were wonderful. Some of her friends from Arizona were there also–it was a very sad, but peaceful passing. Pat always did things her way–she was strong willed. Even in death, she chose the time!! We miss her, but know we’ll see her again–and considering our ages (Ron’s and mine), it may not be too long.

On another subject–Dick and Brenda just sent me Erling Landsverk’s book. It brought back many good memories. I was born 5 years after Erling, but lived in the same general area and could relate to all that he said. Those were sometimes hard years, but good years also. It’s a wonderful account of life as it was back then. Life was hard physically, but there was a “goodness” in people that made life good. I was 6 years old when we moved to a farm on the prairie. We went to my Grandma Johnson’s house for most holidays and there was one place on the Willow Lake Road where water collected and we often got stuck and had to have our car pulled through the mud. If my memory is correct, I think it was very near the Pladson’s farm. I believe they had a couple boys and these boys always seemed to have a team of horses ready to pull us through the mud. I used to wonder if, on holidays, they harnessed the horses and just waited, knowing there would be someone who would need help. Without that help we would never have gotten to Grandma’s house. A big THANK YOU to whoever it was!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply to Striker family question:

From Dave Wurgler (64): Rugby, ND

Gary: Reading the Striker Family History from Ken kinda made my eyes open wide when I saw the obituary of Alan Allickson. I might be able to help with some history of the Allickson family. My daughter Teri Wurgler is married to Kevin Allickson, who is the son of Allen Allickson. Allens dad and Kevins grandpa was Herman Allickson. Herman married Ethel Lockhart and lived and Farmed north east of Rugby then sold the farm to Allen and moved into Rugby and lived there till their deaths. Ethel Lockhart was a sister to Virgil Lockhart, who married Della Striker. So would that make Allen a great grandson or a grandson? Hope this helps out.. Dave Wurgler (64).

Dave, It is indeed a small world. I am sure that Ken Striker will be getting in touch with you. Gary

Belcourt Police Picture:

Reply from Claudette McLeod (80): Belcourt, ND

Hello Gary,

I forwarded this picture to Duane Gourneau and he made all the corrections of who was who.

Claudette McLeod

Turtle Mountain Outreach

Office (701)244-0199

Fax (701)244-0215

The now deceased members are George Longie, Ken Sayers, Emma Brown, Joe McCloud, Theresa Davis, Lillian LaFountain and Joe Blue. When I find out who the 1^st person is in the second row I will let your know… Again, thanks for sharing the pic…..Duane

Row 3 – Francis Thomas, Robert Gourneau, Wilton Vittelson, Gary Falcon, Gary Falcon, Howard Longie and Joe Blue

Row 2 – Unknown person, Emma Brown, Jeanette Grant, Ron Trottier, Joe McCloud, Theresa Davis, Lillian LaFountain and John Vittelson

Row 1 – Doug Manson, George Longie, Larry Laducer, Ken Sayers, LeRoy Jeanotte, Darrell Laducer and Duane Gourneau

Lillian LaFontaine Correction

From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73):Grafton, ND

Lillian LaFontaine is the ladie with the brown jacket on @ the end of the 2nd row standing between Grant and Blue. I dont know who the ladie is that you have listed as Lillian in belcourt police photo. So sorry to hear of the saddnes your family will have to endure. I thank God I never had to make that decision with my husband.Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine

Vickie, Duane Gourneau and you have identified Lillian LaFountain as the same lady in the photo above. Gary

11/03/2009

Posted on November 3, 2009 by Gary

Folks, Bernadette’s brother had a stroke several years. As with a lot of stroke victims, he never fully recovered. His right side and his mind were affected. Several weeks ago he started refusing all his medications. Yesterday he had another stroke that has pretty much done him in. He is currently non responsive on life support with no hope of recovery. They are currently making funeral arrangements. With Bernadette being the oldest, they are asking her to make the call for removing his life support. Bernadette has asked that his wife and children make that decision. I think they have agreed to remove his life support when they have his funeral arrangements made. He is living on the Island of Mindanao. Since he is from Cebu, they plan on bringing his body to Cebu for his funeral services and burial. His body will be at our house, on our porch, for 10 days for the 10 days of prayers and then he will be buried in the same grave sight as his father. There are 4 kids in the family with Jose being the only boy. Their youngest sister is married to a Japanese guy and lives in Japan.

Christmas 2008:

Back: Bernadette & her sister Berlinda who lives next door

Front: Jose & Alot who lives in Japan

Belcourt Police – Lillian Burchum LaFontaine:

Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND

It was so neat to see the Belcourt police picture. My mother-in-law was Lillian LaFontaine and she took such pride in her job. She died on 9-30-05 and she is truley missed. She was from Dunseith maiden name Burchum and I remember when I first was dating Myron ( he being a divorced man and Lillian being Louies second wife) I remember her saying Well my boy I see you are like your dad you had to go to dunseith to get a good women. I married in to such a wonderful family I have truly been blessed.

Don Nelson:

Request from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND

Hi Gary, thanks so much for all your work sending your daily blogs to us
older alumni of Dunseith High. Would you please include Don and Sharon
Nelson (my nephew) who lived with us nearly his entire life (mainly with
Orvin and Mom Hagen) He will know many of the people who write. His
e-mail address is : Thanks, Tom Hagen

Don or Donnie as Orvin would say. You are for sure Orvin Hagen’s kid. I know he and his mother raised you, after your mother died. She died when you were, I think, still a baby. Your mother was Orvin’s sister. Many of our folks will remember and know you.

Orvin was the head Gardener at the Peace Garden for years too. He still loves his flowers. What a great guy he was and continues to be today. Many of us had Orvin for a 4-H leader. He was a 4-H leader for nearly the entire duration of the Mountaineers 4-H club. That would have been 25 to 30 years. What dedication. Gary

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN

Hi Gary and Dick Johnson,

I do remember Halloween in Dunseith, what fun times. The oil drums at Lamoureux’s Garage were a target for every generation. They would get rolled throughout the town, blocking streets, doors, and riding on the merry-go-round at the school. Out door “biffies” were also a prime targets especially Adrian Eggberts. After a while Adrian began moving his biffy around so you never knew for certain where the hole was, talk about offering up a challenge to Teens! One Halloween we went out to trick one of the local farmers, we sat on the corral fence flipping a penny to see who would have to go throw the switch on the main pole for the farm. That way the farmer couldn’t turn on the yard lights and catch us. But this farmer was waiting for us, he was sitting in the hayloft of the barn right above our heads. (He must have been laughing as he watched us light a match to read the penny to see who would throw the switch) I lost and ran to throw the switch but the farmer had already thrown the stitch so when I hit the switch it was like Christmas, every light on the farm came on!!!! The farmer let go with a blast of buckshot into the air and kids scattered everywhere. I was farther from the car then anyone else but was the first one back, I didn’t even wait for the door to get opened, I jumped through the window. That was one Halloween that the farmer had a much better time than the kids doing the Halloweening. It seems the community put up with a lot of monkey business.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

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

To Dick J.

I couldn’t help but smile reading your memories of “trick or treat” night back in the days. I distinctly remember my Mom and Dad talking about the Sy Kadry outhouse incident…That was crazy…. I remember of hearing about the bike incident at the top of the flag pole.That was totally funny.And the paper bag full of “cow stuff” I remembering hearing about,but don’t recall an actual incident of it…but Russell Pigeon does come to mind….don’t know why…maybe cuz he rode our bus,and he would always have a story.

I came across your other story,about country schools. WoW everything you mentione was right on. The globe,big map.picture of the president. Your dad was right of hearing the same grade subjects over and over again,cuz there was 4 grade classes in one room. Our family went to Russell School. There was like 30 kids from the 1st to the 8th grade. It was divided into 2 rooms. They were called “big room” and “little room”.We went to school in Dunseith before I got to the “big room”. I started in Dunseith in the 5th grade.

I remember when Mr.and Mrs.Aus came to teach at Russell School. They drove this big shiney black cadillac.We only lived like 1/8 of a mile east of the school.One day they were driving around looking at the countryside,when our Mom saw them coming down the road a ways. She told us kids, ” The new school teachers are coming down the road,go sit out on the fron’t steps and wave to them,and say hi” so we all ran out and lined up on the front steps.They were coming down the road pretty slow,but came to a crawl when they saw all of us kids,lined up on the steps,all waving and giving a shout out,HHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!! I remember big Mr.Aus waving and laughing,and Mrs. Aus smiling and waving. (We only lived like 75ft from the road,so we both got a pretty good look at each other) Later as Mr. Aus got to know our family better,he told us that, the day they drove past and saw all us kids,he told Mrs. Aus “I beleive this half our school right here”. Mr.and Mrs. Aus was so nice to us kids. They lived in the basement of the school,and sometimes,on Friday nites after all the other kids went home,they would have us kids over. They were campers,so they would clear the classroom,and would set up a tent in the classroom,and show us all there camping equipment,and feed us hot dogs and ice cream,and the “BEST” choclate cake.

I remember how sad to tears us kids were when they were going to close Russell School,cuz we would never see Mr.and Mrs. Aus again.I remember those being some sad,scarry summer months leading up to our first day of school in this “Big City School” without Mr.and Mrs. Aus.One day us kids walked across the field to say good-bye. I remember Mrs.Aus giving us a hug,and saying,”Guess what? Were going to teach in Dunseith…she said,”We just aren’t ready to say goodbye to our kids…Wheather that really played a part in it or not, it sure did make us feel loved and special.

Mrs. Aus had her classroom in the old gym up on the stage. Everyday for some time a couple of us kids were visiting her on our lunch hour.I didn’t realize it at the time,but I believe Mr.and Mrs. Aus knew in there hearts what a comfort they were to us kids during our transition.

Mr.and Mrs. Aus taught a couple years in Dunseith,then eventually moved back to Norwich,where Mr.Aus farmed his Dad’s land.Us kids were in touch with them over the years off and on. My family said they saw them I think at a reunion of some kind about 8 yrs.ago. Mr. Aus has since past away…I think Mrs.Aus still lives on the farm,her sons farm the land… I guess I’ll be looking up Mrs.Aus when I come home in May… I hope I didn’t wait too long… Ms. Aggie

Striker Family Information Request:

From Ken Striker: Dayton OH

Gary- I am forwarding an obit for Alan H Allickson. I would like to learn more about the family. He would have been a gr-grand son of settler Wm Elmer Striker (see H1c1 below):

May 18, 1945-July 4, 2008 RUGBY: Alan Howard Allickson, 63, Rugby, died Friday, July 4, 2008, in a Minot hospital.He was born May 18, 1945, to Herman and Ethel Allickson in Rugby. He married Beth Hancock June 22, 1968, in Willow City. He served in the Army National Guard from 1964 until 1970. Survivors: wife; sons, Jay and Kevin, both Rugby; daughter, Tracy Corum, Rugby; seven grandchildren; sister, Roberta Heim, Amherst, N.Y.Funeral: Tuesday, 2 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Rugby.Burial: Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby

H1 William Elmer Striker b 14 Aug 1862 d 19 Dec 1953 Seattle King Co. WA
+Adele Schefter (16 Mar 1864- 2 Nov 1918) m 12 Jul 1884 Adams Co, IN. According to a W.E. Striker History written by Sylvia Lockhart Bergan of Bottineau N.D., on the occasion of the Dunseith Centennial of 1983, William Elmer and family left Berne IN in April of 1900 headed for North Dakota. They settled in Rolette Co about 13 miles north of Dunseith N.D, which is about a mile from the Canadian border. They came in two boxcars. William and the livestock were in one and the mother and children arrived earlier. William was a farmer and a blacksmith. Adele died from a flu epidemic of 1918. Adele is buried at Rolette Co ND Little Prairie Cem. In 1943 he and his daughter Ellen moved into Dunseith and later they moved to Seattle. He died at the age of 91. H1d1 Sylvia Bergan Lockhart and I corresponded in the mid 80’s. She was a big help with the Wm Elmer Striker family. H1j3 Joy Peterson provided update in 2009. Joy writes: “the house that my granddpa Striker and Auntie Ellen lived in at Dunseith is just across the street from me. We lived on a farm up by the International Peace Garden. My youngest son Scott is on the farm and lives in Dunseith.”

H1a Pearl Striker b March 1884 died ca 1895 age 11

H1b Perry Striker 1886 died as an infant

H1c Della Striker b 1 Aug 1887 Berne IN d 1971 Della was the eldest of the family
+Virgil Lockhart Sr. b 25 Jun 1879 Della is buried at Egeland Union Cem. ND

H1c1 Ethel Lockhart b 1908 Towner Co ND
+Herman Allickson b ab1906 4 children

11/02/2009

Posted on November 2, 2009 by Gary

Follow up from yesterday’s comment about ‘All Saints Day’

Last year it took us two hours to get to Bernadette’s dad’s cemetery. With some traffic mods that were implemented this year, we got there in a half hour. The Cemetery was packed. This is a large cemetery covering, I’m guessing, about 1/4 section (160 acres). For exercise I walked all the roads while waiting to eat. After we ate our picnic type meal that we took to the cemetery, I came home. Bernadette and her sister took a cab and went over to their grandparents cemetery located about 15 miles on the other side of the city. They got home about 1:00 AM this morning. This morning we hired a Jeepney to go back to Bernadette’s dad’s cemetery to pick up the tent covers, tables, chairs and the dozen or so folks that spent the night there. They said they slept well on their blankets spread out on the grass next to the grave. The majority of Filipino’s do not have mattresses on their beds. A lot of folks do not even have beds. Most can sleep sound on hard cement. Gary

Florence Pladson Sime (62) is in the ‘Bottineau Good Samaritan Center’:

Message from Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND.

Hi Gary,

I have been with Florence for the past two days, and yes she is in Bottineau, though not at the hospital. She is in Good Sam and will be there for some time. In order to be in the rehab unit in Minot she has to be able to do therapy for 3 straight hours, so it will be a while before she can be transferred back to Minot to the rehab unit there, though her goal is to be able to dance (slowly) on New Year’s Eve. I think it’s great that she has a specific goal in mind.

Gary,

Thanks again for keeping everyone up to date on Florence’s condition and for the e-mail updates in general!

We will keep you posted as updates occur.

Tina

Follow up message from Tina:

Gary,

Florence is doing some better today, anxiously awaiting tomorrow, when she can start some serious physical therapy!!

She know it will be hard but she’s determined.

I asked the home (Good Sam) if there is an e-mail address if people want to send Florence a note……..it’s as follows

ACTDEPT@UTMA.COM

In the subject line put Florence’s name and they will get it to her.

Tina

Holloweene Story

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

With last night being Halloween, I wanted to tell of some of the
Halloween pranks from the old days. I remember Sy Kadry being in his
outdoor toilet when it was tipped over on the door. He was yelling for
help through the toilet hole! Bikes mysteriously were hoisted to the top
of the flag pole. Windows got soaped with soap bars if no one was home
to give treats. Windows weren’t too bad to clean but someone soaped our
screen door and it was nearly impossible to get out. My grandpa told
about a neighbor who was bragging that his dog was so mean he didn’t
have to worry about pranksters. Grandpa and some buddies filled the guys
car with straw, right in front of his house, and then put the ‘mean’ dog
inside the car too! This would have been back in the 30s or so.
Pranksters used to put wood wheeled farm wagons on top of the school or
garages and one story of such an event, was when several kids pushed a
set of wagon wheels on a single axle down the stairs to the basement of
the old Overly school and overdid it. The wheels knocked both of the
double doors completely of the frame. I remember some eggs ending up on
one of the teachers trailer homes next to the school. As I said at the
time, “I didn’t have anything to do with it !” I slightly remember
something about a dead skunk ending up under the same teacher’s porch.
Those must have been really rotten kids back then! The skunk smell was
hard to get rid of–especially from my school jacket! I remember when Ed
Conroy had way to many tomatoes and left hundreds in a pile near the
alley behind his house. That’s not a real good place to leave tomatoes
the night before Halloween. One prank I only heard of and never
did—truthfully—was to put soupy wet cow manure in a gunny sack on
someones step and light it on fire just as you knocked on the door. The
guy would attempt to kick it off the step or stomp it out. Either way,
same result! Happy Halloween! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply/Picture from Luella Boardman Bjornseth (49): Bottineau, ND

Gary!
After seeing the picture you posted of our family, I thought you should have a newer one. This one was taken when we were in Minnesota for Bob’s funeral and shows how much older we all are. Note the boys lack of hair compared to the other picture. That is what 28 years has done to us. Luella

Luella Boardman Bjornseth’s (49) family:

Back: Ralph

Front: Mark, Janice, Luella & Ron

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website

11/01/2009

Posted on November 1, 2009 by Gary

Folks, don’t forget to turn your clocks back. Today, November 1st being ‘All Saints day’ is one of the most major holidays in this country. Everyone flocks to the cemeteries to visit their loved ones. Most set up tent covers and spend most of the day and tonight too, with lots of food and drinks (no alcohol is allowed in most cemeteries). Some even have food catered. Bernadette has prepared a lot of food that we will be taking to her dad’s grave sight today. We set up several tent covers over his grave yesterday. I will accompany her to her dad’s grave sight today along with a lot of her relatives. Later this evening she and her sister will join more of her relatives in the other part of the city where her grandparents are buried. Tomorrow morning we will pick up the tent covers along with some of those that spent the night at her dads grave. With all the traffic today, it will probably take us several hours to get to her dads grave sight 5 miles up the road. In these conditions, I have just learned to be patient. Gary

Florence Pladson Sime released from Hospital

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Dunseith, ND.

Gary, Note the discharges from Trinity. I know Florence Sime will continue to be involved in PT. Physical Therapists are most relentless in motivating people to recovery. Go Florence Go!

October 31, 2009
TRINITY HOSPITAL Discharged 5 p.m. Thursday through 5 p.m.Friday:Florence Sime, Dunseith.

Email address correction for Jim Metcalfe

Gary S & Gary M,

I’m sending a correction to our brother, Jim Metcalfe’s email address; it should be
The j at the beginning was left off.
Geri

Geri, The mistake is mine. Your brother Gary sent it to me correct. When I copied and pasted Jim’s email address for posting the “j” got dropped. I had it correct in all of my other lists. Thanks, Gary

Message to Gary Metcalfe:

From Trish Larson Clayburgh (73): trishclayburgh@yahoo.com

Thanks for your stories about your horses – you are so right! My earliest memory is of being horse crazy. My mom Hazel had it bad before me, and some of you knew how crazy my uncle Jake Gardner was for sulky racing. My passion for horses has never gone away…and Colorado is my dream place to live with them – so many great mountain trails, lakes, rivers, streams and vistas.

The other day I was riding in Rocky Mountain National Park, near my home. The Elk herds are everywhere in Estes Park – they must know they are safe. Anyhow, this wonderful little calf had a very aggressive blue jay on his back. We watched as he nudged it off with it’s nose, and when the bird flew onto a rock, he was so curious! The bird seemed curious too, and stayed put as they went nose to nose for at least 5 minutes. Eventually the bird flew onto a cow elk, who was VERY offended, and at last the herd bull came and chased the bird off. Very entertaining!

Later that day we got our first winter storm of the season. Two feet of huge flakes fell over an 18 hour period! And no wind… My ranch was transformed into a winter wonderland. Luckily I was “off work” the next day and got to stay home and enjoy the beauty of the new snow, with a fire in the woodstove. The place I’m living makes me feel like a pioneer, cutting and splitting and heating with wood, shotgun over the fireplace, chainsaw on the deck….

So that’s life in Colorado!

Picture from the Achieves:

Top Row: Viola, Lois, Morris, Rosalie (Azure )Thomas

Sitting: Cecelia (Azure) Thomas, Delia, Fred, Christina and Carol Azure.

Sitting: Doug Manson-George Longie, Chuck Laducerm, Kent Sayers, Leroy Jeannotte, Darly Laducer & Daune Gourneau

2nd row: ? Wessel’s, Lillian Lafountain, Maryann Delorme, Pewe Jeannotte, Ron Trottier Jeantte Grant, ? Freddie Blue

Back row: Francis Thomas, Bob Gourneau, Duke Vettleson, Gary Falcon, Howard Longie & Joe Blue

Dunseith Alumni

Official Blog of the Dunseith, ND Alumni

Monthly Archives: November 2009

11/30/2009

11/29/2009

11/28/2009

11/27/2009

11/26/2009

Fallen soldier honored as person who worked to make a difference

11/25/2009

Dignitaries to attend services for Wyoming soldier killed in Iraq

Helping Iraqis

Signs of grieving

11/24/2009

11/23/2009

11/22/2009

11/21/2009

Wyoming soldier killed in Iraq

11/20/2009

11/19/2009

11/18/2009

11/17/2009

11/16/2009

11/15/2009

11/14/2009

11/13/2009

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11/09/2009

Daniel L Lovaas

11/08/2009

Alma Casavant

11/07/2009

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11/04/2009

11/03/2009

11/02/2009

11/01/2009