Monthly Archives: December 2012

12/30/2012 (1682)

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No Blog tomorrow.
 
Folks,
 
With Tomorrow being NYE,  I will not be posting a blog.
 
Several months back I initiated a group gathering for NYE at the Marco Polo Hotel here in Cebu with our group of expat friends. With Bernadette’s condition I was not able to follow through with postings to get the ball rolling. I made reservations for Forty folks of which I think we could have filled too. Several days ago the Marco Polo requested for the return of our untaken seats, because they had a full house and wanted to fill the ones we did not use. When I informed them that Bernadette and I would not be going and the reason why, I got a reply from the hotel manger letting me know that he had booked a room for us at the hotel for NYE and also for the NYE festivities with their buffet and unlimited beverages, beer and wine. He said when Bernadette got tired she could just go to the room. He said they would take care of her special needs in the hotel and also take care our helper that we would have along to assist with Bernadette. He said “this is all on us too”. Bernadette, with her condition has opted not to go and I totally understand. She told me that I could go if I wanted, so I have decided to go for a few hours to take in the Buffet with our friends. I need to be back home by no later that 10:30 to be with Bernadette.
 
When Bernadette got up this morning she needed assistance to walk. She could not go it on her own. Later on in the day she was able to move about some without assistance. She is always very fatigued too. I don’t dare leave her by herself at all, so I have now hired folks dedicated to be with her at all times from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm. That allows me to come and go more freely too, knowing someone is with her. Her voice has become very soft and low too. Her mind is still good though.
 
Gary  
 
 
Deb. Wenstad Slyter (’72) not well
Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ
 

To the Slyter/Wenstad families:  Our prayers go out to Deb for a speedy recovery.
Lynn Havorson Otto
 
 
 
Face book posting from Art Hagen (’72)
 
 
Cebu, Philippines
Our good friend Sharon stopped by last Friday to visit us.
 
 
 
The office of the president of the United States
Mark and Joanne Millang Bernstein (’70)
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

The 100 MPH Goat

 

Two Texas rednecks are out hunting, and as they are walking along they come upon a huge hole in the ground. They approach it and are amazed by the size of it.

The first hunter says, “Wow, that’s some hole; I can’t even see the bottom. I wonder how deep it is.”

The second hunter says,” I don’t know, let’s throw something down and listen and see how long it takes to hit bottom.”

The first hunter says, “There’s this old automobile transmission here, give me a hand and we’ll throw it in and see”. So they pick it up and carry it over, and count one, and two and three, and throw it in the hole.

 

They are standing there listening and looking over the edge and they hear a rustling in the brush behind them. As they turn around they see a goat come crashing through the brush, run up to the hole and with no hesitation, jump in head first.

 

While they are standing there looking at each other, looking in the hole and trying to figure out what that was all about, an old farmer walks up. “Say there,” says the farmer, “you fellers didn’t happen to see my goat around here anywhere, did you?”

 

The first hunter says, ” Funny you should ask, but we were just standing here a minute ago and a goat came running out of the bushes doin’ about a hunert miles an hour and jumped headfirst into this hole here!”

 

The old farmer said, “That’s impossible. I had him chained to a transmission!”

12/29/2012 (1681)

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No Blog yesterday
 
Folks
 
For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday.
 
Gary
 
 
Deb. Wenstad Slyter (’72) not well
Face book posting from Donna Wenstad
 
Well folks, here I am requesting prayers for Deb. Jack took her to Rugby hospital on the 26th, she has pneumonia. Tonight as I type this she is in an ambulance on her way to Bismark where she will be placed in intensive care as her conditioned has worsened. Her heart doctor is located there as well in case he is needed. Chad is on his way there so please include him & Stacey in your prayers also.
 
 
Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (’70): Lake Metigoshe, ND

Thank you for the birthday wishes….it was a great day…my, how the time does fly!

 
 
Rose and Art Hagen are headed back home to Cebu
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
================================================================
 
 
Shikira, two years old, just leaving from seeing her great aunt Bernadette.
She lives next door and makes many trips per day over to see Bernadette.
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):  Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND
 
A patient was waiting nervously in the examination room of a famous
specialist.“So who did you see before coming to me?” asked the doctor.

“My local General Practitioner,” answered the patient.

“Your GP?” scoffed the doctor.  “What a waste of time.  Tell me, what sort
of useless advice did he give you?”

“He told me to come and see you,” replied the patient.


 

12/27/2012 (1680)

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Warren Anderson’s Birthday
Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63):  Minneapolis, MN.
 
Gary, I think Warren’s birthday is April 27, I could be wrong,but I think he had the same birthday as my mom. I’m getting old, so I certainly could be wrong. Have a great day.
Dennis,
 
Your are absolutely correct, but I am not entirely wrong either. Warren’s son, Warren Jr. had a birthday yesterday (12/26). I forgotten I had Warren’s boy as a FB friend, so when I got a FB birthday email listing with Warren Anderson’s name I automatically thought it was Warren Sr. Had I checked him out on FB before posting, I would have caught the mistake. 
 
Sorry about the mistake Warren Jr. I am posting your birthday today though even if it is a day late.
 
Gary 

 
  Happy 40th Birthday Warren Anderson Jr.: Beulah, ND
 
       I do not have Warren Jr,’s email. Can someone please forward this to him?
 
 
Face book captures: Great pictures.
 
 
 
 

 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Ellem Graff Myrick (’58): Grand Forks, ND
 
Ole & Lena lived by lake in Nordern Minnesota . It vas early vinter and da lake had froze over.

Ole asked Lena if she vould valk across da frozen lake to da yeneral store to get him some smokes. She asked him for some money, but he told her, Nah, yust put it on our tab.

So Lena valked across, got the smokes at da yeneral store, den walked back home across da lake. Ven she got home and gave Ole his smokes, she asked him, Ole, you alvays tell me not to run up da tab at da store. Why didn’t you yust give me some money?

Ole replied, Vell, I didn’t vant to send you out dere vit some money ven I vasn’t sure how tick the ice vas yet.

 
 

12/26/2012 (1679)

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               Happy Birthday Warren Anderson (DHS 1965): Rolette, ND                                                     

 
Happy Birthday Diane Larson Sjol (DHS 1970): Lake Metigoshe, ND
            
                                     
 
Happy Birthday Don Lamoureux (DHS 1975): Bethel, MN
 
                                 
 
Carol Robert Braun
Request from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Belcourt, ND
 

Hi Gary…….
   Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Will you please add Carol Robert Braun to your email list? She would like very much to receive your daily Dunseith Blog. She lived in the Dunseith area for a good many years & moved to Osceola, Wisconsin a few years back. Her email address is: cheezeheads@
Thanks,
Ivy Robert
Ivy,
 
It is my pleasure to add Carol to our distribution.
 
Gary
 
 
Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN
 
Merry Christmas, Gary and Bernadette. Hope this finds you folks in good cheer. I’m sure you folks did your share to bring a little happiness into the lives of others. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? We’ve had a great Christmas here ourselves. So many people to do for that it is easy to have a great time. That’s what being from Dunseith is all about helping other less fortunate. My health hasn’t been the best this year, but I’m so fortunate in so many ways that I hardly notice my health set backs. Thanks, Gary, for doing this blog. I don’t know if you realize what a great year around gift this is for so many of us. Maybe everyone doesn’t treasure memories as much as i do, but this blog is the most wonderful gift you could do for me, a gift every day, thank you so much. I hope Bernadette is feeling better, I see with her set backs she is still doing for others. I know that is very therapeutic for her. I wish you two the best of all in the new year. 
Thanks Dennis for the nice compliments.
 
Bernadette was dragging last night towards the end of the day. She was playing Mahjong with her half sisters. After about an hour she turned in the towel and laid down on the couch. From the couch she requested assistance to walk into the bedroom. She went to bed, had a good nights sleep and has been much better today. At about 7:00 PM this evening she was complaining of dizziness, so she went to bed. Two steps down and one step up and the cycle continues. She was not feeling up to par to go with me bowling today either.
 
Gary   
 
Diane Hill Moline (’74)
Message from Jean Took Berger (’75):  Mandan, ND
 
Happy Birthday Diane
 
 
Yesterday’s Joke of the day
Reply from Lee (Leland) Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND
 
Must say Gary, that YOU are the Guy from Minn that is doin all da verk on the blog, ya just haint tumbled to it yet.  Oh, can Ya move Yer PU from da fron of the dor, ya?  I might have lived alone for 18 years but I sure did laugh out loud when I read this latest joke;  my neighbors are either gone for Christmas eve or sittin round the stove so they hopefully did not hear me snicker.
It is -4, and that is cold for Dickinson which is known as the banana belt of ND  There are 26 – 4 apartment separate units here so the one and only maintenance man is busy as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, trying to keep each apartment warm.  
I have a space heater, you know the kind, with the fan that is automatic.
I bought mine from a catalog store in Guam;    it was on special !!     I am not able to figger out why???     They said it was an over-stock.
Lee
 
 
Four Generations
Marie Parrill (’43) with son Clayton (’72), his daughter and Grandson
 
 
Party at the Stokes’ house last Saturday
Folks, this is a little better picture than the one I posted several days ago.
These gals looked so nice in their red Santa outfits. As you can see they are very entertaining. 
There were 21 gals in all with these outfits, so there are 8 missing in this photo.
Joking, they said “Can’t you tell, we are the expats” when in reality it is us guys that are the Expats.  
 
 
 
 
 

12/25/2012 (1678)

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Year Five.
 
Folks,
 
Today marks year 5 doing this blog. Tomorrow we will be starting year six. You folks, with all of your contributions, have most certainly done a great job keeping all this going for all these years.
 
For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday.
 
Bernadette served her traditional Christmas dinner at midnight last night (Christmas eve) to all of her relatives living in our compound inclusive of our helpers and her sisters husbands siblings and their families and a few others too. There were about 60 total. For the evening leading to midnight, they played a lot of games with the kids, did a gift exchange, etc.
 
 Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Happy Birthday to Joann Hill Evans (’74)
From Jean Took Burger (’75): Mandan, ND
 
Happy Birthday Joann I hope all is well with you and your family.  Also Gary I would like to wish everyone A Merry Christmas and A Very Happy and Healthy 2013
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Aimee Lagerquist (DHS 1997): Helena, MT.  
                                
 
     Happy Birthday Diane Hill Moline (DHS 1975): Burlington, ND
                                            molines@srt.com
 
 
 
 
                  Happy Birthday Conrid Metcalfe: Seattle WA.
 
      Note: I only have FB with Conrid. Can someone forward this to him?
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Mel Kuhn (’70:  St. John, ND
 
  Ole and Sven are walking down a street in
      Chippewa Falls, WI, (Home of Linenkeugel Beer) when
      they see a sign on a store that reads, Suits $5.00 each,    
      shirts $2.00 each, and trousers $2.50 a pair.              
                                                                  
      Ole says to his pal, “Looky here! We could buy a whole gob of
      dese, take ’em back ta Dulute, Minnesota, sell ’em to our friends an’
      make a fortune.

     
      Now when we go in dere, you be quiet, okay?  
      Yust let me do da talkin cuz if dey hear yer accent, dey    
      might tink vee are igorant an’ try to cheat us. No way do
      vee vant dem to know vee’re from Minnesota.”                
                                                                  
      They go in and Ole says with his best
      Wisconsin accent,                                                               
      “I’ll take 50 of those suits at $5.00 each, 100 of those shirts
      at $2.00 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at $2.50 each.. I’ll  
      back up my pickup and ….”                                  
                                                                  
      The owner of the shop interrupts, “You’re from Minnesota,    
      aren’t you?”                                                 
                                                        
      “Vell…yeah,” says a surprised Ole, “How’d ya know dat!?”    
                                                                  
      “Because this is a dry-cleaners……
 
 

12/23/2012 (1677)

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  Happy Birthday Joann Hill Evans (DHS ’74):  Owatonna,  Minnesota
                                                   
 
 
Condolences to the George S. Azure Family
From Sharon Longie Dana (’73): MIssoula  MT
 
Cousin Gladys you and your family our in our prayers. Aziure Boys, Leslie, Lester…all those I went to school with. You are all in my prayers as well.
 
Sharon Longie Dana(class of 73)
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
      George S Azure
U.S. Veteran

George S. Azure, age 70 of Dunseith, died Tuesday on arrival to a Belcourt hospital. Funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church near Dunseith. Wake will be held on Friday beginning at 5:00 pm with a scriptural prayer service at 8:00 pm all at the church. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

George was born on October 20, 1942 in Belcourt, ND to George and Agnes (Thiefault) Azure. He grew up and attended school in Dunseith, graduating from Dunseith High School. He entered the Air Force on January 18, 1962, and attained the rank of Sergeant by the time of his honorable discharge on December 1, 1965. George was a member of the American Legion in Dunseith. George was united in marriage to Gladys Roussin on January 22, 1966. They made their home in Dunseith and together raised five children. This January they would have celebrated 47 years of marriage. He worked at San Haven as well as the missile sites near Langdon, ND. In 1979 he began his career with Public Utilities where he retired as manager in 2007.

One of George’s favorite things was spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. They were his pride and joy and he did everything in his power to attend as many of their events as he could. He greatly enjoyed spending numerous hours hunting as well as playing golf with his family. He loved to spend time fishing with the grandbabies, going to the casino, visiting with friends and tinkering around in his garage and yard. George loved listening to country and fiddlin music. It was no surprise to find him caught up in an old western movie, he greatly enjoyed John Wayne. He also enjoyed attending Demo Derby’s and was a big supporter of “Counts Demo Team #33”, led by his oldest grandchild Garren Counts.

George was a friend to many and will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife Gladys of Dunseith; sons Lyle Azure of Dunseith, Shannon “Zack”(Kerry) Azure of Dunseith, Daniel “Shane” (Erika) Azure of Portland, ND; daughters Lisa (Marshall) Azure of St. John, Sherry (Stacy) Counts of Dunseith; 10 grandchildren: Garren and Shayla Counts, Kylie and Kayla Parisien, Kelby and Kennison Azure, Shawnta’, Taylor and Trey Everett and Braxton Azure; brothers Kenny (Dolores) Azure of Redmond, WA, Vincent (Janice) Azure, Dennis (Darlene) Azure, Leslie (Sandra) Azure, Lester (Elaine) Azure, Duane (Karen) Azure, and James “Jimmy” Thiefault, all of Dunseith; sisters Rose Davis, Beverly LaVallie, Alva (Larry) Gladue, and Donna (Clayton) Belgarde, all of Dunseith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Agnes Azure, step father Frank “Lum” Azure, infant sisters Darlene and Mary Magdeline, sister Leona Davis, and brother in laws Valentine Davis and Gilbert LaVallie.

Arrangements are with Nero Funeral Home of Bottineau.

Gladys,
 
Our condolence are with you and all of George’s and your family with his passing.
 
George  was a good guy and a nice friendly guy too. I had the pleasure of meeting him at our 2007 Class of 65 reunion. Gladys is from the class of 65.
 
Gary
 
Christmas donations to the Elderly.
At the Stokes house in Cebu last night.
 
Bernadette did a collection from our Cebu expat group of friends to donate food care packages to some of the needy elderly folks in our area. Last night we distributed those care packages. We invited those that contributed to be here also. Following the distribution, we had a potluck dinner. There were about 45 folks that came. It was a fun evening.
 
These are some pictures from last night.
 
Gary
 
100 elderly folks lined up to receive their Christmas food donation
 
 
100 care packages. Inclusive of 440 lbs (Four 50k Bags) of rice and food items.
 
 
The gals all purchased these “Cebu Expat” T-shirts with their names on the
back for this occasion
 
 
Following the distribution of the care packages, we had a potluck dinner with
about 45 of our expat group of friends. All those present last night were folks
that contributed to the donation
 
 
 
 
 
Bernadette’s nieces little girl and our helpers little boy. Both 2 years old
 
 

12/21/2012 (1676)

Posted on by
No Blog tomorrow.
 
For the record, I will not be posting a blog tomorrow. We are having a Potluck dinner at our house tomorrow that I will be tied up with all day preparing for.
 
Gary
 
 
Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ
 
Happy Birthday Connie Peterson Lagerquist and Merry Christmas to all that read the blog!  Lynn Halvorson Otto
 
 
Condolence to the George Azure family
From Bill Hosmer (’48):  Tucson, AZ
 
Gary,  I wanted to express my condolence to George Azures family.  Over many years during my time in North Dakota summers, it was my pleasure to share some victories and frustrations with George and other Dunseith men at the Garden Gate Golf Course.  George’s personality, patience, and persistent putting were impressive in every respect.   He was a true gentleman who was
a model for me regarding personal patience flavored with a wonderful sense of humor.   He will be in my memory of good times enjoyed with quality Dunseith friends. Bill Hosmer
 
 
Donna Fugere’s remembrance of the Olinger’s
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
 
It is a cold frosty eve here in Bottineau this last day of fall 2012.

There has been no wind for a stretch of time here ay the foot hills of
the mountains.

These foggy days  have aided and abetted  Jack Frost’s daily efforts of
painting  the trees, bushes and fences.   Each day we get up to
another coat of frost.

Early this morning, my dogs made their yard  reconnaissance noting one
sturdy ash  tree
had  met its demise under last nights frosty visit .

After a day at  school  I came home to two terriers with cabin fever.
They were ready for their “coats” to accompany me in the auto
  to our area supercenter 24 hour store.

The boys enjoy the ride and sit in the car while I shop.
Ah HA!
And it was a very beneficial trip for me!

I met Donna Fugere in the dairy section.
She  told me she  needed to speak to me about the blog.
She isn’t a recipient of this blog but her daughter  passes
information to her.

Donna told me indeed the Olingers lived in Dunseith.
Ole drove school bus for Fugere and Hill and Mrs. Olinger, i.e.
Josephine
was a nurse at Dunseith Nursing home when Mrs. Fugere was the
administrator.

Donna said Josephine Oliger had been a  government nurse.
Retirement fron the government  brought she and Ole to Dunseith.

I asked Donna, “Was Josephine a registered nurse?”
   She said,  “Yes and a good one.”

This is one of the threads of information  i.e. questions I have
pondered on.
Ole had said she was a wonderful nurse.
…”Aye, But I knew, she was his sweetheart too.”

Now, I will share more of what my dad told me about the Josephine.

He said, Josephine Olinger was very proud to have been one of the very
first
American Indian women to be a registered nurse in the United States.
I believe Dad said she got her Registered Nursing degree in 1929.

Also, she and Ole made reference,
  when  Josephine was getting  her degree she
  sat for an artist sketching for  “Land O’ Lakes”.

(Hense, that’s another reason,why I was in awe of her
Josephine was not a braggart, she was very quiet and unassuming)
After receiving her degree, she worked all over the states.
  She met Ole when he was in the military.
  She told my dad, one year she vaccinated over 1,500
Indian people traveling all over  the country to many reservations.
  She was a traveling nurse and Ole was her driver.

It is my hope  through more research I  can find  more to Olinger Story.

For some reason, I am likea terrier.
  Once I get a bite (hum.curiousity.)
  I can’t release until I solve the mystery.

Many thanks Pam (Fugere) for putting the information out to your mum

Winter is coming tomorrow. I wonder if there will be another layer of
frost?

  Until later Gary and friends Happy Winter!
Vickie

 
 
Termites
Reply from Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC
 
Gary

A brief response to Dale Pritchard’s input on termites.  I’ve often felt that one of the good things about ND is that it is too cold for termites – or at least I don’t remember ever seeing them when I was growing up.  Conversely, anybody who has ever lived on the East or Gulf Coasts of the US for any period of time has probably had some less than positive experience with these little critters.  When Alice and I bought our first home back in the mid-seventies, we found out just how bad the problem could be.  About five months after we had moved in, they swarmed (inside) and we literally had thousands and thousands of these winged critters in our house (they swarm like that when the old colony gets too overcrowded and the winged ones set out to establish now colonies – these are not the ones that cause all the damage, the ones that do the damage look somewhat like white grains of rice and they do not have wings).  Our daughter (the only child we had at that time and who was only about four years old) was scared to death of them and wouldn’t even go to her bedroom or to the bathroom by herself because they were swarming all over inside he house.  To make a long story short, by the time they swarmed, they had already done considerable damage to our home – completely eaten up all of the studs (about eight to ten) down an interior wall (fortunately a non weight bearing wall), the floor plate and even the paper in the drywall between the mortar in the drywall and the paint over the top of it.  We ended up having to do considerable repairs to the house and over the next seven or eight years to have the house treated three different times.  No fun!

Keith Pladson (66)

 

12/20/2012 (1675)

Posted on by
No Blog Yesterday.
For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday.
Gary
 
 
Happy Birthday Connie Peterson Lagerquist (DHS ’74): International Peace Garden  
                                                             
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
 
Leo (Rocky) Davis (’74)
From Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Belcourt, ND
 

Hi Gary,
   
    Yes, Leo Davis is ‘Rocky’ Davis! I’m not sure what day his birthday is, I have forgotten. I just remember that it was the same month as mine, as was several others in our class.
 
Ivy
 
Reply to yesterday’s blog
From Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA.

Gary,

It looks like you have a better garage than some people’s houses.  I would be trying to figure out how to use about half of it for a woodworking shop.  Being made out of concrete, there’s no food for termites.  When we bought our house, the previous owner said they had had a termite problem at one time.  No joke.  When I started a renovation project about three years ago, two studs and half of one bedroom window frame were about 90% gone.  Nice!  We’re leaving for Washing DC tomorrow morning to see our 1st granddaughter again (1st grand anything really).  She will be three months old Wednesday.

Dale

Dale,
 
Termites are a huge problem here too.
 
Enjoy that new Granddaughter.
 
Gary
 
 
Reply to Dick Johnson’s “Joke of the Day”
From Diane Larson Sjol (’70):  Lake Metigoshe, ND

Dick…you are hilarious but yes, we did put that into our curriculum under Pharmacy Interventions.

Diane 

Happy Birthday to Crystal Fassett Andersen (’70)
From Paula Fassett (’71):  North Branch, MN

Happy Birthday to my sister Crystal today AND to her son Aaron – who turns 40 today!  The cutie that Crystal is holding is her granddaughter Mia Alexus Gunderson – daughter of Tyler & Vanessa (Belgarde) Gunderson.  I believe that photo was taken at Tyler’s in Savannah, GA.

Paula  Fassett

12/18/2012 (1674)

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Crystal Fassett Andersen (DHS ’70): Walhalla, ND
                   
                                                
 
Birthday wishes
From Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Belcourt, ND
 
I would like to wish Happy Birthday to Connie Lagerquist. Her Birthday is on the 20th. Also, there are a few more Birthdays in December from the class of 74. Like Joanne Hill, Muzette Berube, Rocky Davis, and so on. Happy Birthday to you guys as well! I just don’t remember who all they are and what days!
 
Thanks,
Ivy Robert
Ivy,
 
I have Leo Davis in my records from the class of 74, but no Rocky. Does Leo by chance go by Rocky? What day is his Birthday? The rest you listed I have and also their birthdays.
 
Gary
 
 
Reply to yesterday’s blog
From Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA.
 
 Gary,

Be easy on yourself about the little, inconsequential mistakes.  It is difficult to understand why you don’t make more mistakes than you do considering the volume of email you get and turn around for redistribution, putting it all together in your standard format, keeping more tracking lists than I can imagine, and being able to find something that someone asks about.  I challenge anyone else out there to say they could do better.  I sure I couldn’t.  Little mistakes are not important to us.  What you are doing is!!  I found out while working for the Army that the more you learned how to do the more you were expected to do, even at the expense of not doing what you were hired for in the first place.  And that is partially why I retired in March.  I got tired of being in the wrong every time something went wrong when a supervisor was afraid to set a priority (except after the fact).  Stepping off my soapbox now!!

Dale Pritchard 

Thanks Dale,
 
I am not sure I am worthy of all the credit you are giving me, but thank you just the same.  It is my system and of coarse it is always easier to use one’s own system than adopting someone else’s. At least that is true for me.
 
Gary
 
 
Stokes Garage
 
Folks,
 
Other than for the inside painting, our garage is finished. They finished the outside painting today. As of last night, we are now parking our car in there too.
 
We only have one car, so with a 24′ x 60′ garage, we have extra space.
 
Other than for the two 3′ doors, this garage is 100% cement and steel. The white window and door frames are cement fabricated to look like wood. The down spouts are 3″ Schedule 40 PVC pipes that feed into a 4″ PVC pipe under the cement
 
That is a water tank, no longer in use, above the garage to the left in the picture. The area under the water tank is the boundary to our house lot on the back side. There is a 6′ common boundary. Our house lot is to back and left of the water tank. When finished, the area between the house and garage will be entirely enclosed.
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

      The American Medical Association has just released important new
medical advise for older folks and I believe Diane Larson Sjol has now
incorporated this advise into her itinerary while training younger
nurses.  I mentioned it to her at Lake Metigoshe and I know she really
found it both urgent and wise advise for geriatric care. AMA Alert:
NEVER take a sleeping pill and a laxative at the same time.

Dick

 

12/17/2012 (1673)

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Raphael Poitra (DHS ’65): Dunseith, ND 
                    No email address. Please pass along to Raphael
 
 
 
Happy Birthday Kenny Nerpel (DHS ’65): Rugby, ND. 
                           
Sandy Hook:  Little girl that was killed was a friend of Eric (Leland) Stickland (’64)
Message from Leland Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND
 
Gary,
 
4 1/2 years ago I held and played with a smiling,  little, dark haired girl
On  Friday  December 14,  2012  her life ended, shot by a military rifle
GONE forever : my son, his wife and my grand son, as friends, remain
There is  no way to absorb,  to express  or  to explain  the intense pain
 
Yes, Gary we never know.  Avielle Richman went to school just as always, never to return home.
 
Avielle’s Dad and my daughter-in-law are peers; knew each other from mtgs, etc when in Calif.  Some years 
ago I went with Eric and Kim and Sam to visit at the Richmans’ home.  He also is a PhD Chemical Scientist.  
They had moved to the east coast a year before Eric, Kim and Sam did.  
Sam and Avielle were THE GREATEST FRIENDS!!
 
  This may be posted to let our classmates know that tragedies elsewhere can and do sometimes touch close to home.
 
 
Carl Melgaard – Gary Stokes screw-up
Reply from Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC 
 
Gary,
I just a few things:
 
First, let me say Alice and I are so saddened to hear about Bernadette’s health.  I hope she gets better soon and can enjoy life to it’s fullest again.  It just goes to show how quickly one’s health can change.  Our prayers and best wishes are with you guys at this time.  (I would have responded earlier, but I’ve been having some computer problems and haven’t been able to open, read or send emails for several days.  We have been up at one of our daughter’s in Virginia this weekend and so am using her computer right now.)
 
Secondly, I am also saddened to hear of Carl Melgaard’s health issues.  As I think you know, I worked for Carl and Shirley one summer while I was in high school (and of course I’m also related to Shirley).  The last time I saw them was at a benefit in Bottineau for my Sister-in-law, Margaret, in 2006 – I believe.  Before that it had been close to 40 years or so.  They both looked great when I saw them and I was delighted as they played and sang at the benefit.  A real treat for me as I knew Carl played and Shirley sang, but I had never had the opportunity to see and hear them before.  I will try to contact Vonda directly so she can pass on my thoughts and prayers to her dad and mom.
 
Also, you credit me with having sent in the Joke of the day about Jonah and the whale.  You show an email address for me as keithp@standrewshealth.com.  That is not my address and since I have not had use of my email for about a week, I’m guessing the joke actually came from Keith Pritchard.  It’s no biggie, but the credit should go to Keith Pritchard if my assumption is correct.
 
Thanks, Gary for all you do.
 
Keith Pladson (66)
Keith Pladson,
 
You are so right. I really screwed up the last two days “Joke of the Day” credit line. I should have caught that one with the email address being Saint Andrews Hospital.
 
Keith Pritchard, you are just so polite and so modest.  I can see you take after your dad, Corbin, who was a gentleman in scholar. Today’s “Joke of the Day” credit line is correct. 
 
Gary  

 

 
Little Prairie Church Picture
Reply from Geri Metcalfe Munro (’59):  Fargo, ND.
 
I see Jessie and Carl Millang to the right of the picture and maybe next to Jessie is her sister, Effie Espe.
We moved to the farm in 1946-47 and this was taken some years before that date.  I remember the folks that were identified by Dick. (John Seim had probably died by 1946).  I’m surprised that I don’t see Tom and Hannah Kirkwold, unless they’re partially hidden on the picture. 
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Keith Pritchard:  Bottineau, ND
 
One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, ‘Why are some of your hairs white, Mum?’

Her mother replied, ‘Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.’

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, ‘Mummy, how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?’

 
 

12/16/2012 (1672)

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Brenda Hill Mueller (DHS ’70): Rolla, ND
    
                                    
 
Little Praire Lutheran Church
Picture from Margaret Seim Lawston (’54):  Citrus Heights, CA
 
I don’t know if you ever receive this picture from someone else but I ran across didn’t thought it might be of interest to some people. I only know the man on the far left corner of this picture is my grandfather John Seim. grandma Ingrid Seim is kind of in the middle of the doorway. If no one has seen this picture before maybe other people would know who some of the people are.
 
Margaret, Dick Johnson previously posted this picture, but we never got any replies. I am reposting in hopes that someone can identify a few folks in this picture.  Thanks, Gary
 
Little Prairie Lutheran Church posted with message 1125 on 3/21/2011
Message/Picture posted by Dick Johnson (68):  Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

Here is a picture of the congregation of Little Prairie Lutheran Church,
probably taken after a church service many years ago. There are a few
names on the back but it is a partial listing as there are more in the
picture than names listed. There are several of the folks that many
people will know so I will point them out individually. The man on the
extreme left is John Seim. Next is Martin Foss, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Halstad,
the man in front is Earl Myer, lady with the black hat is Christine
Carlson (Carroll’s mom), the tall lady next with the white hat is Ingrid
Seim, the short gal beside her is Bertha Myer, it lists Pete Carlson on
the right but I don’t know if he was that tall. Don Aird can maybe tell
us if that is him. As I said, some are unknown to the person who
identified the people. My best guess would be late 30s or early 40s and
with the ladies in hats, maybe Easter Sunday. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC
 
A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work.

As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, ‘I’m drawing God.’

The teacher paused and said, ‘But no one knows what God looks like’.

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, ‘They will in a minute’.

12/15/2012 (1671)

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Muzette Berube Fiander DHS ’74): Melbourne, FL. 
                              
                                                 
 
Carl Melgaard
 
Message from Vonda Melgaard Antonson (’76):  Rugby, ND
 
Hi Gary, I’m sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I wish you & Bernadette the best. I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you earlier but have been really busy. I haven’t been on FB much and just saw your inquiry the other day. Dad is doing pretty well. He starts chemo this week…well today actually. I’m hoping that goes well. When my husbands mother had her chemo a few yrs ago she handled it pretty well….i hope he can do the same. Only time will tell us how things will turn out….but am very hopeful at this point. So far so good. Next time I talk to him I will be sure to tell him you asked about him. Take care. Treasure the Up moments & happy memories.
 
Vonda
Vonda,
 
Thank you so much for this updated info for your dad. As I understand, he is or was in the Bottineau hospital.
 
Please give your dad our regards when you see him.
 
Please keep us updated too.
 
Gary 
 
 
Tommy & Orvin Hagen and Rita Anderson
Reply from Cecile Carbonneau Marchand (’51): Kenosha, WI & Clearwater, FL
 
Hi Gary:  When I saw Tommy Hagen’s note it was a voice from the past. I remember Tommy well from school. I talked to Rita and she says she sees Orvin at Bethany so she will talk with him and see if they can get the e-mail address for Bethany.  It was only 7 degrees this morning in Fargo. I wish I could send her some of our Florida heat. We are usually in the 70’s here but it has been up to the 80’s and down to the 60’s daytime. Lots of sunshine. I want to wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy,Healthy New Year. Keep up the good work with your blog as it has been a pleasure reading it.
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC
 
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.

The little girl said, ‘When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah’.

The teacher asked, ‘What if Jonah went to hell?’

The little girl replied, ‘Then you ask him’.

 

12/14/2012 (1670)

Posted on by
Happy Birthday Pam Houle Hagen (DHS ’73): Big Lake, MN
   
                                 
 
     Happy Birthday Iris (Bedard) Wolvert: Willow City 
                                
 
Karen Larson
Reply from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (’62):  Windsor, CO
 
In response to todays blog- I loved the picture of Karen Larsen of the Spectrum .   She doesn’t know me, but she is one of the nicest people I have ever met.  She goes out of her way to help any and everyone- I do think she knows ” everyone” , and I never leave her store without feeling like she made that day a little happier.  She’s one of those keepers that make the world a better place.   Thanks.  Sharon Gerdes.
Sharon,
 
I agree with you 100%. Karen does brighten ones day. She is also A very kind loving person always willing to assist anyone that asks for her assistance. She has provided a lot pictures for our daily blogs that folks have asked her to scan and send to me too. Her fees are minimal too. Karen frequently dings me on FB too at about midnight her time when she is wrapping up her day. I always enjoy chatting with her.
 
My dad introduced me to Karen a few years before he died. When I was in her store several years after dad died she remembered me.
Karen’s Step dad is Wesley Schneider.
 
Gary
 
 
Condolences to the Neameyer Family
From Kathy Casavant Ellingson (’74):  Bismarck, ND
 
Allen Richard. Thanks for the nice letter. I couldn’t agree with you more. As I was younger, I also remember Gordie & his family being such great people. They just lived a couple miles down the road from us. My brother Rene worked for them for many yrs.
Condolences to his wife Jeri & childern Larkie, Joni & Blair. May God be with you at this diffucult time.
 
 
Reply to Tom Hagen’s posting yesterday
From Lee (Leland) Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND
 
Gary,
 
I faintly recall when Tom and Don lived upstairs at our house east of the lumber yard and south of Egberts.
 
Lee
 
 
Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75): Boonton, NJ
Hi Gary,
 
I love the Grandmother joke!  LOL, Amen to that I say.  I hope Bernadette is feeling better and my prayers to her and you as you journey with this illness.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
Lynn Halvorson Otto
 
Bernadette is doing as well as can be expected. She was doing really well this morning. This evening her motor skills and speech are a bit affected, but her mind is good.
 
When we were in the mall today, she purchased an Ipad and a Samsung Galaxy phone with a two year contract agreement through the phone company. She gave me her Iphone 4, so now I am in style. After the plan expires on her/my Iphone in February, I will have to get it unlocked.

Gary

 
View from Rose and Art Hagen’s condo in Cebu,
 
This is the view that Art and Rose wake upto every morning from the 8th floor of their Condo here in Cebu.  The big high rise building is the Marco Polo Hotel. That is where we have spent NYE the past two years. We have made reservations for our group again this year at the Marco Polo, but with Bernadette’s condtion, we have decided not to attend this year.
 
Gary
  
 
Posting of the day
From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):  Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND
 
Is this where I say, “Memories, memories”?

(This is where I live you know!)    



    
It’s winter in North Dakota,
And the gentle breezes  blow,
70 miles per hour at 52 below!
Oh, how I love North Dakota
When the snow’s up to your butt;
You take a breath of winter air
And your nose is frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is  wonderful,
You may think I’m a fool.
But I could never leave North Dakota,
Cause I’m frozen to the  stool.

 

12/13/2012 (1669)

Posted on by
Orvin Hagen and Rita Anderson are both in Bethany in Fargo.
Reply from Tom Hagen (’51):  Mesa, AZ
 
Hi Gary, I noticed that the message from Cecile (my classmate in 51) Marchand that her sister Rita is in Bethany in Fargo where Orvin lives so maybe they would print the blog there and he could read it ,too.    While I’m writing, I should mention that brother Leland and I lived in the old Gilbert House or Riverside Hotel back in 48-49 with Kathryn and Jerry Demoe (Grandparents of Susan Roussin and Lorna Abbey) while we attended DHS.  He was a junior and I a sophomore.   On the other side of the old log house was the family of Ray and Verna Presnall (also our cousin) Does anyone remember them (son Max) as they moved to Tioga later?    We also lived upstairs at Bob and Irene Stickland, Leland 1 year and I two years.    I believe that is the same house Don and Bernice Johnson owned later.   Norman Haagenson (Hoagy) lived with us one year and Robert  Aamodt another year.   Also Don Nelson (our nephew) went to first grade in Dunseith (Elinor Fuchs his teacher) and Joyce Hagen Evans lived with us one year as she worked at Hosmer’s Store. 
 
Hello Tom or Tommy as Orvin would say,
 
If someone can talk to the Bethany staff about printing out these daily messages so Both Orvin and Rita can read them, it would be wonderful. I know Rita faithfully read these blogs before she went to the home too. Please get the Bethany home’s email address and we will make it happen. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could post some pictures of Orvin and Rita too.
 
Gary 
 
  
Marlin (’59) and Patty Spaeth (’61) Espe have a new email address
 
Patty Espe posted on your timeline
“We have a different e-mail address. It is @yahoo.com. We would like to get back on the blog
Thanks.”
 
Neameyer (Gordie) Memories
From Allen Richard (’65):   Midland, MI
 

I know I convey my sympathy to those who experience loss quite often.  This is different.  This is as close to family as it gets.  This hurts. Out among us “prairie dogs” any neighbor who lived a mile away was family.  Dad and Freddie were best friends.  In fact the last time I saw Freddie was at Dales at an “after mass breakfast.”  It was right after Dad passed away.  Freddie said, “I just lost my best friend.”  I knew he was being totally truthful.
 
Freddie, Gordie, Dad and I had so many great times just being neighbors that I could write many many pages!  We mended fences together.  We plowed ground together.  We harvested together.  We worked our cattle herds together.  We had thousands of cups of coffee together at Dales and The Gathering. 
 
Larkie was one of the best students I ever had, and Alaina has the same birthday as Loretta and Loraine.
 
Like I said, this one is close to family.  My love, prayers and sympathy goes to everyone.
 
 
Allen Richard
801 Crooked Tree Lane
Midland, MI 48640
 
 
Face Book pictures captured from Susan Fassett Martin (’65)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life of leisure for Art Hagen in Australia. It is summer time there too.
 
 
Ken and Janet Strikes Celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary
Message from Ken Striker:  Dayton OH
 
Gary-
     I would like to thank you for this daily blog.  It helps me keep up with some of my Striker cousins who migrated west from Crawford Co Ohio.   We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this past August. Best wishes for a joyous Christmas.
Ken Striker of Dayton Ohio

  
 
Joke of the day from a Cebu Friend
 
Grandmothers
 
A doctor that had been seeing an 80-year-old woman for most of her  life finally retired. At her next checkup, the new doctor told her to bring a list of all  the medicines that had been prescribed for her. As the young doctor  was looking through these, his eyes grew wide as he realized she had prescription for “birth control pills.”    “Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are BIRTH CONTROL pills?    “Yes, they help me sleep at night.”    “Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely NOTHING in these that  could possibly help you sleep!”    She reached out and patted the young doctor’s knee. “Yes, dear, I know > > that, but every morning, I grind one up and mix it in the glass of orange juice that my 16-year-old granddaughter drinks. And believe me, it helps me sleep at night.”   You gotta love Grandmas!
 
 

12/12/2012 (1668)

Posted on by

            Happy 60th Birthday Brother Bud (Darrel) Stokes (DHS ’70): Bottineau, ND 

 
Petterson Cousins – Oldest and the youngest
 
Alice Hahn was the oldest of our cousins on dad’s side and Darrel Stokes was the youngest.
Alice was born on October 6, 1925 and Darrel was born December 13, 1952.
 
I know many of you knew Alice. She was married to Gordon Hahn. They are both deceased now.
Gordon worked most of his life for the REA. Alice’s parents were Hans and Gerda Petterson.
 
Gary
 
 
 
              Happy Birthday Karen Larson: Bottineau Spectrum
                                              spectrum@utma.com
 
 
Happy Birthday Donna Halvorson Krim (DHS ’77): Sartell, MN
                             
                                         
 
Carbonneau Sisters
Message from Cecile Carbonneau Marchand (’51):  Kenosha, WI & Clearwater, FL
 
Dear Gary:  I read your blog every day and would like you to know that Bernadette is in my prayers. I do not write often as I hardly remember many of the people but I do send the news to my sister Rita Anderson ( she and Edgar Anderson had the Gamble store there). She is at Bethany Homes in Fargo and no longer has a computer so she can not keep up with the news. I did not spend a lot of time in Dunseith, only went there to High School. I only lived in Dunseith during the school season but still have wonderful memories of the time I spent there. Our farm was half way from Bottineau to Dunseith. (The Carbonneau Farm).
Hello Cecile,
Thank you ever so much for this reply. We dearly love hearing from the silent folks like you. I can guarantee that you have made someone’s day with this reply too.
 
We used to hear from Rita frequently, but we haven’t now for a while. With her being in the home that explains why. Long term in the Bottineau Hospital used to print out the daily messages to give to Dorothy Pritchard. If Rita is interested, do you think Bethany Homes would do the same for her?  If so, please send me their email address.  The Bottineau Long Term is still on my distribution too. Not sure if they are printing them out for anyone, but they are still getting the daily blogs.
Again, It is great hearing from you.
 
Gary

 
 

Gordon F. Neameyer (DHS 1955)

Gordon (Gordie) Frederick Neameyer, 75, Moorhead, MN, formerly of Dunseith, ND, passed away Monday, December 10, 2012 at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. He was in the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.Gordie was born on August 28, 1937 in Rolette, ND to Fred and Esther Neameyer of Dunseith, ND. He graduated from Dunseith High School in 1955 and attended NDSSS and NDSU for two years prior to his farming career. He married Jerilyn Fosberg of Rolette, ND in January of 1961. They moved onto the family farm, south of Dunseith, in 1963, where they raised their three children. After retiring from farming, Gordie worked with Honsey Trucking as a driver for a number of years then worked for Rolette County in the same capacity. They traveled to their winter home in Arizona for several years and enjoyed winters there. Gordie and Jeri made Moorhead their permanent home in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Jerilyn, Moorhead, MN; daughters, Larkie Kourajian (Stuart), Peachtree City, GA; Joni Massey, Moorhead, MN; and son, Blair Neameyer (Stacey) of Lakeville, MN. Grandchildren, Tyler Kourajian, Colorado Springs, CO; Brianna Kourajian, Nashville TN; Jake and Schae Massey, Moorhead, MN; and Zach and Jayden Neameyer, Lakeville, MN; sisters, Ronette Lein, Fair Oakes, CA; Janet Krogman, Bartlett, IL; Loretta Wall (Gary), Bottineau, ND; and Loraine Haas (Larry), St. John, ND; and 24 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

 
Visitation will be from 6-7:30 pm Wed at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo.  The memorial service will be 10:30 AM. Thursday at the funeral home. 
 
 
Tjon (Brudwick) School
Message from Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):  Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND
 
Dear Gary – I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear of Bernadette’s misfortune in her health issues.   It is good you have such good help to be with both of you.   I pray for God’s strength and health for you as you continue your walk / journey through life.   Pray that Bernadette has more good days than not so good.
 
Thank you for your dedication to the Dunseith Alumni Blog.   I realize now that the Hills weren’t as wide apart as I thought when I was younger.   I was able to get to Garrison ND a couple Saturdays ago to attend their Victorian Dickens Christmas Festival.   One of the people I ran into at the crafty cards and other craft items was Karen Nelson Crocker.   Kenneth and Evelyn Nelson  bought the Tom Tjon homestead in late forties and attended the Tjon (or I guess it was also called the McGrath School or could have been Brudwick School).  I think they moved about 1956 after Mrs Nelson was killed in an accident.  There were five children – Diane, Karen, Larry, Gail, Tim.   It is quite unbelievable to remember and know your first school mates from well over sixty years ago!!  So much for small one room schools in the Hill – Turtle Mtns – of North Dakota.
 
Have a Merry Christmas .  Doreen and Bob Moran   (back in WA after being in Hazelton ND over Thanksgiving)
 
 
Neola Kofoid Garbe’s Caramel ordering information – 701-228-3917  
Hi Everyone,
 
It’s time to send my “caramel ordering information” again. :)  I have a new flavor this year: peanut butter.  Otherwise, everything is much the same.  Because of the price of nuts now, I am charging $14 per lb. for caramels containing nuts.  However, I dropped the price of caramels (without nuts and the raspberry/chocolate) to $10 per package.  Last year, I charged $11 per pound.  However, not liking to work with “odd” numbers, I decided to go with $10 this year. What a deal!! LOL!!
 
If you have questions, please contact me.
 
Merry Christmas to all of you.
 
Neola

 

 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):  Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND
 
Two Indians and an Irishman were walking through the woods.All of a sudden one of the Indians ran up a hill to the mouth of a small cave.‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ he called into the cave and listened closely until he heard an answering, ‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Woooooo!

He then tore off his clothes and ran into the cave.The Irishman was puzzled and asked the remaining Indian what it was all about. ‘Was the other Indian crazy or what?’

The Indian replied ‘No, It is our custom during mating season when Indian men see cave, they holler ‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ into the opening.. If they get an answer back, it means there’s a beautiful squaw in there waiting for us.

Just then they came upon another cave.

 
The second Indian ran up to the cave, stopped, and hollered, ‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ Immediately, there was the answer.
 
‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ from deep inside.He also tore off his clothes and ran into the opening.

The Irishman wandered around in the woods alone for a while, and then spied a third large cave. As he looked in amazement at the size of the huge opening, he was thinking, ‘Hoo, man! Look at the size of this cave! It is bigger than those the Indians found. There must be some really big, fine women in this cave!’

He stood in front of the opening and hollered with all his might

 
‘Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!’ Like the others, he then heard an answering call, ‘WOOOOOOOOO, WOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOO!’
 
With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, he raced into the cave,tearing off his clothes as he ran.
 
The following day, the headline of the local newspaper read…………….
You’ll like this

NAKED IRISHMAN RUN OVER BY TRAIN!!!
 
 

12/11/2012 (1667)

Posted on by
No Blog yesterday
 
Folks,
 
For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday.
 
Gary
 
 
Happy Birthday Martin Peterson: St John, ND
       
 
 
 
Condolences to the Mongeon family
From Rob Olson (’79):  Walla Walla, WA
 
Gary please pass along my prayers to the Mongeon family. Armand was a very kind person and his family clearly reflects that. 

Rob Olson
 
 
Condolences
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

       My sincere condolences to all the families who have lost someone
in the past short while.  The passing of Armand Mongeon, Donna Leonard,
Jess Hosmer, Willard Lamb, Alice Hoffman and others will leave the community with a
void that will be impossible to fill.  They were part of the central
make up of Dunseith for as long as I can remember and will be missed by
all of us.  To all of us, this is a sad part of this forward movement of
time.  Again my sincere condolences to all.

Dick

 
 
Bernadette
Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (’56): Becker, MN
 
Dear Gary,
    You have at your fingertips the greatest group of “Prayer Warriors” I am certain they will gather together all their prayers to help Bernadette and your family as you face her health struggles.  You have my Prayers.
 
Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)
Thank you Bonnie,
 
I have been answering most everyone with a personal message about Bernadette, but decide to post yours with an update on her.
 
Bernadette is doing much better today. They say this disease has it’s good days and bad. How true I have found that to be. She kind of came to life later in the day yesterday. We decided to do our monthly grocery shopping yesterday too. To be on the safe side we took our two helpers with us. Bernadette was very much in control with what went in the cart too. This disease often times affects its victims making them look like and walking like they are dizzy. The same is true for Bernadette. I thought she was going to fall over, several times, when we first got in the Grocery store. She said she was alright and wanted to continue shopping. We insisted that she hang onto the cart for support. For the next hour and half that we were in the store, she made it just fine. She is currently having her nails done.
 
Thank you everyone for the messages you have sent with concerns about Bernadette.
 
Gary 
 
 
The Olinger Auction
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends  This Christmas Season, I offer my tale, “The Olinger Auction”


Ole was a social fellow,his wife was the more reclusive.

The first and only time I met Mrs. Olinger was at their auction sale in Dunseith.

Auction sales for some, are places for $ minded pickers to gather up bargains to resell at exorbitant prices at antique shops.  For most in a small community it’s a time to buy used but needed things while folks gather and visit with neighbors.

As I recall, that auction had a very small handful of bidders, disappointing for Ole. For me, that estate auction was very difficult.   In a short time I got flashing glimpses of Ole and Mrs. Olinger’s years together while belongings they treasured were bid on. (Yup, I was a sap and I still am a sap.)

Dad sat with Ole and frail Mrs. Olinger in their house while I with my young nephew, at my side got my bidding number.

No one would take a bid.   It worried me that the old couple’s stuff was being given away.  So I, foolishly bid.  This was my very first bid. My first time bidding at any auction sale. I bid? You betcha! 

My first purchase was a rusty two person saw.  I fancied it because it reminded me of my Uncle Bill and his childhood experiences with his cousin a logger in the big woods of Minnesota and his tales of logging, in Tillimook, Oregon as a young single man.

My nephew ran back and forth reporting to his grandpa, horrified, saying, “Grandpa, “She’s bidding on all kinds of crazy stuff, like an old saw!”

 Then, reporting to Grandpa, “Now she’s buying pennies for a dollar each!

Finally, totally bewildered he told grandpa, Ole, and Mrs. Oinger “She just bought an old cracked,red clay pipe”.   To that, Mrs. Olinger exclaimed, “Oh, that old thing!”

All these years later, I believe, the saw still resides at the family farm.  The Indian head pennies are stashed safely away somewhere.  My treasure cupboard contains sentimental stuff valued only by me, absolutely of no monetary value to others.  

Among my sentimental treasures are remembrances given to me by my special people. There’s a dime store fuzzy koala bear that was sent by mail, to me in Montana from Uncle Bill who had wrapped it with care.  The book, “Years of Protest” from Uncle Jim who put it in my hands with grave words.  Another book, of Dads, Charlie Russell, “Trails Plowed Under.”A  glass elephant  talcum dish of mom’s.  Her wedding day cake plate given to me by Annie Anthony, on her 75th birthday.  A cracked mallard duck from Mrs. Carlson  the summer she moved away.  A fabric swatska from Carroll who wouldn’t not tell me where he got it but said I needed to place it in my cupboard with his mothers’ mallard.

This stuff, junk to others could tell a tale or two. And, the clay pipe?

 The pipe is there in my treasure cupboard reminding me of  the social, verbal, oft cantankerous but always kind, WWII Vet and his sweetheart, a  calm,quiet, skilled lady, a Turtle Mountain Metis nurse.

 Thanks Gary.

Vickie

 
Rose and Art Hagen are in Australia
 
Rose and Art Hagen are in Australia attending Rose’s son, Kevin’s, College Graduation.  They will be returning to Cebu on December 30th. Tomorrow, Rose’s daughter, Kathleen, arrives from Switzerland to be with them too.
 
 
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72): Sioux Falls, SD 
 
An old nun who was living in a convent next to a construction site noticed the coarse language of the workers and decided to spend some time with them to correct their ways. She decided she would take her lunch; sit with the workers; She put her sandwich in a brown bag and walked over to the spot where the men were eating. Sporting a big smile, she walked up to the group and asked: “And do you men know Jesus Christ?” They shook their heads and looked at each other. very confused.. One of the workers looked up into the steelworks and yelled out, “Anybody up there know Jesus Christ?” One of the steelworkers yelled down , “Why?” The worker yelled back, ” Cause his mom’s here with his lunch.”
 

12/9/2012 (1666)

Posted on by
No Blog yesterday
 
For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday. Please see my message (Bernadette’s condition) below.
 
Gary
 
 
     Happy  92nd  Birthday  Leona  Hosmer:  Wilsonville, OR
 
                             
 
Happy Birthday Joan Tremblay Johnson (DHS ’79): Dunseith, ND
                                        
                                              
 
Armand Mongeon
(Died December 5, 2012)
 
 
 
Condolences to the Mongeon Family
From Alan Poitra (’76):   Bloomington, MN
 
I want to send my condolences to the Mongeon Family.   Armand was a wonderful person and I always looked forward to chatting with him when stopping in the hardware store or Dales.   My thoughts are with the Mongeon family.

Alan Poitra
 
 
Condolences to the Mongeon Family
From Debbie Gunville Champagne (’76):   Belcourt, ND
 
My sincere condolences to Armand’s family.  Remembering Armand ever since
I was a child.as the nicest, most respectful man one could ever meet.  He
greeted “everyone” with sincerity and kindness.  In my mind he would truly
be a man that God would speak to, saying; “You have done well, my good and
faithful servant”!   God Bless Armand & his family!

Debbie (Gunville)Champagne

 
 
Armand Mongeon
Reply from Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI
 

About Armand–A large part of my memory — and the soul of Dunseith is now history.  I am very sad.  He has a wonderful family legacy.  I’d give a hug to all his kids if I dould.
 
Allen
 
 
Joanne Millang Bernstein’s (’70) son Ryan: Washington Cheif of Staff.
Posting from Diane Millang Volk (’77):  Sherwood, ND

Good Afternoon Gary:  We are so proud of our nephew Ryan Bernstein of Bottineau.  He is the grandson of Velma Millang and the late Cliff Millang, the son of Joanne and Mark Bernstein of Bottineau. This was posted yesterday.  http://www.ndcourts.gov/court/news/HoevenBernstein.htm  The work in Washington DC is so over daunting these days. I hope that they can use (and listen to) some good old common sense from North Dakota.  Thanks for all you do.

Diane Millang Volk

Ryan most certainly comes from good stock. We wish him the best with his new job. We know he will do well.  Gary
 
 
 
                        Ryan Bernstein lawyer record
 
 
 
Gary Nadeau: Neola would like some info.
Request from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
Gary, you posted picture quite some time ago and no one seemed to have info about him. You sent info you located, and I added it to his picture. I don’t know why, but his wallet-size senior pictures (this one)are in a Wondrasek envelope and laying beside my computer.  Do you have an email address for a Nadeau who might have info about Gary, or would be interested in having his pictures?  If I don’t move the envelope until I get more info, I shouldn’t lose it!!! LOL!
 
Thanks.
 
Neola
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

 

  
Bernadette Stokes’ condition.
 
Folks,
 
I want to share a message with you that I sent out yesterday to all of our Cebu expat friends. By getting all this out in the open alleviates a lot of rumors and questions of what is really going on.
 
Bernadette had a good nights sleep and is emotionally a lot better today than she was last night. For Christmas she has been collecting money to purchase food for the elderly in need.  She wants to go to the store today to purchase those food items.  Not sure how that will go, but we will see. She just sent our helper down to the Market to purchase 220 LBS of rice (Two 50k bags).
 
Gary 
Hello Cebu Friends,
 
I have chosen to enlighten you folks with Bernadette’s status so you will know what is going on and happening when you see her.
 
As I mentioned before, Bernadette had a series of mini strokes. These mini strokes have caused a condition called Vascular Dementia, a condition that can not be reversed. As time goes on it gets progressively worse. Normally but not always, the first things affected are the motor skills and eventually the memory. Some days are better than others as this disease progresses. Yesterday, when Bernadette went bowling with me, was one of her better days. Today she feels tired and her movements are affected. Today we went to  Borussia’s in Sogod for lunch with some of our expat friends. She was tired and wanted to leave a bit early. When we got home she became very depressed thinking her time is limited.
 
At this point her condition will determine our socializing. It is best if she can get out as much as possible to be with friends and people, but when it gets to the point or on some of her worse days I will have to play it by ear for her/my attending social functions.
 
Yes, this disease does shorten ones life. The average life span from the onset is 5 to 6 years but can be as long as 20. My guess is that Bernadette is at least a year into this disease. I think her first and maybe her only mini strokes were a year or more ago. The symptoms that are now surfacing are from the affects of Vascular Dementia.  This of coarse is only my assumptions. I am not a doctor. Her MRI indicated that she has had Mini Strokes and that she now has Vascular Dementia.
 
At the moment a lot of her family members are in the living room with her. She wanted to talk to her/our son Bernie, so I called him, 1:00 AM his time in Washington State, so she could talk to him. 
 
Seeing her in this condition is not easy and her depression makes it all the worse. We just have to make the best of things is all. 
 
Bernadette has not been told that she has Vascular Dementia. All she knows is that she has had mini strokes. I think it is best that she not know. It would just really depress her all that much more. 
 
Again, I just wanted to get this out in the open so you all know what is going on. 
 
Take care,
 
Gary    
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Dick Johnson (’66):  Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

       With all the Polish heritage we are now connected to via Larry,
I thought I could fill in a few more points of interest along the same
lines.  Once many years ago,  little Larry Jr. went into the living room
and asked Larry,  “Dad,  where did we come from?”  Larry thought it was
time to fill in the little guy on his long lineage and said, “Well son,
we actually descended from monkeys.”  Little Larry pondered that thought
and then walked out into the kitchen and asked Marion,  “Mom,  where did
we come from?” Marion also thought it was time to tell him about how
things are so she said,  “Well son,  God made us.”   Little Larry
thought about that for a couple seconds and then said,  “Dad said we
descended from monkeys.”  Marion said,  “That’s true,  but he was just
talking about his side of the family.”

Dick
 
 

12/7/2012 (1665)

Posted on by
Nancy Hosmer Kontzie’s (’62) Birthday
Posting from Diane Larson Sjol (’70):  Lake Metigoshe, ND

Today is Nancy Hosmer Kontzie’s birthday!  Happy Birthday Nancy!  All the best to you cuz!

 
Happy Birthday Nancy Hosmer Kontzie (‘DHS 62): Lake Metigoshe, ND
                  
 
 
Correct Photo for Greg Larson (’70)
From Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):  Portola Valley, CA
 
Hey Gary,

 
I totally missed the “wrong photo” of my brother!  Here’s a couple of Greg that I took on a visit to Bismark.  He’s still skating pretty hard – for an old fart.

Also I found this awesome link to a you tube video that I think the North Dakota folks will enjoy.  These boys are from Kansas, but they could pass for No Dakers.  Yeah!  

Happy Holidays to all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48H7zOQrX3U

Trish, (Greg’s much younger sister)
 
 
Armand Mongeon (’40) Passed away
Message from Mark Schimetz (’70):  Rolette, ND
 
Gary, It is With deep regret to inform you and friends, that Another Fine Solder, and Dear friend. left us today.  that Armand Mongeon passed away  apparently after a second surgery in Trinity Hospital. Armand was a very kind and personable Man, and is going to be sorely among our Legion Post in Dunseith. The Funeral will be held on Monday at 11.00 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Dunseith. 
 
 
Armand Mongeon
(Died December 5, 2012)Send FlowersSend Sympathy GiftsSend Sympathy Car
Guest Book| Sign Guest Book
 
I was shocked to say the least to hear of Armand’s passing. He has been a Dunseith Icon for decades. He will be remembered as the kind hearted sole that he was.  He will be missed. Our condolences are with Armand’s family with his passing.  
 
Gary
 
 
Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND
 
Thank You  for the correction on the  Greg Larson  photo.

I had not seen Greg since the evening we graduated.
I thought, “Oh my he has changed, I wouldn’t know  him on the street.”
Then again some wouldn’t know me either._
 
Thank goodness we all change and we get to be better people with time!.
I am sorry to say my typing skills have declined greatly.
 But my  management of rambunctious kids and dogs has greatly improved!
 
My character laugh lines  and knowledge is  more defined.
This weekend is the Sons of Norway  special doings at the Senior Center.
 
I have   improved on  knowing the difference between  milk pudding
and  Romegrot.  
 
 I do favor the Sut Soupe and the sandbakkles and…Lutefisk.
Not a bit Scandiavian but having  Grandma Seim,Aunt Ella and Aunt Jennie was an elementary place to begin.
 
Have a great week everyone.  Perhaps be  seeing  you at the Center on Saturday.
I told Hjimar Berg (brother to Erling) I intend to be first in line at the door.
 
Thanks Gary. 
Vickie
 
Typhoon Pablo
Concerns from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX
HI Gary
My best wishes to Bernadette. I hope she’s doing better now. I read the news about the typhoon that struck last night. That’s so awful. I know Cebu is a dfferent island from the one that was hit so badly and i’m hoping you guys are safe and not feeling any of the effects of the storm. It’s hard to believe whole families could be swept up and washed away.
Cheryl Larson Dakin
Cheryl,
 
We had some rain and cloudy weather from typhoon Pablo and that was about it. There was much damage and life loss here in the Philippines with Pablo too.
 
Bernadette is doing much better today. She will going with me bowling today. She is improving each day. Because of the Typhoon they switch our bowling day to Friday for this week.
 
Gary
 
 
Polish People living in the Turtle mountains
Comment from Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND
 
Gary,

I was thinking about Mel’s comment that there are more Polish people living in the Turtle Mountains

than most of us realize.  But, I could not come up with very many Polish names?  Then I recalled running into this fellow a few years back that had just

immigrated to the the US from Poland and was living in Williston.  He said he moved here to get away from his mother in law. 

Which is another story, that Mel could probably fill in the blanks for us again if he wanted too.  However, during our conversation this fellow from Poland  made the same observation that Mel had made, ” that there are a lot of Polish people living in North Dakota” and that is why he came to live here.  He said, that what most Polish people did, was just drop the (ski ) off the end of there name to keep from being labeled a Pollock and the changing of the light bulb thing.  Another fellow who was listening to the conversation spoke up and said, that he was Polish.  The immigrant asked him what his last name was, and the guy replied it was Zimney.   The immigrant chuckled, and said Zimminski, and that it means clown in Polish.  Now you have to know, that this guy Zimney was funny but he was no center ring material.  However, he maybe could have clowned around the edges of one them other rings.  Anyway, after thinking about this some more and putting two and three together, I was wondering could it be: Kuhnski instead of Kuhn,  Stokeski instead of Stokes,    Johnski instead of Johnson,  Grimmenski instead of Grimme, Bedardski instead Bedard, Oh, and Boguslawski is Boguslawski, and the closest one to Berginski that I am able to recall at this time is the name Bergan, could it be Berganski?

Just wondering?

Larry

Bill Grimme’s (’65) Reply to Larry
 

Larry,

I think you hit it. Great little story. Reminds me of the time about 5 of us were having dinner in a real Italian restaurant-I mean real Italians owned and operated and imported their waiters from Italy. So, one of my friends was named Sozzi and my friend asked the Italian waiter what the name Sozzi meant.  The waiter stepped back from the table a little, looked toward the ceiling, clearly in thought and sat “Soatzee”, that’s how the waiter said it and then said, “Soatzee –dirty person—Soatzee”. So, we all had a laugh on my friend, Sozzi. But, it wasn’t over. In a few minutes the waiter returned and said “Scusa mi, senor. Soatzee—MANY dirty person—Soatzee”. Now, we really had a laught.

Take care, Larry.

Bill

Larry’s reply to Bill
 
Bill,
 
I’m thinking that Larry seems more probable to have the ski added on. Hackmanski just kind of rolls right off the tongue doesn’t it. Your right,no Italian blood flowing through my veins,actually hardly any blood flowing through my veins. As far as Dick and Gary go I think day are related to Ole Yohnson and Yumping Yimeny Yohnson.
 
Mel
 
Mel Kuhn’s reply to Bill Grimme
 
Bill,
 
I’m thinking that Larry seems more probable to have the ski added on. Hackmanski just kind of rolls right off the tongue doesn’t it. Your right,no Italian blood flowing through my veins,actually hardly any blood flowing through my veins. As far as Dick and Gary go I think day are related to Ole Yohnson and Yumping Yimeny Yohnson.
 
Mel
 
 
 
Eugenie Walker was is sister to Marie and Mildred Parrill
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

EUGENIE V. WALKER

Eugenie V. Walker, age 92 of Bottineau, died Monday in a Bottineau hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home chapel in Bottineau. Burial will be in the Rendahl Cemetery of rural Dunseith. Vitiation will be held on Friday beginning at 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. until service time in the Funeral home.

Eugenie was born to Norwegian immigrants John and Marie Nelson in Homan Township in Bottineau County on March 15, 1920, during one of North Dakota’s worst snowstorms. She grew up in rural Dunseith and graduated from Beaver Dam country school. She worked as a hired girl on the Mongeon and Grenier farms South of Dunseith for a time before moving to Fargo to work at the Cass County Hospital. Eugenie was married to Hugo G Walker at Carson City, NV on July 27, 1942. From there they moved to the Los Angeles, CA area where Hugo worked as a pattern maker and Genie was a housewife and worked out of her home as a tailor. Genie was first rate at crocheting and knitting. She loved playing games and cards, especially whist. Genie also loved to work in her flower garden.

Hugo and Genie had one daughter Carol Jane Walker who passed away in July 2001. Following her daughter’s death Genie moved back to Bottineau in 2002 to be near family. After 60 years in California it was difficult to adjust to North Dakota weather, but she made many friends and participated in many activities. Genie was a member of the Bottineau Senior Citizens. She lived independently until Sept 2012 when she entered St. Andrew’s Hospital.

Genie is survived by two sisters Marie Parrill and Mildred Parrill, both of Bottineau. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Bill Blomquist, Lance Blomquist, Ardis Metcalfe Steggall, Ines Metcalfe 0’Shea, Mary Metcalfe Bradley, Sherrie Nelson Coutts, Jana Nelson, Robert Nelson, Jeff Nelson, Janet Parrill LeNoue, Lynda Parrill Jordan, Clayton Parrill, Rodney Parrill, Myron Parrill, LeaRae Parrill Espe, and Joel Parrill and many great nieces and nephews and several great great nieces and nephews.

Genie was preceded in death by her husband and daughter, her siblings and their spouses Nellie (Frank) Blomquist, Jennie (Lucky) Metcalfe, Erling (Helen) Nelson, Carl Nelson, Olga (Howard) Edinger, John (Della) Nelson and two bother-in-laws Thurman Parrill and Dean Parrill, one niece Gladys Ann Blomquist and one nephew Clark Parrill.

Memorials are preferred to Rendahl Cemetery (9644 27th Ave NE Dunseith, ND 58329) or Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith or the donor’s choice

 

12/5/2012 (1664)

Posted on by
Apologies to Greg Larson and Also to Jerry Williams
 
Greg Larson: I really pulled a boner posting the picture of another Greg Larson, who also lives in Bismarck, for your birthday wishes yesterday. I am so sorry for that mix up.
 
Jerry Williams. Your Birthday is actually today, not last Monday the 3rd, as I posted yesterday. Again I am so sorry.
 
 
 
Philippine Typhoon concerns
From Bill Pritchard:  Bottineau, ND
 
Hoping all is well with the typhoon nipping your area.
Bill,
 
We had some heavy rains that lasted for about an hour and the was pretty much the extent of the affects of the typhoon that recently passed throught the Philippines.  We had very little wind too.  We are protected from other Islands all around us. The last major Typhoon that hit Cebu was in 1990. Manila gets hammered every year with Typhoons and other major storms. We live in the banana belt.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Reply to a personal message
From Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Belcourt, ND
 

Hi Gary….
 
    I live just out of Belcourt at my niece’s place. However, I do spend a lot of time with my sister in Bottineau.
   I got GREAT NEWS today from my oncologist in Minot. I am officially in remission. I had a PET Scan last week & the results indicate, that I am indeed in remission……That has to be the second best news I have gotten this year. The first being my grandson Cooper! So now I just have to have a PET Scan  every three months for the next couple of years and then once a year after that!
Ivy
 
 
 
Ole Olinger Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary, friends and great responders, Mr. Nagel and Dick,

Mr. Nagel e-mailed yesterday eve, recalling Ole as a bus driver,when he was a substitute driver.   I never knew, Ole drove school bus which was verified by Dick.

Like my dad, who was from the old school.   He’d introduce  older people as Mr. or Mrs.   I am thinking Mrs. Olinger’s maiden name was a prominent sir name of  the Turtle Mountains,   Metis,  highway 43_  and St. John  area.  I believe her first name was Josephine.

I don’t know when the Olinger’s moved to Dunseith.  I believe they are buried together at St. Ann’s in Belcourt.  My brother was a pallbearer for Ole and had met Ole’s family at his funeral.  It was a cold, cold day.  Dad didn’t go.

I have a few stories which I recall about “The Olinger’s “.  They were a couple  I want to remember.  Dog gone it I want to write those stores down!  Before I do, I have a need to research and find factual information.

I do know when Dad was losing his vision, his  old friends and new friends alike treated him with respect and courtesy.  And for that I am grateful.

Many Thanks.

Vickie

P.S. I wonder?  Do others wonder if Mr. Nagel is thinking I’ve improved on those 40 “words per minute”?  

 
Reply to Mel Kuhn (’70)
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

        It was sure nice to see the picture of ‘ol Mel holding his new
grandson way out there in Montana.  The part I found the most
interesting was how much the cute little young’un resembles his
grandpa.  Same hair and–well,  same hair anyway.  Paybacks are
a——you know what paybacks are Mel!  Thanks Gary!

Dick

 

12/4/2012 (1663)

Posted on by
Bernadette Stokes update:
 
Last night after Bernadette got out of the hospital and came home she went on a downward spiral. I called her doctor and she told me to take her off of one of her meds. When I talked to her, Bernadette had already taken her meds and was in Bed. That drug was a time released drug too so it takes a day or more to get it out of her system. At 4:00 AM Bernadette woke up and was sitting on the edge of the bed. Our bedroom is dimly lit. She was saying she couldn’t find the bathroom. After getting into the bathroom of which is in our bedroom she was saying “I can not find my pillow”. When she  woke up this morning her memory was gone. She couldn’t remember anything that had happened in the previous days. A short time after eating breakfast, I said to her, “You had a good Breakfast”. She didn’t even remember having breakfast. Over the coarse of the day she has gotten better. It is now 8:30 PM and she just went to bed. She is remembering things now, so all is getting better. We will see what tomorrow brings.
 
Gary
 
 
Happy Belated Birthday (11/30) Jan Hosmer Cobb (DHS ’60): Wilsonville, OR
                                            
 
 
 
Happy  Belated  Birthday (11/30)  Greg  Larson (DHS ’70):  Bismarck, ND
 
 
 
   Happy  Belated  Birthday  (11/30) Pam  Fassett Faust:  Lilburn, GA
 
 
 
Happy  Belated  Birthday  (12/1) Darrel Fassett (DHS ’48): Boynton Beach, FL
               
 
 
 
Happy  Belated  Birthday  (12/1) Don Boardman (DHS ’60): Bottineau, ND
                 
 
 
 
Happy  Belated  Birthday  (12/3) Jerry Williams (DHS ’54): Watertown, SD
              
 
 
 
 
 
Mel Kuhn’s Grandkids
Posting/pictures from Mel Kuhn (’70): melkuhn@utma.com St. John, ND
 
Gary,
 
I suppose I should have some kind of reply for Larry about the Berginski barn. He must have been driving around up here in the hills just recently to have taken that picture in the snow. Also there are still quite a few of them old Polish people up here in these hills.
 
I guess I haven’t written in anything for a while so I guess I should fill Dick and Larry in on my wife’s latest vacation. I know they worry about me when she’s gone. They know I run out of dishes if she’s gone too long and I have to buy more new dishes. You’d think I’d have quite a few bought up by now. I’ve also been known to have to buy more clothes too because I’ve got orders to never touch the laundry. I tried once and I didn’t know my wife could use the F word in so many differant ways in one big long sentence. Well she decided she needed to go on vacation to Bozeman at Thanksgiving time to meet our new month old grandson. She probably talked with Dick and Larry about how to avoid this thing with me buying new dishes and clothes while she is gone. I don’t know how I’m going to prove this, but I just know that they are to blame. SHE MADE ME GO WITH HER!! I just know it’s one of them that gave her the idea. Well anyway I got to meet our new grandson Waylon Enoch Boysun. I also hadn’t seen his older brother Wyatt for over a year so it was a joy seeing him too. All and all it was a good vacation, even though my wife can’t keep her fingers off of the dang radio and heater buttons in the car while I’m driving. Later guys.
 
Mel
Congratulations Mel.
You are looking great too. I will always have 5 years on you though. 
Gary
 
 
 
 
 
Alice Hoffman’s Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Alice Hoffman

Alice Dockter Schick Hoffman

Born May 12, 1926                Died November 26, 2012

With great sadness at the loss of their beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother on Monday, November 26, 2012, the Hoffman family bids farewell to Alice Hoffman.  With her gentle nature, kindness of spirit and unwavering cheerfulness this wonderful lady leaves behind an exemplary legacy of a life well-lived and countless dear memories for her family.

Alice was born to Jacob and Emilia (Waltz) Dockter in their farm home north of McClusky, North Dakota.  Her father died when she was four years old, later her mother married August Schick who raised Alice from childhood to an adult.  In 1931, the family moved to a farm west of Denhoff, North Dakota and then into Denhoff itself two year later.  Alice attended the Denhoff School through 12th grade when she graduated as Valedictorian in 1944.  Following high school, she was employed in the office of the Agriculture and Labor Department at the state capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota for two years.

On June 14, 1945, Alice married Harvey Hoffman in Renton, Washington.  After Harvey’s discharge from the service, the happy couple lived in Bismarck, McClusky and Lodi, California until 1952 when the family, including their children, Dale and Brenda, returned to North Dakota where Alice and Brenda were tuberculosis patients at the San Haven Sanatorium in Dunseith, North Dakota for one and a half years.  After their discharge, the family remained at San Haven, where Alice took the position as Executive Housekeeper and Director of Central Supply, a position she held for the next 28 years.  She retired in May 1986 and the couple moved to Rugby, North Dakota, all the while enjoying traveling and camping in all 50 states, as well as wintering in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico until 2003 (17 years).

Alice is survived by son Dale (Loretta) Hoffman of Fountain Hills, Arizona; daughter Brenda (David) Pazandak of Greenville, South Carolina; and daughter Cynthia (Michael) Allstead of Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Alice and Harvey also loved and cherished their three grandchildren, Lisa Hoffman of Madison, Wisconsin; David (Angela) Hoffman of Columbus, Ohio; and Michele Allstead of Sand Point, Idaho.  They were also blessed with on precious great granddaughter Isabella Hoffman of Columbus, Ohio.  Alice also leaves three sisters, Violet Kurschman of McClusky, North Dakota; Lorraine (Boyd) Gilchrist of Mandan, North Dakota; and Marjorie (Armond) Sonnek of Annandale, Virginia.  She was preceded in death by her husband (January 22, 2012); and her parents.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Rugby.  Pastor Mike Pretzer, officiating.  Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan on Friday at 3:00 p.m.

Erma Eruch Augusta Peltier Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Erma Augusta Peltier

Erma Augusta (Eurich) Peltier, the daughter of David and Eva (Kraft) Eurich was born in the home of her parents in rural Dunseith, North Dakota on August 3, 1919.  She died at the age of 93 years on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

Erma was raised in the rural home of her parents near Dunseith and received her education in Dunseith rural schools.  Following her schooling, Erma did housekeeping for area families.  On March 25, 1940 she was united in marriage to Frank F. Peltier at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith.  The couple farmed and worked in the Dunseith area until 1976 when they retired and moved to Desert Hot Springs, California for one year, then returned to North Dakota, settling in Rugby.  Frank died on September 11, 1985.  Following his death, Erma continued to live in their Rugby home until moving to the Haaland Manor Apartments and later to the Haaland Home Estates.
Erma was a good Catholic, who enjoyed her church and her spiritual life.  She was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, a former member of St. Louis Catholic Church and its Alter Society Guild in Dunseith, and a member of the Sunshine Homemakers Club.

She is survived by 3 sisters, Olinda Pigeon of Dunseith; Marie Beachler and Eva (Bob) Paulson both of Rugby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; brothers, David, Fritz and 2 infant brothers; sisters, Irene Kiliehowski, Frieda Reisig and Betty Nerpel; and her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 7 at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the Little Flower Church Cemetery in Rugby.  Father Thanaiah Marneni, celebrant.

Visitation: from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby.  There will be no reviewal in the Church

Rosary and Vigil prayers will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home.

Ole Olinger Memories
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

       In reply to Vickie,  I knew Ole Olinger quite well.  He was a
regular coffee drinker at Dale’s during the years I drove school bus for
Duane Fugere and Johhny Hill so I saw him nearly every day.  He was full
of stories about the old days and had a particular interest in old farm
machinery.  I mentioned to him that my Grandpa Hans had a single bottom
sulky plow sitting in the woods on the land east of home where they left
it many years ago.  He drove up from town one day and I took him over to
look at it.  He knew what kind it was and about the year it would have
been made.  As he was looking at it closely,  he noticed where Grandpa
or Axel had repaired the old plow where some bolts had stripped off by
tightly wrapping heavy galvanized wire around the two pieces to hold
them together.  He said something I never will forget when he saw the
repair.  “Well, I see your grandfather was pretty good at Mormon
welding.”  I never heard that before!  For some reason I also remember
his real name. I don’t know why but it stuck?  William Harvey Olinger, I
believe. Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61):   Usk, WA & Hazelton, ND
 
A Love Story

A couple was Christmas shopping at the mall on Christmas Eve and the mall
was packed. As the wife walked through the mall she was surprised to look up
and see her husband was nowhere around. She was quite upset because they
had a lot to do.

Because she was so worried, she called him on her mobile phone to ask him
where he was.

In a calm voice, the husband said, “Honey, you remember the jewelry store we
went into about 5 years ago where you fell in love with that diamond
necklace that we could not afford and I told you that I would get it for you
one day?”

The wife choked up and started to cry and said, “Yes, I remember that
jewelry store.

He said, “Well, I’m in the bar right next to it.”

 

12/3/2012 (1662)

Posted on by
December 3, 1978 – Our wedding day
 
Folks,
 
34 years ago today I married the beautiful lady of my life, Bernadette.
 
Bernadette was released from the hospital today. She is not 100%. There was some damage with the mini strokes that she had. I called her doctor this evening and she took her off of one of her meds again hoping that will correct things a bit. It is a time released med, so it will take 24 plus hours to get that out of her system. She just took that med this evening too. I may have to get some full time help to be with her at all times.
 
Gary
 
Note: Nels and Dad were full brothers. Nels was born in 1904 and Dad in 1915.
 Nels Petterson, Helga Petterson, Bernadette Stokes, Gary Stokes,  Elaine Stokes, Bob Stokes
 
 
Blog numbers
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND
 
Gary,
 
You’ve slipped a cog on the last couple posts. You’re in the 1500’s and should be in the 1600’s.
 
Mel
Yes Mel, I noticed my mistake when I went to post yesterday’s blog on our Website. Before we know it, we will be at the 2,000 mark too. The end of this month we start year 6 doing this too. The years are clipping by rather quickly.
 
Gary
 
 
Senior Citizen bus Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary and friends,

My Dad, Cliff, rode the senior citizen bus into Dunseith, three times a week  in the late 1970’s to mid 1980’s.

 
The driver of the bus, Ole Olinger, was a veteran of WWII military police and originally from Nebraska.  Mrs. Olinger was a retired nurse originally  from  the St. John – Belcourt  area.
 
Mrs. Olinger passed away in 1983 and Ole in January 1985, a few months before Dad’s passing.
 
They had fascinating life stories. Does anyone else recall them?
 
It is my hope Bernadette’s good health continues to be restored.  
For each of you, who have lost dear ones, may the warmth of fond memories lighten the grief this holiday season.

As ever, Vickie
 
 
Snow Planes
Message/Pictures from Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND
 
Gary and Friends,

     Last winter I started rebuilding an old snowplane that I got out of
a tree row north of Bismarck.  My son found it when he was hunting deer
with some friends of his.  He called me on his cell phone and asked if
he should check with the owner to see if he would sell it.  He knows my
passion for these old machines.  I told him to go for it and he was able
to buy it, and the aircraft engine for it, that the guy had in his
shop.  The aircraft engines are now worth too much money to use on
snowplanes so I used an automotive engine I had in my shop.  It’s a V6
Buick and a bell housing from an inboard boat.  The rest of the prop
drive I made from other parts I could find locally.  Being the snowplane
has an automotive engine, I was also able to use a heater for the cab
just like those used in a car.  It’s nice and warm in this one.  The air
cooled aircraft engines we run on other snowplanes have to have the
exhaust pipes run through the cab to keep you from freezing while
driving them. They are also hard to regulate the heat to coincide with
the outside temperature.  I don’t have all the ‘bugs’ worked out of the
snowplane yet but I’m getting closer.  I sold/ am selling this snowplane
to a fellow from Sherwood, ND.  He’s been very patient as he knows I
don’t have a lot of spare time to work on this project. It was a fun
project and I made something fun out of extra stuff I had lying around.
Just thought some of the folks might like to see the before and after
pictures of the project and it might just stir some memories from some
of the old snowplane guys who are reading this.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

 
 
 
 
 

12/2/2012 (1661)

Posted on by
Bernadette Stokes
 
Bernadette’s MRI revealed that she was having Mini Strokes. It wasn’t her medications after all. We should have gotten her to the hospital several months ago when we first noticed some of her conditions, but we didn’t think it was anything serious. We really thought it was a reaction to one of her drugs that can have a few side affects with the symptoms she was having. She does have some damage that can be detected in her speech and also in a few other areas that her doctor said should be self correcting in time. She is very lucky.
 
Bernadette will be released from the hospital tomorrow (Monday) Morning. She has had lots and lots of company that has really lifted her spirits. She is in what they call a private family room, so having lots of folks in her room didn’t disturb anyone. Last night our two helpers and 4 others spent the night with her. Four of them slept on the hard tile floor. When our Expat friends came to visit, her family members were very polite and went to the lobby area just outside her room. They spent quite a few hours out there the past several days too, but they didn’t mind.
 
Gary 
 
 
 
Condolences to the Huffman family
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC
 
To Brenda Hoffman, my thoughts,and my heart goes out to you with the loss of your Mother. A person can expierence many losses in life, but the loss of ones Mother is a loss you feel forever…..it gets easier with time, but you will always miss her. I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying the Lords peace,and healing over you in the weeks and months and years ahead.  Sincerely, Aggie Casavant’
 
 
Condolences to the Huffman family
From Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (’79):  Springfield, VA.
 
Deepest Sympathy to Hoffman family in loss of Mother. She was a very kind woman.
May memories aide with your loss. God Bless
 
Jacqueline Hiatt Fix
 
 
 
Condolences to the Huffman family
From Esther Murray (’65):  Flint, MI
 
My condolences to Brenda Hoffman. My prayers to the family.  Always  Esther
 
 
 
Condolence to those that have lost loved ones
From Dave Slyter (’70):   Sabin, Mn
 
Gary:

I send my sincere condolences to these families that have lost loved ones these past few weeks.   They are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Also I am sorry to hear that your wife Bernadette hasn’t been feeling well lately.    It is good to hear that she is recovering and starting to feel better.   I pray that they can find out what is  wrong and treat it, so she can start feeling even better . 

Thank You for all that you do and best wishes during the holiday season.

Dave Slyter (70)
 
 
 
Condolence & Memories to those that have lost loved ones
From Margaret Leonard Metcalfe (’65):  Rolette, ND
 
Hi Gary
So sorry to hear of Bernadette’s medical problems.  So relieved to hear that it is a reaction to medication;
hopefully changing her medication will take care of the symptoms.  
It’s amazing how true the saying is: “When you have your health, you have just about everything.”
My prayers for her totally recovery.  
 
I was so sorry to hear of Willard Lamb’s passing. 
I remember a visit Willard made to our farm when I was about three years old.
I came into the kitchen and he was sitting at the table.  I must not have looked
at him too closely, because I thought he was my brother, Jimmy.  I crawled up
into his lap and started singing!  My Dad said, “Margaret, do you know who
this is?”  Was I surprised when I realized whose lap I was sitting on.  I don’t think
I finished the song.  I remember Willard’s big smile.
 
My condolences to the Hoffman family in the loss of your wonderful mother, Alice.
I remember the Hoffman’s especially at San Haven when I would stay overnight with Carol
Jasper.  I thought it was fabulous to eat in the cafeteria with all the San Haven families
that lived there.  We would go exploring and stop to see Harvey in the bakery and Alice
worked in the hospital if I rememeber right.  We used to see Harfey and Alice dancing at
the Eagles in Rugby, in the later years.  They were such kind people and raised 3
really neat kids! 
 
Also my sympathy to Bob Leonard and family. Donna was a hoot; so much fun to be around.   People would
often confuse Chuck with Bob since Bob was the Insurance Agenct in Dunseith and Chuck was the Insurance Agent in Rolette.
When Nikki was born, I was showing her picture to the office staff in Belcourt High School and one of
the ladies said, “Oh she looks just like Bob!”  They had the right guy, but the wrong name.
 
Margaret Leonard
 
 
Message to Erling and Joan Landsverk
From Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Erling & Joann,
 
Think of you two often. Haven’t seen you guys for a long time. How are you doing?? Cute joke you sent. Happy holidays to you & your families!!
Love,
 your cousin -in-law!! Connie Landsverk
 
  
“Taste of Bottineau County” event at the Bottineau Armory
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND
 
Hi Everyone,
 
From 4:00 – 7:00 on Friday, December 7, 2012, there will be a “Taste of Bottineau County” event at the Bottineau Armory. 
 
Minot hosts a “Taste of Minot” event annually.  As I understand it, people pay (Bottineau event is $5.00) at the door and are then eligible to sample the food at the various tables.  I would assume some type drink will be provided (coffee? water? other?), but I’m not sure about this. 
 
I’ve been invited to participate in this event (I have a new caramel flavor–peanut butter!  Other flavors: plain/plain with nuts, chocolate with nuts, licorice, raspberry/chocolate) and will hopefully be there on December 7.
 
If your place of employment allows you to print and post this flyer, please do so. :)  THANKS!!
 
I hope to see many of you, your friends and relatives on Dec. 7. As you know, an event is only as successful as the people who attend it. :)
 
Neola 
  
 
Posted from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND
 
 
Joke of the day
Posted by Donald Malaterre (72):  Sioux Falls, SD

Farm kids in North Dakota


You can never underestimate the innovativeness of American Farm Boys:

At a high school in North Dakota, a group of male students played a prank .  They let three goats loose inside the school.

But before turning them loose, they painted numbers on the sides of the goats: 1, 2 and 4.
 
School Administrators spent most of the day looking for No. 3.


And you thought there was nothing to do in North Dakota!

11/30/2012 (1660)

Posted on by
Bernadette Stokes is in the Hospital
 
Folks,
 
Bernadette has been experiencing off and on problems with hand and arm movements for a few months now. She would drop things and also had problems with the placement of things with her hands. About a month ago we noticed her speech was a little slurred too. These conditions would come and go. She has been getting medical attention and they have been unable to pin point the problem. This problem has been getting increasingly worse and was affecting her whole body. Wednesday night she had a very restless night. Thursday morning (Yesterday), she was at the point of needing assistance for virtually everything. She needed assistance to walk. She had been resisting going to the hospital, but at that point we got her there. After 5 hours in The ER they could not pin point the problem. He doctor thought maybe it could be a drug reaction to one of her meds, so she took her off it and they admitted her to the hospital. Last night when I left the hospital she was doing better and could entertain visitors. Our two helpers, Tata and Gaga are staying with her full time in the hospital. This morning Bernadette called me from the hospital and said she if feeling much better and is pretty much back to normal. That was good news. At this point it appears to have been a reaction to her meds.
 
With Bernadette being in the hospital, I may miss a few blogs, but I will catch up when time permits.
 
Gary
 
 
Donna Sunderland Leonard’s obituary/service information
Message from Bob Leonard: Dunseith, ND
 
Dear Gary:
 
Attached you will find the above.
 
It there is any interest, people can go to Nero Funeral Home Web Site, www.nerofuneralhome.net, for guest book and information about the service.
 
Thanks very much.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bob 
 
 
Christmas Greetings
From Erling Landsverk (’44): King, WI.
 
Hi Gary and Everyone:
 
It is my sincere hope that all had a great Thanksgiving dinner!  I want to be one of the earliest to wish you and all the Dunseith Alumni a very Merry Christmas, and the Best in the coming yeaar.  It would be difficult to send everyone a card, so instead, I am attaching a reasonably funny joke of the day.  At least I thought it was.   
 
Erling Landsverk
 

From Erling – Joke of the day

 

Yesterday I was at my local Wal-Mart buying a large bag of Purina

dog chow for my loyal pet, Jake, the Wonder Dog and was in the

> check-out line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

,

, What did she think I had,  an elephant?

 

So because I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her

 that no, I didn’t have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn’t, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened

 in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.  I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and that the way

that it works is, to load your pants pockets with Purina Nuggets

 and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry.

 The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going

 to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone

 in line was now enthralled with my story.)

 

 Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care, because the

 dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stopped to pee on a Fire

Hydrant and a car hit me.

 

 I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he

was Laughing so hard. Wal-Mart won’t let me shop there anymore. Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the World to think of

 crazy things to say.

 
Condolences to the Hoffman Family
From Jean Nicholas Miller (’66):  Glendale, AZ
 
My condolences to Brenda Hoffman and her siblings on the death of their mother Alice Hoffman. I remember her and Harvey well from San Haven. They were nice to me when I would go to Brenda’s house. You have wonderful memories I know.
                      Jean
 
 
Condolences to the Leonard family
From Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI
 

My sympathy too.  Donna was special with a sense of humor we all could envy.
 
Allen

11/29/2012 (1659)

Posted on by
Condolence to the Bob Leonard family
From Jean Tooke Berger (’75):  Mandan, ND
 
My condolences goes out to Bob and his family, I have many wonderful memories of Donna, she was a card to be around. 
 
 
 
Message from Brenda Hoffman (’68): Greenville, SC
 
Alice Hoffman was born on May 12, 1926 near Denhoff, ND and died on November 26, 2012 at Minot Trinity Hospital.


Alice and Harvey Hoffman lived and worked at San Haven from the early 1950’s until their retirement in the 1980’s. Their children, Dale, Brenda and Cindy, graduated from Dunseith High School.


Services for Alice Hoffman will be 9 am Friday, November 30 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby, followed by burial at 3 pm at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey, who died in January of this year, her parents, and a number of brother and sisters-in-law.
Brenda,
 
So sad. Your mother was doing so well too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dale and Cindy with your mothers passing. She was a beautiful human being both inside and out.
 
Gary
 
 
 
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
 
  

DONNA L. LEONARD

Donna L. Leonard, 78, of Dunseith, North Dakota passed away at St. Andrew’s Medical Center in Bottineau on November 25, 2012. Donna was born on July 15, 1934 to Henry and Florence Sunderland in Rolette, ND. She grew up in Dunseith and attended grade and high school there. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in January 1956 with a BS Degree in Occupational Therapy and had the distinction of being one of the first two graduates with an O.T. Degree. She worked as an O.T. in Pennsylvania at a State Mental Hospital for 2 years. She returned to North Dakota and was married to Robert Leonard in the United Methodist Church in Dunseith on August 31, 1958. They lived in Grand Forks for a year, Stanley, ND for a year and then returned to Dunseith in 1960 when Bob started working at Security State Bank.

Donna was active in Community, Social and Church activities over the years, however her main passion was raising their four children, supporting and educating them in every way to be sure they turned out to be responsible adults. She insisted and made sure they all graduated from the University of North Dakota. She had a humorous and wonderful personality and was always trying to please her friends, liked to clown around keeping everyone off guard, including her husband. She liked pets and had a dog for all of her married life which provided great companionship and comfort to her. She was a great sports fan with a particular fondness for the Green Bay Packers and a collector of their paraphernalia. She was very excited at Christmas, 2011 when she received a share of Packers stock from Santa.

She is survived by her husband Bob, Dunseith, her children Patricia Dinger, Boise, ID, Michael (Anita), Alexandria, VA, Timothy (Trisha), Dallas, TX, and Janet (Peter) Conlin, Bismarck; grandchildren Karin Gasparotti, Walla Walla, WA, Justin Dinger, Fort Collins, CO, Carly Leonard, Dallas TX, Meghan Conlin, Bismarck, Mac Conlin, Bismarck, Riley Conlin, Bismarck and a great grandchild Evelyn Dinger, Fort Collins, CO. Sisters, Shirley (Joseph) Fazio, Naples, FL, Patricia (Stanley) Warburton, Lake Charles, LA and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.

Internment will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith.

Memorials may be made to Camp Grassick, P O Box F, Dawson, ND 58428, in Donna’s honor. Their web site is www.elkscampgrassick.com

 

Eugenie Walker, Marie and Mildred Parrell’s sister, passed away
Message from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND
 
My condolences to the family of Willard Lamb, especially Betty. We lived just up the road from Sophie and Pete Schneider. When I was in first grade Pete drove the bus (his family car) and picked up me and the Samski kids and of course his son Larry.  Betty was working at the Security State Bank and once in awhile she would ride.  That was mom’s first year of teaching town school (55-56) and she had 37 of us.  Sometimes Mom  would wait for Betty to get off at the bank and take her home and then also pick up Clark who Sophie babysat.  Mom taught until Christmas the following year (Dec 56). I asked her if we had gone to Betty and Willard’s wedding and we had not because Joel was to be born Feb 12 and Jan 6 was a very stormy day, anyway that’s how mom remembered it.  Mom was out of the classroom for about three years and when she came back to a second grade opening Sophie was called upon to babysit Joel.  To this day when mom and Betty see each other they pick up right where they left off even if it is several years in between.
 
Today my aunt Eugenie Walker passed away at age 92. She was born March 15, 1920.  Now out of the nine children of John and Marie Nelson only the two youngest mom (Mildred) and Marie Parrill are still with us.  Funeral arrangements are pending. 
 
Eugenie (Genie) moved to Bottineau from West Covina, California in June 2002.  She and her German born husband, Hugo G Walker, moved to the Los Angeles area shortly after the war. Hugo worked as a pattern maker, a trade he had learned in Germany. Hugo passed away in 1969.  Her only daughter Carol Jane Walker passed away July 2001 of cancer and  since she had no other family there we convinced her to move back to ND.  She lived independently until this past Sept when she was admitted to St. Andrew’s Hospital and was moved to long term care status on Oct 18.  She was told in September that she probably had lung cancer and she opted not to have any treatments or even go to Minot for a biopsy. Yesterday she was having trouble breathing and it was confirmed she had pneumonia in all four lobes.  It took her in less than 24 hours in her frail state.
 
My mother is currently taking rehab at Good Samaritian in Bottineau.  She fell and broke her wrist a few weeks ago.  She is doing better.  While I was in Minot for mom’s wrist surgery I stayed at the Guest House across from Trinity. There I ran into Bob Leonard and he told about Donna and all the things that had happened in the last while.  I was so sorry to hear that she had passed. I really thought she was finally on the road to recovery.  Our sympathy to Bob and his family.