Happy Birthday Gary Morgan (’54): Garrison, ND

Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom (’36)
Message from her son Ron Cain:  Superior WI.

Thanks to the power of the internet (and Mr. Gary Stokes exceptional blog)-I was recently introduced to another 2nd cousin-Ms. Mary Knudson. Gary was the first.

I am a fairly new member of the computer world but have figured how to enter this site on a daily basis and I suspect I will find more genealogical connections in the future.

Your effort in taking up the challenges in maintaining your site reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

“I expect to pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show for any fellow creature, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

-RALPH WALDO EMERSON-

Ron Cain
(aka R.D. O’Cain)
(don’t forget the Irish!)

Gary’s Reply
Ron,

Your mothers, mother was a Stokes, sister to my granddad. Mrs William Pritchard was a Thompson, sister to your mother’s dad.

Yes indeed, Mary Eurich Knutson is one of the finest, sweetest and nicest persons on the face of this earth. With this picture I thought I’d introduce you to the rest of the Eurich family too, all great folks.

Gary

Postings provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
Angus Campbell’s 90 Birthday Celebration

Folks,

As most of you know, for the past 40 years Angus has been pretty close to my brother Darrel (Bud) and his family. It is truly a father son relationship.

Angus fell in his house this morning, breaking his leg below the knee. He is currently in St. Andrews Hospital. Angus’ main concern was his birthday celebration Tomorrow (Sunday). The hospital has made arrangements for him to celebrate his birthday in their cafeteria. Needless to say he is a happy camper looking forward to this big celebration.

Happy Birthday Angus. – St. Andrews is on my distribution so hopefully they will see this and give you a copy.

Les Halvorson with his son Lance at the Bottineau Gun show

MADELINE PELTIER

(May 8, 1932 – February 24, 2015) 

Madeline Peltier, age 82 of Dunseith, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in her home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:00 A. M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 6:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the Church.

Madeline Peltier, a daughter of Frank and Virginia (Delorme) St. Claire, was born on May 8, 1932 at Dunseith. She was reared and educated in the Dunseith area. On November 15, 1950 she was married to Edward Peltier at Dunseith. Madeline began working at San Haven as a nurses aide. She worked there for 32 years. Madeline later worked at the Dunseith Community Nursing Home for 10 years.

Throughout her life she enjoyed baking, crocheting, embroidering, playing bingo, playing kings corners with Dad, visiting with Betty on the phone each night, going to mass, family gatherings, sitting outside on nice summer days, sharing recipes, and trying new recipes.

She is survived by her husband, Edward Peltier of Dunseith; children, Ruby Peltier of Dunseith, ND, Curtis Peltier (Delema) of Dunseith, ND, Carmelita Hunt (David Hunt) of Dunseith, ND, Darrel Peltier (Rachelle) of Wasilla, AK, Barbara Eaglestaff (Bill) of Eagle Butte, SD, Brian Peltier (Angela) of Wasilla, AK, Joan Wall (Ken) of Dunseith, ND, Lisa Graham (C.J.) of Grand Forks, ND, Mark Peltier (Sarah) of Seattle, WA, Kevin Peltier (Julita) of Tacoma, WA; 30 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Elaine Thompson (Francis) of Westminster, CO, Roger St.Claire (Dawn) of Bothell, WA, Veronica Hensley of Ashland, KA, Genny Egger of Denver, CO, Jeanie Valentine (Jim) of Edgewater, MD, Katleen Azure (Pat) of Belcourt, ND; brothers, Richard St. Claire (Betty) of Belcourt, ND, Jim St. Claire of Belcourt, ND and Norman St. Claire of Great Falls, MT.

Madeline was preceded in death by: 2 baby boys, parents, Frank and Virginia St. Claire; two brothers, Dwight St. Claire and Michael St. Claire; sister, Connie DeCoteau and one grandchild, Jessica Eaglestaff.

Condolences to the Edward Peltier family on the loss of  Madellne.
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

I knew Madeline as a wonderful gracious  lady!

She was warm, kind  and friendly to all.

For a time Mrs. Peltier  also worked  at the Dunseith School with absentee students.

I remember  the  students loved and respected her immensely.

Sincerely,

Vickie Metcalfe

Don Corbin (Teacher/Principal DHS)
Picture provided by Pat Corbin Miller, Tempe, AZ

Do with his brother-in-law Ernie Miller.

                  Ernie Miller  and Don Corbin

Joke of the Day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

There was this old lady that loved her dog very dearly. When her dog passed away, she was devastated. After mass she pulls the priest aside and asks if he could do a funeral for her dog. He replies, I’m sorry mam, but we don’t do funerals for dogs. The lady says, but he was the only one I had left, he was part of my family! He still kept on saying, I’m sorry we don’t do funerals for dogs. The lady finally asks, well, do you know where I can find someone to do a funeral for him, and do you think that $1000 would be enough to pay him? The priest jumps in and says, Oh, you didn’t tell me your dog was Catholic.

====================================
Blog (258) posted on October 21, 2008

Reply from Eleanar Nerpel Bishop’s (38) duaghter Ann Myers: 

Hello Gary –

Thanks for the email about my mom’s class. I printed it out and gave it to her.  I also printed out and gave the information on the cruise to my Uncle Gus Nerpel (my mom’s brother). Don’t know if he was interested or not.

Ann Myers
Ann, does you uncle Gus Nerpel have email? With the Bedard’s, Anderson’s & Nerpel’s, you have a lot of cousins/relatives from Dunseith, a lot of whom are included with our daily distribution. Gary

Reply from Bernard Morin (76):

Yes Bev, I have to agree with you that Lyle is a great storyteller. I remember being in shop class & our assignment was to give a 10 minute speech. When it came to Lyle’s turn his speech was titled ” The Brown Cow”. I don’t remember the whole speech but I believe there were only 11 different words in the entire speech. By the time his 10 minutes were up the whole class was in stitches including Mr. Enander who I think was the shop teacher at the time. I don’t know what grade Lyle received for his speech but it should have been 110% for delivery.                      In reply to Mel Kuhn, I’m also in the dark on the whereabouts of these gathering places that Lyle speaks of. I believe that these gatherings only involved classes from 71 to 75 as the class of 76 was very studious and the majority.
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Mel must be running for office. We all know he wrote the book on Beer
Can Alley, the Butte, and most other party spots! His old red and black
56 Olds and then his blue 55 Ford were seen at most of the parties. The
only conclusion I can come up with is that his memory has really gone
bad or he is planning a run for some political office. Mel, it won’t
work–we’ll blow your cover! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Allen Richard (65): 

To Mel Kuhn–

Like you I never quite figured out the name and location of some of the “hot spots.”  There was one on Dad’s land that was south of Ernest LaCroix’s place and 1/2 mile east of the road from HWY 5 to the old Currie School.  I guess it got started sometime after 1970.  Anyway we had to clean a lot of cans from our sickle bar of the swather and dodge bottles to keep from cutting tires.

Dad got wind of the names of a couple people who were in — the class of ’72— I think.  He knew one of the kids pretty well and asked him/her  if they could simply toss everything into a pile.  Next time we went to work the field, not only was there a big pile, but the whole area had been pretty well picked up.  Thanks guys — you saved us a few flats and broken sickle blades!

Allen

Reply from Diane Berg Rhealt (79): 

Lyle, I love your story.  I felt like I was reading a book, and I could envision all the places in my mind (well not all, the only lake I went to was Adams Lake-& with my cousin Sue Berg), but I used to watch you guys in a few of your games at Campbell’s home when I was little.  & later, I learned about some of the other places mentioned.  Those really were the days!!  You really should write a book.  I would buy a copy!!  Love you, man!

Diane (Berg)Rheault

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): 

Good morning all
When Lyle was talking about George, it reminded me of a song by Jimmy Dean about Big Bad John who with the blow of a big right hand sent a Louisiana man to the promised land. Well that could have been Big Bad George.

One night at a party, one of George’s younger brothers and myself got
into a small altercation that didn’t last long and I figured was all
over. Well a few days later a couple of us and dates were in at the
Garden Lanes bowling and George walked through the door. He came
straight over to me and with 1 blow put me either threw or over 3 rows
of chairs(good thing the chairs stopped me or I might have starved to
death rolling) George said nothing just turned and walked out. About a
week later I happened to be back over in Dunseith again(not claiming to
be the smartest one in the family) I think at Dales station when the
door opened and in came George heading straight over to me. I think my
life might have flashed in front of my eyes, when George stretched his
hand out to shake. He said” I’m sorry Roddy for the other day, but he is
my little brother and I just had to do it. I hope we’re still friends”
George and I remained friends and I respect him still today as a friend,
a gentleman and a man with one hell of a big right hand.

Reply/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

This is another courthouse picture.  Chances are slim this is George Malaterre, but you never know, so I thought I’d send it to you.

Neola

Unknown Boxer


Vicky Bergan’s picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Glenda Anderson Bergan’s (60) reply to Gary: 

HI Gary

Got your email with Vicky’s picture, yes she is my daughter, she graduated from Dunseith in 1982, and the picture is when she was” North Dakota state Horse show association queen”  (NDSHSA) in 1983.

She lives in Princeton, MN  And her married name is, Vicky Bergan-Dietz.

and also I’d like to thank you for all the Dunseith memories.

Glenda Anderson Bergan

Glenda, this is a beautiful picture of Vicky.  She is for sure a queen. We’d love to get Vicky’s email address if she has one. Glenda, I think I remember you telling me that you are a sister to Lorenzo Anderson (63)?  Have I remember that correctly?  Many of our readers remember your husband David’s family too, the Clayton Bergan Family. They lived North and East of Dunseith on what think they call the Jack Rabbit Highway.  I could be out to lunch with the name of road, but I know exactly which road it is.  Gary

     Vicky Bergan – “1983 North Dakota state Horse show association queen”

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1963

Happy Birthday Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (’68):   Newark, DE

   Happy Birthday Bobbie Slyter (’70): Wichita, KS

   Happy Birthday Dianne Robert Johnson (’76): Rolla, ND

Age Correction for Lillian Berstrom/Cain/Thompson
From Ron Cain:  Superior, WI.

00PS!  Correction.  Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/Thompson recently celebrated w/family her 99th birthday (Feb.21)-not her 98th.  Ron Cain

Don Corbin Family Photo
Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS Teacher):  Hutto, TX

Gary,  Great photo of Don Corbin and his family.  Once again you have brought forward great memories.  Don and Leann lived just across the street from the apartment that Evelyn and I had those first years of our marriage.  We spent a lot of time visiting with them.  At school the science storeroom and Don’s unofficial office was also a favorite gathering place for Hepper, myself and Bob Jury to take a break along with Don and catch up on the day’s events.  Nice to learn about what has happened to the family as I lost touch with Don many years ago.  That’s what makes this blog so marvellous.  It looks like I will not be able to make it to the reunion this summer.  A friend and colleague from overseas will be visiting and we will head to Chicago for a get together with other folks from my days in the Pacific and Europe.  Hopefully you guys will have another get together that I can make.

Bob Lykins

2/23/2015 Cebu, Philippines
On our way to the February Cebu Expat dinner at the Quest hotel.

2/23/2015 Cebu Expat dinner at the Quest Hotel
With 132 from our group, they gave us their whole main dining area.
They had 50 regular walk-in customers that they seated in side rooms.

Our good friend Em-Em. Note: Art Hagen in the red shirt standing on the right.

Joke of the day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

Patrick Flanagan came home drunk every evening around ten.
Now, the Missus was never too happy about it, either.

So one night she hides in the cemetery and figures to scare the beejeezus out of him.

As poor Patrick wanders by, up from behind a tombstone she jumps in a red devil costume screaming,

“Patrick Sean Flanagan, sure and ya’ don’t give up you’re drinkin’ and it’s to Hell I’ll take ye'”.

Patrick, undaunted, staggered back and demanded, “Who are you?”.

Too that the Missus replied, “I’m the divil ya’ old fool”.

To which Patrick remarked,
“Damned glad to meet you sir, I’m married to your sister.”

====================================
Blog (257) posted on October 20, 2008

From Lyle Olson (75): 

Gary and all:

I received quite a few personal responses to my stories and one of the people mentioned my good friend George Malaterre.  George was (and is) an amazing guy.  He was quite the athlete in his day.  He played basketball with a “big man’s” sense of position, even though he stood only about 5’8″ tall.  Some of my fondest memories center around stamping VOIT across his forehead a number of times when he tried to make a shot and I stuffed him.  He was also an excellent football player – he was fast and could catch any ball thrown to him.  Many people know he was a great boxer as well.

I am sure many people remember George boxing Bob Brennan at the Honsey garage.  However, how many remember the undercard in that fight.  Well, among others, Curt Berg and I boxed..  Now I was an 8th grader at the time but quite big for my age.  Curt must have been a sophomore and everyone knows that he had attained high school size in the 5th grade!!  He was the epitome of a lean, mean fighting machine and I was talked into lacing up the gloves and boxing him.  It is now hard to believe that anyone that dumb could have made it through law school and became a federal Administrative Law Judge!!!

Well the fight between George and Bob was quite the attraction as it pitted a city kid against a hill kid.  Hence, the Honsey garage was packed with kids from all over.  I remember having George lace up the boxing gloves for me and Curt Berg looking at me with a sick smile across his face.  Looking back now I should have realized then and there that my life was about to flash before my very eyes — dead and not even a freshman.  Well, too late to back down I stepped out to meet Curt on that hard cement floor.  I do not really remember if a bell rung but the fight started and I immediately started dancing around like I knew what I was doing.  Well, Curt – never one to waste time doing anything – walked right up and him me square in solar plexus, better known as a soft belly not used to hard work.  He hit me so hard I literally saw stars and all the wind left not only my body but also took with it any sense of time or position.  The fight was over in matter of seconds.  Curt showed some remorse but not much.  I think he would have preferred that the fight had lasted a few more seconds if not at least one round so he could rearrange a tolerable looking face!  However, I robbed him of that pleasure – my only victory of the night!

The main event between George and Bob take place and all agreed that while Bob put up a valiant fight, George was easily the victor.  City kids ruled, at least for that night.  Bob and George remained good friends over the years.  As for Curt and I, we also remain good friends.  Indeed, Keith (Curt’s younger brother) and I traveled to Curt’s place in Colorado a couple of times to play golf with Curt in Grand Junction and Fort Lupton several years ago.

Now back to George.  Many know he worked as an ambulance driver for the Indian Health Services in Belcourt.  When my stepfather had a medical crisis George was the ambulance driver.  He called the hospital the next day and I talked to him.  He was sincerely interested in how my stepfather was doing and how my mother was doing.  When my mother was dealing with cancer she experienced many seizures and had to be taken the hospital many times.  George was again the driver on many occasions and each time he reached out to see how she was doing.  That is George, fists of stone and the heart of a Dunseith Dragon!

Corbin Family in 2004, provided by Dawn Corbin:

Folks, Dawn Corbin (Mr. Corbin’s Daughter) has provided these pictures of her family, the Corbin family.  These pictures were taken at her brother, Scott’s Wedding, in 2004. These are great pictures! What a beautiful family.  Mr.Corbin looks great!  Many of us have not seen him sense the 60’s, when he was teaching at DHS. As most of you know, Mr. Corbin was born and raised in Bottineau.  His dad was Otto and was the owner of Corby’s trading post in Bottineau for many years.

Dawn, please let me know if I have miss identified you guys in these photo’s.

Back: Dawn, Mark & Bob
Middle: LeAnn, Mrs. Scott, Scott & Don (Mr. Corbin)
Front: Terri & Irene (Mr. Corbin’s wife)

Don & LeAnn Corbin’s Children:
Mark, Dawn, Scott, Terri & Bob Corbin

                             Corbin Family with grandchildren

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1962

   Happy Birthday Lorraine Richard Nelson (DHS ’46): Mesa, AZ

  Happy Birthday Alan Poitra (DHS ’76) Bloomington, MN

Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/ Thompson’s 98th birthday (Dunseith H.S. 1936 ).
Posting from Ron Cain:  Superior, WS

Greetings Gary:

Family members will be gathering this afternoon in celebration of Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/ Thompson’s 98th birthday (Dunseith H.S. 1936 ).  Other than some difficulty in hearing- she is doing well and needs no prodding in recalling stories of her youth and family.  Her beloved state of N.D. remains strong in her heart and we always enjoy hearing her stories.

Ron Cain (son)
Ron,

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Lillian, to my knowledge, is the oldest living Dunseith High School Graduate.

Lillian was a sister to Ella Pladson and Esther Tangen.

She was a first cousin to my Dad, Bob Stokes. She was also a first cousin to Robert, Corbin & Winifred (Eurich) Pritchard.

So Ron, we are all related.

Please wish your mother, Lillian, a very happy birthday from all of us. Tell her we are thinking of her.

Gary

Message from Orval Moren (Peace Lutheran Pastor):  Coon Rapids, MN

Hello from Orval Moren, (Pastor at Peace Lutheran Parish1960-63)

Thank for keeping me on your e-mail list.  Greetings to my congregants!

Leonard Fred Eller Passed away
Message from  Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Gary,

My brother Leonard Eller passed away yesterday just before 2pm. He is at peace now. The funeral will be sometime next week, not sure yet.

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Ivy, Our condolence are with you and Leonard’s family with his passing.  Gary

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Leonard Fred Eller, Sr.

(September 15, 1932 – February 18, 2015)

Leonard Eller,Sr., age 82, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society, Bottineau, ND.

A visitation will begin at 5 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 10 AM in the church with Fr. Jeff Eppler presiding. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND (www.elickfh.com).

Five Generations
Kathy Gregory, Dawn Gregory Allard, Melody Allard Lemke, Garrett Rude and Ian Rude

Gary,

I’m including info I received from Pat Corbin Miller, Don’s sister.  She said it’s OK to share it with you/your readers.

Neola

Hi Neola,

That’s my brother Don, his wife (at the time), Leann, Bob and Dawn. Don is remarried. Don and Irene live here in Mesa. Leann is still single and lives in Bismarck. Dawn is a real estate agent in Scottsdale and Bob is a vp of Schwan’s Co in Mn.

How’s that for history..
Thanks for sharing.
Pat

====================================
Blog (256) posted on October 19, 2008

Update for Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59) from Susan Brew Roussin (59):

Shirley came out of her surgery fine, Wednesday, according to her sister, Ginger.  I’m sure many prayers were answered for her, her doctors, nurses and families.  Thanks much.  Love to one and all.

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Hey Lyle  great stories thanks for the memories. You  were and still are one of the  best story tellers of all times. Miss you bro and love ya

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

I just have a few questions for Lyle. How come I didn’t know of these party places that you mentioned? Places like Beer Can Alley, the Butte, going to Canada and the likes of that. None of this must of been going on when I was in school. And here I thought that you underclassmen were the same straight-laced hard working young adults that we were[Class of 70]. I’m glad that I wasn’t involved in any of those type of shenanigans. Shame on you guy’s.

Mel Kuhn[70]
Reply from Sybil Johnson: 

Those pictures of the Peace Gardens are sure a deception of what it is today/the last time I was there. I use to escape from Bernice (ha!ha!) and go up there

as my refuge/ drive up from Minot several times, just for the refuge it gives. The Chapel is amazing with the Towers. Just walking around/driving was very peaceful.

I remember going up there early in the morning, when the ground fog was just rising and seeing 2 deer in the distance. What a sight! Sybil Johnson

Thank you from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  

Gary,

When you send one of your Dunseith Alumni emails, will you please include a message from me, thanking your many readers who respond in any way to the pictures I send to you, and you include in your mailing?  I really appreciate the identifications/mailing addresses/requests for pictures/emails/etc. from your readers.  As you know, I thoroughly enjoy working with these pictures and getting them to people who are interested in having them.  It’s going rather slowly, as I’m not a very organized person–I have pictures all over my apartment.  When I’ve been in Minot for awhile, I forget what I was doing with the pictures before I left, and I have to start over.  Uff da!!!

Thanks for all do, Gary.

Neola

Neola, That thank you should be reversed.  We thank you for everything you provide and have provided.  Your contributions are greatly appreciated.  Being primarily a Bottineau girl, you have learned to know many Dunseith folks doing what you are doing and they have for sure learned to know you.  We all know the time involved with the research and scanning of these pictures/articles that you provide, that we thoroughly enjoy.  THANK YOU.  Gary
Campbell family Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Alan Cambell Family stamped November 27, 1970:
Top: Rich (68), Phyllis & Alan (42)
Bottom: Jeff (76), Cathy (73) & Dave (71)

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Lyle Olson’s memories of basketball at Campbell’s was well remembered

and well written. Alan and Phyllis Campbell allowed many of us kids into
their home over the years. They always made us feel welcome. There were
rules we were expected to follow and we did. I know all the kids had,
and still have, a lot of respect for both of them and it was deserved.
We were either playing basketball in front of their garage or in the
basement playing pool or ping-pong nearly every day. One memory I have
about playing basketball there was on a day after I had been dressed up
for something and then stopped by Campbell’s in my good clothes. My
folks had bought me a new pair of shoes I really wanted. They were for
the prom or something, fancy wingtip brogues. I remember Mom saying they
would buy them, but I better take care of them because they cost $35. It
was a lot for shoes in 1966. Anyway, after I got to Campbell’s, still in
my suit clothes, we got into a hot and heavy basketball game. The
jackets came off and we got down and dirty to beat the other team. After
about an hour I thought I felt something on the bottom of my foot,
probably a blister. It finally caused me enough trouble that I looked at
the bottom of my new shoes and one had worn completely through to my
sock from the rough concrete! I knew I was dead or worse! I wore those
shoes for a long time with a piece of cardboard in the bottom so they
wouldn’t know what I had done. I nearly panicked any time I had to kneel
or sit where my folks might see the hole in my shoe! After I had them
for quite a while I got Alphie Dion to halfsole them and all was good
again. I remember keeping them polished so my folks wouldn’t pick them
up. They probably wouldn’t have been that mad anyway, but when you are a
kid you think like a kid! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Tim Martinson (69): 

Hi Gary,

I’ve dusted off the keyboard after the letter from Lyle Olson so
that I could send this picture of Lyle
and myself and tell what led up to a road trip and this picture in
the first place.

One of the most enjoyable times of my life was at the end of the
summer when there was a small
break in the happenings at the Bakery.  The baking for the Music Camp
at the Peace Garden was
finished and the area schools had not yet started.  When I was young
dad baked for the day schools
in the hills and also for the Belcourt school.  I went along on many
of these delivery trips through the hill
country, always full of questions, but I think dad really had me
along to ride shot gun and keep him
from dozing off, yet he would always tell me to pay attention and
watch out for deer and other animals
that may be on the road.

A family vacation was usually a weekend ( Sat/Sun).  The favorite
spot to go to was Riding Mountain
National Park, north of Brandon, Manitoba.  Everything had been
planned ahead and all the baking for
town had been finished and delivered.  So off we went on a Friday
night road trip to get away.  Dad would
usually get a small cottage rental so that when we arrived we hit the
sack knowing we had two days to
do whatever, and for Terry and I it was dad can we ride the go carts
as soon as it opened.  We would go
swimming in Clear Lake, take in the Museum, go bowling, and take in
all the sights and sounds of that
little get away up north.

My first and longest lasting memory of one of these vacations was of
finding a melted popsicle and its
stick on the edge of a step landing.  I had to have been 3 or 4 and
picked up the stick and stirred it around
in what was left of the melted popsicle, just having a little fun,
but to the hornets that had found the sweet
syrup before I did it was an invasion of their property and they were
not going to put up with me poking
around in their business.  When my parents finally got to me I was
welted up all over and the hornets
were still in the attack mood.  Thank goodness for screen doors and a
water hose that saved the day.

Now back to the road trip and picture.  The last time I went to Clear
Lake was in the winter on a camping
trip and we walked in to the lake and set up tents.  It was below
freezing outside and getting colder as the
night went on.  The original plans were to try and get some pictures
of the Bison herd that roamed the park.
As I lay there in my sleeping bag the thoughts of getting trampled by
a Bison started to enter my mind.  Then
as the temperature grew steadily colder the lake started to moaning
and then to cracking and this went on
all night long.  The next morning with little sleep we gave up the
thoughts of pictures of Bison in the winter,
packed up, walked out and headed home with the lessons of mother
nature engraved in my head.

In the fall of 1972 I asked Lyle and Donald if they wanted to see
some new territory and they were up for it
so I planned a road trip (one day), we would travel up to Riding
Mountain National Park, where this picture
was taken at Clear Lake, back down to Brandon, across to Winnipeg and
then back home.  It was a fun
time and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.  It was the first
time I had traveled to Winnipeg and realized
how big that city was.

Lyle and I had taken a previous road trip by bike to Bottineau.  I
rode a old hand me down full size bike while Lyle
rode his small wheeled bike with the banana seat.  It seemed like for
every turn at the peddle I took Lyle would
have to take three to keep up.  He would fall behind and I would stop
and let him catch up all the time asking
him if he wanted to turn back but he did not so we completed our
journey, took a tour of Bottineau and headed
back home.       Take Care,  Tim

            Tim Martinson (69) & Lyle Olson (75) – Summer of 1972

Dunseith High School Class of 1961

Leonard Eller Passed away
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Gary,

My brother Leonard Eller passed away yesterday just before 2pm. He is at peace now. The funeral will be sometime next week, not sure yet.

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Posting from Brad Williams (’78): Hallock, MN

 To Gary + Dunseith bloggers,

It was nice to see the recent birthday party pics you posted …. Bernadette appears to be doing much better now. Here’s a song that might help anyone who is going through difficult times >>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1xlKS6MpTE

The girl singing it is a friend of mine from a small town in Kentucky, and she is appearing on The Voice (on NBC) this coming Monday Feb. 23, at 7:00 pm CST. She has the voice of an angel, and a heart of gold to match. She’s even been featured in some of The Voice promo ads (discovering tomorrow’s #1 artists), so I hope that’s a good sign that she will go far into the competition. I truly believe she has the talent & charm to impress the TV viewers and the coaches, so hopefully she gets those red chairs turning, and lots of votes to keep her advancing !

If you liked the song above, here’s a link where you can listen to more of her music >>>  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kelsie+may  Carrie Underwood & Miranda Lambert, along with several others saw their careers skyrocket after getting national TV exposure in singing competitions, so I’m hoping Kelsie May’s performances will win over America’s music lovers. It would be so awesome if she got on #TeamBlake , and he liked her enough to have her as an opening act on tour with him or Miranda ! I would really appreciate any fans of The Voice to show their support by VOTING for Kelsie throughout Season 8.    #KelsieMayAllTheWay

Brad Williams     Class of ’78

Memories
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

I remember “one eyed Jackson”  and going over  to the Lake Metigoshe area to find him- !    that is about all i remember!!_ i do not remember what he looked like  —    but i do remember them out in the woods down by the “sheep Pasture”     and cutting up lumber and firewood-  oh !!- how i loved the smell of the fresh cut lumber-  and it was usually beautiful fall days   that they cut it and a huge sawdust pile- !!  —

ANd I remember Mom Hauling hot coffee in a big white coffee pot– with a cloth stuck in it   to keep it from spilling  and a big wash tub of sandwiches and cookies—- cakes etc for their “afternoon “Lunch”  —  this was after breakfast and morning lunch and dinner at noon and lunch at 3 o clock and supper after 6 pm– !!!–  Now it is a “snack for breakfast – Lunch (dinner) and dinner (supper )  no lunches in between LOL!!!–  those were the days no high cholesterol —  blood pressure —  diabetes etc- etc–  cause they worked it all off- now everyone drives to the gym – and parks as close to the door as possible and then work really hard for an hour or so !!_  and then diet  !!- —  a whole different world and those old guys lived til they were really old!!_  and so it goes !_  and they all had a great time and very relaxed !- an then would probably play cards  in the evenings-  also !!-  LOLA_

Wood and Coal heat memories
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary and friends.

This is a neat story from a TV station video out of the Bittteroot Valley in Montana.

It brought back a wealth of fond memories of when wood not coal or oil was the important source of heat.

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/bitterroot-family-skids-logs-old-fashioned-way/31304260

I remember my dad getting wood out with a team  in the woods, like this when our family burned wood for heat. This  was about the time of year for “cutting wood season”.

Dad also recalled stories of  his bigger brothers, Jim and Archie cutting trees and hauling wood to sell in town in the winter months.

They traveled with a team on the “winter ” road  over the hills and through the woods to Dunseith before Highway #3 was built.

Cliff (Dad) Leona and Emil were younger and in charge of hauling wood into the house to keep the home fires burning.

They also maintained taking care of their Uncle Hugh by bringing wood over to his home.

When the big brothers went into Dunseith wth load of wood. They’d pull a hand sled over to  Uncle Hugh, one winter when he, his wife and  their older brother Roy (Hugh Emil)  lived on the Rabbit City lake .

This video triggered a trip back  in time, down memory lane!

Warm greetings to Bernadette and yourself where you live in Cebu.

Thoughts of you having many good days and that you are keeping life on “The Sunnyside”!

Until ~Later, Vickie

Postings From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (255) posted on October 18, 2008

From Lyle Olson (75):

Gary and all:

I read where my dear sister, Bev Azure, and then Sharon Longie, requested stories from the ‘70’s classes.  I think many of us are reluctant to share some of these stories because we either have children or parents who read the blog and we are reticent to let them know just how wild we really were.  Well, I have no children and both parents are deceased so I am not so worried about that.  However, I also do not want to expose any of my friends or classmates, so I will attempt to tell a few stories without divulging any names; however, this does not mean the readers, if any, will not guess who was involved in so many of the good times had in Dunseith.

My frame of reference for Dunseith really rests with the classes from 1972 to 1975.  We really had some “rockin’ good times” back then.  Most of my fondest memories center around the never ending summers – the days were long and the nights even longer.  For some reason I do not remember any bad weather days – all the days in my memories were framed by beautiful blue skies and even more beautiful friends.  My world centered around playing basketball at Campbell’s, eating Bismarcks and learning about kindness and integrity from Herman, Terry and Tim Martinson, and hanging out at the Morinville’s.

Playing basketball at Campbell’s was a real treat.  The court was inclined on a slope from the garage to the street.  On the West side was this huge tree that actually had several branches that grew out over the court.  Pity the newcomer who tried to launch a jump shot under that tree.  The East side of the court had a steep drop off for ½ the length of the court and then a deadly rose bush at the end of the court near the garage door.  Alan Campbell once told me that was the toughest rose bush in the country, and he was right. I wish I had a dollar for every thorn taken out of my body after falling into that bush.   Other dangers existed on that court.  One of the dangers was “Grandma” Campbell backing her Buick Wildcat out of the garage.  There was no nicer lady than she but it didn’t take even a dumb kid like me long to know that once she put her car in gear there was no stopping it until it reached the street.  All games were suspended when she left and when she returned.  I will never forget how nice David and Jeff were to always carry her groceries into her house and then rush back to pick up the game right where it stopped.

Ever present was Mrs. Campbell, who could hear you swear even if mumbled under your breath.  She would simple tell us not to swear and that was the end of that!  There seemed to be many unwritten rules about playing basketball at the Campbell’s.  First, all kids were welcome.  It never mattered if you lived at the housing, in a 12 X 50 mobile home like I did or the nicest house in town.  The other unwritten rule was that you did not play unless someone was home.  We used to wait on Sundays for the Campbell’s to return from Lake Metigoshe so that a game could get started.

I loved playing basketball at the Campbell’s.  I once played there for so long on a hot day that I got heat stroke.  I stumbled over to the bakery and told Herman that I had a headache and was sick to my stomach and he asked how long had I been playing.  When I told him it was several hours, he gave me some water, a cold rag for my head and told me to go lie down on the flour sacks.  After about an hour of doing that, I went back to Campbell’s to play another game.

My younger brother, Rob, now perhaps the best criminal lawyer in North Dakota, once wrote a story for the high school newspaper about how much he missed playing basketball at Campbell’s.  I share his feelings to this date.  I can’t imagine that a place like that could exist today.  It was magical, and the Campbells should know that there are literally dozens of Dunseith Alumni who share these feelings.  Thank you for making your home our home for all those years.

Summers were also full of lots of parties.  When I was younger we all looked forward to going swimming at School Section Lake.  Joe Morinville used to pack as many kids as he could in his car and take us all swimming.  He would listen to the Twins games on the radio while we went swimming.  We would swim for a few hours, make our way back to Dunseith, and either hang out at Morinville’s.  What a carefree existence!  As we got older and gained driver’s licenses, we would all pile in several cars and go to School Section.  It seemed like the summers never ended back then.  Someone would gather wood for a bonfire and eventually some cool intoxicants would come out and a good time would be had by all.

Somewhere along the line, we moved our swimming activities away from School Section Lake and then started going to Lake Williams and then Lake Adams in Canada, just a short drive away from Boissevain where a young but oversized teenager like me could pass for age-18 and imbibe in $.25 draws.  The first time I went into Boissevain was at age-13.  I wore one of the guys’ college fraternity coats (TKE, Minot Chapter) and didn’t even get carded.  By the end of the summer, I knew the owner of the bar better than some of the people living in Boissevain and, of course, we knew all the cool Canadian girls.  I’ll never forget when my mother got married to Joe Somers in Boissevain in March 1972 and they had their wedding dance at the Boissevain Inn.  Indeed, she played in a band that night.  In any event, she thought it would be a great thing if I were able to sit in the bar for one of the band’s sets before being hustled back to Dunseith.  Well, little did she know that I ordered a Rum and Coke while she was up there playing and the drink was on the house as the owner said I was one of his best American customers – HA!!  Sure glad Mom didn’t hear that one.  Rather than risk being busted, I left after that first set.

Going to Canada to have beers and dance to live music was not just a summer past-time.  We went year round but the port closed at midnight during the winters back then.  There were many a fast ride from Boissevain to the port because it seemed we always had to stay until 11:30 or so before making our way back home.  Once back in the “States”, we would usually continue the party at Beer Can Alley, Wilsons, Halvorsons, Butte St. Paul, and, during the summer, at the Peace Garden Lookout picnic area.  All places were perfect party places and I am certain my generation was not the first to use those places to party and flirt with each other.

L. Olson

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

The attached pictures are of the Peace Garden. The first was taken on

dedication day in 1932. The other two are from 1953, after some of the
stone work had been done in the Formal Garden area. What I noticed was
the lack of trees when these were taken. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dave Slyter’s (70) reply, with names, to picture:

Gary and Neola,

I will try and name some of the kids in the 82 summer baseball picture.

Top row:  Russell Lagerquiest,  ? ,  Keith Strong ,  ?,   Alan Renault,  ?,  ? Armountraut,  Jeff Woods,  Mark Wilson,  Coach Jim Oslon.

Middle row:  Steven Leonard,  Cory Espe,  Danny Peltier, Rob Wilson,  Mark Melgaard,  Scott Leonard,   ?

Bottom row:   ?     Chad Slyter,  Kris Barbot,  Uriah Davis,  ?,   ?,   ?,   ?,

Great picture and thanks

Dave Slyter (70)

Gaillord Peltier’s (80) reply, with names, to picture: 

This picture is the 1982 Dunseith summer baseball program.

Front row kneeling, Right to Leftis;
Keith St.Pierre, Chad Slyter, Jamie Melgarde, Uriah Davis, Mike Allery,
Scott Leonard, ? Allery, Jermey Brunelle.

Middle Row, Right to Left;
Steve Leonard, Cory Espe, Dan Peltier, Robert Wilson, Mark Melgarde,
Stuart Leonard, Mark Wilson and Danny Davis.

Back Row, Right to Left;
Billy LaVallie, Jamie Malaterre, Keith Strong, Steve Renault, Allan
Renault, Jerry Peltier, Brent Armentrout, Jeff Woods, Coach Jim Oslund

This is the best my memory can do.

Gaillord Peltier
Class of “80”

Jeff Woods, I see you are in this picture too. Can you or anyone else enlighten us with what you know for identities for those in this photo?  Thanks, Gary

1982 Dunseith summer baseballPicture:
Back Row:Billy LaVallie or Russell Lagerquiest, Jamie Malaterre, Keith Strong, Steve Renault, Allan Renault, Jerry Peltier, Brent Armentrout, Jeff Woods, Coach Jim Oslund or Olson

Middle Row: Steve Leonard, Cory Espe, Dan Peltier, Robert Wilson, Mark Melgarde, Stuart Leonard, Mark Wilson and Danny Davis.

Front row kneeling: Keith St.Pierre, Chad Slyter,Jamie Melgarde or Kris Barbot, Uriah Davis, Mike Allery, Scott Leonard, ? Allery, Jermey Brunelle.

                                     Dunseith High School Class of 1960

                     Happy Birthday Lori Hiatt: Dunseith, ND

            Happy Birthday Bob Hosmer (’56): Lynnwood, WA.

Reply to Bill Hosmer’s  comments
From Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT

Gary…I agree 100% with Bill Hosmer’s Comments….Dunsieth and the surrounding area, Hills and Plains are special. Peace Garden, Mineral Springs, etc, etc  and especially the folks that have grown up in or near the big city of Dunseith….!!!!….Do hope that your better half recovers her health soon….

Glen Williams, class of ’52

====================================
Blog (254) posted on October 17, 2008

Dunseith Reunion in Seattle:

Folks, We are planning a Dunseith Reunion in the Seattle area for the evening of July 24, 2009.  That is the day before our cruise. Hopefully we will have several proposals to bounce off of you guys within the next several weeks.  With what we have in the works at the moment, I can tell you it’s a go, so mark your calendars.  We are planning a dinner with a social hour or two before the dinner and also social time following the dinner.  We are also working on hotel accommodations both for those going on the cruise and also for those attending the reunion, not going on the cruise, desiring a room.  For those of you wishing to attend the reunion from outside the state of Washington, this will give you time to canvas the airlines for some good rates. For added attractions, the Seattle Seafair is being held that weekend too.  Gary

Reply from Rod Medrud (71): 

HI GARY I E MAILED NEOLA AND TOLD HER I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PICTURES OF MY PARENTS AND GRNDPARENTS   THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE DOING  ROD

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70): 

     Happy Birthday Cheri Metcalfe Evans (’74): Dunseith, ND

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

Gary, please give Bernadette a hug for me. Meeting her in Bottineau where I first met you in

person, makes me feel that we have something special in common. Cousin hood, sister hood

or something else that becomes a real relationship of significance, because we were all raised

in the hills, on the prairie, or in the big town of Dunseith, my town. We all married someone, some

from our town, but many from other towns, states, and yes, countries.  There is a spirit of pride

that comes to me with a loyal respect for our parents, grandparents, cousins, and our friends

from other parts of the globe who became part of our family.  We all are from a unique place on

the globe that I brag about with the senior citizens I served with from across the USA. Bernadette

came to our place, and we hugged on the main street of Bottineau.  I wish and pray for her

comfort.  Gary, I know you are the most important and positive influence on her behalf, and I

pray that your strength of faith and love for that wonderful woman you live with brings comfort,

joy, and happiness for years to come.  I want to hug Bernadette again.  Bill Hosmer
Gary Stokes comment:

Thank you so much Bill for this very comforting warm message. Yes, Bernadette is the most important person in my life and I love her dearly. With her health issues we hope for the best for her too. Today Bernadette has perked up considerably from yesterday. Sunday (day before yesterday) her speech was slurred too, but today no more.

What you have said about the aluminous spouses of our community  is so true too. Bernadette feels very connected to the Dunseith Community.

1969 Football team
Reply from Gaylord Peltier (’80):  Dunseith, ND

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s note. The 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lost one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned and gave them enough time to score the winning touchdown. Jay Vanorny’s dad, Virgil, went crazy and they got the cops to escort him off the field and probably out of

High School football coaches
Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63):  Minneapolis, MN

Most of my email was lost , in regards to Lee Stickland. I was saying that his first high school football coach wasn’t Jury and Prouty, but Bill Allen. That was the year I started high school and Leland was in Eight grade. He and Donald Egbert were on that team. We went undefeated that year. I’ll bet that was the last year that Dunseith’s football team went undefeated. Again, I want to take this opportunity to thank Lee for sharing his parents with my sister and I. I will forever be grateful to his family for helping us out in our time of need.

Bowers family photo
Posted by Shelley Bowers:  Bottineau, ND

====================================
Blog (253) posted on October 16, 2008

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Thank you for the “heads up” concerning Shirley! At least I now have her home address and will call and send a card. Appreciate this social service you manage immensely. I remember well how gracious her mom and dad were every time I visited, often for a birthday party. Joseph LaRocque had worked for William Gottbreht for years, but I was too young and flighty; thus gathered very little info of the Wm Gottbreht family and local history that Joe knew first hand. Sharron Susan & Sharron, I have pasted Shirley’s contact info below.  Shirley, along with her sister Lana, attended our class of 65 reunion with their sister Ginger, in 2007.  Ginger is from the class of 65. They are great folks.  My wife Bernadette called Shirley several months ago.  She never mentioned anything about pending heart surgery.  Gary

Gary and Friends,

I remember when Eddie Johnson, Sander’s brother, left the farm and moved
into Dunseith. He stayed in an apartment in the Northern Hotel
(Egbert’s) just across the street from us. One time he dressed up in his
best suit and went to a funeral and then afterward, stopped uptown at
one of the bars and got pretty well oiled. He walked down the alley,
past our house, and cut across our yard toward Egbert’s. He was
staggering and singing loudly when my little brown dog, Duke, ran over
and ripped the seat out of his suit pants. He came to the door and told
us what happened and Dad took him up to Hosmer’s and bought him another
pair of similar looking pants. Dad said Jack Hosmer had a heck of a time
to keep a straight face while helping fit Eddie with another pair of
trousers.
The only other Sander and Eddie story I ever heard was when they were
going to dynamite a rock out of their field. They dug down beside the
big rock and placed a 1/4 stick of dynamite under the rock and lit it.
They didn’t know that dynamite blows down so there was a bang and there
was a big hole by the rock. They then put a whole stick under the rock
and made a bigger hole. Frustrated, they put several sticks around the
big rock and touched it off! After the dust cleared, the rock was so far
down in the ground that they just shoveled dirt over it and gave up!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Allen Richard’s (65) Reply to Gary:

Thanks, Gary.  Alaina and I were going to drive the old Dodge to the reunion, but 2,500 miles @ 12 MPG—on premium —- well —

As to Seattle, I arrive there before noon Oct 28 and return Nov. 2.  I have calls in to a few relatives, But I haven’t set any times for get togethers.  I know I’ll be spending time with Aunt Louise (Pigeon) Horsman and her family.  I’m relying on your list for contacting everyone else, Have done little so far.  My best guess is that between alumni and relatives–I’d be talking well over 100 people!

Don’t think that is going to happen!

Take care everyone!  And best wishes from Michigan.

aLLEN rICHARD

Alina Richard’s Home coming pictures provided by her Father Allen Richard (65): 

NO THEY DIDN’T DRIVE THE CHARGER–SUSAN AND I TOOK THEM TO THE DANCE! CALEB’S PARENTS PICKED THEM UP!!

Alina’s Richard’sfirst homecoming dance

The following pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Dunseith High School Class of 1958

Bernadette Stokes update:

This morning when I got up, Bernadette was lying on the couch in the living room wide awake.  When I said good morning to her she said “Who are you. I don’t know you”.  I thought she was just joking with me, but then I realized she was not. Then Novie’s boys came in and she didn’t know them either. The I asked her if she knew our kids, Bernie and Sheryl and she said no. Then I went over and got he her sister Belinda to come in the house and she didn’t know her either, but she remembered her mother and her dad. In about 20 minutes she snapped out of it and started to know people again. It is now 11:15 AM and her mind seems to be OK. That was a very scary situation.

Gary

Happy Birthday Clarice Hackman (DHS ’67): Fargo, ND

Happy Birthday Evon Lagerquist (DHS ’77):  Dunseith, ND

            Happy birthday Clayton Parrill (’72):   Bottineau, ND

        Happy Birthday David Schimetz (DHS ’79): Mandan, ND

Posted by Shelley Bowers:  Bottineau, ND

WILLIS (BILL) EMMETT BOWERS

(April 18, 1928 –   February 15, 2015)

Funeral services for Willis (Bill) Emmett Bowers, age 86 of Bottineau, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday February 20, at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Lunch will be served at  St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at Turtle Mountain Lutheran Church Cemetery, Souris, North Dakota in the spring. Officiating at the service will be the Reverand David Hayes. Honorary brearers are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Willis (Bill) Emmett Bowers was born on the family farm north of Dunseith, North Dakota on April 18, 1928, to Frank Claire & Mary Adeline (Amsbaugh) Bowers. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He attended the Ackworth Country School, Dunseith.

On December 21, 1950 he married Shirley Louraine Berge, daughter of Oscar & Alma (Olson) Berge, at the Turtle Mountain Lutheran Church. After marriage they lived on Bill’s home place north of Dunseith. In April 1951 moved to the Andrew Hanson farm, which Oscar & Alma Berge purchased in 1939, and lived there over 60 years, until they entered the Good Samitarian Home in the fall of 2012. They had 3 daughters & 1 son. The farm is now 3^rd generation owned by grandson Wade Bowers.

Bill is one of the last of his breed, the family farmer. He also raised beef cattle. He retired from farming in 2009, and kept a few head of cattle to keep busy. While attending a Cub Scout Banquet in Feb 1969 a snow storm came up & they were stranded in Souris. With 2 kids at home alone, he borrowed a snowmobile and began his love of snowmobiling for the next 20 years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, basketball games, playing cards & cribbage. Many hours were spent playing cards and cribbage with his kids & the Willis’ boys when they were growing up. In later years he enjoyed attending basketball games with Bruce Condit. He enjoyed having people around and would always have a story or a joke to tell you.  While in the Good Sam’s Home enjoyed the music & playing Bingo.  He will be sadly be missed by all.

Bill passed away on February 15,  2015, at the Good Samaritain Center in Bottineau.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, three daughters, Shelley Bowers, Judy (Clay) Ramsden, Wendy Liberty & 1 son Robin (Melonie) Bowers. 9 grandchildren, Jason, Curtis (Kristi) & Cole Ramsden, Dustin, Wade (Amber), Matthew & Kelsey Bowers & Donald & Anthony Liberty. 9 great grandchildren, Darian, Chad & Isabelle Ramsden, Nathan, Madison & Kolton Ramsden, and Korban, Kamea & Kage Bowers. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, 1 brother & their spouses, son-in-law Dale Liberty, 2 nieces, 4 nephews and 1 great nephew.

Gary Stokes’ Comments:
So so sad to hear of Willis’ passing. Willis was born and raised in the Ackworth community and attended the Ackworth country school.  The Bowers Families were close family friends in my growing up days. Seldom if ever did Willis, Shirley and their family miss the annual Ackworth Alumni picnic that was held the first Sunday after the 4^th of July each year. Following the picnic they most often came to our house for more visiting and camaraderie.

With  our trip back to the area in 2013, I visited Willis and Shirley in the Bottineau Good Samaritan Home. I so enjoyed that visit too reminiscing old times.

Willis was a good guy and will most certainly be missed. Our condolences are with his family with his passing.

Gary

Reply to Dennis Dubois (’63)
From Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Don’t recall my having made a comment relative to a 1959 FB game, but if Dennis wants to include my name with his in ANY reference, I am all for it.      LEE      s      2-13-2015

====================================
Blog (252) posted on October 15, 2008

From Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59):

Shirley, We know this is open heart Surgery. You are in our prays. Gary

So I will be having surgery tomorrow, wedesday, I need to be there at 5:30 in the morning. Please be praying ok thanks talk to you soon..God Bless  Shirley

From Sybil Johnson: 

Thank you Gary. I truly appreciated your reply about Bernice’s family. Yes, I remember when Uncle Raymond talked about Pancho Villa and how he left Mexico, leading an

army–only he wasn’t with them, they were chasing him. He also called himself “Soldier of Misfortune”. He had many stories to tell. There was a scar on his right leg and

he said that was from a spear going thru his leg in Africa. Another story, that both he and Bernice would tell: Raymond brought home a suitcase full of money and put it

on the floor for the kids to play with. He then took it and buried it somewhere on Grandma’s property. I don’t know how true that was, but it was an intriguing story.

Thanks again, for all the wonderful stories. Even though Augie and I have been divorced some 15 yrs., I still care about the family.

Sybil Johnson

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

These are pictures of Han’s Johnson’s barn. He and his brother, Axel,
sawed the dimension lumber on their old sawmill and bought the lap
siding and shingles. The top picture is dated 1926 and the writing on
the back says ‘Axel (standing on the wall) and Hans’ . The second
picture is dated 1929, barn was painted red. The last photo is after the
wind tore it down in 1961. It was actually only 35 years old, not that
old for a building. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

                                    Dunseith High School Class of 1957

1959 Dunseith Football team
Posted by Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s story, the 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lsot one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned” and it lasted long enough for them to s core the winning touchdown. Jay Vanory’s dad

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s note. The 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lost one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned and gave them enough time to score the winning touchdown. Jay Vanory’s dad, Virgil, went crazy and they got the cops to escort him off the field and probably out of town.

Leonard Eller not well
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary….

My half-brother Leonard Eller is not doing very well. I was hoping that everyone, that reads the blog will put him in their prayers. His daughter Kim Thomas, contacted me here in Arizona to let me know that day before yesterday Leonard had been air lifted to Bismarck.

Leonard has been a residence of the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau for the last couple of years.  I guess he had been doing poorly for a while and had to be put into the Botno Hospital. He has congestive heart disease that has progressively gotten worse. He coded out a couple of time when they tried to transfer him to Bismarck. They finally got him stable enough to transport, however when he arrived they had to put him on a ventilator, and he will have to be put on a dialysis machine. A year or so ago, when he was put on that machine, he didn’t do so well.

I believe that many people from the Dunseith/Belcourt area know him. Him and his family have lived in the Belcourt area for most of their lives. He is my oldest brother from my Dad’s first marriage. I believe he is 83. I still have 2 more half-brother left. One in Sun City, AZ. the other one is in Elkhart, Indiana.

Please put Leonard in your prayer & hope for the best.

Thank You,

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’68):  Bottineau, ND

Benchmark Electronics to close plant in North Dakota

Posted: Feb 12, 2015 8:47 PM USTUpdated: Feb 12, 2015 8:47 PM UST

DUNSEITH, N.D. (AP) – Workers at the Benchmark Electronics plant in Dunseith and area officials say they’ve been notified by the company that the factory will close by the end of the year.

The shutdown will put 140 people out of work in the northern North Dakota town of fewer than 800 residents. Officials with Texas-based Benchmark did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on why the Dunseith facility is being closed.

Former City Councilman Bob Leonard helped bring Benchmark to the town 30 years ago. He tells KXMC-TV (http://bit.ly/1J0AyDx ) that the impending closure of the facility is a shock to the community.

Mayor Jesse Marion says officials will work to find another tenant for the 100,000-square-foot plant.

Alison Bjorkedal, daughter of G. Ann Krech Bjorkedal (1964 Rolla graduate) at Grammy Awards
Posting from Brenda Hoffman (’68): Greenville, SC

Last weekend, Alison Bjorkedal, daughter of G. Ann Krech Bjorkedal (1964 Rolla graduate) and Al Bjorkedal, was at the 57th annual Grammy Awards as part of Partch – an ensemble that plays the music and instruments of 20th century composer Harry Partch (http://www.Partch.LA.com).

The group took home the award for Best Classical Compendium. Alison plays the kithara, a harplike instrument, with the ensemble.

Alison (http://www.alisonbjorkedal.com) holds a master’s and doctorate degrees in harp performance and is a Los Angeles-based harp teacher, college instructor and performer including a Mariah Carey/Nick Cannon special, an Andre Boucle PBS Christmas program and a State Department exchange with Vietnam.

Alison’s two uncles, Gordon and Gerald, are Rolla residents.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/grammy-awards-john-schneider-and-partch-answer-questions-from-the-press/vp-AA99vSl

The Partch ensemble at the press conference after the Grammy awards.

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

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (251) posted on October 14, 2008

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary,

Letaine Bolen served DHS as an English teacher in Dunseith in the mid ’70’s through 1982.   She came to ND from Texas, when her sister was teaching at Dunseith Indian Day School.

In 1981, She married Bill Brandt,moved to Bottineau and was an English teacher here in the system until  about 2003.

Diane, her beloved sister died of an aneurism in Texas in 1996.

In 2002, Letaine then was teaching in Belcourt when diabetes began ravaging her body.

She lost parts of her toes and eyesight from one eye, and was undergoing dialysis in Belcourt.  While undergoing dialysis she’d  often find herself renewing communications with  parents of former students.

She and Bill had started  divorce proceedings when he died suddenly of pancreatic cancer last summer.

A couple months ago she got her kidney transplant. Two weeks later,she had a heart attack. Letaine has since been at Med Center 1 in Bismarck ND now awaiting heart surgery.

While in Dunseith, Letaine,was a very able English Teacher. Why do I know? Because she taught my brothers,  and since parents with their disabilties did not go to conferences… I did.

While as teacher, in Dunseith, a character trait goal I remember of Letaine; students looking at everyday on Letaine’s door was …..” BE YE KIND”….  And KIND  she is. She lived it. Former students will probably remember Letaine as a fine teacher who was always respectful of all, young or old, brown or white, poor or rich. And  quick thinking on her feet and very WITTY.

Thanks for asking.

A former Dunseith and Bottineau co-teacher,  Vickie Metcalfe

Letaine’s mailing address and phone number

Medcenter One
Letaine Brandt
300 N.  Seventh St.
Bismarck, ND  58501

Her phone # is 701-323-  and ask for Letaine Brandt’s room. They have been moving her around a lot.  That # will get the main hospital and they will transfer to her room.

You will not have to use Letaine’s maiden name with the address for any letters

Reply from Ardy Bakken Horner (former teacher): 

Gary  If anyone ever goes to Holden Village (Lutheran retreat Center) in Washington, they can still experience a bowling  with hand

set pins, my kids were amazed to see it on our visit there.  Ardy Bakken Horner

Reply from Marlene Lilleby Plmquist/Larson (53): 

Gary

Thanks for adding me to your list, have enjoyed reading the Dunseith alumni news.  After being gone so many years I even still remember some of the names appearing.  What ship are you all going on for the Alaskan Cruise on July 24th?

Thanks again.  Marlene Lilleby Palmquist/ Larsen

From Erling Landsverk (44): 

HI GARY!

I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING READING ALL THE MEMORBELIA FROM ALL OUR OLD NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS, OR RATHER THE DECENDANTS OF OUR OLD NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.

HOWEVER, I HAVEN’T READ ANYTHING ABOUT THE FIRST RETAIL MALL IN THE HILLS.  THAT WAS OF COURSE SANDER AND EDDIE JOHNSONS CONVENIENCE STORE LOCATED ON WHAT WE CALLED THE METIGOSHE ROAD, BUT NOW IN THE MORE MODERN TIMES IS REFERRED TO AS HIGHWAY 43.

ALTHOUGH THE STOCK WAS SOMEWHAT LIMITED, I DO REMEMBER WALKING CROSS COUNTRY TO BUY COPENHAGEN FOR MY DAD WHO WAS HAVING A NERVOUS TIME OF IT WITHOUT THE NASTY STUFF AS MOM CALLED IT.

I WONDER HOW MANY OF THE READERS REMEMBER THE LITTLE STORE.

ERLING LANDSVERK

Erling,I remember Sander & Eddie Johnson very well. I was only 13 years old when Sander died, but I still remember him well.  Laverne Rude, these guys were your great uncles.McKay siblings, Sander lived less than 1/4 mile from you uncle Elmer Lindberg, your mother Alice’s brother. Your mother would have been neighbors to the Johnson’s too, in her growing up days.  I will never forget Sander’s glass eye.  I remember Eddie helping some of our neighbors, at different times, with tasks they needed help with.  The Johnson farm was located about 1/2 mile into Bottineau county on the Metigoshe road.  I remember Sander with his cream station in his house along with his little store and gas pump outside.  Sander’s funeral, at Salem church, is one of the first funerals that I remember ever attending.  Laverne, I remember Sander being at your house, really often, when we’d visit you guys.  My dad was the executor of Sander’s estate after he died.  I remember it as being quite a complicated estate.

I found a picture of Sander with his cream truck, from the 1984 Bottineau Centennial book,that I have pasted below.  That sure looks like the Lindberg barn in the back ground.  Gary

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net

Gailord, this is a great picture. Is this your HS senior picture? Gary

Gailord Peltier (80)

                                  Dunseith High SchoolClass of 1956

Happy Birthday Laurel Wenstad (’63):  Dundas, MN

Happy Birthday Kathy Salmonson Helgeland (’63): Dunseith, ND
                                   

Looking for a guy named Cossie
Message from Dale Pritchard (’63):   Leesville, LA

Gary,

I have a question then an explanation of why I’m looking for the answer.  Do any your readers have knowledge of, or have heard of a guy whose name or nickname was “Cossie?”  He would have been in the Dunseith area between 1900 and about 1920.  He moved to Eugene, OR and ended up in Los Angeles, CA about 1925.  Supposedly, he was a carpenter and oil field construction foreman, he was married with one child and his wife worked in the Goodyear tire factory in Los Angeles.

Reason for the question:  I’m just trying to figure out who he was.  Herschel Ingalls was a homesteader overlooking Boundary Lake, west of your old farm.  He wasn’t really suited for that and ended up working for a hardware store in Dunseith.  I understand also that, at one time, between 1905 and 1915, he was the Mayor of Dunseith.  About 1917 he, his wife (who was my dad’s aunt) and his family left Dunseith and moved to Eugene, OR.  In 1927, Herschel’s son, Keith Ingalls, was working to pay his way through college.  He took a summer job in Los Angeles.  The Boss was a guy named or nicknamed “Cossie” and said he knew Keith’s dad, Herschel Ingalls, from his days in Dunseith.  Anybody out there have any idea who “Cossie” might have been??

Dale Pritchard

Bedard Twins and Triplets.
Reply from Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

I believe that Nichole and Nick Bedard were twins?  Jean, Juey, and Jim were the obvious triplets of the family.

Nick was a wonderful football teammate.  He was about 3 years ahead of me; I began playing on HS football team when I was in the 8th grade.  Robert Jury and Donald Prouty were the coaches.

16 degrees, icy streets, sidewalks.  Employees coming to work on Sunday morning were experiencing, OOPS !

and then getting up from the ground.  Warm shoes when riding in car to work and then stepping on ice is a special

LEE

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

NOTE: Paul Wagar’s son, Scott Wagar, is the Editor of the Bottineau Courant.

With our trip back to the area for the whole month of July 2013, I had

many conversations with Paul at the Bottineau Bakery with our

morning Breakfasts.  Paul was such a nice friendly guy. I dearly loved

visiting and talking with him. He will be missed.

Gary

Paul Wagar

(Died February 9, 2015)

Send Flowers Send Sympathy Card
Guest Book | Sign Guest BookPaul Wagar, age 81 of Bottineau, died Monday at a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm and again on Friday from 10:00 am until service time the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Paul Duane Wagar was born June 20, 1933 in Inkster, ND to Eldon and Alice (Carlson) Wagar. Paul grew up in Wannaska, MN where he spent most of his childhood growing up on a farm and playing Hockey. Paul was employed as an Electrical Apprentice at Jamestown, ND where he met Janet Gillies who was working as a Student Nurse. They were married on April 5, 1959 at Turtle Mountain Church, Carbury, ND. They made their home in Jamestown until 1963 and then moved to Kenmare, ND where he was employed with the Missile Program and Graveson Electric where he obtained his Journeyman’s and Master’s licensees. He then moved his family to Bottineau, ND in 1969 to work with North Central Electric where he worked for 32 years, making Bottineau his permanent home.

Paul attended the First Baptist Church in Bottineau. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved watching hockey.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Wagar and Mother-in-Law Victoria Gillies of Bottineau; children, John and Lori (Simonson) Wagar of Bemidji, MN; Mary Wagar Minot, ND and Scott Wagar Bottineau; grandchildren, Miriam Wagar Bemidji, MN and Joshua and Jia (Lu) Wagar Bemidji, MN; siblings, Joseph (Elinor) Wagar Lancaster, WS; Ida (John) Berger Moose Lake, MN and Brother-in-Law Abraham Bontrager Elkhart, IN.

Paul was preceded in death by his Parents; father-in-Law, Alexander Gillies; sister, Ardell Bontrager and nephew, James Wagar.

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

====================================
Blog (250) posted on October 13, 2008

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Sunday morning

Gary,

I just got back to my room after helping  (7 a.m.-10:00a.m.)
with the Mavis Hagen pancake and sausage benefit in the cafeteria, it
will  continue to go until  around 1:00.
It is a very windy, cold, dark and rainy fall day.  Reports of some
snow in the Turtles.
Dog gone it, those UffDa area North Dakotans came out!  A nice turn
out of folks coming here before and after their respective church
services.  Thrivent for Lutherans is helping  to sponsor this event.
Also, Some friends put together a silent auction, yet others a raffle
for an antique desk, their wish is for  Mavis to take the cash to
help with  a wig and  traveling expenses to  Bismarck this week.

As I wiped tables, there was the sound of an applause and
Mavis  came in wearing a mask over her mouth and nose. Her devoted
Art, brought her over.  Clarence and Mary Ann were also here.
Other former Dunseith grads also came, among them, the Davy
Abrahamsons from the hills by Carpenter Lake.
Thanks Gary.
Vickie

Happy Birthday Patti Metcalfe Woods (67):  

Patti, the following message appeared on my computer screen.  I wasn’t aware that I was signed up for this service, but it’s wonderful that I am.  This is a milestone birthday for you too.  Go out tonight and celebrate with Jack, friends and family members.  Have fun and enjoy.  Gary

Dunseith News provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

                                     Dunseith High School Class of 1955

            Happy Birthday Nancy Bedard (’67): Hillsboro, ND

       Happy Birthday Sue Pladson: Fargo, ND

    Happy Birthday Tammy Azure Williams: Dickinson, ND

====================================
Blog (249) posted on October 12, 2008

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net

Gary,

Again, I don’t know if you are interested in this clipping, or not.  It was in the Minot Daily awhile ago.  I saved it because it reminds me of the “old” bowling alley in Dunseith.  I had never seen a bowling alley until I saw that one.  I was quite impressed. Ha!  It amazed me how quick the pin boys were, and how dangerous their job must be.  Some of the men who were bowling, really “whipped” the bowling ball down the alley.  I didn’t know at that time (about 1953), I would become an avid bowler when I was older.  At one time, Wally/I bowled on a couples’ league, and I bowled on two women’s leagues.  I absolutely loved it.

Later, when Garden Lanes (I think that’s the name of the “new” bowling alley.) opened, Jim, Curt Bjornseth (Jim and Curt were good friends.), and I thought it would be fun to try bowling–we were “visiting” Dad one Sunday afternoon.  We asked the person at the desk in the bowling alley how much it cost to bowl a game.  They told us, and we went back to the garage and got the money from Dad.  When we were finished (That must have been some game/games, as none of us had ever bowled before.) bowling, we went to the desk to pay for it.  It seemed we didn’t have enough money.  When we had asked how much it cost to bowl, we didn’t realize it would cost each one of us that much and for each game.  We thought the price covered all three of us for both games!!  Live and learn.  That was my first experience with bowling.  Another good memory.

Neola

Folks,  I have pasted several pictures from my Achieves below.  Gary

               Cheryl Bailey & Ernie Gottbreht (65) – July 12, 2007

Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65)  – In back Easter Murray Flemming (65) – July 12, 2007

                                     Dunseith High School class of 1954

Elmer and Mabel (Espe) Striker’s daughter Ann
Letter & Picture shared by Geri Metcalfe Munro (‘59):  Fargo, ND

Hi Peggy & Dennis Espe

We ran into this nice couple at Brennecke’s on Poipu Beach, Kauai, HI

Ann mentioned that she remembers Elmer & Frances and little Dennis visiting them in Seattle.

My parents and Ann’s parents, Elmer and Mabel (Espe) Striker were good friends when they all lived in Seattle in the early 40’s.
Ann thought she was named after a relative, I don’t remember the name, but she has always gone by the name of Pat Striker.
I have her address, phone #, but no email address.  I can call her and ask for it, but I kinda think they don’t use email.  Anyway, we can get some info and the blog could fill her in and send to her.

I’m wading thru email/facebook, mail, etc since we returned home from Kauai, HI last evening.  Ann and her husband, Jim Morrison (he was from WA state) own a lovely condo on the 4th floor of a building at Poipu Beach, Kauai with a gorgeous view of the island.  On clear days in summer they can see the canyon from there.

Peggy, are you on facebook?

Gary, I look forward to reading your blog—hope Bernadette is doing well.  I missed all of this because I did not bring my laptop along—I need to do a lot of reading because we are traveling to Spain/Portugal for 19 days in June-July with a group of friends from our church group here—we went to Scotland with them in 2010 and some of them went to Scotland again in 2013–fabulous trip!!

We spent 32 glorious days on Kauai; our family went with us for parts of the month so we’ve put quite a few pictures on my timeline that Jeff took when he was with us.

Peggy, hope to hear from you and I’ll share Denny’s cousin, Pat’s address, etc.

Love, Geri and Chuck

Pictures posted by Dewy Morinville (’72):  Dunseith, ND

Bill Hosmer (’48) hosts Aime Casavant (’66)
Message/picture from Aime Casavant (’66): Jamestown, ND

Gary,

Dale Banot ( a friend of mine from our Air Force days) and myself spent 2 and a half days with Bill Hosmer in Tucson.  Bill was such a gracious host inviting us stay at his house and then took us to Davis-Mothan AFB where we spent a lot of time.  I would recommend this Air Museum and aircraft boneyard to everyone – it was two fantastic days.  Dale, who was stationed at Minot AFB and was a crew chief with the 5th Fighter Intercepter Squadron was able to see the his plane as one of the main F-106’s on static display.  So we were all able to share a lot of stories about North Dakota, Dunseith and our time in the Air Force.

Dale, who never knew Bill (Hosz) Hosmer before, but communicated with us by e-mail for some time had such great accolades about unassuming Bill, his hospitality, knowledge, sharing some experiences of his time as a pilot, Dale remarked when we left  that “Hosz seems to be his (Dales) idea of a remarkable person whose chose a path early in a life and lived it well with great success and remains a part of that life to this day (Bill works part time at the AB).”

Also, Bill has authored a chapter in a book called “Friday Pilots” which is a collection experiences of fighter pilots who get together each week in Tucson – one of them being the Apollo astronaut Jim McDivitt amongst other distinguished fighter pilots.

As Dale said “words cannot express his gratitude” for the few day of fun and good conversation. Here are some of the photos,  I hope they turn out when transferred electronically.

Hoping all is well on your side of the world Gary.

Note: Sorry Aime, Your friend Dale’s picture with Bill did not come through.  Gary

Reply to Joan Wurgler Salmonson (’61)
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Happy Birthday Joan- hope you had a good day !!- Lola and Jay –

====================================
Blog (248) posted on October 11, 2008

From Gary Metcalfe (57):  

    Happy Birthday Joan Wurgler Salmonson (’61): Dunseith, ND

Vickie Johnson Messner
Message from Gwendolyn Struck Dumas (’68):  Havre, MT

HaPpY  (Belated) BiRtHdAy, Vickie!
GREAT picture!
Gwendolyn (Struck) Dumas

Methodist Church
From Kay Hosmer (‘77):  Crown Point, In  

I am also sad to hear about the Methodist Church.  In terms of its life in the stone church, I believe that I was the last person to be married there.  – I am happy to report that such a fate has not happened everywhere.  The Methodist Church I attend in Crown Point, IN, is a thriving & growing place.  I love being a part of the congregation & owe my roots to the Dunseith Methodist Church. 

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Bottineau & Minot, ND

Joke of the day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):   Sioux Falls, SD

====================================
Blog (247) posted on October 10, 2008

Folks,  I am running on generator power today.  They have a scheduled brown out (no electricity) from 8:00 am to 5:pm today.  I have a 5.5 KW generator that I brought with us from the states.  It pretty much powers up everything.  It’s been 7 or 8 months since I fired it up.  It’s about noon now, so I think Bernadette and I will go down to the mall for the rest of the afternoon.  Gary

From Sybil Johnson: 

Good morning, Gary and everyone! I’ve looked at all the names of those who graduated from Dunseith and I see none of Augie’s family. I thought they had all

graduated from Dunseith, but evidently that assumption is wrong. Also, I enjoyed looking at the pictures from Dick. I use to drive over that old bridge between

Bismarck and Mandan, when I was in direct sales many many years ago. Thanks again for all the interesting stories and pictures on this site. It is fabulous and

fascinating. Sybil Johnson

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Paulette (LaCroix)…

I lived in Germany for quite awhile and was last there for a visit in
2001 but an itching to go back. Have never been to France and since I
am half french, would love to go….where do you stay?  Where do you
fly out of?

Message/Pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): 

The picture of Wm Gottbreht Sr and his grandchildren Anice, Bill and Lois
held by William Gottbreht. The elevator appears in good condition at the
time, circa 1923. Exploration of the old elevator was forbidden in my youth,
advice which I heeded.

The second picture is of Lois Borland Brown and her oldest child, Bill.

Sorry I did not separate these pictures before scanning! No idea how to
edit.

Sharron

Folks, This is an old picture I found that was taken at one of the Ackworth School Alumni’s.

I think this picture was taken in 1992.

Dick Johnson & Rod Hiatt, I am wearing the Dunseith Centennial Belt that you guys designed and had Molded.

My Dad gave me that Belt & Buckle for my birthday in 1982. I wore that buckle, nearly everyday, for 25 years

I need to purchase another belt and start wearing it again. Gary

2/6/2015 Note: Myself (Gary Stokes) and Elwood Fauske are the only two living soles today in this picture.

L to R:
Gary Stokes, Willie Hiatt, Walter Bowers, Clarence Hagen, Elwood Fauske, Dennis Hiatt & Edmar Tangen

Article from the Bottineau Courant provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Loretta Neameyer Wall Graduated with the class of 1972

The healthy Dunseith High School Class of 1952 – They are all living and well

Happy Birthday Vickie Johnson Messner (’74): Bismarck, ND

Rob & Kristin (Stokes) Podominick’s twin girls
Reply from Marlys Hiatt (’71):Dunseith, ND

Congratulations to Darrell and Debbie Stokes as well as Rob and Kristin on the birth of those beautiful baby girls.

Marlys Hiatt

Stone Church
Reply from Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT

Sorry to hear of the closing of the “Stone Church”   I grew up attending that Church…I have many fond memories of attending Sunday School and Church services there  over the years….Many great Sunday School teachers including Marge Morgan….and then there were those “pot luck” dinners….when  young fellows from the church  served meals under the watchful eye of Kenny Morgan…. Those were the good old days….

Have been a Church Finance Committee Chair out here in Montana, so I do understand the problems involved…

Glen Williams
Missoula, Mt

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Lorna Arlene Abbey

(June 27, 1938 – February 1, 2015)

Send Flowers Send Sympathy Card
Sign Guest Book

LORNA ARLENE ABBEY

Lorna Arlene Abbey, age 76 of Dunseith, died Sunday in her home. Funeral services will he held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery also of Dunseith. Visitation will be on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until service time in the church.

Lorna Arlene Abbey, a daughter of Earl and Jane (Roussin) Brew, was born at Drayton, ND on June 27, 1938. She was reared and educated in Drayton. At a young age she moved to Dunseith. On July 25, 1956 she was married to Darrell Abbey at Rolla. After their marriage they moved to Grand Forks. they then moved to many city’s in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. In 1975 they returned to Dunseith. Lorna was a foster parent and took care of disabled children and young troubled girls for over 33 years. She wanted to help those in need. Lorna never turned away anyone who came into her life and always had a warm meal for anyone who happen to stop by.

She was very involved in her husbands church, teaching Sunday School, working within the church and attending Bible Camps. Lorna loved to read, taking care of her flowers and spending time with her children.

She is survived by her husband Darrell Abbey of Dunseith; daughters, Ila Cherland of Java, SD, Kathryn Gottbreht of Medical Lake, WA and Susan Hanyak of Willow Spring, NC; a son John Abbey of Minot; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, David Roussin of Ft. Worth, TX; a sister Dora Frederick of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Lorna is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Susan Roussin.

====================================
Blog (246) posted on October 9, 2008

Dunseith Alumni – Seattle Reunion – July 24, 2009

Folks,  With today’s message there are several questions asking about a reunion in the Seattle area to be coordinated with those of us going on the cruise this next July.  Karen Loeb Mhyre (65) from Bellevue, is checking a few place in the Puget Sound area where we could possible hold this event.  We would like to hold this event on Friday, July 24, 2009.  This is the  day before our Cruise.  We are not sure how many of you folks going on the cruise would be interested in this. I think we will be boarding the ship around noon on Saturday the 25th. For those of you flying into Seattle on Friday and would like, I think we will be making arrangements with a hotel near the Airport for our group.  We will be addressing the hotel and transportation to the ship with a separate message to those of you going on the cruise.

I have gone through and sorted out all of you folks living in the Washington/Oregon area. There are 79 of you living in that area that I have on my list with 49 in the Puget sound area alone.  I have pasted that list at the very bottom of this message sorted by areas (Puget sound, Washington out side of Puget sound and Oregon) Please note that this list includes only the folks from the class lists that I have put together so far.  Those are the classes from 1930 through 1977.  Our Seattle reunion will be inclusive of everyone and not just for those from those class years.

We are asking for suggestions, from any of you, where we could hold this event. For planning purposes, I think we should plan for about 150 folks.  We may have less, but we need to be prepared in case we have more.  My suggestion is to locate a restaurant, with banquet room facilities, that could handle this many folks for a meal. That would eliminate the renting of a facility. For those interested in participating, we would ask them to make reservations with us, so the facility would know the number of folks to plan for.

For those of you in the Pacific Northwest. we are wide open for any suggestion of where to have this reunion. To accommodate those of us going on the cruise, some place near SeaTac would probably work the best, if at all possible.  SeaTac is centrally located in the Puget sound area too.  Locating a facility to handle a group of our size will be challenging and that is where we need your help. Gary

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): 

All correct Gary. I worked at the Everett Surgery Center on Rucker/Pacific 4 years when first in WA. I am a CRNA by profession and practiced anesthesia for 35 years. Love retirement. Love to attend the Dunseith Picnic held in this area 2009. Are you in the know? Sharron

Reply from Francie Gottbreht Dutra (63): 

First and foremost, thanks for doing all the work for this great website…..I do not log in daily but do play “catch-up”.  I wanted to  add some info on the class of  ’51 and my brother Gene’s info.  He was born on October 5, 1932 and passed away on 1-16-91 in Olympia Wa.  Prior to his death  he worked for the Olympia brewery.  We in the northwest had a great fall with sun and temps in the 80’s thru Sept. and now fall has arrived with rain and cold.  We were in Dunseith  the first week of August and as always had a great time.  Also had the great thunderstorms and rain ( 5 inches in a couple of hours) and then the 95+ degree weather later in the day in Washburn , and then more storms in Bismarck later in the evening!!   Washington just does not get those great thunderstorms  like ND.  (Thank goodness)!!!!  I would be interested in the get-together for the Dunseith folks coming in to  Seattle for the cruise…..we will not be joining the cruise (I am not a fan of water) but we may be able to get together with some of you in Seattle before you leave.  Sounds like so much fun but ……….I’m a land lover.  Francie

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Gene [Thomas Eugene] Gottbreht, b Oct 5 1932 – d Jan 15 1991 Olympia, WA

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

Hello Gary

We just wanted to add Clyde Satrang’s address

5417 Park Drive
Mountain Iron, Mn. 55768

We really enjoy your news Gary!!  Thanks!  Marge and Clyde
Satrang

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm’s (68) reply to Gary:

Folks, Dick Johnson and I pass a few jokes back and forth.  Dick forwarded a joke I had sent him to Paulette as an attachment. Paulette replied thinking she was replying to Dick, but instead she was replying to me.  With that mistake, Paulette and I exchanged several messages to include the one posted below.  Paulette, this event has enabled us to enjoy the nice letter you have provided.  Gary

PS – Paulette, in answer to your question below, I have DSL for my internet connection.

Gary,

Dick Johnson is something else.  I loved the story about him buying that instrument for the Lorraine Metcalfe, who thought it too expensive.  It brought tears to both my husband and I.  After the reunion, they invited us to their lake home and Ken played guitar while I sang with them.  He’s a special classmate that has been telling stories and jokes since as early as the 4^th grade, with his, “look down your shirt and spell attic.”  Who knew he was going to collect all these stories and information on the area and people?  I’m not surprised you receive lots of email from him.  With all he does, when does he have the time?

Bill Grimme and Alan Boguslawski, on occasion, (they must’ve been very bored) used to sit in some old car with us and entertain.  They were quite the comedians and gave us lots of laughs before they went on their ways.

Is it true?  Are you using still having to use dial up?  We got the FIOS package for TV, phone and internet and the speed is great.  Getting this together everyday must be quite a feat.

My father’s family came from Quebec as did so many of the French families in the Dunseith and Rolette area.  When we visited the cemetery of the little town where my grandparents were born, Contrecoer, Quebec, we read on the tombstones names like Lamourex, Dionne, Mongeon, Vivier,  Boucher, Cote, LaFountaine, Fontaine, and many others.  It was clear these families moved together to our surrounding area.   Looks like we are all related.  Ha!  I asked some French speaking people where I could find the old cemetery.  They took the time to find the  historian of the town so he could tell me.  I know but a few essential words in French, so it was a fun challenge to communicate.  The historian, who spoke English told me about a great split of these families.  It seems for some reason (I assumed was poor soil or poverty) they all moved.  Half the families went to the East Coast to work in factories and the other half went to ND, SD, and Iowa areas to farm.   When we lived in New Hampshire years ago, I made friends with a woman who was French and still had a heavy accent.  These many years later, we find that we are distantly related.  Her family, also from Quebec, were amongst those who moved to work the factories.  Our families names were also on the stones and had married one another over the years.  We laugh because she had little mannerisms that reminded me of my father’s family and I’d suggest she was a cousin.  It is definitely a small world.

Ken and I love to travel and have been going to Europe just about every year for the past ten.  We love the South of France with it friendly people, great inexpensive wine, and savory food.   This year we went to the Languedoc Rousillion  area which is less touristed.  The people were playful and even knew who was winning the debate between Clinton and Obama.  At a colorful street market, I was asked to buy some very expensive sausage.  I pulled out my empty pockets and replied “George Bush.”  A number of people laughed, touched my back and said “Sarcozy, even worse!”  I have tons of pictures of this beautiful area.  The castles of the Cathars were interesting too.  History, which used to be my least liked subject, is now one of my favorites.  To read about Richard the Lionheart is interesting, but to see his castle and look out of the tower towards the ones he tried to capture is just a lot more exciting.

Well, I do go on.  Right now I’m more focused on this economy and the election, but a European trip would sure be a great distraction.

I’d love to see the Phillipines.  Cultures fascinate me.  Is it hot and humid all year round?  Sounds like your wife is a very good cook, yet,  you both look pretty slim.  It’s hard to portion those helpings when its good right?  Ha.

It was nice to hear from you.

Paulette Chisholm
Dunseith Alumni Folks living in the Washington/Oregon areas (Classes 1930-1977)

Emmeline (Oscar) Hagen relationship to the Morinville’s
Message from Toni Morinville Gredesky (’68):   Fairmount, ND

Gary,

Emmeline is the daughter of my mother’s sister, Myrtle. So she is a first cousin. Oscar is an engineer. He must have been in school when they got married. They have lived in Eau Claire, WI for as long as I can remember. I also refer to them as “Oscar & Emmy, the award-winning couple!”

Toni Gredesky

Dunseith United Methodist Church Closing
Message from Robert Leonard (’51):Dunseith, ND

February 2, 2015

Gary Stokes

SUBJECT: Dunseith United Methodist Church Closing

It was suggested that I provide you will information on the above as many of your readers are

interested in our community activities.

It was with a great deal of sadness that this decision had to be made after many years of being

able to maintain our church identity. For about the last 10 years, we have participated with

Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith by sharing the minister and more recently, church building

as well. Both of our churches have been involved with an organization known as Mountain View

Ministry which includes Valle Lutheran Church in Rolette, Willow Creek Lutheran Church in

Overly, and St. Sylvan’s Episcopal Church north of Dunseith. This has been working very well

for all of us as it makes it possible to afford the minister and benefits including housing and

traveling costs. This arrangement has been in place for 7-8 years, except for St. Sylvan’s which

has been involved for about 3 years. The minister is very busy as he has a service each week

at each of the churches except St. Sylvan’s which is twice a month.

The United Methodist Church has had a small membership for many years and has gotten

much smaller the last 3 years. Age has caught up to us with a number of deaths, people

moving from our community and lack of participation for some. We have been living off of our

resources for several years but that has come to an end, so the decision was made to close

effective December 31, 2014. We are currently in the process of dealing with our District

Superintendent and closing the church down, asking our few remaining members where they

want to continue their church affiliation and transferring their membership. The Methodist

Church wants to be sure that everyone continues their church membership somewhere.

All of this will be finalized when approved by the Methodist Church at their annual meeting in

June, 2015.

I would think some of you might not realize this, but the stone Methodist Church Building was

owned by Dunseith Masonic Lodge and that was sold 3-4 years ago. The Masonic Lodge

suffered the same faith with lack of membership and financial problems, so had to be sold,

some of the proceeds were given to the Methodist Church because of their participation in

maintaining the building over many years. The church also had some contents in the building

which went with the building.

A “closing service” will be held on February 22, 2015 at 11:15 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church

with the Methodist District Superintendent participating with Pastor Don Short, our regular

Sincerely,

Robert Leonard

Acting Secretary and Treasurer

====================================
Blog (244) posted on October 7, 2008

Folks, do any of you know the James Egbert that was in the class of 1939? Adrian had a brother James, but he was born in 1893, so he would have been kind of old for that class.  I found the death record for a James Egbert, with a ND Social Security number, that was born in 1920 and died in 1945. I’m wondering if that could be the guy who graduated in 1939?  If any of you see Donald Egbert around town, please ask him if he had a cousin named James or if he knows anything about this James Egbert that was born in 1920 and died in 1945.  Thanks,  Gary

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (Dale’s Daughter): 

My file for Anna Gottbreht and Harold W. Borland needs more work but I do

show that Lois BORLAND class of ’33 was born in Dunseith 1921. The family
which included Annice [1908], William [1911] and Lois [1921], moved to
Tigard, Oregon about 1928. Lois married WWII Airforce pilot Dell Brown in
Washington D.C. 1942. Dell and Lois raised five children in Sandpoint, Idaho
where Lois died in 2007. Many may recall Dell Brown’s picture in the Turtle
Mt Star as winner of the precious metal Cenntennial belt buckle.

I have a fine picture of Annice, Bill and Lois aboard horse and wagon with
their grandfather, William Gottbreht. Victor has a better scanner and I
shall send soonest.

Gary, I relish every message Evie forwards. Next to family, my childhood
bonds hold fondest memories. Thank you.

Sharron Gottbreht Shen ’59/60

Sharron, Thank you so much for including me with this reply to your sister Evie. I know that many of our folks will know and remember you. I have also added you to our distribution list.  I’m assuming that you probably attended the academy in Willow city?  I see you have your class year listed as 59/60. Which one of those classes would you prefer to be included with?  Looking forward to seeing the picture. Gary

Reply from Ann Boppre Perry (72): 

Morning Gary and all,

A reply to Sharon about the trophies.   Only the ones not on permanent

display are available.  Some have already been spoken for.

As for butte St. Paul:  it is 12 miles East of Bottineau–and 3 miles North.
Or from Dunseith  6 miles West and 3 North.

Yes, I do live in the same section of Cordelia township, Bottineau county.

Thanks again for all you do.
Ann

Reply to the DHS class list of 39 from Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Hi Gary, In case you are interested, Angeline Hiatt was married to Frank Ormberg, and they ran a dairy farm in Spokane, WA. Her and her sister were both diabetic. I’m guessing that they died from problems from that.

Evon

Evon, With all of the Hiatt, Hiatt relatives and folks that know the Hiatt’s on our list, I am replying to you with a group message.  Angeline Hiatt graduated with the class of 1939.  Her parents were Mr. & Mrs. Art Hiatt.  Art was a brother to your Grandfather, George.  Angeline Married Frank Ormberg from Bottineau.  They moved to Spokane, WA in 1948 and ran a Dairy, like you mentioned.  I located Frank Ormberg and just now got off the phone with him.  Frank is living in Beaverton, Oregon. His phone number is (503) 531-9449. Frank was born in 1920.  Talking to him on the phone, he seems to be very healthy, both physically and Mentally.  He told me that Angeline died in 1969 when they were living in Spokane.  Like you said, Angeline and her sister both were diabetic and that was the ultimate cause of her death.  Gary

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I had an informative phone conversation with Lorraine Peterson about the
Egbert family. She told me there were four siblings she knew of, Adrian,
twins Jim and George, and a sister who drowned at an early age. She said
George was in the hospital when she and Duane were married and he really
had nowhere to go. Duane told him he could stay with them a few days
until he was well. He left 17 years later! He helped them with the
chores and kids etc. He picked berries and sold them and traded horses
off and on. Jim was married and had two sons. When Jim was older, he was
a resident of the Dunseith Nursing Home. One day I came home from school
and turned on the TV. I heard the door open and close and assumed Dad or
Mom came in so I just didn’t give it any more thought. Here was old Jim
Egbert with his cane walking through our house to the front door on his
way over to Ade’s. I sat up and about two seconds later two workers from
the nursing home came through the living room and got a hold of Jim and
headed out. I’m trying to remember the two guys, I think it was Wally
Hiatt and Jim Hanson. Anyway one said, “Sorry about that”. It all
happened so fast it really didn’t sink in–I went back to watching TV!
The thing I remember about the Egberts was that they had a odd speech
impediment. It was George who seemed to be hardest to understand, as I
recall. Thanks Gary!

Folks,

I received this article from Neola Kofoid Garbe yesterday, that she sent out to her Bottineau Bunch.  This article was published in the Bottineau Courant in 2004. Salem Church is connected more to the Bottineau side, but I know many of you remember and can relate to Salem.  Salem Church was our family church in my growing up days.  Salem is located about 2 miles into Bottineau County on #43 and 7 or so miles east of Lake Metigoshe.  During the summer months, Glen Rude unlocks the church doors, every morning, for the public to view.  Arliss Rude Hagen’s parents were Albert & Gladys Rude.  They lived a short distance east and on the south side of the road from the church.  Glen currently lives on the home place.  Their Brother Laverne is Married to Carrole Fauske (66).  Arliss is married to Leonard Hagen, originally from Rolette.  The Sunday school attendance chart is still hanging on the wall in the back of the church. My name and some of you on this distribution are listed on that chart.  Arliss and Leonard did a really fine job restoring the whole church, both inside and out. Feel free to stop in and take a look if you are driving by.  If the door is locked, Glen will let you in, if he is home.

Note: This article does not mention that Arliss and Leonard lived in Woodenville/Bellevue, WA and owned & operated Hagen’s construction for nearly 40 years. They are professionals when it comes to building and remodeling.

Gary

Folks, For all but one group, I forgot to list the class when I posted the class of 50 with yesterday’s message, so I have posted it again today.  Gary

                                    Dunseith High School Class of 1950

Bryce Cain (’39) Family question
From Keith Pladson (’66):   Roanoke Rapids, NC 

Gary,

I just noticed in your reposting of the 2008 blog and the list of the 1939 graduating class the name Bryce Cain.  Question for you and for all of your readers (including my cousin Ron Cain):  Do you, or anyone else, know anything more on this Bryce or family name?

Keith Pladson (66)

Face Book Photos
From Duane (Dewy) Morinville (’72):  Dunseith, ND

Joke of the day
Posted by Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

4  Husbands. The  local news station was interviewing  an 80-year-old  lady because she had just  gotten married  for the fourth time. The  interviewer asked her  questions about her life,  about what it  felt like to be marrying again at  80, and then  about her new husband’s  occupation. “He’s a  funeral director,” she  answered.   “Interesting,”  the newsman thought.   He then  asked her if she wouldn’t mind  telling him a  little about her first three husbands  and what they  did for a living. She paused for a  few moments,  needing time to reflect on all  those years.  After a short time, a smile came to  her face and  she answered proudly, explaining  that she had  first married a banker when she was  in her 20’s,  then a circus ringmaster when in  her 40’s, and  a preacher when in her 60’s, and  now – in her  80’s – a funeral  director.   The  interviewer looked at her, quite  astonished, and asked  why she had married four men with such  diverse  careers.   (Wait  for it)   She  smiled and explained, “I married one  for the money,  two for the show, three to get  ready, and four  to go.”   (Oh, just  hush-up and send this one on to  somebody who needs  a  laugh.)

====================================
Blog (243) posted on October 6, 2008

Folks, some of you have been asking about our Alaska Cruise. For those that desire, we are currently working out hotel & transportation arrangements from the hotel to the ship.  I will be discussing this with Gina, our travel agent, before making any arrangements.  There are several hotels very near to the Seattle airport (SeaTac) that will offer good group rates to accommodate both those that will be flying and also driving. For those that drive they will be able to park their car at the hotel, while on the cruise, for about $10/day.  Gary
Message from Leland Hagen (50), Orvin’s brother: 

Gary,

I want to thank you for the information on Pearl Melhus. She was a distant cousin and neighbor .They moved away sometime in the 1930s and we completely lost touch with them. I don’t remember her but Orvin does.

Thanks for all the great news from and about the Dunseith area. I look forward
to your messages every day.

Leland Hagen (50)

From Blanche Wicks Schley (42): 

Here is information about my brother and sisters.   I noticed that you have the information on Henry…

(also thanks for the picture of the class of 1938).  Marjorie was born April 24, 1914 in Bottineau and she passed away March 4, 1934 in Dunseith.  Gwendolyn (Courture) was born April 30, 1918 in Bottineau nd she passed away January 9, 2002 at Gering, Nebr.  Gladys (Leonard) was born August 16, 1912 in Bottineau and she pased away July, 1994 in Pueblo, CO.

Gladys used to hear from Angelina Murray.  She was living on the west coast and I believe that she passed away years ago.   Aaron Dale was in grade school with me — do you know what happened to that family?   Another name comes to mind when I think about school days in Dunseith — Joyce Hill.  When we lived in Dunseith, the Cornell family lived next door…did they move before high school?  Keith Cornell lived in Grand Forks and his son and grandson also live here — Keith died a few years ago.

Thanks again for taking on such a project — you are to be commended for doing this.  I know that it brings back pleasant memories of school days.

Blancke, Thank you so much for all this info for your family members. I have pasted your family members with their class years below. Hopefully someone will know the answers to you questions.  I too would like to know.  Gary

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I am sending my grandparent’s wedding invitation from 1926. Mrs.
Abrahamson was a good friend of my grandmother and must have given this
back to her years later. The interesting postmark is
‘Carpenter–No.Dak.’ This post office was north of Carpenter Lake. Also
note the one cent postage stamp! Hand written by my great grandmother,
Della James Strietzel, on a plain recipe card in pencil. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Happy Birthday to the Neameyer Twins (’72)
Loretta Wall: Bottineau, ND  and Loraine Haas: St. John, ND

Face Book Photos
From Duane (Dewy) Morinville (’72): Dunseith, ND

First n only demo derby.
Norman Hiatt & Herman Martinson paid for the work.
Gary Baker driving the car. I drove in the derby.
During the parade. I saw Ottis (David Campbell ) by the drug store. I yelled Ottis when I streched out my arms. No I didn’t win

Not sure of the order:  Debbie, Toni and Bev Morinville

Joke of the day

Posted by Trish Larson Clayburgh  (’73):  Portola Valley, CA

A Change

A gynecologist had become fed up with malpractice insurance and HMO
paperwork, and was burned out. Hoping to try another career where skillful
hands would be  beneficial, he decided to become a mechanic.

He went to the local technical college, signed up for evening  classes,
attended diligently, and learned all he could. When the time of the
practical exam approached, the gynecologist  prepared carefully for weeks,
and completed the exam with tremendous  skill.

When the results came back, he was surprised to find that he had obtained a
score of 150%. Fearing an error, he called the Instructor, saying, “I don’t
want to  appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result, but I wonder if
there is an error in the grade.”

The instructor said, “During the exam, you took the engine apart perfectly,
which was worth 50% of the total mark. You put the engine back together
again perfectly, which is also worth 50% of the mark.”

After a pause, the instructor added, “I gave you an extra 50% because you
did it all through the muffler, which I’ve never seen done in my entire
career.

====================================
Blog (242) posted on October 5, 2008

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):  

Gary & Neola,

Thanks for the pictures and information on Butte St. Paul.  That was the gathering place for my Grandmother’s family (Alma Johnson) on the 4th of July–as it was for other families also.  We always had a great time and it was about the only time we ever had orange “pop”.  We always looked forward to that occasion.  If I remember correctly, I believe there was often some dignitary who would give a short talk.  This would have been in the mid to late 1930’s.

Once again, Gary, thanks for this network!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

A little more information on the tower at the Dahl farm, near Lake
Metigoshe. My wife read the emails and gave me a bit of insight on the
old structure. She works for North Dakota Forest Service in Bottineau
and was involved with getting the old landmark removed. The Forest
Service erected the tower in 1957 and had a 50 year lease on the
property where it stood, so 2007 was the last year of that lease and the
tower was not used any more for its original purpose of spotting forest
fires. There was a liability issue also as people would climb the tower
for kicks. A college student fell and was injured not that long before
it was taken down. The lower stairs had been removed but people would
still find ways to climb it. It is much better to have it at the
Bottineau County Museum for all to enjoy, even though it is only a
‘short’ version of the original.The Forest Service donated the tower and
paid for the moving expense to get it to the museum grounds. I remember
when it was put up in ’57 and when it was taken down in ’07 so that must
make me REAL old! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): 

This picture was taken during Ike. Please ignore me as I had been drenched several times. The best surprise was that Jeff was born in Bismarck! He still has family there.  I worked with pride.  This was brought to mind when Ivy mentioned that Julie”s name is Dahl.  What a small world. Susan Johnson

Picture from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

In looking for another item, I ran across the obituary of Grandma’s cousin, Harvey James. I mentioned this before so just thought I would send it for folks to read. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dunseith High School Class of 1939