Happy Birthday Roberta Hagen Striker (’75): Dunseith, ND

    Happy Birthday Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (’48): Kent, WA

Cebu Expat dinner at the Marco Polo on Tuesday evening.
Bernadette and Lorelie Stokes

Francois Dubois – Reply to Gordon Phillips
From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (’59):  Watertown, NJ

Hi Gordon,

There was an FX Dubois and a Francois Dubois in Rolette county. I do not know if they were the same person. Francois Xavier Dubois was probably the first among the many French Canadians there before land available in Rollett Co. Interesting fellow. I think his wife was also a Dubois and named Francoise. Not home now but will check sources and get back to you.

Alcide Marcile lived in the very nw segment of Russell Twp(about 40 acres), think Almaide Lamoureaux was post mistress at his store located across the road from St Antoine church. No resident RC priest-was served by Tarsus, Dunseith , Thorne, St John, Belcourt. I have found baptism records in Dunseith where the priest had performed same in the home at the time of birth in Russell Twp!

Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 27, 2015, at 12:48 AM, Gordon Phillips  wrote:

I have the idea that you are connected to Francois Dubois.  Someone of that name lived just north of Sifroid Marcil on the NW quarter of section 10 of Wolf Creek township.  Do you know anything about him?

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,
Another interesting newsletter.   Dad’s garage was called either Corner Service or Corner Garage (I’ve seen it written both ways.)  I think the Stone Garage was owned by the Lamoureux family–or not.
Neola

Posting of the day: Dick (68) and Brenda Johnson
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66):Bismarck, ND 

Dick’s reply
I won’t play with you guys any more.  You pick on me too much.
Dick

Larry’s reply
Dick,
I agree with you.  I think Mel owes you an apology.
To think that Mel would think that you would
allow something like this to happen. But, I know
everything will turn out just fine.  I know everyone that sees this picture will know that just isn’t you.
We all know that your wife would be driving the ATV and that you would be sitting in that easy chair.
Lets get it right next time, Mel.  You could have hurt Dicks feelings?  I’m just glad I was here to correct
the situation while it was still correctable.
Larry

====================================
Blog (290) posted on November 22, 2008

Request from Rene Casavant (65): 

Hi Gina           This is Rene Casavant with the Dunseith Alumni Cruise. I just got the message that Dwight Lang is canceling. I still want to go, however with the downturn of my 401k I have to be more frugal so I will have to at minimum find a new cabinmate and downgrade our cabin selection. Gary you can post this for anyone who is interested. I’m easy to get along with, so I’m told.

Folks, For any of you guys wishing to join us on our cruise, in need of a cabin mate, please let us know.  Rene truly is a very nice guy and very easy to get along with. Coming from a family of 16 siblings, all still living, he can not be anything else but.

Reply from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74): 

Gary, My husband Larry had Mrs. Potratz for a teacher at Bisbee in grades 1st, 2nd & 7th. He said they lived on a farm near Perth,her husband farmed & she was a school teacher.

Reply from Susan Brew Roussin (59): 

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I would like to say thanks to Lloyd Awalt for his very interesting story
on his service during WW II. It was a very close up and personal account
from one of our own. Lloyd had mentioned to me that he wasn’t good on
the typewriter so hadn’t written yet. I think he did a great job! I said
many of us are two finger typists—just go for it! He certainly did a
fine job! Thanks for the story and thanks Lloyd for doing your part in
‘The Big One’!

Dick

Reply/Pictures from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):

Dear Gary,

Your “Snatches from the Past” make my day.  Thank you so much.

I am attaching a picture of the girl that matches the girl in the band picture.  I thought she was a Smith girl, maybe Lois Smith.  Hopefully someone can tell us for sure.  (She signed the picture for me but she wrote so tiny I can no longer make out the name.)

The picture of the Ladies was taken in the little home that Mae Cota lived in beside Bertha and Earl Myers.  She had a wonderful crab apple tree in her back yard I think many kids tried to get apples from her tree without permission.

Thanks again for all your hard work, it must be like a full time job!!!

Bonnie Awalt Houle 56

Bonnie,  This job is as full time as I choose to make it.  It gives me something to look forward to each and every morning when I get up. In retirement, one has to have something to do and I have chosen to do this.  It keeps me connected to the states and most of all to all of you.  To be honest, when I retired I missed the office atmosphere with a computer on my desk for a purpose.  I now have that.  With my job at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, in Bremerton, Washington, I communicated schedules and other data for various projects that our yard had going on throughout the world. In a sense, I’m doing the same thing now, but with the Dunseith Alumni. It’s fun. Gary

Bonnie, This looks like the same girl standing between Dave Shelver and DuWayne Lang in that 1956 band photo.

Folks, Is this girl familiar to any of you? Bonnie is thinking her name may be Lois Smith. Does that name ring a bell?

Lois Smith??

Cropped view of the 1956 band picture.
Lois Smith standing in center ????
Mae Cota, Myrtle Anderson & Nealy Rasmussen

Happy Birthday Warren Anderson (’65): Rolette, ND

North Dakota in July
Reply from Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Gary, I intend to be there (North Dakota), preferably in July. No plans at this point, but

the odds are good that we will again shake hands.  Bill

Gary’s reply
Bill,

I am really looking forward to seeing you in July too and everyone else.  We’ll have to plan some group gatherings with some of the folks too.

Gary

Seeking information about Clark Hosmer.
From Robert Pelley, Quebec, CA

Good day sir!

I am  writing you from Canada, hoping that you may be able to put me in contact  with a relative of one of your alumni members.  I expect you have never had a request like that before, so let me briefly explain!

I am a former resident of Gander, Newfoundland, which in !939–45 was the largest airport in the world.  It was jumping-off point of a very large percentage of USAAF bombers headed to Europe during Would War 2.  You Americans were good enough to cheat a little bit and in fact already had personnel in Gander even before Pearl Harbour and the official start of the war.

The first urgency was obtain proper weather information and to that end, the first American weather personnel of 8th Weather Squadron,  under Captain Clark Hosmer,  arrived at “Gander Field” to support the later arrival of the US 21st Reconnaissance Squadron on 09 March 1941.  Captain Hosmer was therefore the first American officer in Gander during World War 2.

However, even though this was an important occasion, nothing else in known about him.  Through in internet search, I came across the name of a Bill Hosmer  in your blog of 06/14/2009.   Mr Hosmer spoke about an uncle Clark who belly landed in was one of the early models of the Curtis P-40.  Given the relative rarity of the name Hosmer and the probable age of a P-40 pilot, it could very well be that Bill Hosmer’s uncle is the chap I am trying to learn more about.

In the 1950s the wartime airport was pretty much bulldozed over and in new terminal opened in 1959. This means that the history of “old Gander” is slowly disappearing as people with recollection of that era are fewer with passing of time.

I would like to add to my website an article giving more info on Captain Hosmer.  I would appreciate it enormously if you were able to get in contact with Bill Hosmer to see if i could have been his uncle.  I thank you very much in advance.

Robert Pelley
2967 rue de la Faune
Québec QC  G2A 1J1
Canada

http://bobsganderhistory.com/

Gary Stokes’ Reply
Hello Robert Pelley,
I think Bill’s Uncle, Clark Hosmer, is the same guy you remember.

The following excerpt is from the 1982 Dunseith Centennial Book
Clark Hosmer was a 1936 graduate of Wes Point Military Academy and made the Air Force a Career. He retired a Lt. Colonel and now lives in Shalimar FL. His son, Bradley, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force academy, was recently promoted to Brig. General. They have two other children, Gay Hosmer Lawrence and Phillip Hosmer”

I am including Bill Hosmer, Bob Hosmer and Colette Hosmer with this reply.  They know the Hosmer History well and should be able to answer your questions.

Sincerely,

Gary Stokes

Colette Hosmer’s Reply
Dear Mr. Pelley,
I am Colette Hosmer, niece of Captain Clark Hosmer.  Although I loved him dearly (he was a rare and exceptional person) I do not have the detailed information that you’re looking for.  Therefore, I will forward your inquiry to cousin Brad, Clark’s oldest son.  You’ve likely heard from cousin Bill already (another exceptional pilot).

I’ve bookmarked your website and will look forward to checking in.

Bill Hosmer’s reply
Gary, Thank you for getting the word to me from the Canadian gent trying to contact me.  I’ve responded to him and put him in touch with my cousin, Brad Hosmer, Clark’s eldest son. It should complete the circuit.

My best to you and to Bernadette, I hope she is in good order and comfort.

Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Robert Pelley’s Reply
Hello Colette and thanks for taking the time to answer – much appreciated.

BTW completely as an aside, just love the name Colette.    A former Ganderite, I now live in Quebec City where my everyday language is French.  Your name has very nice ring to it!!!

Tnx again and hopefully I  will do justice to Clark and other Americans who helped defeat tyranny,  RP

Robert Pelley’s Reply
Hello Gary……..wow, that was fast –  I will check to see if they give a Victoria Cross or the equivalent for blogging over and above the call of duty !

Your help is extremely appreciated. I hope to get enough info from Mr Hosmer and other resources to do an article worthy of the American weathers officers and men who help flyers get safety from Gander and other airfields safely across the Atlantic, back in the early days when it was an uncommon and pioneering experience.

Thanks again!  Robert.

Joke of the day
Posted by Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73): 

Murder at Costco

Tired of constantly being broke and stuck in an unhappy marriage, a young husband decided to solve both problems by taking out a large insurance policy on his wife with himself as the beneficiary and then arranging to have her killed.
A ‘friend of a friend’ put him in touch with a nefarious dark-side underworld figure who went by the name of ‘Artie.’ Artie explained to the husband that his going price for snuffing out a spouse was $10,000.
The Husband said he was willing to pay that amount but that he wouldn’t have any cash on hand until he could collect his wife’s insurance money. Artie insisted on being paid at least something up front, so the man opened his wallet, displaying the single dollar coin that rested inside.
Artie sighed, rolled his eyes and reluctantly agreed to accept the dollar as down payment for the dirty deed.
A few days later, Artie followed the man’s wife to the local Costco Supermarket. There, he surprised her in the produce department and proceeded to strangle her with his gloved hands. As the poor unsuspecting woman drew her last breath and slumped to the floor, the manager of the produce department stumbled unexpectedly onto the murder scene. Unwilling to leave any living witnesses behind, ol’ Artie had no choice but to strangle the produce manager as well.

However, unknown to Artie, the entire proceedings were captured by the hidden security cameras and observed by the shop’s security guard, who immediately called the police. Artie was caught and arrested before he could even leave the premises.

Under intense questioning at the police station, Artie revealed the whole sordid plan, including his unusual financial arrangements with the hapless husband who was also quickly arrested.
The next day in the Newspaper, the headline declared…

(You’re going to hate me for this….)

“ARTIE CHOKES 2 for $1.00 @ Costco”

Oh, quit groaning! I don’t write this stuff, I receive it from my warped friends and then send it on to you.

====================================
Blog (289) posted on November 21, 2008

Folks, I just talked with Marsha Getzlaff Bakken. She just got back from Colorado, visiting her daughter and her family.  She will be sending information and identities of her Dad, Darrel’s, family that are in the Getzlaff family photo that I posted several days ago.  She wants to talk to her dad first, to make sure she gets everything correct. Marsha lives in Anchorage, Alaska. I will be posting all the replies that you folks sent along with what I get from Marsha. I will be posting the picture again too. Gary

Message from Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (48): 

This is my first response to the very enjoyable “memories” of my

Dunseith days.
I taught school at the Lockhart rural school north of Dunseith.  The
school house was 1 mile south of the Canadian line.  This was about 1950
and 1951.  One pleasant memory was walking to Tommy Hagen’s school to
play ball.  What a “field trip!”  Curt Millang, Dennis Espe, Curt Kavlie
were my heavy hitters.
Cheering for Lockhart were the first graders because I think we had to
have everyone on the team to make a go of it. That had to be Sandra
Zeiler and maybe Garrett Myers.  What a bunch of good kids I had.  There
were 6 Millang kids, 2 Zeilers, 3 Handlands, 1 Kavlie, 2 Salmonsons, 2
Espes and 1 Myers.  I most likely have the two years mixed up but then
that was over 50 years ago.
I live in Renton, WA and have been here for about 35 years.  Most
of my family of the McKays live in North Dakota so I do go “home”  to
visit.  My sister, Phyllis, lives in Auburn, WA.
Thanks to you, Gary, for this unusual connection for all of us on
the receiving end.
Minnie Mary McKay Merrill

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): 

Hi, Gary, another of my pupils at the Wetherault School I noted had

written with the cowboy serial  (Warren Anderson)   Tom Hagen

We love E-mail letters,  Love Tom and Dot

Tom, Warren is part of the class of 65, along with me and all the others. Warren and his wife Cora are living in Rolette.  Gary

Message from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary and friends,

In the  Minot Daily News today,November 20, 2008
LAURA POTRATZ, 99, Rugby, died Wednesday in a Rugby hospital. (Elick
Funeral Home, Rolla)

Mrs. Potratz was formerly “Miss Olson”.  My  Dad Cliff, and Aunt
Leona (Metcalfe) were very fond of her.And spoke highly of  Miss
Olson as a their HillSide country school teacher in the late 1920’s
and early 1930’s.

As an adult, my dad plastered her farm house and they renewed their
acquaintance as dad’s favorite teacher.
When Aunt  Leona (Metcalfe) Oswell and  son Ron came back to ND in
June 2000 they had dinner at the Dunseith Senior Center.  “Miss
Olson”  ie. Mrs. Potratz came because it was put in the Dunseith news
that Leona would having dinner there, renewing friendships ,they had
a very lengthy visit.

When,  Leona came back to my house that afternoon, she brought school
pictures of herself that Mrs. Potraz had kept all those years and
gave to Leona. My Aunt Leona was absolutely delighted about this
visit at Dunseith Senor Citizens, especially with comments by “Miss
Olson” that she recalled  Leona was one of her  “brightest and most
intelligent students” .  Leona was like a little school girl. again
tickled and …. awed that Miss Olsen would say  that.
Mrs.Laura (Olson)  Potraz taught  at many Rolette and Bottineau
County rural schools.  Maybe some of you recall her?
A side note, she and her husband donated monies to decorate one of
the rooms at Metigoshe Lutheran Christian Center. It seems to me it
was a room with a “schoolhouse” motif.
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Follow up message from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary and etal, I notified my cousins this am of Mrs. Potratz passing….thought you might be interested in what Geri and Chuck Munro wrote.   I then realized it was HillSide School (Bergan) not Hilltop School.   My dad used to sing..”.HillSide will shine to night,  Hillside will shine” . etc  Thank you!………….. |-O Vickie
X-EduTech-MailScanner-From:

Geri here—I had Miss Laura Olson for a teacher at our little Hilltop Country School–she was excellent and told me she had taught Leona and Cliff and others–maybe at Hillside??  Vickie, we’ve shared pics from Hillside when relatives went there.  Chuck had her in 4th grade in Rolla; and she started him playing the bass drum in Grade 4-5 Rhythm Band–his introduction to playing the drums  He, too, felt she was an excellent teacher–no one seemed to forget that she had been their teacher.  She was a CLASSIC.  We visited with her a few times after she married Bill Potratz.

Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): 

A message for Lloyd Awalt.

You probably didn’t know this, but a small contingent of freshman girls (myself included) spent a few hours awaiting your arrival in Dunseith the day you arrived home from military service.  We had heard you were coming home that day and we waited in the Drug Store–intermittently going out to see if we could see your Dad’s car coming .  I’m not sure how long we waited , but we did catch a glimpse of you as you  came down main street.  We were too shy to wave and cheer–but you were silently and happily welcomed home that day!!  Belated thanks for your service to the country and to all of us!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Great story from Lloyd Awalt. Thank you Lloyd for sharing it with us.

Mel Kuhn[70]

Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, The three guys standing in the back are Emil Hazeldahl, John Kofoid & Bob Stokes.  Lillian Houle is the lady with a red top in the front. John Kofoid is Neola’s Dad.  He owned the Corner Stone Garage, in Dunseith, in the 50’s/60’s.  Lillian is the mother of Allen Houle and all the Houle children that attended Dunseith in the 60’s/70’s.  Emil Hazeldahl was married to my dad’s sister Olga. Olga was first married to Bert Hanson, brother to Francis Morinville.  She married Emil a few years after Bert’s death.

Happy Birthday Janice Leonard Workman (’56):   Auburn, WA

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (’56):  Becker, MN

Dear Gary,

Wishing Janice Leonard Workman a happy Birthday.  She has been my Life Long Friend and her Birthday is April 24th and on that day she becomes older than me.  I love feeling younger even if it is only for 6 months.  Thanks a lot dear friend.

Bonnie Awalt Houle ’56

4/23/2015 Maya Mexican Restaurant, Cebu, Philippines
Gary and Bernadette Stokes

====================================
Blog (288) posted on November 20, 2008

Service history/pictures from Lloyd Awalt (44): 

Lloyd, I had you listed with the class of 46. I have now corrected that error.

This is a great story. Thank you so much for sharing.  Gary

Dear Gary,

More of the Dunseith History.  I believe a lot of people will remember the Awalt’s.  My Dad John was born on the place where Dick Johnson lives now.  My Grandpa sold the farm to Han’s Johnson and moved back to Missouri.  My Parent, John and Gertrude went to Missouri with them and that is where I and Eleanor were born.  We all moved back to North Dakota when the Banks went belly-up in 1929.  We lived on the Peterson Place across the road from Cliff Metcalf’s.  In the Spring of 1930 we moved into Dunseith as Dad went to work in the Gottbreht Mill.  We lived in the house that Bill Fassett’s later lived in.  Dad later bought the Dray Line from Clarence Berg.  The Dray Line hauled anything and everything.  We met the train every evening hauling anything that came in, delivered coal to homes, and supplies to the stores.  In 1941 Dad sold the Dray line to Leo Vandal.

In 1943 I enlisted in the Navy.  (I would have graduated with the class of 1944 with Urbain Cote and that bunch). My Dad had to sign for me to join.  My first training was at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis, Mn. and then was sent to Farrugt, Idaho for 8 weeks training and next onto an air base in California, where I underwent a great deal of training to prepare for the war.  Most of the training was centered around aircraft support.  I was also sent to gunnery school, which was real important to me later on.  In the summer of 1944, along with thousand of other me I boarded an aircraft carrier, the USS Kalinin Bay, for the trip to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The trip took two weeks, and we were worried about Japanese’s submarines, but at the same time we were pretty comforted by the sheer size of the aircraft carrier.  From Pearl Harbor I was assigned to the U.S. Naval Air Facility on Johnston Island, located about 750 miles southwest of Hawaii.  The Island is only about a quarter mile wide and one mile long.  There was nothing on the Island except the airstrip and 1,500 military personnel.  Our primary mission was to provide air coverage for our ships going to and from Pearl Harbor.  The Naval Air Facility at Johnston Island flew the Dauntless Dive Bomber.  This workhorse airplane had fought most of the air and naval battles in the Pacific during the early years of the war.  The Dauntless had a range of about 400 miles, so we would  provide air coverage to the end of our range, and then turn the air coverage over to someone else.  The air facility also flew reconnaissance patrols.  I was a plane captain, responsible for making sure my airplane was flight ready, that meant I worked on the planes and on the airfield, and took my turn at guard duty.  My gunnery training came in handy, too, as I sometimes served as the gunner in the Dauntless Dive Bomber, manning the twin ..30-caliber machine guns in the rear of the two-seat dive bomber.  The pilots had a rule:  Whoever worked on the plane had to fly with the pilot to make sure the plane was safe.  One time after replacing a wing, the pilot took me up to about 9,000 feet and then told me he wanted to see, “How well the plane would hold up,” putting the dive bomber into a steep dive all the way back down!  The ocean sure came up fast.  Much of the work we did was tedious.  The Pacific Islands were hot, (120 degrees in the shade if you could find any.) There were no trees.  Off duty we played a lot of baseball and softball, went fishing and swimming.  We were the stop off for planes returning to Pearl Harbor with wounded or prisoners of war.  Planes would refuel or change pilots before continuing on to Pearl Harbor.  I saw a lot of wounded men who had seen the worst of the fighting.  When the war ended we celebrated, with 3.2 beer, and a big sigh of relief.  From there I was sent to the mainland and Washington State where I refurbished airplanes.  In March of 1946 I was mustered out of the service.

I don’t have any pictures of the Blizzard of 1948-49 when the Army came in to dig Dunseith out.  They stayed about 6 weeks.  There were 4 ways to get out of town and the farthest you could get was 4 miles North of Town.

Winifred Pritchard stayed with my Parents when she was going to High School.  We became very close to Winifred and her family.  I got to know her Dad “Will” because Winifred would take me home with her on week-ends.

My sister Eleanor went to work in Shelvers Drug store when she was in High School, she said it was a wonderful place to work.

My Dad worked for PV Elevator for a few years and then went into carpenter work, something he’d always wanted to do.  A lot of his work is still there.  He built the PostOffice, the Bank, many barn up in the hills, the Boarder Station at the Peace Garden, the Peace Chapel, and the float that is in many Dunseith Parades.  John Awalt loved the Stone Church in Dunseith and along with Fred Michaelson did many hours of free carpentry work on the church.

Lloyd Awalt Class of !944

Reply from Marylyn Diebold (Willow City): 

Thank you so much for the information. I’ve heard a lot of positive things concerning your blog. Keep up the good work!

Incidentally I did find out that the sheds on our property that were purchased from San Haven were more than likely goat sheds. I spoke to a gentleman whose last name, I believe, was Awalt, or something close to that. He worked for many years at San Haven and it was so interesting to me. Never realized before that the complex was like a little city. My down-syndrome cousin who is now 49, was moved to San Haven from Grafton. I forget the year that took place.

Thanks again for sending me the information!

Marylyn Diebold

Folks, Marylyn is the lady that is using the material from old buildings, for making crafts, that were moved to her place from San Haven. Do any of you remember anything about these goat sheds that were up at San Haven?

Marylyn, I believe the guy you talked to was Lloyd Awalt. He lives in Bottineau on the corner of Main street an #5. He would know a lot of the history of San Haven.

From Dave Slyter (70): 

Gary, Paul, and Warren:

Just to send a big thank you for the memories in the two video’s this morning.  Pauls was hilarious and Warrens was just great.  Funny how you can forget an actor and as soon as you see their faces again you remember watching them way back when.   Just means we are getting just a little older.

Thanks fella’s for sharing the video’s.

Dave Slyter (70)

Reply from Angela Berube Malget (65): 

Hi Gary and Everyone,

I am responding to Neola’s question in the #284 posting about the
wedding photo of Sharon Berube and Dave Kelly.  Sharon is the daughter
of Edward and Evelyn Berube of Belcourt.  She would be a first cousin to
Jim, Tom, Cecile and Bill Berube and also to me and my family.  Dave
Kelly lived in Minneapolis and would not be related to Randy Kelly’s
family.  Sure is interesting to see all these pictures.

Angela Berube Malget (65)

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

When people visit Mrs. Pritchard at St. Andrew’s in Bottineau, they might like to also visit my aunt, Alvina Brudwick Christianson.  She lives in Room 107; phone number 701-228-9308.

Neola

Folks, Alvina is Lois Christianson Roland’s mother.  They lived in the Willow Lake community west of the Halvorson’s, in Bottineau county. Lois graduated in 1965 from Bottineau HS. She is married to Dickie Roland, also from the BHS class of 65.

Winifred Pritchard Eurich (37) is also a resident at St. Andrew’s. I was reading in the Dunseith news where Sylvia Bergan recently celebrated her 96th birthday. She too is a resident at St. Andrew’s.  She is a great aunt to all the Bergan siblings from Dunseith. She was a close family friend of ours in my growing up days. When I talked to her a while back, she remembered me well and was asking about my brothers.  When Sylvia celebrated her 90th, she did not look a day over 60. Gary

Happy Birthday Sherri Slyter Millang: Bottineau, ND

Reply from Bobby Slyter (’70):  Wichita, Kansas

Yes Dick I do remember the wagon rides down the hill just glad we are all alive to remember it lol

Reply from Dewy Morinville (’72):  Dunseith, ND

Seeing the pic of your parents and brother Darrel sure brings back memories of when everyone gather at aunt Olga and uncle Bert Hanson. Your mom and aunt Olga always made sure I had enough to eat. (Like I needed more food) great pies.  Sad to hear that your better half isn’t doing the best. Gary check out sun rider corp. It’s all natural herbal body cleansing. I watched a man from Canada use it in his doctors couldn’t believe how he improved. He had Parkinson’s. I am not sure what Bernadette has but it worth checking out.

Pie Story
From Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Gary’s Remark
Larry, There is a lot of truth in what you have to say in this story. Of course there may be a touch of drama too.
Keep them coming Larry. We love them. Thanks. Gary

Gary
How are you doing?  I hope you and your family are doing well.  I’m writing to let you know that I ate my last slice of “June Berry Pie”.  Now I know you are wondering why I think, you care.  I remember from the “All School Reunion” that when they saw you coming into the Senior Center there in Dunseith, that they hurried up and put all the pies out on the shelf.  They knew you were going to be eating some pie and they wanted to make sure that they had a good selection for you and enough pie to satisfy your cravings.  I know someone remarked that they figured that you were a little tired of just eating sushi and rice pies.  Is there such a thing?

Well, I knew you would be interested in how I got this June berry pie.  Well, I went to one of these high school jazz concerts that my granddaughter was playing in to raise money for their band.  You had to buy a ticket to get into the high school building, and then they fed you a meal of salad, spaghetti, and cheese cake, with coffee. It was delicious.  After the meal everyone kind of milled around and visited and begin wandering down the hallway toward the concert theatre.  Along the hallway walls they had tables lined up with items that you could bid on.  It was one of them silent auction affairs.  The first item I came across that was of interest to me was a large container of eye shadow , so I wrote down my son-in-laws name under the other peoples names, and put a nice  dollar amount assuring that he would get the item.  Of course he was unaware of this, as he was still back in the dining area still visiting.  The next item I came upon that was of interest to me was a nice looking blueberry pie.  I studied that pie for awhile but decided to keep on moving along the line of tables looking at the items displayed, and eyeballing who bid on what and how much they bid.  Than it happened Gary! I saw it sitting there in its entire splendor.  A June berry pie!  Of course I had to put a nice bid down for that pie.  My wife gave me the look, but she knew better then to get between me and that pie, in particular a (June Berry Pie).  I know you understand the pressure I was under to control myself and to not give away the fact that I was going to bid for that pie.  I wrote down a bid a few dollars above the highest amount shown and nonchalantly preceded down the line looking at items and fully intending to go back and check on how my bid was holding up.  As I proceeded along the line of tables and glancing back occasionally to see if anyone else was spending any amount of time studying that (June Berry Pie).  Gary, “you won’t believes this” it happened again, there before me I beheld another item of great interest.  Would you believe a whole case of fleischkuechle?  Well, Gary as you know! That’s like throwing a little piece of heaven in front of a German or lutefisk in front of a Norwegian.  That’s probably not a good comparison. As you probably guessed, I had to put down a bid for the fleischkuechle also.

Well as you probably know in a bidding situation like this you have to keep circling and checking your bid and of course upping the bid if you really want the item.  Well wouldn’t you know it?  One of my daughters gal friends ask her, if her husband wore eye shadow?  So she had to go look at the bid sheet.  She of course recognized my hand writing.  She came and ask me what was going on and so I explained it was a joke that I was playing on her husband. I already was out-bid on the eye shadow, so she wrote down his name for the next bid.  We both bid a few more times on the items before having to go in for the jazz concert. Thinking our bids were secure, we enjoyed a great concert put on by the high school band.   They have an amazing band and did an outstanding job performing for the concert.  It was enjoyed by all in attendance.

After the concert they read off the winners of the auction items.  My daughter and I were out bid on the eye shadow. My son-in-law got lucky and don’t have to wear eye shadow. I don’t think he would have looked to good with it anyway.  But Gary, I got the fleischkuechle for 41.00 dollars, and you know what Gary, “I know you won’t believe this”  I got the June Berry Pie too for the tidy sum of 47.00 dollars.  WOW, huh?  My wife cut up the pie and wrapped each piece individually and put them in a container and froze them.  Whenever I felt like “June Berry Pie” and with the help of the micro wave, I had “June Berry Pie”.   But, now it is gone.  A sad thing? But not to be deterred.

I went out and checked the rhubarb yesterday and yes the plants are sticking their leafy stems up and out of the soil.  I think, in a couple more months, I’ll be having pie again?                                                                                                           Keep on laughing,

Larry

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Blog (286) posted on November 18, 2008

From Cecile (Carbonneau) Marchand (51): 

Dear Gary:

Thanks you so much for adding me to your website. I have enjoyed trying to recognize some of the people but I do recognize lots of names. I was talking to my sister Rita (Carbonneau) Anderson last night. She lives in Fargo and I am here in Wisconsin. She reminded me that when she and her husband Edgar Anderson owned the Gamble store they were the first ones to have TV in Dunseith and after school the kids would come over and sit on paint cans in the aisle and watch TV until their parents would call them home for Supper. Boy, that seems like a long time ago now. We will be leaving for Florida after Thanksgiving for the winter.

Cecile (Carbonneau) Marchand
Folks, Tom Hagen recently mentioned Cecile as having been one of their class mates in the class of 51, so I did a search and found her. Cecile and I had a nice visit.  She is such a friendly person and let me know that she was very happy I contacted her.  Tom also mentioned a guy buy the name of Peter Richard as having been in their class.  I believe I have located him living in Snohomish, WA, but no one has been home when I’ve called.  I’ll keep trying.  He too, may be a snowbird and went south for the winter?  Gary

From Rod Hiatt (69): 

Hello Gary

Just wanted to share with you about a terrific evening I enjoyed last
week. All of the Fauske girls were home and I had the pleasure of
spending the evening with them at Brian’s home. I think that it was
probably Elwood and Stubby’s 50th when they were all home at the same
time (at least thats the last time I saw them all) It was really great to
see them all again as when we were growing up we were a very close
family, Lindy and I were like brother and sister rather than just cousins.
Lindy (Arlinda) is still just as tall as she always was (stands on a
Chicago phone book to make the 5 foot mark) but still has that twinkle
in her eye and that warm and friendly smile. Beth, well Beth looks the
same as she did when she graduated. I don’t think that she has aged a
day. Carol, I believe is one of the few Grandmothers that could pose for
a fashion magazine as a model and  Connie is the picture of high society
and sophistication. But you get them all together for that evening and
it was nothing but memories, stories and lots of laughter.(sounded like
a bunch of cackling hens )
We talked about the old hunting days, the school bus, DHS days when
Lindy could get away with anything with Auntie Charlotte and it seemed
that I was always in trouble and I think her favorite words were ” I’m
going to tell your Dad” which she did and well it just wasn’t good.
Something was brought up about Brian and his motorcycles and some how I
think maybe Bud Stokes, Victor Pladson and a bike were in some of that
memory or when Russel tipped his motorcycle in Dunseith with Beth as a
passenger and first thing he did was check out the bike before seeing if
Beth was ok.
Lots of names were mentioned that evening, like Norman and his hunting
antics, the Lagerquist boys and that could be a whole book it self. One
story was Rodney on his 450 Yamaha coming over the hill into Elwoods
yard at about 70 with a damn fool passenger (Me) just as the cows were
let out of the barn. We slid and weaved down through the whole herd, not
touching a single one, but there was s__t flying every where and I’m not
sure that what was on the seat of that bike was all from cows (thats the
last time I rode behind Badger) Stories of the Sylters, Pladsons,
Hagens, and all the other neighbors and friends filled the evening. Oh
did I forget to mention the Stokes, well I will send those another day
and Gary I hope that we don’t do any editing of them. One doesn’t know
how fortunate you really are until you are surrounded by Family that you
haven’t seen in a long time and the good old days seem to appear out of
no where.

Gary’s reply 

Rod, I would have really loved to have spent that wonderful evening with you and all the Fauske’s.  What a precious evening that must have been.  We were close neighbors with the Fauske’s. Actually the Stokes’ and the Hiatt’s were very close for many years, encompassing a few generations back to our great grandfathers.  We attended a lot of the Hiatt reunions.  You guys seemed to have one each summer over at the Peace Garden, in my growing up days.  Other than for the motorcycle days, I think I could have probably related to most all your stories.  I’ll bet you guys had some good ones too. The Motorcycles came into being about the time I left the country.  I remember your aunt Charlotte Lang coming down the halls of the high school, several times, looking for Carrole, being a little upset with something she had seen.  I remember one time it had something to do with a car Carrole was riding in or on. I don’t remember the details.  I think the car may have been over loaded. Anyway, Carrole got a sermon. Being her nieces and nephews, Charlotte kept a close eye on all of you guys. She was your mother away from home. Those were the good old days.  I promise I won’t edit what ever you send. Actually my policy is to not edit or alter anything anyone sends.  I just copy and paste. Sometimes if I see a spelling error, I’ll run spell check and let it do the correcting and not me.  If for some reason I see something questionable that I think maybe should be edited out or changed, I will contact that person first before doing that.  I never ever change anything anyone sends me without their approval. Gary

   Charlotte Hiatt Lang

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

Gary, I am so very proud of my niece Justene Metcalfe, daughter of Shanon (82) and Deb (Salmonson) Metcalfe, who recently did very well in a barrel racing activity in Texas. She and her mom & “a horse named Jade” went to Texas in early November and came back in a new truck!  Justene  in her 4th year of college at Moorhead State University, is also on the NDSU rodeo team.  Her parents both attended Dunseith School.  Justene is a 3rd generation Metcalfe on the family farm  north of Dunseith, started by her grandparents Cliff and Lottie (Lamb) Metcalfe.

Click this link to see Justene in her NEW TROPHY TRUCK!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42679&l=14a15&id=505083555

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Vickie, You have every right to be proud and her parents too! That’s a beautiful truck that Justene won.  I don’t remember your brother Shanon, but I know Debbie through my dad. She was one of his favorite persons and he always took me up to the Bottineau First National Bank to see her with each of our trips back to ND. Debbie took over as their lead insurance agent when Merle Severtson retired back in the 90’s.  Debbie often mentioned her horses and all the events they attended with them.  Gary

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure: (72): 

Bob   what great photos  thanks for sharing them  you have   very  nice lookinh  kids.   thanks again  for all you do.  I had a  check up on  Friday everything  looks  good  so  far.   Debbie  is coming along  its  slow  she is about  to  go to Billings  and  then they say she  will really take off.  I  will keep you all  updated  been  busy painting the  inside of  my house    what a job  lol   Bev

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Bev, I think you were thinking of my dad when you wrote “Bob”,  but that is perfectly OK. It’s telling me folks do remember him.  The name “Bob Stokes” was much more common than “Gary Stokes” in the Dunseith/Bottineau communities. He lived in the community for 85 years where I was only there for 19 years.  Through my dad though, with our annual visits back to the area, I managed to keep up with the community and a lot of the people over the years.  Gary

Reply from David Slyter (70): 

Morning Gary:

Thanks so much for sharing the pictures of your family.  Was great to see the pictures of your folks and Orvin Hagen.   You have two really great looking kids also.  I am sure you will be connecting with them next summer when you go on the cruise.   Congrats on all of your successes.

To Dick:  I do remember a little bit of the hill at the home just south of Dunseith.  The only thing I remember about that place was the big pasture we had for our horses and the creek full of tadpoles. The one thing I do remember was when you and your parents would come and pick us up to go to the lake for a day.  It was always in that big ole black cadillac.  We thought we were pretty special to get into that car.  ha  We always had so much fun at the lakes trying to ski and water board.   Thanks for the memories.

Dave Slyter (70)

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): 

HI, Gary, thanks for the pictures of your family and Orvin.

We love E-mail letters,  Love Tom and Dot

From Bobby Slyter (70):

To dick Johnson: who could forget those days when we lived south of Dunseith, those dern wagons could really fly couldn’t they? like you I am surprised that we did not get hurt in some way, those where the good old days huh, we always had so much fun when you and your parents visited where ever we lived, oh to be young and that care free again

To Gary: those are wonderful pictures, you should be very proud of you children, thanks for all that you do for us on this blog, it is great

JUST LITTLE OLE  ME FROM KANSAS

Getzlaff family picture privided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary

I’m quite sure your readers know Gloria Getzlaff Hagen.  I think the Getzlaff family is from the Willow City area, or am I wrong about that?

Neola

Gary’s Comment
Neola, The Getzlaff family does come from Willow City. The only one I recognize is Gloria Getzlaff Hagen standing in the back.

Marsha Getzlaff Bakken (74), I’m thinking this is your Grandparents along with your father and all of his siblings.

Folks, I will repost this photo with names.  Please provide. Thanks,  Gary

Happy Birthday Tom Hagen (’51):  Mesa, AZ

Happy Birthday Marc Gottbreht: West Spokane, WA

Arsaine and Melinda Fontaine Photo Identified
Reply from Joe (’69) & Kathy Fontaine: St. John, ND

Gary,

This is a picture of Joe Fontaine’s (‘1969) Grandpa Arsaine Fontaine and his Grandma Melinda Fontaine.  We were wondering who sent you this picture?  It sure is a small world.

We really enjoy reading and viewing pictures and thank you for such a thorough job of presenting all the info that comes your way.

I have been meaning to write you anyway to update you with our new location.  We are now living on Lake Upsilon at 3104 Graybill Lane, St. John, ND 58369  Phone: 701-477-3554

Take Care,

Kathy & Joe
Kathy & Joe,
Thank you so much for this reply. It is so nice hearing from you. This picture is one that Neola Kofoid Garbe posted. It is a Wondrasek photo that she had.
I will update my records with your new address and phone number.
Gary

Mary Johnson Shulze Passed away.
Posting from Sybel Johnson: grandma-great2007@mail.com Minot, ND

Gary,

Thought I would let you know, that Augie’s sister, Marylou passed away on March 19th in Bismarck. I guess that her son, Scotty had let her lay in the hospital for 2 days before claiming her body. He then had her cremated at Nero’s in Bottineau–NO FUNERAL AND NO OBIT. I found out from LuAnn Burtch. He also, had Marylou sign everything over to him, which means that Marylou’s other son, Stevie has been left with out anything. 

No one notified us at the time and LuAnn just found out, when she got ahold of Cleo.

Sybil

Reply to Picture posted yesterday.
From Brenda Hoffman (’68): Greenville, SC

What little cuties. Bernadette looks so tired. I’m hoping it’s just the camera angle and not reality.

Love Brenda

Brenda,

Thanks for the nice comment. I am afraid it is reality for Bernadette. Today she is a bit better. She is at the point when walking outside she needs someone to hang onto at all times. The same is true for much of the time in the house too. When she holds onto me I can feel her tremers. With her there are increasingly more and more periods of confusion and forgetfulness too.

Gary

Tracy Vormestrand-Awalt – Lloyd and Theresa Awalt’s  Daughter-in-Law
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Tracy Vormestrand-Awalt

Tracy Lynn Vormestrand-Awalt, 45, Minot, formerly of Upham, left to shake hands with the Lord on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

Tracy was born September 30, 1969 at Rugby, North Dakota the daughter of Clarence and Darlene (Anderson) Vormestrand. She was raised and educated at Upham and graduated from Upham High School in 1988. During her younger years, Tracy attended Cosmetology School and was employed at the Broadway Scheels and a local salon. 

Tracy was united in marriage to Todd Awalt on June 23, 2000. They made their home in Minot. Tracy was an administrative assistant at Minot State University for 5 years. She had so much joy in becoming a stay-at-home mom with miracle baby #1, Jersey.  Tracy so delighted in moving out in the country where miracle baby #2 came along, Jetta Bree. 

Tracy was a member of Bloomfield Lutheran Church, Upham.   The family currently attends Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.

Tracy\’s heart beat was getting family and friends together; always reminding her children,\” To make a friend, you must first be a friend!\”  Her special interests and hobbies included: snowmobiling, gardening, cooking, baking and making special cards for others. She loved her cat, Katy, and dogs, Soco and Riley.  Tracy always said, “I was put on this earth to be a wife and mother”. 

Tracy is survived by:  her husband of 14 years, Todd; children, Jersey and Jetta Awalt, at home; mother, Darlene (Neil) Goodman, Minot; sisters, Debbie (Raynor) Hanson, Minot, Tammy Holen (Darryl Duchsherer) of Minot and Balfour;  several nephews and nieces. 

Tracy was preceded in death by her dad, Clarence, brother, Danny and father-in-law, Lloyd Awalt. 

Funeral service: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Redeemer’s Church, Minot.
Interment:  Bloomfield Cemetery, Upham, ND
Visitation: Tuesday, April 22^nd from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
The family prefers memorials.

Child care will be provided at the service by Noon for anyone that wants to bring their children.

Reply to the David Kelly/Sharon Berube picture posted yesterday
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Gary,  In  reference  to  the   Sharon  Berube, David  Kelly  wedding  picture.  Sharon  is  the  oldest  daughter  of  Edward  Berube  of  Rolette, I  graduated  with  her  brother  Gary Berube, there  were  like  5  kids  in  the  family. As   for  her  husband  David, I  don’t  know  anything  about  him, other  than  I  remember  when  they  got  married.

Reply to the David Kelly/Sharon Berube picture posted yesterday
From Lorraine Richard Nelson (’46):   Mesa, AZ

Hi

Gary.. I AM SO SORY TO READ YOUR WIFE IS NOT WELL  Information for the wedding picture. Sharon Berube is the bride.  Her parents were Evelyn and Edward Berube from Rolette. The groom is David Kelly, he passed away many years ago when the couple lived in California.  Sharon remarried.  She visits us often , she is a niece from my first marriage,  I really enjoy your “blog”.. Thank you very much.  Lorraine  (Richard) Nelson

====================================
Blog (285) posted on November 17, 2008

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Freddie and Margaret Hiatt and their kids lived south of Dunseith along
the creek in the early 60s. We were out to their place a  lot. One
memory I have is of the hill behind their house and what we used to do
there. We would take their wagon and my wagon, the ‘Radio Flyer’ kind,
and start about 20 feet apart at the top and then crash into each other
at the bottom and tip over, head over heels! It’s amazing we didn’t cut
our fingers off, between the wagon boxes, or knock our teeth out! We
must have gone down the hill a hundred times and as far as I remember,
no one was ever hurt. We didn’t tell our folks what we were doing–Mom
always asked,” Why do you need to haul that old wagon out there anyway”?
I can’t remember what lame excuse I used, but it must have worked!  I
bet this story will stir the memories of the Slyter boys! How about it
guys?? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, I had a little extra room today, so thought I’d throw in a few family pictures.  Some of you have seen these before, but many of you have not.  Gary

This picture was taken at a Petterson/Kofoid family reunion inJuly 2000. Bernadette was unable to make it back to ND that year.

L to R:
Standing: Kristin, Nathan, Debby, Darrel (Bud) & Gary Stokes
Sitting, Bob & Elaine Stokes

This pictureand the family picture above were taken in late July 2000, about 3 weeks before dad’s death.  He just went to bed one day and never woke up.

Bob & Elaine Stokesat the Senior Center in Bottineau

Our kids,Sheryl & Bernie.  This picture was taken at Bernie’s HS graduation in 1990.  Sheryl was 10 years old and Bernie 19 at the time.  Bernie was born right here in Cebu, Philippines. He was part of the package when I got married to Bernadette.  He was seven years old when going to the states and could speak hardly a word of English.  Today he knows nothing but English. Bernie is still single.  He is having a problem finding that perfect girl.  He is a perfectionist. In HS he never put on a pair of pants or a shirt without first ironing them.  Bernie lives in Bellevue, WA. He worked for Microsoft for a number years, but has recently moved to another company.  Sheryl is currently living in Bremerton, WA. Following HS she attended the University of Washington and got a speech communications degree.  Unlike me, she is one hell of speech communicator. Sheryl is married with two children, Tyler & Nevaeh (Heaven spelled backwards).

Sheryl & Bernie Stokes

Bernadette Stokes & Orvin Hagen – July 13, 2007

Gary Stokes & Orvin Hagen – July 13, 2007

Dunseith news provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

For some of you old timers and also not so old timers too.
Turn up the volume and sit back & enjoy!

Click here: Message

Bernadette’s support team.

Novie’s four kids are pretty attached to Bernadette.  They are with her a big percentage of each day.  They are good caring kids. Being around us, with me, they have learned English too.

Bernadette has not been that well lately either.  

Bernadette, Uriel (5), Tyler (8), Edman (3) and Jasmine (10)

Condolences to Minnie Mary McKay Merrill
From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

My condolences to Minnie Mary McKay Merrill on the lost of her husband and also prayers for her health.  I’m happy to hear she is feeling quite well at this time.  I feel very fortunate to have attended Minnie Mary/Ed’s wedding with my neighbor, Grace Sleaper.  Grace and I had visited at the Clifford McKay home shortly before Minnie Mary/Ed’s wedding.  I met Minnie Mary/Myra/etc. at that time.  Until that visit, the only member of the McKay family I knew was Jay; he/I were high school classmates at Bottineau High School at that time.  During the “McKay” visit, I think it was Minnie Mary and Myra who played “Glow Worm” on piano/organ.  I was so impressed! LOL I had not heard the song before that day, but I have not forgotten it. The name “Minnie Mary McKay” intrigued me back then and it still does!  Minnie Mary, you were a beautiful bride!  I’m sorry to say I don’t remember Ed as well, but it “seems” I thought he was quite a “dashing” fellow at the time.

Thanks to Vonda Melgaard for sharing the picture of Johnnie Crawford.  I never met Johnnie, but, like most people who lived/visited in “the hills”, I had heard of him.  Mom and Dad spent MANY Sunday afternoons at Leonard Lund’s “place” on the west side of Long Lake (I did, too, when I was in Bottineau/the Bottineau area).  As everyone/almost everyone who lived in that area knew, Johnnie’s cabin was located a short distance from Leonard’s place, so his name was mentioned.  I didn’t live/grow up in “the hills”, but because of staying with my grandparents (Andrew/Johanna Laugsand Brudwick)/aunts (Alvina Brudwick Christianson (Clarence), Alice Brudwick Berg (Martin)/uncles (Milen, Kenneth, Gerald)/etc. living there,  I feel like I’m “from the hills”. LOL  I started spending time at my grandparents’ home a few days after I was born in 1939.  At that time, Mom was the only married sibling; I was the first grandchild/niece, so I received LOTS of attention. LOL

Gary, If no one else “claims” the threshing pictures, I MIGHT have sent them to you.  If I did, they are pictures Doris Kessler had taken.  They were in one of the “Wondrasek” boxes I took (from the courthouse) to my apartment.

Thanks again for all you do, Gary.  Aggie, I enjoy what you you send to Gary to share with all of us. I also your postings on Facebook.

Neola

Alexis Marie Amyotte Death (11 year old girl)
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

Alexis Marie Amyotte is my nephew Chuck Amyotte’s daughter. Chuck is my sister Peggy’s son.

Mel

Alexis Marie Amyotte

(August 8, 2003 – April 14, 2015)

Send Flowers Send Sympathy Card ALEXIS MARIE AMYOTTE

Alexis Marie Amyotte, age 11 of Dunseith, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2014 at a Minneapolis hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Dunseith Elementary Gymnasium. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will held on Monday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the gymnasium.

Alexis Marie Amyotte, a daughter of Francis (Chuck) and Dawn (Belgarde) Amyotte, was born on August 8, 2003 at Belcourt. She was reared in Dunseith and was in the 6th Grade at the Dunseith Public School. Alexis was involved in sports including Cross Country.

She enjoyed watching how-to videos on Youtube, camping, riding her bike, hanging out with friends, snowmobiling, listing to music and riding her scooter.

She is survived by her parents, Chuck and Dawn Amyotte at home, brothers, Jace Amyotte and Seth Amyotte at home; sister, Kylie Jo Parisien; grandparents, Gordon and Geraldine Munoz of Dunseith and Marlin and Peggy DeCoteau of Jamestown; great grandmother, Ruth Belgarde of Rolette; and her dog, Maximums.

My condolences the chuck n dawn Amyotte family.
From Dewy Morinville (’72):  Dunseith, ND

So sorry for your loss

====================================
Blog (284) posted on November 16, 2008

From Martha Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

Lynn and I have just returned from the funeral of our sister in laws brother who was shot by a stray bullet 1 1/2 hours into deer season in the Lisbon, ND area. Dick you made our day when I read the story of my Dad and Norman Hiatt. I can just hear my Dad’s full belly laugh as he tricked Norman. The Hiatt’s were always dear to our family . When my Mom taught at Ackworth school Norman’s parents were gracious enough to open their home up for Mom to stay with them. When I was born Norman’s Dad bought me a yellow dress because he loved my name. I want to think that it was because they really liked my Mom. By the way I still have the dress in the cedar chest. Thanks again! This blog makes my day. Must get busy, Lynn turned 60 yesterday, he has gone outside for a bit. Our family is coming for dinner tomorrow and I’m trying to do this without him knowing anything about it. The chicken is fried and the gravy is made so that helps.
Martha

Congratulations to Lynn on his 60th.  Martha, you are not quite there yet.  Gary

Richard Slyter’s (67) 2nd Heart Attack – message from Dick Johnson (68):

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

When we lived in Dunseith, our neighbors to the south were  the
Leonards. I remember how Ed Leonard almost always wore a white shirt and
a white cowboy hat. He was in the Crystal Cafe one day when I went in to
have lunch, so I sat down on the stool next to him. I was probably about
10 years old at the time, and very impressionable. I didn’t know at the
time, the waitress was in on the ‘fake’ sarcasm and they were just
kidding. Ed ordered a ham sandwich. The waitress asked what he wanted to
drink–milk? Ed said, “I don’t drink that, I know where it comes from”!
She told him it wasn’t like the old days, now it’s pasteurized,
homogenized, and refrigerated! Ed winked at me and said, “I don’t like
cow s__t even if it’s cooked”! He had water. When his sandwich came, he
opened it to put salt and pepper on it and looked at me and shook his
head. He showed me how thin the meat was and then said to the waitress,
“You know, I took a thicker piece of ham off a pig’s ass with a whip
than this, GO GET ME SOME HAM”! I thought, boy he’s really mad,–then he
winked at me again! It was just Ed being Ed! Thanks Gary!

Dick

The 1956 band picture was one of the ones that belonged to my folk’s.
You were asking of it’s origin on the site and I just thought I would
let you know that I sent it. Thanks1

Dick

Luella Burcham Obituary:

Note: Luella was married to Roddy Burcham from the class of 65.  Roddy pasted away this past January.

DUNSEITH Luella A. Burcham, 59, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, in a Minot hospital.

She was born Jan. 7, 1949, to Alex and Alice Vivier in Dunseith. She married Roddy Burcham Oct. 22, 1965, in Minot.

Survivors: daughters, Dawnna and Lori, both Dunseith; sons, Roddy Jr., James and Willard, all Dunseith; foster sons, John and Daniel Greatwalker; foster daughters, Kim, Shelly and Krystal Greatwalker; 12 grandchildren; brothers, Louie, Belcourt, Raymond, Las Lunas, N.M., Ronald, Chaska, Neb.; sisters, Geraldine Wilson, Lancaster, Calif., Shirley Jensen, Lincoln, Neb., Donna Price, Yuma, Ariz., Carol James, Minneapolis.

Funeral: Today, 9 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church. Dunseith.

Burial: Riverside Cemetery, rural Dunseith.

Visitation: Today (11/15/08), one hour prior to the service in the church. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

From Mel Kuhn (70):

This one was around a couple of years ago, but maybe some of your readers haven’t seen it. I thought I could read pretty fast but I couldn’t keep up to it. Reminisce away.

Mel

          Take Me Back To The Sixties
Dunseith News provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, I am quite sure that the folks in these photo’s have Dunseith roots.

Please identify if you can. Gary
Thereare folks with the name Gooden and Goodon that have graduated from  DHS

DavidKelly & Sharon Berube – June 24, 1967.

Is Sharon related to any of the Berube families from Dunseith/Rolette?

Is David Kelly related to Randy Kelly’s family?

Are these folks related to the Dunseith Fontaine’s?

Is this little girl related to any of the Dunseith Watkins families?

      Happy Birthday Connie Fauske Monte (’62): Fort Myers FL

Message from Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73): 

I loved the joke of the day!  Well, I am now semi-retarded and today I brought home a new little adorable 3 month old White German Shepard pup to keep me company and watch out for me when I am fully retarded.

Here’s my new best friend! 3 month old, male, German Shepard. Drove to Washington to pick him up. Threw up twice on the way home.

I am working my way across the country with my 3 horses in tow again, planning to land in Kentucky for a while as I got a sweet little job offer there.  I am currently in Oregon, helping a friend work through her “hoarding” issues.  We finished the kitchen makeover which took several full days to get thru, but now you can finally see her countertops.  I ran a Horsetrailer full of bags of garbage and furniture to the dump and Goodwill.  It’s going to take at least a couple more weeks to get thru the rest.

I thought it might be fun to stop by Dunseith on my way East.  I am curious if there are any events or music “happenings” in the area this spring/summer that I should try to attend?

Thanks Gary!

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Note: This girl is much to young to have left this world. Our condolences are with her family.   Gary

Alexis Marie Amyotte

(August 8, 2003 – April 14, 2015)

Send Flowers Send Sympathy Card
Sign Guest Book ALEXIS MARIE AMYOTTE

Alexis Marie Amyotte, age 11 of Dunseith, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2014 at a Minneapolis hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Dunseith Elementary Gymnasium. Burial will be in the St. Louis Cemetery also of Dunseith. A wake will held on Monday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the gymnasium.

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Blog (283) posted on November 15, 2008

Reply from Edna (Susie) Knox Millang (60): 

-+Gary-Thank you for the daily messages.  They are my daily fix.  Just a reply to Tom Hagen  I remember the barefoot walks to school.  It was 2 1/2 miles to school from our house to the school.  I would meet Shirley Anderson Doan about half way and we would continue on together.  I also remember the great soft ball games we would have at noon hour.  There were 20 some of us attending school at Wetherault School then. Edna (Susie) Millang class of 60.

From Patti Metcalfe Woods (67): 

Gary,

So fun to get these emails.

I got the pictures forwarded from Crystal Fassett. Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Crystal’s son, Tyler Gunderson, worked at Dunseith Port with me for the last five years.

He has accepted a job transfer with Customs and Border Protection at Savannah, Georgia.

Wishing him good luck in his new job!!!

“Grandma Kate” Fassett sewed cheering outfits.  We would go to her house for fittings/alterations.

It was always a fun time.

Tom Hagen’s story of Wetherault School reminded me of my days at HillTop school.

Clarice Hackman, Jane Millang, Harvey Nerpel, and I were the first graders.

Mrs. Elma Halvorson was our teacher.

Dwight Lang’s mother, Charlotte, was our sixth grade teacher years later at Dunseith Public.

Patti

Patti, I know Terry Espe (64) is the head guy in charge of the Dunseith port and several other ports too. Someone told me you are a supervisor there as well.  You guys have worked there for quite sometime. I know you guys have had some major changes and I think have added more folks as a result of 9/11.  Gary

Reply from Sonda Azure Campbell (94): 

Picture from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

Just thought I’d hook on a picture of a frosty sunshiny morning in the backyard in good old North Dakota for those of you living in the warmer climates.

From Neola Kofoid Garbe:
RequestingSan Haven information

Hi Gary,

My table is now ready for the craft sale tomorrow.  When I was finished, I wandered around and looked at some of the other tables.  One of the vendors is selling “signs” like you see on the paper I’m enclosing (Her table was ready to go, and she had left.).  I looked at her signs/liked them/wondered what the one I liked, cost.  I saw a stack of papers lying on the table beside her signs, so I read the top one.  When I saw what it was about, I thought perhaps you/your readers can help her with the pictures/information she would like to have.

Thanks, Gary.

Neola

Question from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Correction from Ellen Graff Myrick (58): emyrick@gra.midco.net

Gary,

Gary Metcalfe’s question reminded me that another name is incorrect on the 1956 Band Picture.  I am pasting in Janice LaCroix Kester’s response to the name of the trumpet player beside Duane Woodford.  “From Jan LaCroix Kester (59):

Hi Gary!  Our network was down for about a month so have a lot of catching up to do.  I came to #156 – regarding whether this is Mick Kester or Jackie Spaeth.  That is Mick Kester, definitely!

Jan LaCroix Kester?

Cell #:  701-238-5657    Home Phone:  701-237-6385″

That is another one that should be changed while you’re correcting the names on the picture.  Also David Shelver may remember the name of the trombone player beside him.

Thanks again for your hard work.

Ellen Graff Myrick (58)

Ellen, Thank you so much for catching  this error.  I thought I had corrected that and changed Jack Spaeth to Mick Kester, but I did not. I have corrected it now though.  Gary

Picture L to R:  1956 DHS Band

Front row: Gayle Bedard, Caroleen Lider, Janice Lacroix, Marjorie Landsverk, Lowell Williams, Lois Hiatt.

Row two: Karen Woodford, Colleen Conroy, Gerald Lamoureux, Marlene Schneider, Duane  Woodford, Mick Kester, Shirley LaRocque, Susan Brew, Connie Bedard, Joanne Kester.

Back row: Charlie Ericson, Ernest Kundart, Charlotte LaCroix,Barbara Bott, Ronnie Link, Lowell Leonard, Dwight Lang, Curt Halvorson?, Don Conroy, Neva Haagenson?, John Morgan, Ellen Graff, BIG DAVE SHELVER, Jean Lake?, DuWayne Lang

Minnie Mary McKay Merrill’s (’48) Husband Ed Merrill passed away
Message from Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (’48):  Renton, WA.

Hi Gary,

Just wanted to thank you for the blog you send so regularly.  I enjoy it.  I wanted you to know that my husband, Ed Merrill died in November of 2014. Things have gotten postponed several times because I have been having cancer treatments since last September.  Right now I feel pretty good – will begin maintenance chemo tomorrow.  Ed’s memorial will begin at the Tahoma National Cemetery and the reception will follow at the church on April 24th, 2015, in Kent WA. He was 92 and had carved trolls out of “scrap wood “ ( because nobody has ever seen a real troll) until about a year or so before he went into an adult care home. He was left handed and had long arms which made him a fabulous first base man. He played senior soft ball for 25-30 years or more. His team traveled from Phoenix to Winnipeg and places in between in competition. I miss him.

Minnie Mary,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ed was a good man. We met him when he and you were at Phyllis’s when we visited her a few years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you with his loss.
Gary

The Klang Family – Reply to Dick Johnson’s posting.
From Minnie Mary McKay Merrill (’48):  Renton, WA.

Viola Klang Lohr lives in Townsend, MT.  Her sister, Arla and brother, Wayne live in the Seattle area.    I do not know about a Viola Klang of the 1910s, but am guessing it is Viola Lohr’s name sake. Viola’s mother, Alice was a sister of my Dad’s—Clifford McKay making Viola my cousin. The family moved to Seattle in the 1940s (my guess). Minnie Mary McKay Merrill

Reply  to Aggie Casavant (’69)
From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary and Aggie,

I was busy looking at the birthdays/pictures/etc. in today’s newsletter, when I suddenly saw a big thank you to ME!  THAT was a surprise! I wondered what I had done to deserve a big thank you. LOL  (Thank you, Aggie and Gary for your kind comments.).  I am very happy/pleased for whatever I can contribute to your Dunseith newsletter/blog/etc., Gary.  Like so many others, I, too, find it very interesting.  I’m still trying to remember who is related to whom, but I’m getting better. LOL  I think others have mentioned they appreciate your including former postings.  I know I REALLY appreciate it, as I’ve forgotten much of what was posted back then.  I had added some information (about pictures) that was provided in the original postings, but I didn’t always get it added and am trying to add it now. MY thanks to all who provide pictures/information/etc. for you to include in your blog.

For those who might be interested, Rose Kavli’s first husband, Roger Gust, passed away.  His funeral will be Saturday in Westhope.  Roger was in my 4th grade class when I taught in Kramer in 1961-‘62.  His sister, Carol, was in my third grade class in Kramer (1962-‘63).  Roger’s/Carol’s brother, Ron Gust, is my husband’s (Wally) godson.

Thanks again, Aggie and Gary.  Gary, you KNOW  how much I appreciate all you do! LOL

Neola

Johnny Crawford – Long Lake
Picture provided by Vonda Melgaard Antonson:   Maddock, ND

Many of us Remember Johnnie Crawford very well. Johnny lived next door to Leonard Lund on the North West corner of Long Lake.  He used to walk the hills selling garden seeds and miscellaneous items. Often times he had a motorized go cart or bicycle that he rode on. I don’t remember which. I do remember that is was homemade though.  Whenever he came to our house we always invited him for a lunch or a meal.  Johnny was a man of many talents.

Johnny was a brother to Eva Hiatt and an uncle to Leola Lagerquist.

Gary

Joke of the day
Posted by Diane Rheault (’79): Moorhead, MN

RETARDED  GRANDPARENTS—

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils to write an essay on how they spent their holiday away from school.

One child  wrote the following:

” We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa.   They used to live in  a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved  to Batemans Bay where everyone lives in nice little  houses, and so they don’t  have to mow the grass  anymore!

They ride around on their bicycles and  scooters and wear name tags because they don’t know who  they are anymore. They go to a building called a wreck  center, but they must have got it fixed

because it is all  okay now. They do exercises there, but they don’t do them very   well.
There is a swimming pool too, but they all  jump up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate,  there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He  watches all day so nobody

can escape. Sometimes they sneak  out, and go cruising in their golf carts!

Nobody  there cooks, they just eat out.  And, they eat the same  thing every night — early birds.

Some of the  people can’t get out past the man in the doll house.  The  ones who  do get out,

bring food back to the wrecked center  for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all  his life to earn his retardment and says I should

work hard so  I can be retarded someday too.

When I earn my  retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house.  Then  I will let people out,

so they can visit their grandchildren.

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Blog (282) posted on November 14, 2008

Folks, I just got a message from Dwight Lang telling us he is unable to make the cruise with us next July.  Dwight and Rene Casavant are paired up with a cabin.  Rene needs a cabin mate.  Please let us know if any of you are interested or know of anyone that may be interested in taking Dwight’s place on our cruise.  Rene is a really easy going gentleman type of a guy.  Thanks, Gary

Reply from Tom Hagen (51): 

Seeing the picture of Susie and Glenn  and the letter from Carmen Richard, I had to write a few lines..    Susie, do you remember when I was your teacher at Wetherault  School in the summer of l955  and you were in about the 4th or 5th grade.   We had quite the rainstorms that summer and you and the other kids would come to school barefoot through the puddles and mud.   When it got too hot we would go outside and have school by the side of the building.

Carmen, when I taught at Cleveland I had your brothers in 4H and
we also used to visit some with you and Floyd.   It has been a long time
ago.
Gary, I can’t express how much I enjoy being included and
hearing from so many friends in the past.    Julie Knox Seier’s husband
is my 2nd cousin , his mom is Vivian Hagen Seier from Long Lake.

We love E-mail letters,  Love Tom and Dot

Request from Deb Morinville’s (70) Daughter Klista:
Deb is recovering from a Stroke.

I am going thru my mom’s email and asking that no forwards come through. She gets a lot of email! If she recovers enough to do email, I will remind her to let everyone know. Thank you!

Klista

From Dick Johnson (70): 

Gary and Friends,

Back in the 60s everyone wanted a faster car than the next guy. The car
manufacturers led the way with bigger and faster cars each year. One
test of a cars performance was to see how fast it would accelerate in
the quarter mile. Drag racing is what they called it in California–in
Dunseith, we said, “What will it do to the radar”? Only the guys from
Dunseith will have a clue what that meant! From the corner of Hiways 3
and 5 at Dales, almost exactly a quarter mile west, stood a sign that
said ‘Speed Checked by Radar’. It was our quarter mile! I suppose it is
a bit ironic that we would use THAT sign for our speed check! Most of
the better cars could crank about 80 to 90 MPH. The Mustangs, GTOs, etc,
could do much better so we were outclassed in our old cars by the
factory produced muscle cars! Move up or move over!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Allen Richard’s (65) reply to Dave Wurgler (64) – Cars:

Dave– That is cool  If it can be well tuned and checked — I wonder if he will ever be able to put out 1/6 th the “ponypower” and “twirk” ———–

Allen

Message/Pictures from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70): 

Gary I couldn’t resist sending a couple of pictures . The first one is Dick Johnson’s grandpa Hans and me,Crystal Fassett on Thanksgiving Day 1955,reading. My Aunt Dorothy Fassett is Dick’s Aunt,so our families had lots of holidays and get togethers,at each others homes. The next picture is of Dick and the Fassett girls at Grandma Kate and Grandpa “Pappy” Fassetts house. It’s Susan.Kathy, Dick, Crystal, Pam on couch, Paula, Patty & Kim on floor. And the last picture I send was in reference to Vicki’s letter about Mrs. Hansen. She and our Mom Irene were good friends and the girls were at all of our birthday parties.This party was for our cousin Norma Fassett, who had flown from South America to spend the summer with us in Dunseith. She was only 6 at the time and accompanied by flight attendants. The girls in the picture are: Crystal Fassett, Pennie Kester,Heidi Hansen,Norma Fassett, Becky Hansen, Kim Fassett, Paula Fassett and Cheryl Kester.


Folks, I thought I’d through in some memory pictures. These pictures were taken somewhere in the Rolette/Bottineau county areas. I forgot who sent them to me.  Gary

Happy Birthday Gerald Lamoureux (’57): Green Valley, AZ

     Happy Birthday David Slyter (’70): Sabin, MN

     Happy Birthday Glen Williams (’52): Missoula, MT

Happy Birthday Roger Counts (‘67): Dunseith, ND

         Happy Birthday Gary Olson: Hillsboro, ND

A big thank you to Neola Kofoid Garbe
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi Gary,   Just  wanted  to  take  the  time  to  not  only  thank  you  for  all  your  continued  work with  this  blog, but  also  to  Neola  Kofoid  Garbe, who  contributes  so  much  interesting   information. I   think  I  can  speak  for  everyone  in  saying   Thanks  Again!!!   Aggie

Aggie,
I so very much ditto your appreciation of Neola too.

Neola, You have been a huge part of this blog with all your contributions and they are many. We so appreciate the endless hours you have dedicated to researching and scanning all the interesting Articles and pictures that you provide. You are the backbone to this blog. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have lasted this long. This is year 8.
Thank you Neola,
Gary

Reply to unknown Picture posted several days ago
From Beverly Handeland Millang (’48): Bottineau, ND

This  is my sister Lorraine Millang on the left and Linda Millang . Don.t know her married name.
Beverly Hamnes

Euclyde Lamoreux and Alcide Marcil
Request from Gordon Phillips: Vancouver, BC

I am not exactly an alumnus.  But my mother was born near Thorne and I see a post by Sharon Gottbreht of NJ who gives the date of Euclyde Lamoreux’s marriage in Shell Valley in 1886.   Euclyde  sold or somehow transferred his homestead in Shell Valley to my great grandfather Alcide Marcil in 1888 and I would like to find out if she knows anything that might help me understand that event.  Can you put us in touch?.

Gordon Phillips
Phillips & Company
B A R R I S T E R S
Suite 1400, 1125 Howe St. Vancouver, BC  V6Z 2K8
Tel: 604-669-2332
E-Mail:

Reply to Gary Stokes From Gordon Phillips
I am actually related to two families:  AO Anderson and Alcide Marcil (AO’s son Ernie married Alcide’s daughter Rose Delima).  I know a huge amount about AO – who would not let them marry until Rose changed her religion, and who refused to let his daughter Beatrice marry Rose’s brother Charlie because he was a Catholic and would not change, even though she was pregnant – and a fair bit about the “other” Marcils there:  they all came from Longueuil, Quebec, with their step-siblings the Roberts and Wilmer Marcil has written some pages on them.  But Alcide died at an early age in an accident and we know nothing but nothing about him.  He was rather publicity shy:  my grandmother Rose Delima tried for decades without success to get some evidence of her own birth!  But I know that my Mom, Rose Selma Phillips (nee Rose Selma Anderson), who went by Jean or “Eugenie, visited Thorne or rather what was left of it maybe 30 years ago.  Oh how I wish I had been interested in genealogy while Grandma was still alive!!!

I have not yet been to the Philippines but I have a friend who lives in Manila and of course my daughters have all done the obligatory trip around SE Asia after graduating so I have seen many photos of it.

Regards

Gordon Phillips

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

Gary and friends,

I picked up a book of tickets from Big Al Wondrasek. today at the  new Veterans building.

I told Big Al,  “I was asked to purchase tickets for an out of state Dunseith Blog veteran.” 

Big Al Wondrasek said,  “How many books do you want.”

I told Al,  “Hey! I am not one of those high pressure salesman. 

But, if any one wants a ticket to support the Bottineau veterans, I will  be happy to get tickets.”

Many of the  Bottineau veterans were  like  “busy beavers” working away the day.

While there I got a grand tour of the building from my friend, Karen ( Hagen) Simon  my  dear childhood friend,  

’70s  classmate,  and Bottineau VFW Auxiliary member.

Karen’s dad Clarence, was also   WWII veteran and her husband is a veteran.

Why do I promote the veterans?

I do stuff like this and wearing  of the poppy  to honor my dad’s memory.. 

Until Later, Vic

Joke of the Day

A big shot attorney had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He was a royal pain to the nurses because he bossed them around just like he did his staff.

None of the hospital staff wanted to have anything to do with him.

The head nurse was the only one who could stand up to him. She came into his room and announced, “I have to take your temperature.”

After complaining for several minutes, he finally settled down, crossed his arms and opened his mouth.

“No, I’m sorry,” the nurse stated, “but for this reading, I can’t use an oral thermometer.” This started another round of complaining but eventually he rolled over and bared his behind.

After feeling the nurse insert the thermometer, he heard her announce, “I have to get something. Now you stay JUST LIKE THAT until I get back!”

She left the door to his room open on her way out. He cursed under his breath as he heard people walking past his door, laughing…..

After about 20 minutes, the man’s doctor came into the room. “What’s going on here?” asked the doctor.

Angrily, the man answered, “What’s the matter, Doc? Haven’t you ever seen someone having their temperature taken?”

After a pause, the doctor confessed….. “Not with a Daffodil.”  !!!!!!!

====================================
Blog (281) posted on November 13, 2008

Update on Richard Slyter (67), from his wife Ele Dietrich Slyter (69), following his heart attack:

This is almost beyond comprehension.  Unbelievable.  This man has talents bordering on the supernatural. This goes beyond what most of us can only dream about. And he did it all on a Bridgeport milling machine. Sureal.

After viewing all of the pictures, be sure to catch both of the film clips of it actually running.

Subj: Hand made 1/6 scale chevy 327 engine

Moyer Made – Projects: 1/6th Scale Chevrolet V8

Question from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Reply to picture, from Vickie Metcalfe (70):

GARY AND MARK,  Thanks for the memories of this photo!

THIS WAS OUR SECOND GRADE CLASS.  OUR TEACHER WAS MRS. HANSEN.  OUR CLASSROOM WAS A COMBINATION ROOM WITH 1ST GRADERS,SOME WITH 2ND GRADE SIBLINGS.  ie MARK AND REID SCHIMETZ, & ALAN AND  TERRY FUGERE.  THAT CLASSROOM WAS LOCATED ON THE STAGE. THE UPPER CLASSMEN WERE IN THE GYM.  AH….BABY BOOMERS, ARRIVED IN DUNSEITH!……AND THE SCHOOL SWELLED!  AT NOON HOUR THE PLAYGROUND WAS FLOODED WITH KIDS IN GRADES  1ST -12. I DON’T RECALL ANY TEACHERS OUTSIDE SUPERVISING THE  PLAYGROUND. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT HAD TO BUILD. AND SOMETIME, THAT YEAR I BELIEVE THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MOVED TO THE NEW BUILDING.

ONCE A WEEK, WE’D WALK DOWN TO MRS.MILDRED PARRILL’S ROOM IN THE BIG WHITE SCHOOL HOUSE FOR MUSIC WITH THE OTHER SECOND GRADERS. I THINK THE 1ST GRADERS WENT IN WITH  MRS. EVA SEIM  WHO HAD ALL THE OTHER 1ST GRADERS.  DAVY CROCKETT AND BLUE BIRD  WERE FAVORED SONGS.

SINCE WE 9, WERE GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED FROM THE OTHER 1ST AND 2ND GRADERS OUR LITTLE GROUP HAD TO PLAY TOGETHER. WE KIND OF BECAME A LITTLE FAMILY.  WE’D  USE THE BACK DOOR AT RECESS  AND ALSO PLAY UNDER THE STAIRCASE, PRETEND WITCHES ETC.

MANY AFTERNOONS, WE’D BE VISITED BY THE TWO BEAUTIFUL LITTLE SISTERS OF MARK AND REID.  KATHY AND KIM SCHIMETZ, EACH HAD LONG BROWN HAIR IN RINGLETTE CURLS. THEIR MOM, STELLA DRESSED THEM LIKE DOLLS.

IT WAS IN THAT  2ND GRADE CLASS  I LEARNED A LIFE  LESSON.  OFTEN,  MRS. HANSEN WOULD HAVE OUR GROUP OF 9 LINE UP AT HER DESK AND CHECK OVER OUR WORK.  ONE DAY WHILE STANDING BEHIND GORDIE NERPEL I NOTICED HIS PHONICS ANSWERS AND MINE WERE TOTALLY DIFFERENT.  I WAS CERTAIN I MINE WERE WRONG.  PANICING I ERASED AND CHANGED ALL MY ANSWERS AND COPYED HIS.  WHEN MY TURN CAME FOR WORK TO BE CHECKED, MRS. HANSEN JUST QUIETLY TOLD ME TO GO BACK TO MY DESK, ERASE MY ANSWERS AND DO MY WORK OVER.  SHE DID NOT SHAME ME, JUST QUIETLY SAID, DO NOT DO THAT AGAIN.

As a teacher/counselor I share that tale of woe with my students. I tell them how I learned the lesson of not cheating in second grade  from Mrs. Hansen and I honestly recall that strong feeling of shame.

WE WERE THE CLASS OF ’70.  Oft TIMES OUR NUMBERS SOARED TO APPROXIMATELY 90 STUDENTS IN 7TH GRADE.   There was 7A, 7B, and 7C, MOSTLY GROWING, WITH THE INFLUX OF STUDENTS FROM THE DAY SCHOOL. THE CLASS OF ’70 STILL CAN BOAST AS BEING THE LARGEST GRADUATION CLASS!

MRS. HANSON TAUGHT IN DUNSEITH THEN WENT TO WILLOW CITY AND AFTER MANY YEARS RETIRED THERE. SHE, AND HER HUSBAND LIVE ON A FARM OUT OF WILLOW CITY. THEIR DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY THE BOTTINEAU SCHOOL LIBRARIAN.

Picture – Class of 70 folks from Mark Schimetz:

Top row: Mark Schimetz, Dean Lamb, Gordon Nerpel, Alan Fugere & Vicky Medcalf
Bottom: Janice Allard, David Striker, Maryls Medland, and Joann Millang.

I am not sure what grade we are in here, Maybe 2nd grade. Vicki will probably know.

Message/Pictures from Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): 

Hi Gary,

Jim and I also have a new granddaughter born on Thursday, October 30th!!   Our son Andrew and his wife, Jennifer welcomed Katelyn Elise Mhyre.  She was born at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Wa.  They live in Kenmore, WA and are both scientists.  They are both PhD researchers  in the biotech industry.

We also have a three year old granddaughter, Fiona, who lives with her folks in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  We will all be together here for Christmas!!  Such a fun time.

Karen

Katelyn with her Grandma, Karen Loeb Mhyre(65)

Katelyn with her Great Grandmother – Hannah Loeb Higgins (39)

The Little Family’s First Halloween
Andrew, Jeniffer & Katelyn Mhyre

Replies to Picture posted yesterday.
Note: please see picture near the bottom of this email message. 

From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC
In  referecnce  to  the  Peace  Garden  picture, Linda  Millang  is  on  the  right, not  sure  of  the  other  lady… Aggie

From Marvel Hill Thompson (’69):  Bottineau, ND
Lorraine Millang and Linda Bostic

Bottineau County Veterans 2015 Annual Raffle
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, Nd

Hello Gary,

FYI

Bottineau Veterans are a wonderful organization.

They have accomplished so much in the greater Bottineau area.

The veterans have done much of the work themselves for  the memorial building now located  across from the fair ground.

a side note;

There are  aluminium  can collection sites here in Bottineau and at the Sawmill Corner store.

Folks can continue  contributing to the cause by  saving  and dropping  off cans which the Veterans collect,  crush and sell.

See the flyer for  the currently fundraising planned for this worthwhile project.

Thank you,

Vickie

All,

The 2015 Annual Raffle kicked off today.

tickets going out.

come to the vet hall and get your tickets………..

great prizes………..

al

Andrew Fassett, Bill and Gwen Grimme’s uncle
Posted by Bill Grimme (65):  Birmingham, AL.

Andrew L. Fassett

Aug. 8, 1919 – March 1, 2015 NORTH LIBERTY – Andrew L. Fassett, 95, of North Liberty, passed away on Sunday, March 1st, at 12:05 PM in his residence with his family by his bedside. He was born on August 8, 1919, in Dunseith, ND, to the late Gilbert and Sadie (McDonald) Fassett. He had resided in the Michiana area since 1940, coming from North Dakota. On January 19, 1946, in South Bend, IN, he married the former Betty J. Brubaker, who survives. Andrew retired from Bendix Corporation in 1982 where he worked in Plant Protection. He is survived by his wife, Betty Fassett of North Liberty; one daughter, Linda K. (Dan) Duvall of Thayer, IN; and two sons, Gregory L. (Sandra) Fassett of Logansport, IN, and Keith E. (Susan) Fassett of North Liberty, IN. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kath-leen Keppner, Anne Furlow, Katherine Fassett, and Shane, Derek and Dustin Duvall; and five great-grandchildren. Andrew was preceded in death by one son, Wayne A. Fassett on December 9, 2014, seven sisters and five brothers. Mr. Fassett enjoyed music; he played in numerous bands. He also loved woodworking, being outside, fishing, camping, and being with his family. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in WW II in the 9th Armored Division and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He received two Presidential Citations and a Bronze Star during his service in the U.S. Army. He was a member of North Liberty Masonic Lodge, the ORAK Shrine, the American Legion Post 365 in North Liberty, and VFW Post 1954 in North Liberty, and a former member of the Moose Lodge in South Bend. Visitation will be Thursday, March 5th, from 4:00 PM 8:00 PM at Hanley and Sons ‘Southwest Chapel” Funeral Home, located at 23421 State Road 23 / West Ireland Road, South Bend. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday in the funeral home. Funeral services will be Friday, March 6th, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, with Pastor Ernie Troxell officiating. A Military Graveside Service will follow at Sumption Prairie Cemetery in South Bend. The family requests all memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children located at 2211 North Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707. Condolences may be expressed online through our website: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com. The HANLEY & Sons “Southwest Chapel” Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extends its deepest sympathy to the Fassett family. 

– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?pid=174308361#sthash.30Teqfkh.dpuf

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Blog (280) posted on November 12, 2008

Request/message from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): 

Gary,

Calling several Vets today starting with brother Ernie; want to introduce my
cousin, Don Sharratt, ndakotado@aol.com to the web crowd. He is known to many from Rollette
County and Dunseith. He lodged with George and Anna Richard when attending 3
years HS in Dunseith. Don and I have missed many mailings and I plan to
forward from 244 onward. Thanks.

Sharron

Don Sharratt, It is our pleasure to add you to our distribution list. What HS class were you with when attending Dunseith?  Gary

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Wayne Smith..
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the fifties and sixties car
video…it was great. I highly suggest everyone check it out.  As a
kid, I remember my cousin either Nancy or Colette Hosmer singing
Thunder Road to us while on a road trip….Colette will say it was
Nancy and Nancy will say it was Colette….haha…it was fun listening
to Robert Mitchum singing that song..brought back some great memories.
Thanks again Wayne.

Diane Sjol

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

One time many years ago, Floyd Lamb told me a cute story about Norman
Hiatt. Norman was an agent for AAA insurance and was trying to make
contact with as many people in the neighborhood as possible. Floyd said
that Norman wanted to talk to Gus and Bill Hackman, but was afraid of
their dogs so he asked Floyd to go along down to their place, along
Highway 43. Floyd said there were no dogs in the yard when they climbed
over the gate and walked toward the house, but just before they got the
the house about 5 or 6 dogs heard them and came on the run around the
corner. Norman let out a yell and dived into the house without knocking.
Floyd said the dogs were just friendly and wagged their tails but Norman
wasn’t taking any chances! When they were done with business and ready
to leave, Norman peeked out the door and after seeing no dogs quickly
headed for the gate. Floyd walked behind and as little short legged
Norman was trying to swing his leg over the fence for the third or
fourth time, Floyd reached down and growled and grabbed the back of
Norman’s leg. He said Norman threw his briefcase and completely cleared
the fence! Floyd said he shouldn’t have done it but couldn’t resist.
Norman didn’t ask him to help after that! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, As you well know, Norman/Irene and family lived one mile east of us.  We were very close neighbors with them and also his folks Margie & Willie.  We were back and forth a lot.  I remember one time we were butchering pigs and for some reason Norman was at our house. After shooting the pigs, they loaded them onto a trailer and were taking them to the Johnnie Hiatt farm to butcher.  I believe that is when Ernest and Lydia LaCroix were living there. Norman told us kids to get up on the trailer with the dead pigs for the ride up to the Johnnie Hiatt farm. When our mother saw us sitting their with those dead pigs, she wasn’t happy and told us to get down. When Norman came back, he told us again to get back up on the trailer with those dead pigs, of which we did. Needless to say our mother was highly upset the second time around telling us to get off that trailer, but we had the pleasure of telling her Norman said it was OK to ride with those dead pigs.  I don’t remember for sure, but I think we got off that trailer.  Mom had a bark and a bite that we kids well respected.  Gary
Folks, The messages from here to the picture of Lorraine Handeland and Linda Millang are replies to their picture that I posted yesterday.  Gary

Reply from Julie Knox Seier (82): j

Gary,
Those two ladies are aunts of mine…Lorraine (Handeland) and
Linda (Millang) Bostic. Linda just became Grandma for the first
time on October 30. Her son Arthur and his wife Amy had a baby
boy that they named Spencer Michael Bostic. They live in
Minnesota in a Minneaplois suburb.
Julie (Knox) Seier

Reply from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): 

The two ladies are Lorraine Handeland Millang, she was married to Curt who passed away several years ago and Linda Millang Bostic who just lost her husband Mike this year.  Mike Bostic taught in Dunseith and that is where they met.  Linda and Mike had one son Arthur and I understand Linda just became a grandmother.

Reply fromEle Dietrich Slyter (69): 

On the left is Lorraine (Handeland) Millang and on the right is Linda Millang…don’t remember the married name…Lorraine was Curt Millang’s wife and Linda also lost her husband this past year…I believe he taught school in Dunseith.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary,

Two gals at the Peace Garden are Lorraine Handeland Millang and Linda
Millang Bostic.

Dick
Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77):

The ladies in the picture are Lorraine Handeland Millang and Linda Millang Bostic.

Reply from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):

The two ladies are Lorraine Handeland Millang and I believe Linda Millang

Martha Lamb Schepp

Folks, I have had this picture sitting in my pictures folder since last July. To be honest, I didn’t expect these two ladies to be Dunseith folks.  There are a lot of folks that pass through the Peace Garden, everyday, so they could have been from most anywhere. When our friend, Dianne, from Bremerton, Washington sent me this picture telling me these ladies knew me, I kind of just brushed it off, because I didn’t recognize them.  Yesterday, I thought what to heck, I’ll send this out and see if any of you know them.  I’m sure glad I did.  I know them both.  I remember Linda, well, from my childhood days.  I don’t remember Lorraine as well.  She was a little older. Now that I know who they are, I recognize Linda.  Putting these class lists together, I have spoken with both Lorraine & Linda, several times, in the past months.  I don’t think either of them have email, so I’m hoping some of you can show this picture to them if they happen to visit any of you.  This is a beautiful picture.  Gary

         Lorraine Handeland Millang (61) and Linda Millang (63)

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

I just returned home from and meeting and Wal-Mart.  The first thing I did was sit down and read your Alumni news email–beautiful picture of Salem Church.  When I read Glenn Millang’s name, I knew this picture was on the table near my computer.  I thought I had scanned/sent it to you, but when I checked my “courthouse pictures” folder, I didn’t see it.  If you can use it, fine; if not, fine.

Neola

Neola, there is not a doubt in my mind that we can use this photo. Glenn (deceased), Susie (Knox) and the boys are very well known in the Dunseith community.

Susie,  In this photo, there’s not doubt you and Minnie are sisters.  Gary

Elmer (56) & Joanne Kester (58) Boucher Family – Elmer/Joanne have a Rolette address

Folks, I have reposted Neola’s message and the poster for the Craft show in Bottineau this week-end to include Carmen Richard. In my mind I’m kind of thinking there will be other Dunseith Alumni Vendors there as well. I know of several others that do this sort of thing.  This will be a good opportunity for you folks to meet Neola and Carmen. Gary

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: n

Hi Gary,

I received the following from Carmen Richard.  I think your readers would be interested in hearing she’ll be participating in the craft sale/Winter Wonderland in Bottineau on Saturday, too.  This would be a good opportunity for people to buy her daughter-in-law’s book–I’m anxious to see the book, too.

Neola

Carmen’s reply to Neola:

I am also going to the Bottineau craft show. I am selling some stocking caps that I have made. I call them winter survival gear. and also I will be selling my daughter-in-law Lanette Richard’s book Tommy and Sarah’s Country Adventures.
Hi Gary,

I know you don’t usually put “plugs” in your Alumni newsletter, so I won’t feel bad if you don’t feel comfortable including this poster.  However, if you think people might be interested in seeing it (and attending the event), I’d appreciate if you would include it and mention I’ll be selling caramels.  I think some of your readers have bought caramels from me in the past.  Again, I don’t know if you want to include this, but people are welcome to order from me at neolag@min.midco.net, and I’ll mail caramels to them.  Postage would be between $5.00-$9.00, depending on the size of the order.

Thanks, Gary

Neola

    Happy Birthday Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71): Bedford, TX

   Happy Birthday Esther Murray Fleming (’65): Flint, MI

Happy Birthday Linda Gardner (BHS ’68): Vienna VI.

Condolences to the Lagerquist family
From Pamela Fugere Schmidt (’73):  Mandan, ND

Rod, Leola, Lyle, Kurt, and Carl,

I’m so very sorry for your loss of Kim. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Pamela Fugere Schmidt

Reply to Pictures posted
From Flavia Moraes (’73 Exchange student): 

Dear Gary

Jeff Evans and Curt Berg were my classmates.

I remember them very well and these photos posted by Trish (who was my friend too) brought me wonderful memories.

Thank you, Trish and Gary

All the best

Flavia

Reply to the Basketball Picture
From Diane Fugere (’75):  Minot, ND

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

Gary, I  sincerely appreciate your pulling up many of the blogs… of other years gone by.

Mark sent in the  photo below, at a time I had sporadic interest and  access to this blog.

My primary interest and  focus at that time, was always on my mother’s care, while she was elderly and a resident in a nursing home.

This was our Second Grade photo.  We were in a combination first and second grade room on the old stage area with Mrs Hanson as our teacher.

She was/is a  Willow City original. She’d share a lot about her daughters, Becky and Heidi.

Sometimes, we second graders  got to walk through the gym,

up a  long hall and first level of stairs to the big white building, joining Mrs Mildred Parrill’s second grade class for music.

Mrs Parrill had shoulder length reddish hair.

The other second graders would look upon us,  as if we were strangers~

But, then  we’d join them in song, “Blue bird, Blue bird from my window.”

There were NINE of us second graders. Janice from town,  Dean, Gordie, myself, David, Marlys and Joanne were farm kids from the hills.

Mark was a town kid  and Allen a  Prairie kid had younger siblings in the class.

My parents had to hire transportation for us to come into town school.

Sometimes, I would be delighted to to ride the Myer bus with the Jim Metcalfe kids!

We nine were  with other 15 to 20  first graders.

I recall once when in line to have our phonic books checked I  glimpsed Gordies.

His answers were all different.

Panicing I erased mine and copied his answers.

Mrs. Hanson did not scold.  Or say, “CHEATER”.

She marked a big  F.

Then,  just said. Please erase and stay in at recess and do over.

I felt mortified!

That was, Lesson number 1 from second grade learned.

Do not copy.

Sometimes, toward the end of the day Mrs Schimetz would walk two beautiful little girls over to meet their brothers.

Stella  dressed those little dolls  alike wearing  their Sunday best in sweet,  little dresses, brown stockings  and polished shoes.

Kathy and Kim with cherub faces,  had long brown hair  which curled down around their shoulders,

beautiful eyes and wide shy, smiles when they caught glimpses of  their big brothers Mark and Reid.

As I recall, because of where we were located, we were mainly isolated from the other second graders and first graders during lunch and recesses.

We ate dinner down stairs in the big square white building. We were in long lines the cooks would thrown tuna noodle hot dish, fish sticks or ?? on our plates.

At free time, we  gathered and  jumped rope, played marbles, or chased each other around, around  TAG

and down, down,  down,  the steps into the back door was “our cave.”

Only once, I cornered Keith K.  a first grade boy from Mrs Seim’s room.  The bell rang.

He scrunched up his face, balled up a fist and popped me in the nose then took off running.

The nose blood spurted and gushed. I did not say a word.

( I remembered what my dad had taught me, never corner anyone,…they will panic)

I went home that night with a blood stained blouse.

I never told.

I never chased or cornered  a boy again!

Lesson number 2  was also learned in  grade Two.

Vickie

Top row: Mark Schimetz, Dean Lamb, Gordon Nerpel, Alan Fugere & Vicky Medcalf
Bottom: Janice Allard, David Striker, Marlys Medland, and Joann Millang.

Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Ole Paints Road Stripe 

A road crew supervisor in Minnesota hired Ole to paint the yellow line down the middle of route 32 heading up toward Bemidji . The supervisor was skeptical about hiring him since OIe didn’t have any painting background, but he appeared enthusiastic and he told the supervisor that he really needed the job. At least his wife Lena told him so.

He explained to Ole that his work or the day would be to complete 2 miles of centerline on the road. He was set up with brushes and paint and his boss got him started.

After the first day, the supervisor was pleased to find that he’d painted 4 miles of road in his 8 hour shift, instead of the two expected of him. He told Ole that he did an excellent job and said how pleased he was with his progress.

On the second day, Ole completed painting just the 2 miles of road that was asked of him. His supervisor was surprised, because on the first day, he had completed twice as much work. But he didn’t say anything, since 2 miles of road was the amount that the job required anyway. He decided to just accept it, and to look forward to the next day when he was sure that Ole would pick up the pace again.

On day 3, the supervisor was disappointed to learn that in his 8 hour shift, Ole completed painting only one (1) mile of road. Ole was called to the supervisor’s office and asked what was the problem.

“On your first day, you completed 4 miles of road, on your second day, 2 miles of road, and now on day 3, you were only able to complete 1 mile of road. What’s the problem, Ole?”

“Vell,” Ole replied, “I’ll tell you vut is da problem, but I tought a smart man like you vould figger it out fer yourself. Every day I get farder and farder avay from da paint can.”

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Blog (279) posted on November 11, 2008

Picture provided by Jeff Skjelver (Glen Shelver’s grandson): 

Hello Mr. Stokes,

Here is a photo of the Salem Lutheran Church I snapped today while driving up to Lake Metigoshe.  It was a beautiful day up in the hills today.

Jeff Skjelver
Rugby, ND

Jeff, Thank you so much for this beautiful winter scene of Salem church.  This church brings back a lot of childhood memories for me and also for a lot of our readers.  My name, with a lot of others, is still posted on the Sunday School attendance roster in the back of the church.  Salem Church is and always has been part of the Metigoshe Lutheran churches.

Folks, Salem church is located about 2 1/2 miles west of the Rolette/Bottineau county line on #43 also known as the Peace Garden or Metigoshe road. It is open to the public in the summer months.  Glen Rude has the keys and is kind of the caretaker. He lives on the Albert Rude Home place located about 1/8 of a mile east and on the south side of the road from the church.  Gary

Do any of you recognize either of these two ladies?  A friend of ours from Bremerton WA. was visiting the Peace Garden last summer when she met these two ladies.  They knew me, so she took their picture.  She lost the paper with their names. Like I mentioned before, most of us change over the years and I just don’t recognize these gals.  Gary

Reply From Margaret Metcalf Leonard (’65):  Rolette, ND

Happy Easter to you and Bernadette. Praying that this will be an especially good day  health wise for both of you.  It’s snowing in Rolette this morning even though we feel the promise of spring coming. 

Tale care, Margaret

Margaret,
It is wonderful hearing from you. Looking forward to seeing you this summer too with our 50^th class reunion too.
Gary

Pictures

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

Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

An old geezer, who had been a retired farmer for a long time, became very bored and decided to open a medical clinic.

He put a sign up outside that said:Dr. Geezers’s clinic. “Get your treatment for $500, if not cured get back $1,000.”

Doctor “Young,” who was positive that this old geezer didn’t know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1,000.

So he went to Dr. Geezers’s clinic.

This is what transpired.

Dr. Young: — “Dr. Geezer, I have lost all taste in my mouth.” can you please help me ??
Dr. Geezer:  —  “Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in Dr. Young’s mouth.”

Dr. Young: — Aaagh !! — “This is Gasoline!”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your taste back. That will be $500.”

Dr. Young gets annoyed and goes back after a couple of days figuring to recover his money.

Dr Young: “I have lost my memory, I cannot remember anything.”

Dr. Geezer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in the patient’s mouth.”

Doctor Young:  “Oh no you don’t,  —  that is Gasoline!”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your memory back. That will be $500.”

Dr. Young (after having lost $1000) leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.

Dr. Young: “My eyesight has become weak  —  I can hardly see !!!!

Dr. Geezer: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for that so —  ” Here’s your $1000 back.”

Dr. Young: “But this is only $500…”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You got your vision back! That will be $500.”

Moral of story  —  Just because you’re “Young” doesn’t mean that you can outsmart an old “Geezer ” !!!!

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Blog (278) posted on November 10, 2008

Reply from Almo Pladson (72):

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and thoughts about mom. She was a very special lady and touched the hearts on everyone. We miss her very much.

Reply from Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): 

Happy Birthday Alva Azure Gladue (’75): Dunseith, ND

Reply to the Basketball Picture
From Diane Berg Rheault (‘79):  Moorhead, MN

Gary, Here are the names that go with the “State Basketball Tourney” picture.  The tournament was in 1972.

Donald Malaterre’72, Terry Counts’74, Curt Hagel’72, Lyle Olson’75, Tim Gunville’72, Jim Mellmer’72, Don Olson’72, Jeff Evans’73, Curt Berg’73, George Malaterre’73, Linus Faine’72, Greg Evans’72.  Kathy Schmitz’72, Trish Larson’73, Cathy Campbell’73

Reply to the Basketball Picture
From Larry Tooke (’71):  Souris, ND

Happy Easter to you and your family Hope all is well for you all.

The basketball boys  L to R Don Malaterre, Terry Counts, Curt Hagel, Lyle Olson, Tim Gunville, Jim Melmer, Don Olson Jeff Evans, Curt Berg, George Malaterre,Linus Faine,Greg Evans  Girls: Kath Schmitz Trish Larson, Kathy Campbell  Say HI to Art  Larry

Thanks Larry,

Art Hagen Left Cebu this past Wednesday headed for the States. He will be in Bottineau soon.

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Blog (277) posted on November 9, 2008

Happy Belated Birthday – Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): 

Margaret, I was talking to Cecile Berube Reynolds (65) today and she told me you had a birthday on November 5th. She said you guys are going to celebrate when you return from your school trip in Minneapolis this weekend.  I think she told me this celebration will take place on Tuesday.  Cecile also told me she retired this year from teaching. She said she had nearly 30 years of service.   I assume most of this time was in Minot.  “Happy Birthday” and enjoy your celebration with Cecile.  Gary

Request from Leland Hagen (50): 

Hi  Gary,

I really look forward to the news letters that you compile and send
every day. It’s the first Email  I read.

Brother Tom (51) would like to be added to your list of rcipients. His email is:

Thanks,

Leland Hagen (50)

Folks, Tom & Leland are bothers to Orvin Hagen and Joyce Evans. I know many of you know Orvin & Joyce.  Orvin was the head gardener at the peace garden for many years . Joyce was married to Joe Evans (Deceased).

From Wayne Smith (61): 

Gary,

This came to me from a friend, and I thought that many on the Dunseith blog would enjoy reliving the 50’s & 60’s through cars and music.

Regards

Wayne Smith (’61)

To those of us that were teens in the fifties.. this will make you smile from ear to ear..and even tho our teen yrs had some ills and strife…we should be grateful that we got to be a kid in those wonderful days of good clean fun and wonderful comraderie..now to relive just part of that special time…

Someone did an awesome job putting this together and with sound to boot. At the very end of the video you’ll hear the song ‘ Thunder Road ‘ sung by the star of the movie for which it was the theme! Not uncommon except this is the one and only song ever recorded, for publication, sung by Robert Mitchum!

http://thefiftiesandsixties.com/CarsWeDrove.htm

From Sybil Johnson:

Gary and all,

I remember those storm blizzards, the 20yrs I lived in Minot. The last one I remember mostly was the one in the spring of 1984 (same year Kelly was killed), maybe

that’s why I remember it so well. All the kids in the neighborhood were out making money, shoveling the sidewalks of others who couldn’t get out. My youngest,

DJ, came home with over $40.00 for his efforts.

So far, all we have had here in Cheyenne, is that blasted wind, for the past 2 days. Winds gusting up to 70 mph and blowing over everything in its path. Take care

everyone.  Sybil Johnson

Correction to yesterday’s message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: n

Brodey Awalt’s dad’s name is Rick, not Todd.

I’m not feeling well today, so not on computer

Neola

Reply to the Cote sister’s picture from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

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

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

Mel

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

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Allen, I’m thinking this cute little girl is probably one of your Daughter’s?  Gary

Folks, This is as far as I’ve gone, to date, assembling class lists. I have up-to-date lists for all the classes from 1930 thru 1977. I plan to continue with the class of 78 working my way to the present. It may take some time, but in time, I will eventually get there.  Gary

                                 Dunseith High School Class of 1977

              Happy Birthday Rhonda Hiatt: Battle Ground, WA

Address change
For Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):  Booton, NJ

Hi Gary, if anyone is interested, my address is not Seoul, Korea anymore, we have been in New Jersey since 2010.

New address is: 15 Timber Trail, Boonton, NJ. 07005

Thanks, Lynn Halvorson Otto

Lynn,

Thank you so much for this update with your NJ address. I try to keep all my files updated, but there I some that I miss. I had your address listed as Boonton, NJ in my master combined list, but had failed to update your class list.

Gary

Clayton Lider’s Card of Thanks:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Class of 73 photo’s provided by Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73): 

Trish, I know the photo on the left is for sure you and the one on the right too?

State Basketball tourney
Please, We need some names folks

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Blog (276) posted on November 8, 2008

ND Blizzard conditions tonight (11/6/08) from Dick Johnson: 

Gary and Friends,

If you folks would like to see a genuine North Dakota blizzard, tonight
is the night! We have sustained winds that must be 40-50 MPH and blowing
snow that is causing white out conditions. It wasn’t too bad earlier
today, but now the snow has really started coming down. It rained first
and the trees got heavy so with these winds, trees are going down all
over. Just like old times!

Thanks to Ron Longie for the name of his cousin, Della. After I read her
name, I remembered— that was her name! I hope her injury was one she
recovered fully from as it was quite nasty. Thanks Ron and Gary!

Dick

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

It seems so strange to receive an email this time of the night, and the email says (paraphrasing), “The newsletter is early today.  We have doctor’s appointments.”  Also, when I read it, I pictured the two of you in this wonderfully warm climate, walking with no coats on, the sun shining, beautiful day, and here I am sitting where it’s dark outside, the weather is nasty, no travel around Minot–same time, such different weather/time of day.  The internet is absolutely amazing/wonderful.

Neola

Neola, what you imagined was pretty much right on with our weather and time of day. We never ever have to wear a coat. Today’s high was 90F. I had to turn the windshield wiper on several times today to wipe the condensation of off the outside of the windshield caused from the Air Conditioning inside the car.  I know those of you from the southern states have probably experienced that. I know I did when I was TDY for 6 months in Florida in 2002.  Gary

Picture (Devils Lake, ND) & comments from Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

The Philippines is starting to look more and more inviting.  I’m
tired of this stuff already.

Kenny

Reply from  LoisLilleby fielding (51): 

To Marshall Awalt:   Marshall, I tried to e-mail you, but it didn’t go through.  I woll look through old photos in case I have one of your car.    Best regads,    Lois

Reply from Randy Flynn (70): 

In answer to Gary Metcalfe’s question about Mr. Woodford and Mr. Cheney.  I am guessing they both used a shotgun as a communication tool to locate a buddy.

Memories of the Bakery/Martinson’s/baseball from Rob Olson (79):

The Bakery was one of my favorite places in town, the others being Campell’s, Malaterre’s and anywhere we could playball.  I seriously do  not know how Hilda Malaterre put up with the pounding of rubber balls hitting the side of the house every five seconds.  At the Campbell’s we played against Granmma Campbell’s garage and we would play all day, go to the Bakery and a bunch of us would pile in the back room where Herman, Terry, Tim and Tara worked their magic. They always let us eat the ends of the bread loafs that were sliced off. What a treat!  We would always try to get there in time to help Tim or Terry load up the pick-up for the trip to the peace Garden and maybe we could catch a ride.

Tara was always so nice. Like Lyle said Tim was an oustanding catcher.  I can still see in my mind like it was yesterday the way he threw the ball to second base, he had a litttle double clutch but WHAT an arm.   Not many tried to steal on him. I can also see Herman sitting directly behind home plate at every home game. He did not say much but when he did you could hear it through the crowd.  And those teams in the late 60’s early 70’s drew crowds.  I learned a lot of baseball from Herman talking with him at the bakery which I did until I left in 1979.  Even when  I came home I would stop by to see him.   That man knew what I was doing 200 miles away in Mayville-even the things I shouldn’t have been doing!  Herman had a knack for making a person feel important even at 10 years old. I miss him.

Terry was a free spirit and had a twinkle in his eye everytime I saw hime.  One time in, I think 1969 or 70, the legion team was playing in Wolford. Terry was driving around and I was riding my bike home when he stopped and asked me if I wanted to go to the baseball game. (OK I begged him if he would take me.) I took my bike home and changed my shirt.  I remember he had a 2 door car green one I think, it was already full of people but I could not say who was in it. I road on the center counsel in front with him. I really thought I was cool. It wasn’t until we got there that he asked me if my mom knew where I was. I said she was working and I did not have time to tell her. I can remember he was not happy with me and told me that I need to be responsible and let her know. After being mad at me he smiled and said, don’t worry I’ll tell her you were with me and it will be fine.  I don’t know what he said to her but she never said a word about it to me. The Martinsons were nuts about baseball.  Years later I was playing in Cando with the Rolla legion team (Dunseith did not have a Legion team in 1978 or 79) and I was up to bat when I heard “come on Robbie get a rip” I looked up in the stands and here was Terry, bushy beard, hair all wild, farmers pants and a huge smile on his face. His smile could light up a room for miles. I am gald I told him how much his friendship and kindness meant to me before he passed.

As for the charging rolls at the bakery.  Herman knew what he was doing.  Bismarcks were a nickel and by the end of one week, one of many, I owed him a dollar-my whole allowance.  That happened for years!

The Bakery, good times, great people, whole lotta love and kindness came out of that place. Thank you to the Martinsons.

Rob Olson

Story/memory from Rob Olson (79):

I was hopping someone else would tell this story but nobody has.  So I thought I would-as best as I can remember The names are not changed because the statute of limitations has run out for trespassing.

Back in the early 70’s there was swimming hole out by the old slaughterhouse.   To get to there we walked across the wheat field just west of the baseball field, went under a barbed wire fence (or over it if you were bigger) and then walked a ways.  The older boys had made a dam so the water was fairly deep. (We typically did not go there when the older boys were there because they liked to dunks us, thow us in with our clothes and generally be mean) We went there after baseball practice was over so about 3:00 p.m. or so. I was not in Babe Ruth at the time but I always hung around during baseball practice shagging balls with the others.  One day I believe it was me, Jeff Campbell, Gordon Malaterre, Clark Malaterre, David Hagel , Keith Fettig, probably Gene and Sylvester Parisien, and likely others that I don’t remember now, were down at the swimming hole having fun.  Most of us did not have swimming trunks so we usually went without.    Someone heard a noise and Clark sneaked up the bank to see who it was. We had been warned by the older boys not to get caught there.   Clark turned and said we have to get out of here fast.  Nancy Bedard and Gail Lamoureux were out riding horses and were coming toward the swimming hole.  We  had left our clothes on the side of the bank that they were coming from so we had to hustle over, grab our clothes, cross the creek and try to put them on while we were running, not a an easy thing to do.  I am not a fast runner. Clark looking out for me like he did was helping me get dressed as we were running. The ladies on their horses were faster and soon were close by and yelling at us to stop running.  Clark and I stopped while the other were about 20 yards ahead in the trees. Clark turned and answered, I think Nancy’s, questions about what we were doing there.  The others kind of hovered around not wanting to get too close. I did not want to say anything because Gail would tell my mom and that would not have been good! After scolding us, both Nancy and Gail looked at each other with a little grin when Gail said “Clark you should zip up your zipper.”  Clark had been too busy helping me that he forgot put his underwear on or zip his fly.  Clark looked down, tucked himself in then looked up at the ladies and calmly said “thank you.”

I still think of that and is one of my best memories when I think of Clark-which is often. Of course we were back there the next day.

Rob Olson

Diane Larson Sjol’s (70) memories: 

Allen’s reminiscing brought back my own memories of Dunseith and my
favorite stops.  I loved going to the drug store and sitting at the
counter with Debbie Morinville and sipping on a coke float….buying
sticks of pink gum that had powdered sugar on it and looking through
all the makeup waiting for the day when we could wear it.  I used to
sneak in my cousins’ room (Janet, Nancy and Colette Hosmer) and put
their make up on….thought I was pretty darn cute.  We stayed in
Dunseith when my dad, Norman Larson, was stationed overseas so we went
to school during our elementary years in Dunseith….making my
childhood a wonderful one.  My mom, Verdellis, used to love to sleep
in on Sat. morning.  Knowing that, my sister and I would wake her and
ask if we could have some money to go to Casey Seim’s and she would
tell us there was some in her purse and to go ahead.  We knew she was
probably still asleep but convinced ourselves we had permission so
would take a few coins and off we would march…uptown.  She would
wake up an hour later and there we would be, watching cartoons eating
a bagful of candy.  Needless to say, we got away with it about twice.

One thing I remember about the Hermann’s bakery was him of course, and
his wonderful Bismarcks and date bars.  I could have eaten my weight
in date bars and at that time I was pretty chubby….Francis
Morinville used to work at the Crystal Cafe and Debbie and I would
wander in through the back and Francis would give us a treat….they
had the best tomato soup!  Remember the school cafeteria and that huge
pile of butter bread sandwiches cut in half….

Playing at the creek and catching tadpoles was great fun too.  We
managed to keep a batch alive until they grew legs and were hopping
all over my room.  My mom had a fit. From then on she later confessed
that when they grew legs, she flushed them down the toilet and told us
they had died so she had to get rid of them…..

I could go on and on ….we are snowed in in Minot today…roads
closed from here to Bismarck…pretty bad all over most of the central
and eastern part of the state, disappointing many deer hunters since
today is opening day…my husband is still trying to figure out how he
can go…

Hope you all have a great day…Diane Larson Sjol

Paula Fassett’s (71) reply to the confirmation picture: 

I love the confirmation photo!!!  In the back: Alan Strong, Greg Hill, Dale Lagerquist – front:  Myra Henning & Shelly Fulsebakke!

If anyone has a photo of the confirmation class from a year prior to this one, it would be fun if you would share it!  The class consisted of those of us who eventually graduated in 1970 & 1971 – Me, Cheryl Haagenson, my sister Crystal, Brenda Hill, Larry Tooke, Larrett Peterson…….to name a few.  For some reason, there had been a year of no confirmation, so the 2 classes were combined.  Pastor Curt Rotto was our pastor/teacher – we all adored him (many of us still do…..).  We had the largest class that was ever confirmed at Peace Lutheran.  Because of the great number of us, we were actually confirmed in the high school gym, as there wasn’t enough room in the church!  I don’t remember for sure, but I’m thinking that perhaps the new church wasn’t finished yet then?  I’ve been communicating too much with Mel Kuhn, his CRS is rubbing off……….

Paula Fassett

Evon Lagerquist’s (77) reply to the confirmation picture: 

In the confirmation picture with Pastor Bakken is Alan Strong, Greg Hill, Dale Lagerquist, Myra Henning , Shelly Fulsabakke.

Lynn Halvorson Otto’s (75) reply to the confirmation picture: 

Hi Gary, the picture of confirmation students:  Alan Strong, Greg Hill and Dale Lagerquist, Myra Henning and Shelly Fulsebakke (sp).  I think I’m correct on the names.  Lynn Otto   I think this 1969 Rendahl Confirmation class was part of the Dunseith 1969 class or am I wrong?   Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Hi Gary, This is Lloyd Awalt’s grandson, Brody (Todd and Tracy Baynes Awalt’s son).  There were several pictures of/comments made by people after the election under “Varying opinions of residents mirrors rest of U.S.”  Brody’s comments are in a separate email.  Todd/Tracy live in Minot.  She/I taught at Bel Air School for several years; I retired, she’s still teaching there.  Todd is a CPA in Minot. I remember when Todd/Tracy’s children were born.  I visited Tracy at Trinity when her/Todd’s first son, Brock, was born.  Besides the two boys, Todd and Tracy have a daughter, Drew.  John Bayne, Tracy’s father, was a barber in Bottineau for many years.  I THINK he’s retired. Tracy’s mother, Virginia, worked at Trutna’s. Neola   From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Hi Gary, I know you don’t usually put “plugs” in your Alumni newsletter, so I won’t feel bad if you don’t feel comfortable including this poster.  However, if you think people might be interested in seeing it (and attending the event), I’d appreciate if you would include it and mention I’ll be selling caramels.  I think some of your readers have bought caramels from me in the past.  Again, I don’t know if you want to include this, but people are welcome to order from me at neolag@min.midco.net, and I’ll mail caramels to them.  Postage would be between $5.00-$9.00, depending on the size of the order. Thanks, Gary. Neola Neola, I will gladly post this.  We have a number of Bottineau folks on our distribution list.  Bottineau is right next door to Dunseith and I’m sure some of those folks and others in the surrounding area will enjoy attending this event.  I’m pretty sure there will be other Dunseith Alumni Vendors there as well.  This gives folks the opportunity to try your famous caramels and meet you too.  Gary.

Folks,

So as not to clutter things up with added postings, diverting the attention, I am only posting the DHS class of 75 reunion and Kim Lagerquist’s Obituary with today’s blog.

Gary

DHS class of 75 forty year reunion
Posting from Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75):  Minot, ND

Hi Gary:

The Dunseith High School Class of 1975 is planning a one-day 40th reunion on July 11, 2015, at Dale’s Café/Lounge at 4:00.  I’ve sent out letters to as many of our classmates as I was able to find addresses.  I’ve also posted on our private Facebook page “Class of 75”.  I’m now putting this out on the blog for anyone who hasn’t been contacted or for those who aren’t on Facebook. 

Anyone that hasn’t been contacted, please let me know.  I can be reached by phone at 701-720-3308, email debbie_fauske@yahoo.com, or on Facebook under Debbie Fugere Fauske.  

Thanks, Gary!

Debbie Fauske

Debbie,
I will be in the area then too. If you don’t mind I’d love to stop by and see you guys at Dale’s.
On July 17^th, our Class of 65 will be celebrating our 50^th reunion at the Birchwood at Lake Metigoshe.
Gary

                    Dunseith High School Class of 1975

Kim Lagerquist

(Died March 31, 2015)

Kim Lagerquist, age 52 of Dunseith, died Tuesday at his home. Funeral will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Thursday 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Kim Allen Lagerquist, a son of John and Leola (Hiatt) Lagerquist, was born on October 8, 1962 at Rolette. He grew up on the family farm in the Turtle Mountains, north of Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1980. He lived in Bottineau where he worked at several service stations. On April 19, 1985, he married Julie Aitchison at Bottineau. This marriage later ended. Kim later moved to Warroad, MN and worked for Marvin Windows. He later moved to Grand Forks and worked several places including the sugar beet plant. Due to his health, he later moved back to the family farm.

Kim was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. He also attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Grand Forks. Kim loved to hunt and was a talented artist.

He is survived by his daughter, Katie Sue Lagerquist of Grand Forks; mother, Leola of Dunseith; sister, Evon Lagerquist of Dunseith; brothers, Rodney, Lyle, Kurt and Carl (Tara) all of Dunseith; Kenneth of Spokane, WA; Dale (Marlene) of Bottineau; Ray (Lori) of Boulder, MT and Bruce of Manhattan, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded his father, grandparents, several aunts and uncles and one nephew, Trey Michael Lagerquist.

Arrangements were Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net
Our heartfelt condolences are with Leola and all of her family with the passing of Kim. It is so hard losing a loved one, especially a child.
I knew the Lagerquist family really well too. They were our neighbors in the Ackworth community. Kim was only 4 when I left the area, so I didn’t know him as well as his older siblings.
Gary

====================================
Blog (275) posted on November 7, 2008

Folks, I’m sending this a bit early today.  Bernadette and I have doctors appointments this morning and probably won’t be home until later this afternoon.  Gary

Tribute/Condolence – Evelyn Pladson family – From Erling Landsverk (44): t

GARY:

WE LEARNED OF EVELYNS DEATH ON SUNDAY WHEN SHARON CALLED US.  AS YOU KNOW,  EVELYNS WAS OUR COUSIN, AND I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF KNOWING HER SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL.  I REMEMBER  HOW KIND AND HELPFUL SHE WAS TO HER MOM AND DAD WHEN I STAYED OVER WHILE VISITING THEIR HOME DURING HARVEST IN 1944 SHORTLY BEFORE I LEFT TO JOIN THE SERVICE.  SHE WAS ALWAYS CHEERFUL, AND KIND TO EVERYONE.  SHE GREW UP DURING THE DIFFICULT DEPRESSION YEARS, AND HARD WORK WAS NO STRANGER TO HER.  I BELIEVE IT  TEMPERED HER SPIRIT INTO BECOMING AN OUTSTANDING LADY, AND MOTHER AS WELL AS A SIBLING  THAT HER BROTHERS AND HER SISTERS WERE PROUD OF.

WE ALL LOVED EVELYN AND EXTEND OUR MOST SINCERE SYMPATHIES TO HER CHILDREN, AND GRANDCHILDREN. AS WELL AS HER BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

AS FOR ME I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH HER MEMORY, AND AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE KNOWN HER.

ERLING

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): 

Hello Gary
I do remember the Awalt Anniversary and the duet. Vonnie played the
piano and I was on the accordion. I don’t think I was asked to be on
Laurence Welk Show after that either. Seems like my musical talent was
mainly in my mind and not in the ears of the audience.
Yes Vonnie was a big part of the auction business as she was no doubt
the best clerk that you could ever want. In all the years that she
worked with me, I don’t recall having to repeat the selling price or a
bidders number to her. She did that as well as caught bids at the same time.
She was also the best part of Hiatts Western Shop, as she could sell ice
cubes to an Eskimo without trying. At Christmas, the men would come in
looking for something for their wife, having no idea of size, colors or
style and Vonnie would put together an outfit, boots and accessories,
wrap it up and it was surprising how many wives would come back saying
how happy and thrilled that their husbands took the time, new the right
size and had such good taste. Vonnie just smiled and never said any
different.
It was 5 years ago last month that we lost her, but little things like
your newspaper clipping bring back the good memories and all the fun and
laughter that she brought into our lives She is dearly missed but Never
Forgotten

Ron Longie’s (65) reply to his family picture (Message 266) posted with all the comments: 

Gary,

Thanks for the memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  of a great town to grow up in, the life long friends made to this day, for the values, and quality of life I believe we took with us for that I’ll always say Thanks ..

Ron Longie

Ron Longie’s reply to Dick Johnson’s question (Message 271): 

Gary,

In regards to Dick’s question about the girl injured while skating, that was my cousin Della Mae she and her family had come up from Arkansas. Patti was to little then she would have been about 9 or 10 years old.

Ron

Reply/memories from Allen Richard (65):

Reply to Lyle Olson

Herman Martinson and Glen Shelver were the true essence of what humanity should be.  Their character crossed several generations.  I think the bakery was the unofficial headquarters for the guys form the class of ’65.  3 Bismarks for a quarter.  I wonder why I had zits. In our high school years I , along with a number of the guys from the classes of ’65-’66 would have lunch at the bakery and go to the pool hall.  I had to take a time out from the pool hall because of a ball somebody knocked off the table, so we played ping pong at the stone garage, which was operated by Dale Fugere, Darrel Fugere’s twin.  Heck of a mechanic!

I was very young when Glen shut down the soda fountain at the drugstore.  I think he had two or three booths.  Edna Leonard would be considered a celebrity chef today with what she could do to a banana split!  Edna was very protective of the comic books we used to read–maybe had to do with the toppings on our fingers.  Glen was more than a druggist.  He was an advisor on all things medical, with amazing skills in the area of veterinary medicine.  All you needed to do was go in and say my cow is (pick a symptom – any symptom) and you went home with a fix.  I think he stitched up more than a few kids and adults that needed a little patchwork.  Probably worked a little overtime when the Snake Pit had an unusually busy night!

And the Crystal Cafe.  When I first got to Dunseith School in 2nd grade, until we had hot lunches, it was either a lunch box, or if the weather was tolerable–warmer than -20, I had my daily grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup while sitting at the counter with the grown ups.  You don’t find food like they cooked at the Crystal these days.  Other than French Fries, I think the deep fryer was unemployed.

My cholesterol is out of whack anyway, but it was worth it!

aLLEN rICHARD

Dunseith History from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Pictures provided by Noela Kofoid Garbe: 

Cote Sisters

Mel Kuhn, I think one of these ladies is your mother. That would make the other four your aunts.

Can you identify each of these ladies for us with their married names and husbands with a little

history of each.  You mentioned once before that all 5 sisters were at Good Sam.  You also provided

a little history at that time too, but we didn’t have the picture to related it to.  Thanks, Gary

I believe this is pastor Bakken. Who are the one’s being confirmed?

Can anyone idenify this solidier?

                                     Dunseith High School Class of 1976