Folks,

Today is Bernadette’s 67^th Birthday.  We are the same age for 3 weeks.  

We have reservations for her Birthday dinner at the Ching Palace Chinese Restaurant this evening at 6:00 PM with the blood relatives of her full blooded siblings and of course our Daughter-in-Law Lorelie and her daughter, now our granddaughter, Nika. There will be 28 of us, 22 of whom live here in our compound. We have hired a Jeepney to get everyone to the restaurant.

Several days ago when Bernadette was not well, we cancelled today’s dinner reservation and made plans to have a catered dinner at our house.  The next day when Bernadette was coherent, she was very upset that we had done that, so we turned it all back on again for dinner at the Ching Palace. She said she would be there even if she had to go in an ambulance. She is better today, so I think her wheel chair will do, at least we will have it alone. It is noon now. With all of the activities going on with everyone around her for her birthday, she is feeling pretty good and is charged. In the Philippines, Birthdays are very big deals.

Gary

====================================
Blog (322) posted on December 29, 2008

Thunderbirds buzz Dunseith in July 1962 – posted by Gary Morgan (54): 

Gary & All,

     Please note the first item in the attached copy of the July 26, 1962 issue of the Turtle Mountain Star.

     Enough said.

Gary Morgan

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Last evening at a restaurant in Bottineau, I had a chance to visit with
Ann Carbonneau O’Connell and during our reminiscing I mentioned having a
couple school pictures of her mother, Carol Watkins Carbonneau. These
are from the early 40’s when she was a classmate of my mom, Bernice
Olson Johnson. I’m sending the originals to Ann but would like to post
them for others to see as well. She sure was a cutie! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, Ann Caronneau O’Connell is on our distribution list and she shares these daily messages with her mother Carol.

Carol, this is a beautiful picture of you. You were a very pretty girl and are a beautiful lady today. I’ll bet Emery was the envy of the town courting you.  With the several conversations I have had with you, you are equally beautiful on the inside.  You are so friendly with such a sharp mind.  You have excellent recall of the past too.  Gary

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

To Bob Lykins and all,
Bob, I am very jealous that you are in Germany right now, especially
over Christmas….Some of my most wonderful Christmases were spent in
Deutschland when my dad was stationed there.  It seems as if Germany
is transformed during the holidays or maybe it was just because I was
a kid…..but when I smell an evergreen tree, it takes me back to the
sleepy little village close to the post where we were stationed.  I
spent a couple of Christmases there in my early twenties and even
though I was away from family, they were very majical.  One of these
days, I would like to experience that again….so enjoy the snow and
to make you feel better, we are shoveling snow in ND too….it is
snowing again tonight and my husband just groaned when he saw it; took
three motrin and went upstairs with the heating pad…he is so sick of
shoveling…
Oh, when I was a kid in about the sixth grade, we used to play in the
old German bunkers (we were stationed in Wildflecken) and found all
kinds of things in there….old shells etc.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Thanks again for Bob Lykin’s personal insight from his travels to WWII
battle sights. This may not be as interesting to some of the readers as
it is to me, but it ranks high in my interest. The caves on Mt.
Suribachi, on the island of Iwo Jima were said to be linked throughout
the inside of the mountain by tunnels. My father-in-law, Trygve Knutson,
said the ships and planes bombed and shelled the Island until they
thought nothing could survive. The invasion forces said the sand was
actually hot from the continuous shelling. They tried to use shell holes
for cover but the sand was nearly too hot to lay against. After all
that, there were still thousands of Japanese soldiers unharmed in the
tunnels and caves. My old buddy, Carroll Carlson, believed the war could
have ended sooner but the Japanese would not surrender because we
demanded an ‘unconditional’ surrender. He said they thought the US may
make them slaves or worse. They supposedly indoctrinated the Japanese
people to believe the US was totally bloodthirsty and would reign over
them without pity. This may have made it plausible for the willingness
of the Kamikaze pilots to die without regret. At any rate, it certainly
gave them more reason to fight to the last man. History is full of half
truths and questions of political nature, but for the average man sent
into action it was  real and  vicious no matter what  the government
said. That has been the nature of war since the beginning of time.
Politicians start it and then send other peoples sons to finish it—my
humble opinion. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Greetings Gary, from the last cold North Dakotan breath of 2008.  I am
sharing my 2009 Years Resolution.
Thank You,  Dick Johnson for sharing about your father-in-law’s WWII
service in the Pacific and Mr. Lykins for  information regarding the
many battle fields,which sound quite familiar from listening to dad’s
and Carroll’s oral histories.   My dad Cliff, spoke of many of the
same places while he was in the Pacific on the USS Hamlin.  He
recalled Tokyo Rose, the Kamakazees, and  men he served with.  He too
watched the flag raising at Iwo Jima…… And, he put soldiers on
many of those places while piloting a PTO boat…….then, with a
grappling hook…..picked up many of those brave soldiers as…
bodies in the unforgiving sea…. memories… which he wrestled with
for years.
Dad also shared the same opinion as Carroll Carlson on General
MacArthur which was definitely not what I read about in any history
book.
Yesterday, I received a Christmas card from the man who served along
side my dad all those years ago.  Dads friend, George, was closer to
him than a brother for the hellish experiences they shared. Our
family never went through Montana unless we stopped to visit George
and Betty Johnson.  His children were honorary cousins for my
siblings and I.  And, all 5 of us hold George in high esteem because
our dad did.
So, my 2009 New Years  resolution  will be to honor dad’s memory by
continuing to reach out to WWII veterans.  God Bless cousin Gary
Metcalfe who’s never given up on honoring the memories of  his
maternal uncles Bing and Ole Evans.
To  each  of you, Dunseith Alumni who listen and acknowledge the
voice of veterans, all the best of 2009!
Vickie
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Posted by Gary Stokes

USS Hamlin (AV-15)

Kenneth Whiting Class Seaplane Tender:

• Laid down, at Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc., Tacoma, WA; Launched, 11 January 1944
• Commissioned USS Hamlin (AV-15), 26 June 1944, CAPT. G. A. McLean in command
• Decommissioned, 18 January 1947 at San Diego, CA
• Laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego, CA.
• Custody transferred to the Maritime Administration, September 1962 for lay up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, Suisun Bay, Benecia, CA.
• Stuck from the Naval Register, 1 July 1963
• Final Disposition, sold for scrapping, 8 March 1962, to National Minerals & Alloys Corp. <LI.Hamlin received three battle stars for service in World War II

Specifications:
Displacement 8,510 t.(lt) 12,610 t.(fl)
Length 492′
Beam 69′ 5″
Draft 22′
Speed 18.7 kts.
Complement 1,077
Armament

two single 5″/38 dual purpose gun mounts

two quad 40mm AA gun mounts

two dual 40mm AA gun mounts

sixteen single 20mm AA gun mounts
Propulsion steam turbine, two boilers, one shaft, 8,500hp.

History of the USS Hamlin (CVE-15)
http://www.historycentral.com/NAVY/MISC/hamlin.html

Happy Birthday Diane Wensted Wiebe (’69): Portage La Prairie, MB

    Happy Birthday Debbie Poitra Rondeau (’77): Dunseith, ND

    Happy Birthday Gail Halverson Schuler (’72): Bismarck, ND

       Happy Birthday Jean Tooke Berger (’75): Mandan, ND

     Happy Birthday Donna Fugere: Renton, WA

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

Hi Gary,

I realize how debilitating those diseases are, my dad had both of them.  He passed away before he lost all his memory.  It was good that he still was able to recognize us. I remember when he was hospitalized, I went to see him I asked him who I was, he sh oak his finger at me and said, I don’t remember your name,  but you ll always be my daughter. I will never forget that,  I love him and I still think of him a lot. I think he passed away not long after. He was born 10/27/1917 passed into the hands of our Lord 2/27/2005. He was a good person. The nurses and doctors all liked him, he was a good patient.

The last few times Shirley was home her whole demeanor was different along with repeating things over and over.  Once I said to her you already told me that and she said I know , I just thought that if I keep saying it I will remember it better.

I realize what you are going through, and I pray that Bernadette doesn’t have such a hard time.  I pray for you too Gary,  so you can be strong for Bernadette, the wonderful lady you fell in love with and married. You found a lovely lady with a heart soooo big! Who loves you so much.  Just being around you two the few short times I could see that love you have for each other.

Take care of yourselves.  My prayers are with you both

Ginger

Gary’s comment
Thank you Ginger for the nice warm compliments.

Benefit for Henry Boschert, Grandson of Patty (Fassett) SjuePosting from Paula Fassett (’71):  White Bear Lake, MN

Hi Gary:

As you know – I’ve tried and failed to forward a FB message to you regarding a benefit bake sale that was held in Minot on Tues, June 23^rd. It may or may not be attached, if not here’s the scoop:   It was a benefit for Henry Boschert, who is about 2 yrs old.  He is the son of Brian and Andrea Boschert of Glenburn, ND.  Andrea is the daughter of Patty (Fassett) Sjue and the late Dr. Perry Nermoe.  Her grand parents are Darrel and Dorothy Fassett.   Baby Henry was diagnosed with cardio facio cutaneous syndrome (CFC) in October 2014.  It is a rare genetic condition affecting less than 400 people worldwide.  Because of his condition, Henry has global developmental delays, seizures and depends on a feeding tube for all of his nutrition.  An international conference will be held in Seattle this coming July.  Henry and his family would like to attend to network and to learn more about his condition.

The bake sale was held to help raise money to help the Boschert family attend the trip and learn more about CFC and interact with other families who are experiencing it also.  If anyone would care to contribute, donations can be sent to Andrea Boschert at 7561 24^th Avenue NW, Glenburn, ND  58740.

Thank-you!

Paula I. Fassett

====================================
Blog (321) posted on December 28, 2008

Letaine Bolen Brandt (Former Teacher) info provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

LETAINE BOLEN  BRANDT, 60, Bottineau, died Tuesday in a Bismarck hospital. Memorial service Wednesday, 2 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau.

William/Letaine C. Brandt

815 Fifth St E

Bottineau, ND 58318-1463

(701) 228-5197

Message/Picture from Marge Landsverk Fish (57): 

Merry Christmas from Marge Fish (57)

I was happy to have my kids home for Christmas and their families.

Brad lives in Odenton Md., Brian in Freeport Fl. and

Kim in Waupun Wi.

We have been having an old fashioned N.D. winter so I think they are glad to be back

On the picture Brad and Brian are in back and  I am in front with my daughter Kim Bunkoske.

I live in Horicon Wi.

Thanks for all your hard work Gary and have a Happy New Year and a Great 2009!!

Marge Landsverk Fish Family:
Back: Sons – Brad & Brian
Front: Marge & Daughter Kim

Back: Lola Metcalfe, Patt Metcalfe, Joan La Croix
Bottom: Joann Houle, Corliss Allard, Randi Mongeon

Folks, This is a picture of DwightLang when he was visiting in Russia several years ago. Dwight has a home in Tucson and Lake Metigoshe.  He spends his summers up at Lake Metigoshe.  I know he’s a golfer.  Not sure if he’s made pro status yet though.  That’s something he may still be working on.  I know one thing for sure though, and that is the fact that Dwight has developed excellent computer skills. Gary

             Dwight Lang (61)

Dunseith News provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Message from Betty Watschke Cooley (’45):   Redmond, WA

Hi Gary – –

With computer problems in recent months I am somewhat behind in catching up.

I was so sorry to learn of Bernadette’s condition and now with a name, vascular dementia.  I’ve been a caregiver for my husband for several years as his dementia progresses.  In one of the support groups I attend we recently had a report on the vascular type with all the ramifications possible.

You are so very fortunate, under the circumstances, to have so many caring family members near to help and assist you with the many daily needs of you and Bernadette — caregiving is a 24/7 plus job.  I’m wondering if you have some of the resources available there for supporting help and information which are a great help to we caregivers.  The Alzheimers Association has an excellent web site also.

Your many friends connected to the Dunseith community are continuing to support you over the miles with their healing thoughts and prayers for both you and Bernadette.  Many times others think about letting you know but we don’t always take the time to send them  to you personally, and now I will add my own to your long list.

We all appreciate the time and effort you continually put into the Dunseith daily reports.  If this started out as a hobby I’m sure you had no idea how it would grow and affect so many lives.  Even tho  I have been away from Dunseith for many years I still remember of the names of the older generations and enjoy  all the historical stories. We certainly all appreciate all your many hours and energies spent for us all — many, many thanks.

Betty Watschke Cooley, DHS class of l945

Tuesday Morning.
Thank you Betty for the nice kind words. You are so right about the growth of this blog. As long as I am alive and able, I will continue this blog. I started this in December 2007, so we are coming up on eight years. In time I think I will cut if back to biweekly rather than trying to put one out every day. With some of the other stuff I have going, lately I have been missing a few days here and there.

Yes we are very fortunate to have Bernadette’s three nieces available to work for us. We pay them a regular wage with a lot of added fringe benefits.  All three are four year college grads too. Novie and Mirasol are full time with one day off per week. They also do all the house hold work and cooking too. Edelyn is part time coming in from 6-10 each evening. It is not every night that she is needed, but she is here none the less. She is good company for Bernadette, plus she frees me up from having to be in the house 100% of the time. Bernadette is well pampered and is waited on hand and foot 100% of the time. She gets what she wants when she wants it. If she wants a massage, the gals will get one of the several in our neighborhood that come to the house. As I am writing this she is getting a full body massage. If she wants a Manicure/Pedicure they will bring one of them in too. If she wants me and I am in the office next to the house she just calls me and I am right there. While writing this message, she has called me twice. If she wants a certain type of food, the gals will get if for her and the list goes on.

If Bernadette was in the states, she’d be in a nursing home. Here she is able to be in her own home.

Wednesday Morning
I didn’t get a blog posted yesterday or Monday. I will try and get one out today before bowling.

Bernadette had a relapse last night. She is somewhat better this morning but still not good.

Gary

Phyllis McKay’s (’65) Retirement
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Congratulations!  Phyllis,  on your retirement. I hope you enjoy!  I sure do. Sounds like we worked in the school system for about the same amount of years. I worked in special education all those years and enjoyed it very much. Well you enjoy your life of doing whatever you want to do! Life is to short not to enjoy the little we can after retiring.

I’ll see you at the reunion

Ginger
Thanks, Gary

Russell Pigeon
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Russell Pigeon,

So sorry to hear of your illness. I want to let you know that I will be saying prayers for your full recovery. God Bless and make you well.

Thanks Gary,

Ginger LaRocque Poitra

Bernadette Stokes
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hi! Bernadette,

I will pray for you to feel better.

God bless you and make you get well!

Thanks Gary,
Ginger

Ursula Longie’s passing
Message from Cecile Gouin Graig (’61): Windsor, CO

Heard threw the grape wine that Ursula Longie passed away on June 12^th. I believe she would have 94 next month. I have no other information. Cecile Gouin Craig 1961.

Cecile, I was able to locate Ursula’s obituary pasted below. Gary
Obituary: Longie, Ursula Marie

LONGIE, Ursula Marie Ursula Marie Longie closed the last chapter of her life on June 12, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbert, eldest son Wallace, and her great-granddaughter Faith. She was the last survivor of 9 Dolan children. Ursula is survived by her children: Marjorie, William, Ronald, Donald and Patricia as well as 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Ursula was born on October 21, 1919 in Devils Lake, ND. At the age of 13 she attended Parochial school for her education. She began her medical career as a surgical assistant under the direction of Doctor Lobe at San Haven Tuberculosis Center in Dunseith, ND. In 1962 Ursula moved to Spokane, WA with her husband and family. This is where she continued her medical career as a lab technician at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital until her retirement. While she took great pride in her career, her life’s work was her children and her extended family. As the matriarch of her family time and time again she displayed the true meaning of unconditional love for everyone that came into her life, no matter the circumstances. She touched many lives. Her home and loving arms were always open, at all times. The family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude to Havenwood Caregiver Services, Providence Holy Family Hospital, and Royal Park Health and Rehabilitation for their caring and compassionate care towards our mother. A time of visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 10 am to 5 pm. Services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 12:00 noon.

Reply to Russell Pigeon
From Dennis Dubois (’63):  Minneapolis, MN

I hope that this can be relayed to my fellow classmate, Russell Pigeon. Nine years ago, yesterday, I finished my radiation for Esophageal cancer. I went through that same operation, Ivor Lewis. that he did. You can make it. My prayers are with you Russell, I firmly believe that prayer, and great doctors, is what got me through. If there is anything I can do to help Russell, just contact me.

====================================
Blog (320) posted on December 27, 2008

Greetings form  BETTY LAMOUREUX MALONE BADGETT (49): 

MERRY DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS – AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

THANKS, GARY, FOR CREATING THIS!!

BETTY LAMOUREUX MALONE BADGETT

From Bobby Slyter (70): 

GARY; THE PICTURES OF YOU AND BERNADETTE AND HER FAMILY ARE WONDERFUL, I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD BEFORE HOW ALL OF US FROM DUNSEITH AND OTHER AREAS APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO, BUT IT IS ALWAYS WORTH REPEATING YOU ARE APPRECIATED FOR WHAT YOU DO THANKS AGAIN

JUST LITTLE OLE  ME FROM KANSAS

Thank you Bobby for the nice comments. Bernadette has held her age well over the years. Her sister Alot is showing her age more the last few years. When she went to Japan as an entertainer (dancer) in 1988 she had to lie about her age to be eligible to go. She was 34 at the time, but listed her age as 24, with documentation. With those trips to Japan, she met and married her current husband in 1994. In Japan she is and always will be listed as being 10 years younger. She has a wonderful husband that we have met when visiting Japan.  He’s an Electronics Engineer, working for the Sony corporation.  Alot reads, writes and speaks very fluently, 4 languages and Bernadette 3.  Unlike most of the folks in this country, they both speak very fluent English. 80% of these folks know English, but few are fluent. Things are expensive in Japan, but then again, their wages are higher too. Alot told me today that the road tolls from their home in Tokyo, round trip to the air port, 50 miles one way, are $70.  That’s nearly a months wage for many of the folks here in the PI.  Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS Teacher mid 60’s): 

Indeed, Richard, the Side-Hill Gouger.  One of the least understood and appreciated creatures of our planet.  We are fast approaching that date in Feburary when they gather by the trillions and march around the side of hills causing land and snow slides across our world.  Every so often one will read or hear of a major landslide or snowslide which causes great damage. Most put the causes for such calamities on natural events like heavy rains and snows.  Ugh, ugh, no, no, it’s Side-Hill Gougers on the move.  That is one of the reasons for my frequent visits to Deutschland.  I am studing the mating habits of Gougers in the Bayischer Wald Mountains of Germany. As I recall, I believe we had a Side-Hill Gouger Day celebration at DHS.  I remember one of the Casavant boys tapping a steady beat on a drum as I told the tale of the Gouger.  Didn’t we also do something for St. Urho’s Day?  March 16th?  That’s the Finnish patron saint who drove the grasshoppers out of Finland.  This was very important since it saved the grape crop and allowed the Finns to contnue to produce wine for their favorite national sport of getting “Crocked.”

Dick, you say your father-in-law was at Iwo during the battle.  I flew in there twice on resupply flights and toured the Island.  Even though it was used briefly during the Korean War as a base for a fighter squadron, it remains very much like the day the war ended.  There are some changes.  There is only one airstrip remaining and that is maintained by a small contingent of Japanese Self-Defence Forces.  At the northern edge of the Island, where the last Japanese stand took place, is a small Coast Guard LORAN Station.  There, about 40 CG men spend a year providing communication and navigation services for ships.  That station may be closed by now as satallites and GPS have made such stations obsolete.  Also, the Americans planted heavy vegatation on the Island to cover a lot of the scars from the bombing and shelling.  However, Mt. Surabachi is still barren and I climbed up it’s side.  While most of the Japanese caves have been sealed a few pop open now and then revealing the remains of the Japanse dead.  The Japanese Government used to send a Graves Registration Team to Iwo yearly to register the dead many of whom have been left where they died so as to not disturb their souls.  I happened to be on Iwo when one such cave was discovered.  I was allowed to go in and I took some photos but left everything as it was.  Still, I felt guilty about the photos and I have never shared them with anyone.  Before the invasion, as Iwo was being fortified, the Japanese brought supplies in by huge concrete barges and ships. After they were off-loaded the concrete barges and ships were taken around to the West side of the Island, where the Japanese, at first, thought the invasion forces might land, and sunk as defenses (We invaded from the East side).  Their super structures remained above water. With time and the sea,  sand has filled in between the old shoreline and these ships allowing one to walk out to them to explore.  Before the war there were two Japanese fishing villages located on Iwo.  The people were evacuated and they have never returned. The Island remains virtually unpopulated except for the thousands of dead Japanese soldiers interred in the caves.  If your father-in-law were to stand on the deck of his ship and look upon Iwo today, he would see the same Island he remembered (Minus the shelling and landings).  It remains a very sad but peaceful place whose quiet is only broken by the sounds of birds and the waves washing on to shore..

Bob

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Loved the picture of you/Bernadette and the one of Bernadette/her siblings.  There is definitely a family resemblance!  Bottineau had music playing “in the old days”, too.  I, too, really enjoyed it.  It made Christmas special. “Silver Bells” was/is one of my very favorite Christmas songs, too.  I also agree with what Dick said a few days ago–it’s wonderful to have the Christmas tree back on Main Street in Bottineau–where it belongs!  They have signs now that say, “No Left Turn”.  Making left turns either in front of, or going around the tree and turning left, used to make it interesting/fun.

Neola

Reply from Floyd Dion (45):

Gary

In reply to Dick Johnson’s message of world war 2 about the battle of Leyte Gulf , he ask if there were anything from world war 2 still around. I was at Leyte Gulf in August 1945 and I did not see anything around in the water, but could not say anything about the land, we were only on the beach for a beer or two. From there we went to Guam and I did see things poking out of the water, maybe landing crafts, and don’t remember what all , its been 63 years. then off to Sasebo, Japan for the occupation of Japan.

I was in the US Navy on a Liberty supply ship, which was torpedoed 400 miles from Sydney Austraila( I was not on the ship when it happened) it had 18,154 bales of wool going to San Francisco when a Japanese submarine sent one torpedo and blew a hole in the aft end , thinking it would sink left , but it did not sink and was towed to

Sydney for repairs.

If you want to see a picture of the ship and the hole in the side go to your search engine and type in

awm.gov.au  then click on australian war memorials, then on the right side under quick links click search our collections, then in search terms type in Peter H. Burnett and search. It will give you a picture of the ship and the hole in it.

Floyd Dion

Floyd & Dick, You guys realize that the gulf of Leyte off the island of Leyte is only about 50 miles from our home here in Cebu. One of these days we will have to take a trip over there. The island of Leyte is located to the east of us.

Floyd, I’ve pasted pictures with some info of the ‘Peter H Burnett’ below.

        American cargo vessel Peter H Burnett – 22 January 1943


Peter H Burnett:

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends

The ship my father in law spent his days on in WWII was the ‘Samuel S.
Miles’. It was designated DE 183 and was a destroyer escort. He told me
this information Christmas Day. His brother Gilmore Knutson was one of
the crew who was lost in the sinking of the submarine ‘USS Trout’, sunk
by the Japanese in late 1943. He told of an attack on the Samuel S.
Miles by a kamikaze while they were underway with the fleet. The pilot
was a novice and couldn’t get a direct hit but managed to slide across
the deck and over the side. His bomb exploded when he hit the water and
it left a 6′ hole in the side of the ship. They were able to keep from
capsizing by filling the compartments on the other side of the ship with
seawater. When the ship leveled off, the deck was only 3 to 4 feet above
the water. The fleet was heading into battle and had to abandon the
Miles at sea. He said they headed back to Hawaii by themselves through
Jap infested water, traveling on one screw (propeller) at about 4-5
knots. Men were stationed all around the deck with any kind of rifle or
hand gun available and would open fire on anything that looked
suspicious in the water. He said they picked up a sonar sounding on a
sub and when it didn’t respond they dumped all the depth charges and
anything else they had and barely cleared the explosions because they
were so slow. He said our planes found an oil slick the next day and the
crew was given credit for destroying a large Jap sub. This was
determined by the size of the oil slick as the smaller ones didn’t have
that much oil/ fuel on board. He also said that after weeks they finally
made it to Hawaii and he was never so relieved in his life, all the way
thinking he would never make it. He said when he was to be discharged in
San Diego, as he came down the gangplank, there was a reenlistment table
and if you signed up they gave you a hand full of money and a week off.
When the guy said,” How about you sailor”? my father in law gave him the
old one finger salute and headed for home! Again this is his story and
I’m just repeating it as he told it to me. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I’ve posted what I found for the USS Samuel S. Miles below, Gary

USS Samuel S. Miles (DE-183)

Operational and Building Data

Laid down by Federal Shipbuilding, Port Newark NJ on 5 July 1943
Launched 3 October 1943, Commissioned 4 November 1943
Decommissioned 28 March 1946, Stricken 26 September 195

Fate: Transferred to France 12 August 1950, renamed Arabe (F-717), stricken and broken up in 1968

http://www.desausa.org/images/uss_samuel_s_miles.htm

On 3 October 1944, Japanese submarine I-177 was sunk by DE 183 North West of Palau, 07 d. 48′ N, 133 d. 28′ E.  Many sources show that on  3 October 1944 USS SAMUEL S. MILES DE 183 sank Japanese submarine I-364 in the Palau Islands.  This is incorrect.  As stated above, on this date DE 183 sank I-177.  This information has been verified by official USN and Japanese Imperial Navy documents and by Charles R. Markham, DE 183 crewmember.

At the time I-177 was sunk by my ship, DE 183, the Submarine was under the Command of Lt. Cmdr. Masaki Watanabe.  Capt. Kanji Matsumura, the Commander of SubDiv 34, was also aboard.  Capt. Matsumura was a high ranking Officer in the Japanese “Kaiten” Program.

Charles R. Markham

Phyllis McKay retires
Message from Phyllis McKay (’65): Auburn, WA

Hi Gary,

I have a new email because I am now retired from teaching. Yesterday was my last day at Lake Youngs Elementary after 33 years under contract in the same building. I substituted in the Kent School District for  three years before I received my contract. I  taught preschool for two years at Cross and Crown Lutheran Preschool. After 38 years total of teaching, I am retiring. I am looking forward to not hearing bells ring, going to the bathroom when I have to go, and not planning the next week’s lessons. I will miss the children calling Ms. McKay, making me laugh out loud about some of the things they say, and the great teachers I have worked with over the years. It has been a great career that I am truly grateful that I was able to do for so long and enjoy so much. I had 5 different celebrations and plan on having a few more to mark the occasion of a lifetime achievement. Of course you know I have always liked having or going to a party!

I am looking forward to our 50th high school class reunion this July. I will be arriving in North Dakota Monday June 22. I will be traveling with my sisters and brothers to Wisconsin for a Lindberg family reunion. I will spend time with my granddaughter and great grandson before she begins her first job as a dental hygienist in Ada, Minnesota. I will also see my daughter in Milnor, North Dakota and then back to Dunseith to spend time with each of my siblings that live around the area. After our weekend celebration for the reunion, I will head back to Washington to spend the summer and fall. I hope to travel to Arizona this winter to check out the different areas. I have many friends that winter in different parts of Arizona.

I was sadden to hear Bernadette, had a turn for the worse. I am sorry that I won’t get to see her this summer.

Phyllis McKay

Congratulations Phyllis.
There is no doubt that the Kent district is left with a huge void with your retirement. All those students you taught over the years were so blessed to had you for their teacher in their formative years. Phyllis, you are not only a good teacher but an excellent role model too. I know your former students look up to you today for your contribution to all of their successes today.

20 or so years ago you fell into the Washington State requirement, that was short lived for only a few years, requiring all public school teachers to have a Master’s degree in education. You took advantage of the opportunities offered with that requirement, getting your Masters and nearly your Doctorate too, in Education.

Phyllis, from leaving Dunseith High School after your Junior year, you did well over coming all the hurdles, and they were many, achieving all of your accomplishments’ getting to where you are today.

You are to be commended for a job well done.

Gary

Russell Pigeon (’63) has cancer of the oesophagus and brain tumors
Message from Bruce Pigeon (’61):  Garrison, ND

Hi Gary

My younger brother Russell, has been in Sanford Hospital, in Bismarck since June 1, being treated for cancer of the oesophagus, of which a large section was removed and the stomach reattached.  He spent several days in ICU and then into a regular room.  Was doing quite well and they were talking about possibly sending him home by the weekend.  Two days in the private room he blacked out while heading for the bathroom and fell, suffered a serious head injury.  The CAT Scans and MRI of his head revealed that he has several tumors in his brain.  To many to attempt operating on them, so they have opted to treat them with radiation.

Those treatments he started today and will need a total of 15 of them.  He has always had a positive attitude about things and is handling this as well as can be expected.  But I know he very concerned but tries to not show it or discuss it.

Russell doesn’t have internet, but has a lot of friends on the list.  So I thought I would send a short note in the hope that you would inform those that know him.  In the hope that a few additional prayers may turn the tide in his favor.

Thanks

Bruce Pigeon

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Blog (319) posted on December 28, 2008

Season’s greetings to each and everyone of you from our house to yours. Today marks one year of continuous distribution of our daily blog.  You guys have done a wonderful job of keeping this going.  It’s so nice coming from a smaller community where everyone knows or knows of most everyone from the distant past to the present.  All of your contributions are greatly appreciated by most. I and I know a lot of you look forward, each day, to what will be sent in. It’s always so exciting hearing from new folks and folks we have not heard from in a while too. For general info, we currently have 641 folks on our Dunseith email list and growing.

Folks, turn up those speakers and enjoy.

Gary & Bernadette.

Carol Allard Buxbaum’s (65) reply to Gary: 

Patty Boguslawski
Carol Allard 7/12/07

Gary,  My computer is working now, I just don’t get on it enough. I’m on the communion picture, and my brother Larry is too. He is the second from the right, in the second row. Ginger had me right. Dark hair and bangs. I like getting these e-mails Gary. You’re doing a great job. Thanks for the cheery music.  Merry Christmas  and Happy New Year to All!!  Carol Allard

Carol, I have included that Cajun music with today’s message for everyone’s enjoyment while reading this message. Folks turn up your speakers and enjoy. Thank you Neola for providing.

The communion photo of Ginger’s that you referenced was posted with message (312) on 12/18.

I have known both you and Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht for many years, but I never knew you were first cousins until recently. I didn’t know you and Mel Kuhn were first cousins on the other side of your family either.  Gary

Rita Anderson’s reply to everyone’s articles (Former owner of the Gamble store):

I enjoy the articles that you write, they are very interesting and informative. Just want to say that you were right about the Santa Clause. Walter Hiatt and Junior Mellhmer were the Santa Clauses. The suits that they wore belong to us at the Gamble Store, I had made it for our use. We always had a Santa Clause that would pass out candy to whoever was in the store at a certain time. We also used to play records outside over a loud speaker, I am sure you would remember that. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rita Anderson

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

Reply to Gary

Dennis and Dallas LaVallie are brothers but not twins. I don’t know why Dennis isn’t listed. Can someone

tell us.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

From Janice Leonard Workman (56): 

Gary,

The thing I remember about Christmas in Dunseith is that Carols were playing over a loud speaker, I think at the Gamble Store but you could hear them all over Main Street.  I loved them all but especially “Silver Bells.”  That song always made me sing and I am a horrible singer.  Here is the Auburn area we have about 8 – 10 inches of snow and the temp was at 30 degrees a couple of days.  Lots of activities were canceled and school was closed a couple of days early for the Christmas vacation.  I know those of you in ND and MN are probably laughing and I don’t blame you, because I know there is more snow and it is colder there than here.  But we complain anyway.

So Merry Christmas and Happy of New Years to you all.  Hope to see lots of you in July,

Janice

Janice, Having lived in the Bremerton/Seattle area for nearly 37 years, I am very familiar with the affects of the snow in that area when it snows. The snow in Seattle is very heavy and wet. It packs to ice very quickly causing very slippery roads. The icy roads combined with lots of hills and inexperienced winter drivers makes for some very dangerous driving conditions. The wet snow causes peoples cars to get high centered too.  Then they are really stuck, even with 4WD, chains and studs.  Bremerton currently has a foot of snow, but it’s suppose to melt soon. Gary

Folks, this is a picture of Bernadette with all her siblings that we took last night. Bernadette is the oldest (60), Jose (58), Berlinda (56) & Alot (54).  They are all home for Christmas.  I will say one thing and that is the fact that the relatives and folks in our compound, including our helpers, had an extra special Christmas with Bernadette’s sister, Alot, being here from Japan with all her generosity.  She, like Bernadette, is very generous. Gary

Back: Bernadette & Berlinda (lives next door)
Front: Jose (from Mindanao, PI) & Alot (From Japan)

Picture from Wendy Strietzel (Dorothy Eurich’s (75) Daughter): 

Gary,

I thought you might get a kick out of this.

Wendy Strietzel

                               Spring Break in ND

OBITUARY

MARYANN MARGARET HAGEN

MaryAnn Margaret Hagen, age 86 of Bottineau formerly Dunseith, died Monday June 15, 2015 at a Bottineau hospital. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery of rural Bottineau. Visitation will be on Thursday beginning at 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

MaryAnn Margaret Hagen, a daughter of Walter and Cecelia (Bohnenkamp) Rodlund, was born on September 28, 1928 at Nicholson, ND. She attended school at Milnor and Ellendale Normal. MaryAnn received her Teaching Certificate and taught at several area schools. On July 1, 1950 she was married to Clarence Hagen at Milnor. In December 1950 they moved back to Dunseith and built their home in the Turtle Mountains. They lived there until 2005 when they moved to Bottineau. Clarence passed away on November 27, 2008. Mary Ann has continued to make Bottineau her home.

She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. In addition to her love of teaching she was active in many community organization but her first love was her family.

She is survived by 6 children, Susan (Myron) Brandt of Kramer, Karen (Dale) Simon of Bottineau, Arthur Hagen of Bottineau, Ellen (Jim) Redding of Minot, Arlan (Denise) Hagen of Bottineau and Henry (Sandy) Hagen of Bottineau; 13 grandchildren, Michelle (David) Saville, Nicole (Clint) Bogden, Jennifer (Andrew) Dittberner, Peter (Denise) Simon, Joanne (Justin) Karch, Devonne (Jon) Leonard, Joshua (Keisha) Hagen, Justin Redding, Sarah Redding, Breien Hagen, Tracy (Brad) Christianson, Melissa Hagen (Bill Gilbraith), and Angela (Joe) Henry and 23 great grandchildren; brother Walt (Janice) Rodlund of Fargo; sister Frances Sattler of Rugby; and her dog Barney.

MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 58 years Clarence;3 sisters, Mabel, Betty and Louise; daughter-in-law, Mavis Hagen and son-in-law Steve Froseth.

====================================
Blog (317) posted on December 24, 2008

Reply to Albert LaVallie’s passing from Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): 

Hi again,  Albert is a brother to Andew, Beverly, Dallas, Leo, and Dennis.  I believe that he has other sib’s.  He married Ramona Theifault.  Susan

Susan, I did not realize Albert was Ramona’s husband. I have spoken with Ramona, numerous times, putting all these high school class lists together.  She is such a nice person and has always been very helpful with the many questions that I’ve asked of her locating people.  Her job is quite demanding, but she has always taken time to entertain my questions.  Gary

Ramona, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Albert.  When calling you, I spoke with him several times, when you were out of town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

For folks info, I have pasted your contact info above.  Gary

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Reply about Albert LaVallie: If its the Albert I know he is a brother to Dennis and Dallas and Leo LaVallie, his nickname was Swede, growing up. Joyce Nadeau Morin is his neice.

If I have the right one that is. I know someone back home will know for sure.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

Passing of (Cleo) Letaine Bolen Brandt (former teacher) from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): 

We were saddened to learn of the passing of C. (Cleo) Letaine Bolen Brandt, a former English teacher and coach in Dunseith, Bottineau, and Belcourt.  She passed away at Med Center One in Bismarck today, Tuesday.  After receiving a kidney transplant earlier this year, she developed an infection and later suffered several heart attacks.  She was too weak to operate on the heart and has been in very grave condition for a couple of months.   We have no word on the funeral arrangements.  Her brother has been with her through most of this critical time.  She leaves behind one daughter, Brittany, who is currently a student at Minot State.

Reply from Don Lamoureux (75): 

Gary:

Reading Bonnie Awalt’s recollection of getting the bag of candy from Santa reminded me of a time I also went to the city hall to stand in line.  I remember being just old enough to “believe”, but was at the point of having doubts about Santa.  I was walking in with my mom. and looking up at the roof to try to spot Santa’s Sleigh and Reindeer.  I couldn’t figure out how Santa could get there without them.  Anyway, my mom put me in line, and I was in back of a couple of older kids.  The two older kids got to the front of the line, and I was right behind them.  Santa took a little while to really just sit there and stare them down. Then he asked them the ultimate question:  Do you believe in Santa Claus?  Their answer was yes.  Santa’s immediate response was: “You ain’t sh-tten me, are ya?”  “Nope”.  They each got a bag of candy.  Thank God I wasn’t tested, but I chuckle every holiday season as I remember that 10 seconds in Dunseith as a kid.  Wish I knew who Santa was.  Merry Christmas.

Don Lamoureux(75)

Reply from Patti Metcalfe Woods (67): 

Dear Gary and Bernadette,

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and congratulations on your recent wedding anniversary!

I have to add to my brother Gary Metcalfes initiation into Dunseith High School.

We had attended school at the country school “Hilltop” before going to school in Dunseith.

I remember the high heels.  Seems I also remember that he had to put umpteen braids in his hair tied with bones.

Yes, he had to pull Lois in a red wagon all the way out to DALES….

Now for a little girl seeing her brother in such attire, made me wonder what in the world this new school was all about.

Twelve years later I graduated with the class of 67. Everyone likes to think their class was the best……..

Patti

Sharron Gottbreht Shen’s (59) reply to Gary Metcalfe’s Question: 

I will search today for my treasures regarding Herman Boucher. First hand info might best be had from Barb Rivard of Dunseith. Sharron

Sharron & Gary, I have pasted Barbara Rivard’s phone and address below.  Barbara is married to Robert Rivard and they live up in the Beaver Dam area near the Art Rude farm.  Gary

Barbara A Rivard
2486 102nd St
Dunseith, ND 58329-9414
Household: Robert J Rivard

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): 

Perhaps memory isn’t the right word to use for this one, but it certainly touched my heart and brought Christmas home in an instant and will always be a memory of Christmas for me from now on.

I was working a few nights ago when a man ordered 3 large hot chocolates.  “And be sure to give me the good, premium ones, not those made with water, I don’t care if they cost more or not.  I just saw a car accident down the street, everyone is fine, but it is so cold out here that I thought they could do with a bit of warming up, so I am going to take the hot chocolates to them.  Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

I do not know where this man was from, or anything about him, but he has made Christmas a little more special for me this year and in the years to come.  I thanked him for the order and also told how special I thought he was to do such a nice thing.  May all of us do something nice for someone this Christmas, especially for someone we do not know, Even something as small as a smile and a Merry Christmas greeting can brighten someone’s day.

Wonder if he was Santa in disguise or better yet one of our own Dunseith alumni?

Ele, I’m assuming you are still taking McDonald orders from folks around the nation.  Little do these out of state folks realize they are talking to you in ND and up in the Turtle Mountains, when calling in their order.  Do you have specific areas of the nation that you work, taking orders from?  Gary

Reply from Bill Grimme (65): 

Folks, Bill Grimme has listed the ships that he served on while in the Navy. What he did not mention is that the Navy’s elite nuclear program paved the way for a very successful career for him both with his 10 years in the navy and with nearly 30 years working for the General Electric company.  He retired from GE’s executive ranks in September of 2007.  Bill told me that GE has been offering to hire him back and of coarse with a substantial salary increase, but Bill said he is enjoying his retirement way to much to go back to work.

Gary,

The notes today about the battleships got me thinking about some of my old “homes” so I thought I would share them with you. I was on USS Henderson for a year, the USS Omaha for two years, and the USS Alexander Hamilton for three years. Fond memories of all three. Here is some info on them:

Bill, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, my former shipyard, has the only Submarine recycling facility for the whole US Navy. At one point we had a graveyard fleet of over 100 decommissioned nuclear submarines waiting to be cut up for scrap. The Navy has a very regulated program for the disposal of the nuclear reactors from these decommissioned submarines.

I found this for the USS Omaha “USS OMAHA was the fifth LOS ANGELES-class attack submarine. Decommissioned and stricken from the Navy list on October 5, 1995, the submarine is now berthed at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash., awaiting scrapping.”

I was involved with the Nuclear Refueling Overhaul of the USS Alexander Hamilton when she came to our yard, from the east coast, in 1986. I was again involved with her recycling in 1993.  At the time I did not know you had been on this boat.  I’m assuming that you were one of the Reactor Plant Operators when you served on both of these submarines. Gary

Posted by Gary Stokes:

John Frykman, This is your old boat, the USS Turner Joy.  She is now on display at the Museum in Bremerton, WA.

Folks, I know many of you probably know John Frykman from Bottineau.  His family owned the Frykman Ford dealership and garage in Bottineau for many decades.  John has been on our distribution list for a few months now.  Bill Grimme and John were room mates when they attended UND. Back to John and the USS Turner Joy. Right after the Turner Joy was put on display for the public in Bremerton, John gave my dad the specific location of his bunk when he was stationed on the ship.  When dad visited us in Bremerton, he and I located Johnny’s bunk.  That was a highlight of my dads trip.  For those of you that knew my dad, you know he was thrilled to report back to Johnny that he had located his bunk and of coarse with a few added joking comments.

USS TURNER JOY (DD-951)

Welcome to the USS Turner Joy (DD-951) Naval Destroyer Museum Ship, moored in Bremerton, Washington.

The destroyer USS Turner Joy was the last Forrest Sherman-class destroyer built. While some of these ships were later converted to guided missile destroyers, Turner Joy remains close to her original 1959 configuration. The destroyer has been restored to reflect the appearance during her active years between 1960 and 1982.

Note: For those of you that served in the Navy on ships, please let us know the ship you served on so we can look it up. Most every US naval ship is listed with it’s history and pictures on the NET.  Gary

Mary Ann Hagen’s Funeral
Message from Art Hagen(’72):  Bottineau

Mom’s funeral will be Friday at 10 am with burial at 1 pm at Salem

Folks,
Art will forward his mother’s obituary to me when they have it ready.
Gary

Happy Birthday Bill Krause (’74): Dickinson, ND

   Happy Birthday Mark Schmitz (’70): Rolette, ND

Cebu Philippines
Dinner last night at Davinci’s Pizza in the Mall.

Bernadette was doing really well for about a month. Three days ago she relapsed into another spell. Monday and Yesterday she was not well. Last night we talked her into going out for pizza. It was a hard sale too, she didn’t want to go. As you can see, she is in her wheelchair.  Her speech and motors were affected. She is much better this morning though.

Bush Bannock recipe with story
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/bannock-recipe-how-to-make-a-northern-staple-1.311243

Gary and friends,

This is a neat recipe.

The comments below the article were  interesting as well.

I wish I had that recipe long, long ago when we cousins were exploring recipes and enjoying adventures in growing.

T’was one bright and clear morning, mid summer long, long ago Emil’s girls; Kathy, Elaine, and Janice,

along with my 2 sisters, and I embarked on a camping overnight adventure.

We had a plan and we worked together in unison to full fruition.

The place chosen for our adventure was about a mile up north, in our cow pasture ~because it had lake.

We worked all one morning mixing pancake batter,raiding the fridge for hotdogs and bacon

then down to our mother’s cool basement caning room for canned juice.

The  warm wool pieced quilts made by Ann and mom were gathered from the beds.

“Don’t forget, matches, firewood, hay bale, and dad’s trusty axe.”

inally, the back end of the Ford was fairly full of girls, all our necessities~and more.

Bumpity, bump, shifting gears over the  gravel road,dusty dirt trail west and north we drove. Not one of us were old enough for a license,

but all were seasoned and capable farm kids.

Get out,  open  the gate, always at least two or three people to  open a Metcalfe gate, then drive slowly to the spot.

Quilts and pillows were laid out under the sheltering oak trees just inside the gate.

Using baling twine we wrapped the cans of juice, tethered them to a willow and floated them on the cool waters of the  lake.

The mixed up pancake batter jar was secured and placed in the lake to keep chilled.

Rocks were gathered for a fire pit and  wood unloaded..

The black Ford pickup returned home and parked in the shade under the gas barrel.

After dinner, we bade our mothers, “Goodbye see you tomorrow!” riding  our  horses away in the warm summer sun.

(thinking…These were days will never end….)

Blue Skies without clouds, gentle breeze and the smell of a good horse plodding along swishing of  tails keeping the flies away.

There were occasional chomps of fragrant yellow clover whilst gentle “buzz” of bees, chlrping birds~ “chic a dee…eee”

and the panting of a loyal dog along for another  adventure.

Stopping for the gate, then down to the shore of the lake for the horses to

splash, drink, finally tied with to the trees and given hay.

The fire was lit and hot dogs on sticks for  supper.

We snuggled under the warm quilts and told tall tales while the breeze made music with leaves of poplar’s (quaking aspen)

All the while, horses contentedly chewed hay, frogs were croaking, and  mosquitos were kept at bay by using the  fire as a smudge.

The fire crackled, wood smoke  and more sticky s’mores for late night snacks.

We checked out the stars, and the milky way and the lighting bugs flitting among the bushes.

In the distance the cows were lowing.

With darkness descending came crackling of brush.

“What’s that sound?” whispering, “what was that?”

I think it was me who said…”daa..aD?  Is that you?”

Kathy always  the steady rock,  said, “Don’t worry, its Cliff”

“Right Cliff?”      ” ….cliFF?”

The only sound was more crackling brush.

Then the dog disappeared.

We all stayed awake a long long time,

until the embers glow wavered away.

The next morning, we all woke early,  damp with dew, smelling of woodsmoke.

The coals were stirred, we washed up in the lake and fetched the juice, bacon and pancake batter.

Soon the black iron skillet was hot, bacon fried, pancakes made and breakfast eaten.

We washed our dishes in the lake

Then,  rode our trusty steeds  south.

Back at the corral  horses went back to pasture.

Once again down the road with the black pick-up, loaded our stuff.

And, Emil’s Girls went home.

That evening when Dad came home from work

We asked if he’d ‘been up north.

He said,  “Had to work in the morning and never left home.”

I think he didn’t want us to worry.

Because,

A few days later gave it away, when he said,

Vickie who says… “daaa aD!?”

Now as an adult,….

I know he wasn’t checking up on us.

He was our dad who after a long day of physical labor,

walked north to the cow pasture,watched over his girls and made sure we were safe, his labor of love.

It is soon to be mid summer’s eve and I miss those days of long ago of “going visiting” to neighbors, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.

Wonderful warm fun filled summer days, and night adventures with cousin’s Kathy, Janice and Elaine.

Happy Mid summer dreams everyone.

Until Later. Vickie

====================================
Blog (316) posted on December 23, 2008

Albert LaVallie’s passing posted by Susan Malaterre Johnson (69):

Hi Gary and All, Just to let you know that Albert Lavallie passed away today.  Susan Johnson

Susan, We are so sorry to hear of Albert’s Passing.  Can you fill us in with a bit of Albert’s history and who he is related to?  Thanks,  Gary

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

Dear Gary,

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, may the Good Lord Bless and Keep you.

I remember Christmas in Dunseith when I was a kid, one memory that comes to mind is the Christmas Tree that was decorated in the center of main street.  It was where the Bank, Stone Garage, Movie Theater and LaCroix’s Liquor store guarding the tree on each corner.  The Tree was HUGE.  The community business men contributed so a Santa could pass out bags of candy to every child.   One year as it was my turn to get my bag of candy Santa reached down and picked me up placing me on his lap.  I was really scared until he started to laugh and I said, “You aren’t Santa, you are Mr. Hiatt!”  That ended my belief in Santa. Walter Hiatt had such a great chuckle, but he tried to convince me that it was Santa, but I knew his laugh.  Every year something new was added to the Christmas celebration.  For a small town they had marvelous Christmas’s.  One year Arnold Lilleby had a free matinee for all the children.  Another year Santa came in on a hay rack pulled by a team of horses.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND KEEP THOSE MEMORIES COMING!

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Message from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

Hello everyone,
I have been so busy with the end of the semester and working a little
at the hospital.  I was in the mall today and ran into two former
patients whose babies I had the pleasure of assisting into the
world…One was 9 years old and the twins were 8 years old…time does
certainly fly!  It is bitter cold here but not as windy today as it
was yesterday.  Old man winter hit us hard but the snow is a beautiful
sight.  It was so pretty on Friday when I worked at the
hospital..looking out the window you felt as if you were in a snow
globe with glitter all around….then outside to get in my car and
forget it!!!! It was miserable….so I will just stay inside where it
is toasty warm and look at my pretty Christmas tree, wrap presents,
write my cards and bake a little.

I don’t know what I did to deserve all the praise cousin Bill Hosmer
gave me, but thank you very much.  It is often hard for us to realize
how different healthcare systems are around the world.  I went to
Reynosa Mexico as a senior nursing student with a group from United
Campus Ministries at MSU in Minot, and we went to assess and choose 50
children for a nutritional program.  Other non nursing students from
the college held a bible school for the kids…we were there for 10
days living in a Presbyterian compound run by a young American
man….to get to the point,,, we ended up assessing 80 kids and took
them all…we dug ditches and put in a purified water system…painted
their building..assessed these kids with a stethoscope and a box of
gloves…gave them tshirts for diapers, etc.  we were humbled and
learned alot from them….Because they were so poor and couldn’t
afford a birth certificate when they were born, they do not exist in
the eyes of the Mexican government so they were pretty much left on
their own.  The kids played on an old garbage dump and they lived in
anything they could use to construct a shelter….but they were very
cheerful people and very proud of their kids.  We want to take care of
everyone but we can’t …sometimes we do just do what we can and show
kindness and compassion….We didn’t go down there to show them
anything or tell them we were right and they were doing things
wrong…we just went to help and lend a hand and ended up gaining so
much more than we gave….

So this holiday season, be a little kinder, smile more …..don’t be
impatient when someone is taking too long paying for their groceries
or driving too slow….that is just God’s way of telling us to take a
deep breath and enjoy the moment.  On that note, I want to wish you
all a very blessed Christmas and holiday season…..Diane Sjol

Reply from Sybil Johnson: 

Thanks Dick, for more of an insight into the Johnson family. Hans and Pa surely were men, that one could look up to. I wish I would have known your grandfather.

Dick, do you know the story about the 44-40 rifle that Augie has? It’s the Winchester/”One of a Thousand”. Its just another part of the Johnson and Kelly families.

Merry Christmas to everyone and stay warm up there in North Dakota, for I personally know about those winters. Sybil Johnson

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Mr. Bob Lykins, might I say the old ‘Sidehill Gouger’, for his
very informative story. He will know what the moniker is and so should
most who were his students at DHS! I only wish I could follow in his
travels to the different battlefields he wrote of seeing. My father in
law was at Iwo Jima during the US invasion. He was a sailor on a
destroyer escort, a smaller warship than the battleships. He said they
went in closer to the shore to fire on Mt. Suribachi, while the
battleships fired over their heads. All this was going on while the
Japanese were firing at them from the bunkers on the mountain. He said
they would fire the battery on one side of the ship and constantly turn
in circles as they were getting ready to fire the other side. I have a
documentary film that has an ariel picture of the battle, taken from a
recon plane several thousand feet up, and in it you can see the wake
circles in the ocean from the destroyer escorts that were inboard of the
rest. He said he was as worried about a dud shell from one of our own
big ships dropping on them than the Japs hitting them. The big warships
fired guns that were as big as 15″ diameter explosive shells. He said
when the Japanese made a direct hit on a landing craft it literally
vaporized. To this day he has no use for a Japanese car or TV or
anything else they have! He says they ruined the best four years of his
life and he doesn’t think he needs to help them out now!
My grandmother’s brother, Paul Strietzel, Jr. was one of the poor guys
that had to hit the beach at Guadalcanal. He survived to tell about it,
but about 1600 didn’t. The Japanese lost about 25,000 from battle,
starvation, and disease on Guadalcanal. They would not surrender and
would fight to the last man. They followed a doctrine called Bushito
(sp) which said the greatest honor was to die for the emperor. One of
our generals said, “Help them out”!
Bob’s mention of Gen. MacArthur reminded me of my old buddy, Carroll
Carlson, who used to call him ‘Dugout Doug’. He said MacArthur never
liked to be too close to the battle and was only filmed ‘returning’
after it was secured and all chance of a fight was over! I apologize if
my figures and memories are off as I’m trying to do this from memory and
it has been quite a while since I studied any of this. The first person
accounts are their own stories as told to me, so correct or not, this is
how they saw it. Who am I to say differently? Thanks to Bob Lykins and Gary!

Dick

Posted by Gary Stokes:

The 16″ guns pictured on the Battleships below could fire a 2,700 lb shell filled with TNT, with precise accuracy, nearly 29 miles.  Each of the four Battleships of this class were outfitted with nine of these 16″ guns.

The end of WWII – 9/2/1945
On board the USS Missouri (BB-63)

Allied sailors and officers watch General of the Army Douglas MacArthur sign documents during the surrender ceremony aboard Missouri on 2 September 1945. The unconditional surrender of the Japanese to the Allies officially ended the Second World War.

Missouri arrived in Seattle on 15 September 1954. Three days later she entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she was decommissioned on 26 February 1955, entering the Bremerton group, Pacific Reserve Fleet.

The USS Missouri was moored in Bremerton, WA from 1954 until 1984 when she was again recommissioned.  While in Bremerton, hundreds of thousands of folks visited her each year.  I left Dunseith at the age of 19, moving to Bremerton. I worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 37 years, before retiring and moving to the Philippines, in December 2003. I was on the decks of the Missouri, many times, when she was in Bremerton. She is now again decommissioned and moored in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard along with the USS Arizona pictured below.  Gary

I have 81 unread messages in my inbox, some of which may be for posting. I will sort through them later. With this being my day to play pool with the guys, I will post what I have ready now before leaving.

Mary Ann Hagen Passed away.

Folks, I got a message from Art Hagen 7 hours ago that his mother had just passed away.  I will post more details later.

Our condolence are with the whole Hagen Family with her passing. She was a good Samaritan and will be missed.

Reply from Jim Kofoid:  Bottineau, ND

Good morning Gary and all.  The 126th annual county fair is going on these days but it sure isn’t what it used to be, like most things we remember.  I, too, look forward to your blogs.  Enjoy the photos a lot.  You just showed a photo of Bernadette ‘s niece and I started wonder if they speak English in her school or what?  I’ll bet all your nearby relatives that frequent your house often do, pretty much, use English?  Just a thought I had!  I think you still plan to be back in Botno next month and will see you then. I Ran into Arthur Hagen recently!  Regards!

Jim K

Jim,

Most of the people here understand some English, but not all. I’d say I can carry on a normal conversation with about 25% of the locals here. I can carry on limited conversations with about 50% and no conversation with about 25% There is always someone close by that can interrupt. The Language in our house is most often Cebuano, but when I am around there is a lot of English. 90% of everything written for public reading is in English. All road signs and public adds are all English.

Several days ago when Bernadette wasn’t feeling well I took 3 of Novie’s kids to McDonalds for dinner. When it was just me with them, the Language was all English. When others are around the kids don’t say much and they speak mostly in their local tongue. I was very impressed with Jasmine’s English speaking abilities. She spoke very plane and very fluent. She is 10 and in the 6^th grade. She was tested and started school a year early. She told me that all of their school text books are written in English, but other than for their English class, the school language is Cebuano.  Of course with these kids being around us so much, they have picked up the English language better than most.

Yes, I will be in Bottineau late on July 3^rd. I get into Minot at 9:30 PM, so by the time I get my luggage and Rental car, it will be nearly midnight by the time I get to Bottineau. I’ll have breakfast at the Bakery on July 4^th, it they are open. For sure on July 5^th and most every day there after until I leave on the 27^th of July.

Gary

====================================
Blog (315) posted on December 22, 2008

Reply to yesterday’s message from Joe Johnson (77): 

Gary,

Wasn’t this supposed to be #315?

Merry Christmas!!!

Joe

Joe, you are so right. I forgot to record #314 from the day before, so we now have two #314 messages. Today’s message is #315.  Gary

From Blanche Wicks Schley (42): 

Holiday greetings from snowy and chilly North Dakota!    We are layering these days and still feel the blast of the minus zero temperatures and the wind chill.  I am sure that you remember those days….probably glad that they are just memories and not the actual daily type weather.  Most here do not mind the cold temperatures, but the wind is the worse and it is so cutting.  After so many years we have sense enough to wear warm clothes.  Of course, I did see a young man with shorts and flipflops at the store…today he would have to trade in his flipflops for boots!

I have enjoyed your daily e-mails.  I do not know many of the people who write you, but many of the manes are familiar.

Hope that you have a blessed holiday.

Blanche Schley

From Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79): 

From Ray Lilleby (57):

Ray & Kathy, I hope you don’t mind me posting this so folks, like Gary Metcalfe, also from the class of 57 and others, see your name and know that you are also recieving these messges.  Gary

Hi Gary,

Ray wanted you to know that he’d like to attend the dinner if he’s in town.  He surely thanks you for all the work you are doing on the reunion and keeping in touch with everyone.  He’ll let you know closer to the time of the dinner if he can come.

Merry Christmas,

Ray and Kathy Lilleby

Ray, We’d dearly love to see you at the Dunseith reunion in Seattle this next summer. We’d love to see your sisters too.

WWII history from Bob Lykins (Mid 60’s DHS teacher):

Gary,

Happy holidays to all from the home of the Weihnachts Baum (Christmas Tree).  I am currently in Wegscheid, Germany sitting in a house on the side of a small mountain overlooking a snow covered valley with a sleepy farming village below.  That may sound very romantic but all I have done is shovel snow. I had forgotten how upset one can get when the snowplow throws everything back in to where one has shoveled. I am here for the holidays visiting my son.

Being an old history teacher and Social Studies Education Specialist I can respond to some of Dick and Gary’s comments regarding WWII.  As you may recall, I have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific and Europe and I have visited many battlefields from a number of wars

Regarding battlefield junk.  There is still a lot of it left over and much can still be found in the PI. I picked up more than a bit of it as I walked through Iwo Jima, Suri Ridge (Okinawa) Bastogne, Arhnem, The beaches of Normandy, Verdun, Waterloo.  One of my favorite places and truely hallowed ground is Corregador at the mouth of Manila Bay.  I spent two days there and even flew over it in a private plane.  It remains much the same as the day the war ended.  I had as my guide an old Filippino veteran of the battles for Bataan and Corregador. He was also a POW of the Japanese but was later released.  He was an interesting fellow and I wish I had jotted down everything he had to say as he is gone now. He and I had some great adventures tromping over old battle sites where he had fought.  We were in Malinta Tunnel (MacArther’s HQ) when an earthquake struck.  Not the greatest place to be and I later read where the tunnel had been sealed to prevent people from going there because it was unstable. I believe Corregador is now a national park and people can take a ferry from Manila to the site.  When I was there in the early 1970’s, the only way to get to the island was to rent a boat.  As a result, little had been done to the island and it was still pristine.  Most of the Islands, beginning with the Solomen campaign and moving on up to Iwo, still retain much of the refuse of war.  Rusting hulks of ships and landing craft still litter the beaches of many of these Islands.  It is just so difficult to get to them.  Many of them, like Iwo Jima, remain uninhabited.  Even in Europe the battlefields contain much.  I was in a farmer’s field on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach in France.  I kicked at the dirt and hit something solid. Digging it up I found a piece of metal that I was later to determine as being a piece of shrapnel from a shell fired from a ship off shore.  One must be careful, however, as there are still people dying from WWII ordinance left buried in the ground.

The 34th was an outstanding fighting organization that covered itself with glory.  The 442nd Regimental Combat Team that Gary alluded to was and all Japanese-American outfit whose ranks were filled with many men recruited from the Japanese interrment camps as well as those of Japanese decent from Hawaii. Needless to say these guys felt they had something to prove.  The 442nd RCT became the most highly decorated unit of WWII and suffered the highest rate of casualties of any unit.  I met a number of 442nd vets at a seminar this past spring at Camp Mabury, Austin Texas.  This is HQ for the 36th (Texas) Infantry Division.  The seminar was held to commemorate the 442nd’s relief of a battalion of 36th ID soldiers who had become trapped in an area of the Vosage Mountains near Strasburg, France.  They have gone down in legend as the “Lost Battalion” with movies and books written about this action.  Not only did I get a chance to meet vets from the 442nd but also vets from the Lost Battalion and a pilot who flew a fighter plane in support of the ground action.  Besides the humility of all of the vets, the thing that struck me was the size of the Japanese/American vets.  None were over 5′ 4″ inches tall and all were very slender, looking in excellent shape for men in their 80s.  An M1 rifle was taller than these men.  The 442nd’s motto was “Go For Broke” and they sure did.

I have been very fortunate to visit such places where men fought and died while history was being made.  My sister keeps after me to write down all that I experienced overseas.  Everytime I begin to tell a tale my brother-in-law runs off to get his recorder.  I guess that is what everyone should do if these tales of individual past experiences are to be preserved.

My best to all for a blessed Christmas and a great New Year!

Bob Lykins

Follow up message from Bob Lykins:

Gary,

A footnote about Dick’s comment on the Japanese Vet who held out for so long in the PI.  It turns out he wasn’t even Japanese at all.  He came from Taiwan and was actually Chinese.  He was impressed into service by the Japanese Army. I was living in Japan when he was discovered and returned.  He was a national sensation and much was seen of him on TV and in the newspapers.  His was an interesting story of survival and deception.  Even though not Japanese, why he held out for so long is a mystery to Western thinking and a credit to his Japanese commanders who trained him and to he himself for following his orders to the last.

Bob

Message & Pictures from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Folks remembering sleighs and sleigh rides brings to mind hauling hay in
the winter with a sleigh mounted hay rack. Back in the days before
haystack movers, we had to go out to where the hay was stacked in the
field or slough and pitch on a load by hand with pitchforks. After
Grandpa ‘retired’ his team of Belgian horses, Barney and Bill, we used a
tractor with chains and pulled the sleigh out to the stacks. I remember
we had a short chain on the drawbar and a longer chain so we could
unhook and drive the tractor trough a snow drift and then hook the long
chain back to the sleigh and pull it through. My job was to hook and
unhook and then hook and unhook, over and over until we broke a trail.
We would pitch on a full rack and then try to hit the same track on the
way back, again hook and unhook. The one hay meadow we had was over a
mile away, cross country. It would sometimes take us most of the day to
get out and back with a load of hay, if the snow was deep. When we got
more cattle it was impossible to haul enough hay this way so we decided
to see if we could slide the stacks home behind the old Caterpillar. It
was already an antique in 1967 as it was a 1932 model. I pushed the
stack over to the trail, with the dozer, and then wrapped a cable around
the stack and took off for home. Once the stack started to slide we
hardly lost a fork full all the way home. I dragged about 60 stacks home
the first winter and it sure took the work out of the old process of
getting hay! The pictures were taken by my dad to show his buddies who
were ‘nay sayers’, figuring it wouldn’t work! It did!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I remember well, dad hiring the county D-8 Cat, operated by Elwood Fauske, to drag in hay stacks from the fields.  Norman Hiatt also moved a lot of hay stacks for the hills folks with his stack mover and his two international 707 farmal tractors. In the winter months he’d often times get stuck between two hills. It would take both his tractors and often times some of the neighbors tractors to assist getting those big stacks up over some of those hills. I remember that 707 international tractor looking pretty small hitched to the front of that big stack mover. It was the biggest tractor of times though. Years later, I also remember Elwood Fauske toeing his stack mover behind his 3/4 ton 4WD ford pickup. If I remember correctly, I think I saw him towing that stack mover past our place behind his pickup with a stack or two of hay. I think he was moving stacks from the  prairie.  I think from his sister Lydia LaCroix place.  I remember he had a hearty ford pickup.  Gary

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

I thought this might interest our group.

Mel

If any of you have doubt about what we as kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworths (How many don’t even know what Woolworth’s was?) in the 1950’s, here’s proof of the era we lived in……..

Dewey Morinville
Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND 

Dewey,

Very nice picture of that part of Dunseith.  The picture is so clear and close up.

Thanks for sharing it with us, there was a lot of Dunseith yet in the 60s.

I enjoy the pictures everyone sends. Keep sharing, also of your family.

I worked for your Mom and dad for a while in the store then later at the Crystal Cafe, with your mom.

Your parents were always so kind to everyone,  treated all equal, they would help anyone.

They raised one great family!

Ginger (LaRocque ) Poitra (65)

Bernadette’s great Niece

Folks, I wanted to share this Face Book posting with you that I posted yesterday. Jasmine doesn’t often wear head gear, but this outfit is kind of cute and fits her personality to a “Tee” too. Jasmine and her 3 younger brothers are pretty special kids. They spend many hours each day in our house. Their house/apartment is only about 30’ from our back door.  Gary

Folks,
Yesterday when Bernadette’s Niece, Novie’s (Novie Ostulano Congson) daughter Jasmine (Jasminesheryl Capao), came home from school she had this really big name tag attached to a lanyard around her neck. I asked her why the name tag and why so big. She said “It’s for our class”. She said all the kids in her class have these name tags. There are 55 kids in her class with one teacher and no helper. These name tags help the teacher remember names. The school year started here last week (June thru March).

I failed to get a picture of the name tag, but I have included a picture of Jasmine. Jasmine is 10 years old and in the 6th grade. Being petite and the youngest, she is the smallest in her class. She will be 11 in November.

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

Although I did not personally know Michael,  I am familiar with many of his siblings who were classmates and former students..

They  are  each,  gifted scholastically,  blessed with personality and maintain a keen sense of humor.

I  sincerely wish to offer  the siblings and the mother of Michael J. Belgarde sympathy in the loss of their brother and son.

Sincerely,

Vickie L.Metcalfe
 

Michael J. Belgarde

(February 29, 1968 – June 8, 2015)

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Guest Book | Sign Guest Book | Send Sympathy Card

Capt. (Sel) MICHAEL JAMES BELGARDE

Michael James Belgarde, age 47 of Window Rock, Arizona, formerly Dunseith, ND, passed away on Monday June 8, 2015 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith, ND. Burial will be in the Belgarde Cemetery of rural Dunseith, ND. A wake will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the Eagleheart Cultural Center in Dunseith, ND.

Capt. (Sel) Michael James Belgarde, was born on February 29, 1968 in Belcourt, ND to Alfred Belgarde and Cecilia (Vallie) Belgarde He was raised in Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1985. He graduated a year early from high school. It marked the beginning of his quest for success. He was a co-salutatorian. After high school, he joined the United States Army Reserves and continued to pursue his education at Minot State University in Minot, ND where he received a Bachelor’s of Science with a double Major in Mathematics and Computer Science. Michael served in his first tour of duty as a Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) Specialist in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He was also a member of the US Army Reserves 311 Evacuation Hospital Unit. In April of 1991, he met his wife to be, Michele Delorme. They married on December 27, 1991 in New Mexico. They soon moved to Pablo, Montana where together they had three beautiful children Mishaye (1992) MiQuel (1995) and Mykaylynne (1997). He worked the Salish Kootenai College as a mathematics and computer science instructor.

He later attended Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs where he received a Masters of Science in Computer Systems Engineering: 2000. Michael was the Chief Information Officer of the Navajo Area Indian Health Service. He was currently pursuing the Project Management Masters Certification thru the George Washington University collaborating with ESI International. In his presence at NAIHS, he was instrumental with creating a cross functional team approach and materializing several large scale million dollar projects; WAN DS3 convergence, Vista Imaging and IBM HACMP AIX RPMS Server roll-out. He was a key player in bringing top notch information technology systems to assist in providing excellent patient care to thousands of patients across the Navajo nation. He was considered a great mentor to numerous colleagues, friends, and family.

Two years after working at the Navajo area office, Mike met Carletta Segay. After being together for three years, they conceived a baby boy named, Logan, on May 23, 2009. Logan brought a lot of joy and excitement to Mike and Carletta. Children ment the world to him, especially his children. Mike showed a lot of love towards children, Carletta, family, friends and colleagues. His time in Window Rock were spent being outdoors, running, lifting weights, working on projects, practicing martial arts with Logan, and traveling.

Michael loved his children and family very much. He enjoyed traveling to new places and embraced every new adventure that came his way. He loved the great outdoors- hunting and fishing were his passions.

Michael is survived by his daughters; Mishaye and Mykaylynne Belgarde of Belcourt; Son Logan Belgarde of Window Rock, AZ; Grandsons MiQuel Hall and Meizen Belgarde of Belcourt; Loving companion, Carletta Segay of Window Rock, AZ; former wife and mother of children Michele Delorme of Belcourt; Mother Cecilia (Vallie) Belgarde, Six brothers Allan (Marian) Belgarde, Randall (Sandra Enno) Belgarde, Tony (Ruth) Belgarde, all of Dunseith, and David (Melissa) Belgarde of St. Michael; four sisters Irene Gladue, Gloria Belgarde, and Cheryl (Geon) Davis all of Dunseith, and Bernie (Last Name) of Bismarck, ND. Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews as well.

He was preceded in death by his son Miguel J. Belgarde; Father Alfred Belgarde; Sister Tracy Lynn Belgarde;

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Blog (314) posted on December 20, 2008

Note: for some reason there are two 314’s, yesterday’s and today’s. that was a screw up on the numbering on my part back in 2008.

Folks,  Bernadette’s sister arrived from Japan yesterday and her brother and his wife from another island here in the PI, Mindanao. They will all be here until after the new year. Her other sister lives next door, so all of her siblings will be together for the holidays.  Bernadette is the oldest and by far the healthiest. Her sister from Japan has a few ailments, but over all is pretty healthy. Her brother had a stroke several years ago that has affected his right side and his mind. He can walk, but very slow. When he came yesterday he called Bernadette by their sister’s name, but he remembered me.  He was such a brilliant guy too. It’s sad. Her sister that lives next door is nearly blind from the affects of diabetes. Had her brother and sister had proper medical attention afforded to them with the proper medications they probably would be OK today. We had a lady borrow $30 from us last week, so she could get her 6 month old granddaughter out of the hospital. They would not release her until payment  was made. They released her to an area within the hospital that was guarded so she could not leave until payment was made. In this country, folks in hospitals, with no money, are refused treatment, even if their condition is life threatening.  There is no welfare.

Bernadette’s sister from Japan is longing for good old Filipino food while she is here, so she has hired a full time cook, just to cook for everyone, while she is here. They normally prepare special food for me, because I don’t eat a lot of their foods.  Normally for every meal, including breakfast,  they will have rice with some variation of fish among other things. We had lunch at the mall today though.  Gary

From Esther Murray Flemming (65): 

Hi Gary;

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas and the richest of New Years, and also the best of health. I really enjoy all the e-mails and keeping up with everyone.

The weather here in Flint, MI is really terrible today and winter is not officially here until Sunday the 21st.But you can’t stop it. Tell Bernadette that I said hello and you folks have some wonderful holidays.  Got to go.

God Bless you all

Esther and family

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Rich Campbell’s reply about playing basketball reminded me of our luck
when it came to the game . In the sixth grade I couldn’t wait until the
next year when we could play seventh grade basketball. They then made it
7th and 8th, so we sat on the bench, Oh well, next year. The next year
they made it junior high basketball, we sat on the bench again. I
remember always wishing we could play but the older guys got the floor
time. It was my favorite sport by far but riding the bench wasn’t really
that exciting. I do remember getting in near the end of a very exciting
game against Wolford over in Rolla  in ’67 at the district tournament.
We were down by two points and three of the main five had fouled out.
With only a second or two left I passed the ball in the lane to John
Bogus who nailed it for the tie at the buzzer. I remember Don Egbert
jumped out on the floor from the stands and picked me off the floor. In
the overtime we went back and forth until the very last seconds when a
Wolford player threw a ‘hail mary’ shot that bounced off the support
structure and fell in for a one point win. Mr. Hepper protested loudly
that it was out, but it counted and we lost by one point. I still don’t
know if the basket should have been counted, but the officials ruled it
was in so we lost! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks, isn’t this a beautiful picture of Bill Grimme with the Schnieder sisters? The Schnieder girls got together with Bill when they were visiting down in his area of Birmingham, AL last year. It looks like they had a nice dinner setting too, next to the windows in what appears to be a high rise building.  Gary

Dunseith News Povided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Pictures from Dewy Morinville’s (’72) Face Book albums

Dunseith in the mid 60’s

Donna Fugere

Reply from Nathan Richard (2000): Anchorage, AK.

Best wishes to Donna Fugere. She drove me and both of my sister’s home for most of our school years at least until I started to drive. If anyone attends give her a hug for me.

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

Ole lived across the Minnesota River from Clarence Bunsen,
whom he didn’t like at all.
They were yelling across the river at each other all the
time.
Ole would yell to Clarence,
“If I had a vay to cross dis river, I’d come ofver dere
an beat you up good, yeah sure ya betcha by golly!”
This went on for years.
Finally, the state built a bridge across the river
by their houses.
Ole’s wife, Lena, says, “Now iss yer chance, Ole. Vhy
doncha go over dere and beat up dat Clarence like you said you vud?”
Ole replied, “OK, by yimmy, I tink I vill do yust dat!”
Ole started for the bridge, but he saw a sign on the bridge
and stopped to read it, then turned around and came back home.
Lena asked, “Vhy did you come back?” Ole said, ” Lena , I
tink I changed my mind ’bout beatin’ up dat Clarence.
You know, vhen  I yell at him from across da river
he don’t look so big. But dey put a sign
on da bridge dat says
“Clarence is 13 ft. 6 In.”

====================================
Blog (314) posted on December 21, 2008

From Dave Slyter (70): 

Gary, Bernadette and all alumni of DHS.

Heres wishing all of you a blessed Christmas and the best for 2009.

Again Fargo/Moorhead is in another winter storm warning with about 4 inches of fresh new snow.  Winds are suppose to pick up this afternoon and then we are in a  blizzard watch.    I am ready for it though, as yesterday I went out and bought a brand new snowblower.  I broke my old cloncker in the last snow storm so had to shovel over half of it.  At my age, all muscles that I didn’t know I had was aching.

I think that is great Gary that you and Bernadette provided the lady with the little child, money to get her out of the hospital.   Christmas is the season for giving and how appreciative the mother must be that their are people like you in this world.    In our church a family of 7, had a house fire that pretty much took everything from them.  My wife Pat and I have decided that when they do find their new home to live in we are going to donate our sectional couch to them as we were going to trade it in, or sell it anyway.  We feel they can certainly use it.  We are also donating to them financially as our church will take a special collection this coming Sunday so they can have a sort of good Christmas.    It is a very good feeling to know that we can help in many ways not only during the holidays but everyday of every year.

On that note, again I wish everyone the Merriest of Christmas’s and the best to you in the coming year.

Dave Slyter (70)

Dave, We intended that to be a loan to the lady so she could get her granddaughter out of the hospital, but it’s looking more like a gift.  She has exceeded the dead line of when she said she’d repay us.  Sometimes these folks, even if they get the money, will drag their feet with repayment because they think we can afford the gift to them.  Bernadette goes after these folks kind of hard.  They for sure do not want a visit from her.  She’s very soft on those truly in need. Gary.

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): 

Gary, your description of some of the basic health issues made me most appreciative of treatments I have had recently.  Sometimes we here in the US take for granted some things that others do not experience. Health issues as you described them are certainly critical, and my hope is that those standards of health service in the PI, will improve.  My cousin Diane Larson Sjol, who is immersed in the vital realms of the very beautiful and complicated medical orientation of bringing babies into our society is a person who might bring more perspective into this focus. She is a national asset in my book.  Hopefully, she will comment on the situation you described in the Philippines.  Her discipline and practical standards of life at its best encourage me to encourage her to  respond.   Besides that, she is just a miracle  in the finest arena of education and  contributions to all of us in her sphere of influence.  All of us Dunseith Folks are in special company

with the presence of this special American.  Cheers, Bill Hosmer

Bill, The standards of health care are good in this country.  It’s just that a big percentage of these folks can not afford them.  The doctor and hospital fees are relatively low in comparison to the USA, but the medication (drug) costs are about the same, which is very high.  Bernadette and I are very fortunate that our GEHA and Tricare insurances cover nearly all of our medical and medication (drug) needs in this country.  We are very satisfied with the latest state of the art services available here.  Because of cost and no insurance coverage, most of Bernadette’s relatives are unable to have these services provided to them.  We will help out in extreme emergencies, but we can not, out of pocket, take care of all their needs. Sometimes some of them think we should, but we have to be selective in the areas that we assist. Gary

Lumpectomy update From Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for ALL the emails.  I have so many people praying for me God might need to hire an assistant to hear prayers for other people!  Seriously, thank you so much for your prayers/sharing your experiences with this very problem/support/just sending greetings/etc.  I enjoy reading your emails and appreciate them tremendously.  I still hope to reply to them.

I visited with the surgeon today: Dr. Lane Lee, Minot.  Surgery will be January 5, 2009, at Trinity.  Surgery is at 12:15.  I check into the hospital at 8:00 A.M.  It’s same-day surgery, so I should be going home later in the day.  I won’t necessarily be “out”, could just be heavily sedated.  I think I would prefer being heavily sedated, but I don’t know if I’ll have a choice.  It really doesn’t matter, either way is fine.

Sometime after the surgery, I need a bone density test and a chest extra.  After that, I’m not sure how long, radiation will begin and last for, I think, 6 weeks.

All is going fine.  I’m very relaxed about all of this.  I arrived in Bottineau about six o’clock this evening and will be here until about January 3–depending on the weather forecast.  I need to be sure I’m in Minot January 5.

I’ll be spending Christmas with Mom/Jim in Bottineau.  Wally will spend it with his family in Minot.

The weather in ND is COLD!!  The roads were good, no snow/ice.  I have groceries, and I think I’ll stay “home” until Sunday when they are having special music at Good Samaritan, where my mom lives.

Thanks again for all the support.  I would rather have this than to need to “poke” my finger every day and take insulin, or have chronic pain, or many other ailments so many people have.  So far, I have had absolutely NO pain (even after the need biopsy)/have lost no sleep/or been worried about this coming experience.  Like I said before, God apparently thinks I need another experience  to add to my life’s resume. I’m thinking so positively about this cancer experience, I even ordered caramel supplies for next year’s craft sales.

Merry Christmas to all of you. :

Neola

From Dick Johnson (68): 

This is a note or question actually, for Gary our ‘Webmaster’. I was
wondering if you see any artifacts from the fighting in WWII around your
area. The Japanese lost thousands of soldiers when the Allied forces
retook the islands. The allies also lost many men and the carnage was
extreme. There were pictures of  tanks and planes and other equipment
scattered across the Philippines after the battles, so I just wondered
if any of it was still there or if it has since all been removed. Leyte
Gulf was the sight of one of the biggest naval battles and so many ships
were sunk, they nicknamed it ‘Iron Bottom Sound’. When you mentioned
Bernadette’s brother was from Mindanao island, wasn’t that where they
found the Japanese soldier who had hid out until the early 70s! I think
three Japanese hid out but one was shot later while stealing food and
the other died in the late 60s from natural causes, leaving one man to
live alone in the hills. He didn’t believe he could surrender without
disgracing his family.There was a documentary on TV about his life and
eventual return to Japan. He came back to a fully modern country and was
overwhelmed. I never had any idea we would ever know anyone who lives
anywhere near the places where these events took place, but with you
Gary, we now do!
Thanks and please post your answer for us all to read.

Dick

Dick,

I was never much of a history buff back in my school days and as a consequence, did not retain much.  I squeezed through Mr. Hepper’s world history class and that was about it.  Now that I’ve traveled the world some, If I was to take some of those classes over again, I’d probably retain a little more than I did back then. Yes, this area is rich in WWII history.  According to Bernadette, everything you have said is right.  She is pretty much up on all of the history of this country.  We, the USA, had to reclaim these Islands from the Japanese for the Filipino people.  The Japanese did not treat the local people well at all when they were in control.  They forced the local girls to have sexual relations with their soldiers.  They also shipped local PI girls to Japan for that purpose.  They also made slaves out of these people, giving them little food. I read about some of this in the local paper here a few months ago.  I have not seen much, if any, of the remains of the second war. The Local transportation, the Jeepney’s, that this country has an abundance of today, were invented, after our country left an abundance of jeeps in this country, following WWII.  The locals started using these jeeps, that we left behind, as mini buses to transport people.  The concept evolved into the development of larger vehicles, with longer wheel bases, that had bench seats an open backs that ply these roads today transporting the locals.  There are over 10,000 jeepney’s registered in the city of Cebu today.  They are very regulated with specific routes. In fact they are a large contributor to the major traffic congestions that this country is experiencing today.  Over all they are a bunch of ruthless drivers competing for passengers on their specific routes. They wear out brake pads quickly. Most drivers rent their vehicles, so they abuse the living day lights out of them.  When we first got here, we thought that would be a good business to get into, so we purchased a Jeepney. What a mistake that was.  The cost of breakdowns, by far, exceeded the rent money collected.

Back to Mindanao.  Southern Mindanao has always had a large population of Moslems. There are the good and the not so good.  Most of the not so good live in southern Mindanao.  They have been causing major problems with rebellion for many years.  This is a very poor country.  The southern Mindanao area is the poorest of the poor. There has been kind of a civil war going on in that area for many years that this country has been trying, unsuccessfully, to resolve.  Gary

                        Filipino Jeepney

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Donna Fugere’s Birthday

Posting from Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75):  Minot, ND 

Donna Fugere will celebrate a special birthday on June 28^th.  Her family wishes to honor her with a card shower.

Cards and best wishes may be sent to:

Donna Fugere
PO Box 220
Dunseith ND 58329-0220       

Debbie

   Happy Birthday Dan McKay (’69): Mooreton, ND

Happy Birthday Dawn Gregory Allard (’74): Bottineau, ND

Happy Birthday Florence Pladson Sime (’62): Deering, ND

Happy birthday Janelle Fugere Montgomery: Denton, TX

Anthony and Ginger LaRocque Poitra 50^th Wedding Anniversary
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

This seems coincidental, but is it?  The coincidence being the 2008 blog with the pictures of our (Anthony and my) wedding picture being posted close to our 50th anniversary! That is nice,  thanks Gary.

Friday was our anniversary, our family made us a dinner, which took place in our home.  Our granddaughter Veronica had a beautiful banner made to hang in the house with the picture from todays 2008 blog with happy 50th anniversary,  it is so nice.  Face book so available, word gets around pretty fast. People find things out so quickly, after seeing a posting of our daughter Roxanes Happy Anniversary wish to us, some of our friends and relatives came to wish us a happy anniversary and had a bite to eat others wished us the same on face book, they should have stopped by to have a bite to eat as well. They would have loved the meal!!

We had a fun time just visiting about the good old days. Laughing and enjoying each others company.  It was a great 50th!  Very unexpected until a few days before.

Gary I would like to thank you for your being here for all of us.  You are a great person who will always be remembered! I mean that.  Take care,  prayers to all your family.

I couldn’t get an apostrophe where I wanted it.

Ginger (LaRocque ) Poitra class of 1965

Gary’s Reply

Happy 50^th Ginger and Tony. Hard to believe it is 50 years already and you are my classmate.

Thank you Ginger for the kind words too.

Gary

====================================
Blog (313) posted on December 19, 2008

Folks,

I received Bill Hosmer’s package yesterday with 3 bottles of “Mile High Hot Sauce” and a copy of the book “The Birds Were Silver Then”.  This hot sauce is very much like Salsa and comes in 10oz bottles.  I just had to open a bottle and taste when I received the package.  I love Salsa and this sauce is premium to any I’ve ever had.  It’s got just the right amount of peppers to give it that added spark and flavor.  This stuff is produced & marketed by a friend of Bill’s.  Check out his Website http://milehighhotsauce..com/product.html .

This book, “The Birds Were Silver Then”, is written by, Lowell Peterson, another friend of Bill’s.  Taking a quick glance at the book, there are many pictures, near the back of the book. Bill is also featured in this book, with numerous pictures.  This is a beautiful hard cover, nearly 200 page book, with stories of the Vietnam Air War.

This book is published by:

Peterson House

2627 Beechwood Court

Appleton, WI 54911

SRoseClear@aol.com

Thank you Bill for sending all this to me, here in the Philippines,  half way around the world.  We will truly enjoy.

Gary

From Maria Parlade Corral (62):

Hello Gary: I just wanted to wish all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year full of health and prosperity. I also wanted to thank you for including me in your emails which I enjoy very much . Maria Parlade Corral

Marie, I feel this letter you sent last August 12th deserves a re-run.  Whether you realized it or not, with all that you guys went through, with the Cubin crisis an all of the adjustments relocating to Dunseith, you guys were kind of special to our community and the school.  Gary

Hi Gary; I graduated from Dunseith HS in 1962. At the beginning of the school year(1961) we had just arrived from Cuba and in Dunseith is where I learned to speak English . I was the oldest  of six of my brothers and sisters that were in school also and being the oldest I had to learn English fast. I remember that in my class were the Bedard triplets and I think Nancy Hosmer but I have never read any news from them in your wonderful collection of memories that you so faithfully send to all of us who had the privilege of living in Dunseith even if it was for only a short time. I enjoy reading all the news although I don’t know most of you. Actually we lived in San Haven since my father was a doctor there.
I have lived in Miami Florida since 1969 after I completed my college and M.A. I am married and have 5 children and seven grandchildren. One of the things I want to do is to go back with my husband and show him North Dakota specially Dunseith.. I have heard that the San Haven Hospital has been knocked down. Has Dunseith grown a lot.? One thing I can tell you is that when we arrived to Dunseith from a tropical country to me it was like coming to paradise. We found peace and freedom and we lived with fear no more. Thank you for letting me remember that every time I get one of your emails.   Maria Parlade Corral

From Martha Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

I feel like a whiner. I am missing numbers 308-311. Les Halvorson says there’s a story about a gun that my Dad had. Tonight when I opened up my e-mail here there was a personal e-mail from Dick wondering if I knew anything about that gun. Thanks for keeping this going. I have many stories I could write but I’m not much of a story teller and a few would be too embarassing. Thanks again. Merry Christmas, Our family will all come next Tues. and stay over to go to church with us on Christmas eve. It’s been very cold here and windy. Good old North Dakota. I really do like North Dakota but I am to the stage that I would like to pick the days I leave the house. This is year 31 that I have been teaching. I like it every day but the cold days.

Thanks,
Martha

Martha, I have forwarded you those missing messages. Number 308 is where Dick talks about the gun you guys had.

Folks, Again, and I stress, please let me know of any of these messages you do not receive. With these messages coming from overseas, often times they are perceived as spam when being screened by your internet providers. As a result they don’t get delivered or are delivered to your trash or spam folder. Gary

Reply from Rich Campbell (68):  

Hi Gary,

Responding to Lyle Olson’s comments on Dec. 17th.  He is too kind when speaking of his first coach (that’s me) being a star player on the varsity basketball team.  I was lucky to get to dress for the games.  Thanks Lyle.  It was fun coaching the kids.  Even more fun with all the basketball games we played on our driveway.  You mentioned those awhile back.  Dick Johnson could hit a jumper before falling into the rose bush.  Many others hit their heads on the garage door frame after driving for a basket.  Good times.

Rich Campbell

Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): 

HI Gary and All

I keep reading comments about how cold it is back there now and I remember those days too. I got an email from Diane the other day that it was -20 and dropping, I emailed her back that (this past Sunday) we had spent a balmy 78 degree day at Six Flags over Texas with my 2 1/2 year old grandaughter and that we were in short sleeves all day long. Her comment was that she wanted to reach through the computer and smack me right into next winter. I just had to laugh. Back in 1991 my husband and I and our 3 children drove up to Bottineau to spend Christmas with Mom and Dad. We had to outfit all the kids with real winter jackets and heavy duty gloves. Fortunately Mom and Dad had boots they could wear. We had a great trip up, dry roads. Got there the day before Christmas Eve. The kids had never seen snow like they did in North Dakota that winter. The weather never did get above 0 but the kids bundled up and played outside every day. They also got to skate at the hockey rink. Their cheeks would be so pink from the cold and they absolutely loved it! Driving back we hit an ice storm in South Dakota that finally broke up at Oklahoma City and by the time we got to the Texas border, we had nothing but fog! We still did the 1300 mile trip in 26 hours and I was never so glad to be back home in my life. I did go back several years ago in January expecting it to be bitter cold, and was very prepared for it, and that trip it never got below 30. With no wind. I was needless to say, happy about that!

Stay warm everyone.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew): 

Your sleigh story reminded me of my Grandpa Peder later Peter Carlson.  My Mother Clarissa took my two year old sister Christine to visit the Carlson’s over Christmas 1949.  The Carlson homestead was three miles south of  the PeaceGardens.  Dad and I stayed in Wahpeton because I had just started first grade that year.  The hills had a Christmas blizzard that kept my Mother and Sister trapped on the farm for two weeks.  Finally Pete harnessed the horses to the hay wagon and took my Mother and Sister to the train some ten miles away. Pete would have been in his 70s.   Dad couldn’t cook so he and I had tomato soup and toast for two weeks.  I can’t look at a bowl of tomato soup without getting sick.

From Sybil Johnson: 

Thought I would send all of you, a wish for the best of all holidays. Its fun to think back when one was a child, especially as we get up in years. So MERRY

CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR, to all of you and may all your wishes come true.  Sybil Johnson

From Bill Awalt (61):

Hi Gary, Just to let you know not to send any e-mails until after the
first of the year.  We will be in Alabama.  My sister Bonnie will fill
us in.
Thanks.
Bill

Reply to Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s communion picture posted yesterday, from Ron Longie (65): 

Gary,  Yes that is me standing behind Ginger, and I think the guy next to me is Mark Anderson. I think the guy standing behind me and in the rear is Terry Martinson.

Ron Longie

Reply to Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s communion picture posted yesterday, From Allen Richard (65): 

HI Ginger– Yes I was in there some place.  Maybe the kid in the green in front, though I don’t remember a shirt like that.  I think I wore a little suit.  Maybe I’m behind Ron Longie.  I think Ron Richard Angela Berube and Jo Ann Houle were in the same class too, but I can’t make out the faces.

ALLEN rICHARD

Dunseith News Provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

    Happy Birthday Kelly Woods (’89): Vancouver, BC Canada

Supper with a few Dunseith friends at the Pizza Inn in Bottineau, ND: July 2013

====================================
Blog (312) posted on December 18, 2008

Ardys Bakken Horner (former English teacher): 

Hi Gary, I continue to enjoy your daily blog and want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas, we are struggling with too much snow and numbing cold in Northern Minnesota, at least it will be white for Christmas, and the fish house is on the lake for our  kids and grand kids to fish in
during their visit.  Because of your efforts some of my former students have been in touch with me which has been a lot of fun.
Thanks for all you do. Ardys Bakken Horner (former English teacher)

From Ivy Eller Robert (74):

Hi Gary……..

I read the story Dick Johnson told about the gun & Bill Peterson. It triggered (no pun intended) a memory about Bill Peterson & his brothers, Duane & Jack! My folks built a new house in Dunseith in 1971 and hired Bill as the contractor to build it. Of course, being the ‘Tom Boy’ I was and Dad’s helper……I was there at the construction site every day, from helping Dad clear the lots, to the digging of the basement to the framing and everything in between to helping Loraine Peterson paint the exterior.
Well, one day Dad had to go to Belcourt for something, and the attic needed to be insulated with bats of fiber glass insulation. I didn’t know anything about insulation at that time, so when no one wanted to get into the attic to do it, I said I would, since I wasn’t very big and could get around in the attic better than the full grown men. (I’m pretty sure Bill wasn’t around that day, I only remember Duane & Jack being there) So they were eager to let me do that job. Well, I found out fast why they were so eager to let me, I swear I itched for days from it. But before I got the entire attic done, my foot slipped off one of the rafters over the tub in the bathroom, broke through the sheet rock and nearly fell threw and would have landed in the bathtub. I know I yelled for help and Jack & Duane helped me get out of that predicament. They told me, maybe I shouldn’t tell Mom or Dad especially Dad what had happened and promptly fixed the damage I had done to the ceiling. They finished the insulation in the attic themselves. And I had one huge scratch & “black & blue” mark that went from my ‘backside to the back of my knee on my left leg. I never told Mom & Dad or Bill for that fact………..I never did know why, only speculated that maybe they weren’t suppose to have me doing something like that.
I have fond memories of the Peterson Brothers building our house. They were quit the joke-sters………..

Ivy Eller Robert

Ivy, That is a great story.  Thank you so much for sharing. My dad and Jack Peterson were always good friends, but became especially close in the years before Jack’s death.  They’d talk on the phone several times each day. They both loved to tell stories.  Jack was married to Nettie Hiatt.  Jack did not let his terminal cancer get him down. He lived a normal life, knowing he had terminal cancer, pretty much right up to the end. He was a remarkable man and I remember him being well loved by the Lagerquist family and the rest of his family members too.  Leola Lagerquist and Nettie are sisters.

From Rhonda Hiatt (75): 

Hi Gary,

I thought I would pass this on (Video). You can send it out if you want. I thought it was a very nice video. You will need to turn your volume up.

Merry Christmas to you, your family and to everyone else on the list.

Thanks

Rhonda Hiatt (75)

Ronda, That was truly a great Video. We can really count our blessings. This Video is a bit large to be sending out with a group message, however, I encourage folks to request a copy from you.

Folks, This is a great Video, especially for those of us that often times feel we have been neglected of the worldly goods.  Please contact Rhonda for an electronic copy.  Gary

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69):

From Lyle Olson (75):

Gary and all:

I went to a college basketball game the other night and was fascinated at how angry the coach was with his players.  Witnessing that event got me thinking about some of the coaches we had at Dunseith.  I was fortunate to play under some great coaches.  My first coach was Rich Campbell.  I was in the 5th grade and he coached basketball in the old grade school gym.  We had just moved to Dunseith from Minnesota where the only sport that mattered was hockey, which I was actually quite good at given my size.  In fact, it was the only sport that I can say I was better at than my siblings.  In any event, Rich Campbell was then a star basketball player for the varsity and he was an excellent coach.  I particularly remember him trying to teach me which leg to go off when attempting a lay-up.  I struggled with that for several years!  They would often match teams and let the 5th and 6th graders play a 15-minute scrimmage between helf-time at the Varsity games.  I wonder if they still do that in Dunseith?  I hope so because it sure was exciting to play in the big gym in front of all those people.

Summer came along and it seems we were either coached by one of the Berube brothers (Tom, Jim and Billy-Boo) or one of the Martinson brothers (Terry and Tim).  In the early to mid-70’s Dunseith fielded great baseball teams.  I remember playing in the State Babe Ruth Tournament in Fargo and then leaving that tournament to go the State Legion tournament in Carrington.  We always seemed to be going to State back in those days.  I also remember Jim Berube letting me drive his car to Babe Ruth baseball games.  I was told to wear glasses early in the summer but vanity prevented me from doing so.  Driving to a game in Rolla, I hit this board on the road simply because I did not see it in time to swerve.  Jim was quite upset that I didn’t seem to see the road hazard and I reluctantly told him that I was supposed to wear glasses when driving.  Without missing a beat upon receiving such information, he told me that perhaps that was the reason I struck out so often!!!

The Berube and Martinson brothers knew baseball inside and out, and they taught the game with patience and humor.  Tom Berube would entertain us with back flips when he went out to the 3rd base coaching box.  Bill Berube was perhaps the best all around baseball player I have ever seen.  He could field, hit and run the bases.  I remember watching him steal home one time and he literally jumped over the catcher’s head to touch home plate – that memory is burned in my mind.  He was a great coach as well.  So, too, were Tim and Terry Martinson.

Football coaches in Dunseith in my era were a different cat.  Gene Hepper was the varsity coach and I remember he used to dress up like Vince Lombardi – long coat and hat – on those cold fall nights.  Dennis Espe was the Junior High Coach.  I remember being an 8th grader in 1971.  The varsity wanted to run a full scrimmage so Coach Espe “volunteered” Sam Tooke, David Hagel, Stanley Thompson, Forrest Parisien and myself to “practice” with the varsity.  Well, needless to say the varsity took no mercy on the young punks.  I remember having nightmares about Puggy Azure, Curt Hagel and Don Olson coming right at me with one taking me low, the other taking the mid section and the other taking the head.  These were the three horseman to be sure, with the fourth – Greg Evans – serving as running back looking to spike whatever remains were left over.  I would like to say for the record that I stood my ground but that was more out of pure stupidity and fear than courage.  Sam Tooke laughed so hard at what remained on the ground that I think he peed his pants!!  Thank you, Coach Espe, for a memorable experience!!

I was lucky enough to make the varsity basketball team in 1972.  The head coach was Larry Haugen and his assistant was Richard Becker.  We used to call Coach Becker “crooked” but I forget why?  He was a rough and tumble fellow to be sure.  He used to open the gym for us on Sundays and he would play right along with us, elbows and all.  He was not the best of basketball players but he taught us toughness and to never quit.  What was amazing about him was his willingness to share his free time with a bunch of young kids.  He did not need to open the gym everytime someone called him, but he did for some reason.  It kept a lot of kids out of trouble and it also honed the skills of many a basketball player.  I often wonder what happened to him.  I saw him once at a Class B tournament but was not able to talk to him and thank him for those hard fought Sunday games.

Coach Haugen was a great basketball coach.  Unfortunately, he is remembered as the coach of the 1972 team that lost the opening game of the State tournament after the team had built a 13 or 16-point lead. I, however, remember him as the coach who led his team to 25 victories that season.  He was smart and he knew how to motivate kids. He never lost his temper and he took that loss harder than most imagine.  He also would not tolerate anyone blaming the players for the loss.  He continued to coach in Dunseith but left after the 1973 school year.  He benched me for the last part of the season that year.  I do not know why to this day, but I never questioned him on it as I respected him as a coach.  He came to my mother’s funeral and we talked for quite some time.  Needless to say, I did not enjoy that day but I sure enjoyed seeing him again.

In closing, it sure would be nice if every kid could have coaches like we did in Dunseith in the early 1970’s.  The coaches we had taught life lessons without our knowledge and they made sports fun.

Here is hoping that everyone has a Merry Christmas!!!

Lyle

Message/Pictures from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): 

Gary,

This is a picture of my first communion class.  I do not remember all the students, I do know a few, the ones I think I know are…

Front row from left Helen Rivard,…Allard, might be Margaret Faine,….don’t know, ginger LaRocque Poitra, ..don’t know,…don’t know, directly behind me I’m sure is Ronnie Longie,and to the right of him is Mark Anderson, Alan Boguslawski is two to the right of Mark, I see Alfreda Patnaude to the left of Evie, Evie Gottbreht who is directly behind Allard.  we have Sister Gabrial and Father Lorchid. Need help in identifying, I think Allen Richard and some Evans Boys are in there as well. This was taken in the St. Louis Catholic Church, in Dunseith in 1955.

I Have included our wedding picture as well, that was in 1965, June 5th. My dress and veil was made by my sister JoAnn I carried red baby roses and wore my mother’s pearls.

Ginger LaRocque Poitra.

Ginger, We’ve got lots of folks, many of whom are included in this picture, that will be able to help identify some of the folks in this photo.  I am sure that is Ron Longie standing behind you.  He has not changed.  Gary

Ginger’s first communion class – St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith.

Ginger, you were a very pretty bride. You’ve got a handsomeguy too, with a stylish 57 Chev. Gary

Ginger LaRocque & Tony Poitra – June 5, 1965

  Happy Birthday Ron Peltier (‘7): Dunseith, ND

Calvin Hiatt, Willie E Hiatts’ brother, Passed away.
Message from his wife Jeanne:  Portland, OR

Hi Gary,
Just wanted to let you know that Calvin Hiatt passed away on February 6, 2015 at the age of 89.  He would have been 90 on his next birthday on March 4, 2015.

Best Regards,

Jeanne Barthelmess (spouse)

Gary’s Stokes’ reply
Jeanne, our condolences are with you and your family with the passing of Calvin. Calvin was a very close friends of my parents, Bob and Elaine Stokes. He moved west about the time I was born, so I never really knew him, but I knew his brother Willie and Maxine very well. I found Calvin’s Obituary that I have pasted below too.

Norris (Deceased) and Arlene Knutson purchased and live on the farmstead where Calvin lived.

So our readers can get a perspective of where Calvin fits into the Hiatt family, I have posted a picture of his Dad, Amos, with all of his siblings below. In the picture, please note the resemblance of Calvin’s dad, Amos, to that of Norman Hiatt, his nephew. This picture leaves no doubt that Amos and Norman are related.

I have also pasted the first four generations of the Harmen Hiatt family tree that I put together a few years back. The folks of the 4^th generation are of my generation age group.

Gary

Calvin Henry Hiatt
Obituary

Hiatt, Calvin Henry 89 Mar. 04, 1925 Feb. 06, 2015 Calvin Henry Hiatt, 89, died peacefully Feb. 6, 2015. He was born March 4, 1925, in Dunseith, N.D., the son of Annie and Amos Hiatt. Calvin was a veteran of World War II, having enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18, and honorably served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Oregon, studying architecture. He worked as an electrician for most of his life and was a member of IBEW Local 49. One of Calvin’s favorite projects was working as lead electrician on the Galleria renovation. He was also a member of the Unitarian Church. Throughout his life, he enjoyed music, art, theater, travel, woodworking, photography and design. Calvin is survived by his wife, Jeanne; sons, Bruce and Douglas Hiatt; daughter, Karen Hiatt; stepdaughters, Suzanne Barthelmess (Rex Sustello), Janis (Michael) Cicerchi and Robyn Barthelmess; and three grandchildren. At his request, no funeral is planned.

Repost from with full Name.

Sorry about that Ann and you were too modest to say anything too.
Hope you had a good too.
Please give your mother, Carol  Watkins Carbonneau (’46), our regards too

Happy Birthday Ann Carbonneau OcOnnell (BHS ’68): Bottineau, ND

Humor of the day
Conversations between Mel Kuhn (’70) and Larry Hackman (66)

Mel Kuhn’s message to Larry Hackman
Larry,
My wife has gone off to Bismarck on another one of them workshops. I don’t know why you have to go to a shop to learn how to work. For me it was either work or get hungry. Speaking of hungry-I asked my wife [this time] what I’m supposed to do if I run out of clean dishes. Am I supposed to go buy new ones again or just what? I don’t want to get hollered at again for buying more new dishes but just what are you supposed to do? She told me that we had some paper ones in the cupboard. I tried frying some potatoes in one of them tonight and the damn thing caught on fire. Made a hell of a mess. Maybe you could go to the place where she’s having that work thing at down there in Bismarck and talk some sense into her for me. I only have about two days of silverware left and then I’m out. I can keep frying eggs in the one pan for about another three days I figure before it starts to get a little cruddy. I was thinking about letting the dogs rinse them out for me and then hanging them on the cloths line seeing as we’ve been having some rain. I don’t know—what do you think?
Mel

Larry Hackman’s reply
Mel
Relax.  You should laugh at your problems.  Everybody else does.
I know I just read this someplace but it sure seems to fit the situation.
Besides I think your wife is just testing you, to find out how long you can live without eating?
When you do finally croak from starvation, then we will all know.
But as long as you keep coming up with all these ingenious methods of preparing and eating food.
Well , I suppose you know, that you are screwing up the test?
Larry

Mel Kuhn’s Reply
Larry,
I’m still confused. You didn’t help me out much. I was expecting some good advice from you seeing as you are older and supposedly wiser. I didn’t dare trying to cook on one of them paper plates again. So I stuck some wieners on a fork and cooked them over a burner on the stove. That worked pretty good but it kind of left a mess on the stove for the wife to clean up when she gets home. I think I’m gonna have to come up with something I can cook in the toaster. I tried grilled cheese but you have to smash them together so they fit in the slot. I had to take the battery out of the smoke detector after that one. I don’t use the microwave to cook with anymore ‘cause someone told me that if you use them too much it can possibly mess with the old brain cells. I sure wouldn’t want that to happen. Cooking a can of spaghetti out in the BBQ grill doesn’t work either. Scared the hell out of the dogs when it exploded. Another mess for the wife to clean up when she gets home. Dog shit and spaghetti sauce. You got any ideas?
Mel

====================================
Blog (311) posted on December 17, 2008

Request from Rachelle (Shelly) Hagel Peltier: 

Gary,

I would appreciate it very much if you would add me to your email list.

My maiden name is Hagel.

I work with Ramona LaVallie.

Thank you

Rachelle (Shelly) Peltier

Shelly, It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution. I know folks will remember you.  We have several of your siblings in our files too.

Yes, I know Ramona Thiefoe LaVallie from the class of 66.  She has been very helpful with finding folks as I put these class lists together.  She’s a very nice lady.  Gary

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Gary , With  Toni’s premission   I  am  sending this to u to  share  with the  rest  Every once in awhile  Toni sends  letters   “TO THE WOMAN I LOVE”  this one   made me  laugh and  wanted to share  the  day she had with the rest of  you .  Thanks for all u do Gary  and may

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Toni Morinville Gredesky’s (68) letter: 

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 1:29 PM

For those of you distantly removed from the school setting and atmosphere, let
me remind you how it goes.

We missed school yesterday after a blizzard dumped a foot of snow in the area.
Those of you who
have relocated will remember that following a storm, we plunge into the deep
freeze; however,  -14 below isn’t too bad.
Our weekly meeting in the library was uneventful except that we were informed
that
the phones were not working and the heating system had frozen up in part of the
building
and some water pipes containing water and a very stinky chemical had burst in
the office
area.

The principal commented to me that I would have to put up with a library that
might be a bit too
warm because they had our end cranked up to accommodate for the problem. Ten
minutes later
a pipe broke in the special ed room across the hall. Water was gushing
everywhere. They got it
turned off but had to cut the heat.  I was about to lend my small space heater
when that happened.
The chemical in the water immediately stripped the floor of the wax, and now it
stinks in our end of
the building.

I went to the office and one of my drama kids, Robbie, a freshman, was sitting
on the couch holding an ice
pack on his head. Robbie is quite a character –squirrelry and has a comeback
for everything.
I asked him just what had happened. He said he had “hit his head.”
Just then his science teacher
came in to check on him. It seems that they were typing their blood in class
and when Mr. Fuller
poked Robbie’s finger and Robbie saw the blood, he fainted dead away. Being
the character that
he is, Mr. Fuller thought Robbie was kidding. Not so, he has a mild concussion
but can still name
our current president — who did a pretty good job avoiding his own concussion
when he ducked
the thrown shoes.

A bit later I went to check the mail. Yep, you guessed it. Another pipe had
broken in the boy’s locker room.
By now the kids are ticking like a time bomb. Anything out of the ordinary can
only raise two questions.
#1 Are we getting out of school? #2 What time are we getting out of school?

After I picked up the mail, I stopped in the office again when another of my
freshman drama students, Brayden came walking
out of the principal’s office. He looked like he had been or was going to
cry. Brayden is NOT a character. He is actually
quite shy and introverted. In fact, the last night of the play, his mom called
to say that Brayden wasn’t coming to the play. Well,
we managed to get him here. When I saw Brayden come out of the principal’s
office, I said, “Are you in trouble?” He said,”No,
I got punched right in the nose by Aaron.” Aaron is not in drama, but his
reputation precedes him. He is not a happy kid.
Anyone who staples his thumb to get out of gym is just not happy.

That took us up to lunch. The time now is 1:30. All seems to be going well. The
phones are fixed. The pipes are holding.
The children are nestled, all snug in their whatever. . ..  My little space
heater feels nice in my little niche.
We have 12,000 books in our library. I just hope the pipes hold.

I love you all,
Toni

Toni, this is a great letter, well written.  You are a great story teller. We’d love to hear more of these stories.  I’ll bet you can remember a few from the past too.  Gary

From Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

Reply to Ele Dietrich Slyter:

I have lived many places since I left the Turlte Mountains but some of my fondest memories in my life are of the winters there. The frost on the trees so thick it looked like diamond necklaces in the moonlight, and the full moons made the blankets of snow just glisten and sparkle. and it was so cold the snow crunched so loud beneath your feet and it was so much to shop then. And the snow days…the phone would start ringing after breakfast and out we would head with our sleds to find the perfect place to go.

Thanks Ele for jarring my memory today. The winters here in Montana can be beautiful too.

I was thinking of North Dakota and all of those cold days when we got our storm Friday night and we had no snow here in the valley til then and our high Monday was zero…..

I think   BBBRRRRRRR….but i always know its colder back home then it is here and I remember days gone by and so much fun.

To all my friends and classmates from all classes: I wish you good health and prosperity in the New Year and have a wonderful Christmas.

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

ND Weather from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Ele’s story of crunching snow underfoot made me think of another sound
we ‘older’ folks remember. That is the squeal of sleigh runners when the
temps reached -20. When the sleigh hit packed ice like on a road
surface, the made this sharp high pitched screech that only came with
very cold temperatures. The old timers used to say that when the temp
hit -60, whiskey would gel. Now who would wait to see if whiskey was
going to gel, when you are out in -60 weather? Unless of course you had
a lot of whiskey!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Weather report from Mel Kuhn (70)

Howdy Gary,

In reply to Dave Slyter, There was a blizzard? We got lucky up here and only had 3-4 inches of snow but it was a bit breezy. I cleaned those same 3-4 inches of snow out of my drive about 5 times. As Ele said -30 degrees and I believe it warmed up to -10 yesterday. Dick and I were going to go hual some old cars on Saturday but changed our minds when it was too cold for the hydraulics on his truck to work. It’s supposed to get up to 0 degrees Wednesday so that will be nice. Later.

Mel Kuhn[70]

Comments – 63 basketball team – Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

The DHS basketball team, shown in the picture, was a very exciting team
to watch. Too bad Dave Shelver was out with an injury when the picture
was taken. Dave and Dan Danielson  played out front as guards and did a
great job getting the ball in to Dennis Dubois who was center. Jim Evans
and Bill Henry were forwards and were deadly from from the corners. I
never missed a game that I can remember. If you look carefully at the
locker room behind the players, and then the background in the
cheerleaders picture, you will see it was taken at the School of
Forestery gym in Bottineau. One very exciting incident from that
tournament, aside from the Dunseith win of course, was when a Willow
City–Notre Dame player, Gordy Roberge tossed the ball full court with
one second remaining, and nearly ripped the net off the hoop! I came
close to hitting the lights and dropped straight through the net. He was
as surprised as anyone! DHS had several good teams over the years, but
the ’63 team was one of the better ones that I remember! Thanks Gary!

Dick

1963

Folks, Phyllis Jerstad is living in Fargo and is on our distribution list.  Gary

Happy Birthday Kim Boguslawski: Bismarck, ND

Happy Birthday Heidi Hanson Danielson (‘69): Willow City, ND

Happy Birthday Ann Carbonneau OcOnnell (BHS ’68): Bottineau, ND

Message from Viola Hobbs Ziegler (’54): McMinnville, OR

Hello Gary,

We just got a different computer, and new email address.  Would you mind

changing my address for me?

My new email address is online now.  This old address will be discontinued

this afternoon.

I always enjoy the Dunseith news and pictures.

Thank you,

Viola  (Hobbs) Ziegler

Gary’s Comment

Viola, Great hearing from you. How well so many of us remember the Lake Metigoshe store too, that I believe your brother Harvey had. Gary

Reply to the Class of 73 pictures
From Dean Stickland (’73):  Olympia, WA

Gary has the names correct for the six folks from the class of ’73.  If my memory serves me right there were 36 of us who graduated together that year.  Hard to believe that was 42 years ago.  I missed the 20 year reunion but often wonder how everyone is doing these days.

Marion and I are still in Olympia, WA.  I still have both businesses, so keep plenty busy.

Thanks again Gary for your time and effort to keep us connected.  Some of us keep pretty quiet but sure do enjoy the emails.

Dean Stickland, Class of ’73
Sent from my iPad

Reply to the Class of 73 pictures
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary Stokes, you are the best guesser!! You got them all correct !!

Class of ’73 pictures Identified
Posted by Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):Montana

====================================
Blog (310) posted on December 16, 2008

Bob (51) & Donna Sunderland (52) Leonard headed south for the winter: 

Dear Gary:  Just a quick note to let you know we are leaving home for the winter.  Heading for Dallas on Tuesday, providing the weather clears, spending some time with our son, Tim.  Then on the Yuma, AZ after New Years.  Plan on being there until the end of March.  Will let you know when you can add us back onto your daily e-mails.

Fun reading about all of the experiences you send of everyone, good job.

Sincerely,

Bob

ND blizzard report from Dave Slyter (70):

Was wondering if everyone from North Dakota survived the blizzard we just had here all over the state.  The Fargo Moorhead area received 8 to 12 inches of snow and the winds were a howling to 45 miles per hour.  Wind chill factors were down to 50 to  60 below.  Both interstates were closed.  I-29 from South Dakota border to the Canadian Border and I-94 from Jamestown N.D. to Alexandria Mn.  Still closed.   Temperatures this morning are 12 below and I am sure it is even colder than that up in the hills by the canadian border.  Hey Dick and Melvin, how about it,  did you guys get it hard up there?     See what all you people are missing that live in the south and west and in warm countries like the Philippines.  ha   Ah,  the good ole days.

Dave Slyter (70)

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Several years ago I was over at Bill Peterson’s place, for some reason.
We were in the shed of their house, on our way outside, when I noticed
the barrel of an old rifle sticking up from behind the deep freeze. I
have always been fascinated with antique guns and noticed it had an
octagon barrel. I asked Bill what it was and he said it was an old
Marlin lever action 32-20. It was slightly rusted and he said the kids
played with it until they broke the firing pin. After looking it over, I
asked if he cared if I took it home and fixed it?. I have done several
that were much worse shape so knew the challenge. Bill said he didn’t
care but that it wasn’t much of a gun anyway. He said it was so slow
(bullet velocity), that all it was good for was butchering pigs, and
then you better stand real close so they don’t hear it go off and jump
out of the way! I laughed at his analysis of the gun and took it home
with me, to fix for him. I found the parts it needed from a supplier on
the east coast and cleaned the rust and paint specks off the gun and had
it looking real authentic, not ‘restored’. At a gun show in Minot, I
bought half a box of 32-20 ammo, so I could check out the function and
fire the gun a few times. This caliber is obsolete so ammo was hard to
find. I went out in my yard and loaded a couple rounds, then picked out
a tree down in the woods and fired one round. I had nearly put the old
gun down when the bullet finally hit the tree. It was only about 40
yards away! It caused me to remember what Bill had said and I busted out
laughing, thinking about it! When I took the gun back to Bill, I said,”
I see what you mean about slow”. Bill, in his gruff voice said, ” A man
who was good with a slingshot, could do better than that”! The Petersons
still have this old gun and have it displayed. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply to Dragons Photos from  Karen Schneider Bowman (64): 

Reply to Dragons photos from Bev Morinville Azure: (72):

I think  the basketball players are  Jonny Leonard, Jim Evans, Don  Ebert,not sure maybe a  Dubois Dennis maybe.  I think u have the   rest right  but the  others I am not  sure of.  Dick I bet u  know  em all.

Bev, you are so right about Dick.  Gary

Reply to Dragons photos from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

This was the team and cheerleaders from 1963.

Back row:  John Awalt, Terry Martinson, John Leonard, Jim Evans, Don
Egbert, Dennis Dubois, Lyle Lamoureux, Bill Henry, Cliff Henry, Coach
Hepper.

Front row: Dan Daneilson, Jerry Gunville, Pete Gillis, Terry Espe,
Warren Anderson.

Cheerleaders: Back row: Francie Gottbreht, Patty Boguslawski, Connie
Halvorson.
Front row: Sharon Wheeler, Sharon Peterson, Karen
Schneider.

Dick, You have a fantastic memory for all this stuff and 99% of the time you are right on, as you are with those in these photo’s.  You would have been in the 7th grade in the school of year 62-63.  I was a sophomore at the time and I couldn’t remember.  I should have remembered Francie Gottbreht though.  Gary

Reply to Dragons photos from LeaRea Parrill Espe (67):

DUNSEITH DRAGONS 1962-63 TEAM

Back Row:John Awalt, Terry Martinson, John Leonard, Jim Evans, Donald Egbert, Dennis Dubois, Lyle Lamoureux, Bill Henry, Clifford Henry, Coach Eugene Hepper

Front Row: Danielson, Jerry Gunville, Pete Gillis, Terry Espe & Warren Anderson

Seniors on the team were Evans, Dubois, Lamoureux, Bill Henry. (Dan Machipiness would have been a member if he hadn’t transferred to another school)      ( David Shelver would have been on this picture, but Terry said he had a knee injury at the time.)

Terry remembers playing in the Regional tournament in Rugby with this team.

That year Wolford was favored in the district and had bought brand new uniforms for their anticipated trip to the state.

In the district tournament held in Bottineau Souris upset Wolford and Dunseith beat Souris and was awarded a trip to the region in Rugby.

We think two teams went to the Regional at that time and Bottineau won the district  and Dunseith took second.

Dunseith was beat in the first round of the Regionals  by Michigan, a team on which Larry Haugen was a member.

Larry later was hired to coach the Dragons and in 1972 coached the Dragons to the state tournament.

Others may have additional memories.

Cheerleaders for the team above. Again my guess with identities.
Back L to R: Francie Gottbreht, Patty Boguslawski &Connie Halvorson
Front L to R: Sharon Wheeler, Sharon Peterson & Karen Schnieder

     Happy birthday Arliss Halvorson Lider (’54): Bottineau, ND

Reply from Dawn Gregory Allard (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Gary, I think the boy in the class of 73 is Donald Malaterre.

Carl Brudwick
Question form Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Neola,

I see the name Brudwick mentioned a few times in the blog. I have a question,  do you or anyone,  recall Carl Brudwick?

He was probably from the Bottineau area, married to Cecelia LaRocque,  daughter of Zephrine (Pete was what people called him) LaRocque,  her mother was Mary (Delorme)LaRocque,  from Dunseith. I recall Carl going to Bottineau to visit someone, when the would come for a visit.  Carl and his family lived in Aberdeen Washington, from the time I remember. Cecelia and Carl owned a restaurant there in Aberdeen. I just thought maybe someone would know that family. Thank you

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of (65)

Class of ’73 pictures
Posted by Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73): Montana

Folks,

These are the folks in these pictures. I do not know who is who though, but I will take a guess

Vickie Hiatt, Marsha Olson, Brenda Hiatt, Alan Honsey, Dean Stickland, Mark Millang

My guess
(1)Alan Honsey, (2)Vickie Hiatt, (3)Dean Stickland, (4)Marsha Olson (5)Mark Millang, (6)Brenda Hiatt,

Folks, we need some help Identifying these folks.

Gary

Birds of the Wild
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

 I love birds of the wild.

All of them, including Robins,  Gold Finch, Chic a dees, Geese.

Even Crow which I tend to eat alot of. 

     Please check out the following site from KIRO Seattle. This takes place in  Ballard, Washington.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/birthday-party-held-ballard-over-70-heron-chicks/nmRgm/

Click on view larger so you can get a really good look see.

It  is a  really neat photograph  following with a paragraph  about  young herons in Ballard, Washington.

            These birds reminded me of another time long ago. 

When we were in our teens,

Our Dad, Cliff began to call his girls , “his shi pokes.”

When questioned he always matter of factly replied,

“Shipokes have long legs and are beautiful birds!”

One year, my younger sister  and I  found out the truth.

What a wake up call!

It was  about 1969.

On an after noon,  warm, dusty day, bouncing along in Bus #9,  

with our driver of many years, Bennie Anderson.

He shifted gears as we traveled  East on the Emil Morin gravel road.

 The little yellow bus screeched and braked to  a sudden stop 

at the top of the first big hill,  as  Bennie stomped on the brakes.

He set the emergency brake.

There was~ the ugliest bird my sister and I had  ever seen.

Ugg- illly!

It moved.

~It’s  long legs,  awkward, clumpsy walking then stopped,  

Its brownish feathers stuck up  and out every which way, all over!

I thought,  “That must be a  a real freak of nature”.

“Bennie, What’ is that?”  we sang out in unison standing up to get a closer clear view. 

“It’s_… a shh i POKE .._” stated Bennie in his high pitched voice emphasizing the last syllable.

With big  disbelieving eyes, Cyndy and I  sat down.

The bird finally took an awkward leap and  slow off  up and away.

We said not a word,  quiet the rest of the way  home.

Thinking. (whoa UGG- illy!)

That night at the supper table looking at dad accusingly.

We finally declared  excitedly to our father,

the words  were spoken in haste jumbled and tripped over each other. 

 “Dad,  we were riding bus today, by Emil Morins, and  finally saw a shi poke.

AND THEY AREN”T BEAUTIFUL!” 

We should have known,  with our dad we never got the last wor

He began to laugh.

Stopped,  and kindly looking at each at each of us said,

 “They are kind of gangley and silly lookin

But  they grow up beautiful.” 

Yes, our Dad certainly knew how to use psychology to get out of a tough spot with his girls

(sorry folks  the any and  many spelling,  punctuation  and English errors are,  as always, completely of my undoing)

Until later Vickie

====================================
Blog (309) posted on December 15, 2008

Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):

Reply from Sybil Johnson: 

Yes Cecilia, I remember those aprons. Both my grandmother and mother wore them. I guess it was easier to hold things in the pockets.

At 7:00 in the morning, its -9 here in Cheyenne, but Im still immune from the cold; after living in ND for 20 yrs. I remember those severe winters,

very well. Sybil Johnson

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew): 

Thanks for these updates – I only lived in Dunseith until I was 3 years old I visited sometimes twice a year until I moved to Texas.  I always felt like I was coming home when I could see the TurtleMountains on the horizon.

Mr. Wonderful

Passing of Loretta Morin provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

LORETTA MORIN, 65, Dunseith, died Friday in a Rolette nursing home. Funeral Thursday, 10 a.m., St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, rural Dunseith. Wake service Wednesday, 4 p.m., with a Scriptural prayer service at 7 p.m., both in the church. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau.

Early to mid 60’s basketball team. Not sure of the year. Please refresh the identities those in this photo.  At one time the class of 65 had these folks identified, but without a lot of research, I can not easily locate that info. I’ve got a system set up now to be able to easily locate the identities of those in these photo’s.  Gary

My stab at who I think some of these folks are.
Back Row: John Awalt and Terry Martinson with ties. Coach Gene Hepper on the extreme right.
Front L to R: Dan Danielson, ?, Pete Gillis, Terry Espe & Warren Anderson

Cheerleaders for the team above. Again my guess with identities.
Back L to R: Doreen Houle, Patty Boguslawski &Connie Halvorson
Front L to R: Sharon Wheeler, Sharon Peterson & Karen Schneider