Posted by Julie Knox Seier (72): Minot, ND

Guy Knox

Born: October 15, 1925
Died: February 27, 2016

Guy Knox, age 90 of Bottineau formerly Dunseith, died Saturday, February 27, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

Looking for the grave site of Alexander Bomrod
Posting from Barbara Gunderson:  Cavalier, ND

Hi.  I am looking for a gravesite for Alexander Bomrod.

He was a Syrian peddler who I suspect who buried in the Dunseith area.

Do you have any records of him? I am writing an article about him for our local newspaper.

Thank you very much.

Barbara Gunderson

Follow up reply from Barbara Gunderson
Thanks for the response.  No, I live over here east of you in Cavalier.  I’d be happy for you to post my question.  I need to track this man down. He has a  great story.

I have been interviewing people all day long. Nobody seems to know where he died or is buried.

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Blog (426) posted on April 13, 2009

04/13/2009

Posted on April 13, 2009

Mrs Conroy’s 4th and 5th grade class of 1952-1953
Reply from Duane Trusty (’61):  Laramie, WY.

Gary

Hello from the Wyoming High Plains

Referring to posts on Dec 10, 11, 12, 2010.

I’m the mystery student listed as Duane T, 1rst row, 4th student.

The girl behind me in the same row listed as Marta, G last name is Graham, she  is Mike Graham’s sister who is pictured with the 5th Grade class.

I only attended Dunseith Grade School from Jan 1951 through The end of the 5th Grade.

Wish everyone the best

Duane Trusty
Gary’s Comment

Hello Duane,

It is so wonderful hearing from you. Thank you so much for the picture ID too.

I did a search and found you listed as living in Laramie, WY. Please provide us with a little of your life history from when you left Dunseith until now.

Marlene Reing’s Passing
Gary’s comment

Folks, Marlene was My sister-in-law Debby (Darrel) Stokes Sister.  Jim Fulsebakke (75) is married to her daughter Marlee Rae. Oliver and Marlene were on several Dunseith Alumni Cruise with us too. Nice friendly folks. We will most certainly miss Marlene with our visits back to the area.

Our condolence are with Marlene’s family with her a passing.

Marlene Reing

Born: March 12, 1932
Died: February 22, 2016

Send Flowers

MARLENE REING

Marlene Reing, age 83 of Bottineau, died Monday, February 22, 2016 in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the First Lutheran Church of Bottineau. Burial will be in the Oak Creek Cemetery also of Bottineau. Visitation will be held on Thursday beginning at 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and Friday 9:00 until noon at the funeral home.

Marlene Reing, a daughter of Melvin and Josephine (Matthews) Lee, was born in Bottineau on March 12, 1932. She was reared and attended school in Maxbass. After her graduation she attend nurses training at Bottineau and received her LPN degree. Marlene then began working at St. Andrews hospital. On July 11, 1954 she was married to Oliver Reing at Bottineau. After working at the hospital for 15 years she worked at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center until she retired. Marlene then helped Oliver on the farm.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Bottineau. Marlene enjoyed sewing, quilting, cards, bingo taking care of her flowers, going to birthday club and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Oliver at home; daughter, Marlee Rae (Jim) Fulsebakke of Bottineau; sons, Mike Reing of Bottineau, Steve (Kim) Reing of Minot and Rick (Ann) Reing of Coon Rapids, MN; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kevin (Deb) Lee of Eagle, ID; a sister, Debbie (Darrel) Stokes of Bottineau and her dog Putz.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

Reply to message 2352 – Renee Delorme Guilbert’s picture
From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

When I read your latest newsletter and saw the picture/information about this picture, I became very excited.  I copied the info about the picture and intended to add it to Renee’s picture so if I would run across the picture, I’d know where to mail it.  I was REALLY excited when I saw I had actually sent the picture!!  As you know, my intentions to get the Wondrasek pictures sent to people is HIGH, but my being able to get much accomplished is LOW.

Thanks again for all you do, Gary!

Neola

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Blog (425) posted on April 12, 2009

Happy Easter to all: We are going out for dinner today at 12:00 noon with some friends of ours from England who are now living here in Cebu. They too are retired. In order to live here they, like all foreigners not married to or family of former Filipino citizens, had to invest $40,000 in this country for the privilege of being able to live here. It’s currently 10:00 AM (Easter Sunday), so I am putting this out a little early today before leaving for dinner. Gary Condolences to the Eileen Cote Foster family From Rita Carboneau Anderson (Former Gamble store owner): Fargo, ND In rememberance of Eileen Cote Foster, I wish to extend my sympathy. I knew all of the Cote family as I lived in the Dunsieth and Bottineau area for many years. It is nice that Gary keeps us all informed of what is going on. My sister-in-law and brother live in Bottineau, they moved from the farm last fall. Sincerly, Rita Carbonneau Anderson Doris Bergeron Fugere picture (39 Deceased) Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Hi Gary, I didn’t realize Doris Fugere attended school in Dunseith. Here’s a picture of her/her mother/daughter/granddaughters. Lona Jean was married to an Aho. Lona’s grandson was almost in my class at Bel Air years ago. His mother/he/siblings moved to a different part of Minot before school started. I have/had a family picture of Leo/Doris; I might have given it to Cherrille Bergeron McLean. Neola Five Generation picture Folks, When I got to researching Doris Bergeron Fugere’s ties with Dunseith, I discovered she is related to a whole bunch of you folks. To get it all straight in my mind I put together a simple little power point sketch below. In the process I discovered that Francis is Doris’ sister. Francis was married to Oscar Fugere. Francis and Oscar sat at the same table as my parents for years for their daily dinner meal at the Senior citizens in Bottineau. For all the years that I knew them, I had no idea that Francis was related to all the Dunseith Richard’s. This sketch nowhere includes all of the Richard families. I only included those that I know to be connected to Dunseith. I know there are way more relationships than I have listed here. Floyd/Carmen Richard, I discovered I don’t have the names of your children. Gary

Lead in Flint Michigan’s water.
Message posted to Esther Murray Flemming (’65)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Hi Esther,

I am certainly glad to hear that you aren’t in Flint any more.

It is terrible for the people who are there, I feel very bad for them.

I had been watching and listening to the news about the lead in the water, especially since I knew you lived there.

Thank God you are no longer there, but I am sure you know a lot of the people who are there yet,  going through this.

I will say prayers for the ones you left behind.

Glad you responded to this email of Gary’s

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of  ’65

Cebu City, Philippines
Dinner last night at the “buffet 101” Restaurant.

This is a new restaurant that recently open with a seating capacity of over 400.  They have Japanese, Filipino and Western selections. Very good food. Very reasonably priced too.  Lots of unlimited self-serve beverages, inclusive of San Miguel beer on tap for the beer drinkers and wine too.

We had Tata, the lady that takes care of Bernadette in the evenings, Jasmine (Novie’s daughter) and Isa (Mirasol’s daughter) with us too. Bernadette was pretty good last night and today too. She uses her wheel chair now though when we go places.

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Blog (424) posted on April 11, 2009

Posted on April 11, 2009

Flint, MI: Lead in the water system
Reply from Esther Murray Fleming (’65):  Burton, MI.

Hi everyone. I no longer live in Flint,  We have lived here in Burton for the last 3 years. Yes, it is a very sad thing for Flint.  It is supposed  .  to be being worked on and I hope and pray it is. They are trying to get new pipes on, but don’t know how long it  will take.  Ill keep you all informed if I hear anything more and I hope it is good news Keep good thoughts.  Esther

Gary’s comments:

Esther,

Great hearing from you. Glad to hear that you are not affected with the Lead problem, in the water, in Flint. I was reading about it in our local daily news paper here in Cebu yesterday too, so it made international news.

July 2007

Picture taken at John and Margaret Bedard’s

Larrett Peterson (’71): Bottineau, ND and Art Rude (’71) Crosby, ND

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Blog (423) posted on April 10, 2009

Posting correction, Flint Michigan, for message posted with 2351
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I am sorry it wasn’t the weather,  it’s the lead in their water.

Betty Counts Poitra, Passed away on February 7, 2016
Posting from Debbie Poitra Rondeau (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Betty J. Poitra

Born: April 23, 1934
Died: February 08, 2016

Betty J. Poitra, age 81 of Dunseith, died Monday, February 8, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Eagleheart Cultural Center of Dunseith.

Betty J. Poitra, a daughter of Ernest and Helen (McCloud) Counts, was born on April 23, 1934 at Belcourt. She was reared and attended school in the Belcourt area. On April 14, 1956 she was married to Leo Poitra at Belcourt. Betty began working at the Crystal Café then Dales Café as a waitress. She worked for a time at San Haven and the Dunseith nursing home as a nurse’s aide. Later she worked at the Dunseith Public School as a truant officer. Betty and Leo owned and operated the Kelvin Klinic Bar north of Dunseith. After they sold the business, Betty began working as an ambulance driver for IHS in Belcourt. She worked as a CHR (Community Health Representative) worker until she retired in 2007. Leo passed away on September 18, 1994. Betty came out of retirement to take a job as a Green Thumb worker at Dunseith Fitness Center where she worked until her health began to fail. She has continued to make Dunseith her home.

She was a member of the St. Michael’s the Archangel Catholic Church of Dunseith. Betty loved to play cards, going the casino, visiting and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters, Darlene (Dennis) Azure, Carol (Curtis) Belgarde, Debbie Rondeau all of Dunseith and Judy Harms of Mayo, SC; sons, Terry (Norma) Poitra, Wade (Sandy) Poitra both of Dunseith and Reed (Tammy) Poitra of Burnsville, MN; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Randy; a grandson, Emery Poitra; 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

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Blog (422) posted on April 9, 2009

Harsh winter in Flint Michigan.
Message posted to Esther Murray Flemming (’65)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hey Esther!

I have been hearing about the water issues in Flint Michigan,  that is where you live right? That is just terrible!  How could they not know they needed to do things before it happened.

God bless you and your family.

I hope you and yours are doing well.

You and  your family as well as the whole city are in my prayers.

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra your class mate ’65

Erling Berg’s Brother, Hilmar Berg, passed away

Gary Stokes comment

I met Hilmar for the first time in the winter of 1967/68 in Everett, Washington.

Hilmar’s brother Clarence (Mabel) was married to my dad’s brother’s wife sister. Dad’s brother Nels and Helga lived in Everett, WA. While working in the paper mill, Hilmar spent the winter of 1967/68 with Nels and Helga. With my numerous visits to Everett that winter I saw and visit many times with Hilmar. In the following years, I’d see Hilmar with most of my annual visits back to ND. Hilmar was a nice likable friendly guy. I really enjoyed his company. I will miss him. I know he will be missed by his family and numerous friends too. Our condolences are with them with his passing. Rest in peace Hilmar.

Obituary provided by Diane (Berg) Rheault (’79): Fargo, ND

Hilmar Berg

        Born: February 28, 1917
Died: February 08, 2016

Hilmar W. Berg was born on the family farm in Starbuck Township, Bottineau County, ND, on October 7, 1917, to Carl and Inga Berg.  He was raised there, with three brothers and one sister, attended rural school at Thrum’s #5.  After working on farms in the area, he went to Minnesota in 1938 and worked on farms there.  In 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served 3 years and 8 months.  20 of those months were spent in the Aleutian Islands.  After his discharge in October of 1945, he returned to the family farm.

In the winter of 1947-1948, he spent 3 months in Anchorage Alaska driving a city bus.  When he returned to Starbuck Township in the spring, he began farming on his own and continued to do so for approximately 20 years.

Many winters were spent in Arizona, California and Washington.  Among his winter jobs, he worked on an assembly line for Chrysler, in a paper mill and a door factory. In 1969, he moved to Bottineau, where he made his home with his widowed sister Helen.

Hilmar has been an active member of Nidaros and Mouse River Lutheran Churches in rural Landa, First Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Senior Citizens and American legion all of Bottineau.

Hilmar was a kind gentleman and loving friend to many.  His nieces and nephews have many fond memories of him making their childhood fun.  Hilmar loved to play pool, garden, and enjoyed feeding the birds in his yard. His love for the Lord is reflected in the “worn” fingerprints on his Bible.

Hilmar passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Andrews hospital in Bottineau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Olaf (Hazel), Clarence (Mabel), Erling, and his sister Helen (Herman) Brandvold.

Hilmar is survived by his sister-in-law Delores Berg, nephews Don (Mary) Scottsdale, AZ; Curt (Kelly) Grand Junction, CO; Keith Berg (Chery) Fargo, ND; nieces Cindy (Mike) Pesek of Grand Forks, ND, Sue Berg of Lake Metigoshe and Diane (Jim) Rheault of Fargo, ND; great nephews Adam (Michelle) Lunde, Chris & Will Berg, great nieces Bethany Lunde, Kelly (Douglas) Bowles, Jessica, Jennifer and Allison Berg and Jacqueline Rheault; and great-great nieces and nephews. He is survived also by cousins Dan McCauley of Minot ND, Carol Moe of Champagne Il, and David Berg of Richmond VA.

Posting of the day
From Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

The true story of the Chicken Gun. Too funny not to share!

Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist!                                                                     
Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound
Dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space
Shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the
Frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of
The windshields.

British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the
Windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and
A gun was sent to the British engineers.

WHEN THE GUN WAS FIRED, THE ENGINEERS STOOD SHOCKED  AS THE CHICKEN HURLED OUT OF THE BARREL, CRASHED INTO THE SHATTERPROOF SHIELD, SMASHED IT to SMITHEREENS, BLASTED THROUGH THE CONTROL  CONSOLE, SNAPPED THE ENGINEER’S BACK-REST IN TWO, AND EMBEDDED ITSELF IN THE BACK WALL OF THE CABIN, LIKE AN ARROW SHOT FROM A BOW.

THE HORRIFIED BRITS SENT NASA THE DISASTROUS RESULTS OF THE
EXPERIMENT, ALONG WITH THE DESIGNS OF THE WINDSHIELD AND BEGGED THE U.S. SCIENTISTS FOR SUGGESTIONS.

NASA RESPONDED WITH A 1 LINE MEMO   :

“DEFROST THE CHICKEN.”

(TRUE STORY)

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Blog (421) posted on April 8, 2009

Memory pictures from the past

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Blog (420) posted on April 7, 2009

Condolences to the Betty Poitra family
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

To the Betty Poitra family,

I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing.

I visited with her quite often.

I saw her at the clinic where she worked,  rushing from here to there.

Always busy.

May God bless you all

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra

Class of 65: Memories of Shirley Boguslawski
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):Belcourt, ND

Hey Gary,

How many from our class are left?

I think about Shirley Boguslawski quite a bit.

She was my best friend from the first grade.

She passed so quickly after the festivities of Christmas from my understanding.

I remember her when we played in the snow at school during recess we would make snow angels.

I remember that I always thought she made the best because she had a long coat. I would always dream of owning a long coat.

There was one time we were all running in from recess and I stopped to lick the railing,  Shirley didn’t know and went on in, there I was with my tongue stuck to the metal rail. God knows how I got free!

We would swing together and an older girl would come and push us. She would push us so hard,  she would scare us because we would go so, so high.

Shirley would have these birthday parties at her house,  she’d play records and we would dance.

She would always have money.

At recess we would walk to Kassie Sime and she would always buy a treat for me.

She was always buying coke, she loved coke.

Just a few memories of a friend.

She was a good friend of mine,  and I miss her.

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra class of 65

Eurich pictures
From Mary Eurich Knutson (’62):  Dunseith, ND

Note: Thank you Karen Larson, from the Bottineau Spectrum, for scanning and sending these pictures for Mary.  We truly appreciate all your good services.   Gary

             Mrs. Eva (Kraft) Eurich and daughters Marie & Irene

                     Mrs. Eurich – little Eva – Marie

                                   Pat Gourneau & Freida Eurich

             Marie Eurich – Marshall & Eleanor Awalt About 1935

                                      David Eurich circa 1900

          Need some help Identifying the folks in this picture. Not sure of the school?

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau and Minot, ND

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Blog (418) posted on April 5, 2009

Reply to Karen Loeb Mhyre’s (’47) Post
From Ginger LaRacque (’47):  Belcourt, ND

Karen,

I too missed out on asking so many questions about our relatives.

I lived next door to my grandparents,  on my father’s side, I was 8 yet when grandpa Zephrin LaRocque passed away when he was 80 in 1956, June 29th.  He was born in 1876, March 6th.

My grandmother Mary (Delorme) LaRocque lived on until she was 83, passing in 1977, April 10th, she was born October 12th, 1893.

She lived on for 21 more years and I most certainly would have had time to ask her questions,  and I didn’t and I was 29 at the time of her passing. I am so sorry about that.

My maternal grandparents lived in Montana I didn’t see them often.

I thought it would be nice to make some of everything I can for  my children.  Hope I will have time.  We think we do but we don’t.

So do what you can to find out the things you would like to know. I am sure if you could ask questions,  on the blog or send pictures of people from the reunion to Gary ask him to put on the blog you will find out who they are or any info you would like to know.

If you choose to do this.

Ginger

Betty J. Poitra

Born: April 23, 1934
Died: February 08, 2016

Send Flowers

BETTY J. POITRA

Betty J. Poitra, age 81 of Dunseith, died Monday, February 8, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Eagleheart Cultural Center of Dunseith.

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Blog (417) posted on April 4, 2009

04/04/2009

Posted on April 4, 2009

Folks,

I didn’t have anything to post today so I snagged these photos from Dewy Morinville’s FB pictures.

Thanks Dewy,

Gary

                         Carl Grimme

                     Joe Morinville

                      Frances, Joe and Toni  Morinville

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Blog (416) posted on April 3, 2009

Posted on April 3, 2009

Reply to yesteday’s picture from Bobby Slyter (70):
Wichita, Kansas

Gary: I too swear that is your dad caring the u.s. flag in that picture, I remember growing up with you guys and always thought your dad needed to gain weight, but then all of you guys where tall and skinny, but I do believe that is him,hope someone can tell us for sure, if its not him like you I think he has a twin.

Bobby, How I wish for those skinny days once again. Age has a way of correcting those skinny days. However, dad never was over weight. He never watched his diet either. He loved his onion and sugar sandwiches too, right up until the time of his death.

Dad did have a twin. Her name was Margaret. Following their birth, their mother died. Dad went to live with Stokes’ and Margaret was sent to Canada to live with relatives. From the time of their separation they did not see each other until they were in their mid 30’s. Gary

Reply to yesterday’s picture from Dick Johnson (68):
Dunseith, ND

Gary,

I thought of saying it, but thought it would be fun to see if you caught
it! It most surely is your dad, everyone who knew Bob can tell by his
stride and glasses etc. One of a kind!

Dick

Dick,

You had me going with that one. Yes, Dad had his own unique stride. I had
totally forgotten he had ever done any parades in Dunseith. Thinking more
about that picture, later in the day after I sent out the daily blog, I
remembered dad telling me he had marched in several Dunseith Parades. The
time frame I remember his telling me this was in the late 80’s and 90’s
when Jack Peterson was still around. Dad was a guy with many friends, but
Jack was extra special. Not long before Jack died, Dad & Jack were in
Dunseith for some kind of a Legion event. At the moment, I have forgotten
the occasion. With dad, nothing ever stood in the way of “Old Glory”, the
American flag. “If Old Glory”, as he called it, “is not welcome, neither
neither am I”. Those were his exact words.

Do you know who the other guy is caring the American flag?

Thanks Dick,

Gary

Question from Cystal Fassett Andersen (70):
Walhalla, ND

Question for Mel Kuhn… Does St. John still have the “Bull-a rama”?? (I think that’s what they called it). If they do could you please send me some info about it? Thanks Crystal

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

To Geri Metcalfe Munro re:

the ‘don’t see”–it is such a pleasure and security to not have the intentially destructive tendencies that WE have been made aware of from the sites of other tragedy.

We do not need the ‘release of tension-expression’ as is tendered in defense of actions when bad things are trying to be justified.

WE just woth work hard.

Many folks want a job, do not work and have no intention of really WORKING, but do want that paycheck.

Geri, I did note that there was 13 items. I AM not superstitious, thanks goodness.

I continue to feast on the bountiful offerings of facts of, about, and toward life that WE get each day, thanks to GARY. Lee 1964

Pictures posted by Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hi Gary, At last I got the Pictures from Liz Miller, She was on Vacation for awhile, and some technical difficulties were overcome. These photos I took at The Nursing home during Mid Fulsebbakes 90th Birthday Party. Unfortunately, these photos were the only ones that turned out.

Mark, Is this Gary Fulsebbake with Dick and Brenda Johnson? Gary

Brenda & Dick Johnson, Gary Fulsebbake?

Message/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe:
 Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I received a note from Pete Solberg a few days ago, identifying the children in the picture with his mother. They are Melissa and Mathew Langor from Perth, ND. I think Pete’s mother was Alice.

I seem to require much more sleep these days, so that’s what I’m doing.  As of today, I’ve received 21 treatments; I have 15 left. Thanks to all the friends/relatives who are praying for me, this has not been a negative experience. All is going well; the doctor says my radiated skin looks “good”. After 4 more treatments, something “good” happens; something about the radiation not going so deep/won’t take as long/something like that. This may sound strange, but being it was good news, I didn’t pay much attention to what was said. I just show up for my daily treatment and let the professionals take care of the rest.

I’ll scan/send the Dunseith news from today’s Courant now.

Neola

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

Hello Gary!

Hope you are doing well. I too enjoy your updates.  Ginger said she keeps obits, important dates and the like in an old address book.  My mom, Hannah Higgins LOEB kept all such things in her copy of the 2007 Dunseith reunion book!! I wish I had more knowledge of all the families that you all write about!  So much info I did not know to ask about, and now she is no longer here to ask.  Same goes for tracing our genealogy!

Best to Bernadette! Am sure you are enjoying those grandbabies!

Karen LOEB Mhyre

Copied from Face Book: Trish Larson with her show horse.
Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):  Livingston, MT

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Blog (415) posted on April 2, 2009

Folks, With yesterday’s blog Bill Grimme has posted the last of the Tickle Pick songs. I have down loaded all 29 songs unto a CD. Surprisingly the recording of these songs turned out pretty good with just a single headed cassette recorder. Kenny Nerpel, you did a great job with what you had to work with, 35 plus years ago, recording these songs.

Thank you Bill for the posting of these songs on your WEB site for our enjoyment. Gary

Jeanmarie (Jean) Abrahamson (65): Denver, CO

Jeanmarie (Jean) Abrahamson (65) called me today telling me she has been on Kidney Dialyses for about 6 weeks now. I was Surprised and saddened to hear that. She said it was like hitting an electric cattle wire on the farm. In spite of this tragic event that has greatly altered her life, she was in good spirits and upbeat. She said her brother Doyle has been helping her a whole bunch. She was very grateful for all that he has done and is doing. Doyle lives about 30 minutes away from her. Jeanmarie told me she weighs about 100 lbs, so she needs to gain some weight and is very disappointed following each of her dialyses treatments with the weight loss.

With the volume of these message, Jeanmarie has opted not to be on the daily distribution of this daily blog, however she does have email and told me she is going to start reading her messages again. Her email address ishealinghorizons@ecentral.com Her phone number is (303) 825-1871

Gary

First cousins – Kenny Nerpel & Jeanmarie Abrahamson – 2007

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND Was surprised to see Dennis and my picture. It was nice to see all at the July 2007 reunion. I drove up from Dickinson that am ,278 miles and returned to home that evening, so I did not have an opportunity to see all I could have. For a moment< I did not know who that fat guy was, I weighed 261 there, I now weigh 211. Have spent many hours the last week shoveling partly cloudy from the park lot, here at the apt and at the motel. Don’t need to go to the rec cntr for exercise on those days. I will for sure go to rec cntr on the morrow for the hot tub and steam. I can still shovel snow for 3 hours without stopping. I have not missed the 100 pounds that I lost over a 3 year period. My friend, Dr Wolf said that if all had the numbers that I have, he would be out a job. There has been many accounts about just how much snow we have received here in Dickinson during the two (2) last blasts; the most accurate is TOO MUCH. SNUF–I see that verbosity has again struck. Lee Sandbagging vidio posted by David Slyter (70): f Sabin, Mn Hi Gary;I got this link to a video of the sandbagging efforts here in Fargo. This is when they first started. It grew to way bigger numbers as far as volunteers are concerned. What plan this turned out to be. Great efforts and kudos to everyone that was helping. ><http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/25/video_fargodome/?refid=0>http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/25/video_fargodome/?refid=0 > Hope it works. Dave Slyter (70)

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,Thanks to Randi Mongeon for the picture of her dad, Armand Mongeon, and
Floyd Dion presenting the flag. I can remember them being part of our
Memorial Day program since the very onset of my memory. Can other school
band members remember how we used to sit on the chairs in front of the
stage ( city hall ) during the program and watch Floyd and Armand stand
at attention (on guard with a rifle) on either side of the stage. They
stood there, without as much as flinching, for the entire duration of
the program! To this day I find it amazing. One other memory of early
Memorial Day programs was when they would introduce the veterans and
tell in which conflict each had served. We had several from WWI–I
believe Alphie Dion, George Albert, and Henry Sunderland were some. The
WWII vets were very well represented as that war had ended just 10 years
or so before the first programs I remember attending. Each year they
named all the Gold Star mothers–those who lost a son in battle. I also
remember how the American Legion and all veterans would march the entire
two miles from the city hall to the cemetery for the last part of the
program and the rifle firing salute. We kids really liked that part and
we got to keep the extracted empty casings that hit the ground. I
remember thinking how they weren’t real careful about where they were
shooting and might hit something. I didn’t yet know about ‘blanks’.
Memorial Day was always a very respectful day. Most people wore their
best clothes and showed their respect for the fallen soldiers and the
veterans in attendance. It was also a big day for the Legion Auxiliary.
They were a main part of the program and served a lunch to the entire
crowd in attendance. Most people who are my age or older, already know
all of what I am explaining. The younger generations may not have been
involved with Memorial Day programs and how important they were to the
community. Each program was filled with speeches, stories of valor,
music provided by both the school band and by individuals, presentation
of awards to the kids for their ‘poppy posters’, and more. The key word
for this entire thought process was / is / should be ‘patriotism’. Let’s
all make an effort this coming Memorial Day to remember how and why we
have all these freedoms we take for granted. Thanks Gary!

Dick

This is a picture from a parade in 1977, Dunseith American Legion
leading the Boissevain Band in Dunseith Parade–Don Johnson was the
Boissevain Band Director at that time.

Dick, The one caring old Glory, the American flag, to the right in front sure looks like my dad, Bob Stokes. If it’s not him, it’s his twin. The facial features, the glasses and the body profile are definitely his. The more I look at this photo the more I’m convinced it’s him. I was not aware that he did any of the Dunseith parades. Maybe Lloyd Awalt can shed some light on this one. Dad and Lloyd Awalt carried old glory, for years, in the Bottineau memorial day parade. Lloyd, is that other guy caring old glory you?

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND

Gary,

We feel these comments are a tribute to the people here in ND:

Geri Metcalfe Munro ’59–Fargo, ND

Someone posted this comment on an article about the Fargo flooding at the Boston Globe website (http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/red_river_flooding.html)


Just a personal observation…as I watched the news coverage of the
massive flooding in the Midwest with the levee’s about to break in Fargo, ND, what amazed me is not what we saw, but what we didn’t see…
1. We don’t see looting.
2. We don’t see street violence.
3. We don’t see people sitting on their rooftops waiting for the
government to come and save them.
4. We don’t see people waiting on the government to do anything.
5. We don’t see Hollywood organizing benefits to raise money for
people to rebuild.
6. We don’t see people blaming President Obama. (Except for Don Marchant, post #30)
7. We don’t see people ignoring evacuation orders.
8. We don’t see people blaming a government conspiracy to blow up
the levees as the reason some have not held.
9. We don’t see the US Senators or the Governor of North Dakota crying on TV.
10. We don’t see the Mayors of any of these cities complaining about
the lack of state or federal response.
11. We don’t see or hear reports of the police going around
confiscating personal firearms so only the criminal will be armed.
12. We don’t see gangs of people going around and randomly shooting
at the rescue workers.
13. You don’t see some leaders in this country blaming the bad
behavior of the North Dakota flood victims on “society” (of course there is
no wide spread reports of lawlessness to require excuses).

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe’s (’70) posting
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

I too have a memory box of sorts.

Mine is written in an address book of which there are very little addresses.

It consists of family names with dates of their births, dates of  deaths, dates of marriages.  Important dates of surgeries,  sickness. Items which were bought with a description of each item and the year they were purchased. Funny things the grandchildren said.

There are items written by my mother , such as our relatives names by families. Unfortunately all are not there in her writings. I tucked these papers inside my address book. I ran out of room in my book so I needed to write the birthdays and other info on separate papers and tuck them in my book as well.

I have kept the eulogies of the funerals I have attended throughout the years.  My mother did the same but unfortunately after her death all were thrown by the siblings who think that that stuff is nothing but junk. My mother hadn’t put them in scrap books and suchlike I haven’t as well,  I guess like a lot of people we too were having it hard so didn’t buy unneeded items.

I sure wish we could have,  it is very difficult to organize items after so many years.  I just hope all my things don’t get thrown when I am no longer around.

I have some totes with cards and the above mentioned in them. I hopefully will have time to complete my task of organizing them before my time comes.

I truly enjoy these kinds of things,  organizing I not always my first priority I have come to realize,  unfortunately.

I love it all !

Until later

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of 65′

Glen Isaac Hiatt

Born: March 01, 1932
Died: January 30, 2016

Glen Isaac (Ike) Hiatt, age 83 of Rolla, died Saturday at a Minot hospital. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.

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

====================================
Blog (414) posted on April 1, 2009

04/01/2009

Posted on April 1, 2009

Reply to the Seim School Picture
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I found the Seim School picture very interesting and another look into days gone by.  One bit of information I might add is about the Olson kids in the picture.  Their father was Bennie Olson who was a brother to my grandfather Henry Olson.  Bennie and his wife Maisie lived on a small place south of Horseshoe Lake in the deep woods.  My dad can remember Bennie coming through the woods in an old pickup from the ’30s and borrowing things from my grandpa Hans Johnson.  They were poorer than church mice and had almost nothing to live on.  I think this was some of the beginnings of the Olson-Johnson linage I inherited.  Dad told me a few stories about Bennie that were interesting but a bit sad in other ways.  Dad was just a young kid and he rode with Bennie in his old pickup to do something.  Dad said he told Bennie that his generator wasn’t charging according to the gauge on the dash so Bennie pulled out his pliers and tapped on the gauge but broke the glass lens so he just bent the needle over so it showed ‘charge’ and then told Dad that that should fix it.  Dad said that even though he was a kid he knew something probably wasn’t all hooked up with Bennie.  One time in the ’70s,  Dad and I were on the very south end of the lake tearing out a beaver dam and I found an old tire along the edge of the creek flowing out of Little Horseshoe Lake,  which is just south of Horseshoe Lake, and I tossed it up on the bank.  I looked at it and saw that the entire side of the tire had been laced with a leather lace like a football.  I asked Dad who would have done that?  He laughed and said the only one down in here that would have done that would have been Bennie Olson.  I hung the tire in a tree because I planned to go back and get it sometime just to have it for kicks but the next time I was down there,  it was gone.

Bennie and Maisie moved to Montana and later divorced.  She was working in Big Timber in the ’60s and we stopped in to see her once.  Bennie ended up being a ranch hand and was a sheep herder in the mountains.

The kids all grew up into responsible productive adults.  We are in touch with Don and Sarah Olson and they have been back here several times to visit over the years.  The last time was a couple years ago when we played at the Hostfest and as I looked out at the crowd, they were sitting near the front and Don was smiling at me.  It completely took me by surprise!  They live in Idaho and he is a general contractor who builds and rents apartment buildings etc.  He looks so much like my mother and my aunt that I can’t miss him even in a crowd.  They are first cousins so the family traits are very evident.  On another trip to the west coast in the ’60s, we stopped in Spokane and visited Beverly but that’s the last time I saw her. She did call me a few years ago just to talk about old times and family but I’m not sure if she is still living.  I don’t know what became of the other sister, Betty.  Thanks for the picture Vickie and thanks Gary for keeping this going for all of us!

Dick

Reply to Teresa Sivertson Delikat’s ‘Proverbs’ post
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Folks, Teresa Sivertson Delikat’s  parents were Lars and Ruby Adams Sivertson. They lived several miles Northeast of Lake Metigoshe. Teresa’s mother, Ruby, was a sister to Irene Stickland, so she is a first cousin to Leland (Lee), Darrel and Dean Stickland.
Gary and friends,

Teresa (Sivertson) Delikat’s  recent #2342 sharing of  ‘Proverbs,  Tapestry  Threads ‘ nailed it!

Through  the Dunseith Blog; classmates, neighbors and friends  have discovered  magical intricacies  woven together.

As a graduating  teen I started with one box of treasures.

When my Dad lost his vision I took to ‘really listening’ to  oral history’.

One box  began to  grow to several  throughout the years.

I  once  truly believed,  I’d   remember each  piece  of  significant data i.e.’Who’s- who’, ‘Where-wheres’ and ‘Whats- whats’ .

Stories;As shared from my Dad, his siblings Metcalfe Aunts and Uncles,  my Mother, and newspaper articles gathered from sources.

The boxes contain  photos,  note slips of paper on family history, mom’s bridal book and her wedding cards,

my Grandpa’s 1875  worn commencement book, scraps of newspaper cuttings.

Alas, some do not have dates recorded!

I wondered? Does any one else  have things like this stuffed away? Through family stories my  parents gave me my piece of  identity.

I was delighted when Ginger shared photo’s and memories of her family. I recalled Dad and Emil Morin discussing many of those names.

So I   continue to be a  keeper of family history. Why?

I want my nieces and nephews to understand their identity and  value connectedness to others.

Whilst visiting last week, with Marie (Eurich) Beachler  regarding  the Seim School photo.

I discovered  she too  keeps a  box! Yippee!

With her permission, I would like to share some  (Eurich /Kraft) family photos from Marie’s box of treasures.

Many Thanks.

Until later, Vickie

Benefit for Duane Sebelius (70)
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Bottineau Chamber of Commerce Community Update  

February 7^th: Benefit for Duane Sebelius – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – BHS Multi Purpose Room – Serving pancakes and sausage – Silent Auction – Free will offering – Sponsored by Bottineau Farmers Elevator, Thrivent Financial & the Good Samaritan Center.

Gary’s comment
I am assuming Duane is having Medical issues? Can anyone fill us in?

====================================
Blog (413) posted on March 31, 2009

Posted on March 31, 2009

Picture posted by Randi Mongeon (68): Chaska, MN

Hi Gary,

I enjoy reading your blog and all the information and history of Dunseith that has been passed around and shared. Your commitment to this is amazing and want you to know you do a great job. I thought I would send a picture of my Dad, Armand Mongeon and Floyd Dionne presenting the colors at the rodeo in Dunseith last summer. They also just presented the colors at the basketball tournament in Dunseith a few weeks ago. It’s Dad’s 86th birthdday on April 1st and he is still working at he hardware store after 60 plus years.

Thanks Gary

Randi Mongeon

Randi, Thank you so much for sharing this picture. Your dad and Floyd are true Dunseith pioneers remembered by most every Dunseith Aluminum. They are and continue to be strong pillars of the community we all came from. They are admired for the strong character values they posses. Our hats are off to both Armin and Floyd. Gary

Armand Mongeon (40)& Floyd Dionne(45)

Posted by Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND

Flooding Photos – Fargo and Bismarck

These are some good pictures of the damage in Fargo and Bismarck, ND

Clic on the link below – Great Pictures

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/red_river_flooding.html

Cemetery report posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Tickle Pink songs posted by Bill Bill Grimme (65): wgrimme@charter.netBirmingham, AL

Gary,

Last nine tracks of Tickle Pink songs are now on the ftp site. Access instructions below:

To download and play the tracks, walk through the following:

Using your browser, navigate to http://webpages.charter.net/wgrimme

You should see a page that looks like this:

If you place the mouse on a track and click the left button, the selection will play using Quicktime, but you will not download the track with this method. To download, place the mouse cursor on the track, click the right mouse button and you will see a pop-up menu. Select “Save Target as….” and you will be taken through the download process to put the track on your computer. From that point, you can play the track with about any music program, such as Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc.

Let me know if you have any trouble.

Bill