8/31/2016 (2428)

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Gary

Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70): St. John, ND

Gary,

I saw that Larry Hackman had a grandson born on Thursday evening. I had a grandson born Tuesday morning in Bismarck by the name of Sawyer Carlyle Kuhn. Mother Paris is doing good but father Toby is a little shaky. I did have a good talk with Sawyer about some old Hillbilly transplants that are now living in Bismarck and what he should look out for. So he promised me that he would look out for any such fellows hanging around the entrance to Wal Mart and such places. Lots of pictures on Facebook.

Mel

Gary’s Comment
Congratulations Mel with the new Grandbaby, Sawyer Carlyle Kuhn.

Larry Hackman’s (70) New Grandson

Gary
Here is a picture of Jack and his two sisters, Izzy, and Anna.
Larry

====================================
Blog (500) posted on June 23, 2009

06/23/2009

Posted on June 23, 2009

Memory of Mr. Jerstad from Cheryl Haagenson (71): Dunseith, ND

Many opportunities have been offered for us all to respond, I usually leave it to those more able to turn a phrase then myself, however…

Chic ( Gene) LaFromboise stopped over to the house a couple weeks ago, he has taken up the fiddle and was needing a little explanation. We began the eternal curse of “old timers” and began reminicing. I wish I could give this to you verbatum I will do my best. He said when he was growing up they lived many places , one of the places was Dunseith. He and several pals were out playing ball in the street when all of a sudden a man came up and started playing with them. This continued for several days, then one day he said, ” We should get a team.” They did just that and began playing baseball. No one paid this man to do this, no one assigned the children to him. No one recruited this man. He was a young man, who saw some kids that needed something to do. In Chic’s words, ” I love that man” the man was Lincoln Jerstad. Since he was the topic for the last couple of days it seemed appropriate to throw this out there.

Cheryl Haagenson

4th of July Memories from Gary Morgan (54): GARRISON, ND

Gary,

Starting the summer after my sophomore year in high school, I would help shoot off the City’s 4th of July fireworks. I think this was a joint venture between the American Legion and the Commercial Club. Anyway, they had to borrow lumber for some of the displays. Bill Fassett always headed up this project and after supper he and another fellow, that first year it was Bob Hosmer, would pick me up and we would go to the lumber yard. Bill would have a list of materials needed….18′ 2x4s for the waterfall, shorter ones for the flag, pinwheels, etc. We would load up the lumber yard truck then drive to the north lip of the Great Northern gravel pit and start setting up. This was hard work because we had to dig holes in the sun baked, rocky prairie to anchor the 2x4s and dig in the metal tubes for the mortars. By the time we got done it would be getting dark but we would have about an hour wait until it was considered dark enough.
Bill would break out a six pack of Hamms and pass it around. To be treated as an equal was pretty heady stuff for me with all of my teenage insecurities. Then we would sit back and watch the traffic on highways 3 and 5 head for Dunseith for the fireworks and/or dance. They looked like long strings of pearls.
This was a magical time for me. As the dusk deepened, there would be a chorus of frogs from the floor of the gravel pit. Occasionally, a bat would flitter by or there would be the peculiar, undulating whoop of a diving night hawk. I would sip my beer and listen to the men tell stories of past 4th of Julys. That interlude before we shot off the fireworks is one of my fondest memories of being a teenager.
When it was deemed dark enough, we would shoot off the fireworks. Two of us would man the mortars. We would have three sizes. One of us fired of the smaller ones and one of us the two larger sizes. There were about as many smaller ones as the two larger sizes put together.
We would alternate between sizes and occasionally st off one of the stationary displays…pin wheel, waterfall, or whatever. If there was a particularly pleasing display, the people would show their appreciation by honking their horns. The water fall always brought a round of honks because by angling the 2x4s out over the edge, the sparklers would fall all the way to the bottom of the gravel pit.
When we ran out of everything, we would set off the flag and that would be the finale.
One year the crowd was short changed on the large mortars. About the third one was a dud. Where we would light the fuse, drop it down the tube and listen for the “Kerchunk” that sent the missile high in the sky to explode in a myriad of colors, this one just lay there. Since no one felt like reaching down the tube and pulling it out, there were no more large mortars that year.
Another year, for some reason, we didn’t shoot them off at the gravel pit. We set up out on Evan’s pasture, 3 or 4 hundred yards west of the old ball field, west of the city park. If not a disaster, this was a mistake. It must have been a particularly dry year because during the performance we had to chase down and stamp out about a half dozen grass fires. The worst part was we didn’t know if one would flare up hours later. It didn’t happen though.
I must have done this for 4 or 5 years. There would be different fellows every year. That first year was Bob Hosmer. Subsequent years there was Edgar Anderson and Junior Melmer that I remember and brother Dick helped one year. Always, Bill Fassett.
I figured I was about the luckiest kid, ever.

Gary Morgan

Bob Stokes

Dad, Bob Stokes, home on furlough before being shipped to the Pacific Theater in WWII for 31 months and 10 days. Gary

Picture taken in the Turtle Mountains 1943

Bob Stokes

Written by Bob Stokes (Service Record)

Fort Snelling Oct. 2, 1942
37308632
Co. B 5oth Engineer Combat.
Basic Training Camp White, Oregon
Invasion of Attu the Aleutian Islands
Christmas Island
Canton Island
Invasion Saipan Island
Invasion Okinawa

After the war was over we went
to Korea as occupational troops
before the Korean War.
We left Korea on a destroyer
for the states, and I was discharged
at Fort Leavenworth
Kansas. Dec. 12, 1945
after 31 months and 10 days overseas.

Note: Dad (Bob Stokes) wrote the above summary of his service record on a piece of paper shortly before his death. This is a period of time he did not want gone unforgotten with his passing. We, his family, found this summary among his personal things, after his death. He had many stories to tell of his war years, overseas, of which we never documented. If only we had recorded some. Gary

Previously posted (73) on 4-11-08

Picture (Bill Fassett) from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

My dad also served as a radio operator during WWII and was stationed on
Espiritos Santos in the New Hebrides. His dad served in WWI(Wilmar H
Fassett) Also, my mother’s biological dad, Russell Rennick served in
WWI in the Balloon company. In this picture, my dad is on the far right
side on the cement. Lots of servicemen——how many never returned
home?? If anyone is ever in SD (the Black Hills) look me up. We can
peruse scrapbooks. Hugs, Susan

Note: Bill Fassett cropped and enlarged in photo

Previously posted (82) on 4/41/08

From Evie Gottberht Pilkington (65):

Hi Gary,

I have attached a picture of my dad taken shortly before he died August 29, 1961. Dad was the creator of Dale’s Jumbo Burger. Henry at Snow White was Dad’s vendor for buns at the time. My Dad was full of big ideas…..it’s one of the things we all loved about him. Jack Hosmer often ordered the Marc’s Special, named after my brother Marc and not on the regular menu, big pancakes covered with lots of butter, peanut butter and white Karo syrup, rolled up before they were served. Dale’s has produced a lot of Dunseith “comfort food” over the years. Anyone ever had the Trucker’s Breakfast, how about the stack of pancakes or those giant caramel rolls made by Charlotte Boguslawski? In the good old days almost everything was prepared from scratch in the kitchen….very few frozen food service items in the 60’s.

Greetings fromCalifornia

Evie Gottbreht Pilkington 1965

Picture taken July 15, 2007
Don Martel (DHS Principle) & Rene Casavant (65):

Darrel Fassett (47)

Gary Stokes & Bill Grimme

8/29/2016 (2427)

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Larry Hackman is a Grandpa
Posting from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Good morning. Just to let you know my daughter Shannon (Hackman) Iszler and Travis have had my grandson.

Jack arrived into the world at 10:47 last night at 7 lb. and 22 inch’s long, at St. A’s Hospital, Bismarck.

The young man is as cute as a button, with a full head of hair.

Mother and son are all doing great. Pictures on Facebook.

Of course I had to hold the little fellow and of course I filled him in on the people in the hills right away, and so I think he is good to go.

Have a good day,

Grandpa

Gary’s Comment
Congratulation Larry. I checked FB, but didn’t see any pictures.

====================================
Blog (499) posted on June 22, 2009

Posted on June 22, 2009

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,Just a few memories of Lincoln Jerstad. He was our superintendent and
also had an afternoon study hall. I will never forget how he started
each and every study hall period—“Alright, let’s all get down to some
good hard work!” He was a ‘no nonsense’ guy and meant what he said.
After I graduated and then went to college in Bottineau, I guess I
thought Mr. Jerstad would always be in Dunseith. When I got to UND-
Grand Forks, I heard that he had become part of the faculty there
working with a program called ‘ Northern Plains Indian Teacher Corps ‘.
I had classes several days each week in the same building where he had
his office so I stopped by and talked with him on occasion. He was
knowledgeable about general university issues and advised me on how to
make things work to my advantage. Of course we had to talk about
Dunseith and what was going on back home. I don’t remember when he moved
to Fargo but it had to be after ’72, I think, because he was there when
I graduated I’m quite sure. Some DHS graduates were in the NPITC program
at UND and received teaching degrees. I wasn’t involved with this
program and have no idea how it functioned, just that Lincoln Jerstad
was involved with it. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picture L to R:
Back: Colette Pigeon, Stephanie Evans, Randine Fuchs, Crystal Fassett, Pennie Kester, Dennis Dion, Holly Myer, Cheryl Kester & Paula Fassett
2nd: Jeff Evans, Bob Mongeon, Randy Flynn, Paul Grossman & Rod Hiatt
Front: Gordon Fuchs, Roxanne Fuchs & Laurie Evans

Picture L to R: July 2007
Tim Hill (68), Brenda Hoffman (68), Mona Dionne Johnson (48), Murel Watkins Hill (50)

Folks, This picture, posted on 3-25-08, was submitted by Dick Johnson. Now that we have more of you folks on our distribution, hopefully we can get everyone identified. Gary

The ladies are Dorothy Fassett [back row], Vida Hiatt,?, Myrtle Olson, Julia Hiatt, Mrs. Grimme [back row],
Mrs. Bogus and Bernadette, maybe Mabel Boardman

Posted on 4/1/08

Picture from Crystal Fassett Andersen (70):

Gary, I thought this would make a lot of people smile. We had such a big confirmation class that year,that we held our services in the Dunseith High School gym. We were certainly an “angelic” looking crew, but the stories we could tell !! Crystal Fassett Andersen

Back: Gary Fulsebakke, Pastor Curt Rotto, Don Berg, Alan Henning, Clark Parrill, Marlys Hiatt, Janice Metcalfe, Vickie Metcalfe, Marlys Medlang, & Crystal Fassett.
Front row: Rodney Medrud, Larry Tooke, Larrett Peterson, Ray Lagerquist, Joanne Millang, Sandra Hagen, Paula Fassett
& Brenda Hill

Prom, I think 1965
Joann Houle (66) & Lee Struck (66)

Picture taken at the Village Cafe in Rolette – July 2007
L to R: Two of the class of 65 finest, Warren Anderson & Margaret Metcalfe Leonard and Me (Gary Stokes 65)

Rendahl Gospel Festival 1999
Susan Fassett Martin (65) & Ole Bursinger

July 1973
Art Henning and Sophie Schneider

8/26/2016 (2426)

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Gary

Reply to Picture posted yesterday
From Gerry Anderson (’61): Spring, TX

Gary. Thank you for the picture of my mother. Rita Anderson in the post

Today. Keep the old pictures coming. Would like to see more of class

Of class of 1961. I left Dunseith after the 10 grade as my parents said

Willow City here I come moved to Jamestown. Again thanks for your

Efforts… Gerry Anderson

Previously posted on 8/27/2013
Rita Carbonneau Anderson’s Obituary
Posted by Cecile Carbonneau Marchand: Kenosha, WI & Clear Water, FL.

Rita C. (Carbonneau) Anderson. 89 of Fargo, ND and formerly of Hankinson, ND, Salem, OR, Jamestown, ND and Dunseith, ND died June 25, 2013. She was a resident of Bethany Homes in Fargo, ND.

In celebration of her life a mass will be offered at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Saint-Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 710 10^th Street South, Fargo, ND with Rev. Father Thomas Padraj officiating. Burial will be in Marion, ND

Rita (Carbonneau) Anderson was born on May 2, 1924, the daughter of Emery and Camille (Labrecque) Carbonneau. She grew up on a farm in the rural community of, then, St. Paul of Tarsus, Bottineau County. She attended a one room school in Lordsburg Township. She continued her eduction at Nortre Dame Academy in Willow City, ND and graduated from high school in Bottineau, ND.

On September 15, 1942 Rita was married to Edgar L. Anderson in Oakland, California while he was serving in the Air Force during WWII. After the war, the couple moved to Dunseith, ND where they purchased the Gamble Store. They also lived in Jamestown, ND, Salem, OR, Hankinson, ND and Fargo, ND.

Rita was an active volunteer with Boy Scouts, Saint-Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and Bethany Homes. She was a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Dunseith, ND and member of the VFW.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Edgar Anderson, her son Mark, her parents and grandparents and her brother Emery.

Survivors include her son Gerald (Gerry) Anderson of Houston, TX., grandchildren Mitch Anderson, Dubuque, IA; Ryan Anderson (Amy) of St. Louis Park, MN; Stefanie Pietrini of Minneapolis, MN; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Tyler; Carol Carbonneau, Bottineau, ND; and sister Cecile Marchand of Kenosha, WI

====================================
Blog (498) posted on June 21, 2009

Posted on June 21, 2009

From Evon Lagerquist (77): Dunseith, ND

Gary, I didn’t receive any message yesterday, Friday, the 19th. Would you mind sending it ? I really enjoy reading them everyday!!! Thanx!

Evon

Folks, I accidentally sent message 493 for Evon’s group to another group, so that other group receive 493 twice. I am limited to 99 folks that can be included with each message, so I have you guys all divided up into multiple groups for sending this daily message. Email providers have daily limits too for the number folks one can send messages too. For that reason I have multiple email addresses of which are all good addresses for sending messages to me. Please let me know if you do not receive a message. That is one of the reason they are numbered. Evon, thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. Gary

Reply to yesterday’s message from Bev Morinville (72): Dunseith, ND

LOL Gary Debbie Morinville is not married to an Azure , I am !!!!!!!!! Debbie is Married to Kenny Marmon

Bev, I Know that, but did not catch that mistake before sending. I previously sent that picture out in March 2007 with that error of which I copied with yesterday’s posting. I am reposting a few of the earlier pictures as I’m going through previous messages, starting from the beginning, capturing the pictures that I lost. Gary

From Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA

Hi Gary,

The picture that Diane Fugere sent in was a great one of the girls. None of you have aged a bit.

Rhonda Hiatt

From LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

Gary, Just a correction on Miss Vivian Hewson. She taught Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Education, and maybe some other classes, but not Home Ec.

Also, I believe Dowayne Goodon is the correct spelling.

Bottineau is in the middle of their 125th anniversary celebration and the Bottineau County Fair. People were really out and about today. Williams and Ree performed in front of a packed grandstand against the backdrop of the Turtle Mountains. What a beautiful setting ! They were hilarious!

Terry and I visited with Don Corbin, a former science teacher in Dunseith. He graduated from Bottineau and is currently living in Mesa, Arizona. I remember when he stepped into Miss Hewson’s Physical Science class on November 22, 1963, and told us that President Kennedy had been shot.

Brady, Terry, and I worked at the Lutheran Fair Stand and really got to see alot of people. It was so busy we didn’t dare leave until two hours after our shift ended. We ran out of most of the food except the famous fried hamburgers with fried onions and homemade pie.

The commemorative rifle was won by Arlan Amsbaugh of Minneapolis, graduate of Bottineau. (Hope I have that correct.)

The parade is Saturday and I believe they are expecting close to 200 entries. The weather is great here in the Turtle Mountains. However, there was a big down pour of rain Thursday evening and Highway 5 was closed between Bottineau and Dunseith because water was running over the road in four places. Today it was about 80 degrees, the rides at the fair were very busy.

LeaRae, Your are so right with the spelling of Dowayne Goodon’s (67) name. Dowayne, I know the correct spelling of your name too and I do apologize.

About miss Hewson, I’ve always had it in my mind that she was a Home Ec. teacher. Vivian gets these daily message via her daughter-in-law too. I never had Miss Hewson for a teacher, but I’ll tell you one thing, meeting her at our class of 65 reunion, I quickly discovered and realized that she is truly a very nice person from the heart. She is such a warm friendly lady with a whole lot of class.

I was in Mr. Lykins typing class when he gave us the news of JFK being shot. Mr. Lykins broke down and cried in front of the whole class telling us the news. Mr. Lykins, I will never forget that day with you giving us the news of JFK being shot.

Mr. Don Corbin was my Biology teacher for half the year, until he took over being principle for Mr. Ed Conroy when Mr. Conroy had his Heart Attack. Miss Dianne Leier was hired fresh out of college to take over some of Mr. Corbin’s classes. She was a great teacher, but being beautiful presented a problem for her with the conduct of a few of the HS boys. Mr. Corbin was firm and had to put his foot down on a few folks. Mr. Corbin quickly gained the respect of those guys putting that situation to bed. I’ll never forget Mr. Corbin approaching me in the hall way letting me know that he thought I could be doing a whole lot better in his class than I was doing. It’s funny how well his little pep talk helped too. In those days the milking of the cows and farm chores were distractions to school studies. Those darn cows had to be milked, twice a day, 365 days a year. There was seldom a vacation from that routine. When I got away from the farm it was such a treat each afternoon at about 5:00 PM, not to have to milk those cows. These changes all happened when I moved west in the fall of 1966.

Question from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Does anyone know when the picture of Lincoln Jerstad was taken? I
remember him very well…

Diane, We lost Mr. Jerstad with his passing on August 8, 2007. He and Phyllis were living in Fargo at the time of his death. Phyllis continues to live in Fargo and she is on our distribution. These pictures were provided by Phyllis before Mr. Jerstad’s passing. These pictures would have been taken in 2002, the year he turned 80.

Putting our class of 65 list together in late 2006 I had the pleasure of visiting with Mr. Jerstad on at least 4 occasions when I called them. Phyllis always asked if I’d chat a bit with Mr. Jerstad. Several of our conversations lasted at least 30 minutes. He loved to talk. His mind was fading with the affects of Alzheimer’s, but he remembered a lot. He did not remember me of which I never expected him to. Even with the sharp mind that he once had, I seriously doubt he would have remembered me even then. I never had him for a teacher and thank god there was never a reason to ever be called into his office. He was our HS Superintendent all the way through HS for me. With our conversations in 2006 & 2007, Mr. Jerstad talked a lot about his teaching days at UND and the programs that he had a strong hand in successfully implementing at the state level. From Dunseith he transferred to UND in Grand Forks. Even though he had been in Dunseith for about, I think, 20 years, his memories of Dunseith had faded some. He remembered Art Rude well though. Gary

Lincoln Jerstad
5/15/22 – 8/8/07

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I thought folks might like to see a graduation program from DHS in
1946. Also attached is a picture of the ’46 high school faculty. Thanks
Gary!

Dick

L-R: Supt. Stearns, Miss Nelson, Mrs. Hall, and Mrs. Berg.

Class of 65 Matrix

Folks, With these two matrixes you can compare the class of 65 as we were in 1965 to how we look today (2007).

Bill Grimme did a fine job putting this together. These two composite pictures were published in the

Turtle mountain Star. Mr. Jerstad Passed on, shortly after we got this all together.

Mrs. Jerstad continues to be on our distribution list. Mr. Conroy and Cliff Henry were the only two deceased when

Bill put this all together. Gary

The way we were – 1965

The Way we are – 2007

8/24/2016 (2425)

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Gary

November 2012

====================================
Blog (497) posted on June 20, 2009

06/20/2009

06/20/2009

Posted on June 20, 2009

Condolences to the Hiatt family from Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

My condolences to the Violet Hiatt House family our prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Picture L to R: July 2007 (Class of 68)
Paulette La Coix, Frank Evans, Randi Mongeon

Picture L to R: July 2007 (Class of 68)
Connie Mellmer, Lola Metcalfe, Brenda Hoffman, Toni Morinville

Picture L to R: Class of 70 folks – July, 2007
Clarence Azure, Bob Mongeon, Crystal Fassett Andersen, Deb Morinville Azure, Colette Pigeon Schimetz, Dennis Azure & Brenda Hill Mueller

Picture (July 2007) from Diane Fugere (75):
Diane Fugere, Denise Hagel, Vicky Johnson, Carolee Casavant, Gail Henning, Debbie Fugere, Laurie Evans, and Diane Hill.

Miss Hewson is still the same nice classy lady that she was in the 60’s, teaching Home Economics at Dunseith HS

Vivian Hewson Dunius

These are four of Dunseith’s finest former teachers that attended the class of

65 reunion. Jess Selzler Hosmer was missing when this picture was taken.

Note: That is actually Bobby Lagerquist standing behind Mr. Lykins with his

Hand on Mr. Rude’s arm.

Picture L to R: July 12, 2007
Dennis Espe, Vivian Hewson Dunius, Art Rude & Bob Lykins

Dennis Dubois (63) & Phyllis McKay (65) – (July 15, 2007)

Barbara (Cathy) Kalk Lopez with her husband Alfred

Picture taken in 1964 or 65:
31 Jim Berube, 23 warren Anderson, 35 Ken Nerpel, 45 Tom Evans, 33 Allen, Houle, 13 Jay Vanory, Coach Gene Hepper, 41 Alan Boguslawski, 21 Mitch Evenson, 25 Dwain Gooden, 15 Carmen Myer, 11 Donald Mongeon, 43 Larry Hackman

With the discussions a few weeks ago about Balute (Boiled egg with un-hatched Chick), I thought I’d throw this picture in too. This is John Bedard taking his first bite. The Filipino’s love this stuff. I think Balute is best eaten in the dark though.

Class of 65 reunion 7/12/07
John Bedard

8/22/2016 (2424)

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Gary

Correspondence between Dick Johnson (68), Mel Kuhn (’70) & Larry Hackman (66)
Posted by Mel Kuhn: St. John, ND

Larry,
I just wanted to thank you for going through all the work getting your class reunion together. It was nice to see those who did attend when we stopped in at the Birchwood. We have our 50th reunion in two years and I’m wondering how many will be interested in getting together? We have lost so many from our graduating class that only about two thirds of us are still living. The classes on either side of us have only lost a couple but we are at about 11 or 12 gone and several more who didn’t make it to graduation and are also now deceased. It will be interesting to see who will show a desire to get something going?

How has your summer been going–outside of the reunion planning? We are getting quite a way along with making hay. We finished the bigger fields and are now doing small fields and some of the pasture that is way too far ahead of the cattle and will only be tramped down when we do put the cows in them. The wet conditions really grew the hay and pasture but also brought with it pink eye and foot rot so I have been darting cows and calves with medication and it never seems to end. I get some on the mend and find more coming down with one problem or another. Oh well, so it goes. Have you been doing any camping this summer? I haven’t read any news flashes about someone stinking up campgrounds by cooking sauerkraut. I sure hope the liberal media will get behind our push to legalize lutefisk!

Dick

Dick
The summer started early this year, and with a early, and nice Spring too, and so it has been a very busy year also. The weather has been great, and so I guess we are trying to do all the things we have been putting off waiting for that perfect day, and them days appear to be upon us this summer.

Time does travel fast when you are having fun and it has been a busy and fun year, so far.

I want to thank you and your wife for coming to our classes (Class of 1966) 50th reunion. It was a pleasure to see you both and we all enjoyed your company.

It is already Saturday and we are back from our recent trip to the hills and camping out at Lake Metigoshe, everything is purity much back to normal around here, again. I finished belt sanding my deck and now I’m waiting for it to dry after yesterdays rain. I hope you had time to finish bailing up your hay before that rain hit. We tried to delay you as much as we could while we were there. After seeing you and you hurrying us off because you wanted to get done, we decided it would be a good time to go over and bother Mel. We were hoping to catch him in the middle of a project too, cuz we are so good at causing delays. While cruising east on #43, I decided to take the back way, showing the boys the way the hills use to look, Driving up to Lake Jensen, and than east, on the north side of Dion Lake, and Lake Upsilon. Almost had to turn around between Dion Lake and Lake Upsilon as part of the road was under water. I was backing up the road and about to turn around, “when this older gentleman came from the east and drove right through the water like it was nobodies business but his”. Well being the adventurous guy I am, I thought if he can do that, so can I and proceeded through that water without spinning a wheel, solid bottom I suppose. But that storm that you were worried about was also threatening this area, and

it was getting mighty windy and dark. That was another reason I did not

want to get caught back in the bush, and with no farms around. While at Upsilon we stopped and surveyed the situation. That storm was fast approaching from the Northeast, and there looked like the tail of a tornado hanging down from them dark ominous clouds that were just a churning. We decided that it was no time to doddle or to go see Mel. Besides we had saw a couple of apple trees and the apples were still green and knew there would be know fresh apple pies at Mel’s place, and so we headed for Dunseith and had jumbos. Sorry Mel maybe next time. However just to let you know, I still have a craving for some fresh apple pie. We left Dale’s after eating and them clouds were starting to threaten the Dunseith area, and so we headed for Bottineau fast. We hit heavy rain west of Dunseith but eventually drove out of it with our tummies full and a smile on our face, and just wondering if Dick Johnson ever finished putting up his hay and if Mel had any apple pies around the house that he wanted to get rid of? Apple pie would have been good.

Just so you know Dick, we stopped at the grocery store in Rugby, and guess what? They had bread made with sauerkraut. Yes I bought a loaf of sauerkraut bread. I cut a slice off that loaf and put it in the toaster.

Now, Dick I’ll let you know, right off the bat , when you open that package the smell of that sauerkraut starts your mouth a watering. Than when you put it in the toaster and that smell starts to circulate throughout the house and into your nose, I tell you that you can hardly wait for that toaster to pop. Put some butter on that toast, and just sit back and let your taste buds go wild, while you bite and chew that toasted sauerkraut bread. The chicken in the bread pan picking lutefisk doesn’t stand a chance.

Have a good day and have some sauerkraut.

Larry
Larry,
I just had me a big old plateful of sauerkraut just the other day. I cooked me up some brats and mixed ’em up together and had me a feed. It was enough for two meals so I got to have some for lunch for two days. For some reason Kathy thought she could smell sewer when she got home. I told her that it must be the way the wind was from. It might have been my wind but she didn’t need to know that. Sometimes that sauerkraut can do that to a person. The next time you come up you’ll have to stop in Rugby and pick me up a loaf of the bread. The apples are ready now. We got one tree in town that’s getting so heavy it’s breaking the branches. I just might be forced to do some apple picking so’s that the little woman can make me up some pies. I’ll let you know how they turn out.

Mel

====================================
Blog (496) posted on June 19, 2009

06/19/2009

Posted on June 19, 2009

Checks are in the mail from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

I have sent electronic checks to Marlene Reing and Bob Hosmer for their raffle winnings. Congratulations to the two of them. Checks should be deliver on or about June 26.

Bill

Violet Hiatt House passed away:

Posted by her daughter Doris House Gillies:

Gary,

I wanted to let you know that my Mom (Violet Hiatt House) passed away Friday evening (June 12, 2009). She was 92. We are planning the memorial service and I will let you know when we get everything finalized.

Doris House Gillies

Doris, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Our condolences are with you and all of your family with her passing. Please keep us posted with her memorial service.

Folks, Violet was the Daughter of George and Eva Hiatt. She was a sister to Leola Lagerquist, Nettie Peterson & Glen (Ikie) Hiatt. Violet I believe was the 2nd oldest of the 12 siblings of George and Eva. Albert (Deceased) was the oldest. I remember Eva well and her brother John Crawford also who lived at Long Lake. Of coarse I knew Albert my entire life too. He lived his entire life in the Ackworth community.

Folks, Doris is on our distribution list. She requested to be on our distribution list when I first got in touch with her. With her very friendly demeanor, I can tell she inherited some of that good ole Dunseith, ND blood. Gary

Hiatt House

Violet

6990 Ironwood Ave

Boise, Idaho, 83709

208-362-1121

Daughter Doris jimdorisgillies2@msn.com

Message from Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND

Hi Gary

I would have been a Dunseith grad in 1955 had I not moved to Devils Lake in
3rd grade. I still would like to hear from any Dunseith classmates that may
remember me so please put me in your blog. Below is a copy of a E-Mail I
sent to Janice after reading your blog. I think it is always good to hear
from old friends even the ones we can’t remember.

LARRY J. LIERE (55)

—– Original Message —–
From: “Larry & Karen Liere” <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:40 AM
Subject: WOW a plast from the past

I received this blog from Carman (Leonard) Richard and what a find. I
also
still have our 1st. & 2nd. grade class picture (some place around here)
The only ones I can still remember playing with are you, Barry Shelver who
was my best friend back then, Bob Hosmer, Arlene and Ann Lamoureaux. I
think Barry is out East some place and now I know you and Bob are out West
but do not know anything about Arlene and Ann. I remember I always
thought
we were related because my mother was a Leonard. I moved to Devils Lake,
ND
in 3rd. grade and was not a happy kid for almost two years. Even at that
young age I missed my old classmates. Even back then Barry and I did a
few
things that could have killed us but I think we are both still here.
Those
were the days. I clicked on Bob’s E-Mail address and nothing would come
up.
If you can forward this to any other classmates please do so.

Hope to hear from you and others.

LARRY (55)

Larry, I am sure many folks will remember you. Being part of the Rolette Leonard family, you come from a family of great relatives. Gary

Reply from Lois Tweten: Helena, MT

Gary,
The Carol Johnson I’m referring too is of the Sletto family. She was
raised at the farm, five miles south from Overly.
She married Richard Johnson in 1959 and his family were from
Minnesota. Her parents were Tilford and Clara Sletto – now both
deceased. In 1973 Clara was killed in a car accident a mile or so from
Rolette. Our mothers were sisters, of the Shjerve family in Barton.
Lois

Lois, The Sletto name is a well known name in the Bottineau community. I see in the 1984 Bottineau Centennial book that Carol is the daughter of Tilford & Clara Sletto. Gary

1984 Bottineau Centennial book index:

Folks, Speaking of the 1984 Bottineau Centennial book, the first copies that were sold did not have an index. I have attached that index that I have in a word document for those of you that have that book. I frequently use the find mode to find maiden names in this index. It’s a handy tool. Do any of you by chance have an electronic copy of the 1982 Dunseith Centennial book index? Gary

Mr. Lincoln Jerstad, DHS Teacher, Principal & Superintendent in the 50’s & 60’s

Alan Boguslawski (65) on his boat in Vancouver, WA

Picture taken 7-12-07 at the DHS class of 65 reunion:
Patty Boguslawski Gottbreth and Carol Allard Buxbaum

Mr Dennis Espe (56), Dunseith JHS teacher in the 60’s & 70’s and his wife Peggy Seim Espe (60)

Dale Gottbreht

Donald Egbert (65)

8/19/2016 (2423)

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Gary

Happy 96^th Birthday Elwood Fauske

Elwood Fauske has a birthday coming up, I believe this Sunday, August 21^st. I think that is what I remember him telling me several years ago. Anyway we want to wish him Happy Birthday.

Elwood was born in 1920 so he will be 96. Neither he or Eleanore look their ages.

Elwood and Eleanore were married in 1942, so they will be celebrating their 74^th wedding anniversary this year too.

Elwood and Eleanore are residence at the Good Samaritan in Bottineau. They are actually doing quite well. Elwood maybe is forgetting a few things but physically he is very mobile. For those of you visiting the area or those of you in the area, please stop by and visit them. They love company.

====================================
Blog (495) posted on June 18, 2009

06/18/2009

Posted on June 18, 2009

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND

Gary
I was talking with a friend today and he said that comparing Brian
Johnson’s backhoe skill with a surgeon may get him to start
charging the same price as a Doctor does for surgery. I told him not to
get his hopes up, Brian would never drop his prices that low.

Lois Tweten is a cousin to my wife Suzy. Eleanor Tweten Mattson is my
mother-in-law and still lives on the old Tweten Hereford Ranch south of
Rolette. Not sure if I have met Lois, but there have been a number of
family reunions at the old farm, so there is a possibility that I may
have met Lois at one of those.

Folks, Lois Tweten is the lady Bev Morinville Azure met at the Log House several weeks ago. We had a nice reply from Lois posted with yesterday’s message. Gary

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Gary, just a note to let you know,wheather it’s not getting the numbers correct, misspelling of a word(which I do all the time…but close “enuff” LOL) wrong idendification of someone…all in all you do a FANTASTIC,job,and can say with certainty that’s the overall consensus by all your readers and responders….So a BIG THANK YOU! FOR ALL YOU DO! Take Care and God Bless….Aggie

Aggie, I realize that and that is why it doesn’t bother me. What you said applies equally well to everyone that contributes. We all have a tendency to read right over our own mistakes. One is also more inclined to catch their mistakes with a proof reading a day or so later. Then it’s too late if the message has already been sent. Thank you so much for the nice comments. Gary

Reply from Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA

Reply to Aggie:

That was a great memory. Your along way from being Mrs. Freddie Krueger but that is the one thing I have always remembered of that night, and I still laugh when I think of it as I can still see you standing there with that knife. That had to be the busiest night in any resturant that I had ever worked at. The place was insane. Maybe that’s why I don’t like doing dishes.. lol

To Debbie Slyter:

I loved your poem. You really did capture everything about your Mom in it. I can see why she was so proud.

To Larry Nagel:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Rhonda Hiatt

Folks, I totally overlooked and did not notice the attachment with Andrew LaVallie’s obituary included with Mark Schimetz’s message yesterday. I am reposting Mark’s message to include Andrew’s obituary.

Again folks, and I stress, please let me know if I have missed something. I use Outlook Express to manage all of my email. Outlook Express displays a paper clip in the upper right corner if there is an attachment. I don’t always notice that paper clip so I’ll miss the attachment.

Thank you Mark for providing this. I did not personally know Andrew, but I can tell with all the correspondence, he was a great guy. I know his family and friends will dearly miss him. Gary

Tribute to Andrew LaVallie from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hello, Gary,

A bit of History has been posted for Andrew C. LaVallie, I remember first meeting Andrew, it was on his return from Viet Nam. Dennis, Dallas and I would go over to his house on the east side of Main street to bug him, just for something to do. One day we caught him tilling the garden, he didn’t hear us call him so I sneaked up on him and grabbed his leg just above the boots and growled like a mad dog. Man! was that a mistake, He went into a defensive mode, legs and arms flying all over the place, while I was scratching dirt with all fours trying to get away from that whirlwind… Dallas and Dennis laughing their heads off, and Andrew, after shouting a few expletives after me as I was doing my best to escape the onslaught, Started laughing himself. I was patiently warned never to do that again. I was 14 at the time. After I had gotten to know Andrew better and he shared with us some of the crap that he was in, we learned to respect the space of homecoming soldiers.

Andrew LaVallie was a dear friend, a brother at arms, and is sorely missed, and so it will remain for the rest of my life.

I am sure this will remain true, for his family, friends and fellow soldiers who had shared their lives with this Honest, Honorable and Patriotic man.

Andrew did not quit serving his country when he left Vietnam, nor did he stop helping fellow Soldiers. Andrew belonged to the American Legion in Dunseith and the VFW in Belcourt. He was active in both Veteran Organizations, until the day he faded away.

Farewell My Friend, Farewell My Brother,

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56): Auburn, WA

The first boy in the back row is Vernel (sp??) Hill, then Bruce, Wayne Klang, Kenny Hill, a Bottineau boy ( that was their last name), Wally Hiatt, Mike McAtee, Eugene Parisien (sp??) Raynor, etc.

Middle row, Bob Hosmer, Arla Klang, ?Wallbank from San Haven, Eleanor Burke raised by Betty Schneider’s family, Arline, Ann, Clarice Rohr, Ellen Parisien, Gayl, and last is Larry Lear.

Front Row Elaine, a Bottineau girl, sister to the boy in the back row, Lois, Janice, the next girl maybe a Tennacore ???, and then Marjorie Landsverk.

Hey and to put a plug in for Jerry Williams’ class reunion, hope to see lots of “our group” there.

Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

What a cute photo of the 1944 kids! I always love to see photos of my cousin Elaine Watkins when she was a little girl – she was awfully cute! I’m thinking it’s too bad that Elaine isn’t around to see this photo. She had her disabilities, but there was nothing wrong with her memory and I’d bet my hard earned paycheck that she would be able to identify each and every kid in that photo!!

Paula Fassett

Reply from Bob Hosmer (56): Lynnwood, WA

Hi Bonnie,

Thanks for filling in the gaps. You have a much better memory than I do of those early day classmates of ours. Perhaps others can fill in more gaps. Those were the days, eh?

Bob

Bob Hosmer, WA Chaplain
Marketplace Chaplains USA
Cell: 425-299-0928
Email: Website: www.MChapUSA.com

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Note: Dick, I copied the names from your photo and used Bob’s picture for posting. Gary

Gary and Friends,

The picture of the grade school class, sent by Bob Hosmer, was from
the school annual from 1945. I am sending it so those who were unknown
can be identified. I think Bob has an original glossy picture that each
of the kids would have received. The picture in the annual is no where
near as clear as Bob’s picture. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Third Row: Vernolle Hill, Bruce Poeppel, Wayne Klang, Kenneth Hill, John Bottineau, Wallice Hiatt, Michael McAteo, Eugene Parisien, Raynor Lilleby, Barry Shelver, Miss Thelma Ege, Teacher

Second Row: Bobby Hosmer, Arla Klang, Patty Myrhow, Eleanor Burke, Arlene Lamoureaux, Ann Lamoureaux, Clerice Rohrer, Ellen Parisien, Cayl Bedard, Larry Liere.

First Row: Elaine Watkins, Geneiveive Bottineau, Bonnie Awalt, Lois Hiatt, Janice Leonard, Nancy Ovitt, Marjorie Landsverk.

Folks, with the upcoming cruise I thought I’d throw this picture in with today’s message. Bernadette worked for Zales Jewelry for a number of years and was constantly one of the company’s top national sales associates. In 1995 she earned this totally all expense paid Bahamas cruise for both of us, compliments of Zales. We had previously been on three Holland American cruises too. Two Caribbean and one Mexican. Gary

Bernadette & Gary Stokes

James & Mildred Fulsebakke Family:
Back: Gary Mid & Jim
Front: Jim Jr. Joel & Shelly

Dinner Raffle ticket Winners:

Marlene Reing is the lucky winner of the Beef (Steak) dinner and Bob Hosmer

is the lucky winner of the Chicken Dinner. Marlene Reing is Debby Stokes’ sister.

Debby is my brother Darrel’s (Bud’s) wife. Marlene and her husband Oliver live in

that beautiful home across the road to the north from the Bottineau fair grounds.

Another interesting thing too is that Marlene and Oliver’s daughter, Marlee, is

married to Jim Fulsebakke Jr. (75). Marlee and Jim live in Bottineau.

I think most of you know Bob Hosmer (56). Bob lives in Lynnwood, WA. Gary

8/17/2016 (2422)

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Gary

Elise Overvold, Former Dunseith Teacher passed away
Message/Obituary posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends

I recall Elise taught kindergarten at Dunseith School.

I also believe she attended NDSU-Bottineau Branch.

She was ever so fond of cats.

Vickie M.

Elise Overvold

Aug 14, 2016
Elise Overvold passed away on Aug. 11, 2016, surrounded by family. She was 63 years old. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, with the Rev. Ron Hildahl officiating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Elise was born in 1952 in Devils Lake. She was the oldest of four children born to Lloyd and Orriet Overvold. She attended elementary school in Devils Lake, Crary, Churches Ferry, and graduated from Belcourt High School in 1970. Elise became a teacher and taught for 27 years in various North Dakota schools.

Elise was an avid cat lover. She considered her cats as family. She raised eight cats over many years. She was a talented crocheter and bargain hunter.

Elise is survived by two sisters, Charlene Overvold and Doreen Overvold-Strode; one sister-in-law, Sheila Overvold; and one niece and five nephews and their families.

Elise was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Orriet Overvold; and one brother, Paul Overvold.

Please go to www.BuehlerLarson.com to share memories of Elise

====================================
Blog (494) posted on June 18, 2009

Posted on June 17, 2009

Folks, Yesterday’s message should have been 490 not 480. I seem to be having trouble keeping up with the numbers. Gary

Raffle Pass Word:

Folks, Bill Grimme also saved the reunion dinner, password protected, raffle file to a 2003 Excel version that he sent to me that I have attached along with the 2007 Excel version we posted yesterday. For some of you that were not able to open the 2007 version, you may be able to open the 2003 version.

The password is all lower case: reunionalaska

Once you open the file please note the 3 folder tabs at the lower bottom left of your screen.

The 3 folders are: Raw Raffle Data, Chicken Draw & Beef Draw. The winner listed in the Chicken draw folder is number 29. The winner listed in the Beef Draw (Steak) is number 21. I will copy and paste these two files at the bottom of tomorrows message highlighting the winners.

Bill put all the names into these files and let the computer mix them all up. Then he numbered them in the order the computer laid them out. He then asked Bernadette and me to select one number for each of the draws before releasing the password to anyone. He wanted the file sent out before we gave him our number choices of which we did yesterday. Now he has given us the password to see who the winners are. Leave it to Bill to devise a fool proof system of this nature that really works.

Thanks again Bill, for your generosity in doing this raffle.

Gary

From Debbie Wenstad Slyter (72): Dunseith, ND

Gary, I had to comment on Vickie’s Metcalf’s message regarding the story of hands. Mom in her later years was always looking at her hands and commenting about how wrinkled and blue they looked, I would always see her looking at them. Well I wrote a poem put it a frame and gave it to her one day and she was so proud she had to show everyone. Last year Mom passed and they read the poem at her funeral, my tears started flowing from remembering how proud she was upon receiving it. Anyway I thought I would share it:

Debbie’s Mother Elberta:

Elberta Wenstad

DUNSEITH – Elberta Mariah Wenstad, 81, Dunseith, died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in a Rolla hospital.
She was born Aug. 15, 1926, to John and Mildred Anderson in White Earth. She married Oscar Wenstad Jan. 18, 1945, in Dunseith.
Survivors: daughters, Connie Turner, Boissevain, Man., Bobbi Wenstad, Minot, Deborah Slyter, Dunseith, Donna Wenstad, Amado, Ariz., Pamela Lane, Stoughton, Wis.; sons, Arlan, Lansford, Donald, Overly, Curtis, Rolette; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Milton, Palo Cedro, Calif.
Funeral: Thursday, 10 a.m., Peace Lutheran Church, Dunseith.
Burial: Later in Rendahl Cemetery, rural Dunseith.
Visitation: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau, ND)

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (48): Lake Metigoshe, ND

Gary: Yes, my son Brian C. Johnson, works at State Bank of Bottineau,
and is married to Lynette Geiszler. They have two sons.
Our family moved to Bottineau in Aug. ’65.
Mona Dionne Johnson ’48

Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

Congratulations to all the Awalt couples. What a great picture and how lucky to all be able to get together. Also, I love the picture of the Dennis and Mary Striker family in front of their log cabin.

And to Vickie Metcalf, what a lovely and moving story. Thank you.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,Mark Schimetz is right, Garrett Myer had a red ’60 Pontiac
convertible. The one in the parade is a ’61 however and after pondering
today, I think it belonged to Marty Spriggs, our history teacher. I’m
pretty sure it was his. He was one cool teacher! He never raised his
voice but there was no question in my mind that he was there to teach
and we were there to learn. The only way we could get him off the
subject matter was to ask a question about something to do with Viet
Nam. He had just returned from a tour of duty before he came to teach in
Dunseith and it was still fresh in his mind. I think he is on the
mailing list for this Alumni site so maybe he can tell us if it was his
car. I have one short story about Garrett’s ’60 Pontiac convertible. Dad
sent me to town with a truck load of wheat in the fall of 1963. It was
late one night in about September and the highway north of Dunseith had
just been rebuilt and was still gravel until it could be paved the next
spring. Anyway, as I was coming down the San Hill at dusk, I could see a
cloud of dust and two cars racing north out of town, side by side. They
got closer and closer and neither was backing off! I just put the old
’51 GMC in the middle of the road and one went past on each side!
Garrett in his Pontiac convertible and big Russell Pigeon in his new
silver blue ’63 Ford convertible. To say the very least, those guys
scared the living daylights out of me. I was just 13 years old and had a
full load of wheat on the truck on one of my first trips to town, to the
elevator. Quite a maiden voyage and one not easily forgotten! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Lois Tweten: Helena MT

Folks, Lois, originally from the Rolette area, is the lady that Bev Morinville Azure met at the Log House in Dunseith several weeks ago. When Bev told her about us, she requested to be on our distribution list. Lois, it’s a pleasure adding you to our list and thank you so much for this reply. I’m sure that many of our readers will remember your family and you too. Gary

Hi Gary & Bev,Bev it was so nice to meet you. As I said before you’re the perfect
person to work there as you are so friendly and gracious and made me
feel like I was coming home! And to think your folks remembered the
accident.

Gary, thanks for the blogs. I had planned on visiting with Neola
Kofoid at the 125th.
I did go to Botno to the museum, but my time was limited. What an
awesome place. My brother Ken (or in ND, called Johnnie) Tweten (he’s
not related to the Johnnie Tweten from Willow) and I put together a
frame with a picture of my dad, Kenneth William Tweten, with articles
of the jalopy accident that killed him on
10-3-48 at the Botno fairgrounds. We were there, as were Bev’s parents.

We had both planned on, and had motel reservations, to go to Botno
this weekend for the 125th celebration but other plans came up and we
are not able too. Johnnie did go back for the 50th high school reunion
last year. I graduated in 1959 from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in
Fergus Falls MN.

No I’m not the Lois from Grand Forks….I’m Lois Ann Tweten (returned
to my maiden name some years back), 907 N Washington St in Helena MT.
I have lived here for 30 years and retired from the MT State Health
Dept as an accountant for the Special Children’s Services five years
ago. So since then I enjoy traveling around, thus the trip to ND with
my brother. Carol Sletto Johnson, 5 miles S of Overly is my lst
cousin and I stayed with her. Also the Tweten Hereford Ranch was 2
miles S of Rolette that my Aunt Eleanor Tweten Mattson lives on now.
So it’s the Mattson, Follansbee, Martinson’s that are my clan in the
Rolette area. Many of my Mom’s (Ann Shjerve Tweten Skjervem-now
deceased), relatives are in the Rugby/Barton area.

Will chat later, in “coming home” friendship, Lois Tweten

Lois, you mention Carol Sletto Johnson being you cousin. We had a teacher at the Ackworth country school in the hills, Mrs. Floyd Phelps, who’s maiden name was Johnson originally from the Overly area. She was our teacher for 4 years. Her brother who’s name I believe was Kenneth used to visit her during school hours and would always bring treats for us kids. I believe they had another brother that lived in the Overly area too. Which Johnson family does Carol belong too?

Replies from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

To Roddy Hiatt, Hey you mentioned your Bottineau Reunion,and that Ronald Reke, Marlys Zorn,you and Brian Johnson attending…be sure to get lotza pictures and post them…Gotta love those pictures.

I’m happy that theirs at least one Hiatt out there that has good memories of me, Boy Rhonda really tore me up like I was Mrs.Freddy Krueger…LOL. But not all. is lost, my sister Kathy just e-mailed me and she thoughts Rhondas story was halairious . She said,she was laughing so hard her husband Larry had to come and see what was going on…So I’m all for a good laugh….. Thanks Gary

Hey Rhonda,It had to of been the same night you and I are talking about cuz I only cooked one night. I remember the thing about American Fries,but the knife things a bit baffling as I have a major phobia about knives, to this day I don’t keep them in the house. I hate looking at them or handling,they just totally creep me out…Who knows maybe I’ll end up on Dr. Phil on his next phobia show..LOL. Well It was good hearing from you…..”CHEESY RIDER”…… God Bless& Take Care…. Aggie

Tribute to Andrew LaVallie from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Hello, Gary,

Andrew LaVallie was a dear friend, a brother at arms, and is sorely missed, and so it will remain for the rest of my life.

I am sure this will remain true, for his family, friends and fellow soldiers who had shared their lives with this Honest, Honorable and Patriotic man.

Farewell My Friend, Farewell My Brother,

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN

Bobby Hosmer,

I am slow to answer Bob’s picture from our 1st grade class. Great picture Bob and I do know some of these people.

Row 1: Elaine Watkins, (?) Bonnie Awalt, Lois Hiatt, Janice Leonard,

Row 2: Bob Hosmer, (?), (?), (?) Arline Lamoureux, Ann Lamoureux, (?), (?), Gayl Bedard, (?)

Back : (?), ( Bruce Poeppel ?) (?), Kenneth Hill, (?) Wallace Hiatt, (?) (?) Raynor Lilleby, Barry Shelver, Miss Egge

Thanks Bob for sending in the pictures……… Hope to see you in South Dakota in August. Bring the pictures!

Bonnie Awalt Houle

Bonnie, I’ll bet we’ve got some folks that can identify some of the others too. I see lots of familiar names with those you listed. Gary

Back : (?), ( Bruce Poeppel ?) (?), Kenneth Hill, (?) Wallace Hiatt, (?) (?) Raynor Lilleby, Barry Shelver, Miss Egge

Row 2: Bob Hosmer, (?), (?), (?) Arline Lamoureux, Ann Lamoureux, (?), (?), Gayl Bedard, (?)

Row 1: Elaine Watkins, (?) Bonnie Awalt, Lois Hiatt, Janice Leonard

Bottineau Q-Centennial parade route posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Everyone,

This is the parade route for Saturday (starts at 10:30).

As you can see, the parade starts at the “fairground corner”. The first “jog” to the west is the street where, in the OLD days, Vikan/Haugerud Garage was on one corner; Cosette’s Texaco (I think it was Texaco.) gas station was on the corner across the street. As you can see, the parade proceeds west for two blocks, then turns south for one block, then back to Main Street. This jog “takes” the parade in front of St. Andrews Hospital. The parade then proceeds to Highway 5, turns east, crosses the railroad tracks, turns north on Nichol St. (Novodorsky’s Electric is on the north corner.) for one block, then turns east again. When it turns east, it will pass by the front of Good Samaritan Nursing Home. It ends at the city park, where there will be a picnic at noon. If you have registered for the celebration, the picnic is included in your registration.

Neola

8/15/2016 (2421)

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Gary

Photo: Joe and Joyce Evans…Don and Bernice Johnson & Floyd and Luella Dion
Reply From Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ.

Gary, I just returned from a short visit to Dunseith and Lake Metigoshe. I just want to remark about the picture of Joe and Joyce Evans…Don and Bernice Johnson, Floyd and Luella Dion. All of these folks were the best of friends of mine starting at a very young age, and through my aging process. They gave me friendship unmatched in my experience. This photo is a treasure to me, and I thank you, Sir.

Bill Hosmer

====================================
Blog (492) posted on June 16, 2009

Posted on June 16, 2009

Dinner Raffle tickets:

Folks,

Bill Grimme told us months ago his plans to raffle off one free Steak dinner and one free Chicken dinner, out of his own pocket, for those signed up to go to the Dunseith Seattle reunion being held at the Best Western Hotel in Seattle on July 24th. To be included in this Raffle his cut off date was to be signed up by May 31st, with payment. He actually used the post marked date of the letters to determine when folks signed up. With a previous message he gave a time line for the number of entries each person would have in the raffle based on when they signed up. Those who signed up early got 5 entries and those that signed up near the end of May I believe got one entry.

Bill has let the computer mix all the folks numbers up in the attached pass word protected spread sheet that were signed up prior to May 31st. Bill has asked Bernadette and me to pick two numbers for this raffle.

Our number selections are:

For the Steak Raffle we picked number 21 (Steak)

For the Chicken Raffle we picked number 29 (Chicken)

When Bill sees this posted today he will send me the pass word to the attached file so we can all open it up and see who the winners are. I am excited to see this spread sheet that Bill put together too. We realize that not everyone will have the capabilities to open this spread sheet, so we will be posting the winners as well.

Thank you Bill for this very generous gesture. You are always one step ahead with all of your generosities.

Gary

From Bill Grimme:

Gary,

Here is the raffle sheet for the reunion dinner. Remember, I promised a raffle for a chicken and a beef dinner for all who paid before May 31 (postmark date). I think we are safe to run this now, since the checks I am getting are all postmarked in June.

So, here is how it works:

I have divided the electronic raffle tickets into a chicken and a beef raffle. I sorted the entries in each raffle using the random function of Excel. There are 86 chicken entries and 70 beef entries. Please send the attached workbook out in your daily email distribution. Then, if you or Bernadette will select 2 numbers, one for the Beef raffle (1-70) and one for the Chicken raffle (1-86), that will be the drawing. After you send the 2 numbers (one between 1 and 70 and the other between 1 and 86) and the Excel workbook out to everyone, I will send the password for the workbook and everyone can check the winners (of course we will transmit the winners, also, but everyone having the workbook and then numbers is a quality check). Good luck, all.

Bill

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary
Wrong Brian Johnson! My classmate was Chuck and Mona’s boy. They lived
at the San Haven and Brian was the oldest of 4 boys. I believe the
others are Craig, Kevin and Ross.
The other Brian, is also a good friend, but knowing him, he would surely
tell you that he is not nearly as old as I am. He owns and operates
Johnson Hoe Service in the area. He does a lot of work around Lake
Metigoshe and is as good on a Back Hoe as most surgeons are with a
scalpel. He did some work for me up at Long Lake a number of years back.
I got up there before 7 and he had already had an hours work done. He
mentioned that the neighbors might not be happy, but it was daylight and
time for them to get up anyway. He seemed to make friends like that all
the time!

Rod, I should have known Mona’s boy Brian was the Brian Johnson in your class. When I was putting your class list together I was thinking the Brian in your class was Lester/Marian’s boy until I got in touch with Mona’s Brian who I found listed with your age group living in Bottineau. He too is on our distribution list. I believe he works at the Bank located on Thompson street across from the creamery in Bottineau. Mona or Brian, have I remembered all this right? A little common sense would have told me that Lester/Marian’s Brian was not that old. Lester & Marion purchased Lester’s dads farm located 1.5 miles, the way crow flies, west or our place in 1961, the year I started high school. Loren was the oldest followed by Linda. Loren was 3 years younger than me and I believe Linda was in my brother Darrel’s class (70) five years behind me. The rest of the siblings were all younger. At the time I knew the whole family well, but being away from them for nearly 44 years, memories fade. Lester used to bring the kids to our house to catch the bus. Lester Johnson celebrated is 80th birthday about 4 years ago. As far as I know he’s still working for Ron Bergman at the Bottineau J.C. Penny store as a small engine mechanic. Ron Bergman, I’m not sure if you manage to read all of these messages, but if you do, is Lester still working for you? Gary

Question from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

Rod,
When will you be having your reunion? I would love to see Ron
Rieke…haven’t seen him years. Last I heard he owned a computer type
company and lived in Texas with a couple of kid and his wife….Diane Larson Sjol

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND

Gary, Garrett Meyers had a 1960 or 1961 Red Pontiac Convertible, I wonder if that isn’t Garrett Driving ?

Reply from Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA

Reply to Aggie C.

You know the night about Dale’s, some of that sounds familar and if it wasn’t me that night then we had another night just about like it. The place was crazy, crazy packed and you were trying to keep up with the orders and ran out of I think it was American Fries and I was waiting on tables and all of a sudden you hollered out “NO MORE AMERICAN FRIES” and everyone just stopped and looked at you and you were standing there with this huge knife in your hand which I think you then stuck into the counter.

I looked at whoever was at the table and said “Don’t order those”. That might have been the same night because I also remember after we closed, every table had dirty dishes and we were there well past midnight cleaning everything up. The other person I loved working there with was Brian Schimitz. He was like the best cook. He was doing some hard cleaning behind the grill one time and he looked underneath it for some reason and there was a skeleton of a frog under there.

Rhonda Hiatt

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Goodmorning Gary, The pictures of the Fauske family is exactly how I remember them all. My sister Maryann and I were best friends with Carol, Beth,and Arlinda. Beth was in Maryanns grade,Arlinda and I were in the same grade,and Carol was in Aime and Geralds grade. Maryann and I use to do overnites at Fauskes now and then. I loved staying there cuz Elwood and Eleanor were always so nice to us,made us feel so special.That whole family still holds a pretty special place in our hearts. Just a truly beautiful family inside and out. Well gotta go, it’s 6:00a.m. I’m headed to the coast on some quick business and have to be back for work tonite,so I’ll talk to you all another time. Have a Great Day Gary, Aggie

Aggie, I’m sure you realize that Rod Hiatt is a first cousin to the Fauske siblings with his dad Howard Hiatt and Eleanor Hiatt Fauske being brother/sister. Gary

Message/Picture from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): Becker, MN

Dear Gary,

On the third of June all the Awalt Children headed for a Lake Home near Lincoln Nebraska. For 5 days we celebrated together, reminisced about the younger years, and completely enjoyed the company of our siblings. We feel so fortunate to have all of our Brothers and Sisters and their spouses still alive.

We have been married a total of 367 years:

Lloyd and Theresa…60 years, Eleanor and Leonard…60 years, Marshall and Joan 50 years, Emma and Garry…55 years, Bonnie and Keith…52 years, Bill and Eunice…48 years, John and Gerri…42 years. Our Parents John and Gertrude Awalt were married over 60 years before they entered into eternity. They taught us Love, Fidelity, Perseverance, and Devotion to children and family. What a blessing was handed down to us from our Parents.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

back row: Garry Jolliffe, Keith Houle, Leonard Stickland, Lloyd Awalt, Marshall Awalt

middle: Emma Jolliffe, Bonnie Houle, Eleanor Stickland, Theresa Awalt, Joan Awalt

Front: Bill Awalt, Eunice Awalt, Gerri Awalt, John Awalt

Awalt	Lloyd	1025 Main St	Bottineau, ND 58318	(701) 228-3268	lata@min.midco.net	44
Awalt Stickland	Eleanor	1 Longview RD W	Bottineau, ND 58318	(701) 263-3366	lenlnor2@srt.com	47
Awalt	Marshall	369 Danny Garner Rd	Newport, NC 28570-6725		mandj@ec.rr.com	51
Awalt Jolliffe	Emma Jean Gary	2452 E Morelos St	Chandler, AZ 85225	(480) 792-9221		54
Awalt Houle	Bonnie	16809 127th St Se	Becker, MN 55308	(763) 262-3534	houle@izoom.net	56
Awalt	Bill	1331 Silver Ridge Rd	Lincoln, NE 68510	(402) 327-9403	Wdawalt@webtv.net	61
Awalt	John	11433 Quinn St NW	Minneapolis, MN 55433-3636	(763) 755-5691C612-812-6289	gerriawalt@mac.com	65

Message/pictures form Ken Striker: Dayton, OH.

On June 13th a Striker Reunion was held in Berne Indiana. It was attended by Marlene Striker of County R.43 Dunseith, her children Deane Striker of Dunseith and Donna Striker Robinson of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and Donna’s son Trever Lund of Minneapolis. See a picture of them and also a couple pics of the area where Wm Elmer Striker was born. Wm Elmer Striker s/o Mathias Striker homesteaded at Rolette Co ND/Dunseith in April of 1900. The other picture is Connie Striker Wright of Sacramento. She is d/o Rev Dale Striker s/o Charles Ernest Striker who homesteaded in 1907 at Bucyrus, ND. Ken Striker of Dayton, Ohio

Picture 1427 that I sent was taken at Swiss Village, an area of buildings typical of earlier history of Berne. Wm Elmer Striker was born a few miles due north from Swiss Village. I am sending a picture of the log cabin where Mathias Striker and later Dennis lived. Dennis was a younger brother of Mathias. Ken Striker of Dayton

Folks, I learn something new everyday. Doing a little research I see that Marlene Espe Striker is a daughter of Art/Effie Espe and also a sister to Monte. Effie was really active with the 4-H and Monte too. Monte, I had no idea that you are an uncle to the Striker kids. You guys are pretty close in age too, so that kind of threw me also. Monte, your mother was right in there with you and your 4-H projects. I think your mother was involved with my mother and the girls too. I remember being at your house numerous times with 4-H involvement. Mary Ann Hagen, Dorothy Lamb, Marion Johnson & Eleanor Fauske were also 4-H leaders for the girls at one time or another too. We boys had Orvin Hagen all the way through. I believe he was with the Mountaineers 4-H club from start to finish. I’m not sure how many years that was, but it was a bunch. My mother along with Mary Ann Hagen and I think Dorothy Lamb started that club. I remember their first organizational meeting being at the Hagen’s at which time they discussed asking Orvin if he’d volunteer to be the leader for the boys. Orvin accepted the challenge and was one of the best leaders we could have ever hoped for. Many of you folks out there were members of the Mountaineers 4-H club. I believe at one point we had more than 50 members. We were huge. Our primary meeting place was at the Ackworth school. We actually learned a whole lot through our 4-H projects. Gary

Picture L to R:

Deane Striker, Donna Stiker Robinson, Trever Lund & Marlene Espe Striker

Folks, Vickie Metcalfe (70) included me with this message she sent to Kith and Kin Metcalfe that I’d like to share with you. Vickie, as we all know, has provided us with some wonderful stories and memories of the past. She’s a beautiful writer. I always look forward to getting messages from Vickie. Gary

Kith and Kin

This FW was sent to me by Laverne Christenson, our Metcalfe connection in Winnepeg, Canada. Reading it and looking at the photo of the hands I remember my mom’s hands. She treasured the wedding ring on her left hand never took it off, continued to wear it after our dad died…. Until the stroke ravaging her body resulted in swelling fingers and required the ring removed. That ring was causing pain in her hands but she only agreed to have it removed when I reassured her by getting a gold chain so she could wear Dads ring close to her heart which she did the rest of her life.

Mom got her nails polished and manicured every week upon entering Good Sam. They looked more beautiful then as they were well taken care of by the wonderful aides. Cyndy and I were ……..AMUSED one day when one “old bat” said clearly and very loudly to others at her table commenting spitefully about our mothers hands. “Just look at Mrs. Metcalfe’s hands, you can tell that woman never did a lick of hard work in her life!”

Cyndy and I just smiled and in silence…thought…..”Mom’s hands?” “those hands milked cows, picked rocks and sticks, delivered baby lambs, helped Art Seim and dad pull calves having tough hard delivery, planted, hoed and tended massive gardens, picked berries, canned, washed and hung clothes, cleaned calf pens, mended fences by carrying posts along with Alcide,Ward, us kids and dad, butchered and cleaned chickens, cleaned barns and chicken coops,chopped wood, carried water, scrubbed floors, cut hair for family and neighbor friends, permed neighbors hair, nurtured and nursed baby calves and lambs,…licked her fingers to clean our faces or smooth our hair before church or “going visiting”, wiped our noses, spanked our butts when discipline was required, held our heads when we were vomiting sick,harnessed and drove the old grey mare..”old Bird” and ’63 chevy filled with day old baby calves purchased in Rugby in the back, prepared meals for hired hands, wrote letters, filled our blind fathers insulin needle, made homemade bread and buns, jelly rolls and chocolate cake from scratch, sewed our clothes on a pedal machine, read books to grand kids…………. held the Bible……..folded hands in prayer……………”

HAPPY JUNE one and all. Thanks Laverne. Love Vickie

Remember when someone touches your hand in time you may forget but when someone touches your heart they live in you forever.

JUST LOOK AT THE PICTURE ( it is in the attach) A GOOD WHILE, AND THEN READ THE REST. IT WILL TOUCH YOU.

I was privileged to take a photo of ‘Five Generations of Women’ shortly

before my 93 year-old Grandmother passed away last year. The photo, shown

below, features the hands of my Grandmother, Mom, Sister, Niece and

Great-Niece. While I can’t take credit for the idea, I was so happy to

have had the suggestion & capture this moment. It inspired a friend of

mine to do something similar which turned out so beautiful and a special

keepsake prior to her father’s passing.

Grandma’s Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn’t move, just sat with her

head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn’t acknowledge my presence and the

longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I’m fine, thank you for asking, she said in a clear strong voice.

I didn’t mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and

I wanted to make sure you were OK, I explained to her.

‘Have you ever looked at your hands,’ she asked. ‘I mean really looked at your hands?’

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over,

palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my

hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

‘Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have

served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled

shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach

out and grab and embrace life.

‘They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother

taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my

boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

‘They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were

uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my

wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, andshook in fists of anger

when I didn’t understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the

rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and

raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well

these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

‘These hands are the mark of where I’ve been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and

take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side

and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God.’

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached

out and took my grandma’s hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt

or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of

grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you, and

watch God’s answer to prayer work in your life. Let’s continue praying for

one another.

Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.

Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something God would

do.

8/12/2016 (2420)

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Gary

Cebu Expat dinner at the Marco Polo.

Note: Novie’s mother and Bernadette are sisters. Mirasol’s Father-in-law is Bernadette’s Brother.

Both Novie and Mirasol work for us full time. They are both 4 year college grads too.

Gary, Novie, Bernadette, Jasmine (Novie’s daughter) and Mirasol

====================================
Blog (491) posted on June 15, 2009

Posted on June 15, 2009

Folks,

When I reviewed yesterday message after having sent it I noticed several glaring errors. One of them was Richard Slyter riding the horse carrying the American flag. That was a true picture of the way I remember Richard. I knew very well that was Richard but labeled him as David. Who could ever forget Richard.

The other glaring error was North Central Electric Cooperation. It’sCooperative.When proof reading I read right over those glaring errors. It’s a problem I have, but if I was to let it bother me I probably wouldn’t get many messages sent either.

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):sly0224@yahoo.com Wichita, Kansas

GARY: THAT IS RICHARD CARRING THE FLAG NOT DAVID

Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77): lagerquist@srt.com Dunseith, ND

Isn’t that Richard carrying the flag??

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): hiatt@utma.com Bottineau, ND

Good Day Gary
I’m sure a 100 people have corrected you on the horseback rider caring
the flag. I don’t ever recall seeing David Slyter
on a horse, that was Shag(aka Richard)
Richard got his nickname back in the summer of 68 when he went south
combining with my Dad(Howard) and a few others including myself. Back in
the 60’s longer hair was the thing (in our eyes, not Howards) anyway
Richard’s was quite long and Dad said
he looked like a damn Shaggy Dog, and to this day he is still called
Shag, Shaggy or Shaggy Dog by a whole lot of people. Shag worked with us
a long time and every time I wrote his paycheck, I would have to pause
for a second before I wrote the right name on the check.
To Aggie
Since this blog has begun, I have had the opportunity of emailing a
number of times with Aggie, as she was a classmate of mine in
the 5th and 6th grade. This past few weeks she has spoke up more than I
believe she did the entire 5th grade. I will always remember her as the
girl with the big smile and the sparkle in those dark brown eyes. Keep
up the good work Aggie, I love reading your memories.
We are having our 40 year class reunion(Bottineau High) next week. Brian
Johnson and Marlys Zorn, Ron Rieke are 3 other Dunseith transfers that
graduated BHS in 69. Sure hope all the rest of them see me as that young
man that I see in the mirror every morning,

Rod: Brian, Marlys & Ron are all on our distribution list too. Brian Johnson is married to Carrie Salmonson, daughter of Harlan/LaDonna Salmonson. They live one mile west of the Ackworth Cemetery on the north side of our old swimming hole, Pederson lake. Marlys Zorn lives in Nebraska and Ron Rieke lives in Texas.

I recently picked up Carrie’s email address with some Ackworth cemetery correspondence. I had no idea she was married to Brian Johnson. I had to rack my brain, but I do remember Brian. When you are a kid a 4 year age difference is a lot of years. Rod, I remember you well, mainly because I have known your family since the day I was born. I remember & know Brian’s parents, Lester/Marian Johnson, well too. I have continued to see them over the years with our many visits back to the area. They lived across the street from my parents on main street in Bottineau and I’d see Marion when she worked at the Senior center for many years. Carrie and I have recently exchanged several very interesting messages. She is such a friendly person, just like her sister Debbie Metcalfe who works at the First National Bank in Bottineau. Dad used to love to go into the bank just to shoot the breeze with Debbie. She was one of his favorites. He never needed an excuse to go in there either. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): djcars@hughes.net Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I think the center girl on the float is Charlene Pearson Woods and the
flag bearer on horseback is Richard Slyter. In an earlier posting he was
correctly identified as Richard. I think the 1966 Chevy convertible was
owned by Dennis Danielson from Rolette. He later married Gail Henning.
For some reason I think that was the car he had. I can’t remember who
had the 1961 Pontiac convertible, but it looks to me like Don Mongeon
driving. Could be wrong on both counts but someone will know and correct
me, I hope. Thanks Gary !

Dick

Reply also from Dick Johnson:

Gary and Friends,

Myra Henning Halvorson’s question about the skating party up here at
the farm, I don’t believe was answered. The reposting of the choir
pictures and her question had me thinking. There were several
snowmobiles that kids brought and I remember using the loader tractor to
clean the snow off a spot on Horseshoe Lake in front of our place so
kids could skate. Many times I have wondered what ever happened to the
pictures I had seen of that day. Today it dawned on me–it wasn’t
pictures I had seen–it was Dad’s old 8 mm movies. Some of the kids
pushed our old aluminum boat out onto the lake and someone else hooked
it behind a snowmobile and gave kids rides around the lake on the snow
covered ice. One I remember being in the boat was Tara Martinson and she
is on the film. Art Hagen had a blue Sno-Jet snowmobile and Lester
Getzlaff was riding an Arctic Cat, I do remember that. Two reasons–Art
ran into the guy wire on the yard pole and took a spill, and Lester took
the lead on a trail ride and got lost somewhere south of the lake. Dawn
Gregory lost her glasses in the woods and I went and found them on the
trail—lucky break! I was home from Grand Forks that weekend and helped
out with the party. If I remember right after the fun outside, all the
kids were in the basement of my folk’s house for sloppy joes and hot
chocolate, etc. I think it was the winter of ’70-’71 but I’m not sure.
Myra, thanks for remembering and appreciating that day. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Message from Marge Longie Langan Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA

Gary,
as soon as I get into my pic’s I have some pic’s of the Dunseith gang.

I didn’t realize that Rhonda Hiatt lives so close to me.
Marge Wilcox…

Yes Marge, Battle Ground, WA is just a short distance north of Vancouver, WA. We’d love to see your pictures. Gary

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Hey Rhonda, I remember you well during the days working in the kitchen at the Dunseith Nursing Home,and my short time at Dales Cafe. Yeah we got alot of laughs at the nursing home…especially you with this”Cheesey Rider” thing you would always do. You were so crazy,alot of fun.

Do you remember that nightmare night at Dales Cafe,when we had to shut down the cafe right in the middle of supper rush hour,cuz one waitress went home sick,the other waitress was in training,got overwhelmed cuz she was by herself and walked out. I was left with the dishwasher, to try and cook and wait tables.The people who lucked out and got something to eat came up to the cash register to pay,only to find out neither me nor the dishwasher knew how to run the cash register. I had never been a short order cook in my life,let alone run a cash register. People kept coming, some trying to get in,some trying to get out(believe me when I say the ones trying to get out…wanted out in the worse way)talk about crazy…. At one point I remember trying to call George and Patti,but couldn’t reach them for some reason, so at that point, I worked my way thru the crowd standing by the door,pulled down the closed shade on the door,and locked it…You should of seen the look of shock on the peoples face, like…Why is she locking us in here??? The whole Cafe was in a buzz,everyone talking at once…I was trying to talk over the roar,”Hey, I shouted,Could I have all your attention! I said,listen, I’m sorry everthings crazy in here tonite,but this is my first night as cook,one waitress couldn’t be here,the other got overwhelmed and walked out,and me and the dishwasher don’t know how to run the cash register,so what we’ll do is, those of you who are in here can stay and we’ll feed you, those who are outside trying to get in are going to stay out there.If you choose to stay your supper will be on George &Patti,cuz again we don’t know how to run the cash register.(A corporate decision had to be made….so I made it…) The customers being the honest people that they were,didn’t feel comfortable with that decision. So I said,Then just leave as much money as you can closest to the amount in this jar and will call it a deal. All the while when this was going on,people kept coming to the door,looking puzzled,but before walking away would stop,and with thier hands cupped, pressing against the window looking in trying to see what was going on inside. Most of the people left without eating,the rest just ordered simple hamburgers.The last customer left at around 9:00P.M. I can’t remember who the dishwasher was that stayed,and helped me…was it you Rhonda? The only customers that I remember for sure,was Elewood and Eleanor Fauske,cuz they were so sweet.I remember everyone else was pretty nice,trying to be helpful but their faces are just a blurr.I remember when the last person left we sat down looking at the mess around us,dishes stacked all over,none of the booths were cleared…So verrrrrry sloooooowwwwly we got up and stareted cleaning up the mess. I remember it took us forever…and we didn’t get out of their like 2:30 A.M. I remember with my last ounce of energy cleaning that grill,after I got done,I shine up the hood over the grill and went home… If anyone was in the cafe that night I would really like to hear their version,cuz I’m sure I missed alot. Rhonda were you there that night? Aggie

Aggie, You mentioned the Fauske’s. I just happen to have a recent family picture and a nearly 50 year old picture of the Fauske family. They are a good family of great folks. Elwood and Eleanor were married in 1942, so they will be celebrating 67 years of marriage this year. One would not realize that by looking at this recent photo. I got a message from Carrole/LaVerne Rude several days ago. They plan on being back in Bottineau for the Q-centennial this month. My guess (99%) is that they will be staying with Elwood & Eleanor. They live just east of the Bottineau fair grounds.

Elwood Fauske Family in About 1961/62
Back L to R: Carrole, Russell & Connie
Front L to R: Eleanor, Arlinda (Lindy), Beth, Brian & Elwood

Elwood Fauske Family – November 2008
L to R: Carrole, Brian, Connie, Eleanor, Elwood, Beth, Russell & Arlinda (Lindy)

Folks, This picture was taken at the Ackworth cemetery in July 2004 the day of our mother, Elaine Stokes’, burial.

My brother Allen was know as big Al to a lot of you folks. He and his wife Janet live in San Diego, CA.

July 2004
Allen Stokes

8/10/2016 (2419)

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Gary

Margery Kester Passed away

Margery Kathryn Kester, the daughter of Joseph and Lettie (Reese) Hunter was born on October 6, 1917 in Crystal, North Dakota. She died at the age of 98 years on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Margery was raised in the home of her parents and graduated from Crystal High School. After, she went to work at the San Haven State Hospital, north of Dunseith, North Dakota. There she met her husband to be Ormal “Red” Kester who also was employed there. Margery was united in marriage to Ormal on September 24, 1937 in Grafton, North Dakota. The couple made their home and raised their four children in Dunseith. She enjoyed traveling, visiting most of the United States and the Canadian provinces. She was active in the Methodist Church and ladies group “Willing Workers”, Order of Eastern Star and served as their secretary for many years, and the Senior Meal Program in Dunseith. Ormal died in 1987. Margery moved to the Haaland Estates in 2006 until her move to the Heart of America Care Center in 2015, both in Rugby.

Margery is survived by her children, Joanne (Elmer) Boucher of Rugby, Michael (Janice) Kester of Fargo, Cheryl (Randy) Gaugler of North Brunswick, New Jersey and Pennie (Gary) Grenier of Rolette; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by, her husband; great granddaughter, Alexandria; brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Ruth) Hunter; sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Ernest) Dailly; and her parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 5^th at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby with burial at 4:00 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery, Dunseith. Rev. Mike Pretzer, officiating.

Friends and family may greet the family for one hour prior to the time of services at the funeral home on Friday.

Immediately following the memorial service, there will be lunch and fellowship at Dakota Farms, Rugby.

Gary’s Comment
Red and Margery Kester were corner stones of the Dunseith Community. They were so well liked and known. Red delivered fuel to our farm for years. The last time I saw Red and Margery was September 1987 in Bremerton, Washington when they attended Ernest and Lucille Dailly’s 50^th wedding anniversary. Lucille Dailly and Margery Kester were sisters. I had a really nice visit with Red at that time too. Ernest and Lucille Dailly were our neighbors for 26 years in Bremerton. We knew them well. Nice friendly folks.
We extend our condolences to all of Margery’s family with her passing.

Class of 1966 reunion Picture ID corrections
From Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

I suppose you are getting a lot of feed back on the naming of the people on the pictures.

It is Jim Tooke in the blue shirt, not Rodney Medrude. There are no pictures of Rodney.

That is also my wife Marion with the flowered blouse between my brother Henry and his wife Marcy.

I’m sorry, I should of named the people on the pictures.

Your friend,

Larry

Gary’s reply
Larry,
I should have been a bit more careful. I should have known that wasn’t Rodney Medrude because he was with the class of ’71, not your class. Had I read your message a bit closer I would have realized that was Jim Took and not Rodney. Sorry about that. I have corrected the labeling of the pictures pasted below.
Thanks, Gary

====================================
Blog (490) posted on June 14, 2009

06/14/2009

Posted on June 14, 2009

Posted by Don Boardman (60): Bottineau, ND

Note: cropped picture posted by Gary Stokes

Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65) elected director of the North Central Electric Cooperation:

Congratulations to Margaret Leonard on being elected as a director of the North Central Electric Cooperative. She got up at the annual meeting and presented her qualifications and desire to serve the community and the Cooperative. She was very positive and professional in her presentation and as a result was elected. I believe she will be a good representative for the community and the NCE. She has “retired” from her teaching job but how has a new job. She has much to learn but she is up to the task.

As I read all the letters sent into you I can see that Dunseith has sent a lot of talent into the world!

Don Boardman

Congratulations my close & dear friend Margaret. I am proud to say that you are from the class of 65. What an inspiration you continue to be. With your charisma, dedication and outgoing personality combined with being a very intelligent gal, you will succeed with what ever you pursue in life and I know will be a great director. The North Central Electric Cooperation is very fortunate to have you as their director. They will for sure shine with you. Gary

Folks, I thought I had lost this picture, but I found it. This is Bill Grimme with 3 of the finest

class of 65 teachers. As you can see this picture was taken prematurely, but those are

the best kind. They tend to show true personalities a lot better.

L to R: Margaret Metcalfe Leonard, Bill Grimme, Cecile Berube Reynolds

& Phyllis McKay. Bernadette Stokes sitting in the back ground.

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Gary,Thanks for the kind words you have given me about my short stories I have shared. I just write from my heart,how I remember the things that left a lasting impression….But with that said,you know who’s really a good writer is our brother Aime. I think I’ve got every letter he has written me since I left home.Most of them are really funny.I don’t know if their meant to be but boy he cracks me up. Today when he e-mails me I’ll run a copy off to take to work with me at night on the night shift,just to read them over and over again and laugh like crazy.But thanks for all you do Gary.

Like you I did not know the Wurgler’s had another daughter, I bet most people didn’t. Maybe Joan can post a picture of her…. Hope you have a Blest Day! Aggie

Dunseith Reunion:

Sponsored by Jerry Williams (54): jrwilliams99@wat.midco.net

120 15th St SE, Watertown, SD 57201 (605) 886-7050

DUNSEITH REUNION

WATERTOWN, SD AUG.7-8-9

Aug 7th

5:30–6:30 Social at the Past Times Coffee House & Deli.

6:00 Dinner at Past Times.

Aug. 8th

10 AM A visit to the Redlin Art Center

12 noon Lunch on your own.

2:00 PM Tour of the Mellette House.

(Last Governor of Dakota Territory & First Governor of South Dakota).

5:00 PM Evening meal at the Williams Home, 120 15th ST SE.

Sat. evening Free open air Sawyer Brown Concert @ the Redlin Center.

Bring your own lawn chair.

Aug 8th

12 Noon Brunch at The Past Times.

Registration fee will be $35 per person. If you wish, make payment in advance to Jerry Williams. Thank you. This will include the dinner on Friday, the Saturday evening meal and the Sunday Brunch.

Please let us know if you are planning to attend as soon as you can. Hope to see you all at the reunion

Reply from Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA

Gary,

Thank you for posting the pictures of my Mom (Margo Hiatt) with Aunt Delores and the other ladies. I had never seen that one before.

I loved Aggie’s story about the Wurgler kids on the bus. I worked with Aggie at the Nursing Home in Dunseith and at Dale’s Cafe and it was always fun.

Rhonda Hiatt

Rhonda, We’ve added a lot of folks since we started with this daily letter. That is why I’m reposting some of the earlier pictures as indicated with my message below. I have posted another picture of your mother today too that you may not have seen either. Gary

Folks, I am going through previous messages, starting from the beginnig, capturing the photo’s that were posted. I’m do a few each day. As I do this I will be re-posting a few. The photo’s pasted below were previously posted March 4-10th, 2008. Gary

Picture L to R:

Joe & Joyce Evans, Don & Bernice Johnson, and Floyd & Luella Dion

Picture L to R:

Margo Hiatt, Bernice Johnson, Joyce Evans & Joy Nordquist

Don Johnson in about 1954. This is a mirror image of how

I remember Dick. Gary

Dick Johnson with his grandmother Cynthia Johnson

Class of 65 reunion 7-12-07:

Raphael Poitra & Pete Gillis

Randy Mongeon & Pam Lagerquist (Princesses)

Don Johnson leading the Band

Patti Metcalfe (Queen)

Richard Slyter Carrying the flag

Football players:

Larry Took & Ronnie Houle

6/8/2016 (2418)

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Gary

Country Gospel Music Festival at the Peace Gardens
Posted by Don Boardman (’60): Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary

We are having the International Country Gospel Music Festival at the Peace Gardens again this year. It will only be one day this year – August 14 – because of scheduling conflicts. It starts with a church service at 10:30 to 11 and the music starts at 1 until 6 with groups from Canada and ND. There are concessions on the grounds. The website for the festival is www.internationalcountrygospelfest.com.

We invite everyone to come.

Don Boardman

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

Sharon Longie,

Thank you so much for your very nice response of Michaela’s poem, she appreciates it .

Everytime I read it, I cry, or even when I think about it.

Michaela, just said what she did each time she stopped in to see her father. She didn’t do everything each time.

We are so sad , on his birthday we saw the cake, and stood, hugged each other and cried and cried, for a couple minutes.

Thanks again Sharon,

Ginger

Class of 1965 Dunseith Grade School teachers
Posted by Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

1st 1953/1954 ——– Fern Strouse

2nd. 1954/1955 ——– Gladys Mastvelton

3rd. 1955/1956 ——– Dorothy Strouse

4th. 1956/1957 ——– Florence Conroy

5th. 1957/1958 ——– Jesslyn Selzler

6th. 1958/1959 ——– Hildur Nordin

7th. 1959/1960 ——– Hildur Nordin

8th. 1960/1961 ——– Arthur Rude

Reply to Class of ’66 pictures
From Pat Danielson (’66): Grand Forks, ND

Thank you for sharing these photos! I wish I could have attended. I recognized some of the people in the pics, but I must confess I couldn’t figure out everyone! It looks as if you all enjoyed being there.

Thanks again Larry! Patd

DHS Class of 1966 Reunion Posting/Pictures
From Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Hi Gary

The (class of 1966) reunion went great. We all had an enjoyable time.

Tour of High School – Mr. Rodney Medrude

Honor Wall @ Elementary School – Mr. Gene Nadeau

Five 1966 class members, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald and LaRae Casavant, Mr. Jim Tooke, Ms. Shirley Peltier, Mr. Jay Vanorny, and Mr. & Mrs. Larry and Marion Hackman.

Host couple – Mr. & Mrs. Terry (64) and LeaRae (67) Espe.

Entertainment couple – Mr. & Mrs. Dick (68) and Brenda Johnson

Class of (65) reps. – Mr. & Mrs. Henry and Marcy Hackman

Yes, we did have a great time. Rodney Medrude gave us a thorough tour of the high school complete with reminiscing about the good old days, such as Gerald pointing out on the wall, where there once was a window that he was was thrown out of, when he was a freshman. Two of the biggest seniors of them all (class of 1963) grabbed him by the belt (back of the pants) opened the window and threw him out into a snow bank and locked the window and sat back down in their desks. Gerald scrambling because it was cold out headed for the front door of the school and came back into the study hall room. Mr. Hepper, who was in charge of the study hall, had returned, as he was gone at the time of Gerald’s departure. Mr. Hepper looking at him and than down at the sign out sheet on his desk, said “ Gerald you did not sign out”. Gerald heading straight for his own desk, said “I didn’t have time”. It was a great tour and the school looked great all shined up, spick and span for the new school year, and the gym has a brand new wood floor. How many laps did we run around that old tile floor? Gene Nadeau gave us a tour of the “Honor Wall” showing most that served from the Dunseith Community. It was a great and wonderful tour. Thank You Gene and Rodney, you helped make our day. After the tour we met up at the Birchwood at Lake Metigoshe for more socializing and sitting down to a banquet of delicious food. We first, all gathered downstairs for some socializing, where we had the whole room to ourselves and where our host couple Terry and LeaRae greeted everyone with warm smiles and great conversation. Dick and Brenda Johnson joined us, and told some great stories, with a lot of Norwegian and some other type lingo thrown in of people and times that were enjoyed by everyone. No one can tell a story or two or three like Dick. The room was filled with fellowship and laughter.We than proceeded upstairs to the banquet room that was all decked out for us by Kim (Pritchard) Zahn and her staff. They served us a great meal and let us visit until we all felt satisfied and relaxed. We ended the evening with delicious cake and coffee. It was hard too part company after enjoying a great day together with so many special people. The goodbyes stretched out into the parking lot with laughter and shouts of that we will have to do this again, of good by and waving and good by.

It was a beautiful day. Thank You.

Thank You Gary for all that you do.

Larry

Message from Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Gary,

Your ‘careful’ care and comment for and about your lovely wife is so commendable. You and she have had many good years.

I spent 1 1/2 years working directly with patients in the two (2) hospitals in Minot in the late 60s. Only one hospital remains, now, Trinity.

I spent over 18.5 years as a nursing home administrator and enjoyed all that can be learned from those who have ‘greater’ needs than usual.

It is special people like you, Gary, who stick by your spouse as you are able with the domestic assistants that work in your household. These ladies have a tender spot in their heart for Bernadette and I am certain are glad to do all they can to assist toward her comfort and welfare.

Good days, Gary. We have had some 90 degree days but now those days are becoming 80 degree days. Harvest is in full swing in SW ND.

A gentleman from Oklahoma who was once a pharmacist is now a harvester and has grown to 15 machines. There is an article in today’s Dickinson Press about he and his 12-15 man crew preferring Regent, ND as their choice of locations in North Dakota. Regent is +/- 30 miles south of Dickinson and 17 miles east. Fields are 1 mile square, lines of cultivating and seeding are controlled by GPS so all is perfectly straight. Is a beauty to see.

My brother Darrel’s daughter, Laura, has PhD in pharmacy and she works at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Just rec’d. pics of she, her husband and 2 daughters as they visited Ireland. The ladies parachuted.

All for now LEE

Joke of the day
Posted by Don Martel (DHS Principal): Rosemount, MN

====================================
Blog (489) posted on June 13, 2009

Posted on June 13, 2009

Aggie casavant (69) reply to Joan Wurgler: Fort Mill, SC

To,Joan Wurgler Salmonson, I found your trip down memory lane of your familys TEXACO station very interesting. It reminded me of when our family first started going to school in Dunseith after our country school,(Russell School) had closed.I was in the 5th grade.With our school only1/8th of a mile down the road from where we lived and working on the farm sun up to sun down,us kids never got the opportunity to go into town much as kids. So our world pretty much consisted of our neighbors that we farmed with and our cousins, all French,all very dark skinned.So the first days of school in Dunseith it was quite an expierence for us kids. I remember the first time when Johnny Hill pulled up to the Texaco Station,and you,Peggy,and Dave got on, I couldn’t quit staring at you all. I thought for sure I had fallen asleep on the bus and had woke up in Hollywood.I remember thinking,I’ve never seen such Hollywood looking people living around this area.The bouncy blond hair that you and Peggy had…not a hair out of place…And blue,blue eyes.Then following not far behind comes Dave…Omigosh!!!! I thought I didn’t know the people from Happy Days lived right here in Dunseith…Omigosh!!!! I couldn’t quit staring, all of a sudden a nudge from my Mom,(who rode the bus with us) would bring me back to reality.My Mom would say ,”Quit staring! and I would say,”their so pretty Mama,and that boy is so cute,he looks like a movie star! Where did they come from? My Mom would get tickled and start laughing quietly,kinda embarrassed hoping no one heard me. I remember when I got my first autograph book,and I brought it to school for my friends to sign. I remember meeting you in the hallway,and you would always smile and say hi. So one day, I asked you to sign my autograph book…and you DID!!!! I can’t remember exactly where I was when I asked you to sign it.But long after losing the autograph book over the years, I still remember exactly what you wrote…”In your golden chain of friendship,always regaurd me as a link”, Wow! I wasn’t real sure what the word “regaurd ” meant at the time, but I knew what friendship and golden meant,and I knew it had to have meant something good! I couldn’t wait to see my Mom and show her.It just happened that day my Dad had picked up our Mom from school, so she didn’t ride the bus with us on the way home.When the bus pulled into the yard I was the first of the 10 kids off the bus.I remember I came running into the house all excited hollering,Mama! Mama, guess who signed my autograph book today? ………Joan Wurgler!!! I said”Look Mama, Look what she wrote,followed with,”What does regaurd mean?? Mama said,”It means you can think of her as a friend”. I said “Really,Joan Wurgler wants to be my friend….I knew at that point all was well with my life,that that Doris Day looking Joan Wurgler,with that cute “Happy Days”looking brother, considered me a friend. I thought for sure with those connections that I was destined for Hollywood…. Well Joan, I never made it to Hollywood……..yet….LOL…But just the same…Thanks for the Memories….. Sincerely, Miss Aggie

Aggie, you are a beautiful writer. With what you said, reminds me of what Vickie Metcalfe said not long ago, “We were a multicultural school with all the different ethnic backgrounds of folks that attended Dunseith.” Gary

Reply from Joan Wurgler Salmonson (61):

Hi Gary,

My brother set me straight on the number of years the family operated the Texaco station in Dunseith. It was from l955-1966. During that time our little sister Lynn was born and was 2 when they moved back to Rugby. Lynn is married to Mitch Haugeberg and they live in Watford City. Lynn is a speech pathologist and Mitch is a supervisor in the oil fields around Grassy Butte and the north unit of the Badlands. They have 5 children of which theie oldest daughter just graduated high school from Watford City. She was a graduating classmate of that Jacob Quale who was accidently killed last week on an oil pumper near Watford City. Peggy and Marty Axtman and their family have lived in Kent, Wa. for several years. They have 3 children all graduated from high school. Their 2 sons are out of college and their daughter is in her 3rd year at Portland U in the medical field. Marty works for Boeing and Peggy for an advertising company.

Thanks Gary, Joan

Joan, I had no idea you had a 2nd sister Lynn. It goes to show how I lost touch with the times. I thought you, Dave and Peggy were the only 3 siblings. Peggy and Dave are also on our distribution list. We’d like to hear a little bit about Dave and your families too. Gary

Reply from Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59): Tukwila, WA

Hi GUESS I BETTER LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM HOME AND DOING WELL. REALLY,REALLY SORE. CAN’T DRIVE FOR TWO WEEKS. GLAD TO HAVE IT OVER WITH. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS. GOD BLESS SHIRLEY

Shirley’s previous message

HI! THANK YOU. WELL I WENT TO THE DOCTOR YESTERDAY AND I WILL BE GOING INTO THE HOSPITAL ON MONDAY TO HAVE A DELIBERATOR/PACEMAKER PUT INTO CHEST AND HEART THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS. GOD BLESS

Repy from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s nephew): St Louis, MO

Gary the state of North Dakota has a historical society that will keep family historical documents. Each family gets a box to store their documents. When my uncle, Carroll Carlson, died I took the family homestead document and several other family documents and pictures to Bismarck. Now anyone can access the box to look at or copy the documents but these documents will always be there for the next generation.

Uncle Carroll had his 8^th grade and high school graduation diplomas and a scholarship to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. The historical society made a display out of the three documents.

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

Gary and Friends,

With the reposting of the triple anniversary picture, I thought I might
also post the last picture I have of Agnes Berg. It was taken in her
house near the city park, just before I left to take her daughter-in-law
back to Minot, to fly home to New York. Agnes was my great aunt, a
sister to my grandfather, Henry Olson. Not too long later she had a
stroke and then spent the rest of her life at the Dunseith Community
Nursing Home. This has to be at least 10 years ago or more. Agnes’s
mother, Ella Olson, lived upstairs at Agnes and Ike’s and had the first
TV I had ever seen. That was in 1953 and the show was The Wonderful
World of Disney. The fuzzy picture on the black and white oval screen
was a cartoon of Mickey Mouse. I still remember sitting right in front
of it and watching every move, while my folks and great grandmother
laughed at my excitement. When she passed away in 1959, she left her
little TV to me and we had it for a couple years until the folks got a
newer ‘Admiral’ from the hardware. Man, that new one had a big 17 inch
screen and was not quite as fuzzy—wow! One of my favorite shows was
‘The Big Picture’, a weekly Sunday afternoon documentary about World War
II and then Korea. I guess I didn’t know until much later that both wars
weren’t fought in black and white! With the technology available today,
most films have been ‘colorized’ and now are much more vivid and
realistic to watch. The video of the battle for Iwo Jima is spectacular.
The sea is blue, the sand is tan, the flame throwers are bright orange,
the smoke is black—-and sadly, the blood is red. Thanks Gary!

Gary–on yesterdays picture, I think the girl in the middle of the float
is Charlene.

Dick

Dick, I think I just put all this together with Agnes Berg. She is the same Agnes Berg that was a teacher at Ackworth when I was in 3rd grade. I remember her as being a wonderful teacher. Would that be Charlene Pearson that you think may be the girl in the middle on yesterday’s float picture? Gary

Agnes Berg & Dick Johnson

Reply from Claudette McLeod (80):Belcourt, ND

Hi Gary,

The waitress in the picture is Khayla Poitra, she is the grand-daughter of Snowflakes and Dorothy Poitra.

Khayla Poitra displaying Bill Grimme’s Dale’s Jumbo burger – July 2007

Margo Hiatt, Delores Hiatt, Helen Watkins Neslon, & Marlys Evans

Marlys Evans, Rita Anderson, Irene Fassett & Bernice Johnson

Posted 3-3-08

Message & Pictures from Myra Henning Halvorson (72):

Hello Gary,

We are really enjoying all the Dunseith memories that you are sending out.
Thanks so much!

I recently came across an old band boosters calendar with the 69-70
Governor’s Choir picture which I had to pass along. I am also sending one
that was taken this summer at the reunion church service where some
members of that choir joined together in song one more time. Gary
Fulsebakke was our director. The wonderful memories of band and choir
under the direction of Don Johnson will always be with me. He made a very
positive impact on my life. Does anyone else remember the time he and
Bernice invited his students to their home for a skating party and supper?
What a good time!!

Les and I just returned from Dunseith where we attended the benefit for
Bev Mornville. She was there and doing very well. She starts radiation
tomorrow.

Keep up the good work on this memory hotline!
Myra (Henning) Halvorson ’72

Posted 3/3/08

Picture identification from Dick Johnson (68): djcars@srt.com

Gary and friends

Thanks to Myra Henning Halvorson for the pictures of the
choirs. The one from last summer was taken at the practice,
which I couldn’t make because of other commitments with the
reunion. It was great to sing with you folks on Sunday in the
service dedicated to my dad. Gary did a nice job! I can name
the singers for you as someone had asked.

Greg Hill,Don Berg,
Bob Hosmer, Curt Hagel, Linda Johnson Juntunen, Myra Henning
Halvorson, Cheryl Haagenson, Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson,
Loraine Neameyer Haas, Loretta Neameyer Wall, Ann Marie Boppre Perry,

Brenda Hill Mueller, Deb Morinville Marmon. There may
have been some others on Sunday but these are the ones in the
practice picture. Thank you each and everyone.

Dick

Back row left to right:#1. Bob Molgard #2. Gerald Molgard #3.Russell Tooke

#4. Dean Molgard #5. Roy Fox #6. Arlene Medlang

Front Row: #1.Vance Bailey #2. Delphine Wentland #3. Lois Fox #4.

Carol Watkins Carbonneau #5 Gladys Sharratt #6. Florence Schwabe

DHS Class of 65 Reunion 7-12-08:

Susan Fassett Martin & Angela Berube Malget

8/5/2016 (2417)

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Gary

Reply to Michaela Poitra’s Poem
From Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT

Michaela Poitra,

Your poem was beautiful and so touching that you brought tears to my eyes as I was thinking about my Mom in heaven.

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

A man walks out to the street and catches a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, “Perfect timing. You’re just like Frank.”

Passenger: “Who?”

Cabbie: “Frank… he’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time.”

Passenger: “There are always a few clouds over everybody.”

Cabbie: “Not Frank. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone, and danced like a Broadway star. And you should have heard him play the piano! He was an amazing guy.”

Passenger: “Sounds like he was somebody really special.”

Cabbie: “Oh hell there’s more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday.t
He knew all about wine, which foods to order, and which fork to eat it with, and he could fix anything.
Not like me – I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank, he could do everything right.”

Passenger: “Wow, some guy then.”

Cabbie: “He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always
seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made mistakes, and he really knew how to treat a woman
and make her feel good.. He was the perfect man! I never knew him to make a mistake! No one could ever
measure up to Frank.”

Passenger: “An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?”
Cabbie: “Well, I never actually met Frank. He died, and I married his wife!”

====================================
Blog (488) posted on June 12, 2009

Posted on June 12, 2009

Reply from Joan Wurgler Salmonson (61): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

Was surprised to see the picture in Thursdays blog of the Wurgler Service Station and the ’57 Chev. That Texaco station is what brought our family to Dunseith in l959 to operate our family business. The gas station, garage, lunch counter and little convenience store kept us all busy 7 days a week.

I helped Mom with the lunch counter serving hamburgers etc. and homemade pastries that she was noted for (especially the pies & donuts). Eleanor Fauske helped as the pastry cook for a time as did my Aunt Gladys Lider. My brother David grew up helping Dad pump gas and work in the garage. When Stan came dating, we could never “go out” until the business was closed, everything cleaned up and all the dishes done. Stan helped

out a lot at the station during those years too.

Little Sister Peggy, cute as she was with her pony tail, kept the customers entertained. She was really good with the hula-hoop. She had fun with all her good friends when they got together. She still remembers her Dunseith Grade school days vividly.

During those 9 years, our family met many wonderful friends and good customers. They thought Dunseith was a very friendly community and when they came back to visit it was just like coming back home.

Just recently that corner at the intersection has been leveled–the building demolished and the pile burned. With it went a lot of wonderful memories and a lot of hard work. Our family is grateful for those good “Dunseith Years” and thank everyone for your friendship and dedication. That’s what Dunseith

meant to our family. Now the folks are gone, Dave has retired from his gas station business so a lot has changed but we still hold close the memories.

Thanks everyone and especially you Gary for all your efforts in keeping Dunseith Alumni connected in one big web.

Joan Wurgler Salmonson ’61

Joan, Most all of us that attended DHS in the 60’s remember you well working in the main office. We used to purchase our weekly meal ticket’s from you and a lot of the simple school supplies like pencils and typing paper. Stan was our bus driver too. I believe Mike Vandal drove the first year that we were bused to town and then I think Stan was the driver the rest of my three years. They were both great drivers.

Folks, Stan & Joan Salmonson, both from the class of 61, have owned the Lumber yard in Dunseith for many years. I think that used to be Morgan’s lumber yard in my day. Stan & Joan live on Stan’s home place located on highway 43, 2 1/2 miles west of highway 3 in the Little Prairie neighborhood in the Turtle Mountains. Gary

Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND

Dick Johnson’s picture of my parent’s, Berg’s, and Shelver’s 50th Anniversary was a treat. Actually, they were all married in 1929. Ike and Agnes were already married but had to keep it a secret because Agnes was teaching school. In those days, married women could not be teachers. The Bergs let my folks and Shelvers use their car to go to Crookston, Minnesota to get married. They had a joint wedding in Nov ’29. All the offspring attended this celebration, and we had a terrific time. The towns people of Dunseith had a secret celebration in their honor, and the picture shown was taken at that event. It was a typical gesture by the terrific people whose generosity, secrecy, and humor made this a real surprise to all six. They thought they were attending a city meeting of some kind unrelated to what it really was. A Dunseith Class Act. Bill Hosmer

Bill, I just happen have the whole story exactly as you explained with this news paper clipping from the Turtle Mountain Star that was sent to us by Susan Fassett (65) and posted on Feb. 28, 2008, the day after Dick Johnson posted your folks 50th Anniversary picture. Gary

Arla Hall, Former Dunseith teacher:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot @ Bottineau, ND

Ron Longie (65):

Folks, Ron Longie had a combined total of 40 plus years Active & National Guard service when he retired. Ron was a Warrent Officer. I think he told me he was a W-4. Forty years is a long military career. I believe Ron was also employeed full time with the Guard. Ron Lives in Yakama WA. Gary

Ron Longie (65) with his Daughter

Class of 65 Reunion 7-12-07 – looking at old school pictures

L to R: Evie Gottbreht, Kenny Nerpel, Margaret Metcalfe, Cecile Berube, Patty Boguslawski

Phyllis McKay, John Bedard, Warren Anderson

We had everyone on the float identified at one point. I may run across that posting eventually.

I for sure recognize Larry Millang (66). I Think 73 is Terry Martinson and the other guy I think

is Lee Struck? I think Carrole Fauske is the first gal and Debby Mongeon sitting on the end?

I’m not sure who the middle gal is. Gary

This 1936 photo was provided by Doreen Bailey

8/1/2016 (2416)

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Gary

Bernadette Stokes Update
Bernadette had indications of going into another spell last night, but this morning she is better. Still not back to the level she was a week or so ago, but much better than she was a few days ago. The onset of her spells can be fast. With her present condition it is questionable if she is able to leave the house. Ups and downs on a continual downhill slide.

Gary

Birthday Party for Antone Poitra (Deceased)
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

We are having a birthday party for Antone it would’ve been his 72nd birthday today July 30th. We never missed a birthday party for him ever.

There was a poem that says to keep up the traditions no matter how small.

We have been doing just that, we all get together and do whatever we did together.

He loved cooking out .

This is the poem on the cake , our daughter Michaela wrote it. When she’s so moved she writes a poem.

We are having a perfect day no wind, Antone hated the wind. Sunny and nice.

We will be going to the graveyard after the meal and be cake.

Here it is:

If I knew it would be our last walk,

I would have walked longer.

If I knew it would be our last laugh,

I would have laughed harder.

If I knew it would be our last ride,

I would have drove forever.

If I knew it would be our last hug,

I would have never let go.

If I knew it was the last time I would see your smile,

I would have told another joke.

If I knew it would be our last visit,

I would have talked all night.

If I knew it would be our last I Love You,

I would have never walked out the door.

If I would have known it was our last goodbye,

I would have never let you go.

By Michaela Poitra

So long for now.

Ginger

====================================
Blog (487) posted on June 11, 2009

06/11/2009

Posted on June 11, 2009

From Betty Lamoureux Malone Badgett (49): Fountain Valley, Ca

I HIT THE WRONG BUTTON A MINUTE AGO, SORRY – I INTENDED TO “FORWARD” TO MY OLDEST DAUGHTER AS SHE REALLY LIKES TO READ YOUR MESSAGES ALSO, BUT I GOOFED & HIT REPLY. SO I MIGHT AS WELL ALSO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR EMAILS – FIRST THING I READ EVERY MORNING – GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY! THANKS FOR MORNING READ.

BATTYBETTI45.

Follow up message from Betty:

GARY – I JUST SENT YOU ANOTHER MESSAGE (WELL, REALLY THE FIRST MESSAGE) AS I GOOFED THE FIRST TIME. HOPE YOU GET THIS ONE – AND HOPE YOU RECEIVED THE REAL MESSAGE I SENT TO EXPLAIN THE GOOF. THANKS AGAIN. I REALLY ENJOY MY “MORNING READ”. BETTY

Betty, I am so glad that you hit the send button prematurely enabling us to hear from you. Looking in the Dunseith book it says you and your brother Jay moved to California to live with relatives after your mother passed away in 1945. For those of us that lived in the area in the 50’s and 60’s we remember the Lamoureux name well with your brother Jay and the Ford Garage. He sold Ford Tractors. My brother Darrel still has the Ford 600 with the ‘Live Power Take-Off’ and a five speed transmission, that dad purchased from Lamoureux’s in 1957. Dad needed the ‘Live Power Take-Off’ for bailey hay. I’ll see if I can find a recent picture of that tractor. Darrel has reconditioned it to the state of being nearly a new tractor again. He uses it on a regular bases with his farming.

Dunseith Trivia from Cathy Campbell Springan (73): Stanley, ND

Hi Gary,

My mom, Phyllis Campbell, was going through some papers and came upon some trivia which had been used in 1989. I thought I’d encolse a copy for you to use as you wish. I wonder how many people would be able to get all of the correct answers?!

Cathy

Phyllis & Cathy, this is great! Thank you for sharing. We’ll see who gets these all right. Gary

Dunseith Trivia from Education Week –1989

Long time druggist who was once the high school basketball coach.
Lady from Rolla who operated the beauty salon.
Family that operated a dairy on the north edge of town.
San Haven employee who coached girls’ basketball in the Marlene Armentrout/Mickey Grenier days.
The year San Haven closed.
What occupied the Bingo Barn before bingo?
Former town baker who managed the bingo barn.
Family who operated the Gamble store in the 50’s and 60’s.
Who operated the meat market after Joe Lamoureux?
The line of machinery that the hardware once sold.
Persons who came from New England to operate the Dakota Hotel.
Hotel operated by the Grossman-Marsaa family where the Westside Apartments are now located.
Lake NE of town that was the swimming place.
Who operated the Red and White store?
Name three Hosmer brothers.
Alan Campbell’s father who ran the bank.
Local boy who became a Thunderbird.
The name of the Dunseith newspaper.

Answers

Long time druggist who was once the high school basketball coach. (Glen Shelver)
Lady from Rolla who operated the beauty salon. (Marie Allard)
Family that operated a dairy on the north edge of town. (Evans family)
San Haven employee who coached girls’ basketball in the Marlene Armentrout/Mickey Grenier days. (Virgil Vanorny)

5. The year San Haven closed. (1988)

6. What occupied the Bingo Barn before bingo? (sheep)

7. Former town baker who managed the bingo barn. (Herman Martinson)

8. Family who operated the Gamble store in the 50’s and 60’s. (Edgar and Rita Anderson)

9. Who operated the meat market after Joe Lamoureux? (Lucien and Hannah Bedard)

10. The line of machinery that the hardware once sold. ( John Deere)

11. Persons who came from New England to operate the Dakota Hotel. (Jr. and Viola Melmer)
Hotel operated by the Grossman-Marsaa family where the Westside Apartments are now located. (Commercial Hotel)
Lake NE of town that was the swimming place. (Lake Schutte)

14. Who operated the Red and White store? ( K.C. Sine)

15. Name three Hosmer brothers. (John, Bob, Fred)

16. Alan Campbell’s father who ran the bank. (Bill Campbell)

17. Local boy who became a Thunderbird. (Bill Hosmer)

18. The name of the Dunseith newspaper. (The Dunseith Journal)

1955 Dunseith Men’s bowling league 1st place team.

L to R: Freddie Hiatt, Bing Evans, Bill Fassett, Don Johnson & Edgar Anderson

Galen Olson on next alley (he was on the 2nd place team.

Picture – July 2007 – L To R:

Paulette La Croix, Dick Johnson, Toni Morinvelle, Cheryl Larson, Diane Larson

Posted 2-26-08

Picture provided by Dick Johnson (68): djcars@srt.com

GARY AND FRIENDS

I ran across this picture while looking for some others. This
is the 50th anniversary of the three couples, Jack and Inez
Hosmer, Ike and Agnes Berg, and Glen and Annabelle Shelver. I
believe they were all married at the same time in Boissevain in
1929. This was not dated but should be 1979 I think. Great
bunch of folks. Please correct me on the dates, if I don’t have
them right. Memories of them would be nice to hear! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Note the Wurgler service station located in the back ground that I remember as being across

the road to the east of Dale’s. Gary

L to R: Peggy, Dave & Joan (Salmonson) Wurgler

John Hiatt & Peggy Wurgler in 1959

Kick McKay, Hazel Hiatt and Hazel’s BIG dog

Billy Lawrence

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