01/31/2018 (2597)

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Gary

Posting from Greg LaCroix (’66) Fargo, ND

Love the pictures of my Auntie ROSEMARY LACROIX & CARMEN RICHARD! Love them both very much!

Arla Hall Memory
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith,

My mother attended Carpenter school the term Arla Hall taught there.

She told me she thought Arla stayed with the Gregory family where she

boarded her horse and rode to school every day.

Mom also said a couple “naughty” older boys cut off Miss Hall’s

horse’s beautiful tail. The horse looked quite wretched.

Mom told me at the time Miss Hall was very distraught.

My dad also spoke of Arla’s family; the Samski and Wilson families who lived in the Dunseith area all those many years ago.

Vickie Metcalfe

June 11, 1919 – January 28, 2018

ARLA’S OBITUARY

Arla Hall, age 98 of Bottineau, died Sunday at a Bottineau nursing home. Her funeral will be held on Friday, at 10:00 am at the United Parish in Bottineau. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery at Dunseith.

Arla Hall was born on June 11, 1919 at the St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau to Alfred and Mamie (Samski) Wilson. She was raised on a farm south of Dunseith near the original homestead of her grandparents Oliver and Mary Wilson. She attended grade school at Currie and high school at Bottineau. She received her college degree from Minot State University. She began teaching in 1939 in rural school in Bottineau and Rolette counties until she began teaching at the Bottineau Public Elementary School in 1948. She retired in 1980 and that same year, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award.

Arla married Wilbur Hall on August 12, 1944 at Bottineau. They purchased 40 acres on the West edge of Bottineau where they raised and showed horses. From an early age, she was a horse enthusiast, becoming a highly proficient rider and participated in competitive events at various horse shows throughout North Dakota and winning hundreds of trophies and ribbons. Her favorite horse, Kesshire Golden Duchess, was high point Palomino of North Dakota during her show career.

After her retirement, she spent much of her time doing volunteer work in a number of organizations.

She is survived by nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

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

==============================================
Blog (671) posted on January 3, 2010

Posted on January 3, 2010

Spam messages:

Folks, I had some messages that went to spam that I did not catch. I’ll be honest, I had not checked my spam for a few months. I’m hoping I didn’t miss any of your messages that went to spam. My spam messages are automatically deleted in one month, so I could have very well missed some. If I have not personally replied to a message or if it has not been posted, I have not seen it. Thanks to Kenny Nerpel for realizing his message was probably going to my spam, he was successful in getting his message to me using another email address. That’s when I checked my spam. Kenny knows my policy and knew I had not seen his message. Gary

This message went to my spam on 12/14/09

From Nancy Hosmer Baldwin (62): Lake Metigoshe, ND

Hi Gary,
You can add my name, Nancy (Hosmer) Baldwin and my fiance, Keith Kontzie to the May get-together in Dunseith. By the way, my home was one of four listed for the “Home Sweet Home” Holiday Tour yesterday and it is surprising how many who came to tour are on your site or at least know about it. What a terrific connection you give to all of us — like one big happy family.. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

This message went to my spam on 12/26/09

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

Hi Gary, I just want to wish everyone on the blog and beyond a very Merry Christmas! Unlike most in the states, we are experiencing a warm Christmas like you! We are lucky enough to spend it on the beaches in Guam!

I also so enjoyed seeing the pictures of my uncle Art Halvorson and Aunt Laura. I’ve never seen a picture of Art when he was so young. They were a handsome couple. I would like a copy of that if anyone could get one and send to my parents, Lester and Dorothy Halvorson. Gary, thank you for these past two years of walks down memory lane. God bless you and your dear wife and family.

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Lynn’s reply after I sent her JPEG copies of those pictures – Gary

Hi Gary, thanks for this. I can also copy to a disk and take them somewhere. My husband just left for the states today to start a new job so my computer expert is no longer here. Ha! We’ll be staying until end of May when school is done and then we move to New Jersey.
Asia has been good to us but time to go back.
Happy New Year! Lynn Otto

Lillian Thompson Bergstrom:

Reply from Keith Pladson (66) Stafford, VA

Gary,
Thanks for the nice words about my Aunt Lillian Bergstrom. She is a wonderful person and a pleasure to visit with. I had hoped I would have the opportunity to visit with her again this past summer, but things didn’t work out as planned. I did, however have a couple of long telephone conversations with my cousin Ron (one of Lillian’s sons) and he too said that she still has a very sharp mind. One minor correction; I believe she was 8 years older than Mom (Ella), so that would mean she was born in 1915 and thus a bit older than you said.

I also thought the photo was of Lester Johnson’s brother. Maybe Brian and Carrie Johnson would know.
Keith

Keith, Many folks in the earlier years, with the difficulties of going to school, were somewhat older when graduating from High School. With this being the beginning of 2010, Lillian would probably be 94 years old. Ralph Bjornseth has identified Maurice Johnson as Lester’s brother

Reply from Ralph & Luella Boardman (49) Bjornseth: Bottineau, ND

Gary:

Information from Ralph is that the picture of Maurice Johnson is this is the son of James & Annie Johnson–brother to Lester Johnson.

I talked to Ina (Lester’s sister) about Amanda Berg and as far as she knows she is living in a nursing home in the Valley City area. Ina and Sylvia had visited her after she moved to Valley City to be near one of her daughters. The last Ina had heard of her was that she was in a nursing home in that area but not in one in Valley City. Ole Olson was married to Annie Bjornseth and they were the parents of Johnny Olson.

Alida Johnson was no relation of Ralph’s parents. The only thing Ralph knows about her is that she is listed in the Salem Church records as being in the beginning organization of the first Ladies Aid members of Salem Church. She was possibly from the Hans Johnson or John Johnson families since both of those families had land north of the old Salem Church site up closer to Boundary Lake. I hope this answers some of your questions. Ralph has been really interested in reading all the letters coming in lately. Happy New Year!

Luella

Man Luella, I learn something new everyday. All the years that I lived up in that country and have known most all the Bjornseth’s and the Johnny Olson family most of my life, I did not know that Ralph and all the Bjornseth’s were cousins to Johnny Olson. I did not realize Johnny’s mother was a Bjornseth. I’ll bet I’m not alone not knowing that too. Johnny was Married to Adeline Pladson, sister to Eldon & Archie. Their children were Gary, Marvin and Terry. Terry graduated from Dunseith HS in 1964. Gary is deceased, Marvin I believe is living on the home place and Terry is living in Bottineau.

I sent Dick Johnson an advance copy of your message. I have pasted his reply below.

Now we need to figure out which Johnson family Alida belongs too.

Dick Johnson’s reply to Luella’s message above:

Gary,

We don’t have an ‘Alida Johnson’ on either side of our Johnson families. As far as I’ve heard, my grandfather Hans Johnson, came from Norway to Overly and then to Willow Lake Twp. and then to where we live now in Holmes Twp. so it may have to be that there was another Hans Johnson—there are two Maurice Johnson’s so who knows! With the name Johnson or Olson, they may have duplicated quite a few names unintentionally. Cindy and Curt Richard were trying to get in touch with me on the phone and had no luck so she went on the computer and found 268 ‘Richard Johnson’s in ND! There are several within just a few miles of here.

Dick

Reply from my cousin and also a cousin to the Morinville Siblings:

Audrey Hanson Aitchison: Bottineau, ND.

Hi,

A very Happy New Year to everyone. It is cold here in Bottineau tonight– -20 below. The sun was nice and bright today. Lester Johnson no longer works for Ron Bergman. His brother, Ralph Bergman has been working for him for 6 years. He does a great job. He came over and fixed my dryer a month ago and did a great job. Thanks.

This message went to my spam on 12/26/09

Message/Pictures from Kenny Nerpel (65): Rugby, ND.

Gary,

My mother, Eleanor Metcalfe, is now 85 years old and has been in the Haaland home here in Rugby for about a year and a half. When we visit with her I always try to bring the latest letters from your Email list for her to read. She really enjoys them and I wanted to thank you again for your efforts in putting this together.

One of the recent postings had a picture of Hillside School that was provided by Larry Leire. I’m wondering if this picture could be older than Larry suspects, because after looking at the picture for awhile Mom identified the girl on the right as herself and next to her, Agnes Belgarde. She thinks the girl on the far left is a LaRoque. Mom attended school there for two years but that would have been around 1930-31. Others that attended school there at this time would have been Clayton Bergan and Mom’s half uncles Clifford and Emil Metcalfe. The teacher at that time was Laura Olson. The land for the school site was donated by the Louis Bergan family.

She later attended Weatheralt School and the picture of her with the horse and cart is with Georgia Merrick, adopted child of Henry Dietrich, on their way to Weatheralt. She thinks she might have been 12 years old when the picture was taken. The other horse and buggy picture is of my sister Kathy and me on our way to Lockhart School taken in 1952.

Kenny

? LaRoque, ?????, Agnes Belgarde & Eleanor Metcalfe

Eleanor Metcalfe at Hillside School

Eleanor Metcalfe and Georgia Merrick

Eleanor Metcalfe Nerpel

Kenny and Kathy Nerpel Going to Lockhart School – 1952

Question from Keith Pladson (66) Stafford, VA

Gary,

Is there a way we can find the email address of recipients of your blog?

Also, do you know if there is a web site for the Rolette County records?

Thanks,
Keith

To prevent hackers from getting my distribution lists for sending potential spam, I send all these daily messages out with blind copies. In doing that, no one can find out who the recipients are. In the near future I will send out an updated Dunseith Alumni email list.

Folks, Do any of you know of a Website for Rolette county records? Gary

Arla Berg Picture:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

This is the other daughter of Albert and Clara Berg. Her name is
Arla—probably named after her aunt Arla Millang–my guess. She was
married to a guy named Tony Fazio (Marteliano) and lived out east and later in
Florida. I don’t know if she is still living but she was in contact with
my aunt Shirley Olson Warcup in the past few years. Maybe her niece
Carol Berg Hamel would know this too! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Arla Berg Marteliano

1917 – 2000

Arla MARTELIANO

Birth Date:

27 Apr 1917

Death Date:

29 May 2000

State or Territory Where Number Was Issued:

North Dakota

Death Residence Localities

ZIP Code:

33948

Localities:

Port Charlotte, Charlotte, Florida

Dunseith Alumni Reunion:

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

Hey Gary,

Happy New Year! Just a note to let you know that you can add my brother Aime to the reunion list.

Aggie

Aggie, Now that Aime and Renee too, have signed up, we’ll have to work on the rest of your siblings. It would be really nice if all 16 of you could make this Dunseith Alumni Reunion in May. I guarantee that would make newspaper headlines. I’m sure the Minot daily would run with that story too. Let’s make it happen. I think you and Joe are the only siblings out of state? The rest of your Siblings, I believe, are spread throughout the state of ND. So getting you guys all together at this reunion is not of the impossible. Joe lives in MN and he made our 2007 class of 65 reunion. Gary

01/25/2018 (2596)

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Gary

Trying to locate Larry Dale Ellingson’s Son in the Dunseith/Belcourt areas
Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):Belcourt, ND

Gary’s Comments:
Hopefully some of you will remember Larry Ellingson. He was born in 1942. He lived in the Dunseith area in the late 50’s / 60’s. Jim McCoy mentioned that he lived with the Hiatt’s. Not sure which Hiatt family, possibly the Freddie Hiatt family? That’s a guess. You Slyter boys and your sisters I think can probably answer that question. Larry fathered a son in the Dunseith/Belcourt area. His sister is trying to locate him. Please see posting below.

Gary,
This is the picture and information Larry’s daughter sent to swap and shop or whatever it says. She was most likely the one who wanted to speak to Jimmy McCoy.
Just thought I’d send this to you, maybe you’ll remember Larry.
Ginger

Auggie Johnson Jr. Question
Question from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

The reason for the Auggie Johnson still living was because of the news, the mudslide the man by the name of Auggie Johnson saved a 2 year old from the mudslide the child lost all but his father. This Auggie is being considered a hero.

Auggie Johnson’s son is also Auggie. Wondering if it is the Auggie we knows son.

Ginger

Pictures from Sharon Zorn Gerdes (’62): Windsor, CO

Sharon,
Thanks for these nice pictures Sharon. I always remember you as the pretty blond. You haven’t changed.
You have a very nice looking family too.
I sneaked the top picture in on you.
Gary

Benefit for Robert Knutson
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends,

I neglected to state Bob Knutson is also the brother to my sister in-law, Sally.

As Godparents, Bob and I shared our nephews and niece in important events.

Also, I noticed in reading this a.m. when I wrote the posting I capitalized the F in Food.

What can I say?

In my clan, good Food shared with the company of great Friends is important in supporting people.

Thanks again

Vickie

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

On Saturday, February 3, 2017 beginning at 3:00 p.m there will be a benefit for Robert Knutson to help defray medical expenses.

Bob is the son of Mary (Eurich) Knutson, uncle to one niece and two nephews, and great uncle to 2 little nieces and 1 nephew.

There will be Food, a silent Auction and a tournament. This event will be held at the Dockside, Lake Metigoshe.

Many Thanks,

Vickie Metcalfe

Indigenous Olympic Hockey player
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/brigette-lacquette-cote-first-nation-olympic-hockey-team-1.4499136
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70) Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith friends,

I ‘m x-ing fingers, hoping the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team does well in S.Korea..

Several nephews in my family are passionate about hockey. Maybe from their great grand dad Cliff?

My dad recalling his childhood shared; he, his siblings and neighbor kids in winters oft played shinny on Rabbit City Lake.

One winter they wore rawhide shoes which were too large for children.

The kids would shape those rawhide shoes, freeze them, stuff therm with paper and they were perfect for sliding on ice.

When his mom, Grandma and her younger children moved into Dunseith from the shores of Rabbit City Lake.

Dad spent time skating on the old Dunseith Rink. There he met Guff Faine.

With admiration Dad talked of the “Faine” brothers who were wonderful on ice, especially Guff.

While living in in Montana for number of years I met Penny.

She was my neighbor across the hall in my apt building and on the

teaching staff .

Her family lived at Devils Lake where she grew up.

She’d taught at St.Ann’s Ojibwa school where she lived with the “Sisters”. She also had connections with Dunseith.

Whenever driving through big wintery snowsdrifts on our way to school; She’d say, ‘”Step on it , Give er onion”.

Confused I asked her, “Where did you get that saying?” She told me she got the saying from her maternal granddad.

One Saturday in May, when my niece was born too early, Penny took me to St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Silently, we sat in the quiet peaceful sanctuary where she lite candles for my niece.

It is a wonderfully small world, isn’t it?

Her granddad? He was Guff’s brother.

Until later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

==============================================
Blog (670) posted on January 2, 2010

Posted on January 2, 2010

Reply from Marlene Leilleby Palmquist Larsen (53): Ephrata, WA

Gary

Thanks again for your interesting Blog. We have been away for Christmas and enjoyed catching up on Dunseith news upon return to Yuma. Even though my family moved when I was in 7th grade, I cannot believe all the familiar families that I remember from my life in Dunseith. It was a good time and reading all this daily news I feel like I am still part of this

wonderful community.

I epically enjoyed the letter sent on the 14th of Dec. —

Bonnie Awalt was our neighbor and a fun friend from the past. Spencer Teal I remember as a sweet older boy whose

parents ran the depot — was sad to hear how his life ended.

Donald Egbert, was actually my mothers 1/2 brother – as her dad was Adrian Egbert. After he and my grandmother divorced and he married Dorothy — My parents moved to Washington State and we did not have much communication with them — My mother came to appreciate Dorothy’s good care of her father as my grandmother Ethel lived with us of and on, and needed

a lot of care in her last years also. I always loved my Grandpa & Grandmother Egbert as I was their lst grandchild and spent a lot of time with them as a little girl. So have always been a little sorry that we never got to know Donald too. It sounds like

he was trying to make up to Donald for all the things he couldn’t give his lst family. It’s too bad it turned out that the old

alcohol ruined the good intent.

Gary thanks for including us in your news blog. Also the trip- to Alaska sounded wonderful for all.

Marlene Lilleby Palmquist Larsen

Marlene, Donald Egbert was in our class of 65. I remember Donald well. When I entered Dunseith High School, coming from the country and the hills, Donald was an Icon to me. He was a popular Jock. He was a handsome young varsity Basket ball player. I remember Donald as being bright too. Like Larry Hackman mentioned, Donald was exposed to some of the evil elements, very early in life, with some of his much older team members. Folks, This is what I remember and please correct me if I’m wrong. At some point in HS, Donald, along with some others got expelled from school for an alcohol related incident. There were conditions that had to be met for them to be readmitted back into school. After getting expelled, I don’t think Donald ever went back. At that point in Donald’s Life, I think his addiction to Alcohol started taking a toll on his life. That was more than 45 years ago. Donald is well known, today, in the Dunseith community. I’m not sure how many folks know of Donald’s good past. He was a great guy and still is today once getting past the alcohol. We made a special effort to include Donald in our class reunion in 2007. Raphael Poitra made arrangements with Donald to take him to the reunion. We were all glad to see Donald. He went around and greeted everyone shaking their hands. Not long after that, someone looked out on Highway #3 and noticed Donald headed down the road back towards town walking. Raphael was alerted, went out, picked him up and gave him a lift back to town. The picture I have of Donald was provide by Bill Grimme. Bill said when he took that picture, Donald made a special effort to hold up his whisky bottle. I tried cropping it out of the picture, but wasn’t able to entirely get the whole bottle cropped out. Donald has always been a well known guy. I just wanted to bring out some of the good side of Donald. To this day, Donald has great recall of the past with great detail. Gary

Donald Egbert (65)

Reply from Diane Wenstad (69): Portage La Prairie, MB Canada

Yes Melvin is the 3rd oldest brother and Arliss is the youngest of the thirteen. They both live in Michigan ND, beyween Grand Forks and Devils Lake on highway #2.

Diane

Wade Waagen’s Obituary:

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Note: Wade is the grandson of Larry and Connie Burcham (62) Sime

Wade Waagen
June 25, 1986-Dec. 30, 2009POSTED: January 1, 2010The funeral service for Wade Waagen, 23, of Dickinson, N.D., will be
at 11 a.m. MST Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at St. John Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Dickinson, with Pastor Steve Tangen officiating.
Wade will be buried in the Little Prairie Cemetery in the Turtle
Mountains at a later date.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. MST Saturday at St. John
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson.

Wade passed away Dec. 30, 2009, at Triumph Healthcare, Mandan, N.D.

Wade S. Waagen was born June 25, 1986, to parents Steve Waagen of
Bottineau, N.D., and Carolyn Sime of Dickinson. Wade attended Perkett
Elementary School in Minot, N.D., from 1st through 6th grade. Upon
moving to Dickinson, he attended Hagen Junior High and Dickinson High
School, graduating in 2007. He enjoyed family, bowling, riding horse
and going for walks. Wade’s travels included Medora, the
International Peace Garden, the Bismarck Zoo and Bottineau.

Wade is survived by: his mother, Carolyn Sime, Dickinson; father,
Steve Waagen, Bottineau; sister, Nancy Waagen (finance, Cayce Stute);
nephew, Adam; grandparents, Larry and Connie Sime, Dunseith, N.D.;
grandfather, Gordon Waagen, Willow City, N.D.; grandmother, Joan
Waagen, Bottineau; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Wade also
had extended family at ABLE INC., 23rd St. Dickinson, where he
resided for 11 years.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at
(www.stevensonfuneralhome.com).

(Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson)

Wesley Schnieder Story:

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends,
Happy New Year 2010.
Prior to Christmas Eve day, my next door neighbor to the east,Marlys Richard, and Ovidia Schnieder’s daughter Barb delivered to my doorstep homemade Christmas goodies. On Christmas Day, I packed gift packages and the goodies into my car and drove into the hills to share Christmas dinner at Archie and Sally (Knutson) Metcalfe’s.
Today, a sunny, clear, cold, New Years Day, Lochbuie and I bundled up warmly and went across the street to thank Wes and Ovidia Schnieder for their generosity.
Wes was looking out the west window and fretting about “Mr. Squirrel”, chattering and sitting on top the tall bird house poaching on bird food. Another squirrel jumping from tree limb to tree limb was adding to the demise of the wild birds.

Wes, one of Buie’s favorite people, attention was diverted and he got out the dog treats. Ovidia while she brewed me a cup of green tea in her microwave, took me into her family-parlor room with a plate and directed me to fill it up. Ovidia’s daughters and granddaughters had filled the round oak table with a vast array of goodies. Fudge, krumkaka, fattimann, candied pecans, sandbakkels, breads, and others…..Oh my!

We went back into the kitchen, Buie was welcoming Wes’ gentle strokes. We sat up to the table me with my cuppa tea and Wes and Ovidia with their coffee cups and enjoyed a warm New years visit, Jim Reeves smooth voice on the LP played.
Stories! Yes! Wes regaled me with stories. Then a tale! I have to say it is a tale, because while Wes gave me permission to share Ovidia and I were concerned about the statute of limitations.

Wes, Warren, and the Mysterious Packages!

One day, young Wes who was about eight years of age and his younger brother Warren set out to get the mail.
They each rode a bike. Wes was riding his backwards,as he often did. They were enjoying their ride and visiting as young boys do when the mail box came in sight about a mile off down the long road from the Schnieder farm.
There’s something different about the mail box….
Their mail box was on a stand with about three other mail boxes…the Boguslowskis, possibly brother Hanks, and another neighbors.

What? Ah ha! What a sight! “What is it?” Let me see.” Excitedly. Someone had sent packages to each of the mailboxes.

Hmmm.
Curious. “Lets’ open just one.” “Lets open our parents.”
Ummm. “Candy. Unresistable. And it was delicious!” ……Chocolate!!!!! “If we open the other packages…. no one will ever know” .
Yes, more……more chocolate candy! What a treat! The two young Schnieder’s ate the neighbors packages of chocolate candy as well as their parents.
The boys did not read the contents on packages. They stuffed those papers into their pockets and riding back home cleverly put them in the burning barrel.

Before the next morning their mother found out their secret. The boys had made many, many trips to the out house.

And mother had found out that, many others had also received packages of samples sent by a company on their new promotion.

A promotion to help occasional irregularity.
The two boys learned the lesson of not opening anothers mail. Wes and Warren found out the wonder of Chocolate……Exlax……

Berg Pictures & Message:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,There are a couple more pictures of some of the Berg family. I think
it’s Alvin, and the gal is definitely Amanda Berg. Her name is on the
picture but the guy could possibly be Alvin’s brother, Martin Berg.
Neola may be able to find out for sure from Carol Berg Hamel, Martin’s
daughter. I really would like to put the names on the pictures so I know
for sure. My grandmother had these pictures and would have known who is
who, but I didn’t take the time to ask her—big mistake. Several years
later I did sit down with my Grandma Johnson and go through her pictures
and put the correct information on the pictures. I only wish I would
have done this with my other grandmother but that mistake led me to not
let it happen again. History can be lost permanently if the individuals
who know don’t pass on this information to the next generation. I was at
more than one auction where the families sold the old family pictures
because no one knew who any of the people in the pictures were. Sad, to
say the least. There are many in the next generations who will miss out
on some of the most important parts of their genealogy for this very
reason. As we are going through our busy daily schedules, it doesn’t
seem that important to mess with old pictures, but as we get older these
things become important, as this blog demonstrates. Thanks to all those
who have sent pictures and of course, thanks Gary!Dick

Neola, Can you ask Carol about Amanda too? I’m thinking she may still be living. Gary

Amanda Berg Alvin or Martin Berg

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard: Rolette, ND

Gee, pictures don’t lie, I must be getting old !! The gal with me is Rosemary LaCroix, her husband was Leonard LaCroix brother to Henry and Ernest. We are headed to Fargo to attend the funeral tomorrow for Helen. She was such a special person, and loved by us all.

L to R: Rosemary LaCroix & Carmen Richard

LeaRae Parrill Espe (67) Named “Bottineau’s Outstanding Young Educator” 25 years ago.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

01/22/2018 (2595)

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Gary

Benefit for Robert Knutson
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

On Saturday, February 3, 2017 beginning at 3:00 p.m there will be a benefit for Robert Knutson to help defray medical expenses.

Bob is the son of Mary (Eurich) Knutson, uncle to one niece and two nephews, and great uncle to 2 little nieces and 1 nephew.

There will be Food, a silent Auction and a tournament. This event will be held at the Dockside, Lake Metigoshe.

Many Thanks,

Vickie Metcalfe

Larry Dale Ellington – Info requested
Posting from Jim McKoy (’62) Dunseith, ND

Regarding information about Larry Dale Elington’s time in Dunseith.

I knew Larry Elington very well.

I received an email from his daughter who wanted to know anything about Larry when he lived in Dunseith ND.

If she wants to talk to me, my telephone number is 701-244-5748.

Gary’s Comment
Jim, Can you fill us in a little more about Larry and the Ellington Family? I don’t have him in my records at all. What years was he in Dunseith?

==============================================
Blog (669) posted on January 1, 2010

Posted on January 1, 2010

Happy New year everyone. For most of you it’s an hour or so yet until the new year. We have been into the new year for 13 hours now here in the PI. Gary

Helen Metcafle Barden (62) passed away:

From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): Fargo, ND.

Gary–I will send on to you Lanny’s notice to our siblings of Helen Metcalfe Barden’s passing to new life. Can you please post this to the blog–and MANY THANKS to you, Gary, for all you do for all of us.
Love and peace,
Geri Metcalfe Munro

From:
Subject: It is over!!!
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:06:39 -0600

You may be aware already through Geri or Margaret that Helen has finished her struggle!!! She slipped from us about 7:30 PM tonight surrounded by a ring of praying friends and relatives…

Her passing was painless and peaceful after a day of smiles and beams for people stopping in to say goodbye.. Geri, parish nurse Barb Hanson and associate pastor Becky Lee all got big smiles and warm eyes in a wordless greeting.. Dear friends Joyce Snyder and Cheryl Ableman came a bit later and the smile had faded a little but the prayer ring brought peace..

The quickness with which it came was a surprise but I feel it was exactly the way she wanted to go… No long lingering but a swift and dignified exit for her trip “home”!!!

I am a little numb but happy she is to be where she really wanted to be and God told her He would take her.. Rejoice with her in her triumph!!!

Love and warm memories, Lanny

Helen Barden

Helen M. Barden, 65, of Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at MeritCare Palliative Care, Fargo, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Helen Marie Metcalfe was born April 27, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, daughter of James and Ella Marie (Evans) Metcalfe. She attended country school and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1962.

Helen attended the North Dakota School of Forestry and Junior College at Bottineau for two years. She graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelors Degree.

She married Lance Barden in Bottineau in 1968.

Helen taught at Anamoose, North Dakota and Holdingford, Minnesota.

She was active in Atonement Lutheran Church and Women’s AGLOW ever since she came to Fargo. She worked for 30 years as a legal secretary and also worked as a receptionist for Access RRV.

Helen is survived by her husband, Lance, Fargo, ND; two brothers, James (Yolanda) Metcalfe, Kingman, AZ; and Gary (Sue) Metcalfe, Hollister, MO; four sisters, Geri (Charles) Munro, Fargo, ND; Margaret Leonard, Rolette, ND; Patty (Jack) Woods, Dunseith, ND; and Lola (Jay) Vanorny, Dunseith, ND; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Duane Coleman and Charles Leonard.

Memorial Service: Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 1:00 PM at Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Visitation: Friday, January 1, 2010, from 4-6 PM, at the church.

Prayer Service: Friday, January 1, 2010, at 6 PM, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Atonement Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

http://hansonrunsvold.com/obituaries.asp?ID=710

To Helen’s family and the Metcalfe’s: It’s so sad hearing of Helen’s passing. I remember her as being such a kind hearted sweet loving person full of personality and life. Those are my memories of Helen riding our bus and in school my freshman year. She was 3 years ahead of me. Those memories were reinforced years later with the email messages Helen and I have exchanged the past couple of years. I know she was prepared for this knowing her time was near, but it’s still very hard for family members. My condolences are with you with her passing. Gary

From Blanche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND.

Hi! I thought you’d be interested in this story from Science@NASA: Party planners take note. For the first time in almost twenty years, there’s going to be a Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29dec_bluemoon.htm?friend(or<a href=http://science.NASA.gov/headlines/y2009/29dec_bluemoon.htm?friend> Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve </a>.)

BEST WISHES FOR 2010 — MAY IT BE THE BEST OF YEARS FOR YOU AND BERNARDETTE…KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK IN YOUR DAILY E-MAILS — YOU HAVE REALLY BROUGHT THE COMMUNITY OF DUNSEITH TOGETHER WITH “ALUMNI” THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

Louis and Clara Bergan:

Reply from Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Gary Metcalfe talked about Louis Bergan, We lived on the farm where JR. Walters lives now and Louis and Clara lived south of us and Jim Anthony lived east of us., so we were neighbors and the Metcalfe’s lived south of us too. In 1943 I went to Seattle and lived with my uncle Alphie Dion, Louis Bergan and Jim Anthony, It worked pretty good, Jim and Louis worked the graveyard shift at the shipyards and Alphie and I worked the day shift.

And Gary M sorry I missed you at Branson MO. at our Navy reunion when you drove my Navy pal from Springfield to Branson, he said you and him had a nice talk. I don’t remember the year, maybe 10 years ago.

Thanks for all your newsletter Gary S.

Floyd

Floyd, It’s great to hear from you. How’s Luella doing now? I’m hopind she has gotten healed from all her injuries and is doing OK.

Reply from Diane Wenstad Weibe (69): Portage La Prairie, MB Canada

Hi Gary
I knew Pam would correct you and the picture; as who would like to own that picture. Yes you wanted to be my friend on Face Book and that is where that picture came from. I went to Manitoba, Canada in 1969, married and raised two childred;have been in Canada for 40 years.
Well while I am on the blog, thanks for news, work and information you send to all of us.
Would you add Melvin Wenstad and Arliss Spline to the May 22 reunion? Thanks and keep up the good work.
Diane

Carmen Leonard Richard

Selling Lanette Beachler Richard’s (82) book:

Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Hi,

As you can see, this is a picture of Carmen Richard selling her daughter-in-law’s book. It was taken at the Craft Sale in Bottineau on November 14, 2009.

Neola

Carmen, who is the lady with you in this picture? She looks so familiar. Gary

Carmen Richard in red.

Reply to Mary’s pictures:

From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Mary Eurich Knutson for the pictures of some of our
relatives. Amanda Berg is the daughter of Albert and Clara Berg and is
my mother’s first cousin. A few years ago I asked Mary if I could walk
over to the old place where Bergs lived, which is now on her property.
It was amazing to see the old houses that were still standing. The
original house was log and then they either moved in or built a frame
house but never tore down the old one. I hadn’t been to the old Berg
place since the mid 50s when we would go to visit with Clara and Albert.
It was still the same except the buildings were becoming victims of
nature. It may have been quite a few years ago and they might not even
still be standing—time flies! The picture of Amanda Berg and Maurice
Johnson is interesting. Maurice would have been Amanda’s first cousin
and the son of Johnnie and Stella Johnson. He would have been Glen
Johnson’s and Loretta Johnson’s brother and an uncle to Denise and
Darlene Quillinan (63). I had never seen a picture of him at any age and
as far as I can remember, have never seen him in person although we were
at Johnnie and Stella’s many times as I was growing up. I think he left
the area and lived out his life around Seattle or that area.I’ll send a
couple pictures of the Berg Family. The first is Probably the wedding
picture of Albert and Clara and the other is their family a few years
later. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick’s quick reply:

Gary,

I don’t know if Amanda is still living. We never heard from them
after Mom died and now that Snookie is gone I don’t know who might know.
I have a couple more pictures of the Berg kids–Amanda and Alvin or
Martin–from when they were young adults, I can send later. The boy in
yesterdays picture might be the other Maurice Johnson, Lester’s brother
too. Maybe someone will know.

Dick

Folks, We need some help Identifing which Maurice Johnson is in yesterday’s posting. Comparing the family phote of the James Johnson family on page 194 of the Bottineau book, this looks like it could be Lester’s brother Maurice? If there was a way Lester could see this photo, I’ll bet he could give us a possitive identification. His sister Ina would know too. She just celebrated her 90th Birthday.

Ron Bergman, is Lester still working for you at your J.C. Penny store in Bottineau?

Dick, I just assumed that was Maurice Johnson, son of James & Annie and brother to Lester in the photo posted yesterday. I did not realize there was another Maurice Johnson. I am learning new history with all these postings. It’s great being able to put everyone’s piece of the puzzle/history together to get the whole picture. Until the past several days, I did realize the close knit community relationships of the Berg’s, Bergan’s, Bjornseth’s, Pritchard’s, Thompson’s, Pederson’s, Johnson’s etc. There were many more families of our ancestors that were in this circle of folks too. The Hiatt’s were one of the larger families of the community as were the Lindberg’s and Hagen’s. The Lagerquist’s were in that mix too.

This all brings to mind Lillian Thompson Bergstrom (36). Her parents were Ulysses & Alice Thompson. She is an aunt to the Pladson siblings. Lillian graduated in 1936, so she must have been born in about 1918. She must be about 91 or 92 years young now. Lillian lives with her daughter in Superior Wisconsin. She is a pretty sharp lady. She was rather surprised to get my phone call when I called her a year or so ago putting together her class list. She left the community before I was born, but she sure knew my family and the history of the community from her days. Her mother was a Stokes, so we are related. Near the end of our 1 1/2 hour conversation, she was telling me her daughter and family were very curious as to who she was talking to. I have pasted Lillian’s phone number below. I know Lillian would be delighted to hear from any of you. She may be able to fill in a few of the missing pieces to our puzzle too. Gary

Thompson Bergstrom

Lillian

309 Homecroft Court

Superior, Wisconsin 54880

(715) 394-2189

Albert & Clara Berg Albert/Clara Berg Family

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:Bottineau & Minot, ND.

01/19/2018 (2594)

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Gary

Main St. Bottineau: Marion (Lester deceased) Johnson, 87, Shoveling snow. Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

==============================================
Blog (668) posted on December 31, 2009

Posted on December 31, 2009

Karen Larson – Spectrum:

Folks, Karen Larson is the owner of the Spectrum Store, not Mary.

Karen, I apologize for this error. I knew better when I said that, but I had Mary on my mind with those pictures.

Andrew Bergan Family:

Reply from Barbara Trent (Bergan) Riehm:San Diego, CA.

Gary I am enjoying all this information. I would like to clear up a few things. My Grandfather (Mother’s father) was Andrew Bergan, Louis Bergan was her Older(and I believe the oldest of the children) brother and Clayton her Nephew. Bertha Bergan was my Mother’s only sister. She married Eric Bjornseth. Oscar Bergan was the youngest in the family of 6 boys and 2 girls. I think that my Sister (Colleen Trent Baier) I am now the only living “Grandchildren” of Andrew and Christina Bergan, however I may be wrong.
Sorry I haven’t been in touch with you and all your “followers” I’ll try do better. Right now I am in the Rocky Mountains of Montana at my son’s beautiful 2nd home on Salmon Lake. Lots of snow and cold. but coming from California a few days of this is OK. I go back to San Diego on the 5th of January.

Happy New Year
Barbara Trent Riehm

Folks, Barbara’s mother was Julia Bergan Trent. She lived in Bottineau.

Barbara, Thank you so much for this reply. Enjoy the Rocky Mountains. I’ll continue to include you with messages that contain Bergan family postings. Is Helmer Bergan, picture below, your mothers brother? Where does you sister Colleen live? Gary

Reply from Roger and Connie Zorn Landsverk: Dunseith, ND

HI, GARY,

JUST READ THE DUNSEITH NEWS. ONE CORRECTION KAREN LARSON OWNS THE SPECTRUM. HER 1ST NAME ISN’T MARY.HER MOM OVIDIA WAS MY PIANO TEACHER.

OH RUBY & LARS SIVERTSON MOVED TO BOTNO NOW.THAT’S GOOD AS THEY ARE GETTING UP IN AGE.

I KNOW MONA & LARRY MARCHUS. I BET THEY ENJOY LIVING IN THE HILLS IN THE SUMMER-TIME.

TAKE CARE

CONNIE & ROGER

Folks, Mona & Larry Marchus, from Bottineau, purchased our home farm, the Stokes place, in 1996. When Dad turned 80, he said he was done mowing grass and sold the farm. Larry and Mona keep the place looking immaculate. They moved a huge double wide mobile home onto the place and live there in the summer. The Stokes place has a fantastic view to the east all the way to the Peace Garden. I think Dad counted 90 plus trees in that yard that he had to mow around. That included the barnyard too. Larry Marchus worked at the State Bank in Bottineau and Mona is a past mayor of Bottineau. I think Larry and Mona owned a furniture store in Bottineau at one time too. They are a great couple and always welcome us to our old place to look around and revisit. Gary

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

When I read there were pictures in your newsletter, I stopped reading this email and checked out the pictures. I LOVE these old pictures–even if I don’t know who they are. Being I knew the first picture was of your mom, I recognized her. I don’t think I would have known her if you hadn’t identified her.

It’s Karen Larson who owns the Spectrum. She’s a really neat person; I enjoy her. As I’ve mentioned before, Karen’s sister, Ruth, is married to Ronald Gust, Wally’s godson.

Neola

Neola, I had never seen Mom with her hair combed quite like it is in that picture. To be honest, I probably would not have recognized her either. After knowing it’s her, I can for sure recognize her arms and her body as being her. Gary

Reply from Eileen Brudwick: Fargo, ND.

Gary,

I wonder if Eva is the wife of David Eurich Sr. David Jr. married Winifred Pritchard.

Eileen

Eileen, With this coming from Mary Eurich, this was a very good asumption. With your reply, I assumed this was probably Eva Eurich too until I got some other messages with positive identification. Gary

Eva Crawford Hiatt Identified:

From Evon Lagerquist (78) & Leola Hiatt Lagerquist:Dunseith, ND.

I know the Eva in the picture as my Grandma, Eva Hiatt. The owner of the Spectrum is Karen Larson……,not Mary.

Thanks, Gary!

Evon

Evon, Many of our readers knew your grandma Eva’s brother, Johnny Crawford and also their sister, Alma Crawford. Johnny was a next door neighbor to Leonard Lund in my day. They lived on the west side of Long Lake.

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO

Hello Everyone,

The Dunseith area history in the Prairie Past and Mountain Memories that the locals put together has 500 pages of history that would be lost without their great effort. When I read about Dave and Eva Eurick of the many places they lived, I was surprised to see they lived on the old Max Theel place 1 or 2 miles NW of the Day School. I wonder if Linda or Marie remember living there? That is the place I bought from John Bedard and sold to Gagnon’s.

Almost everyone I know agrees on education being all important. There were lots of rural kids on both sides of me that never went to high school. That brings me to Louis Bergan. I didn’t know much of Louis’s life in Bottineau County. It looks like he moved from Ackworth area along with one of Anton Olson’s daughters, Clara who was his wife. So Louis had a school named after him. I really don’t know what happened with Clara early on, but her sister Annie married Jim Anthony.

If I had to rent a room in town and work to get an education, then what about our parents back before the 30’s.
How did that generation compete with about a 5th or 6th grade education? In my Dad’s case it was Louis Bergan that set the standard, he would line up the wood stumps in his shop for the boys to set on and have meetings, how to treat a teacher and whatever. Louis was with us on a trip back from Seattle in the 40’s. I also remember visiting Louis when shanty town was a real suburb of Dunseith. Louis added about 20 feet on the front of our barn when he added on a hay mow. His brother Oscar was also a great carpenter around Metigoshe.

From Henry Dietrich my dad learned how to measure hay in a stack, lumber also. They probably didn’t always have a pencil so it was all done in their head.

So in 1939 when we moved to Seattle, Dad could sing, dance, scrap figure in his head and compete. What you know is important but who you know maybe more. Dad talked about several of the men he worked with around Seattle so much so that I felt like I knew them. For instance, Bob Buchanan, B.A. for hod carriers in Seattle. He knew the first name of every man in the local at first meeting.

Back in N.D. he continued his education and I thnk enjoyed it with the same agenda, he had people in Boissevain, Canada. He always said they know more about our politics than we do. George Albert was at the top of his list in the Dunseith area.

Sue and I got some education Christmas Eve in an all black Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi on our way back from New Orleans. A very humbling experience, we were the only white ones there and they were so welcoming to us. Wonderful music, kids sharing, teens and adults giving testimonies of thankfulness…very good memory of Christmas Eve 2009. Happy New Year to all…hope you have sweet memories to be made in 2010! Gary Metcalfe

Reply to pictures posted yesterday:

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

Hi Gary & All

Marlys Hiatt had commented on the Thompson place and Norman having pastured that land. It didn’t seem quite like I remembered and I’ve done some digging. Bear in mind I could be wrong on some of this. There should be somebody out there who would know if this is right or not. There were four Thompson’s who homesteaded in Rolette County in Willow Lake township, all siblings. There was Olaf, Ida, Charles and Ulysses. They were all in that general area. Charles by Lagerquist Lake, I think that was Eva Hiatt’s place by 43: Ida by the Canadian Border; Ulysses must have been the place Marlys was referring to and I’m not sure where Olaf’s place would have been. When you hear family members talking it was always concerning things they had done at Boundary Lake, Rab Lake, Peterson Lake and occassionally Lagerquist Lake.

The one picture I sent with the row boat identifies the people in the boat as Helmer Bergan, Ida Pritchard and Baby (Robert) in Boundary Lake. (Now who’s Helmer Bergan)? The lady with the big coat is Eva Hiatt. The boys standing together together are: Tallest one, Corbin Pritchard, Alvin Berg, Clifford Bjjornseth and Roy Lindberg. I don’t know which is which and I don’t know the teacher’s name. The two kids on skis ? are Amanda Berg and Maurice Johnson. Taken on the lake south of Ole Olson school. Was Ole Olson Johnny Olsons dad? The two ladies sitting are Alida Johnson and Julia Bergan. I think you had mentioned Julia as Clayton’s aunt in a previous blog but who would Alida Johnson be? If you don’t know it might be a question for Ralph Bjornseth. The old car is just a picture. The people in it are Ma’s cousins but I just wondered what kind of a car it is. Model/year etc. I thought you’d enjoy the picture of your Mom. There are more pictures coming. This really get time consuming but it’s fun. Some of the pictures are really scorched. Been through a close call at some point.

It’s Karen Larson that sends pictures for me Not Mary. Take care. Mary K.

Mary, your description of things is exactly the way I remember from discussions I heard in my growing up days. What you have said about Ulysses Thompson, I think is absolutely correct. He was married to my Grandfather, Frank Stokes’ sister, Alice. Ulysses & Alice were the parents of Ella (Mrs. Eldon) Pladson, Esther (Mrs. Edmar) Tangen and Lillian. Lillian Thompson Bergstrom lives in Superior, Wisconsin. Mary, Ida was your Grandmother, married to William Pritchard.

Mary, I have reposted these pictures labeling those you have identified. I know we have readers out there that can answer some of your questions above.

I truly enjoyed seeing that picture of my mother. That must have been one that your mother had. Gary

Pictures posted by Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Elaine Stokes

Helmar Bergan, Ida Thompson Pritchard & Baby Robert Pritchard

Eve Crawford Hiatt

From the Bottineau Centennial book: Amanda Berg, Daughter of Albert & Clara Johnson Berg was born 2/17/22. She is married to Clarence Schultz and lives near Donnybrook.

Is Amanda still living today? I know Maurice Johnson is deceased.

Dick Johnson, you are related to the Berg’s. I’ll bet you can fill us in on Amanda.

Amanda Berg and Maurice Johnson

This would be Julia Bergan Trent, Barbara’s mother. I’m not sure who Alida Johnson is? I’m wondering if she is possibly related to Ralph Bjornseth’s mother, Cora Johnson Bjornseth? I’m hoping Barbara or Ralph can help us out here with who she is? Gary

Alida Johnson and Julia Bergan

Boys with their Teacher. Corbin Pritchard is the first boy and I’m pretty sure Clifford Bjornseth is the 3rd boy. We need some help identifying whose who with Alvin and Roy and also the teacher. Gary

Corbin Pritchard, Alvin Berg, Clifford Bjornseth & Roy Lindberg

Cousins of Winifred Pritchard Eurich

Newspaper posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Folks, I remember Duane Sorbin in this article.I think he is still living on the same place. Duane also has an H-International tractor propped up on a tall revolving poll too, that can easily be seen from Highway 5 just west of Bottineau.

Do any of you remember Ann Louise Willie, former Miss Indian America, mentioned in this article? Gary

01/17/2018 (2593)

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Gary

First Cousin Jack and Rona Wifladt

Cousin Jack and Rona, form Edmonton, Alberta Canada, were her nearly the whole month of December. They returned home January 11^th.

They left 90f degree weather here and returned to home to -37f with a wind chill of -48f. Jack said when they arrived all they were wearing was light outer garments. He said it was dam cold.

Dinner with the Cousin Jack Wifladt and his wife Rona from Edmonton, Alberta Canada

==============================================
Blog (667) posted on December 30, 2009

Posted on December 30, 2009

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary,

Lars and Ruby ( Mom’s sister) Sivertson live in Bottineau now. Lars still helps on the farm.

Yes, I recall where Oscar and Sylvia live(d). Not sure if there is anyone on that place at this time.

I was at the home of Oscar and Sylbia once that I know of. It was so nice in their home. I vividly remember Oscar’s affirmative gesture of “Uha, Uha, Uha”.

I get up early as my neighbor has a loud alarm clock that fires off at 5:14 am, which is just OK.

8 degrees here this am, 26 degrees is “advertised”; a heat wave. Lee

Lee, You are so right with your remembrance of Oscar Bergan. Oscar was a very intelligent man of which I think generated those gestures. He and Sylvia were wonderful folks. They are the only folks that I know of that had a hand washing facility in their out door toilet with a pitcher of water, wash basin and a towel. There was never any dirt in their premises. Everything was always tidy and clean. Gary

Email address change:

Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND

Hi everyone : Our kids got us a new Dell laptop for Christmas so now
we can enjoy all those things with attachments you have been sending us
and we could not open, also we will not fill up the message center as
has happened so often. But we need your help as we need all your great
names in our address book in the new computer. So please send us a
message or forward so we can add you to our list. Our new e-mail
address is: so let us hear from you
soon!!!!!! We will still have this address too for awhile until we get
used to the laptop. Thanks!!!!

We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot

Tom, I have all these daily messages and a whole lot of other mail saved in my gmail account and I’ve only used a fraction of the available storage. The good part is that it’s free too. Gary

Pritchard/Bergan/Stokes Pictures:

Provided by Mary Eurich Knutson (62): Dunseith, ND.

Mary,

These are wonderful pictures. The first one of my mother, Elaine Stokes, I have never seen before. I’m assuming that is your Grandmother, Ida, and Robert Pritchard in the boat picture? Who is Eva?

With these pictures being taken in the hills, I’m guessing those not identified are some of your mother’s, Winifred Pritchard Eurich’s, family members? Hopefully some of our readers can identify these folks. Maybe Dorothy or Doris Pritchard can help us out with the identities of some of these folks? They both get copies of these daily messages. The Hospital prints these out everyday for Dorothy and Bill prints them out for his mother Doris. That’s dedication.

Thank you so much for sharing these pictures Mary.

Gary

PS – Folks, These pictures were sent by Karyn Larson, owner of the Spectrum store in Bottineau. Wesley Schneider is Karen’s step dad. For a small fee, Mary will scan and send any pictures that you’d like to share. Karen is on our distribution and she has my email address.

01/15/2018 (2592)

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Gary

Condolences to the Terry Nadeau Family
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

I wish to express sympathy to Linda ( Laroque)… class of ’68. on the passing of her first born son.

I remember Terry as a kind little third grade boy who was in my very first 3rd grade class at Dunseith Elementary.

My thoughts go out to others, the many members of Terry’s extended family and friends.

May Terry rest in peace.

Sincerely, Vickie L. Metcalfe

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Terry Nadeau

Terry Nadeau, a son of Edward Nadeau and Linda (LaRocque) Poitra, was born on May 31, 1966 at Belcourt. He grew up at Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School. He then worked at San Haven before doing masonry work in the Dunseith area. He later joined the MN Labor Union Local 563 and did construction work until retiring in 2011 due to his health.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. He loved watching the Minnesota Vikings and spending time with his family. Terry was kind hearted and was always willing to help others. He always was high spirited no matter how sick he was.

He is survived by his parents, Curtis and Linda Poitra of Dunseith and June Day of Onamia, MN; sisters, Mistylynn (Shane) Trottier, Jamie (Kevin) Schroeder, Skyeann (Nathan) Nadeau, Gena (John) Gunville all of Dunseith, Jaime Day of Onamia, MN; brothers, T.J. (Jill) Poitra of Grand Forks, Eddie James Nadeau, Cory Nadeau and Cortney Nadeau all of Onamia, MN; Godchildren, Cody Houle, Maisie Poitra, Dawson Schroeder, Jayle Poitra and David Keplin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Nadeau; sister, Lori Nadeau; brothers, Mike Day and Bobby Nadeau; and grandparents, Jerome and Alice LaRocque, Patrick and Sarah Nadeau and Alfred Poitra.

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

August 1955: Anniversary: Henry Halvorson’s 50th Anniversary Clipping
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

==============================================
Blog (666) posted on December 29, 2009

Posted on December 29, 2009

Correction from Del Enno (78): Fargo, ND.

Hi Gary, Just letting you know that the picture you have posted of Pam is not her. Pam and I have been friends since grade school and we still keep in touch, and that is not her. I have no idea who that is. I am thinking it is a relative of theirs.

Correction from Pam Wenstad Lane (78):Dunseith, ND.

Hey Gary,

Merry Late Christmas and Happy New Year! The picture you posted is of Diana Wenstad. She is the daughter of Lawerance and Liela Wenstad, my first cousin. She has been married and lives in Canada. I believe she is Connie’s age, about 59 yrs.old ? Terrible I don’t know my own sisters age.
She is sighed up for the reunion in May. I live in the hills with Debbie. Back to my roots, (although I would perfer town living right now!!! ha ha) Not used to being straided in the hills after a snow storm anymore.ha,ha. Pam Wenstad Lane-78

Pam and Del, I really screwed up with several of yesterday’s postings. I the back of my mind I was thinking that was Diane, but I had that Picture labeled with your name Pam. It’s corrected now. Yes, Diane and both of you guys are signed up for the reunion on May 22. Connie and Diane both graduated from DHS in 1969.

Diane, I am so sorry for this error. This is a beautiful picture of you. Gary.

Diane Wenstad Wiebe (69)

Correction from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND.

Gary,

I hate to disagree but Lorna (Adams) is the daughter of Rehnold Adams, Mom’s BROTHER. Lorna’s Mom, Bertha, was a Brandt. Mother’s Mom was a Brandt, also. Kinda mixed up in those days, I guess ? Lee

Lee, another careless error on my part. I knew your mother was an Adam’s, so Lorna Adams Kofoid’s dad had to be a brother to your mother.

Speaking of your relatives, is Lars Sivertson still living on their farm located east of Lake Metigoshe? John & Pat Frykman live about 1/2 mile east of them. Oscar and Sylvia Lockhart Bergan used to live in that Neighborhood too. Lars was on my dad’s cream route for years. They always invited him in for a cup of coffee. Gary

The following pictures are from the Achieves:

Marlin was married to Doris Peterson from the DHS class of 53. Doris does not have email but her phone number is (701) 228-3395

Marlin Williams DHS class of 55
Born July 10, 1935 – Died April 6, 2003

Carrole Fauske Rude (66) with I think, Melissa & Brant.
LaVerne Rude on Bottom.

Hubert Allery DHS class of 52

01/12/2018 (2591)

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Gary

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

Easter Sunday early 1960s
L to R: dewy, Beverly, Debbie, Toni Morinville

1971 Photo
Very interesting. Mr. Espe, Bev Morinville behind Mr. Espe.
not sure who the other gal is. Maybe someone will know who she is.
If someone does please post it thanks 1971, I think

Shonda Azure-Campbell This is a awesome picture of my mom

Lyle Olson looks like Linda Johnson those two were inseparable

ll Krause Cathy Campbel i bet!

Dewy Morinville Can’t be cathy she was a year later

Dewy Morinville Can’t be linda she had long hair iam thinking it could b barbara counts

Rita Parisien Anderson Ann Maire Boppre

Dewy Morinville Could b

Dewy Morinville But I think ann maries hair was longer but could have been shorter the year before we graduated

Rita Parisien Anderson get out your old yearbooks…

Dewy Morinville Iam looking

Dewy Morinville It looks like barbara counts. She is the only one from the class pics with a hairdo like that

Rita Parisien Anderson Hey Barbara Larocque is this you with Bev and Mr. Espe?

Paula Fassett My vote goes to Barbara Counts….

Toni Morinville How about Linda Johnson

Dewy Morinville Nope she had long hair iam pretty sure its barbara

Jason Gregory nice pic.

Rita Parisien Anderson you are probably right Dewy! It does look like Barbara with the hair style

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Terry’s Obituary

Terry Nadeau, age 51 of Dunseith, died Wednesday at a Bismarck hospital. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. The wake will begin on Tuesday at 4:00 pm with a service at 7:00 pm at the church.

==============================================
Blog (665) posted on December 28, 2009

Posted on December 28, 2009

Reply from Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Gary and Bernadette,

Gary, a few days ago YOU mentioned that YOU were +/- 200 miles from the volcano. That is good.

When Mt St Helens erupted in the ’80s, I and a dentist from Dickinson were standing out by the then Holiday Inn in Bismarck. We could see the dust in the air and bit of accumulation on the vehicles. Nature is good, fierce, and alarming…I am sure there is much more but I am not a man “of letters”.

Gary, I expect that YOUR air supply is kept clean by the nearness to water?

A blizzard just went thru here the last few days and is headed east where it is much worse. When I was out for my walk this evening at -14 wind chill, I wore a sweater with nylon lining, a real leather coat, a double-layered beany, leather gloves with that good knitted liner and two (2) scarves; one for the neck and one for the face.

Gary YOU would recall those nice gloves.

I am certain many of YOUR fans of YOUR blogs do, too. Esp. up in the hills.

I will be in San Diego at Eric’s from Jan 11-14 2010. Probably 60’s there?

SNUF

Lee

Lee, Like I mentioned to you in a personal reply, I remember the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption well, in Washington state. We lived about 150 miles north, in Bremerton. The easterly winds carried the ash from that eruption all the way to ND. We had some ash in Bremerton, but the bulk went east. Eastern Washington had quite an ash film.

Enjoy your time in San Diego. Gary

Reply to Dick Johnson (68):

From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Yeah, Dad only had one Chevy car. It came to a sad end. Quite traumatizing to a two year old kid — ME! Dad sold it to Floyd in ’48–’49. One day Floyd went to town with it and when he returned he parked it in front of the house — which really DID have tarpaper “brick” siding. Moments after he parked it caught fire and burned to a crisp. Luckily Dad was nearby on the Farmhand loader. He ran the front of the loader into the car and shoved it back maybe 50 feet. Needless to say none of us were Chevy fans after that! Dad got a Plymouth. Later he had three Buicks and two Oldsmobiles.

Dad did have a Chevy grain truck later, but I was old enough to use profanities and obscenities then —- so I won’t discuss it here —–

Allen

Minot pictures and Dunseith News:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Folks, These snow pictures of Neola’s were sent to her by Wally, her husband. Their Condo, in Minot, is the first one on the right with the peak of snow almost to the roof line. Neola spends a lot of time in Bottineau in an apartment that she rents. She was in Bottineau when the storm hit. I’ll bet she plans on staying in Bottineau for a day or two now. Gary

Pam Wenstad Lane (78):

Folks, I noticed this picture of Pam in my Dunseith pictures that has never been posted. I’m not sure where I got this picture from. It may have been from Facebook? This is a nice picture of Pam. Other than for Pam’s email address, I have no other contact info for her. Pam’s parents were Oscar and Alberta Wenstad.

Pam, I’m sure you told me where you are living, but I neglected to record it probably thinking I’d remember. Gary

Pam Wenstad Lane (78)

Bernadette Stokes’ siblings – Christmas 2008

Back: Bernadette, Berlinda (lives next door)
Front: Jose (Deceased) & Alot (Lives in Japan)

Family reunion in Bottineau – 2007

Folks, With Lee Strickland’s posting today, I thought I’d repost this picture. Alney Kofoid is married to Lorna Adam’s, Lee Strickland’s first cousin. Lorna’s mother and Irene, Mrs. Bob Stickland were sisters. Alney and Lorna live in Wyoming. Mrs. Lars Sivertson, who lives east of Lake Metigoshe, is also a sister to Irene and Lorna’s mother.

Jim Kofoid is Neola’s brother. He lives in Bottineau.

Nathan Stokes is my brother Darrel and Debby Stokes’ boy. He lives in Mineapolis.

01/10/2018 (2590)

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Gary

Folks,

My cousin Jack Wifladt and his wife Rona, from Edmonton, Alberta Canada are here visiting. They have been here a month now. They’ve spent most of their time staying with and visiting with Rona’s family on Bantayan Island located about 80 miles north of us. They are leaving going back home to Edmonton, tomorrow.

Jack’s mother Margaret and my Dad were Twins.

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Blog (664) posted on December 27, 2009

Posted on December 27, 2009

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

A belated Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy Birthday to you Diane (Larson Sjol). I loved seeing the pictures, Gary. We had our first white Christmas in 150 years here in North Texas. It started blowing and snowing early on Christmas Eve and when we left for church I almost felt like I was home in North Dakota. Almost, but not quite. It was still 32 degrees here and I know it’s a far cry from the freezing temps all of you there are having. All the kids and grandchildren were here and we had such a wonderful day. I want to also send my heartfelt wishes to everyone to have a very Happy New Year.

Cheryl Larson Dakin ‘

Happy Birthday Daine Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND.

Diane, I’ll bet you are glad all this snow came with the holiday break from the College (Forestry)? The commute to Bottineau would be kind of tough today.

Back in our day, one could start school when they were five, provided their birthday was before January 1st. Your birthday is right at the end of that window. Did you start school when your were five or did your parents opt to wait until you were six? Today that rule has been tightened up some. I think a child has to be six when they start first grade?? It’s obvious school came easy for you, so starting at age 5 probably would have been the logical choice for you.

I want to also wish you a happy birthday. Enjoy the snow. When the storm calms, the roads will be cleared enabling you guys to get out and enjoy the winter sports with all the new snow. When I was a kid we used to love to ski with a rope attached behind the tractor. I’ll bet the snowmobilers will have a ball with all this new snow. Gary

Snow Storm:

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Everyone,

This email came from my husband (12:09 P.M. today–I’m reading my emails now.). I’m in Bottineau; we didn’t get nearly as much snow as Minot did. I didn’t go “out and about” yesterday because I’d need to shovel a short path between my steps/van, and I didn’t feel like doing it. That’s the same for today. My landlord hasn’t been here to clean the steps/driveway. I’m very content to stay inside my apartment, so I’m not concerned about the snow. When I look out the door, you can see dead grass “sticking up” out of the snow on the southwest corner of the lot. The wind most likely blew the snow away. I don’t know if the roads in Bottineau were completely blocked; I heard they were getting “heavy” about six o’clock last night.

Neola

From Wally

My deck has snow at least 6 feet high and rising.My biggest concern is that there is snow on top of my gas meter.If that cannot “breathe” it will shut down.To shovel this out will be a monster job.Last year I had a friend of Neola’s who came over and shoveled it out twice, but if he will do it this year or not is the question.Than I had to hire a bobcat to come in and move the snow away after it was shoveled out.I will have to do that again this time.Because of the lay of the land it is hard for the bobcat to get into back of the yard.Last year a guy had a bobcat with tracks on and he was able to get here for a 100 bucks.Oh well will have to see what happens.Some young fellows just found out that their Chevey 4×4 will not go thru everything.They did a lot of shoveling and finally got it into a driveway just west of me.It looks like the street has at least 2 + foot of snow all the way up the street.It will take some good equipment to get it open.Listening to the noon news, it is the same way all over Minot.

I have not heard just how much snow we have had, but it has to be a large amount and the wind is still blowing.Nothing in Minot is moving or the surrounding area.All roads are closed.

Wally

1979:
Stokes Farm Yard:

01/05/2018 (2589)

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Gary

David Wurgler (DHS ’64)
December 22, 2017

Pierce County Tribune
David Eugene Wurgler
Oct. 31, 1946- Dec. 5, 2017

David Eugene Wurgler, the son of John and Irene (Loken) Wurgler was born on October 31, 1946 in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota. He died suddenly on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

David was born and raised in Rugby where he attended school up to the 4th grade. At that time his family moved to Dunseith, where David graduated with the Dunseith High School, Class of 1964. David worked for his father at the TEXCO Station while in high school, up until 1966 when his family moved back to Rugby. John purchased the Standard Station in Rugby where David would start his career. In 1976, David joined his father in partnership. On November 25, 1967 he was united in marriage to Charolette Horner at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Rugby. David purchased the business from his father in 1984 to start Dave’s Standard. David and Charolette would eventually team up and work together. After 42 years in the business, they closed the station and retired in 2008. Over the years, the couple developed many friendships and memories from the business.

David was a lifetime member of the Rugby Volunteer Fire Department, Men’s City Pool League, Rugby Golf Club, and Rugby Car Club, all of which he greatly enjoyed. Although enjoying retirement, David worked part-time at Tesoro and drove for McGuire’s and Anderson Funeral Home. He still enjoyed doing light mechanical work and working in the yard. On the weekends you would find him cheering on his beloved Dallas Cowboys. Even putting the team logo on his golf cart, which he never heard the end of from his friends. David will be remembered for his humorous joke telling and making people laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Charolette; children, Lisa Harper, Teri (Kevin) Allickson all of Rugby; and Chris (Terran) of Bismarck; grandchildren, Justin (Leah) Harper, Tyler Harper, Laura Harper (Levi); Rachel (Art) and Hunter (Breanna) Allickson; McKenzie, Braxton, Tayiah and Bentley Wurgler; sisters, Joan (Stan) Salmonson of Dunseith, Peggy (Marty) Axtman of Kent, WA and Lynn (Mitch) Haugeberg of Watford City, sisters-in-law, Betty (Mike) Feteke and Rose Burtenshaw; brothers-in-law, Ron (Jolene) Horner, Curt (Linda) Horner and Ray (Melissa) Horner, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Pete and Marge Horner.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 11th at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Father Tom Graner, officiate. Cremation took place following the services.

Organist: Glenda Mack

Vocalist: Amy Casavant

Honorary Bearers: All his Grandchildren and the Active & Retired members of the Rugby Volunteer Fire Department

Casket Bearers: Scott Oksendahl, Curt Horner, Ray Horner, Justin Harper, Tyler Harper, Mick Kossan, Chuck Chaffee, Hal Gunderson & Loren Hallwachs

==============================================
Blog (663) posted on December 26, 2009

Posted on December 26, 2009

Second anniversary:

Folks, Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the this daily blog. I have 717 published messages in the Dunseith Alumni folder. We didn’t start the numbering at first. With vacations etc, I missed a few days publishing too. You folks have done a marvelous job keeping this going. Now we will start year three with today’s blog. It’s amazing how well connected we have become. We currently have in excess of 600 on our daily distribution all around the globe. I know there are many forwards from those this is sent to everyday too. Pretty amazing for a small ND town. Gary

Holiday greetings:

From Esther Murray Fleming (65):Flint, MI

Just thought I would take a minute to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Not too much time to say anything now, as I have to get busy and get my dinner started. So, have a safe and a really great new year.

Love you all

Esther

Art & Laura Fassett Halvorson’s marriage date:

From Floyd Dion (45): Dunseith, ND.

Hi Gary

Sharron Gottbreht Shen said she had the marriage date of Art Halvorson and Laura Fassett, but could not find it, so I will save here the trouble looking for it it was January 8, 1935. It is in the family bible that we have.

Floyd

Reply from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN

Gary what a bunch of beautiful children. And it appears they must think you and Bernadette are Mr and Mrs Clause! It sure looks like you all have been busy. I’m sure you have a wonderful Christmas. It is around 30 degrees here and getting more snow. So we will have a very white Christmas

Jan, Reading the weather reports, they are advising no travel for the majority of the State of ND. It looks like you guys didn’t get hit quite as hard with the midstate storms. That may have changed by now though? Gary

Hill Side School:

Message/Picture form Larry Liere (55): Devils Lake, ND.

Hi Gary

Merry Christmas to everyone! Since I found this blog from my 2nd. grade picture being forwarded to me I am sending another picture to see if anyone knows who these girls are. I am guessing the picture of Hill Side School was taken about 1943 so the girls would be in their mid 70’s by now. I remember going with my mother to this school during the summer but I do not remember if it was only run during the summer because of bad winters or if this was just a summer make up session. I remember being at this school during a very bad storm the killed cows and I think one or two people. The burn marks on the Ellsworth School picture are from me putting the picture in to a lamp socket that was plugged in, until the picture would start to smoke. My Mom said I did this to 8 pictures with out getting a shock or starting a bad fire. I sometimes wonder how I ever lived to be 72 years old. We leave for Mesa, AZ next week so warm it up down there.

Larry Liere

01/03/2018 (2588)

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Gary

Reply From Tom Hagen, Orvin’s Brother (’51): Mesa, AZ

Hi Gary,

Thanks for posting that picture on your blog–I don’t think I know the lady who sent it to you but I contacted here and asked for the picture. Sadly we have to tell you that we lost our son Tom (Mark) after a 2 year battle with cancer. He and his wife had twin sons and then they adopted 7 more children plus several foster children. He graduated from West Point in 1979 and had 21 years ;in the army also was a computer tech. We really appreciate your blog and including us.. My sister Joyce is in Bottineau at the Good Sam Home. Thanks for all the kind things about Orvin, too–he was a remarkable guy and actually raised us younger kids and Don Nelson . Oliver and Norris lived with us for few years. too.

We love e-mail letters, Tom & Dot
Gary Stokes Comment
Tom & Dot,
So sorry to hear of your Son’s passing. It’s so tough losing a child too. We, the parents are supposed to go first. Our condolences are with you.
Gary

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’7Bottineau, ND

Coldest place on the planet? Today, it might be in North Dakota …

https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/4381493-coldest-place-planet-today-it-might…

(Jesse Trelstad/ Grand Forks Herald). North Dakotans buttoning up against this week’s cold had good reason: according to the National Weather Service, the temperature in Hettinger, N.D., swooped down to negative 45 degrees on Monday morning, Jan. 1—one of the coldest temperatures on the planet, if not the coldest

Bottineau Westland Gas Station Grand opening on Nov. 4-5, 1971
Reply from Dick Johnson (’68)”: Dunseith, ND

Good Morning Gary,

I think the younger guy in the Grand Opening of the Westland station looks like it could be David Slyter. I might be wrong but he sure resembles David.
Marlin Williams is a first cousin to Freddie Hiatt, David’s stepdad, so I just assumed it could be him?

Dick
David Slyter’s Reply (’70: Sabin, MN

Happy New Year Gary and all

I can see where you and Dick would think it was me, as scaring as it is, he is not me. Ha Even my wife looked at the picture a long time and said are you sure you didn’t work there. That sure looks like you. Ha

Was great to see a picture of Marlin and Mr. Westlie again.

Thanks for all you do. Hope you find out who the mystery person is.

Dave Slyter (70)

Reply From Kaye Lystad-kirk: Fargo, ND

Hi Gary,

Does anyone possibly recognize this unidentified person in the photo as an Amsbaugh?

My Aunt Joan (mom’s twin) thought the person might be an Amsbaugh. Her husband, John Wall (originally from Carbury) is going to show it to an Amsbaugh who works at a car dealership here in Fargo this week or next to see if it could be one of his relatives.

Kaye

Bottineau Westland Gas Station Grand opening on Nov. 4-5, 1971
Willie Lystad, Audrin Larson, ??, Sonny Larson, Marlin Williams and Donnie Nelson

==============================================
Blog (662) posted on December 25, 2009

Posted on December 25, 2009

Question from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Gary, How close are you and Bernadette to that volcano? I’m curious. I just saw some pictures of it erupting and the dangers. Hope you aren’t close to it. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE. Sybil Johnson

Sybil, I forgot to answer your question yesterday. Fortunately we are not affected by the Volcano. This volcano is about 200 miles north of us. With the latest news, it’s on the brink of eruption. Gary

Merry Christmas from Jean Nicholas Miller (66): GLENDALE, AZ

I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here is sunny Arizona our weather will be sunny and temps in the high 50’s. Alot better than ND temps. We are looking forward to Christmas with our children and our first grandchild Joey who is 10 1/2 months. Happy Holidays.
Jean

Art & Emeline Pigeon Richard:

Reply from Dick Johnson (67): Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

To Allen Richard—Your folks were a very nice looking couple! It
would appear those Frenchmen really liked their ’41 Chevys, three in the
same picture! Maybe, with the heavy French accent, it was easier to say
‘Chevrolet’. Just kidding! As I was growing up (still in the process), I
remember your Dad always driving a Buick. He probably had other makes
too, but it seems to me he liked Buicks. Thanks for the pictures and
story. Merry Christmas to all. Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Diane Fugere (75): Minot, ND.

Gary:

This video is a wonderful tribute to all soldiers and should be viewed by as many people as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM

Diane Fugere

Diane, This is a wonderful Tribute to our soldiers this Christmas day. Thank you for sharing. Gary

Message/Pictures from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary,
I hope this comes through okay. I know for those still living in ND this may not seem so bad, but for us, this was quite a storm. Only one other time in the 39 years we’ve lived here, have we gotten more snow in one storm. The attached photo was taken from inside our breakfast nook and looks out over the back yard, the dock and the creek. You can see the railing for our deck on the left and it has several inches piled up on it. I took this and other photos while it was still snowing on Saturday. We got at least four more inches after I took the photos.
Keith

Gary,
Again, I hope this comes through okay. This was taken at the same time the other photo was taken, and it shows the front of our house. I had shoveled some of the drive and while I was shoveling, it kept on snowing so you can see how much additional piled up while I was shoveling. Note the build up on the vehicles too. The weather has been in the high 30’s and low 40’s all this week so plowing has went well and the overall depth has melted down some. But, we will clearly have a “white” Christmas this year. Looks like parts of ND is in for it tonight, so they too may enjoy a white Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!
Keith

Message/Pictures from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA.

Yes Bill, the Fassetts and the Boucher and the Gottbrehts have been friends and neighbors for as long as there has been a Rolette County. I have two pictures scanned that I promised to Susan Fassett so I shall post them this morning. I also have a graduation picture of Laura Fassett as well, taken about 1937. Somewhere I have the exact marriage date of Art Halvorson and Laura Fassett with their witnesses, Frank Higgins Jr and Arla Gottbreht circa 1940. My hunt through old notes failed; there must be some readers that have the facts. I know that my mother and Arla Gottbreht sent Christmas best wishes to these two close friends forever. I am sure Hanna Higgins Loeb will confirm the identity of her half brother Frank Higgins. Cleora Fassett, a close friend of Alma Boucher was the same age and Russell Twp neighbor Dale Gottbreht; his sister Arla was the same age as Kathleen Fassett Grimme! Sure glad you made this association for me Bill.

You might also enjoy pictures of Alice Fassett who married Albert Boucher. I long to have a picture of John Gottbreht’s first wife, Helen Fassett, also of Thorne. Do you know Bruce Fassett of California who maintains a Fassett History web page? I think Gary will paste that address for any interested.

Blessings on you and yours, Sharron

Follow up message from Sharon:

I hope you declared a holiday for yourself! Thanks always for all you do.

Corrections: I should never rely on my poor memory!

1. John Gottbreht was married to Myrtle E Fassett, daughter of Elihu Smith and his first wife; I think her last name was LEE.

2. Pearl Fassett was daughter of Ales and Anna Hughes

3. Alice Fassett was daughter of Ales Chester and Lenora Mason [Ales C was son of Wesley]

I tried to contact Bruce Fassett but mail returned.

Merry Christmas, Sharron

Art Halvorson, Laura Fassett, Hector Boucher

1940
Back: Frank Higgins Jr and Arla Gottbreht circa
Front: Art & Laura Fassett Halvorson

Christmas at the Stokes house in the Philippines:

These are Bernadette’s Great Nieces, Nephews and our helpers 3 kids waiting to get

their Christmas packages.The packages these kids get from us are the only packages

they get at Christmas. They were all waiting outside when we got up on the 24th.

These kids all live in our compound.

Bernadette’s 3 year old Great Niece, Elizabeth, with her packages. She’s the little

computer girl that I mentioned several days ago.

Her Grandpa was Bernadette’s Brother that recently passed away.

Elizabeth’s little 6 year old brother, Joshua.

Joshua wearing his new clothes that he received in the packages above.

Princes, our little dog loves kids.

Elizabeth and Joshua’s mother, Mirasol. She is married to Bernadette’s nephew, Joseph.

Bernadette’s Neice, Novie, with her little boy and husband Louie. Novie’s mother, Berlinda, is Bernadette’s sister who lives next door.

Grace with her packages. Grace’s father is a brother to Bernadette’s sister’s husband.

They live next door. Grace is 7 years old. Grace’s father earns about $140/month with a

job he has had for years. Her brother also earns about $140/month with a job he recently

made permanent status with. They are a family of 7 with Grace being the youngest.

They manage to live on these two salaries. There are times that the going gets very tight,

but they make it.

These are our Helpers, Tata & Aldren (Husband & Wife). Tata’s sister, Gaga, also

works for us. Aldren is a brother to Bernadette’s sister’s husband who lives next door.

Aldren and Tata take good care of us 24/7. They have been with us since the year

before we moved here 7 years ago.

Dunseith Alumni

Official Blog of the Dunseith, ND Alumni

Monthly Archives: January 2018

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