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

Hi Gary,

You know what I think of Bernadette, she has always been a marvelous person. From my observation watching her with people, that is what I took away from how she is. Always treating each and every one of us as special individuals.

To even think of losing someone who is such an exceptional human being,  is so heartbreaking.  Bernadette is leaving an everlasting impression in my heart and in my life.  People like her should be everywhere, in everyone’s life, to spread gratifying, pleasantry into people’s hearts and lives.

Thank you Gary, thank you for sharing Bernadette with all the people you know.

I will always remember your wonderful beautiful lady, your WIFE.

Thank you Gary, read this to Bernadette and tell her I love her and my prayers are with her.

Ginger

Gary’s comments
Thank you Ginger for this wonderful message. When I read it to Bernadette, She cried. She remembers you well too. At the moment her speech is loud, but all mumbled. We can’t understand her. She spends about 23.5 hours of each day in bed. The other half hour she spends in her recliner for about 5 minutes multiple times each day. She needs to be held up when walking with one of us behind her with a bear hug hold.  

 

Florence Hiatt Dahl (DHS ’50) Obituary
Posted by Tim Martinson (’69): Anchorage, Alaska.

Florence I. Dahl went to be with her Lord on March 20, 2019 with her family by her side.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday March 31^st at Baxter Road Bible Church with reception following.  Burial will be in the Spring at JBER National Cemetery.   Florence was born August 2, 1930 in Bottineau North Dakota to Margaret and John Hiatt.  She grew up in the Turtle Mountains with her 8 siblings on the Family Farm.

She obtained her Nursing degree from the Trinity Hospital School of Nursing in Minot.  She was forever thankful to her Uncle Harry for his support in this endeavor.  Florence met her future husband Howard while working at St. Luke Hospital in Fargo.

Florence and Howard were married March 3, 1954 in Rugby.  In 1956 Florence, Howard and their growing family drove the Alcan Highway to Alaska to their new home.

She worked at Providence Hospital for many years as a surgical and ER nurse and later as a surgical Nurse at Alaska Native medical Center, and staff nurse at Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage California.

After she and Howard retired they built a summer home on Crooked Lake and spent winters traveling in the lower 48 visiting family.  After Howard’s passing in 1994 she spent summers at their summer home.  Winters were spent with her friends by starting two book clubs and the Winsome Widows group, and organizing group trips to Israel, Rivers of Europe, Fall Colors on the East Coast, volunteering at the Soup Kitchen in Downtown Anchorage and many other adventures.  She took up weaving and made many custom afghans that she gave to her friends and family, or anyone that she thought could use a warm comfy blanket.

Mrs. Dahl is survived by her children, Marc, Marsha, Matt and Mike of Alaska; her sister Stubby Fauske of North Dakota; thirteen grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren.

The family requests that you spend time with your family and friends with good conversation in her memory.

Gary’s comment
What shock to get this message/obituary from Tim Martinson. Developing the Dunseith Alumni Blog, I had numerous conversations with Florence. I never had the opportunity to meet her in person, but we walk and talked the same turf in our childhood days, just at different times is all. We were both born and raised in the Ackworth community. Florence’s family, The Johnny and Margaret Hiatt family farm now the Fauske farm was my childhood families closest neighbor to the north. The Stokes and Hiatt families have been close friends since the early 1900’s. They were born and raised in the same small community. Florence and I had lots of commonality to talk about. Florence left the community before the time I can remember, but we knew the same people and the same turf. My sincere condolence to her family. She was a good person.

 

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

March 24, 2019
Gary, Larry, Mel, and friends of Dunseith,

            T’was early child hood when I  first became aware of  ‘SNOW SNAKES’.

 I would listen to mom and Dad whenever dad arrived home from work at  darkening days end. 

 I heard about the dastardly ‘SNOW SNAKE’, mid – winter ……mid 50s’ when he worked at plastering Belcourt School (replaced twice since then).

            Every morning after feeding cattle, whilst dark with a team and hayrack, mom would hand him his black lunch pail and green coffee thermos, he’d climb and ride Barney, the little gray percheron, down the road  West to Snuice Box Junction and Highway #3 where he met his brother’s; Bill and Jim.   Uncle’s Bill  and Jim mixed and carried ‘mud’. He’d slap Barney on his rump to send him home

Vickie

 

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Blog (773) posted on April 14, 2010

Dan Morgan (Former Teacher) remembrance:
Thank you from Judy Morgan (Former Teacher): Edgeley, ND

Thanks to all friends, former students, and colleagues who sent e-mail or cards or called when news of Dan’s illness was posted by Ardys Horner. Although Dan always kept up with the blog, he didn’t post. His excuse was always that he didn’t have anything new to add, that no one would remember him after all these years, or that his “secretary” wasn’t too efficient. He was so surprised and pleased to hear from so many. It meant a lot to him.

Finally Scott and I deeply appreciate all who took the time to e-mail us at home, on the blog, or on the Guest Book at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Unfortunately we did lose some in the process of being read or copied. Thank you all so much for your kind expressions of sympathy. 

According to Dan’s wishes, we will have a simple graveside memorial service on Saturday May 29,2010 at Milnor Lutheran Cemetery at 3:00 PM followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Gwinner Golf Club.

Again thanks Gary for all that you do in keeping everyone who is or was part of the Dunseith community connected. This is long overdue and I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have started this and lost it or made mistakes like this bold print that I’m unable to get out of at the moment. I’m now as addicted to this site as Dan was, so I hope you continue with your wonderful work. If this goes through it will probably be in two or more parts. I trust your skills to make sense of it. It’s warm and unbelievably windy here today and all I can think of is Virgil Vanorny coaching our women’s softball team! Judy Morgan

Judy, Yes, without a doubt, Dan and you too are well remembered in the Dunseith community and the Alumni. You guys were in Dunseith after my time there so I didn’t learn to know either of you during your Dunseith days. We can make up for that now though. I agree, it’s not always easy to post for fear folks will not be interested in what one has to say or that what we say may not be quite right. Then there’s the fear factor of being judged with how we say it. I have come to realize that folks love hearing from all of you that post. Folks are not judgmental of what is posted. They just love seeing the postings and the names they come from. They bring back so many memories. Rereading some of the postings, I see so many of my own errors, kicking myself in the butt for not catching them before hitting the send button. Thank you Judy. We love hearing from you. Please keep the postings coming. Gary

 

Follow up message with remeberences:
From Judy Morgan (Former Teacher): Edgeley, ND

Dear Gary,

First of all I want to thank you for including us on the Dunseith blog. Dan and I both enjoyed reading news of the area and remembering so many friends and events from our happy years in Dunseith (1963-1970).

I am just getting back to using the computer so my limited skills are pretty rusty. To Stella and the Schimetz family, my thoughts and prayers are with Bryan and all of you during this very difficult time. My sincere condolences to the families of Bill Berube and Greg Grimme. Many prayers continue on their way to the families of DeAnn Gottbreht and Mike and Sandra Vandal for continuing positive results

 

To the Schimetz family: From Mark Gunville(75): Rolette, ND
I also graduated with Kim and Know the Schimetz family well. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in your trying times.

Mark Gunville 1975

 

Update for Matthew – Mike & Sandra Zeiler Vandal’s Grandson:

Posted by Mike & Sandra (62) Zeiler: Elk River, MN

Hi Gary, this was our daughters last update to all friends and family. Kelly does a good job of explaining, and understands all this stuff much better then I do.She has a great husband, good children, all 11 of them, and a strong faith that will get them through, and come out on top of this. thank you for your concern and the prayers from all. Sandy and Mike

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 2:09 PM
Subject: Tues. oncologist appt

The pathology report came back positive for clear cell sarcoma. This cancer is agressive

in that it has a propensity to come back….even after 9-10 years. It hasn’t been a fast growing

cancer for Matthew and that seems to be the norm. The dr. wants to get Matthew to where

there is “no evidence of disease.” This is what was accomplished 3 yrs. ago and what they are trying

to accomplish now with the thoracotomy w/ wedge resections on each lung. The current plan is to

remove and watch. Matthew will be getting CT scans every 3 months for at least 3 yrs, then maybe go

to every 4 mos for 2 years, biannually for 5 yrs. (The dr said every 3 mos. for as long as he could).

He also wants to do a bone scan before the next thoracotomy. (am I saying that right?) He knows the

last surgery sight is going to “light up” on the bone scan, and so wants to get it accomplished before

the next surgery so there will be better results. Clear cell going to the bone is possible, but not as likely.

Alternative treatments: If it reappears after this, especially in the near future, there is achemotherapy

(adrimicin (sp)?) that is possible. Radiation is possible, but is limited by dose, and the lungs are

particularly sensitive. (Matthew is not a candidate for a lung transplant, due to having cancer). As

mentioned before, these “treatments” have not been shown to be effective; surgery is the best

option….Matthew can do the “remove and watch” for as long as he can have lung tissue removed if

he wants. We had 3 yrs since the last time and can go many years w/o it returning.

(or MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN)

As the U of M is the only phase 1 investigational institute in MN (meaning there is the latest/newest

treatments available here…but not necessarily covered by ins because it is investigational), he

does have more options here. Dr. Mulrooney said he’d check into other phase 1 institues in the US

and see if any of them have a particular interest in clear cell sarcoma. He recommended the following 2

websites;

curesearch.org (children’s oncology group) and cancer.gov which would have info

on trials and is sponsored by the Nat’l Cancer Inst.

 

If the bone scan comes back with unfavorable results, he may recommend a different route. Of course, our hope

and prayer is that this will be it, or barring that, before needing chemo, there is one out there that has

been proven effective.

Matthew’s first comment was in reference to Mother Theresa’s saying….the “God won’t allow more than I can

handle, wish he didn’t trust me so much” one. we picked up lunch at Chipotle and ate in the car on the

way home. (something I do not recommend) As we approached the Albertville exit, he said,

“Oh yeah, I have cancer.” He forgot for a bit ( can’t figure that myself)…when asked how he is doing he responds

“Better than I thought I would be.”

I, for one, am thankful he has been of an age since the beginning where he can understand the necessity

of the surgery/suffering he endures. One sees many little ones in the oncolology depts. and, as a mother,

I would find that harder to endure that suffering than the trial we are currently experiencing.

As another cancer patient (whom I admire) has said many times: “GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.”

 GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!

 Thank you,
Perraults

 

Reunion Attendance:
From Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND.

I admit it…I am way behind in reading the blog…Nancy (Hosmer) and I were visiting and she asked if I signed up for the Dunseith reunion…I have not…so, ok, how do I go about it? I have been traveling 90 miles down the highway to nowhere lately…work, work, work…time for some fun. Diane

Diane, you have a long commute from Minot to Bottineau. I’ll bet you know the road by heart now.

It’s so nice that you will be attending our reunion. We are looking forward to seeing you. Verena and I have added you to our lists for attending. Verena needs payment in advance for those that would like the Roast Beef catered dinner. The dinner is $10.00 per person. We are charging a registration fee of $5.00 per person to cover expenses. You can mail your payment to Verena if you want the meal. I have pasted her address below. For those that have not prepaid, we will be collecting the registration fee at the registration table.

Folks, You can mail your payment to Verena or stop by the High School where she works. I will be sending out an updated list of those attending within the next few days. The reunion will be at the Dunseith Bingo Barn on May 22nd.

Verena Gillis
PO Box, 785
Dunseith, ND 58329

Folks, Today is our bowling day. This is a picture of some of the gals that stopped their game to pose for this picture. Having fun is the name of the game. Bernadette is standing second from the right. Bernadette made several cookie sheets of chocolate rice cake that she will be taking along for treats today. They love her rice cake and requested more. Gary

 

Folks,

Again sorry for the long delay between postings. With Bernadette’s sickness combined with a friend of mine visiting from Bremerton, WA that fell and fractured his spine while here, I have been kind of busy. My friend spent 22 days in the hospital here. They were able to stabilize him enough for his flight back to the USA where he will have surgery.

Bernadette’s condition has gone from bad to worse. She has been bed ridden now for four days. We are so fortunate to have gotten her feeding tube inserted too. Other than for a little water, her total intake is thru the tube.

 

Trying to locate Geraldine Robbilard
Request from Tina Belgarde Busche (’78): Jamestown, ND

Can you help me find my Godmother. Geraldine Robbilard. I am hoping to find her

My parents are Clifford and Ella Belgarde (my Mom is deceased) I am Tina Belgarde Busche Leo Belgarde SR Keith Lee Belgarde (deceased) Kay Belgarde Benson

Leo lives there and Dad is here in Jamestown ND with us girls

 

Barbara Landsverk Lawrence (‘DHS 1967) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND

Barbara Lawrence

March 15, 1949 – March 19, 201

Barbara (Landsverk) Lawrence

Barbara Lawrence, age 70 of Bottineau, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at her home near Bottineau.  Her funeral will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Barbara Lawrence, a daughter Nels and Gertie (Rispa) Landsverk, was born on March 15, 1949 in Bottineau.  She was raised near Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1967.  She worked as a waitress in Dunseith and Bottineau.  She was married to Duane Handeland.  They had 2 children, Todd and Tracy.  This marriage later ended.  On July 25, 1980, she married Larry Lawrence at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  She then began her career as a rancher.

Barbara enjoyed gardening, horseback riding, cooking, baking, playing cards and bingo, sewing ice fishing, playing horseshoes and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Larry of Bottineau; daughter, Tracy (Ben) Aufforth of Bottineau; son, Todd (Kris) Handeland of Bottineau; foster son, Jody Hoopman of Bottineau; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Beckman of Bottineau; brother, David Landsverk of Bottineau; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Pladson; brothers, Elwood, Bruce, Virgil, Darrel, Arlen, Roger, Kenneth and Leland; niece, Elizabeth Landsverk; and nephews, Virgil (Little V) Landsverk.

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

 

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70) Bottineau, ND

Leo Frank Fettig obituary

October 23, 1923 – March 21, 2019

He did work at  Dunseith….at the Peace Garden CCC camp in 1939.

Note: Not the DHS Supt.

https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.normanfuneral.com%2Fobituary%2Fleo-fettig&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfe3ae134ac8e4f39454d08d6afad5be8%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636889556438970935&sdata=m8JC3bebDQCW2E6XAwsChD%2B0SA4%2FMtHVGP5%2Flabs8wU%3D&reserved=0

My latest project. 2,200 (16”x16”) Ceramic Tile

I was tired of the black dirty fungus that continually kept coming back in our drive way and outside parking area, so I had it all tiled. While I was at it I include the garage too. It’ll be a lot easier to keep clean too. Our garage is 24’ X 60’. My pool table doesn’t get much use but it’s nice to have. This is a garage area for the accumulation of and storage of stuff too.

 

“Gypsies” BBC
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Sunday March 17, 2019, 

 Hello Dunseith School Friends and Gary,

             It is  St. Patricks Day  and i recall mom and her homemade cured corned beef. She and dad were newlyweds in 1947 living close to Woodland Park in Seattle. Dad was a Plasterer Apprentice and mom a homemaker.

WORK ETHIC was the only inheritance  received from their respective families.

            Together they forged a solid marriage and a combined DREAM. They dreamt of a saving for a  little farm back in the Turtle Mountains. 

            Mom and dad were quite frugal…they were known  as “penny pinchers.”  They never ate out.

             Mom  made a home, baked loaves of bread and made 3 meals a day…… meals from scratch. She got up early, packed Dads lunch and  filled a thermos with coffee for his  work each morning.

            Mom  grocery shopped, once a week at local neighborhood shops And, Mom made a friend, of the kindly elderly neighborhood butcher. She told me she would go in and peruse the cheapest cuts of meat.  And,  the butcher gave her tips on preparation. He somehow figured out; with her dark widows peak hair and brown eyes, she was of Irish heritage. He told her she needed to learn how to make an Irish dish.

            He told her how to cure meat.

            Through the years; as kids sometime  along in  February, we would arrive home via a long ride inthe school bus  to mom packing a  brisket into a crock. She then poured  over the beef; a solution of a handful of this,  a handful of that, an extra big pinch of  pickling spices and cover with fresh cold well water and a round stone. She’d carry the crock down and put to it rest in the  cool root cellar.

            AHH….Come close to mid March, we would come home to a toasty warm  house. My nose would twitch appreciatively to the smells of  succulent Corned beef, Cabbage, and boiling home grown potatoes. After milking and  chores and Dad home, we ate together the filling supper.

Oh, yah. Along with the corned beef  Mom always remembered to serve a fresh container of horse radish……….I ate Corned Beef yesterday!

https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-47587773

            Once again  my inquiring mind got a move on today.

…. Curiosity usually happens,  whenever  I read BBC or Canadian news. Attached is a current BBC article about gypsies in France. Does anyone recall  hearing  tales/stories of gypsies  traveling  through Dunseith or  a caravan camping in the area years ago?

            Today someone told me …. ” 21 days straight of below zero at the foot of the Turtles.”  For two months, I frequently thought of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s, “The Long Winter” .  And was happy I didn’t need to wander the prairie to find a  grain bin and coffee grinder to grind wheat.  I am so looking forward to enjoying the end of … long winter.

            I seem to have a bit of spring fever as I am bouncing around topic.

So I  must say, Thank you Gary and  HAPPY SPRING everyone!

Vickie L. Metcalfe

 

Posted by my cousin  Audrey Aitchison: Bottineau, ND
Snow on my 3 mile walk this morning (3/19/2019)

 

The mysterious snow snake Store
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

A friend of mine that lives in the Turtle Mountains, North Dakota wrote and complained that his dog has been dragging snow snakes up onto the front step of his house and that they scare the hell out of his wife when she goes out in the morning on her way to work.  I guess with the big snow melt the snow snakes are becoming isolated in the remaining piles of snow and aren’t able to escape the pesky little dog.  Apparently the snow melt happened so fast that it surprised the critters and they weren’t able to crawl into their holes and hibernate for the summer, or maybe like us they thought we were going into a climate of winter year round?  The friend in the hills says that he knows the snow snakes were surprised as they had that surprised look on their little faces.

Thanks for letting me know and reminding me about the snow snakes.

What do you do about the little puddles that they have a tendency to leave behind on your step, or if you let the dog drag them into the house they could leave a snow snake stain on your flooring?  They are some disgusting critters if you don’t handle them right.

Good luck Mel.

Larry

Snow & snow snakes?
osted by Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Received a message today from friends living in Fergus Falls, MN. They are complaining about all the snow that they have piled up everywhere from this winter.  Now after shoveling and working hard to keep the sidewalks and driveway cleared of snow and continuously having to worry about where they are going to pile the next snow that falls???  Now “believe it or not” they have had to worry about snow snakes!!!! Yes, are friends wrote that they have had the unpleasant situation of dealing with these critters.  Apparently them there snow snakes must have migrated down from Butte St. Paul, Turtle Mountains, ND over into Minnesota.  This could be good for the people living in the Turtle Mountains and bad for the people living in Minnesota.  They didn’t ask me what they could do about this situation but I suggested that they drink lots of Schnapps, as it will keep you warm and kill the infection if you happen to get bit by a snow snake.  There may be people that live in the Turtle Mountains or that did live in the Turtle Mountains that may know of a better solution to this problem?  I know most Norwegians never have to worry about getting infection anyway but maybe you have a suggestion for these folks???

Thank You,

Larry

 

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Blog (772) posted on April 13, 2010

 

To the Schimetz Family
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Seoul, Korea

To the entire Schimetz Family: I also worked with Bryan at Dales and he was always a joy and full of fun. I also graduated with Kim who I know is suffering with MS as well. You are all in our prayers daily. Lynn Halvorson Otto, 75

Reply to Pete & Ruth Larshus picture posted yesterday:
From Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ & Williston, ND. 

Yes, Gary , and Pete was a cousin of the Hagen family and Ruth was a good friend and fellow teacher with us. Tom Hagen (51)

New email address for Fritz & Marlene Henderson: Rolla, ND

Our new email address is

Fritz & Marlene

 

Excerpt from a personal message.
From Lois Tweten: Helena, MT

I’m headed to Overy ND on the 22nd. My cousin (Carol Sletto Johnson) came up to Bozeman to help out her daughter that had some surgery (she doesn’t dare drive so far – uffda). Anyway her husband drove her up here and I’ll drive her back! I like an excuse to go home to ND and see the cousins etc. It was while I was staying with Carol that I met Bev Azure at her shop while Carol saw the PA there at the clinic!

Lois

Lois Tweten 907 Washington ST #3 Helena, MT 59601

Lois, We dearly miss Bev. She added a lot of life and zest to our daily messages. She was such a passionate, kind loving person too. Bev was Bev and pretended to be no one other than Bev. She certainly had a huge following with a long list of friends. She will be remembered for years to come. Gary

 

Reply from Sybil Johnson: Cheyenne, WY.

Since is talking about upcoming trips, I thought I would put my 2 cents in. For the first time in my life, I will be flying out of DIA, to Washington, DC. I have never been there and I’m looking for ward to it. There are so many things to see, but will only have 5 days. I will be visiting the White House and the Capitol, but sadly without my camera. I guess, since 9/11, this is no longer possible. I will be also going to the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. There is a Native American National Museum that I will also be visiting. I am looking forward to see those famous Cherry Blossoms, that I have heard about all of my life. Sybil Johnson

 

Reply From Sandy Lopez (’64):  Rockford IL

Gary,

Thanks for your continued effort to keep us updated on all the Dunseith news.

More importantly, we also appreciate the valiant effort of caring for your sweet Bernadette. We continue to keep both of you, your family and the other caregivers in our prayers.

We have become much more aware of these debilitating and insidious long term diseases as my sister has succumbed to Alzheimer’s and they live far away from the rest of the family, so they do not have the support of “the village” that it takes to manage the care. We are having a family reunion soon to see what we can do to help.

In communal prayer

Sandy Lopez

 

Gary’s comment

Thanks’ Sandy for the nice comments and this rely.

We are so sorry to hear of your sister’s bout with Alzheimer’s too. Did she ever attend Dunseith?

Bernadette is better, but still isn’t able to walk or talk clearly. She easily tires and is often confused, especially when going out. She can eat and swallow her food now, but often times refuses and askes to be fed thru her feeding tube. When that happens, they just put her food in a blender and feed her thru her feeding tube.

Yesterday she wanted to go out, so we took her to Bigby’s. Bernadette hadn’t been there for quite some time. We used to be there 2 or more times per week. She was confused all the way going there but recognized the staff when we got there. They welcomed her back with a slice of cake. She ordered fish-n-chips, her favorite. She ate all the fish and some of the fries. Of course Tata had to feed her.

Tata has been with us for over 15 years now. She knows us better than we know ourselves. Mirasol, Bernadette’s niece, has been with us for 6 years now. She too is very good working and taking care of Bernadette. We have another gal, Marites, for the evening shift. Tata is on call 24/7. Mirasol is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. Marites 5:00 to 9:00 PM every day. Tata’s husband, Aldren, also works for us full time. He takes care of the outside cleaning and maintenance. We, without a doubt, have the cleanest, well-kept place in the Cebu.

As you can see in the pictures, Tata and Bernadette are very close. I’m number one in Bernadette’s life. Tata is number two.

 

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Blog (771) posted on April 12, 2010

Dunseith Alumni Caribbean Cruise in February 2012

Folks, Following our reunion in May we’ll be shifting focus to our Caribbean Cruise. We are making plans for Presidents day week in February 2012. As soon as the Cruise schedules come out, probably later this year, we will be selecting a cruise line and a cruise. We have not yet decided if we’ll be going East or West in the Caribbean. Please reply with any preferences and ideas that you may have. Bill Grimme, Phyllis McKay, Bernadette and I will be the group leaders for this cruise. This will for sure be another great event. For those of you living a bit north, this will be a good winter break. In mentioning this cruise to a few of our friends here in the PI, several of them want to join us as well. They’ve got their calendars marked. Gary

 

Bryan Schimetz (77) contact number.
Brian is suffering with MS. He is in Triumph Mandan Hospital.
Message from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.

Gary the Triumph Care Center’s phone number for Bryan Schimetz’s room is 1-701-667-4087. I know that Bryan would like to hear from his friends that are unable to come to see him at this time, especially Donna Striker. They have been good friends all his life. Bryan is being kept as comfortable as is possible.

 

Reply to Bryan Schimetz (77):
From Rhonda Hiatt (75): Battle Ground, WA.

Hi Gary,   It’s been awhile since I have replied on here. I try to keep up with the latest everyday, though I do get behind. Bryan along with his family are definitely in my prayers as he and they go through this very difficult time. I graduated with Kim in 75 and worked with Bryan at Dales and he was just the best cook and the best to work with. I really just loved working with him. No matter how crazy busy we were he never got all worked up or lost his cool. Awhile back you had posted his e-mail address so we could send Birthday wishes. I sent one but if I remember right, his mailbox was full. I knew that everyone else had done the same thing. I tried a few times after that, so don’t know if he got it or not. To Bryan, Kim, and the rest of the Schimetz family, My thoughts and Prayers are with you. Rhonda Hiatt

Keith & Alice Pladson will be attending the reunion:
Message from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, Just thought I would let you know that Alice and I will be attending the reunion get together/meal in May. I’ve already sent Verena a notice of our planned attendance and a check for our meals. We also intend to include a stop in Superior, WI on the way up to visit with my Aunt Lillian. I spoke with my cousin Ron (one of Lillian’s sons) a few days ago, and he said his Mom is doing pretty well (I think she is 94 years young now), so I’m really looking forward to our trip. It’s a long drive from here to ND (about 1,800 miles each way) but with our stop in Superior on the way up and a stop in Louisville, KY (to visit with Alice’s Mom) on the way back at least we will break up the long drive. We could fly, but with the way the airlines are going, flying is not much fun anymore and by driving we have a lot more freedom to come and go as we please while in ND. Over the years we’ve driven this route many times so we are very used to it. We look forward to seeing you and Bernadette again. Keith

Keith, This is wonderful news that you and Alice will be attending the reunion. You are right, it’s a long trip from VA to Dunseith. We are looking forward to seeing you guys at the reunion and around the area too. Gary

 

 Dunseith Alumni Alaska Cruise – July 2009
Note: Florence and Keith are siblings. Becky is Florence’s daughter
Minnie Flynn is in the background.

Florence Pladson Sime (62), Keith Pladson (66) & Becky Sime Coles (83)

Update from DeAnn Gottbreht: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Sunday, April 11, 2010 10:56 AM, CDT

Patrick and I left the NICU with Connor at about 3:30 pm on Thursday April 8th. What and exciting day it was! Connor has come such a long way since he was born. He is such a miracle. He is almost 7 lbs now and is growing fast. His reflux is still a problem but the doctors sent us home with his medicine and so far he is doing great. Unfortunately he doesn’t let his parents sleep for very long at a stretch but hopefully that will improve! It is just so nice to finally be at home together as a family.

Chemo is still going pretty well. I had Chemo this last week on Thursday so it was nice to get it out of the way before we picked up Connor. Only 5 more treatments to go of this stuff and after that I’ll have a chemo once every 3 weeks for a year. I’m just hoping the chemo won’t ware me out to much since Connor is a lot of work right now. It’s a good thing Patrick and I can always get a little help from Grandparents when we need it! We are really looking forward to putting these treatments behind us so we can finally spend time at home as a family and not have all this traveling every week.

Thanks again everyone for all of your support. It was a long journey for us with Connor in the NICU for 41 days but that phase of our lives is behind us and things are only going to get better

Good day everyone,

Sorry for the long delay between posts. With Bernadette being in the hospital and other things,  I have been very busy lately.

Bernadette’s condition progressed to where she was unable to swallow. With lots of coaching, not all of the time, we were able to get her to swallow getting food and water in her stomach. Now that she has her feeding tube, she won’t even try to swallow.

She was admitted to the hospital and had a feeding tube inserted into her stomach. First they had to get her blood and other vitals restored before doing the surgery or procedure as they called it.  She was in the hospital 6 days. Inserting the feeding tube is relatively a simple procedure. Under General anesthesia they run the  device down the esophagus to the stomach. They then puncture a hole in the stomach for the tube.   Food is blended to a liquid and placed in the tube. It works very well. We have a plastic binder that goes around her body that covers the tube when not in use.

 

 

Violet DuBois passed away
Obituary posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://prod1.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/violet-dubois?fh_id=14585

Dear Friends of Dunseith and Gary,

I wish to extend  sympathy to the ‘Emil’ DuBois family on the passing of their family Matriarch, Violet.

I considered  Violet as a friend, and  I  enjoyed  whenever we had  an opportunity to  visit.

I also  carry fond memories of her younger children who  were former students of mine.

Violet was a kind, smiling, thoughtful interesting lady.

She put her family and God above all!

Sincerely,

Vickie Leona Metcalfe

 

Dale’s Jumbo Burger
Reply from Larry Hackman (’66): Dunseith, ND

Gary

I can’t believe that it took that Hiatt kid three years to finally satisfy his cravings for a (Dales Jumbo Burger) after seeing that picture below his posting.  Talk about a delayed reaction.  I wonder how that works for him at a auction?  He must have been letting his taste buds suffer for awhile before he decided to tackle a jumbo.  Rod, I bet them buds were surprised and great full as hell to finally be satisfied.

Gary to tell you the truth after seeing Rod’s picture  of that jumbo I wanted to jump in the truck and head up north for a jumbo, but it has been so damn cold here (just like the sixties) that a person hates to go outside and when you do, you have to grab a shovel to help you get to where you are going.  You don’t know what you are missing, or maybe you do remember?   I didn’t see any snow or cold or milk cows or hay or a path to the barn on them farm pictures you displayed.

But, yes Gary I did eat a whole jumbo, the last time I ordered one.  However, I have not ordered fries with a jumbo for several years.  I been trying to cut back on the carburetors.  Everything has went to injectors!

That quarter jumbo sure do look good.  Thanks Rod!

Thank You Gary for all that you do for us, and we are praying for your wife.

Larry

 

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Blog (770) posted on April 11, 2010

 

Bryan Schimetz (77) suffering with MS:

Posted on our Website:
From: David Schimetz Phone: 

Message: I would like to start a prayer chain for Bryan Schimetz. He is in Triumph Mandan Hospital. Bryan has suffered with MS for over 30 years and is now in the last stages of the disease and he will leave us soon. He is surrounded by family members and he is in no pain. Please keep him in you prayers. Thank-you all from the Louis Schimetz Family

David, Since putting these class lists together, I have known that Bryan is suffering with MS. I talked to him, by phone, several years ago when he was in the Good Samaritan center in Bottineau. From the sound of his voice with that conversation, I could tell he was suffering. I am so sad to hear of his continued deteriorating condition. He’s coped well with all his suffering with this disease for so many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryan. We know it’s hard on the entire family as well. Our prayers are with you guys as well. Gary

 

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

Dear Gary,

I heard there were some early additions to this blog that were sent around before the reunion that ballooned this blog. They said those early additions had individual pictures of students. Do you still have those blogs? Could you possibly send those around again?

Thank you for all you do, and God Bless.

Bonnie Awalt Houle

Bonnie, I assume you are talking about those messages posted prior to the 2007 reunion? We, the class of 65, generated a whole lot of email traffic for about 6 months leading into that reunion. For quite sometime we were almost live, at a given time, each day. As messages came into me I’d immediately forward them to the class and they’d reply instantaneously. The cycle continued, often times for several hours, each day. I saved each and everyone of those 2,000 plus messages only to loose them when my hard drive got reformatted a few months back. I didn’t realize I didn’t have them backed up. What a loss. Do any of you from the class of 65 or auxiliary folks that were included with those message, by chance, have copies of any of those messages?

Needless to say, the ice had been well broken long before our reunion in 2007. This was our first ever class reunion too. Most of us agreed that we were not that close of a class in our HS days and that comradery becomes increasingly more important as we get older. As we get older, relationships tend take precedence above all else. It’s too bad we wait until our more senior years to realize all this.
Gary
From: Gary Houle (63) and Roberta: Champlin, MN

Hi Gary-You have done a fabulous job with the Richard Family genealogy graph which you posted in blog #761. It really helps to see how everyone is related. One small correction. Under Gary’s grandma Bernadette Dostaler, there is a Leo listed under Ted Dostaler. Leo was Bernadette’s husband, not a son of Ted. Ted was never married. Keep up the good work. We enjoy your daily blog.

 

Roberta Houle
Roberta, Thank you so much for this correction. I have updated my master copy of that graph with this correction. I have also attached a copy of this PowerPoint graph of the Richard Family. Gary

 

Pete & Ruth Larshus Peterson:

Folks, I just ran across this photo that I did not realize I had with the recent passing and many good memories of Ruth. I believe Neola sent this picture to me quite sometime ago. Ruth was a well remembered teacher throughout the hills, Dunseith and Bottineau. She was also a first cousin to Art Rude.