Folks,

Sorry for the long delay getting these blogs posted. With Bernadette’s condition, being in the hospital, etc. I have been pretty busy.

Bernadette was non responsive and in an unconscious state of being for 3 weeks. She spent one solid week in the Hospital ICU.  She had a lung infection and UTI combined with swelling of her hands, arms and legs. The swelling is caused from a fatty liver which they attribute to her Vascular dementia. There is no reversing of the fatty liver condition however they did an IV treatment of her liver that generated several other problem with her breathing and also with her BP and her Hearts BPM. They were able to get all that corrected though.

We brought her home from the hospital last Saturday. This morning, for the first time, she was awake and alert but with very little response though. A huge improvement.

Gary

 

Condolences to the Sharon Landsverk Beckman’s family
Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

Dear Gary,  my heart aches for you and Bernadette and the family.  It is very difficult to see someone we love fade before our eyes.  I am glad you have so many caring people for her and you.

Also my condolences to Sharon Beckman’s family, she was the nicest person.  I have not lived in the area for many years but when I did come home I would stop at the grocery store on north Main Street and she would always be there and would remember me!  Her smile was contagious and you would leave the store a better person.

As like you, the Landsverk’s were great neighbors in the hills.

God’s blessings to you, Bernadette and Sharon and family!

Lynn Halvorson Otto

 

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

A Canadian stopped at a local restaurant following a day roaming around in Mexico. While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful. He asked the waiter, “What is that you just served?”

The waiter replied, “Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are called Cojones de Toro, meaning testicles from the bull fight this morning – A delicacy!”

The man said, “What the heck, bring me an order.”

The waiter replied, “I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy.”

Early the next morning, the Canadian returned, placed his order, and that evening was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, inspecting his platter, he called to the waiter and said, “These are absolutely delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday.”

The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Senor, sometimes the bull wins.”

 

 

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Blog (775) posted on April 16, 2010

 

Bryan Schimetz (77) death notice:
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Bryan Schimetz (Died April 14, 2010)

Bryan Schimetz, age 51 of Bottineau and Dunseith, died Wednesday at a Mandan hospital. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 am at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

 

Condolence to the Schimetz family:
From Lynn Halvoraon Otto (75): Seoul, Korean

It’s with great sadness that I write this. My deepest sympathy to Bryan’s family. I cannot imagine losing one of my sons for any reason. Going through the school lunch line, I can still see Stella’s winning smile so lovingly dishing up her great meals for us all. Life there wouldn’t have been the same without that family. I know Bryan is in a better place and finally pain free and has peace. Lynn Halvorson Otto, 75

 

Condolence to the Schimetz family:
From Dianne Rober’t Johnson (76): Rolla, ND

I am so sorry to hear about Bryan. I remember him from HS. He was always good for a laugh, never seem to be down about anything.

Bryan will be missed dearly, my condolences to the Schimetz families.

Dianne (Robert) Johnson (76)
Reply from Mare Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

Thanks so much for mentioning Marvin, he was a great guy. I was very lucky to have him for 43 years. You never appreciate what you have until it’s to late.

Next week when I talk to Barbara i will have to ask her were she went to school. I know when we were living there they would visit often and I know she graduated from Frankin High School here in Seattle. Her aunt Laverna Schick graduated

from Dunseith in 1947. We know they do not have E-Mail so Barb is sending her a letter as we don’t know if she is aware of the reunion or not. It would be fun to see her.

I have no clue about the hill by Joyce and Harlan’s . I do remember a hill, but that’s about it. Of course they say memory is the first thing to go.HA

I agree with Judy LaCroix it would be great to get the receipe of Bernadette’s for the rice cake’s. Sounds yummy.

Marie

Marie, Marvin was a good man and very friendly too. Bernadette remembers him and you too very well. She had a nice little chat with Marvin at the registration table.

 About the hill that I remember as Bear or Bare Butte where Harlan and Joyce Flaata live. The road to their house is from the north. coming in from then north you are pretty much near the top of the hill with the terrain of the land. We used to approach the hill from the east where the road is much lower in elevation and then turn south with the curve in the road before getting to the hill. From our house we’d take the short cut to Dad’s brother Emil/Lillian Petterson who lived in the Foot hills NE of Bottineau. From our house we’d take the Willow Lake road to the corner of Arnold Wenstad’s. From there we’d turn right (West) and go past Thurman/Marie Parrill’s, Orvin Hagen’s and Ole Rispa’s. We’d turn left (south) at the corner near Almer Lindberg’s and long lake. We’d follow that road past Lloyd Larshus’, Bear Butte, etc until we got to Emil/Lillian’s. I have not been down that road for 40 or more years. Gary

Bernadette Stokes Update:

On Tuesday Bernadette went into partial coma state of being. From Tuesday until today (Friday) she has steadily gotten worse. Tuesday morning she recognized folks and was able to interact with jesters. Wednesday her half-sisters were here. She was able to briefly open her eyes when touched and talked to. Yesterday the same but a little worse. Today, Friday Morning, she half opened her eyes with a stare and a groan trying to move her limbs when touch and talked to. All total since Tuesday, she has only been conscience about 15 minutes when all added together.

It’s hard, but we knew these days were coming and are prepared. The priest visited her on Tuesday.

Gary

Sharon (Landsverk) Beckman | 1945 – 2019 (DHS Class 1963)

Funeral Service Friday, Apr 05, 2019 2:00 PM

Sharon Beckman

May 21, 1945 – April 02, 2019

Sharon Beckman, age 73 of Bottineau, died Tuesday at her home.  Her funeral will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Bottineau.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Rendahl Cemetery near Dunseith.

Sharon Beckman, a daughter of Nels and Gertie (Rispa) Landsverk, was born on May 21, 1945 in Bottineau.  She was raised near Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1963.  She worked at Charnholm Shoe Store in Bottineau before becoming an operator with Bell Telephone in Bottineau.  In the late 1960’s they transferred her to Bismarck.  On November 5, 1971, she married Garland Beckman in South Dakota.  They then returned to Bottineau.  This marriage later ended.  Sharon worked as cashier at the Gordon’s Piggly Wiggly, Jerry’s Jack & Jill and Bottineau Hometown Market.  The last several years, she worked as a teller at the First National Bank in Bottineau.

Sharon was a member of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  She enjoyed bowling, baking, playing cards and watching the Wheel of Fortune.  She was very caring and giving and always thought of others first.

She is survived by her brother, David Landsverk of Bottineau, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn Pladson and Barbara Lawrence; 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

 

Sharon Landsverk Beckman(’63):
Condolences and Memories from Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

April 3, 2019
Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

This a.m. I  was saddened to hear of  the  sudden passing  of Sharon Landsverk (Beckman).

Sharon was well known  by many,  many  people here in Bottineau. Many elder  adults  were recipients of  Sharon’s kind, warm and  generous personality.

She was  fondly known by  children as the ” Little Candy Lady clerk ”  at the local grocery store. “Kids told me they often requested their parents to shop  at the grocery store, where Sharon worked. WHY? ” “She remembered  our names,  and gave always gave  little candy treats.”

Sharon  was close to all of her  siblings and  kept in  fond contact with her cousins in far off places..

Sharon   is survived by  sister’s and brother’s in law, nieces and nephews,  and many  friends who fondly  treasured her friendship.

(NOTE) The Landsverk kids came out of the hills in the  early sixties from a little country school in the hills.

The Landsverk kids were quiet, and somewhat shy but personable and hard working.

Sharon is survived by David (class of ’70).  David  joined the  class with Mrs. Florence Conroy in the midst of 4th grade.

Sharon’s Landsverk ancestors were very well known……. in a wide swath area of ND. They were  exceptional stone masons.  Sharon was quite proud of their contributions.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gary’s Comments
What a shock to see Sharon’s passing. I remember Sharon so well from my school days and even more so with each of my trips back to the area seeing her Jack and Jill’s Grocery where she was a checker for many years. Sharon was a wonderful person. Always so friendly and nice. She will be missed by so many folks. That is a positive. We extend our condolences to all of her family with her passing.

 

Pastor Anfinrud Passing
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

             Today, I was  informed about  the passing of Pastor Anfinrud from my sister. We grew up with the knowledge  that our mother’s  mom,  Sylvia Arizonia (Wicks) Lamb lost her life to acute leukemia.

            Grandma Lamb passed away shortly after  she was  diagnosed. Mom was still reeling from the loss of her beloved ‘Pop’,  Bob Lamb. Mom told us how  spiritually comforting Pastor Anfinrud was to her. She also said,  although Grandma Sylvia was ….  not of  the Lutheran denomination, Pastor Anfinrud told mom, “Never worry,  he could,  would  and  preached the  funeral.”

            Mom felt he was a wonderful example of  spirituality.  She held him in the highest regard and respect!  

            May he rest in Peace.

Sincerely, 

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Subject: Pastor Anfinrud
http://boulgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/pastor-arlyn-anfinrud/

 

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Blog (774) posted on April 15, 2010

 

Bryan Schimetz (77) Passed away: Message from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.

Dear Gary and friends, with great sorrow of heart, I need to inform all that Bryan John Schimetz my younger brother left us and made the great journey this morning at 12:40am at a health care facility in Mandan Nd. Funeral Services are tentatively being discussed among family at this time. We are trying for Monday, the 19th of April to be held at St.Marks Catholic Church in Bottineau, ND. I will keep you posted as arrangements are finalized. I wish to thank all of you for your prayers and kindness expressed here and elsewhere with the phone calls and cards. I thank all of you on behalf of entire Schimetz Family, may God Bless you all Mark Schimetz

 

Bryan Schimetz Passing: Posted on our Website From: David Schimetz (79): Bismarck, ND Message: Bryan left us last night at 12:30 am. His funeral arrangements are pending but most likely the funeral will be on Monday.Thank you all for your prayers.He had alot of family around him since Friday and family members present when he passed. We were able to talked to him and he understood his condition and he was at peice with it.He fought a long and hard battle for about 35 years. He was a good brother,uncle,son and most of all Friend. He will always be in our hearts and truly missed. Thank-you for all your prayers

Mark, David and the entire Schimetz family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of Bryan. Mark and I, in the past, have discussed this disease (MS) with how hard it has been for the entire family, especially their mother Stella, coping with her children having this disease. It’s been a long hard road for all of you. Your family has not and will not be forgotten with all that you have been thru. Our condolences are with you. Gary.

Schimetz Family: Note: Judy posted this before knowing of Bryan’s passing. Reply from Judy LaCroix McGuire (59): LITCHFIELD, MN

Hi Gary, It would be fun to have a piece of Bernadette’s rice cake. Sounds good. Could you put a recipe in this blog. I like to try new recipes. I do enjoy reading the news each day and have good memories of growing up near Dunseith.

Also hello to the Schimetz family. You are all in my prayers at this time. I babysat for Reed and ? years ago and we were neighbors to their grandparents for years. Blessings. Judy LaCroix McGuire class of 59

Judy, I will ask Bernadette to write down her recipe for her Chocolate Rice cake for posting. A lot of her recipes are her own made up of which I’m very positive of this being one of those. With that there are no standard Measurements. It’s a little of this and a little of that until she gets the desired consistency of what she wants. Bernadette is well gifted in the cooking and baking department. She seldom has flops. For her the aesthetics of what she prepares is equally as important as the taste. She won’t eat anything that does not look good. For me that is the reason I don’t eat their dried fish. but for her and these folks, that dried fish looks so good, heads and all. Her rice cake was consumed in a heart beat yesterday at the bowling alley. Some of those women, when they didn’t think anyone was looking, were putting pieces in their purses to take home. Gary

 

Dunseith Alumni Reunion:
Marie Iverson Staub (60) will be attending: Seattle, WA.

Gary,

I am going to make the reunion if everything goes OK. A cousin and I are going to drive. I made out the check to send to Verena so will get that sent tomorrow. There will be 3 of us.

1. Marie Iverson (Staub)
2. Barbara Iverson (Lyonais)
3. Joyce Iverson (Flaata)

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Marie Iverson 1960

Marie, this is wonderful news that you will be attending our reunion. As Keith Pladson Mentioned, it’s a long drive from the East Coast and we know it’s a long haul from the West Coast as well. It’s great that your cousin Barbara is able to accompany you. I’m assuming Barbara attended the Bottineau schools or did she attend Dunseith? I have known your cousin, Joyce Flaata, for as far back as I can remember. She and Harlan were very active members of the Metigoshe Lutheran churches and that is where I learned to know them. From what you mentioned they still live on the same place a few miles NE of Bottineau. Their home is a few miles south of Vinje Church up in the hills. I’m really racking my brain now, but the name of the hill or mountain they live on, as I remember, is Bare Butte. We passed it many times with our many visits, taking the back roads, to visit Dad’s brother Emil/Lillian who lived a few miles SW of Harlan & Joyce’s. We are looking forward to seeing you folks next month. Gary 

PS – Folks; Marie lost Marvin a few months after our reunion last July. We so enjoyed seeing and visiting with him and Marie at the reunion. It was such a traumatic loss for Marie. She said reading our daily blogs really helped her coping with his loss.

 

2009 Seattle Dunseith Aumni Reunion:
Marvin (Deceased) & Marie (60) Iverson Staub

 

Earth Worms Question:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND.

April greetings Gary,

April showers have arrived here in the foothills of the Turtle Mountains. Days have been quite windy followed by nights of thunder and lighting shows. At least an inch of steady rain washed Bottineau thoroughly clean last night. The warm earthy smells and sunny spring morning greeted me and Buie to our walk.

My question for blog readers. What is the earliest date in the spring… anyone has seen earth worms in the area?

They were every where this morning 4/14/10. I found myself hop scotching home as not to squish them! So many, they reminded me of the wet Junes of yesteryear. Thanks Vickie
Reply from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, This is in response to Sybil Johnson’s visiting Washington DC. I’m sure you will enjoy your trip immensely and hope you are able to visit and enjoy many of the national treasures located in and around Washington. Some things worth seeing in addition to those you already stated could include the Washington National Cathedral, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery (to include Kennedy’s Grave and the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), the Korean War Memorial and any number of the many National Museums. Alas, there is one thing on your list you may not be able to enjoy. The much discussed and locally bragged about Cherry Blossom Festival has come and gone and so have most of the blossoms. Usually they start blooming the very end of March and through the next couple of weeks or so. But, unfortunately, this year we had some really warm weather in the middle of March so the blossoms came a little early. So, most (if not all) of the blossoms are now history until next years.

Still, you WILL enjoy your trip! And even if you can’t take photographs in the White House, you can take them at most other locations. Keith Pladson (66)

 

Country School Reunion:
Question from Lynn Halvorson Otto (74): Seoul, Korea

Hi Gary, who is organizing the July country school reunion at Lake Metigoshe? If you know could you post this again for people. Thanks, Lynn Otto

Lynn, Linda Gardner is the one spearheading this reunion. I have pasted below and also attached a copy of the registration form. Gary

 

 Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion
July 10, 2010

Plans are underway to hold a Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion on July 10, 2010, at the Twin Oaks Resort & Convention Center atLakeMetigoshe.Anyone who attended a country school in theTurtleMountains or is interested in celebrating an educational life style of the past is welcome to attend.The cost is $42.00 per person.Reservations and advance payment are required.Please fill out the form below and mail to: