Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (’70):  Minot, ND

Gary,
I just want to thank you for keeping this blog going. I so enjoy the posts. Stay safe and love to you and yours.
Diane Larson Sjol

Gary’s reply:
My pleasure Diane. I enjoy doing this. Doing this blog, I have learned to know many of you that I had only heard of before. We all walked the same turf, just at different times is all. With this lock down, I have more time on my hands too, enabling me to do more postings.  

Bill Hosmer’s reply to Marshall Awalt
Bill Hosmer (’48): Tucson, AZ

Gary,

Thank you for the continuing contact with you and all the friends and relatives of the terrific people of the Dunseith community now and in the past.

The recent post from Marshall Await, a close neighbor of many years ago, gave me a terrific boost of morale with his comments regarding the war time days of Vietnam. Marshall and his fellow fighting men are the ones deserving special accolades.  We who flew and may have been of some help, regard our troops on the ground in contact with the enemy, as being the true heroes of the conflict, and STILL.  DO !!!!!

Marshall, my friend and fellow Dunseith neighbor, I thank you for your comments and wish you all the possible comfort and joy you and your fellow fighting men deserve.  The missions I flew in support of you warriors was more satisfying than the other interdiction missions that made up my tours spent in either Viet Nam or Thailand.  As in World War II, Dunseith men served wherever they were ordered, doing what they were trained to do.  You and I were fortunate enough to serve,  AND survive!!!!!!!!!

I will be 90 later this year, and in good health.  Hearing from/about you makes me feel great. I thank you for your thoughts and memories, and I salute you for your GALLANT SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

I am proud to know you, Marshall.

Bill Hosmer

Boucher, Louise Melda Zoe (Cote) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Sept 1925 – Apr 2020

Louise Boucher, Minot formerly from Thorn, ND

https://www.thompsonlarson.com/obituary/louise-boucher

Reverend David Hayes
Comments from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Sunday , April, 26, 2020

Thanks Gary, Marlys H., Greg L.  and Dunseith Alumni Friends,

In reading the many comments about Reverend David Hayes I see, we are more alike than we are different.

There are times in life, we are blessed to encounter a person whose presence  touches, warms and fills us with the profound sense of PEACE.

It is rather an unexplainable safe feeling, isn’t it? Which brings to my mind the song made popular by Alabama.

            “Oh, I believe there are Angels Among Us, Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours To show us how to live…..…

Until Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gary Stokes Comment

Folks,

When I finish posting today’s blog, I will do a Face Book posting of Marshall Awalt’s posting of Bill Hosmer and the Thunderbirds. I will include a link to some of your comments on our Dunseith Alumni Website.  http://dunseith.net/blog/

Monitor my FB page for the posting. https://www.facebook.com/gary.stokes.18

Thunderbird and Blue Angel fly overs
Message from Marshall (’51): Newport, NC

Now that the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels are flying over cities to show support for our medical workers . It reminds me of when these courageous men flew cover over Vietnam always on call to support the ground troops. They saved many Marine lives and I personally want to Thank them the most important one Bill Hosmer. Bill Thanks.

Marshall

Rev David Hayes memories
Posting from Marlys Hiatt (’71):  Dunseith, ND

Thanks, Vickie, for the information regarding Rev Hayes.  I had not known he was ill and moved back to Michigan.  I had attended the church north of Dunseith when he was the pastor there.

I really enjoyed your memories and the piece about stone boats.  I hadn’t thought about a stone boat in years but I sure know what they are and how they are used.  My mom and Vickie liked to work outdoors so I stayed inside watching small children, if there were any, cooking, and dusting knick knacks, which I was very happy to do.

Stay safe – later,

Marlys Hiatt
School Social Worker
Dunseith Public School

Rev David Hayes memories
Posting from Greg Larson (’70): Bismarck, ND

Thank you, Vicki, for this information regarding Reverend Hays. I also knew him to be a man of God. We had conversations many different times over the phone. Sometimes talking about whether I could help somebody that he knew was coming to Bismarck. He talked about telling many people about the salvation they could have through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For many years, while he was in Dunseith, he sent me his church bulletin every week. One of those church bulletins had a profound effect on my life. I still have it taped to my desk at work after more than 20 years. I am sure there were many hallelujahs when Reverend Hayes was ushered into Paradise. He was a humble man after God’s own heart. I look forward to seeing him again when we all get to Heaven. What a wonderful day that will be!

Greg Larson, Class of 1970

Coronavirus Vaccine
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

I liked this explanation from BBC. Vickie.

https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/52382236/coronavirus-how-close-are-we-to-getting-a-vaccine

How close are we to a coronavirus vaccine?

The coronavirus spreads easily and the majority of the world’s population is still vulnerable to it.

A vaccine would provide some protection by training people’s immune systems to fight the virus so they should not become sick.

But how easy is it to create a vaccine? And when could we expect one to be ready?

BBC health correspondent Laura Foster

Rev David Hayes passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

April 20, 2020

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

This just came across on the Bottineau Veterans news.

Many Dunseith folks will remember Rev. David Hayes.  He

was located and served for many years at the little church, North of the San Haven turn.

I recall often seen him driving the same station wagon that turned over many, many miles.

When driving N. on Highway #3 saw him on hot summer days,  pushing a lawn mower around the little church,

his home and the ditch all the way up to edge of the highway #3.

After leaving Dunseith, the next number of years he led the Baptist Church

here in Bottineau.  He was much loved there too.

I got to know him through Metigoshe Lutheran “A” Frame Church.

About 4 summers,  I worked weekends at the Wedding Services at the A Frame Metigoshe Lutheran..

I am not sure of the job title but I took reservations penciled in dates,  opened the building,

attended rehearsals,  managed the sound system (UFFDA)  cleaned up a bit after each wedding.

I titled myself as a go-for!  There were about 14 weddings each summer keeping a person busy for 2 days.

In that time, there were various Pastors/Priests of different churches, Justices of Peace and etc.

selected by the wedding couples.

They included Rev. Hayes who I recall performed about 2-3 wedding services each summer.

Those summers, I really developed a strong respect for this simple knowledgeable man.

I believe Rev. Hayes was a man of God and a Man of the many people he served.

Rest in Peace Rev. Hayes.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Rev David Hayes passing
Face Book Posting from Verena (Peter’65)

Stone boats and Draft Horses
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND 

April 21, 2020

Gary and former farm kids, and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Summer time on a boat?  You bet-cha for this former farm kid it was a stone boat.

Those of us ‘Farm Kids” of the hills learned early in our formative years never lowly -gag behind a horse!

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-shropshire-52357499/coronavirus-shropshire-shire-horses-become-lockdown-twitter-stars

I grew up among, Byrd, Barney, Babe, Corky, King and several other draft horses.  Each horse had her/his own personality. Our family considered livestock valuable assets and depended on them through the years.

Dad was a role model for his children in the respectful treatment of animals.  Somehow, he knew about/heard of various folks who maltreated or cruelly beat animal while down. Dad didn’t respect abusive people,  care for to be around them or tolerate that behavior.

I would bet a cup of coffee that many who grew up on working farms still have horse skill.  We could tell anyone how to properly put on the collar, harness, hitch up and drive a team.

I rather enjoyed cleaning barn and hauling hay/straw bales with a horse and stone boat. Yes ,as a teen, I’d rather pitch manure than dust knick-knacks.

My sister’s, Mom and I spent many days during the summer of ’64 with Byrd and a stone boat. We picked sticks, stumps, rocks on clearing bull dozing of the sheep pasture, my dad had hired done the fall before.

We’d get looking really good. Then, groan when Dad would get out John Deere, disc up more rocks and sticks. We all agreed years later …..picking sticks or rocks was not an enjoyable summer job.

The best part of those days, for me was unhitching, hanging up the harness and climbing Byrd’s bareback.  Off down south pasture to fetch milk cows.  Oft times after hot sweaty days, she’d take to her head, take off into a big puddle and have a roll.  I’d Yell, WHOA. then Jump and splash and avoid her roll.

I loved Byrd. She was a gem.

Art Seim would often repeat horse saying. Later, I found it was attributed to Churchill. “Winston Churchill said it best. The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”

If you choose to watch the attached. Look close for a stone boat. Its the only kind I used as a kid.

Later, Vickie L, Metcalfe

Carlyle and Ramona Nelson Memories
From Tom Hagen (’51 & Orvin’s Brother):  Mesa, AZ
Hi ,

Carlyle Nelson and I went to Beaver Dam for about 3 years, then we moved.

You knew he had a sister, Ramona (in the picture below, middle row wearing a hat) , who was Joyce, My sister’s classmate and a nurse.

Love Tom

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe (’70)
From Stick-Lee-Leland Stickland (’64):

Vickie,

Sounds like YA got things going YOUR way. I managed another outside excursion this morning; went to the Orthopedist to get a shot of Cortisone in R shoulder, I need a new ball & cup but that is an “elective” procedure that can wait till things amend. I will have the #6 surgery on my R foot during the 90 days I must wait between injection to my shoulder and surgery,  for sale of carefulness re: infection.

Your dog would be a great companion these days.  I last had one on 3-20-95, day B4 my divorce, came home and dog was not there?

Stick-Lee-Leland

Reply to LeaRae Parrill Espy (67) (Nelson family)
From Vickie Metcalf (70):  Bottineau, ND

April 18, 2020

Hello Gary, LeaRae, Terry,   and Dunseith Alumna Friends

I number of years ago, my brother and drove over dry Montana Prairies and steep Rockies to Seattle.

The Pacific NW has its own lush Mountain Evergreen fresh smell to inhale and behold.

On this trip, once again I stayed with Jean, Dad’s youngest sister.

Two of my paternal aunts were about the same age and friends of the Nelson sisters (Millie and Marie)

And my Uncle Lucky was married to their sister, Aunt Jennie.

Dad was very fond of Jennie Nelson as they both worked at the Seim farm in their youth.

Whether in ND or in Seattle, I felt much loved and welcomed by all of my Metcalfe family.

Aunts and Uncles and their spouse’s personalities embraced me as valuable and of worth as a child,

and continued on to adulthood.

Of course, whenever with any of the Metcalfe’s love of music,  there was also enjoyment of storytelling.

They were role models of the skill, “telling some tale with ability to laugh at themselves”.

My youngest brother was entertained royally by Aunt Jean to countless homemade goodies,

card games of SNERT and WAR, and chasing away homesick farm feelings she sensed.

She never was weary or impatient.  With a tender adoringly smile, in delight of him with every time he came

at her with a card deck.   He found a skate board and rolled around the outside of her home for hours.

The Seattle Center, Woodlawn Zoo, Pike Place Market, The Locks, Washington Ferry trips,   over the Cascade Mt to Wenachee,

were regional Pacific NW day trips taken with, Jean’s daughter, ‘City girl’.

One early morning after another substantial breakfast, ‘City girl’ gathered us into her car to drive West to the mighty Pacific  Ocean.

This day trip took us to the height of anticipation, with it came the reward of salty Ocean air.

Jumping out of the car with bare toes in the sand, we raced on the hard sand to chase waves,

whilst on the lookout for sand dollars.

After finding many treasures,  we gathered around a huge driftwood log to find more treasures of hard boiled eggs,

bread and butter, brownies which fed our hearty appetites and Kool aide inside the cooler packed by Jean.

Fond Memories

Soon it was Sunday,  we found time to be heading back to Dakota.

But awaiting was another surprise!

Uncle Lucky and Aunt Jennie (Nelson) Metcalfe had contacted and gathered everyone.

(Aunts, Uncles, and countless cousins)  to their home.

Aunt Jennie who enjoyed flea markets presented me with a depression era look alike bowl.

Years previously, she had given my other brother a reproduction of Blue Boy,

which he treasured for years until somehow, it disappeared when he and his wife lived on the Kavali farm

Oops back to my tale.

Hugs, music, laughter, cards and coffee drinking continued through that Sunday.

Cousins once played together as children, enjoyed the coming together as adults.

It is fun to finally grow up and enjoy cousins into adulthood who share common traits.

On a trip to the kitchen, looking for more of Aunt Jennies Julakaka,

I noticed the coffee pot was empty.

I said to Uncle Lucky.  ” Shall I make another pot of coffee?

Responding in a gruff voice loudly.

“Don’t make it like your mother! ( I was taken a back)

Then a voice kind and soft, “Your mom is a good lady.”

“But Jennie and I always say, after leaving your parents,

Lottie makes a good lunch,  BUT, the coffee!”

(he shook his head with a serious sad expression)

“….a person can see the bottom of the cup.”

His face softened in memory.

“There is a lady ? Minda Nelson? related to Abe Nelson… of the hills ( “she was a real character”)’

“She made coffee like it should be made!

GOOD and BLACK and so STRONG .

A person could stand up a spoon in the cup.”

He expounded more about various Nelson’s … I did not know.

Finally, saying, “Now go ahead and make some coffee!”

After all these years and one coffee lesson.

I still can’t make coffee ….like a Nelson STRONG and BLACK with a spoon standing straight up……..

But Lea Rae, I got a lesson today on blog about the Nelson’s from you. Thanks.

I would really like to hear more about the Nelsons and

in particular,  if you know that Nelson lady who Uncle Lucky recalled as ,”a real character”.

I love hearing about,  Dunseith Real Characters!

and,  Thank You Gary for keeping the dialogue flowing.

Until Later,  continue  to Be ND smart,

Vickie Metcalfe

Gary’s comments

I hope all of you are coping as well as can be expected with this Coronavirus epidemic. From news reports, they have several vaccines on the horizon.  Until they are developed and administered, we will continue to have social distancing.

Today is week four of our being quarantined and locked down. We still have a week and five days to go, it they don’t extend it.  They have given one pass per family or household. Mirasol, our helper has a pass for us. I can take her in my car to get groceries, etc., but I am not allowed to get out of my car.

Coronavirus numbers by countries Weblink:
https://epidemic-stats.com/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3J-_l3oYP-zMAUiKyNmLelGDGxMzFdUo139VXdmtg_V24YmB-A1QZQrlk

Memories of Carlyle Nelson
From LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Carlyle is a close, longtime friend of my family. He is the son of Abe and Mary (Evanstad)  Nelson. Annie Evanstad Atherton and Mary were sisters.

The children on the picture taken by Rendahl are cousins.

Carlyle’s older sisters Loretta and Evelyn went to High School in Dunseith with mom’s sister, Marie Nelson Parrill and mom, Mildred Nelson Parrill. Country kids had to room in town.  All four of the Nelson girls roomed together at Mrs. Bedard’s for one or two of the years.  Talk about confusing– four Nelsons, two sets of sisters, not related.

Later, mom would take a teaching job down by Minot. She could catch a ride up the Willow Road as far as Abe’s. Carlyle would hitch up the horse and buggy and give her a ride a few miles back to her parents’ home East of the Willow Lake road.  At the time Carlyle was 12 and mom was 19 and 20. They often talked about those rides and mom was so appreciative. Carlyle said he was happy to do it as he got out of milking cows on those occasions.

He would visit us often when I was a kid.  Sometimes he would stay overnight at our place.  He helped dad with different projects.  Later dad farmed his land in the hills.

After he was married, he moved to California and worked as a heavy equipment operator. (I think he also drove heavy equipment building the Garrison Dam). His wife, Teresa Davis,  worked for the??? park service Redwood Forest. We saw a picture of her in the huge tree that tourists drive through to enter the park.

Carlyle’s son passed away at an early age of leukemia.  He is buried at Rendahl. His daughter, Dr. Melissa K. Nelson is a professor at the University of San Francisco.

Mom and I still keep in touch with some of his sisters. Carlyle will be missed.

“I Contain Multitudes”
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): d Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

            It is Friday April 17, 2020.  

What a time in History to be living through.

            I was up and about well before 6:00 a.m. today on my way to the walking bridge on Oak Creek.

The bridge at mornings first light has gotten to be a special mindfulness time.

The   running water sets into calming the spirit for the day

            T’was about 26 above and Buie got somewhat chilled riding in his stroller,.

 Arriving home, we tucked into quick early morning naps.

            Whenever, I leave to go to school,  I hide dog treats before I go out the door.  

Buie is like a kid who once experienced something he likes, goes into “ready to repeat” attitude. 

He absolutely loves ….”Hide and seek, trick & treat,  run and look, look, look” command.”

            Off to school, I went to gather my Friday “DISTANCE things stuff and return home. 

This day warmed considerably but a mighty North Dakota wind is fixing to keep Buie’s stroller garage bound..

            Whilst checking out noon news I was sidetracked.  

I chose to listen,  Bob Dylan, “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Gobsmacked not country!  But what an exquisite song!      

            I refuse to listen to anymore news today until ND Gov. Burgum @4:00 p.m. 

(Facts just the facts)

             My plan is another listen,  “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Keep safe and be North Dakota Smart Everyone.

Later,

 Vickie Metcalfe

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND

 Carlyle Nelson, age 86 of Bottineau, died Friday, April 10, 2020 at his home in Bottineau.

Carlyle was a member of the BHS Class of 1951.  He was a brother of EdnaMae Nelson (member of my class, 1957, for a few years)

Neola

1/22/2009 Posting from Gary Stokes
Carlyle is Abe Nelson’s son who lived in the Willow Lake road. Carlyle is living in Bottineau. He went to high school in Bottineau. Carlyle still has the farm up on the Willow Lake road several miles south of the Willow Lake School.  I saw a lot of Carlyle, both in Dunseith and Bottineau, with our trip back for the reunion in 2007. Gary

Gary’s Comments
I am saddened to hear of Carlyle’s passing. I got acquainted with Carlyle at the 2007 Dunseith 125-year reunion.  With subsequent trips back we saw a lot of and became very well acquainted with Carlyle. We’d see him daily, often multiple times, at the Bottineau Bakery. He invited us to his house several times. The picture of him with Bernadette, below, was taken in his house. Carlyle was such a nice friendly guy. I will dearly miss him with future trips back to the area. He graduated from BHS but was Dunseith at heart.

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

Gary,

I just sat down this Monday,  3-30-20, @ 11:30 am MDT, waiting for my tea water, which comes a bit Before the meal that is delivered to our room, since about the 19th. Not a problem for me as I pretty well stay in my room anyway.

I have the telecaster and a superb amp that my son, Eric, who lives in Boston, sent me, and I have many books. When I need more books, I let Eric know and Viola’, in 3 or 4 days I rec. I get 4 new books with titles that are a surprise; usually biography.

I am great. Feel just wonderful. Hope YOU & YOUR BRIDE is ” hunkering-in-place ” successfully, also.  Lunch HAS arrived!

Later,

Lee

Gratitude
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Good Friday, April 10, 2020

Hello it so good to greet you Gary,
and many Dunseith Alumni friends,

            The Bottineau Vets building is closed for the coffee drinkers.
I think the vets see a need and are making a space available for sewers of masks..

            I listen each day to ND Gov Burgum on Bottineau ‘s KBTO Sunny 101,9 @ 3:30 pm. Gov Burgum talks common North Dakotan sense and uses true facts.

  ………no gossip or Facebook.

Yesterday, he shared of models that many national news’ outlets have quoted and shares FAULTY information.

            ND doesn’t have all the deaths that model has listed.
So far ND has 6 people who have passed away.
Today’s fact 9 North Dakotans yesterday were diagnosed.

            I especially like when Gov Burgum discusses GRATITUDE somewhere each time in his message.
Gratitude is a major factor being resilient.

            Yes, we North Dakotans are being challenged.
Mostly,  everyone is rising to the challenge of Social Physical Distancing.
Others are finding change extremely challenging.

            One of my own family members has written PHYSICAL Distancing notice posted on their door.
NO apology just stated facts.  Good for them!

            I do not wear a mask. Yet.
One of my siblings told me she is sending me one. If not i will drape a scarf. …. I will try to find a really ugly one.

            CHANGE’s of long held habits are difficult.
Stages of grieving when confronted with any kind of loss have been defined as follows.

Anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance
These stages do not follow in specific order for each of us .
Each of us may be at a different stages or places in their grief.
I need to remember this and know that this normal human behavior.

Two of my own personal examples’:

1. Dad’s diagnosis of Blindness.
   DENIAL
   I held on to hope after hope for a cure driving him to Minneapolis for treatment.
   My Denial was especially clear to mom.  When she told me of the notice for Dad’s license renewal had come in the mail.
   I ADAMENTLY expressed his license should be renewed!
   But Mom was well into ACCEPTANCE. She later experienced a brain tumor and loss of her sight in one eye
   She did all she could to continue making things normal for dad. 

2. Chainsaw accident years ago.
   I went into ACCEPTANCE immediately.
   FACT my arm was severely cut. FACT I lost blood, severed nerves artery. muscles, and bone
   FACT I was diagnosed as partial amputee.
   FACT I will never regain full feeling or use of left hand.
   Believing in the higher power carried me through.

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS   … begin the long list for which, I am grateful.

Later,

Vickie

==============================================
POSTING FROM THE PAST
Blog (90) posted on Jun 18, 2010

Folks, I have some other postings, but I have limited today’s message to the reunion pictures. Gary

Reunion Picture replies with identifications:

Thanks, folks, for all the replies and help with the identification of these pictures. I am posting your replies with a reposting of the pictures with the correct identities.

Again folks, please send pictures.

Thanks, Gary

Note: Pictures twelve and fourteen are the only ones not fully identified.

From Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hey Gary, in pics 14, I know the front 2 people are Eric and Sandra Poitra and the woman behind Eric is Bernice Belgarde I think, the one right of Sandra not sure but I believe another Belgarde. In pic 3, the two ladies sitting on the left are Pam Wenstad and Delorie Enno and the 2 handsome men on the right of course that is me Alan Poitra next to Delorie and my partner Mark Larsen and behind us is Bernard and Robin Morin and I think the lady behind Del and Pam is Mrs Espe, (Robin’s Mom)

Hopefully that will help you out!

Thanks Alan, It was a pleasure to finely see you face to face after all these email exchanges. I dearly love the CD that you sent me last year too with the good old ‘honky tonk’ tunes recorded by your family. It may not be Bernadette’s taste for good music, but it’s mine, so I listen to it when she is not around. Gary

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish S

#10 -Olynda(Eurich) and Ydola Pigeon, #8 Terry Halvorson on the left, Gwen Struck in the brown jacket, #7 Gwen Grimmes husband in the rear, #3 Peggy (sime)Espe in the green jacket, Alan Poitra sitting in the plaid shirt talking to Bernard Morin, #12 Lawrence Hetle in the blue t shirt and his wife in the pink jacket, #13 Lowell leonard visiting with connie burcham, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich –That’s all the help I can give.

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

picture 3 top right side is Bernard Morin
picture 4 is Richard Slyter, Dan McKown and Bobbie Slyter, Dan is a friend of Bobbie’s from Kansas
picture 5 in the backround is Diane Wenstad and Ele Slyter
picture 9/10 is Mr and Mrs Ydola Pigeon picture 12 guy with glasses is Harvey Sebelius and his wife on hiis left..don’t recognize the rest hope this helps

ele

Ele, It was a pleasure seeing you too after all these email exchanges. I recognized Richard from the pictures when you guys walked in. Had it not been for the pictures, I for sure would not have ever known him. He looks great, but not the way I remember him. My, how we all change and some more than others. 

From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

Gary, the lady in #3 in the white blouse is Pam Wenstad in #4 next to Richard is my friend Dan Mc Kown and I am next to him in # 5 next to Diane Wenstad is Ele Slyter great pics thanks for all that you do

Bobby, It was so nice to see you again too after all these years. You Slyter boys are looking great, but not the way I remember you guys and I knew you well in our growing up days. Gary
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
Picture 10 Olynda and Ydola Pigeon.

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, A couple of identifications that may help. In picture eleven you caught my brother Dan and his wife Robin. To the right of Robin and only partially visible is my sister Tina Bullinger in the pink sweater and to the right of Dan is Tina’s husband John Bullinger. In picture thirteen the lady at the back side of the table pointing to something is Shirley Bercham Sime spouse of Larry Sime (not present).

Hope that helps. Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, Those were some great old pictures that you were showing me that you got from your Aunt Lillian Thompson. When you get a chance, please scan and zap me copies. I’d love to share those. They included some of my/our Grandparents that I have never seen before. Thanks, Gary

From Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

picture 2 Lady in green standing is Peggy Espe (Sime)
picture 13 in back is Lowell Leanord, next two don’t know Eva Eurich and Cleo Kelly
picture 15 Barbara Iverson (lyonais) Helen Boguslawski

Marie Staub

Marie, It was so nice seeing you too.

From Gwen Struck Dumas (68): Havre, MT
Picture #8 Terry Halvorson Gwen Grimme Monte Espe Brenda Hoffman Dick Johnson Gwen Struck

 Gwen, I should have recognized you and Monte too. Gary

From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Hi Gary!

Photo eight: Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson and Gwen Struck either shortly before or after we took the class of 1968 photo.

Brenda

Reply from Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND
Number Eleven John Bullinger

Picture Three:
Sitting: Pam Wenstad, Delorie Enno, Alan Poitra & Mark Larson Standing Left: Peggie Sime Espe
Standing right: Bernard & Robin Espe Morin

Picture Four:
Richard Slyter, Dan Mc Kown & Bobby Slyter”

Picture five:
Front: Kenny & Sherry Nerpel
Back: Diane Wenstad, Ele Dietrick Slyter, Richard Slyter

Picture six:
John/Margaret Bedard, Cora (Warren) Anderson, Kenny Nerpel & Ele Dietrick Slyter

Picture Seven:
Front: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey
Behind George Eltz, Standing Gwen Struck Dumas

Picture eight:
Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme Eltz, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson, Gwen Struck Dumas & Ernie Gottbreht.

Picture Nine:
Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon, Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett.

Picture Ten:
Mildred Parrill, Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon and Brenda Johnson

Picture Eleven:
Nancy Hosmer, Robin/Dan Pladson & John Bullinger

Picture twelve:
Larry Hackman pointing his finger at the camera. Lawrence Hetle in blue T-shirt, Armella Hetle in pink – Need some help with the

Picture thirteen:
Around the table L to R: Sharon Zorn Gerdes, Lowell Leonard, Connie Burcham Sime, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich Paulson & Cleo Kelly

Picture Fourteen:
Front Left: Eric & Sandra Poitra Sitting behind: Bernice Belgarde Front Right: ???? Belgarde

Picture Fifteen:
Harlan/Joyce Flaata, Barbara Iverson Lyonais, Marie Iverson Staub& Helen Boguslawski

Gary Stokes Comment

Hopefully this Coronavirus will level out soon with an available vaccine. We are coping fine. Bernadette isn’t really aware of what’s really going on. Tata, Mirasol and Marites take very good care of her and me too. I have now arranged 24/7 care for Bernadette. Marites spends the night with her in our bedroom. I transferred my sleeping to one of our spare bedrooms upstairs. For the most part, Bernadette sleeps thru the night, but there are nights that she doesn’t too.

Starting today we are going into week three of our lockdown. Predictions are that this lock down will be until the end of the month. We have a large area so I am not confined to the house. I do Morning and night fast daily one mile walks, around my cars and pool table, in my Garage. Each round is 100’. 53 rounds makes a mile.

My husband passed away on St. Patrick’s Day.  Here is his obituary.  Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:   Bottineau, Nd

My husband would have been 89 years old in June.  He had had 3 stents in one leg and a tube from the knee to the groin in his other leg (circulation) for MANY years.  He had had COPD for many years and an incurable cancerous spot on one of his lungs.  He had had two other spots earlier.  Radiation treatments “worked” on them.  His mind was still good.  He even still had his own teeth and a full head of hair! He had lived in an assisted living facility for almost 2 years–mid-May 2018.  I know Wally went to Heaven, which gives me great comfort/peace.

God is taking very good care of me.

Neola

Wallace ‘Wally’ G. (George) Garbe

June 20, 1931 – March 17, 2020

Wallace “Wally” G. Garbe, 88, Minot, formerly of Kramer, ND, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in a Minot hospital. 

Wally was born June 20, 1931 at Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of Walter and Lillie (Thiel) Garbe.  He was raised and educated at Kramer and graduated from Kramer High School in 1949.   He attended Jamestown College for a year and then Minot State College, where he received a degree in Secondary Education.

Wally continued to assist with the operation of the family farm near Kramer and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in 1956.  He honorably served his country until 1958 when he was discharged and returned to North Dakota.  Wally taught in Kramer before he entered the military and in Bottineau after he was discharged.  He moved to Minot in 1960, where he became employed with First National Bank.

Wally was united in marriage to Neola Kofoid on November 26, 1969 in Minot.   They made their home in Minot, where he continued working at the bank as a loan officer until 1978.    He worked for a time at Northern Trophy and Engraving until retiring in 1996.  Wally moved to Edgewood Vista in May of 2018. He, along with his family, really appreciated the love and care he received from the staff there.

Wally was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot, where he had served as an usher.  He was also a member of the Minot American Legion, Minot Gun Club, Minot Jaycees and Magic City Drift Busters Snowmobile Club. Throughout the years, he had enjoyed bowling, wood working, clock making, dancing, fishing, camping, hunting and trapping. 

He is survived by: his wife, Neola, Minot; sister, Linda (Allen) Bjornson, Minot; brothers-in-law, Maynard Kuebler (Inez Nathan), Minot & Jim Kofoid, Bottineau; nieces, Kristi (Jeb) Fredriksen, Denise (Ray) Kofoid Corbo & Michelle (Scott) Byrd; nephews, Shane (Tara) Bjornson & Oliver Kofoid; great nephews and nieces, Riley Bjornson, Vinson (Christina) Corbo, Alyssa Corbo, Alexis Corbo; Trevor and Maya Byrd; great great nephew, Malachi Corbo; godson, Ronald Gust.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Kuebler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Emma Brudwick Kofoid. 

Service: Following the guidelines prescribed by Governor Burgum, there will be a Private Family Service by invitation in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.   ** A live stream of the service will be broadcast at (mtmsales.net/live) A Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to St Mark’s Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor’s choice.

3/31/2020

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Hey there Gary & Dunseith  Public School Alumni Friends,

Meanwhile back in ND it seems we are preparing for a covid 19 tsunami 

noun….an arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities or amounts.

If you please, “BE A LIGHT”.

MUSIC is another resilience strategy I share with students in grade six. 

Of late. it seems tonight, I am finding comfort food. 

 Homemade Mac and cheese with lots of Pride Dairy butter.

This past weekend I checked out Webb Pierce with the latest country countdown,

Number 29 featured his music on a current song by a current recording artist.

Hey, I was Country when Country wasn’t cool. 

The very first LP I purchased in HS was Willie Nelson.

Years ago, my “city girl” cousin pulled out and played her only guitar LP, Spanish guitar “Rodrigo”.

 I  had fretted  “Woes me” due to the lack of Country Music in her vast music library when she lived in a flat in Seattle.

                She had only Opera albums.

Thanks to her influence I did became a Rodrigo fan. Another treasured LP.

NORTH DAKOTA Smart!

Until Later, Vickie L. Metcalfe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YuWAZmD0aU

Mrs. Evans and the birds
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Wednesday, April 2, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Friends.

                Unfortunately, again today, the North wind is blowing BAH! …. the old “April FOOL”,  Mr. Snow around.

this past week, birds arrived just back in town from far and away.  They are very hungry with this cold weather; some are scarfing down bird seed on my deck. 

The   red ..red… robins , Pick, picking small crabapples off the tree and digging in the snow.

                This brought to mind, Randina Evans,  grandmother of some special cousins.

Children of James A. and Ella M. (Evans) Metcalfe.  

                When i was a wee child, I expressed my fear of loss of mom and dad.

(As a guidance counselor and grief work, I know this to be a common fear)

                 For children …. their greatest fear. Death pf a parent)  

I did go to my dad with that fear after Uncle Archie was killed.  

 Dad reassured me saying, “Don’t worry, you will be taken care of.  Your Jim and Ella will take all of you and your siblings.”

( Jim and Ella were my Godparents) and I always felt comfortable and loved by them both.

                And I recall staying with the Jim Metcalfe girls.   They tolerated my often impudence as a childlike behavior.

 Their maternal Grandma, Mrs. Evans often sang with her strong Norwegian brogue.

“Vat viil da birdies do den da poor tings?…” The memory of when she sang is indelible in my memories.

A tall graceful, angular woman, Mrs. Evans wore beautiful snow-white hair pulled up and back back, she had expressive dark blue eyes,

and an always twinkling smile as she sang. “They’ll stick their head under dere vings………”

                Today, Watching the many birds shivering in the snow. 

I googled small snatch of the lyrics that I recalled.  

      ” The north wind doth blow,

And we shall have snow,”

And what will the robin do then, poor thing? He’ll sit in a barn, And keep himself warm, And hide his head under his wing, poor thing!

 Thanks Gary and friends of Dunseith.

Low and behold!   The following came back.

https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

                 And I am so very delighted!

Take carem Keep Smart North Dakotans, while I sing watching the birds.

  Vickie L. Metcalfe

                https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the honey bee do, poor thing? In his hive he will stay, Till the cold’s passed away, And then he’ll come out in the spring, poor thing!

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the dormouse do then, poor thing? Rolled up in a ball, In his nest snug and small, He’ll sleep ‘til warm weather comes in, poor thing! The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the children do then, poor things? When lessons are done, They’ll jump, skip and run, And that’s how they’ll keep themselves warm, poor things!

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND

April 2, 2020
Subject: Return of the Birds \ 

A songbird clan was here yesterday in the April fool storm and ate quite well.

With today’s return,  again are eating scattered seed on my deck. 

They are flying in and out as I continue to scatter feed on the covered deck and out on the sidewalk.

Mr. Wood pecker is pecking away at the deck beams.

NO worry a few little holes, adds character to the deck!

There are about 8 robins trying to find food in the snowbanks.

I pray the neighbors 2 cats….. practice Social and PHYSICAL distancing today!

Later, Vickie

MOM ‘s April fool!
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

March 31, 2020
Gary and FRENDS of Dunseith Alumi,

I know you and yours will continue to be resilient! I am working at school today.

I can’t get into working at home. Lochbuie continues to be a ‘Terrible Two ‘even though he is now a 14-year-old geriatric.

We walked AT 6:00 am. To the Oak Creek several BLOCKS FROM OUR HOUSE The creek is flowing wide  open and running full blast.

I counted 10 raucous crows flying in, landing on tree next to the creek.  The Crows tended to be Mr. Sun’s Wake UP CALL!  When the sun awoke, the other birds pleasantly rejoiced and joined the crows.

We are keeping our distance at school. Down to a few.  The janitorial staff is painting the hallways It will freshen up and look clean whenever school children come back.

I really don’t think it will happen for a time.

I believe, ND Is preparing for the BIG TUSAMI to hit.

We have a wonderful leader in Gov. Burgum.  Yesterday, ND senators joined him in Bismarck on the broadcast at 4:00 pm.

Whoa every be prepared it is soon to be 1^st of April!

I remember my mom April Fooling my cousin Conrid who moved into our home after his dad died.  She covered a sponge with delicious chocolate frosting. (.which was one of my mother’s hallmarks i.e. homemade from scratch chocolate cake and frosting)

Then, she left it out on the counter before she went to bed.

She and dad , laid awake, until Conrid got home.  Then, they sniggered when they heard Connie him unlocking the door.

Mom said, “He paused by the ‘CAKE’ fetched a quart of milk out of the fridge. poured a glass of milk, then tried to stuff the ‘frosted cake ‘ on top the milk into the glass.

Conrid had a good sense of humor.  That event happenstance helped restore some of sense of humor and normalcy in our home after the cold grief of the loss of Uncle Archie who had been killed in January, by a hit and run drunk driver.

Conrid went back to his teasing ways!

Take care to You and yours.

Until Later, Continue to BE RESILIENT AND NORTH DAKOTA STRONG!

Vickie L. Metcalfe