Bernadette Stokes Passed Away

Hello Dunseith Alumni and Friends,

Bernadette fought a long hard battle with her Vascular Dementia. She hung in there a long time. 8 years this month. The average life span is 5 years from onset.

She became unconscious Saturday night after going to bed of which she never snapped out of. Last night, Monday, Here vital signs were not good, but her BP was normal. I didn’t expect her to go quite as fast as she did. She died at 11:25 PM Monday November 23^rd.

This past year was a tough one for her with pretty much zero quality of life. She’s resting in peace now. I will miss her dearly too. She was my heart and soul.

This December 3^rd would have been our 42^nd Wedding Anniversary.

I have pasted her Obituary below.

Gary

Bernardita (Bernadette) Ostulano Stokes 72, Cebu Philippines, died peacefully in her home on November 23, 2020, in Cebu, Philippines

Bernadette was born June 28, 1948 in Cebu, Philippines. She was Baptized and confirmed Catholic. She attended primary and secondary schools in Pasil, Cebu. She then attended South Western University in Cebu.

In November 2012 Bernadette was diagnosed as having Vascular Dementia. She had been fighting this terrible disease until the very end. She was a fighter, never giving up. Her charm, wit and bubbly personality were admired by many.

Bernadette was united in marriage to Gary Stokes in Bremerton, WA on December 3, 1978. Bernadette and Gary spent the next 25 years living in Bremerton.  In 2003 Bernadette and Gary retired back to her home town, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines where she has resided ever since.

In 1979 Bernadette, knowing multiple Languages, was hired as an “English as a Second Language” (ESL) teacher for the Washington State, Kitsap County School districts. She traveled to various schools assisting kids with the language barriers from multiple countries. She was gifted easily learning the various languages.

In 1986 Gary and Bernadette Purchased the T.J. Crockett’s Sandwich shop in the Silverdale, Washington State Kitsap Mall. From 1986 to 1994 Bernadette managed T.J. Crockett’s. With her wit, charm and selling abilities combined with her aesthetic food and Sandwich preparations, T.J. Crockett’s prospered very well.

From 1994 until 2003 Bernadette was a sales associate with Zale’s Jeweler in the Kitsap Mall.  Working for Zale’s Jeweler, she received many awards for high sales inclusive of a Zale’s national award for an all expensive paid Caribbean Cruise for two.

Retail sales was a highlight of Bernadette’s. She had a very successful Avon career in the early 80’s.

Bernadette is survived by her husband Gary of 42 years, Cebu, Philippines; Children, Bernie (Lorelie), Santa Clara, CA and Sheryl Wingate (Allen), Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren, Tyler Mick, Nevaeh Wingate, Nika Stokes,(Twins) Brydon and Bryce Stokes; Sisters, Lourdes (Allotte), Tokyo, Japan; Lisa Joseph, Cebu, Philippines; Erma Ady, Bremerton, WA; Cherry Cabrera, Cebu, Philippines; Sister-in-Law’s, Josephine Ostulano, Cebu, Philippines and Joy Ostuano Cebu, Philippines,  brother-in-law, Darrel (Debby) Stokes, Bottineau, ND

Bernadette was preceded in death by her Parents, Eligio (Youling) Ostulano, Bremerton, WA and Bertha Tampus, Cebu; Brothers; Jose and Arnell, Cebu Philippines; Sister Berlinda Congson, Consolacion, Cebu Philippines; Father-in-law and Mother-in-Law, Bob and Elaine Stokes, Bottineau, ND; Brother-in-law, Allen Stokes, San Diego, CA.

Bernadette was a lady of many talents. The kitchen was her Forte. She was well known for her cooking and baking abilities. Seldom did she use recipes and very seldom did she have flops. She just knew the proper ingredients and the right amounts of each to add for whatever she was preparing.  She loved entertaining and preparing dinner meals for large groups of people, often times single handedly inclusive of the salads, main course meal and deserts with vast selections of each. Never ever did she have a shortage of prepared food. Preparing a meal for a hundred or more people was effortless for her. It was her comfort zone.

Funeral service: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020  at her home in Consolacion, Cebu Philippines.

Interment: Cremation at St. Peter Memorial Chapel, Imus Ave (Main Highway), Cebu City on Monday November 30, 2020

Visitation: Everyday, all day, at the Stokes residence from 10:00 AM to 10:PM until the funeral in Nangka, Consolacion, Cebu.

Nine-day Novena (prayer): Nightly at 7:00 p.m. at the Stokes residence in Nangka, Consolacion, Cebu.

Peter Gillis (DHS ‘1965) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Peter J. Gillis, Sr, 73, Dunseith, ND, died at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020.

Peter was born August 29th, 1947 to John and Lucy (Davis) Gillies in Bottineau, ND. He was raised on the Gillies homestead north of Dunseith, attending the Dunseith Indian Day School through the 6th grade, graduating from Dunseith Public High School in 1965. Peter then attended Haskell Indian Jr College, was drafted to the US Army in January of 1967, where he was sent to Ft Polk, LA for Jungle Training before being sent to Cu Chi, Vietnam, spending 12 months there. Peter was awarded the Overseas Service Medal, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, the Commemorative Service Medal, and a National Defense Service medal. Peter was honorably discharged in December 1968, at the rank of Specialist E5.

Peter then returned home to Dunseith, ND and obtained his apprenticeship in Masonry. He met the love of his life, Verena St. Claire, in 1974. They married on March 23rd, 1976, made their home in Dunseith, ND, where they raised their beautiful family. Peter and Verena have 24 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, who they loved spending time with as often as possible.

Peter worked as a Brick and Block layer for 25 years, then as a custodian for the Dunseith Public Schools and Turtle Mountain Community Schools in Belcourt, ND up until his diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in 1995, ending his work career. He then began his frequent travels to the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND for cancer care. After battling this disease for 24+ years, exhausting all options, he was placed on Home Hospice Care through the VA with Heart of America, Rugby, ND up until his death.

Peter loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his heart. He enjoyed golf, and was very competitive, winning many tournaments. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one on #8 at the Garden Gate Golf Course and received a golden putter and a $50.00 dollar bill. Peter and Verena competed in many tournaments and played with several other couples every Thursday and on weekends. They were a tough team to beat. Peter also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling to various casinos with his wife, and playing cards with his family.

Peter is survived by his wife Verena Gillis, sons Harold Gillis, Peter (Jackie) Gillis, Bryan (Allison) Gillis, daughters Crystal (Charles) Monette, Brandi (Jared) DuBois and Chante’ (Scott) Allery, 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, brother John (Karen) Gillis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his parents-John and Lucy Gillies, siblings-Frank Gillies, Viola Grinnell, Raymond Gillies, Mildred (Millie) Crasco, Mary Ann Hamley, Dave Gillies, Clifford Gillis, Margaret (Peggy) Belgarde, Fritz (Fred) Gillis, Geri Luhr, Angelique (Angie) Olmschied, Phyllis Schock, and Joseph (Joe) Gillies; grandson-JD (John David) Gillis. 

Funeral Services to be held Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith, ND. Visitation beginning at 1:00pm, Rosary at 2:30pm, Mass at 3:00pm. Burial immediately following at St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith, ND.

Masks and social distancing required. Services will be live streamed via Facebook: facebook.com/groups/StMichaelDunseithND for those unable to attend.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Stella Schimetz | 1930 – 2020

Stella Schimetz
October 13, 1930 – November 19, 2020

Stella Schimetz, age 90 of Dunseith, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at a Rugby hospital.  A private family service will be held with burial at the St. Louis Cemetery in Dunseith.  A public visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  A celebration of Stella’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.

Stella Elvina (Richard) Schimetz was born October 13, 1930, in the Rolette Hospital to George and Anna (Boucher)Richard. She went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2020, at Heart of America Care Center in Rugby.  Stella was raised on a farm near Thorne. She graduated 8th Grade from Russell School. In her late teens, Stella worked as a waitress in Dunseith at Schimetz Cafe until she married the boss in 1950. Louis and Stella were married October 10, 1950 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith. Stella worked many years at San Haven State Sanitorium in Dunseith as a nurse’s aid. She became very attached to her patients. In 1964, she received an offer from the Dunseith School to be their head cook and she accepted. By then, Stella had a houseful of kids and that job offered better hours for her. Stella remained head cook for 32 years, and she absolutely loved her job. Her love was obvious by the quality of food she and her staff prepared. Over the years, she cooked for thousands of kids, and, to her, they were all her kids. Stella retired in 1996. Throughout her retirement, she was visited many times by kids, now adults, who grew up eating Stella’s food at school. They loved her and her food and many had their favorite dishes. Her chili, her BBQs, her turkey and stuffing, and more. Stella became somewhat of a legend in Dunseith, the town she loved.  Louis passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Stella is survived by her daughter, Kathy Wood of Dunseith, daughter Kim (Bill) Zorn of Newcastle, WY; son, David Todd (Kathleen) of Mandan; son, Mark of Garrison; daughter-in-law Colette Schimetz of Bottineau; 12 grandchildren John (Jessica) Schimetz of Bottineau, Jennifer (Craig) Zachmeier of Rugby, Matthew (Amy) Schimetz of Bottineau, William (Raelynn) Schimetz of  Richardton, Daniel (Renae) Schimetz of Mandan, Kaitlyn (Peter) Sandroni of Minot, Ryan Vandal of Minneapolis, Rachel (Michael) Ford of Aurora, CO, Nicole (Eric) Kregel, New Castle, WY, Jaclyn Zorn of Bottineau and Jacob and Tessa Schimetz of Mandan, 17 great grandchildren, brother, Don (Marlys) Richard of Bottineau; sister-in-law Carmen Richard of Rolette; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Reid and Bryan; infant son, Daniel, and twin infant sons, John and Joel;  brothers, Art, Ernest, Gene and Floyd Richard and sister Irene Lagasse. Stella’s family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at Heart of America Care Center in Rugby. Their compassion and care provided to Stella and her family during this difficult time went above and beyond our expectations. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to Becky Hershey, Director of Nurses for Long Term Care and Hospice-Rugby. She has done, and continues to do, everything humanly possible to care for her residents and their families. Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Reply to Ginger LaRocque’s (’65) posting
From Vickie Metcalf (’70): Bottineau, ND

November 18, 2020
Gary, Ginger, and Dunseith friends,

          Through the pandemic memories are held close;  precious and sweet.

Years ago, I  saw  Gingers parents a couple times out dancing to a local band at Kelvin. They were a couple  who could and did danced well!

          My Dad without sight would ask mom and I  who else was present.  

He’d always ask me to walk him over to Gingers parents where  he greeted them. Dad respected Mr. and Mrs. Joe LaRocque.   Also, he  had fond  childhood memories of Ginger’s mom  where they were classmates at Bergan School.

          The music would strike up and Dad and your  mom always danced one two step as childhood friends. Your dad would smile as he watched.

Blessed  memories……….to be thank ful for.

Vickie Metcalfe

Bernadette Stokes.
This picture was take October 8^th, about a month and half ago, with our neighbor friend, Lilli Wilmot.

Bernadette has really gone down hill since this was taken. Yesterday she weighed 100 LBS. In this picture her weight was 117 LBS. Her normal ideal weight was about 150 to 160 LBS. There are days she refuses to eat or drink. Other days her intake is very little.

She has the best care possible with three full time caregivers 24/7. Feel so sorry for her, but we are doing the best we can to keep her comfortable. So sad seeing her helplessly in this condition. Absolutely Zero quality of life.

Veterans Day Remembrance
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, Nd

November 10, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Tomorrow is Veterans Day.

I find it fitting to Thank You Gary , all of  our Dunseith friends,
classmates and everyone who served.  

I especially liked the title, “the Comfort of Strangers….”

THANK YOU.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Memories

Form Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): to Belcourt, ND

11/4/2020
Hi Gary,

Today would’ve been my Dad Joseph LaRocque’s birthday October 27th, 103 he would be. The Angels took him away February 27th, 2005.

My Dad was such a nice man, he was liked by most, he made many friends during his time on earth. I know that Bill Evans was his friend for life, they passed away very close together.

My Dad was a good worker, he worked for Gottbreht’s, also on the railroad for 33 years, he of course worked other jobs like draying.

While working on the railroad ( which was nothing like today’s work) he worked hard he and of course others on the crew, they used picks, layed ties, rails, switches were put in by hand and set by hand, fixed when needed. He worked in the winters, there would be derailments in the dead of winter very, very cold he didn’t work  alone, he worked with the crew, he would come home with his face froze somewhat, as cold as they could get temperature well below zero with the wind blowing. He shoveled snow to clear the rails helped getting train on track, I don’t know all aspects of what he and the crew actually did. Dad never complained, not once did I hear him do that.

Dad worked with Louis Shemitz who was the cook. They would go for a week at a time when to far out Louis had a cook car as they called it where all meals were prepared and served by Louis.

I remember Dad while working on the railroad, would be up at 4 in the morning, I wondered why so early? To just drive to Rugby, they were detailed to different places for a week or more at a time driving back and forth daily. I finally asked him. He started, “Well I go pick up Isadore Gouneau, Dan LaFountain, Isadore ?, and 1 or 2 others,”  while he told me he would point up north of Dunseith, turning his body as he told the story to come back to Dunseith to finally get on his way to Rugby.

At home Dad worked hard in the winter, we would get a whole lot of snow, he would go out and shovel snow which would get higher then him. He would have a large scoop shovel, he would load it high with heavy snow,  carrying it slowly across the driveway always walking up straight. That’s when I knew he was a very strong man. He sure wasn’t scared of hard work.

He was able to do woodwork, he made kitchen cabinets for our kitchen and his mother’s as well. For us he made cabinets to store whatever mom wanted to store in them, it was large. He refinished furniture.

Dad’s carpentry work was an addition onto our small house, it included a very large kitchen ( with the cabinets I spoke of) and an inside bathroom at last! Running water was so great with washing dishes as well.

The task of adding inside water was a large back breaking job, what happened there was the neighborhood kids and my siblings helped in hauling pails of dirt out of the cellar, a lot of dirt! This all happened in 1962, or 1963. I got out of most of that work, I think it was planned that way, I went to stay with my sister Shirley for one summer, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Guess which sinking ! I was never let to lift heavy,  l couldn’t haul water from the well the water to wash clothes was hauled in a tub, HEAVY ! I think Dad was a huge decision maker there.

Before the water works was installed in the house the sink had been installed in the kitchen, in order to utilize,  a large pail was put in under the sink to let water drain into it after dishes was completed. Dad’s idea.  One evening Sister Shirley decided to wash her hair in the sink. She got busy washing her hair, poured water in sink and water poured out onto the floor, of course  as you must’ve guessed! The pail hadn’t been replaced under the sink. Dad told her she would have to go wash her hair at the creek, Shirley believed him and began crying and carrying on. Dad laughed and laughed, just one of his jokes that he really didn’t know she would do.

I do have a lot to write about my Dad but there isn’t time right now, I will write again.

As you can see I was late finishing to where I wrote. I started on the 27th of October 2020.

I love you Dad and I miss you with your sense of humor.

Ginger LaRocque Poitra class of 1965