Hello Dunseith Alumni and Friends,
I have really fallen behind with these Blogs. Sorry about that. The last one was 1/22/2023.
My Cousin Jack, From Canada, Arrived here in Cebu early this morning. He will be here for a month. He’s spending several days in a hotel before coming to our house. Jack’s mother and my Dad were Twins. Jack was here for a month last Oct/Nov too.
Looking forward to seeing a lot of you in August.
Gary
Sunday, February 26, 2023
HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY TO Mrs. Eloise Boppre
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND.
Gary and FRIENDS of Dunseith,
Many of us are aware of an exceptional three generational family of Dunseith School women educators.
Mrs. Eloise Boppre and later her mom Mrs. Anna Foss were my former 5th and 7h/8th grade teachers.
Third Generation Anne Marie, followed her mom and grandmother as a dedicated Dunseith educator.
I listen to a local Bottineau Radio station. Today, an announcement of a celebration gathering on March 4.
HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY and sincere best wishes to Mrs. Eloise Boppre.
Vickie L. Metcalfe
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND
Jack Woods
Jack Woods, age 86 of Dunseith, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at a Rolette nursing home. His memorial service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.
John Allen Woods, A son of Monte and Anna (Krogen) Woods, was born on July 23, 1936 in Bottineau. He was raised in Bottineau and graduated from Bottineau High School in 1955. He attended the Bottineau School of Forestry for one semester before entering the US Army. Following his Honorable Discharge. He retuned to Bottineau and continued his education. He then attended NDSU in Fargo where he earned is degree in education. Jack married Shirley Martel. He taught in Beach, ND before returning to school in New Mexico where he earned his Masters Degree in Education. He taught at Powell School before returning to Bottineau in 1969 and began teaching at the Forestry. He also worked in the oil fields in Alaska in the summer months and also as a Immigration Agent at the Dunseith Port of Entry. Shirley passed away on March 30, 1982. Jack then married Patti Metcalfe-Coleman on August 29, 1987. Jack retired from the college in 1999. He worked full time at the port after 9/11 before retiring in 2004. In his younger years, Jack also worked at his uncle’s clothing store in Bottineau, Happy’s Boat Launch at Lake Metigoshe, Wold Engineering, Fargo Foundry and as a Park Ranger.
Jack was active with the Bottineau American Legion, the Logrollers and as a volunteer fireman. He enjoyed hunting, cross country skiing, and was an accomplished photographer. He also loved taking care of his horses and dogs. Jack loved teaching and he considered all of students as friends.
He is survived by his wife, Patti of Dunseith; daughters, Lori Woods of Fargo and Karen Woods (Frank Rada) of North Hollywood, CA; son-in-law, Craig Hospodor, grandchildren, Jackson and Johnny Hospodor; step-sons, Steve (Nancy) Coleman and Stuart (Melissa) Coleman; step-grandchildren, Jason Hospodor, Christopher Hospodor, Allison (Tyler) Liebelt, Heather (Tyler) Erber, Makenna Coleman and Carson Coleman; step great-grandson, Axel Liebelt and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Shirley and his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Hospodor; sister, Betty Ann Woods and brothers, Tom, Bill, Mark, Carl, Pat, Jerry and David.
Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.
Gary’s comments
Jack was well known in the whole area. He will be missed.
We extend our condolences to his wife Patti and the rest of his family.
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND
DHS Class 1966
Jay Vanorny
Jay Vanorny, age 74 of Dunseith, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023 at home near Dunseith. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. There will be a time of visitation starting an hour prior to the service at the church.
Jay Vanorny, a son of Virgil and Beatrice (Wilkie) Vanorny, was born on June 3, 1948 at Ashley, ND. He grew up in Dunseith and spent considerable time with his aunts and grandparents due to his mother’s illness. Jay attended high school in Dunseith and worked at Dale’s and Jim Metcalfe on the farm. On June 22, 1968, he married Lola Metcalfe. She was 17 and he was 20. They lived on a sheep farm west of Dunseith for several years. Jason was born in 1971 and they moved to the current farm north of Kelvin where they cleared the land and created a home and livelihood. Tina was born in 1972 and Joe was born in 1973. Jay worked at San Haven as the power plant supervisor for 22 years along with farming. He later farmed fulltime and also established Border Shipping Services. He also was a bus driver for Bottineau Public Schools. Lola passed away on July 22, 2015. Jay stayed on the farm and continued to farm with his son, Joe.
Jay was a member of the Turtle Mountain Wildlife Club and the Dunseith Rodeo Club. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, team roping and telling stories.
He is survived by his daughter, Tina (Christian) Corely of Bottineau; sons, Jason (Monica) Vanorny of Adel, IA and Joe Vanorny of Dunseith; 6 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.
Gary’s Comments
We extend our condolence to Jay’s Family.
The last time I saw Jay, was at his wife Lola’s Passing in 2015
They will both be dearly missed.
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND
DHS Class 1979
Marvel Hill Thompson
June 10, 1951 – February 18, 2023
Marvel Thompson, age 71 of Bottineau, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at her home in Bottineau. Her funeral will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home.
Marvel Thompson, a daughter of Chester and Mary (Fitzgerald) Hill, came unto this world on June 10, 1951 at her home. She was suppose to come in October and weighed 1lb 4 oz. She stayed at the St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau until September. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1969. She was employed by Rolette County Social Services in Rolla before moving to Bottineau and working at the Dakota College. She worked there for 39 years. She was once married to David Tooke and later Vaughn Thompson.
Marvel was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. She was active with the DCB Logrollers, St. Andrew’s Hospital Auxiliary and the Turtle Mountain Cancer Support. She enjoyed cooking, visiting with friends and family and shopping, especially for shoes.
She is survived by her brother, Kenny Hill of Dunseith; sister, Elve Fuchs of Bismarck and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marvel was preceded in death by her brother, Vernolle Hill; sister, Arla Hiatt; sister-in-law, Helen Hill and brothers-in-law, Wallace Hiatt and Orlan Fuchs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be give to the DCB-Logrollers and the Turtle Mountain Cancer Support.
Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.
Gary’s Comments
We extend our condolence to Marvel’s Family.
She will both be dearly missed.
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND
Larry Forschen (DHS Class 1971)
July 18, 1951 – January 26, 2023
Larry Forschen, age 71 of Dunseith, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at his home in Belcourt. His funeral will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. His wake will be on Wednesday starting at 3:00 pm at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center in Dunseith.
Larry Linus Forchen Sr, was born on July 18th, 1951, in Belcourt, ND to Irene (Peltier) Forschen and Elmer Bud Forschen. Larry grew up in Dunseith and completed his education there as well. Larry was formally married to Belinda DeCoteau and together they had four children: Twila, Trudy (Jessie) Larkins, Larry (Carrie) Forschen Jr, Laris Forschen. After their separation, Larry went on to have three more children: Aaron, Dillon, and Joe.
Larry spent most of his younger years in Dunseith, ND where he graduated from high school before joining the Army where he served for 9 years proceeding with being in the National Guards Reserve. Larry later attended Turtle Mountain Community College where he graduated with a carpentry trade. Larry loved to travel and had lived many places; his favorite places being Seattle, Washington & Minneapolis, Minnesota. Larry loved cruising and listening to music. Anyone who knew Larry knew how much of a jokester he was. Larry loved to tease and joke with family/friends. Larry had a love for softball, football and basketball. You could catch Larry watching his Vikings play every Sunday. Larry was a compassionate, caring, and loving man who loved all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his children: Twila DeCoteau of Dunseith; Trudy (Jessie) Larkins of Minot; Larry Jr (Carrie) Forschen of Dunseith; Laris Forschen of Dunseith; Aaron Grant of Bismarck; Dillon (Fenix) Forschen of Minot; Joe Forschen of Dunseith. Larry has 23grandchildren: Lendra, Kajia, Tanner, Olivia, Angelo, Ethan, Jonathan, Adam, Jewels, Trey, Chiara, Trenton, Chiana, Emmett, Aaron Jr, Tairyn, Journey, Katrina, Aithen, Kash, MeLaina, Morgan, with one on the way. Larry had 13 great grandchildren: Dontay, Dasen, Macho, Brielle, Tysler, Tayten, Maverick, Cambridge, Daytona, Josidy, Eliza, Kaine & one on the way. Siblings: Linda Forschen & Diane Forschen. Aunt: Mabel St. Pierre.
Larry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Irene and Elmer Bud Forschen, brothers Edward Forschen and Ron Forschen. sister, Gail Benson as well as his grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Wildlife in northern Ontario
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND.
Gary and Dunseith Alumni friends,
I found the following Canadian article fascinating featuring wildlife in northern Ontario,
Here in Northern ND , I grew up amongst similar crittersl AHHH. My thought, ” If I was starting a career path now, I’d checkout wildlife biology.”
(My paternal Scot’s-English grand father was raised in Northern Ontario.) I wondered about his experiences as a wee lad among frogs, turtles and chickadees?
Here in Bottindeau, the warm February thaw made today quite cheerful. It felt like a warm chinook experienced whilst in Montana.
Venturing out of town, my sister and I shared a “JUMBO burger”, a side of American fries with fried onions at Dales in Dunseith.
(Dales continues it’s yummy, JUMBO reputation with a staff of fine cooks and genial waitresses.
After lunch, off to Wayne’s Super foods, where we found master meat cutter, Jeff Cote, who shared each February, he introduces clientele to “Heart Rib steak”.
I told Jeff, ” he may be a secret romantic at heart! ” . Wayne’s is known regionally for it’s excellent meat dept and polite helpful staff.
Valentines Day is coming soon. As a former elementary third grade teacher, it has always meant a special day of friendship ….and just being kind.
My first year teaching grade 3 at Dunseith Elementary brings back many fond memories. I had 28 students. At Wayne’s today, I noticed everywhere in the store
on display, handmade locally beautiful willow baskets , sun catchers ,and willow turtles. My thoughts were of a third grade parent , Rose Cree.
On February 14, 1975,Mrs.Rose Cree walked into my class roon located in a pod. Through that first year teaching,I had purchased her Cree willow baskets.
There is nothing like the fresh smell of willow. Some have red woven into the tan and brown. On that day smiling shyly, Mrs. Cree humbly bestowed me with a Valentine Gift.
It was a hand beaded heart, woodland floral medallion necklace. Through the years I wear that treasure every Valentines Day and think of a generous gifted artist.
Happy Friendships!