Dear Dunseith Alumni and Friends,
This will be my final posting before leaving for the states.
I will be in Bremerton, Washington from July 2nd to the 6th
I will be in the Bottineau / Dunseith area from July 7th to the 29th. I will be staying with my brother Darrel (Bud) and Debby in Bottineau.
While there, I’d like to see as many of you as possible.
My mobile phone number is 360 362 1222 For calls and text messages.
I am also available on Face Book Messenger.
I have filed for a Spousal USA Visa for Angel. That process takes 10 to 15 months. With that she’ll have a LEGAL USA Green Card permanent residency Visa, good for 10 years. Our goal is for her to obtain USA citizenship too. We are anticipating for her to be with me next year.
Gary and Angel Stokes
Reply to Ramona Dionne Johnson Passing
5/14/2024 – From Janice Leanard Workman (‘56): Auburn, WA
Gary, always nice to hear from you, even if the news is not always happy. In the summer of 1957, I worked at “The San” as an assistant to Mona Johnson. Miss Lillaco (I’m pretty sure that is the wrong spelling) was Dr. Loeb’s secretary and took the summer off. Mona took her place. So, I didn’t know anything about medicine except to take an aspirin when you had a headache. I didn’t learn much about medicine, but I did learn a lot about working. I did some research for a report on patients, I even filled in for Ms. Jones as pill pusher for a week while she was on vacation. Mona was a great teacher and didn’t like mistakes, hers or mine. I got to know her well enough to call her a friend. I’m sure she will be missed by many. Janice
Gary Stokes Comment:
It’s great hearing form you too Janice. We miss all you input.
Replies to Patti Metcalf Woods (’67) Passing
Reply to Vickie from Santiago Lopez (Cuban Student) Raleigh, NC.
With Vickie Metcalfe’s comment.
May 16,2024
Let me first introduce myself, I am Sandy Lopez, one of the Cuban kids that ‘showed up’ in Dunseith/San Haven area in October of 1961. I eventually graduated from Dunseith HS in 1964 (a year ahead of Gary, with whom I have had occasional e-mail exchanges. Thank you Gary for all that you have done and continue to do to keep those of us that no longer live in the area somewhat connected).
Note: I have purposely included Gary as a CC to this e-mail.
During my less than 3 years in the area, I attended HS and lived ‘at the San’ as our uncle headed the Administrative & Medical staff there. During my time in the area I was Blessed to be welcomed by everyone as I quickly learned the language. One of those welcoming folks was Patti-who I believe was your sister. I learned from Gary’s e-mail, a few weeks back, of Patti’s passing and I wanted to extend my condolences. May Patti RIP 🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️
Good morning Santiago Lopez,
Thank you for contacting me, Santiago. Patti was a beloved first cousin. Her dad, Jim was my dad’s older brother.
Uncle Jim and Ella, his wife were my Godparents. I spent many times staying with Patti’s family as a child.
Patti was a wonderfully kind, role model cousin. (it was she who pointed out to me the North Star when I, a mere child night sky and the Milky Way)
I am fwding this email to Patti’s surviving sisters, my dear cousins Geri and Margaret., and to Gary Stokes.
I was in 4th grade in 1961.
On a fall day another new student walked in to our class. Our class had been getting many kids from area one room country schools.
Darkeyed, shy, Angelina Parlada( ms?) was welcomed to our class.
Our teacher, Mrs Conroy was consistently open, kind and forthcoming with;
MODELING how we needed to treat each and everyone.
World events shared to us 4th graders of polio and the missile crisis in Cuba.
Then, it was class as usual.
INTIL
Vividly I recall, the day, Weekly Reader newspaper arrived,placed on our desks.
Quiet Angelina stood up in front of her desk,class .
One Big SPIT, she spit on the cover. Declaring I hate him , for the man on the cover.
Shy Angelina who never spoke much.
Shocked we 10 year olds looked at Mrs. Conroy. for direction.
Mrs. Conroy did not admonish Angelinas’ behavior, just nodded to let Angelina be.
I never forgot, that photo……… a man called F. CASTRO dark longish hair and bearded wearing green. camo.
I want to tell you, Santiago, EACH of you “Cuban” kids gave me at 10 years old a gift.
There was is silver lining…….
Opening my eyes, witnessing first hand another’s culture and especially those who were trying to fit into an unfamiiar cold, place North Dakota.
Whilst carrying a personal burden worry, concern about the beloved nomeland left behind.
Never have I heard disbaraging words about any of the “Cuban kids”.
You were thought of as MODEL students in social behavior, academics and respect for this country USA..
I THANK YOU “Cuban” kids for enriching and expanding knowledge of my world view.
Sincerely, Vickie L . Metcalfe
Reply to Esther Murry (’65) Passing
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
May 14, 2024
Hello Dunseith friends, Gary and Ginger,
I too, once years ago, knew your classmate and friend…….. as Mrs. Azure.
She was the supportive mother of two exceptional third grade former students.
Her children, Lyle and Lisa were polite, kind and sense of humor siblings.
After I left teaching at Dunseith, I attended, graduate school and worked in MT as an elementary counselor,
I then returned to ND to work at Bottineau School where I have since retired.
It was in the Bottineau High School Lunchroom, where I met Lee, a high school student
diligently worked dishwashing in the kitchen.
One day he told me his last name and the name of his mother.
Low and behold MABEL! I said, ” I knew your mom, Mabel was in Mrs. Conroy’s 4th grade class!”
….a another for the class of “70!
Recently Lee told me of his sorrow losing his cousin Lisa and his auntie, Gladys.
And how, they were so significant in his life, as Godmothers. to him and that Gladys helped raise his own mother.
Ginger, I extend condolences on the loss of Gladys, Roussin Azure, your childhood friend and classmate.
May you find comfort in fond sweet memories of laughter with Gladys .
God’s love be with you in your sorrow
Sincerely,
Vickie L. Metcalfe
Sharon Gunville Poitra (’66) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Obituary
Sharon M. Poitra, age 76 of Dunseith ND, died peacefully on May 26, 2024 surrounded by her family at the Dunseith Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday June 3, 2024, at St. Michaels Church in Dunseith, ND, starting with the wake at 8:00am, the rosery at 9:00am, followed by mass at 10:00am. Church burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dunseith ND. Meal to follow at Dunseith City Hall.
Sharon M. (Gunville) Poitra, daughter of the late John and Helen (Dubois) Gunville, was born on March 4, 1948 in Belcourt, ND. Sharon graduated from Dunseith High School. She then went on to college to complete Business school in Fargo, ND.
On June 28, 1968, Sharon was united in marriage with her soul mate, Virgil Poitra. Where they had 3 beautiful children. Sharon worked for the Dunseith Public School as a teacher aide for two years. She then worked for TMBCI, where she retired after a loyal forty-two years as the administrator and director.
Sharon enjoyed cooking for her family, playing cards, snowmobiling, attending grandchildren/ great-grandchildren games (basketball, baseball, softball, football, volleyball) and hardly ever missed a game. She loved visits from her brothers and sister, eating at Olive Garden, dancing, getting her hair and nails done, planting and taking care of her flowers, going to watch her grandson snuggy derby, and a nice cold glass of Coca-Cola.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Virgil Poitra. Her children Lori Davis (Travis), and Kim Poitra, of Dunseith. Her 8 grandchildren, TJ (Larice) Davis, Dunseith ND. Kelle (Angela) Davis, Bottineau ND. Marcus (Alyssa) Davis, Dunseith ND. Derrick (Jessica) Chase, Dunseith ND. Duane (Shantell) Gunville, Rugby ND. Lane Peltier, Dunseith ND. Brady (Abby) Nerpel, Fargo ND. Brendon (Sierra) Nerpel, St. Louis Park, MN. 18 great-grandchildren, Lexius Davis, Tank Davis, Piper Davis, Lincoln Davis, Calvin Davis, Bret Davis, Kendra Davis, Mattix Davis, Brailyn Davis, Zailynn Chase, Tripp Chase, Greyson Chase, Ryzen Gunville, Aislynn Gunville, Emmy Gunville, Lucas Gunville, Logan Gunville, and Seth Amyotte. Siblings Gerald (Ann) Gunville, Rolla ND. Mark (Val) Gunville, Rolette ND. Debbie (Darrell) Champagne, Belcourt ND. Sister- in law Amanda Poitra, Fargo ND.
Sharon is proceeded in death by her daughter Sherry Poitra, Great Granddaughter Paris E. Davis, God Child Dustin Champagne, Parents John and Helen Gunville, sister Florence Dodgion, brothers, Robert, Jimmy, Rick, Timmy Gunville.
Vickie’s Comments:
Gary and Friends of Dunseith,
Sincere sympathy to the family of Sharon Poitra on her passing.
I recall Sharon as a quiet, reserved and kind in upper grade,
daughter of John and Helen Gunville.
Vickie L. Metcalfe
Gary Decoteau Obituary and Comments
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/gary-decoteau
Th. May 26, 2024
Gary and friends of Dunseith,
I wish to extend sympathy to the DeCouteau family,
on the loss of their brother, uncle ,dad and cousin.
Although, I did not know Gary DeCouteau.
I recall Earl, his brother was in our 8th grade class at Dunseith.
I recall because on the always very first uncomfortable, first day of school,
Mr. Jim Klein our new to Dunseith, Social Studies teacher had an extremely
difficult time; Mr. Klein stammered, stuttered and mispronounced a name …
which should have been. DeCouteau.
Of course, Mr. Klein’s red faced neck flooded to up to a red face embarrassment,
And grew with sniggers and laughter from the back of the class.
The 8h grade students were not laughing at Earl …..
The laughter was directed at a the new to Dunseith embarrassed red faced teacher!
Later, Vickie