Ralph Bjornseth
October 11, 1925 – October 17, 2024

Ralph Bjornseth, age 99 of Bottineau, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at a Garrison, ND hospital.

Gary Stokes’ comments: Ralph Bjornseth

I was very saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. I have known Ralph my entire life.

Ralph, the youngest son of Eric and Cora Bjornseth was born and raised 1.5 miles west or our farm in the Turtle mountains. His siblings were Clifford, Gladys and Viola. Clifford moved west in my early childhood years. Gladys and Viola Married Twin brothers, Albert (Gladys) and Alfred (Viola) Rude. The Rude’s and our family were extremely close in my growing up days. Like family. We used to see a lot of Ralph and Luella in those days too.

Until recent years, prior to moving to assisted living in Minot, Ralph and Luella lived their married life in Bottineau. Luella Boardman graduated from DHS in 1049.

Ralph was a mechanic at the International dealership in Bottineau for many years. Following his retirement from there, He started his own, onsite traveling, tractor overhauling business. His reputation followed him. He was the very best of the best ever tractor mechanics anywhere. He loved his job of which he continued well into his late senior years. His retirement was a sad for many farmers.

With our annual trips back to the area, we used to see Ralph and Luella, very often, at the Bottineau Bakery where they faithfully had their daily dinner meals, most often with Angus Campbell.

Ralph will be missed dearly. We extend our condolence to Luella and her Family. Chatting with their son Mark, he said his mother is really taking his dad’s death very hard. They were a super close couple.

Please follow Nero’s website for Ralph’s obituary. I will post too, when it’s available.

Gary.

Vickie Metcalf’s Comments: Ralph and Luella Bjornseth.

Thanks Gary,

Ralph and Louella Bjornseth were a couple. I remember  well from the noon lunches at the bakery. Louella like green tea. and they would often split a meal….

One day over the table,  Luella told me  she had a secret she wanted me to keep from Ralph. Whispering very quietly  she asked me  “to find  and purchase the  “HISTORY OF ROLETTE COUNTY “by Laura  Thompson Law. A book Ralph  long ago had mentioned he wanted.

Louella said again, “Don’t tell Ralph, I want it to be a SURPRISE Christmas present.”

So one warm fall day, I went on … a mission to Dunseith Log house. Jess Hosmer was working.  “I  am here to to get a book for Louella boardman Bjorseth”. Jess had some of the books reprinted!!!!.

I was delighted,  when Jess directed  me to the book which I  purchased. A nicely bound  hardcover red book.

OH MY!  Then, came the hard part!

Ralph and Louella  Bjornseth were a team. The looked after each other.  Where one was… the other one was  also never far away.

I parked in front of the Bjorseth home.  Ralph was in the yard, looking at the red tractor parked under an awning.  I admired his tractor at length.

I asked  to see Louella. … Finally, I  went in the house…. followed by Ralph.

I frantically tried to think of some clever conversation  with  Louella.  But no,  “We  all had to sit down and have coffee.”   (Louella and I had a secret)

As the  afternoon grew long ,  I wondered how in the world, was  I going to pass a red book in paper a bag  to Louella without Ralph seeing?

Finally,  an excuse,  “I need get home to the dogs”  Louella  said , “She would walk me out to my car.  ……(we had  a secret)

UFFDA!

Ralph came too!  I directed his attention to the tractor again, asking him some absurd question about power steering in  farm all tractors.

I almost ran,  slid into  my  car seat… fastened my seat belt…. hit  the button which rolled down the window.

Through the window, … breathless,  ” BYE Ralph!!! I  quickly handed off  the package to Louella who  slipped it under her arm and briskly walked up her steps.  She kept that book well-hidden until Christmas. Eve.

I smile with memory.

Ralph and Louella a couple, who never kept secrets from each other.

……….well .except once upon a time when….

Louella enlisted people to search for the perfect Christmas gift for  her husband Ralph.

Now that’s a  true love story of Ralph and Louella.

Thanks Gary.

Vickie Metcalfe, October 18,2024.

 

Saturday OCT  19, 2024

Gary,

I thought I lost this memory about Ralph and Louella in mailing  the other night.
AND surprised I found it this am.

They were a special loving couple. who treated each other with respect.

Ralph and Louella were DEVOTED to each other.

Many people valued Ralphs expertise  on tractors ,
He continued to work well into retirement.

I think his wisdom about mechanics…….became a …..hobby.

He enjoyed sharing with others..

I know  when they moved to Garrison they both certainly missed.

Later, Vickie

 

 

 

Rolla: A city with close to 50 murals made by volunteers
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

 Hi Gary and friends,

As you know, Rolla is the County seat of Rolette County.
I thought friends of Dunseith might be interested in the murals.

I recall my Uncle and Aunt,  Floyd and Dorothy Lamb frequented shopping at Rolla.
Several times as a we child I stayed with Dean and Martha and got to travel along.

I recall Rolla’s 50th year celebration  fair, when my maternal Aunt Priscilla took me for a ride……….

T’was my first time riding a Ferris wheel . The wheel stopped when we were seated, swaying at the top.

Much to my aunts dismay I stood up.  The seat began  rocking with me  I hollered, yelling frantically,

I” WANT OFF NOW!”

My aunt calmly quietly said, “It will be okay, you need to sit down”.

Finally….. after a length of time the wheel moved again.

 

Saturday OCT  19, 2024

Gary,

I thought I lost this memory about Ralph and Louella in mailing  the other night.
AND surprised I found it this am.

They were a special loving couple. who treated each other with respect.

Ralph and Louella were DEVOTED to each other.

Many people valued Ralphs expertise  on tractors ,
He continued to work well into retirement.

I think his wisdom about mechanics…….became a …..hobby.

He enjoyed sharing with others..

I know  when they moved to Garrison they both certainly missed.

Later, Vickie

 

Hello Dunseith Alumni and friends,

 It has been awhile since I posted. There’s nothing much new happening in the Dunseith arena.

 I was saddened to hear of Don Conroy’s passing. Also Andrew LaVallie.

 Things are going very well for us here in Cebu, Philippines.

 Next year is our will be 60 years since the DHS class of 1965 Graduated. We are planning a reunion on August 28, 2025 at Dale’s. That will be a good!

 I have filed for a Spousal visa for Angel.  Hopefully that will be processed in time for her to accompany me back to the States for our 60^th Class reunion.

 Gary

 

 

From: Kay Hosmer Cantley (’77) and John
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2015 10:42 AM
To: Ed and Min Mckay Merrill (’48)

Subject: Re: Hosmers’ store

Dear Minnie, I was so glad to see your email.  I read it to my dad, Don Hosmer, over the phone.  –  I love to hear memories of the Hosmer store.  My grandpa Jack was a wonderful man & I know that he touched many lives over the years.  I can still see him wearing his red store jacket.  Thank you for the memories!  Maybe you can put this email on the Gary Stokes Dunseith blog? Wishing you the best, Kay Hosmer

 

From: Ed and Min Merril
Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2013 11:0
To: kay pm in

Subject: Hosmers’ store

I am Minnie Mary McKay from Dunseith and now live in Renton, WA, a suburb of Seattle. I just spent the last 3 weeks back home, and thought the spot where the store was located looked so empty. My memories go back to 1945 or so when my good friend, Bonnie Haines, and I decided to apply for a job at Hosmers! Jack Hosmer interviewed the both of us and hired both of us to work after school.  I must have been 13 or 14 years old.  My mom helped me get a social security card because I was on the payroll.  What a prestigious position Bonnie and I had.

I remember Mr. Hosmer helping me to be more professional by explaining one does not drag your feet when you walk. I never have dragged my feet again even if it were a teen age thing to do!! Theresa Cote Awalt’s older sister worked there and most likely kept a sharp eye on us making sure we did things right. Then Julia Hiatt worked the full day.

Wish I could remember how long I worked there, but do remember how proud I was to have the job. When I worked on the grocery side, we were to go to the shelves to get the item the customer was asking for and write it on the sales slip.  This was done for every item that was purchased—at least that’s what I remember.  We did not have shopping carts.

At Christmas time we all picked out one item of clothing that we wanted. There were no limits as to price of the item.  I picked out a beautiful black dress trimmed with a few black sequins.  Uuuuummm. I wore on many special occasions.

My best to you,

Min

 

Don Conroy (DH Class 1956) Obituary
Posted by Don Martel: Rosemount, MN

 Obituary

Donald J. Conroy, 86, of Casa Grande, Arizona, and formerly of Antler, North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Don was born on April 22, 1938, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, the eldest son of Edward and Florence (Ormiston) Conroy. Both Edward and Florence were teachers, by profession.

Don was raised in Scranton and later Dunseith, North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State Teacher’s College and later a master’s degree from NDSU. He continued his graduate studies at the North Carolina State-Raleigh, where he was recruited by the federal government during the Cold War due to his background in science and math. This opportunity led him abroad to serve in the Foreign Service, teaching math and science at the United States Embassy in Spain. He also briefly taught in Willow City, North Dakota, and Kingman, Arizona.

In 1968, Don met Marsha Goodrich, and together they had four children. The family lived in Nogales and Rio Rico, Arizona, before settling in Antler, North Dakota in 1978, where Don served as the customs agent and port director at the Antler Port of Entry until his retirement in 2000. Don is fondly remembered by those who frequented his port for his friendly wave and relaxed demeanor. Don recalled his many years living near Antler as a “great joy” and described the area around the port as a “lovely little pastoral enclave in a secluded little world.”

After retiring, Don moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, while maintaining a residence in Minot. He spent his retirement years enjoying golf, pickleball, and horseshoes, with highlights including a national pickleball ranking and a hole-in-one at Apple Grove Golf Course on July 26, 2010. Following the 2011 flood in Minot, Don made Arizona his permanent home, where he enjoyed his hobbies. In 2023, he returned to Minot full-time to be closer to his family. He spent his remaining years at Edgewood Vista, where he made many new friends and enjoyed following politics.

Don was a devoted father and grandfather who always put family first. His grandchildren cherished visits to Arizona, where Don orchestrated memorable treasure hunts that led to the discovery of “pirate treasure” curiously lost in the Arizona desert. Don’s playful pirate impressions and masterful storytelling captivated everyone around him, especially little kids. True to his Irish heritage, known for its storytelling tradition, Don wrote a book titled The Conroy Chronicles, which recounted his Midwest upbringing and summers spent on his grandparents’ farm near Fairdale, North Dakota.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Florence Conroy, and his beloved dog, Norman. Don’s four children survive him: Shannon Conroy (Don Aasen), Shane Conroy (Lori), Erin Conroy (Paul Boettcher), and Kelly Conroy; and his grandchildren: McKenzie Kranz (Kyson Smith), Maddie Kranz, Luke Conroy, Nicolas Loberg, Michael Loberg, Adam Boettcher, and Annika Boettcher, and Katie Conroy; and his sister, Colleen Martel (Donald), and her four children, including Dan Martel (Janet), Andrea Sonnenburg, Kimberly Evanger (Kevin), and Stacia Essler (Paul), and their children.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.

 

Andrew LaVallie (DH Class 1989) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe:   Bottineau, ND

Thursday, August 22, 2024

To Gary and friends of Dunseith School,

Sincere sympathy to the LaVallie and Parisien families in the passing of Andrew. I did not know Andrew,  but  I knew his mother, Carol Ann. Carol Ann was a  quiet, kind, unassuming classmate through the years.

I recall meeting Carol whilst we were in Mrs. Halvorson’s grade three class on the second floor of the big white school house. At the time, my dad told me, Carol Ann’s mother, Tootsie (Poitra) Parisien-Delorme,  was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Poitra.

Dad said, “The first Mrs Ralph Poitra was our  Hired man family friend Alcide’s sister, and she was known to be beautiful!”  When I shared Dad’s comment  with Tootsie, a sweet smile transformed her face.

Tootsie was  also, an older sister to Raphael Poitra.

On an evening, a  years ago,  I had the opportunity for an in depth visit with Tootsie. It was evening, at my cousin, Janice and Raphael Poitra’s home. And, after the passing  and funeral of cousin, Kathy.

Carol Ann’s mother, Tootsie, was a Lajimodiere, sister to Alcide and Francis  Lajimodiere, who  were neighbors to the Evans, Metcalfes, Anderson’s,Bergans, Anthony’s, DuBois, Poitra, etc, all growing  up  and attending country Hillside School in the rural  Rabbit City Lake area.

I recall Tootsie telling me, when she was a small child, her mom passed away. Mrs. Poitra’s passing left her husband, Ralph a widower with 3 small children,

There was Toosie, a younger brother, and a new little baby. Tootsie and her brothers were sent away  and separated by dormitories, educated at  Catholic residential boarding schools.

Tootsie’s story,  I never forgot.
It was: A story of Resilience.

Family of Andrew,  may you  hold each other with  strength and resilience.

Peace, Vickie Leona Metcalfe

Obituary

Andrew John LaVallie, age 53 of Dunseith, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 at a Bismarck hospital.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 10:00 am at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church near Dunseith.  His wake will be on Monday starting at 4:00 pm with a service at 7:00 pm at the Church.

Andrew (AJ) John LaVallie, age 53, of Dunseith, ND passed away Monday, August 19th, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND. Andrew was born on March 11th, 1971, in Minot, ND, to the late Andrew Clarence LaVallie and Carol Ann LaVallie (Parisien) of Dunseith, ND.

Andrew went to Dunseith public school and graduated class of ‘89. He furthered his education and received his EMT certification. He worked for many years at the Quentin N Burdick Memorial Hospital as an EMT and Dunseith/Belcourt fire departments as a firefighter. Andrew also worked in security for many years. He loved helping others, saving lives and putting out fires.

AJ was in a long-term relationship with Carrie Beston and together they had 4 beautiful children, Shakara, Shauntel, Anthony and Shalynn. He was never married and always called himself a Bachelor. AJ always had the best “stale” jokes to tell everyone.Andrew was a loving grandpa to 5 grandchildren (Amelia, Kenai, Noah, Takoda, and Blake). He loved to be around his kids and grandkids having cookouts. He was a huge NDSU Fan and loved watching college football. He loved to go hunting and fishing, listening to country/ rock (Journey) music especially was his favorite band, visiting his parents when they were alive. He always visited his loved one’s grave sites. AJ also enjoyed having movie nights with snacks and going for car rides with his kids. He always said he was the happiest when all his babies were with him under one roof.

Andrew is survived by his 4 loving children: Shakara (Bradley Jr.) Azure of Dunseith, ND, Shauntel (Ethan) Muzzy of Minot, ND, Anthony J. LaVallie of Minot, ND, and Shalynn M. LaVallie of Belcourt, ND. Brothers: Edward (Julie) LaVallie of Belcourt, ND and Derek  LaVallie of Dunseith, ND. And numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Andrew is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Carol LaVallie, Grandparents John and Cecilia LaVallie, Cecilia (Tootsie) and Leonard Delorme, Ernest Parisien. Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.