Dear Dunseith Alumni and Friends,
So sorry for the long delay getting this posted. We have been kind of Busy.
With this posting we have the deaths and obits for the following
- Gladys Roussin Azure (DH Class of 1965)
- Lorraine Peterson (Kevin Turtle mountains)
- Ramona Dionne Johnson (DH Class of 1948)
I have made Flight reservations for visiting the Dunseith/Bottineau areas this coming July.
I’ll be arriving in Bottineau on Monday July 8th and Leaving on July 29th. I will be staying with brother Darrel (Bud) and Debby in Bottineau.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you with this trip back.
Angel was denied a USA Non-Immigrant Tourist Vista for the 4th time. Being married to me, a US Citizen, they feel she should be an Immigrant, so I have now filed for a Spousal Visa for her. The process takes about a year. With that she’ll have a green card visa with more privileges. Hopefully next year she’ll be with me.
As always, things are great in Cebu, Philippines.
Gary
Gladys Roussin Azure (DH Class 1965) Obituary / Remembrance
Posted by Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND
Hello Gary / classmates
We have lost another of our classmates. Gladys Azure passed away, I heard about it today. I will just tell you at this time, that Gladys has been a friend of mine for many years.
You know how it goes, as we grow older we go on with our lives we don’t see our close friends. For me I thought about my friend always, I will think of Gladys always.
I saw her occasionally throughout these years. I sat in at a bingo or more, we’d meet there and visit and play bingo.
I feel like someone has left my life 😕 but she will always be in my thoughts. Gladys and I rode bicycle every evening after supper as well as weekends we were in pretty good shape and 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️.
We would visit at each other’s home, we were true friends, how else can a person still be friends till the end.
I wanted to let you know that I lost a very good friend of mine. It’s tough to go through this.
A friend forever Gladys, you will always be here.
Ginger
Gary Stokes’ Comments
I remember Gladys so well from our High School days. She was quiet, Attenuative and very well liked. She will be missed.
Gladys Roussin Azure Obituary
July 19, 1947 – May 8, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gladys Azure of Dunseith, North Dakota, born in Belcourt, North Dakota, who passed away on May 8, 2024, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Gladys Azure to pay them a last tribute.
She was predeceased by : her parents, Louis Roussin and Clemence Roussin (Jerome); her husband George S. Azure; her daughter Lisa Azure; her parents-in-law, Frank “Lum” and Agnes Azure; and her siblings, Pete Roussin, Rodney Roussin, Louis Roussin, Theresa Heath and Delores Belgarde.
She is survived by : her children, Lyle “Pug” Azure of Dunseith, Sherry Counts (Stacy) of Dunseith, Daniel “Shane” Azure (Erika) of Portland, ND and Shannon “Zack” Azure (Kerry) of Dunseith; her son-in-law Marshall Parisien of St. John, ND; her grandchildren, Shayla Counts (Tanner), Kelby, Kennison Azure, Kayla, Kylie Parisien, Shawnta Hirschel (Jon), Taylor Keplin (Skylar), Trey Everett and Braxton Azure; her great grandchildren, Kade, Hayes, Rhenlee and Skylee; her sister Mabel Roussin; and her goddaughters, Sandi Karlson and Michelle Kurle. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.
A rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 14th 2024 at 10:30 AM at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (112 2nd St W, Dunseith, ND 58329). A Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 14th 2024 at 1:00 PM at the same location
Lorraine Peterson Obituary – March 26, 1935 – February 26, 2024
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Gary Stokes Comments
Dear Mike, Connie, Karen, Kim and Friends,
My apologies for not getting your mother’s obituary posted until now. Vickie sent it to me the day she passed. It’s been sitting at the bottom of my “IN BOX” with oversight.
I remember your mother Lorraine very well from my growing up days. She was a very active member, as was my mother, of the Kelvin Homemakers. She was at our house numerous times. I remember so well, her driving a very nice Pickup truck.
Connie, it was a pleasure seeing you this past summer, July 2023, at the Bottineau “Pizza inn” too. You are a mirror image of your beautiful mother.
I express my condolences to all of Lorraine’s Family and Friends. She was a good person and will be missed.
Gary Stokes
Obituary
Lorraine Peterson, age 88 of Dunseith, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at a Rugby hospital. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be on Sunday, starting at 1:00 pm with a rosary at 6:00 pm followed by a prayer service at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.
Lorraine Eva Peterson, a daughter of Joe and LaVerna (Kyle) Due, was born on March 26, 1935 in Bottineau. She was raised on family farm near Overly, ND. She attended the Notre Dame Academy in Willow City. On October 20, 1953, Lorraine married Duane Peterson. They moved to the hills and remained there until their passing. They raised 4 children one son, Mike and three daughters, Connie, Karen and Kim. Duane passed away on August 8, 2012
She was a member of the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith where she was active with Altar Society and she volunteered with the mission store for over 35 years. She was member of the Kelvin Homemakers and the American Legion Auxiliary. As a farm wife, she was a jack of all trades. Not only did her yard hold a beautiful floral display, if she was needed to be on a tractor to cultivate in the fields, she was there to share the load.
Lorraine is survived by her son, Mike of Dunseith; daughters, Connie Lagerquist of Bottineau, Karen Lagerquist of Dunseith and Kim Brown of Colorado Springs, CO; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; 3 sisters, Joan Vigness of Dickinson, ND; Helen Satran of Bowbells and Marian Nerpel of Dunseith and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers; 1 sister and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
Ramona Dionne Johnson Memory and Obituary (DH Class 1948)
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Hello Gary, and friends,
Friends of Dunseith School may recall Ramona and Chuck Johnson who worked and resided at San Haven.
I wonder ,how many who read this blog worked at San Haven? I worked on the San Haven floors for the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. Every evening I drove South to the “San”. The first week I was there, I had my blood tested and found out my blood type. How many of you found out your blood type as a young adult? A bonus for working there!
I walked in the front door rode up the elevator to floors B and C , for the 11:00 pm to 7:00 am shift. What an educational experience it was.
I developed a lifelong, DEEP RESPECT for staff who work; hands on with patients. Yes, especially, nurses and aides who truly care, respect, and develop kind affection for residents. I witnessed that at San Haven. I clocked out at 7:00 am and drove home to the farm. I learned to take long showers as it seems my hair absorbed the hospital smell. I’d then sleep, eat supper and go back for another night.
It was difficult work at times, but most definitely a rewarding life experience ……. I was blessed with gratitude that summer. Working with less fortunate gives one pause ……be thankful.
Thanks.
- Metcalfe
April 2, 2024
Obituary
Ramona Julia (Dionne) Johnson, age 93 of Bottineau, passed away on Sunday March 31, 2024 at a Bottineau nursing home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau.
Ramona Julia (Dionne) Johnson was born October 12,1930 to Hylas and Josephine (Strand) Dionne at Rolette, North Dakota. Ramona was raised in Thorne, North Dakota and attended and graduated from the Russell School. She then attended and graduated from Dunseith High School. While in high school she met Charles (Chuck) Johnson. Chuck and Ramona (Mona) were married on September 30, 1950, in Thorne, North Dakota. They lived in Dunseith a short time and then moved to San Haven, a TB Sanatorium, where she worked in the dietary and later the business office. It was while living there that their 4 sons, Brian, Craig, Kevin, and Ross were born. In August of 1965 the family moved to Bottineau, North Dakota. In 1966, Ramona accepted a position at St. Andrew’s Hospital as medical records director. She continued in that capacity until 1992 when she semi-retired, doing only consulting work until 1997.
Chuck and Ramona enjoyed many wonderful weekends at their cabin on Lake Metigoshe where the family enjoyed skiing and boating. In 1985, they purchased a permanent home on the lake and spent their retirement years there. The extended family enjoyed going to the lake and the fun it always brought. In order to downsize, they then built a smaller home along the Birchwood Golf Course. Both enjoyed golfing, the quietness, and wildlife that was found there.
Ramona was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church of Bottineau, a longtime member of the Lake Metigoshe Lion’s Club, and the Lake Metigoshe Improvement Association.
Chuck passed away February 7,2003. Ramona continued to live at their home at Lake Metigoshe until she moved into Bottineau in 2009.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Chuck); son, Kevin Johnson; daughter-in-law, Barbara Johnson and 2 sisters, Elaine Crosby and Marlyss Dionne.
Ramona is survived by her sons, Brian (Lynette) Johnson of Bismarck, ND; Craig (Armando) Johnson of Santa Fe, NM; and Ross Johnson, Lake Havasu City, AZ; 3 grandchildren, Chad (Marie) Johnson, Bismarck, ND, Jason (Stacey) Johnson, Bismarck, ND, and Jenna (Randy) Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; and 4 great-grandchildren; Ethan, Kassidy, Alexa and Lakyn Johnson all of Bismarck, ND.
Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.
Postings from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):Bottineau, ND
3/23/2024
Gary and friends of Dunseith School,
I wish to share with you all about an exceptional person. My sixth grade teacher.
In the school year of 1963-1964, our family moved to Marysville, WA.
Dad was a Master Professional Plasterer. He earned his license in Seattle, WA, where he was trained through the GI bill after serving in the Pacific, US Navy WWII. His brother, Emil trained to be a Masterer plasterer in the same class. Emil served in the Air Corps in Germany and Italy.
One of the jobs Cliff and Emil Metcalfe worked that year plastering was at a new prison on the coast, Aberdeen/Shelton.
It was a wonderful time of a deep lifelong bonding with Emil and Ann Metcalfe’s kids! Connecting with Metcalfe cousins in Seattle, and having a dad with us on the weekends exploring the mountains, the apple growing areas, and the ferries and learning how to clam.
That winter, the Emil Metcalfe cousins, my sisters and I attended various schools in the area of Marysville.
At school I immersed myself in reading. I had two teachers who valued and respected their students; Mrs. E. and Mr. Gadwa.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/frank-gadwa-the-last-of-the-greatest-generation/
Mr Gadwa was my home room 6th grade teacher and school principal at Shoultes School, 1963-1964
Shoultes was a wonderful new school with acres of land and woods in view of white capped Mountains.
My sister Cyndy was in second grade and Janice was in fifth grade.
Mrs. E. was our afternoon teacher of English and music.
She taught us harmonizing music like Fairest Jesus, and Silver Bells.
Mr. Gadwa was teacher in the morning, and principal the afternoon.
Every one respected him. He just exuded confidence and leadership/
Mr. Gadwa was driving our class in the school bus one November Day, when we went in to Marysville’s Liberty School. He drove our class once a week to my favoite place a library.
Music was soft on the radio THEN news came on the bus radio.
Mr Gadwa abruptly pulled the bus over.
He was very quietly serious when he told us to listen.
The radio said, “President Kennedy had been shot. He was dead!
horror was the feeling……..
Mr. Gadwa’s silence ,demeaner quietly serious, eyes brimmed with tears.
He put the bus into gear and drove the bus to school. We got out in silence.
The next few days were quiet, mourning our president. We did not have school the day of President Kennedy’s funeral.
This afternoon I thought about loss. I thought of losing President Kennedy and how my sixth grade teacher handled that distressful day. He led us through.
So i googled. And there he …. oh WOW. What a story. I was touched by a special person ;
Frank Gadwa who was of the Greatest Generation!
Thank you. Mr. Gadwa.
Sincerely
Vickie L.Metcalfe
March 23, 2024
3/24/2024
Gary and Dunseith Friends,
https://mydakotan.com/2024/03/true-tale-from-dakota-territory/
During the summer of 1937, Carroll Carlson and Archie A. Metcalfe while working at the Miller Ranch, in view of the Bear Paws near Chinook MT.
Carroll and Archie often walked across the Chief Joseph Battlefield to get haircuts from
2nd generation immigrant small farmer, Mr. Druniak who that time lived close by.
Carroll and I visited Chibook in 2000. Driving past the battle field, when told me this I was in awe!
I said, “WOW Carroll, Less than 75 years ago, in this place, the US Calvary and Nez Pierce were fighting!
Chief Joseph surrendered here after being chased across many treacherous miles covering 3 states!
The Nez Pierce when they surrendered were within 10 miles to their destination…. Canada”,
My friend Carroll ….just shrugged.
Today thinking …
I realized I was talking to another…….. warier….a Veteran.
Carroll drove an armored tank across northern Africa, Italy, England, Germany and Europe all in the span of over 400 days without days off..
When Germany finally surrendered. Carroll, unlike Chief Joseph did not pull up on a Palusa….. horse.
Carroll drove the tank to a bar.
He dismounted with his comrades.
They drank beer celebrating the end of many battles, a war…….in Czechoslovakia.
The next day, he left the tank in front of the bar.
Carroll, like Chief Joseph rode a cattle train .
back, back, back West miles across Europe,
where he boarded a crowded ship, sailing into New York.
Then, another crowded with soldiers , train across many states …West to Rugby ND.
Where he hitchhiked to Dunseith, found an empty couch at a Mainstreet hotel, and slept.
Sunday, finally finding another ride over a curving north to he Carlson Farm.
Carroll lived many years within 10 miles of the Canadian border.
He frequently rode a green John Deere tractor many times followed
by a trusty faithful dog.
Carroll drove the dusty gravel road to work fields by my parents farm
Carroll Carlson was a good neighbor and a friend to generations of the Metcalfe family.
He told me though… his heart was in the Bear Paws.
At the end of a long journey through life, Carroll rests at Little Prairie among his people.
Vickie L. Metcalfe
3/24/2024
Monday, May 6, 2024
Hello Gary and friends of Dunseith,
My parents lived North, across the street from Woodland Zoo for the first 3 years of their marriage.
Mom said, “She and dad had a wonderful 3 year honeymoon.”
Throughout the years, our family visited the zoo whenever in the Seattle area.
I was fortunate to have a mom and dad who loved and took us on many adventures whilst living in Washington.
As a result, years later as an aunt, I did the same with each of my nieces and nephews.
What fun to see adventure seeing through a child’s eyes!
When I was a 6th grader, my class spent an entire day at Wood land Zoo.
We met at the school one early morning, got on the bus and singing as it drove south miles to Seattle.
The bus parked. Twenty, Eleven year olds took off until about 2:00 pm
We were on our own in little groups ……..without an adult.
I marvel remembering that sunny June day!!!!
Sixth graders, each responsible to bring our own money, pay our own way,
pack a sack lunch and NO adult supervision all day.
We had adults who trusted each of us to be responsible, to take care of ourselves, and we did!
As ever,
Vickie L. Metcalfe ’70