06/17/2011 | Dunseith Alumni

Reply from Betty Watschke Cooley (45): Redmond, WA

Folks, I have Betty’s permission to post her reply. This was a private reply to me from Betty that I wanted to share with all of you. It is so nice to hear from folks like Betty. Gary

Hi Gary – –

I’m replying this way as I’m not familiar with the Facebook procedure yet. This computer and I don’t always get along too well.

No, I don’t have any Watschke relatives living in ND any more — they are all scattered elsewhere. LaRose Ketterl ing who is on your mailing list is a close friend from DHS days is my main contact back there. She retired from UND and is back in Mercer, — that’s an old homestead from her younger growing up years. We do have one niece in Heimdal — she was born and raised in Tacoma , Wa. and retired (can you imagine that?!!) to ND with her husband. He had family there at one time, but no longer. No one here can u nderstand them staying in ND but they seem to like the small town life.

I surely do enjoy receiving the daily blogs, even tho many of the younger folks I don’t know, but remember many of the family names. Do appreciate, along with many others, all the time and effort you put into getting the news transmitted.

We are missing our many travels since my husband’s health started failing several years ago. Had a stressful time for 2 months (Jan – March) when he was in and out of hospitals and rehab facilities, and then recuperating at home. Had his 86th birthday during that time and now uses a walker for getting around. His great spirit and attitude keep him going and we are still planning on spending our month of Nov. in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — this will be our l5th year in the same condo on the beach in the Old Town part.

Thanks again. Betty Watschke Cooley

Follow up Reply from Betty

I forgot to reply about your son being inBellevue. Yes, we are indeed in Microsoft country. In fact, our condo is only about a half mile from the main Microsoft campus (the oldest part — they keep adding more and more nearby property and buildings) — we’re straight down 40th Street on the shore of Lake Sammamish. We have many Microsoft workers in our complex as it is so close and convenient for them. Just a bit of info for you. Betty

Reply from Dennis Dubois (63): Minneapolis, MN

Thank you so much for sending me all this info. It’s so nice to hear about the folks from Dunseith. We were so blessed to have grown up in that environment. Every time I go back there I get to see people from 50 years ago, they may not look the same. But their personalities haven’t changed a bit. There seems to be more laughter in Dunseith than any other place in the world that I’ve been. Thanks Gary and keep the news flowing. Have a good day.

Temporary Disconnct

Message from Erling Landsverk (44): Portage, WI

Hi Gary and Everyone:

This is to advise you not to include me in any mailings beginning on June 19th. We are moving to a new location and for the present it is uncertain as to how soon I can utilize my computer or the internet. Hopefully it will not be for long Have a great 4th of July everyone! !

Erling Landsverk

Erling, We are so hoping you get moved and back on line quickly. We know you have special Hardware and software enabling you to use your computer. We will miss you, even for one day. Gary

Round Barn Square Dance Picture

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

At first glance, I too thought the gal on the left was Florence
Conroy but I don’t remember her square dancing. I then thought it
resembles Maxine Hiatt. When Gary said Maxine and Willie square danced,
I looked at the picture Gary believes to be Willie and unless my
imagination is way ahead of me, I think it says ‘WILLIE’ on the back of
his belt. I think Jim and Marion Coleman were part of this group but I
don’t see them in the picture. The men in this picture all look
familiar to me but I can’t put names on them. My guess is that most
were from the Bottineau area. Someone will remember them in time.
Thanks Gary!

Dick