Reply from Lindy (Arlinda Fauske Van Eynde) (’69): Yorkville, IL 

Thank you Aggie for sharing about your visit in ND. Beth, Carrole and I are here now & Mom shared with us what a great afternoon she had with you girls. I wish we could have been here at that time too. Thank you so much for going to visit them, Mom especially loves company, time gets long for her but they are both treated so good.

Our brother-in-law LaVerne Rude’s brother is in Good Sam and Larry Tooke was in to see him so we’ve had several great visits with him too. Fun!

Thank you Gary again for all that you do to keep us all connected.

Lindy (Arlinda Fauske Van Eynde)

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Blog (443) posted on May, 2009

Medford, Oregon Hiatt’s:

For all of you Hiatt’s and former/current Ackworth community folks: I received an interesting phone call from Lawrence (Larry) Hiatt and his sister Dianna Hiatt Levingston. They were actually returning my phone call. They are living in the Medford OR area. Their father was Amos Hiatt Jr. Amos’ father was Henry Hiatt. Henry and Amos (Sr) Hiatt moved to Medford Oregon in the 40’s. They were brothers to John, Harry, Walter and those guys.

Larry and Dianna know very few of the ND Hiatt’s. Larry was born in 1947 and I think Dianna said she was born in 1954. Their father Amos has been deceased for about 25 years. They have been tracing their family history, but it’s been hard for them because they don’t know very many of you guys and the family connections. They would be 2nd cousins to the majority of you folks. Florence, in your case they’d be your first cousins one removed. Have any of you put together any genealogy for the Hiatt’s that you can share with them? I have included Larry and Dianna with today’s message.

Larry & Dianna, please let me know if you’d like to continue getting these daily Dunseith Alumni messages?

Gary

Dianna Hiatt Levingston’s email address is

Larry Hiatt’s email address is

Reply from Eileen & Mike Brudwick (Neola’s cousing): Fargo, ND

Hi Gary,

I am one of those lost e-mails to receive the Dunseith alumni e-mails. I finally asked Neola if she had been receiving them, because I hadn’t heard from you for a few days. Both Mike & I have truly missed reading the daily e-mail. We love it. Keep up the good work!!Eileen

Reply from Elve Fuchs (Arla Hill Hiatt’s friend):Minot, ND

Gary,

Iam so happy that Jacqueline got me on your list. Just the emails I received were so interesting.

I now live in Minot but was from the Rolette / Bottineau area. My maiden name was Elve Fuchs.

Elve

Folks, Jacqueline Hiatt Fix (79) asked if I could include Elve Fuchs, who is a friend of her mother, Arla (Wallice) Hill Hiatt, on our daily distribution. It is always a pleasure adding new folks to our distribution. Gary

Reply to Gary Houle (63) from Colette Hosmer (63): Santa Fe, NM

Hi Gary, welcome aboard.

I want to offer my condolences for your Mom’s death. I remember her so well, she was a wonderful lady.

Colette

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):BEDFORD, TX

Happy May Day to everyone! I remember in grade school in Dunseith, making
May baskets out of cupcake liners and pipe cleaners, putting in penny candy
and giving them to friends. I’ve never seen it done anywhere else.
Cheryl Larson Dakin

Cheryl, How well I remember the ND May day’s. We’d leave these “May Day” baskets on peoples porches, hollering “May Day” and then run like heck, trying not to be recognized. We were country folks, so we got some mileage in delivering these baskets to our Ackworth community neighbors. It was a lot of fun. Gary

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO Gary has left for his weekly semi drive from Springfield, Mo. to Kingman, Az., but he ask me to put a note in the blog. Yes, definitely the picture is of John Bedard. Gary remembers him well with much respect. (my note: I think it really made Gary realize just what a speck of time we are here and just how quickly we are forgotten!! A reminder to concentrate on family.) Also, to Jan Bergan Evans…yes, there were two Kelvin’s. Gary will input more on that subject when he gets back home. Sue Metcalfe Reply from Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): Alvarado, TX So sorry for the problems. I always sat say that is why God gave me children. Just to let you know that Ft. Worth has shut down 140 schools for around one week. Other schools have shut down too. Tarrent county. So far Dallas is hanging in. We shall see. The child who dies was a citizen of Mexico and had other medical problems. Please Pray that this ends soon. Susan Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s (65) Daughter Michaela: Belcourt, ND Gary, This is Michaela, Gingers Daughter, in reply to the picture of Pat Hanlan, I do know him quite well, I met him through a friend of mine, he is a super guy, I believe he lives in alaska with his girlfriend, I am not sure of her first name but she is a Monette from Belcourt. Last I heard he was a trucker, you know that show TRUCKERS, he’s one of those guys that drive truck on the dangerous roads of Alaska. As for the picture of Grandpa and Grandma, I think it beautiful to. Michaela, do you have any contact info for Pat? I know Neola would love to mail him this picture. On another topic, I got a message from Neola telling me your mother will be in Minot, I think today, and plans on stopping by Neola’s house to pick up some pictures. Little Prairie Cemetery Records from Doreen Bailey: doreen@ameda.net ?????, TX Gary I am sending a copy of Little Praire Cemetery, could not locate anything for “Calvin or Kelvin” Cemetery. If you need to replace the cemetery data on your new hard drive, I will be glad to send them when you’re ready for the Data. Doreen Bailey Doreen, Please send me sent me those cemetery files again. Thanks, Gary PS – Can you send me your mailing address again too? I lost the one I had on file for your. Thanks, Gary Little Prairie Cemetery, ND -info from Maude Abrahamson- 8-2004 LAST NAME First name BIRTH DEATH MISCELLANEOUS BLK LOT # 123 Abrahamson Alfred 1897 1989 50 5 20 Abrahamson Arla (Honsey) 1907 1994 12 2 120 Abrahamson Betsy 1860 1945 50 1 125 Abrahamson Carl 1895 1968 50 8 140 Abrahamson Glen 1927 1985 60 8 122 Abrahamson John 1863 1950 50 4 137 Abrahamson Larry 1962 1984 60 1 139 Abrahamson Martin 1901 1989 60 4 121 Abrahamson Oscar 1890 1980 50 2 138 Abrahamson Sylvia 1902 1977 60 3 124 Abrahamson Violet 1910 1994 50 7 107 Aird Clarrisa 1911 1952 47 5 129 Allen Edwin 1907 1994 55 1 130 Allen Mary 1910 1982 55 2 79 Anderson Bertha 1831 1917 32 6 80 Anderson Caroline 1901 1919 32 7 39 Anderson Clara 1909 1996 17 2 95 Anderson Martin 1873 1926 41 3 94 Anderson Mary 1881 1961 41 2 82 Anderson Ray 1883 1967 35 5 160 Beachler Cecil 1895 1979 71 3 158 Beachler LaVern 1924 2000 71 1 161 Beachler Lyle 1933 1954 71 4 159 Beachler Ruby 1901 1986 71 2 142 Beaudry Delma Stickland 1919 1994 Cremated 62 1 181 Berkland Henry 1885 1957 Lot N. S. Blk 42 179 Berkland Janus (baby) 1924 1924 Lot M, S. Blk 42 180 Berkland Joseph 1904 1980 Lot N, S.Blk 42 101 Brohjell Bertha 1869 1934 46 1 102 Brohjell Elmer 1904 1917 46 2 103 Brohjell Odmund 1870 1952 46 3 104 Carlson Christine 1889 1963 47 2 109 Carlson Leonard 1918 1991 47 7 105 Carlson Reder 1871 1954 47 3 52 Carlstad Martin 1870 1920 20 10 135 Coleman Dwaine 1947 1984 59 2 136 Coleman James 1921 1999 59 8 86 Dailey Luther 1872 1919 38 2 85 Dailey Ruby 1910 1919 38 1 12 Dalton Edna 1892 1908 7 4 11 Dalton Pearl 1889 1906 7 3 151 Espe Arthur 1907 1983 66 4 150 Espe Effie 1919 1925 66 3 35 Espe Elmer 1904 1993 16 5 36 Espe Frances 1915 1994 16 6 37 Espe Iver 1879 1942 16 7 38 Espe Martha 1869 1922 16 8 3 Evenson Donald 1926 1928 1 5 44 Evenstad Hoaken 1856 1940 18 4 42 Evenstad Maret 1860 1948 18 2 41 Evenstad Olie 1857 1909 18 1 43 Evenstad Oscar 1884 1948 18 3 53 Faaren Kristen 1826 1907 21 1 54 Faaren Mena 1840 1922 21 2 177 Flora Alice 1919 1922 Lot K, S. Blk 33 178 Flora Merling 1917 1922 Lot L, S. Blk 33 84 Foss Hazel 1895 1957 35 7 83 Foss Martin 1880 1962 35 6 93 Gilbertson Beetsy 1858 1928 40 8 8 Halvorson “Grandfather” 1813 1915 6 2 171 Halvorson Ingeborg Lot B, S. Blk 5 100 Hanson Crystal 1995 428 99 Hanson E.  426 97 Hanson Edward 1917 1983 42 2 98 Hanson Henery 1873 1957 42 5 96 Hanson Rogert 1951 1989 42 1 110 Hartley Melba K. 1921 1994 47 8 63 Holstad Ada 1879 1942 24 7 62 Holstad Edward 1870 1951 24 6 59 Holstad Martha 1920 1920 23 1 19 Honsey Severt 1895 1939 12 1 163 House Herman 1979 1953 72 2 165 House Richard 1921 1987 72 6 162 House Sceling 1880 1943 72 1 166 House Walter 1908 1982 72 8 141 Hughes Mary 1901 1997 62 1 126 Jasper Olga 1905 1968 51 1 10 Johanson August 1865 1911 7 1 61 Kirkwald Hannah 1899 1956 23 7 60 Kirkwald Thomas 1873 1958 23 6 21 Lagerquist Anna 1865 1946 12 3 15 Lagerquist Carl 1904  95 22 Lagerquist John 1853 1952 12 4 172 Lagerquist Minnie 1896 1928 Lot C, S. Blk 12 143 Lamb Dorothy 1923 1988 63 2 144 Lamb Floyd 1923 1998 63 3 145 Lamb L. Dean May 19, 1952 August 22, 2003 63 7 114 Lindberg Bernice 1919 1993 49 1 119 Lindberg Elmer 1911 1997 49 8 108 Masteller Alpa 1913 1977 47 6 111 Medlang Christine 1877 1947 48 1 112 Medlang O. P. 1871 1924 48 3 113 Medlang Oden 1917 1991 48 7 154 Metcalfe Ann  692 134 Metcalfe Clifford 1923 1982 58 2 156 Metcalfe Ella 1912 1989 69 4 153 Metcalfe Emil 1920 1982 69 1 155 Metcalfe Jim 1914 1982 69 3 73 Millang Arla 1901 1979 27 4 72 Millang Arthur 1895 1974 27 3 175 Millang Carl 1896 1971 Lot I, S. Blk 72 167 Millang Curtis 1939 1997 73 1 16 Millang Gertie 1916  101 17 Millang Hilma 1902  102 164 Millang Jesse 1912 1988 72 4 18 Millang Joe 1859 1934 10 3 71 Millang Lenard 1924 1973 27 2 146 Millang Milton 1937 1987 64 2 147 Millang Velma 1927 1991 64 3 26 Myer Benny 1922 1950 14 3 28 Myer Bertha 1892 1998 14 6 33 Myer Clara 1862 1903 15 6 27 Myer Earl 1891 1978 14 5 34 Myer Emma 1903 1919 15 6 30 Myer John 1903 1919 15 1 74 Myer John (Johnnie) 1917 1999 28 1 32 Myer Mickey 1940 1943 15 3 31 Myer Norman 1919 1921 15 2 173 Myer Othel 1896 1902 Lot D, S. Blk 15 29 Myer Patrick 1974 1996 14 8 78 Myklemyr John 1891 1918 31 8 81 Odden Alma 1901 1926 34 8 77 Odden Merit 1861 1921 30 5 76 Odden Oli 1863 1918 30 4 64 Peak Edith 1878 1964 25 1 65 Peak Robert 1864 1947 25 5 67 Peak Sara 1844 1909 25 8 66 Peak Sarah 1870 1940 25 7 148 Pearson Albert (Red) 1913 1982 65 2 149 Pearson Lorraine 1918 2001 65 3 48 Peterson Albert 1881 1946 20 2 49 Peterson Carl 1823 1915 20 4 51 Peterson Korem 1851 1946 20 8 50 Peterson Ole 1872 1908 20 6 68 Pladson David 1955 1956 26 4 13 Price John 1919 1919 8 2 87 Price Joseph 1866 1921 38 4 14 Price Preston 1920 1920 8 3 7 Salmonson Aina 1906 1906 5 3 SalmonsonChristina19081908 52 157 Salmonson Clifford 1912 1999 70 3 9 Salmonson Halvor 1876 1958 6 5 118 Seim Alice 1909 1999 49 7 117 Seim Elvin 1910 1993 49 6 115 Seim Ingrid 1883 1972 49 2 116 Seim John E. 1866 1943 49 3 176 Servis Lot J, S. Blk 32 4 Sime Bertha 1871 1912 1 7 127 Sime Kayla Michelle 2000 2000 52 4 174 Sime Leland 1928 1951 Lot E, S. Blk 17 40 Sime Leslie 1904 1960 17 3 128 Sime “Baby boy” 1975 1975 52 5 5 Sime Adam 1863 1916 1 8 170 Smith Dorothy 1916 1922 74 3 168 Smith Fred 1877 1952 73 3 169 Smith Hilda 1871 1940 73 4 55 Stadheim Anna 1868 1911 22 1 57 Stadheim Anna 1899 1981 22 4 58 Stadheim Oscar  226 56 Stadheim Russel 1922 1970 22 3 24 Striker Adda 1864 1918 13 1 152 Striker Doug 1926 1982 67 4 25 Striker Erman 1889 1966 13 7 182 Strong Alan Keith 1954 2002 Lot O, SEBlk 56 133 Strong Gordon 1938 1980 56 4 132 Strong Hilda 1917 1999 56 2 131 Strong Leroy 1916 1993 56 1 106 Swenson “Baby”  474 46 Thompson A. M. 1856 1912 19 2 45 Thompson A. M. , Mrs 1852 1918 19 1 47 Thompson Alfred 1881 1908 19 3 69 Thompson Alice 1890 1942 26 5 70 Thompson Ulysses 1877 1939 26 6 23 Thurman Wilbert 1916 1916 12 5 75 Tvestad Ervin 1892 1918 29 4 2 Unde Brita 1834  13 1 Unde John 1844 1902 1 2 90 Wicks Blake 1871 1939 39 91 Wicks Charles 1870 1944 39 88 Wicks Nathan 1873 1931 39 92 Wicks Thomas James 1877 1952 39 89 Wicks Wilder 1865 1932 39

Dunseith Visit: Wonderful Touching Message. Thank You Aggie for this.
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi   Gary,

Went  back  home to  Dakota  for  3 weeks   in  March.  My sister Yvonne  and  I  traveled  the  state  visiting  family in Dickinson, Bismarck, Steele, Jamestown, Fargo, Rugby, Rolette, and  Bottineau then  headed  up  to  the  Dunseith  and Rolette, area  and spent  3  days  with  Mary Ann. Jeff  had just  left for  Bemidji  to  help their  son  Victor  with  his  sap-maple  syrup  season, so  we  had  their  whole  new  house  to  ourselves, staying up as  late  as we  wanted, and  doing  whatever we  wanted  to  or not  wanted  to  whenever. What  a lot  of  fun (not  that  it  would of  spoiled  it  if Jeff  was  there, it  was  just  a  fun  “sista” thing  we  had  going  on  there. The  first  night I  met  Rosemary LaCroix  at Dale’s, and  we  visited  for  an  hour or  so. I  found  out  that  Dales is  the  place to  go  if  you  want  to  run into  people you  know. I  saw Betty  and  Dean  Pigeon(which  I  hadn’t  seen  in  at  least  40  years) I recognized  Betty, but  couldn’t  put  a  name  to  the  face  til  Rosemary  told  me, so  we  stopped  by  their  table  on  the  way out  and  chatted  them up for  a  few  minutes. Dean  said he knew I  was  a  Casavant  cuz  I  look like  my  Mom. :)….What  a  compliment. While visiting  with  Rosemary, I  kept  noticing  this  lady  and  this  guy sitting  in  the corner  booth  by  the window. I  couldn’t  get  a  good  look  at  her  cuz  the  light  from the  window  kept  making  her  a  silhouette, and  I  couldn’t  make  out  who  it  was. As they  got  up  to  leave  I  saw  her  coming  towards  my table…..who  was  it, but  none  other  than  that  pretty  and  seet  Connie  Halvorson, and  her  husband  Jim Kester. We  had  a  nice  chat  as  you  only  can  have  with  Connie, then  went  on  our  way. Later  Mary Ann  had  Ricky  and Denice  Casavant  over  the  first  night, and  WoW  what  a  visit. I hadn’t seen  them for  at least  8 years. They  never  change  and were  a  complete joy  to  visit  with.  The  next  day  we met  Donna Fugure at Dales  to  share a  jumbo, and got some  good visiting  in.The  jumbos  are  every  bit  as  good  as they  always  were….(like  real beef) Our  sister  Lorette  from  Rugby  met  us  there. Donna and Duane, and  their  kids  have  always  and  will forever  be  considered  extended  family to  us, and  such  special  neighbors, with  a lot of  sweet  memories.  After  we  got  back to Mary  Ann’s  from  having  lunch  with  Donna, Pennie  Kester Greinier  came by  and  we  had  a  great  visit. Same  Pennie  in  every  way, sweet  as  can  be, and  good  conversation  and  catching  up. On   our  way  outta  the  Rolette  area, Mary  Ann and  I  and  Yvonne  drove  over  to  Bottineau  to  visit  Yvonne’s  sister-in-law  Barb, then  went  by  the  Good  Samaritan  Nursing  Home  to  visit  Elwood  and  Mrs. Fauske. (Picture pasted below)  When  we  first  got  there  we  didn’t think  we were  going  to  get  to  see  them  cuz  Elwood  was  asleep in  his  chair  and  Mrs., Fauske  was  in  bingo. we  waited  a  half  hour  then  asked  one  of  the  workers  if  they  could  take  her out  of  bingo  so  we  could visit.  What  a  sweet  moment  when  she  came  around  the  corner. She  recognized  us  right  away. We  went  down  to  the  cafeteria  and  had  coffee  and  visited  like  an  hour  and  15  minutes. When  we  got  back to  the  room Elwood  was  awake, smiling  just  as  sweet  as  ever, and the  first  thing  he  said  was ” Is  it  time  to  eat  yet? I  want  some  ice  cream….just  smiling  all  the time. Makes  me  smile  just  thinking  of  it. As  we  said our  good-byes  just  as  I  rounded  the  corner  I  stopped  to  look  back  just  to  see  Mrs. Fauske  doing  the  same. It  made  me  tear  up. What  an  unforgettable  visit.

As  we  headed  back  to  visit  we  went  thru  Willow  City  and  drove  around  recognizing  old  landmarks  and  places  from  when  we lived  there  as  kids. After  we  got  back  to  Bismarck  we  rested  up  a  few  days  before  attending  our  annual  family  Easter  gathering  at  Seratoma  Park  in  Bismarck. There  were  like  75  people in  attendance. We  had  invited  Donna Fugure, and  her  family  to  stop  by  if they  had  time, so  her, Pam and  Debbie  came  by  while her  daughter  prepared the  Easter  supper.  We   all  had  such  a  great  time

I  returned  back  to  South  Carolina  on the  31st  with  a  wicked  flu  bug  and  slept  for  a  week….but  oh  what  a  visit!  It  was  priceless!      Aggie 😉

Elwood and Eleanore Hiatt Fauske
Thanks Lindy Fauske Van Eynde (’69) for posting this nice picture of your parents.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND

Shatehya Lynn Azure

Born: August 04, 1997
Died: April 08, 2016

SHATEHYA LYNN AZURE

Shatehya Lynn Azure, age 18 of Dunseith, died on Friday, April 8, 2016 in a vehicle accident near Dunseith. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Wednesday beginning at 4:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. in the Eagle Heart Cultural Center also of Dunseith.

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Blog (442) posted on April 30, 2009

Request from Gary Houle (63): Champlin, MN

Hi Gary–

I have been getting your newsletter forwarded to me by some of my friends and relatives. Could you add my e-mail address to your list so they will not have to forward it to me? Thanks.

My e-mail is:

Gary Houle from Champlin, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis

Dunseith class of 1963

Replies from Lloyd Awalt (44):Bottineau, ND

Reply to yesteday’s message:

Reply to Louise Horsman . Yes you are right the picture is of john bedard I’m pretty sure. Lloyd Awalt.

Reply to Bill Hosmer (48):

Reply from Lloyd Awalt Gary I guess ill have to give my friend Hosmer an ok but the store was built there after the Dunseith journal burned down Bill Wright started it and if I’m not mistaken a person from Bottineau bought the store from Wright I think his name was Slyter . JOE MORINVILLE’S FIRST had a store where peter Richard had his 5&dime variety store Joe was in the creamery when it burned down he then started the store hey Bill cant golf raining

Reply to Jan Bergan Evans (66):

Reply to Jan Evans Gary I new Clayton Bergan. There is another (Calvin ND. but you see it is spelled different the Kelvin north of Dunseith originally was west of where it is now that lake there Kelvin was on the west end of the lake they moved it when highway 3 was built. back in the WPADAYS

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,Jan Bergan Evans asked about Kelvin and Kelvin Lutheran Church. In the
early days Kelvin had a post office and was Kelvin, ND. There is another
town with a similar sounding name–Calvin, ND–but it is 60 miles east
and I would doubt there is any connection with the Olson-Bergan clan.
The Kelvin Lutheran Church is probably a misnomer for Little Prairie
Lutheran. I was told that in the very early days, when Kelvin Store was
one mile west of the current location, there was a church group who held
services at the store. They also buried a couple children near the
store, who were stillborn. There may have been other burials but none I
know of. The graves are in the corner of a pasture now owned by Ed
Walter, Jr., I believe. Jay Vanorny showed me the graves years ago. It
is right next to his pasture on the west side of Lyde Lake, one mile
west of the current Kelvin Bar. We have the burial records for Little
Prairie Cemetery and can look up names for you in most cases. If you
call me or email some of the names, I will check the plot map. Joan
Salmonson, our secretary/treasurer has the records also and can be
reached during the day at Northland Builders in Dunseith–701-244-5438.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard: Rolette, ND

There is a Calvin North Dakota, located about 20 miles north east of Rock Lake. That is the only one listed on the map. I am not sure how much of the town is left. I know our neighbors Romeo and Mary Boucher just moved a house on to their farm that had served as a parsonage in Calvin, as the church affiliated with it had closed. I suspect it has gone the way of many small towns.

Too bad about your computer, you have such a wealth of information.

Reply from Bill Grimme (65): Birmingham, AL

Gary,

Here is a file I ran across a few years ago that may be of interest to some of the genealogy folks.

Bill

http://files.usgwarchives.net/nd/rolette/cemetery/dunseith.txt

Here is the parent directory of the file I sent you. More Rolette County cemeteries.

Bill

http://files.usgwarchives.net/nd/rolette/cemetery/

Here is the cleaner page that points to the previous files I sent you.

Bill

http://www.usgwarchives.org/nd/rolette/rolette.htm

Reply from Dave Wurgler (64): Rugby, ND

Gary– Update on Stewert, he is now a car salesman at McGuires, the Ford dealership here in Rugby. He started sales in Oct. 2008 after I resigned and is working along side his stepbrother, Steve Poitra. I am not sure but i think he still resides either in Rolla or Belcourt. While I was living and going to school in Dunseith, Ron Medrud and I were classmates and very good friends, hung out together and done things boys and young men were suppose to do or sometimes what we weren’t suppose to do–lol. To make this short Gary, I got an e-mail from my sister Peggy (71), who lives in Seattle and was talking about getting together with those of you who are going on the cruise and possibly join you for supper. She is especially interested in seeing Cheryl Haagenson, her friend and classmate in Dunseith. Maybe you could send her some information about whats happening while the class is in Seattle. Thanks and take care. Dave Wurgler (64)

Address change for Lee Stickland (64): Dickinson, ND

Folks

For reasons that are not to be noted here, I have purchased the use of a PO BOX

My new address is Lee Stickland

PO Box 2119

Dickinson, ND 58602

The price of a first class stamp will soon be $.44, up from $.42, representing an increase of 4.7619047 % so any snail-mail directed this way could benefit from a soonest send.

I believe I recall seeing a 3 cent post card, about ****77**** years ago. Dad saw a less cost one, I am sure.

I have not moved but I have decided it best to have my mail left at the PO, awaiting my duty of collecting it, at least for the next year.

Good day to all, With LOVE and in all Sincerity,

Leland, Dad, Lee, Bro, Uncle, GPA …

Relly from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Dear Gary,

I am so sorry. My hard drive was wiped out a couple of years ago and I was just devastated. I will lay odds though that someone has a full copy of all of your emails and can send to you. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Brenda

Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

Hi Gary,
I know that sinking feeling. I’m so sorry. You know though, that we can
forward all sorts of stuff back to you, so just ask and it shall be done!
Cheryl D.

Reply from Wayne (61) & Rosemary Smith: Bottineau, ND

Gary, I don’t know if this helps, but I was checking the Dunseith Alumni web site and everything, including pictures seems to be there. Also, I have saved all your emails in a file on my computer (by year and month), which includes the email address lists, if that helps.

Rosemary & Wayne Smith

Folks, I am recovering from my hard drive being wiped out. I pretty much had all my files backed up on CD’s, but it takes time to get everything back in order. I have all of these daily messages saved in Hotmail so they have not been lost. I lost a lot of pictures. I’m not sure just how many yet though. I lost a lot of my “Favorites” in internet explorer. Those are just a few of the niceties that are gone. It’s a real pain to regroup and get things all back in order. Thank you so much for all of your concerns. Gary

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Gary,

I REALLY FEEL for you–losing all that information and all those pictures. I’ve lost old stories I had written and other things, too, and it does leave a hole in your stomach.

Neola

Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Ginger and Shirley, This is a beautiful picture of your parents.

DHS Class of 1966 50^th Class Reunion Banquet
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

 Birchwood @ Lake Metigoshe
Date:  Friday,  July 22, 2016
Socializing (Happy Hour) 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Banquet dinner:  6:30 PM

MENU:

10 oz. sirloin steak, or grilled halibut, or chicken cordon bleu, or chicken stuffed w/wild rice.

Above order includes baked potato, salad, and bread.

All for $25.00 which includes tax and tip. Pay at the door with cash or credit card.

You may bring quests.

I just need a head count. Please call me Larry Hackman at 701-258-7961 or email me  lmhackman@bis.midco.net   or reply to Gary on the blog and he and I will try together to keep a running headcount that Gary will post.

Gary’s comments

We, the DHS class of 65, had our 50^th class reunion at the Birchwood last July. Great food and great service. The Birchwood Owners  family, the Pritchard’s, have Dunseith roots too. Kim Pritchard Zahn is the owner. Her dad is Floyd Pritchard. Floyd was raised by the Eurich Family. Winifred Pritchard Eurich was his Aunt.

Pam Pritchard Smith, Kim’s sister, took time out of her busy schedule to be our personal server at our 50^th class reunion.  What an honor to finely meet her in person too and Kim also. Great folks. The DHS class of 66 will most certainly have a wonderful reunion at the Lake Metigoshe Birchwood.

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

Thanks to Dale Brien for identifying the couple in the picture.

I didn’t realize it’s been 7 years since I had breast cancer/treatments.  All is still well.

My dad also enjoyed eating raw onions/onion sandwiches.  Maybe your dad/my dad were related????? LOL  It’s always fun to see a picture/read information about Angus.  What a wonderful gentleman!

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (441) posted on April 28, 2009

Computer files lost: Folks On Monday I took my computer in to have it updated. In the process they wiped out my whole hard drive loosing all the files. I had many of them backed up, but it’s a real pain to recover. The latest email addresses in my address book I had saved were from February. For those of you that have sent requests for folks to be added in the past several months, please send that info to me again. I have recovered a lot of the requests from the past several months, but I know I’m missing a few. I was able to restore some of the pictures, but I’m not sure just how many I lost. Most all the pictures can be retrieved from the daily email messages that I have saved so they are not totally lost. I had too many eggs in one basket. I was afraid something like this could happen, so I had an extra hard drive added to my computer for backing up these files. In the process of adding this auxiliary hard drive they wiped out everything I had planned on backing up to this disk. It’s a real empty feeling when something like this happens. I had over 3,000 pictures saved on this hard drive, 1,500 of which were Dunseith pictures, with no back ups. I was able to save some, but it’s a pain going back through the restored files, sorting through all the corrupt files to find those that are good. For now I an concentrating on getting my email files and distribution lists back in order. Gary Reply/Qestion from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN Hi Gary Got the e-mail about Barbara Trent Thanks I was in ND this week-end and went to see Sylvia Bergan She was sleeping and the nurse says she gets real upset when you wake her so I just left a note. But they say she might not know me anyway. She is very frail. What I would like to know is, where was Kelvin ND and Kelvin Luthern Church. I keep seeing that and no one seems to know. I am suppose to have the Olson relatives buried in Kelvin Luth. I’m am wandering where the records might have gone??? Jan: Vance (deceased) & Doreen Bailey have most all of the Rolette county Cemetery information with the names of all that are buried in them. I had that info if I did not loose it with my computer crash. Doreen, can you send us that info again please? Folks, is there another Kelvin, ND other than the one located north of Dunseith? Folks, Jan mentions Barbara Trent Riehm. Barbara’s mother was Julia Bergan Trent. The Trent’s were very well known in the Bottineau and surrounding areas. Julia Trent was a sister to Jan Bergan’s Grandfather, Clayton’s dad. Sylvia, the lady she visited mentioned in her message, was married to Oscar who was also a brother to Julia and Jan’s Grandfather. Sylvia I believe is 97 years old. Again with Neola Kofoid Garbe’s connections, we made contact with Barbara Trent. She is living in San Diego, CA. Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ & Lake Metigoshe, ND Gary,, My long time friend Lloyd Awalt might have missed one building just north of the Deeter home. That being Billie Wright’s grocery store. Later, it was Joe Morinville’s, if my brain hasn’t gone AWOL altogether. Bill Hosmer Question from Marge Longie Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA Gary, Does anyone know what has ever happened to Eileen Erickson?I haven’t heard anything from her for a long time. Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends,There should be many of our readers who remember the snow that came on June 3, 1943. My grandmother took this picture in the yard at the farm to show what things looked like. As you can see, the poplar trees had their leaves and the hardwoods were starting to leaf. This is probably the snow that Art Fugere (Debbie and Diane’s grandpa) told me about many years ago, when I was working at Lamoureux Brothers garage. He said they were done seeding crops and thought summer had arrived and then got hit by snow. He said it was weird! Some old timers said they had seen snow here in the hills, in every month of the year. I have never seen snow here in June, July , or August–but every other month, several times over! On Labor Day weekend in either ’64 or ’65, we were plowing under stubble and had a heck of a snow. The snow would cover the black dirt we turned over so it was kind of hard to see where you were going when you came back around. I remember Dad and I lit small straw piles on fire and stood close to warm up a bit as they burned. No cabs and heaters in those days. If your gloves got wet or your hands got cold you could always reach ahead and grab onto the exhaust pipe for a couple seconds and heat things up. I remember how sometimes my gloves got a little too hot and would steam and smoke We wore all the clothes we could find and still suffered! And to think we called that ‘the good old days’! Thanks Gary! Dick Reply to picture from Don Lamoueux (75): Bethel, MN I believe the unknown picture in my Great Grandfather John Bedard. Don Lamoueux (75) Reply to picture from Louise Pigeon Horsman (43): Bothell, WA That looks like John Bedard. If it is , he is the father of Georgette, Rene, Albert and Lucein Bedard. I’m not positive. John Bedard

Dunseith High School Class of 66 Class will replies
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66):Bismarck, ND

Just thought everyone would enjoy these reply’s.
Larry Hackman

D.H.S. 1966 Class Will – Reply’s

1. From Pat Danielson
   Larry

Good fun! Thanks Larry. 😊.

PatD

2. From ANG
   DaD

This is great! Good job dad! I like it.
Love you,
Ang
PS  Don’t get fooled today.

3. From Clarice Hackman
   Larry

Hope you have a good weekend.
Saw the pictures from Erica’s wedding.
Everyone looked pretty good.

I had forgotten about the class wills.
It was fun to read. I wonder what happened to all the others.
They haven’t appeared in the blog.

Clarice

4. From Rosie
   Larry

Its been a great day so far! Considering its April Fools Day. Bob already got it- one of his co- workers put peanut butter on his work pick up handles, so now he put vasaline on her car handles and windshield wipers, be interesting  when she uses her wipers!  I always did like reading those class wills. I found it very enjoyable. Good Job !

Rosie

5. From Larry’s daughter

Dad willed his ability to never get to school on time to Dick Johnson. –   I know where Sophie gets this from now-  Lynn and I could not figure out where this trait came from.

Nice work on the will!!!!

6. From Larry’s sister Ang
   To brother, Larry

I inherited that trait from Dad also. I’m an on time or a few minutes late kind of girl. Why get there so early???  What’s the point? Have a great weekend everyone! Love you all.
Ang

On Fri, April 1, 2016 1:39 pm, Hackman, Larry M. wrote:
Dad willed his ability to never get to school on time to Dick Johnson. – I know
where Sophie gets this from now- Lynn and I could not figure out where
this trait came from.

7. From Jean Nicholas
   Nice work on the will!!!!
   Larry

Geez! How hilarious this is. But a little embarrassing on my part! I don’t remember my part of this at all or the hickeys either!! Ah, the follies of youth. Thank’s so much Larry for doing this and our class history.                     Jean

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Blog (440) posted on April 27, 2009

04/27/2009

Posted on April 27, 2009

Photo identified: Alfred and Bonita (Parisien) Henry
Message from Dale Brien:

On your March 5, 2015 edition of your Dunseith Alumni Blog, the wedding couple is Alfred and Bonita (Parisien) Henry.

Gary’s reply,
Thank you so much Dale for  providing this information. Can you provide us with a bit more info about Alfred and Bonita and also about you? I was able to find you on Facebook but couldn’t tell where you are living, etc. When Neola Posted this picture, we/she weren’t sure where this couple was from either. So glad that you were able to identify them.
Thanks again, Gary

                    Alfred and Bonita (Parisien) Henry

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Blog (439) posted on April 26, 2009

04/26/2009

Posted on April 26, 2009

The Last Will and Testament of the Class of 1966 (50 years)
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND                      

Gary

I hope this note finds you well.

Some bad times for some.

I hope and pray that your brother  and Mel’s  brother will recover, as well as anyone else that is hurting.

Congratulations to  Mel on his new Grandbaby.  She is definitely a keeper.

Yes Mel, they keep talking about replacing that janitor up there at the hospital,

I guess that mustache he wears, leaves more debris behind him than it picks up any more.

I don’t know why.

Larry

Gary

Thank You for posting the 1966 Class History.

This month I have attached the 1966 Class Will.

I hope everyone enjoys reading it and that it brings back some memories, and maybe some comments.

Thank You,

Larry Hackman

The Last Will and Testament of the Class of 1966 (50 years)                        Dunseith, North Dakota

When we (The Class of 1966) graduated from Dunseith High School we were not only thinking of our future but we were concerned about the well being of the classes that were following us and looked as if they would need all the help that they could get, and us (The Class of 1966, a considerate  class, yes, a class always concerned about the well being of others.) thought we would leave behind some little something’s that would help them to cope, and to stand up and become young men and women,  that not only would their community and folks be proud of them, but that we the graduating seniors (The Class of 1966) would also be proud of them.  Now, as you alumni and future alumni of D.H.S. and friends read our “WILL TO YOU”, and if anything comes to your mind that you know has benefited you or anyone else, please let us know by replying.  It does make the heart feel good to know that you have done something or contributed to someone or something to make the world a better place.

Thank You

WILL

Senior Class WILL of 1966

As we the Senior Class of 1966, prepare to leave our friends and classmates, and most of all our beloved teachers, we feel it is our duty to leave behind just a few of our outstanding characteristics to those who are the most worthy to receive such treasures.

I. To Mr. Jerstad our School Superintendent and the members of the faculty we leave our good grades, which we received from them through our many school years.  Our headaches, our long study hours after school, our ingratitude for our long assignments, and our ability to tolerate new faculty members.

ll. To Mr. Grossman we will our beloved term papers.  Also-                                                       

The Bookkeeping and Office Practice students WILL their ability to get along so well with Mr. Olson, to Mrs. Olson.

lll. To the junior class our rightful and worthy successors, we leave:

1. Our crib sheets.
2. Our ability to uphold all rules.
3. Our ability to get along with all faculty members.
4. Our integrity, loyalty, and our all around good will.
5. Also to the Junior Class, we will our ability to set a bad example for the up and coming sophomores, as we were suppose to have done.
6. Last, but not least, we will, the most honorable, sincere, and dedicated class advisor, “The beloved Mr. Hepper”; with these instructions:                 

Ahh.  Just treat him with love and kindness, as we did.

lV. To Mr. Boguslawski, our faithful and loyal janitor, we leave our messy

and broken lockers, spit wads, gum wrappers, and most important of all, our deep and sincere gratitude for all the services, large and small, that he willingly rendered.

V. The Class of 1966 with great generosity, and unselfishness “Wills”

the following items to the most worthy receivers. These items listed are straight from the hearts of each and every senior.  The students and friends not listed or whose names aren’t mentioned, please know that you are remembered and appreciated by this senior class, and we are as grateful to you for your friendship as the people mentioned. 

The following list presents the wishes of the D.H.S. Class of 1966:

1. Lorna Abbey wills her quiet personality and petite figure to K. Flynn and her long speeches in speech class to Judy Wheeler.
2. Corliss Allard wills her tight skirts and wiggle to Gloria Chase and her good study habits and brains, which she received from John Bedard, to Joan LaCroix.
3. Janet Bergan wills her ability to write notes to Jim Berube and her nickname “Lumpy” to Frank Evans.
4. Aime Casavant wills his good manners and correct use of English to Marvin Kalk, and to Larry St. Claire he wills his ability to play guitar.
5. Gerald Casavant wills his short legs to Richard Slyter and his interesting speeches to his sister, Mary Ann.
6. Pat Danielson, wills to Charlene Pearson, her ability to skip school, and her ability to study to Rodney Lagerquist, which she hopes he will use wisely.
7. Tom Evans wills his ability to not smoke to Chip Johnson, to Allen Stokes his ability to play basketball, to Jim Berube to keep curfew, and to Allen Houle his good looks.
8. Carrole Fauske wills her good dieting ability, which she received from Cecile Berube, to Sharon Tooke and her long blonde hair to her sister, Beth.
9. Sharon Gunville wills her ability to get along with others, especially sisters, to Florence Gunville and her ability to get good grades to Clarice Hackman.
10. Larry Hackman wills his nickname “Half Pint” to Chip Johnson and his ability to never get to school on time to Dick Johnson.
11. Donna Hanson wills her wiggle to Patti Metcalfe and her ability to study to Clarice Hackman.
12. Dana Henriksen wills her long fingernails to Charlene Pearson, her ability to “hustle” to Lola Metcalfe, and her “Big Mercury” to Jim Berube.
13. Joann Houle wills her cheering suit to the Kester Twins, with the hope that they will care for it as she did and her ability to get the car to her brother Allen.  
14. Greg LaCroix wills his superior acting ability to Nancy Bedard and his weekend trips to Rolette, to Carmen Myers.
15. Terry Martinson wills his football number “74”, his hip pads, and rib pads, to his brother Timmy, and his ability to look at windows without breaking them to Dowayne Goodon, and his build to Allen Stokes.
16. Obert Midlang wills his ability to sleep in class to Patti Grossman, and his class ring to Carol Pritchard.
17. Larry Millang wills his ability to “hustle girls” to Jim Berube and his track ability to Ronnie Johnson.
18. Debbie Mongeon wills her “big dimples” to LeaRae Parrill and her ability to go with a Myers to her sister Randi.
19. Jean Nicholas wills her gracefulness to Patti Grossman, and all her “hickeys” to Patti Metcalfe with the hope that Patti will be able to cover them as well as Jean does.
20. Anita Paresien wills her ability to play basketball to Samia Haimore and her ability to sew to Mrs. Suko.
21. Shirley Peltier wills to her cousin Sandra, “Bill Henry,” just to keep him in the family, and her class ring to “guess who?”
22. Keith Pladson wills his bashfulness to Norman Eurich and his nickname “Tarzan” to Mike Evans.
23. Lee Struck wills his superior singing ability to Kathy Walter and his ability to go with a Houle to Lola Metcalfe.
24. Romona Thiefoe wills her ability to lose weight to Brenda Hoffman and her ability to play basketball to her brother Raymond.
25. Jim Tooke wills his eating habits to Marvel Hill and his crew cut to Jimmy Hiatt.
26. Jay Vanorny wills his “driving ability” to Donnie Mongeon and his “orderly conduct” to Bobby Peterson and his “HUBCAPS” to Carmen Myers.
27. Donald Wenstad wills his bubbling, sparkling, personality to Larry St. Claire and his short pants to John Boguslawski.

This completes the last will and testament of “The 1966 Senior Class” of Dunseith, ND., Public High School.

An afterthought!

We the providers of this last “Will and Testament”, The 1966 Senior Class of Dunseith High School hope our desires and wishes to our beneficiaries have benefited them in some way and they have not squandered this opportunity to benefit themselves, or they have paid it forward to benefit someone else.  If anyone can relate to  us “Class of 1966” any instance where, when, how, and sometimes why, this inheritance has benefited you or someone you know in anyway please let us know.  Any and all comments appreciated.

Remember to laugh and the whole world will laugh with you. 

Thank You,

Larry Hackman  

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (438) posted on April 25, 2009

Posted on April 25, 2009

Beverly Pigeon Long (DHS ’57) Passed away.
Obituary provided by Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI

http://www.cremation-society.com/obituary/Beverly-A.-Long/Belvidere-IL/1601028

Gary,

On March 29^th, at 8:43 PM Emery Alice Kuhn joined our family. Weighing in a hefty 6lbs 8oz and 20” tall. She is my youngest son Ricky and his wife Sara’s first child. Everything went well and the new mom and baby are doing fine. Ricky hasn’t quit smiling for three days. He was always scared about touching any babies and wouldn’t pick one up. He doesn’t want to put this one down. This makes grandchild number nine for us and one great-grandchild. Boy I’m getting old. We are expecting another on September 4^th. I hooked on a couple pictures because Brenda Hoffman will be saying she wants to see pictures. The old guy in the one picture was the hospitals janitor. I don’t know how he got in there. I think he was spying for Larry Hackman as this happened in Bismarck.

Mel

PS: Brother Rick is coming around. His memory is improving and he knew who I was on Wednesday when I went to see him. He is walking with the aid of a walker and someone to steady him but is doing well so far

Gary’s comment

Congratulations Mel. She is a nice looking baby too.

Posting of the day
From Brenda Hoffman (’70): Greenville, SC

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Blog (437) posted on April 24, 2009

Dunseith Alumni WEB page link http://garystokes.net/default.aspx Folks, I post these daily messages on the Dunseith Alumni WEB site, however, I do not include email addresses or any personal info with the posting of these messages on this sight. These email messages are more complete that what I post on the sight. I have also posted information about our Seattle Dunseith Alumni reunion that we will be having in July and I have also posted our Alaska cruise info on this site. I noticed there has been a fair amount of visits to this sight, so I will make a conscience effort to post these daily messages the same day rather than waiting several days. Bernadette is sitting here waiting for me to sent this out, so we can go to the Mall, So I better get on the ball and get this out. Gary Reply to yesterday’s message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND Neola, Jaralyn Parisein is the daughter of Theresa Parisein of Dunseith, she works at IHS in the Lab, her sister is Roxanne who works in the dental clinic here in Belcourt. I will try to get an address for you today if I can.Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65) Alice Hiatt Dalbec: Medford, Oregon Folks, With all of Neola Kofoid Garbe’s connections, we have loctated Alice Hiatt and her family. Neola and Alice’s daughter Marvel are close friends. I just called and talked to Marvel. She told me her mother is 93 and is doing well. For all of you geneology folks, she said her mother has recorded a lot of her family data in a note book that she has. She has birth’s, death’s marriage’s, etc all recorded. Marvel will be sending me that info. I have listed Marvel’s email address above with her mothers name. Marvel’s phone number is 541-826-2374. Please call her early evening or week ends. She gets up at 4:00 AM. I can tell you she will not complain if you call her later, like I did though. She’s that kind of a person. Marvil has requested to be on our daily distribution too. She said she will share all these daily messages with her mother. Marvel, a lot of your relatives, many of whom I’m sure you have never met are included with these daily distributions. I think you told me your family moved to Oregon in 1951. Your mother of coarse has quite a number of first cousins, alive and well, some of whom are included with this daily distribution. There are many former Ackworth folks from your mothers generation on our daily distribution too. Pictures Provided by Neoal Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Alice Hiatt Dalbec Family Top: not sure of the order – Gene, Keith & Ron Dalbec Front: Marvel Dalbec Martin & Alice Hiatt Dalbec       Bill & Marvel Dalbec Martin Hiatt Family tree: Folks, this is a preliminary copy of the Hiatt family tree that I am putting together. Please look this over and get back to me with additions and corrections that need to be made. I am only going down four generations from Herman/Alice Hiatt. The purpose of this chart is to identify those in the Hiatt family and where they fit into the family. To keep this chart simple, I am not listing any detailed info (deaths, spouses, etc). I am interested in these details though and will record any of that info provided to me in separate records. For what I am doing, I do not plan on going any deeper with any of these family trees that I am putting together. There’s not enough hours in the day to accomplish all of that. For those of you that are interested we have a lot of genealogy folks in our group that already have a lot of the detailed genealogy info for a lot of the Dunseith families. Please ask for any genealogy you are interested in and we will try to get you connected with those that have the info. Allen Richard, The George Hiatt family listed in this chart, like your family, is quite large. There are over 65 first cousins in the 4th generation. Gary

Rick Kuhn Fell with a head Trauma
Message from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

My brother Rick took a bad fall last week. He split his head wide open around his left eye. Maybe you will remember about five years ago he was in a bad accident and had bad head trauma. He was in a coma for some time and also suffered with amnesia. He also lost some movement of his right arm and leg. He is going through some of the same stuff again. When I was with him on Friday he wasn’t awake very much. When he was he thought it was 1978. He knew his name and birthdate but didn’t know where he lived. Both of his eyes were swollen shut but he could get the right one open a little. He didn’t know who I was or my wife. He was having bad spasms of his right arm and his right leg didn’t want to work. The news was a little better today. He was able to sit up and eat and the spasms had subsided some. He knew his wife and step daughter but he did not know his youngest daughter. He thought maybe she was his sister. I am going to Minot to see him tomorrow and hopefully he’ll know me. So if anyone feels like sending a prayer his way I would really appreciate it.

Mel

Gary’s comments
Mel, so sorry to hear this. Hopefully he will recover from this too. Where is Rick living now? What hospital is he in?

Shirley Blanche Morin Passed away
Eulogy and Obituary posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’71):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

In years past, I rode school bus.

The bus route stretched from the North.

It began the route West of the Peace Garden area and stretched miles South, meandering to and fro across highway #3.

A way  and beyond, the area of the Dunseith Day School.

Those of you who rode bus, should know,  rural  bus children devleop  their own little community,especially for kids who ride miles and hours.

Many kids ride a bus for   significant lengths of time beginning in wee hours of the morning and  late  afternoon.

We all  quickly learned nuances  of character and personality. Most of the kids riding our bus were well mannered and gregarious.

For many years, the Hunt family children rode the same bus as me.  Their family, lived North East of Highway #43 on the bus route.

Although Shirley was quiet, her siblings including two sets of twins were filled with great personalities,  full of good humor and always laughing.

This past winter one afternoon  at Wal Mart,  I happened to renewed acquaintance with Shirley Hunt Morin.  I had not seen her for years,

but she remembered me!

Through the winter, I had more marvelous discussions with Shirley. I  also met some of her immediate family.

We discussed her health and…..recalled long bus rides.

We also recalled when her mom, Blanche played the fiddle, making wonderful music  alongside her sister Lorraine, and  my cousin Lorraine (Metcalfe) Olson-Somers.

Through  discussions  with Shirley, I  heard,  the Poitra talent ( from her moms side of the family)  in music continues to  run  strong and deep!

I was sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I so enjoyed our visits.

To each  of Shirley’s children, grandchildren  and  her many  Hunt siblings, who also rode old  bus #9.

Sincere condolences and peace.

Vickie Metcalfe

Unidentified Wedding Picture
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Do any of you recognize this coupe?

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (436) posted on April 23, 2009

04/23/2009

Ethel Hiatt Peterson: FOLKS, ESPECIALLY ALL OF YOU HIATT FOLKS. I HAVE LOCATED AND HAD A VERY NICE CHAT WITH ETHEL HIATT PETERSON. HER FATHER WAS HENRY, A BROTHER TO JOHN, WILL J., WALTER, GEORGE, AMOS AND THOSE GUYS. HENRY HIATT MOVED TO MEDFORD, OR YEARS AGO. I THOUGHT FOR AWHILE I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LOCATE ANY MEMBERS OF HENRY’S FAMILY, BUT WITH EVON LAGERQUIST AND I’M SURE A LITTLE HELP FROM HER MOTHER LEOLA AND NEOLA WITH ALL OF HER CONNECTIONS, I THINK I HAVE OR WILL HAVE ALL HIS FAMILY MEMBERS IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE 4TH GENERATION. ETHEL AND ALICE HIATT DALBEC ARE THE ONLY TWO SURVIVING CHILDREN OF 2 BOYS AND 6 GIRLS FROM HENRY’S FAMILY. ETHEL PROVIDED ME THE PHONE NUMBERS OF HER CHILDREN. I CONTACTED COLLEEN WHO LIVES IN OREGON AND GOT HER EMAIL ADDRESS. SHE WILL MAKE SURE HER MOTHER GETS ALL MESSAGES. HER NAME IS COLLEEN DOLAN, EMAIL COLLEEN TOLD ME SHE WILL PASS ALL THESE MESSAGES ONTO HER SIBLINGS AS WELL. ETHEL WAS VERY EXCITED WHEN I TOLD HER I WOULD PASS HER PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS ONTO YOU GUYS. ETHEL IS A SHARP 87 YEAR YOUNG LADY WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE ACKWORTH COMMUNITY. SHE TOLD ME THAT AT ONE TIME THEY LIVED ON THE STOKES PLACE, THAT LATER BELONGED TO ESTHER TANGEN, NOW THE PLADSON FARM. GARY Ethel Hiatt Peterson 6881 Eisenhower St, Apt 8 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-8545 (208) 267-2491 WINIFRED EURICH Jan. 2, 1919-April 19, 2009 Winifred Eurich, age 90, of Dunseith, died Sunday, April 19, 2009, at a Bottineau hospital. Wini-fred Eurich, a daughter of William and Ida (Thompson) Pritchard, was born on January 2, 1919. She was raised on a farm near the Canadian border north of Dunseith. She attended grade school at Loon Lake School at Ackworth and later graduated from Dunseith High School. Following high school, Winifred worked at San Haven. Winifred married Dave Eurich Jr. on May 14, 1940, at Dunseith. They made their home on the farm west of Dunseith. Dave passed away in September 1971. She later worked for a time as a nanny at San Haven before opening at daycare at her home. She retired in the late 1990s, and in August 2002 she moved in with her daughter Eileen. In April 2008, she moved into Bottineau where she had resided since. She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith where she was active in the ALCW. She was also a member of the Happy Homemakers Club in Dunseith for many years. She enjoyed gardening and canning. She was happiest in her home surrounded by her family. She loved her grandbabies and always had cookies on hand for them. She is survived by: her 5 daughters, Eileen Nelson, Mary Knutson and Sharon (Jim) Hanson, all of Dunseith, Dorothy (Art) Strietzel and Jean (Tom) Roland, all of Minot; son, Floyd Pritchard, of Lake Metigoshe; 23 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Norman and LeRoy; grandson, Kevin Hanson; brothers, Robert, John, Corbin, Bill “Line” and Norman Pritchard; and daughter-in-law, Ann Pritchard. Funeral: Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Dunseith. Visitation: Today from 5 to 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Arrangements are with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.       Myron LaFontaine’s Obiturary Provided by Eileen Brudwick (Neola’s Cousin): ebrudwick@yahoo.comFargo, ND Eileen, Thank you so much for providing this for us. Myron LaFontaine Myron LaFontaine, age 62 of Grafton passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009 at his home. Myron was born July 23, 1946 to the late Chris and Lillian (Burcham) LaFontaine in Rolla, ND. He attended and graduated from school in Belcourt. After his graduation he moved to San Jose, CA where he attended trade school. Myron returned to North Dakota and married the Love of His Life, Vickie Hiatt. The couple made their home in the Turtle Mountain area until moving to Grafton in 1986. Myron was a jack of all trades; he was good with his hands. He loved to work in his garage building things, he liked to rummage, and loved being outside. Myron spent a lot of time working on his yard; he took pride in his yard. He also enjoyed going to the casino. Myron loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Myron was a member of the River of Life Community Church. Myron will be greatly missed by his wife Vicki, Grafton, ND; children: Tony Hoerner and his two children and Rene McConnell and her child all of Montana; Trina (Russell Nielson) LaFontaine, Grafton, ND; Tara (Mike) LaFontaine-Rodgers, Grafton, ND; Cahla (Ricki Parisien) LaFontaine, Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Victoria, Vanessa & Cophia Nielson, Abigail Grimaldo, and Carter Parisien; siblings: Frances (Philip) Belgrade, Belcourt, ND; Alvin (Viola) LaFontaine, Williston, ND; Leonard (Marie) LaFontaine, Belcourt, ND; Aaron Dcolon, Washington; and Irene Bear Runner, Belcourt, ND. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 2:30 P.M. at the River of Life Community Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery. The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangments. Guest Book   Reply to Cheryl Larson (71) from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND Cheryl, you got it girl just let me know when we can get together at Dales or my house if you would like. Just let me know who and when u will be in town the only day I can’t is the 17th I have a Dr appointment in Minot with my cancer Dr. and the 16 is clarence and my 29th anniversary so we ususally do something. I am looking forward to seeing u again. Bev GOD BLESS YOU …………BEV Susan Malaterre Johnson’s (69) reply to Mark Schimetz message posted yesterday: Alvarado, TX Haven’t we caused a bit of surprise to her too? I also, seem to remember Mrs. Cook and the boomb, boomb. I think they may have defended us to the policer. Gee, look at the time. Love, Sis Susan’s follow up reply to Gary’s question of her first reply: So sorry, I’m still trying to get my mail sorted. I have a full day with the Red Cross tomorrow so my mail may not reflect the true addresses. I do apologize. Any way the message is all the same. We were all little “terrorists at that age.” Sorry. I’m working the Red Cross again on Thur., Please Lord let this help to make up for my friends and I who thought we were having fun. Thank you for not sharing!! We never meant to hurt anyone, Gee, not even Mark. Love, Susan All of the following pictures have been posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND This is one of the great pictures of the prom that was in the April 7, 2009 edition of the Courant. Neola Comments from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND Alison Coleman is the daughter of Nancy (McGuire) and Steve Coleman. Steve is the son of Patti Metcalfe Coleman Woods and Duane Coleman. Duane (Babe) Coleman, Class of 66 is deceased of cancer back when his sons were still in school. ( Patti is married to Jack Woods. ) Patti and Steve’s other son is Stuart and he is married to Melissa Langhaug, daughter of Myron and Rhonda Eman Langhaug. As for Brooke Parrill, she is the daughter of Rod and Ann Parrill. Rod is my double cousin, son of Thurman and Marie Parrill. Ann has been a teacher in Botno since 81-82 and she and Rod were married in 1988 I believe. Brook Parrill (Rod Parrill’s daughter) and Alison Coleman(Patti Metcalfe Woods Granddaughter)

Allen Stokes’ assault update

I posted last week that our brother Allen Stokes was badly assaulted, mainly to the head area with a couple of broken ribs.

I talked to Allen’s building manager where he lives in San Diego, California. He said the left side of Allen’s skull was severely crushed with bone chips in the brain. They now have him off of an induced coma. His left eye is swelled shut. He is non responsive when spoken to and also non responsive when touched. There doesn’t seem to be any brain functionality at all. In time they said he could regain brain functions, but at the moment it doesn’t look promising for that to happen.

They are 99% sure who did this, but without witnesses, they don’t have a case. There only hope is for Allen to regain conscientiousness so he can identify who did this to him.

Robert Stokes Family – 1969
Note: I was home on Furlough before going to Vietnam when this picture was taken.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (435) posted on April 22, 2009

Posted on April 22, 2009

Trying to locate Larry Ellingson’s son
Message from his sister Brook Bonilla: 

Hi, my name is Brooke. My father was Larry Ellingson. He was born in 1942. Around 1959-1960, he stayed with his cousins in Dunseith, ND. Their names were Freddie and Margaret Hiatt. My dad had a son with (possibly a woman from the turtle mountain reservation). Please help me with any information so I can find my brother and let him know that his father passed away. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Brooke Bonilla

REPLY FOR GINGER LAROCQUE POITRA
From Bob Lykins (DHS 60’s teacher):  Hutto, TX

Ginger,  Sorry to learn of your loss.  From the tone of your comments it sounds like the two of you built many great memories together.  As for your words of encouragement to Gary, I could not have said it any better.  God be with you in your time of grief.

Bob Lykins

====================================
Blog (434) posted on April 21, 2009

Posted on April 21, 2009

Myron LaFontaine passed away:

Myron was married to Vickie Hiatt (73): Grafton, ND

410 Cooper Ave

Grafton, ND 58327

(701) 520-0329

From: “Marlys Hiatt” Dunseith, ND
To: “Vickie L. Metcalfe” Bottineau, ND

Thanks for this beautiful email. You sure are a keeper too. I had some
sad news this weekend. My sister Vickie found her husband dead on
saturday evening at their home. He had been really ill. She has her
family (3 girls)in Grafton who are there for her. Keep them in your
prayers.

Marlys

Vickie, What a shock to hear of the passing of your husband Myron. I knew he was not well, but this is still a shock. Our condolence are with you and your family with his passing. How well I remember you as the cute little girl of Norman and Irene that always had a lot to say in your days shortly after learning to walk. Lorie picked up in your foot steps a few years later. I don’t remember Marlys as being quite as loquacious as you and Lorie. Gary

Reply from Vickie L. Metcalfe (70) Bottineau, ND

WINIFRED EURICH, 90, of Dunseith, died Sunday at a Bottineau
hospital. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)
Mom, Grandmother, Great grandmother and Great-great grandmother.
Member of the Dunseith Community and friend.
Winifred, was a dear classmate of Aunt Leona (Metcalfe) Oswell. The
last time Leona was in ND she spent an afternoon visiting Winnifred
at her farm home.

Vickie

Reply from John Tangen: ????, California

Gary,

Really enjoyed the write-up about your dad. I never knew him real well, but after they moved into Bottineau I realized how special and friendly (and unique) he really was — and the storyteller, too. One of my mom’s favorite memories was the afternoon (sometime in the1990’s) when Bob took my mom and her two sisters (Ella and Lillian) bomping across the fields in his pickup to see all the old places where they’d lived years earlier. The three sisters really enjoyed that excursion!

Am not sure how to reply to the newsletter without including the text of the whole newsletter, so you’re getting it this way. What’s the procedure?

John

John, I thought I had your snail mail address, but discovered I do not. You can reply and send messages to me with what ever method works best for you. It makes no difference to me how I get them. I copy and paste everything into daily messages.

Folks, John’s mother was Esther Tangen. Esther and Ella (Thompson) Pladson were sisters, so John is a first cousin to all of Eldon/Ella Pladson siblings. Esther and Ella were first cousins to Dad on his adopted side. John was born and raised in Bottineau.

John, Riding with dad across fields and back roads was always an experience. Often times folks had to put on their seat belts just to be able to stay in the seat. High gear was often his gear of choice. I’ll never forget several years before he died, he took me out to show me my brother Darrel’s (Bud) crop in his pickup. Bud had warren him to stay on the main road because the fields were kind of soft and he may get stuck. Well, he just had to show me this one field, off the main road, and we almost got stuck. Mud was flying every where, but we made it. His comments were, “don’t tell Bud” and he was serious. He ran his pickup through the car wash on the way home to hide the evidence he’d been where he shouldn’t have been. He didn’t want Bud asking any questions, after having been warned not to go where he did. Gary

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69: Fort Mill, SC

Hi Gary, Your e-mail is the best news I’ve ever gotten, because I just got my first computer a couple weeks ago, I just know the very basics,and had the night off tonight, so I was messing around with it trying to learn new things. I hit the send button and I thought It said I had sent everyone on my e-mail list all my drafts I saved, Wow what a sick feeling, for someone’s who’s a pretty private person. So Gary thanks for taking the pressure off….While I’m writing you, I just want to say thanks for this web site. I’ve been in touch with a couple people that I would of never have known where they were if it hadn’t been for this website. Another thing you have no idea how many times that nasty Michael Moore has crossed my mind while looking at all the pictures from Fargo, and all the positive postings from all over the world about the people of N.Dakota, I was just sorry to see some of those postings from out of N.Dakota get so mean spirited about New Orleans. But never the less the website was interesting…Well gotta go, thanks again for everything.

Shirley Houle Vandal:

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

By the way, I told Shirley Vandal today that I was sending the news of her award to you to include in your newsletters. She kind of blushed and said it wasn’t necessary; I said it was necessary–what else can a humble person answer—right? Ha!

Therman/Marie Parrill were at the musical event today.

Neola

Neola, Thurman & Marie are my god parents. Gary

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew): St. Louis, MO

I live in St Louis, Misery. We are here taking care of my wife’s parents. Over the years I’ve been watching them tear up the old shelter belts in the Red River Valley I’m glad my Dad didn’t live to see this happen.

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Thanks for the photos, Gary, you have a beautiful family. Your Dad still looks big and strong even three weeks before his death.

Colette

Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): Minot, ND

This was a great entry! I love to read the history of our
families…and now to Cheryl and Beverly….both of you were there in
the basement…..you know Cheryl, maybe you weren’t because if you
were I would have been afraid you would have told mom on my but for
sure Bev, Duane and Debbie were there…those naughty Morinville
kids..haha..And it was probably all Dennis’ fault.
Diane

Pictures posted by Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): BEDFORD, TX

HI Gary

This is in reply to Diane and Bev…..If Bev wasn’t there, neither was I. If it was a Saturday, we were probably at catechism. HA.

Also, I am enclosing a photo of 3 ladies…my mom Verdellis is in the middle, I think it’s Joyce Fasset on the right. I don’t know who the other lady is. Maybe a Grenier? The other is of my mom and her sisters, Lee Hosmer on the left and Jerrine Larson in the middle, taken in 2002. Three of the most beautiful women I have ever known.

Thanks Gary

Cheryl

Joyce Fassett?, Verdellis Richard Larson & Grenier???

Richard Sisters 2002

Lee Hosmer, Verdellis Larson & Jerrine Larson

Message/Picture from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND

Howdy Gary,

Here’s a picture of Brenda, Dick & Ron. This was at the Historical Society Music Night last night in St. John. We had not quite as large a crowd as last year but we had some great music and fun was had by all.

Mel

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA

Dear Gary,

Too much work for you Gary! I forward this note along with the Boucher files that were used by the Louis Boucher family of Iowa. I know you will be able to extract the data for Boucher of Rolette county.
I have done work on DUCHESNEAU; CASAVANT; HOULE; FONTAINE; RIVARD; DIONNE and Carmen’s BESNERT line. Much that I have done was with the assistance of Marcel Gauthier, wizard and sec. of the Duchesneau family association. Marcel solved the CARBONNEAU trace that frustrated George Carbonneau for years. It was because of the genealogy work that George published that I was finally able to trace my Gaudet heritage. I know that the COTE have done extensive work. Lloyd Awalt family may have the COTE material that would be of interest to many? Also Bill Awalt’s wife was searching in MO [?] for Awalt data.

Too too much! Sharron

Folks, this reply from Sharron was is in reply to my asking her for the Boucher Family info. I plan on putting together a simple family graph for the Boucher family after I am finished with the Hiatt’s. Again, I plan on only plotting 4 generations starting with Sharron’s great grandfather, the same as I’m doing for the Hiatt family and that I did for the Richard family. Gary

Reply from Marlene Richard Parslow (65): River Falls, WI 54022 & Sunlakes, AZ 85248

Hi Gary,

I am not able to pull up your attachment. My husband and I just returned to Wisconsin from our winter home in Arizona. This computer is not able to get it. When I get my laptop unpacked I will try to get it off that. I want to check my family’s(Ernest Richard children) information and get it back to you before you print out the final product. Thanks for being patient as I get organized here.

Wow!! You amaze me with your communication skills in keeping everyone informed!! I am blessed to be a part of this network!
Thanks!!!
Marlene(Richard) Parslow
1-651-246-4006

Hey Gary,

I was able to view the Family tree in this e-mail!!! Yeah!! Here are my siblings in order from Oldest to Youngest:

Larry(Lawrence) Richard
Marlene Parslow
LeRoy Richard
Dianne Bowles
Lester Richard
Jim (James) Richard
Mike (Michael) Richard
Deb (Deborah) Hartung
Peg (Margaret) Forester
Brad (Bradley) Richard

My father, Ernest Richard, was married to my Mom, Beatrice Slyter, on May 16, 1944

Thanks for updating our information. If you need additional information, please let me know. Thanks again!!
Marlene

Richard family tree:

Folks, this is the latest update of the Richard Family tree. I have incorporated all the additions and correction that you folks have sent to me.

I have also attached the Power Point slide of this graph.

I am currently working on a Hiatt Graph. They too are a very large family.

Putting these graphs together brings back memories of my working days at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Power Point graphs of this nature were one of the tools we used to communicate our schedules. Gary

Memories, thanks and coping with the loss of Anthony Poitra
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Yes very hard. It is like a very bad dream and I can’t wake up. I thought we would live and grow very old together. I thought we would be able to enjoy a whole lot more of life together.

We had always wanted to do things. Anthony wasn’t able to do a whole lot because he wasn’t well for a very long time.

What a disease! It came,  took over our life, we ended up bowing down to what the disease wanted us to do and when it wanted us to do things. You of all people know what I am talking about,  Gary .

I know that my Anthony is with God,  because he is a good person he helped people in their time of need, he helped them from his heart, to name just one fixing their furnaces,  the people he did this for was so thankful that they had him to repair it and they wouldn’t freeze and if they weren’t able to pay he wouldn’t charge them. There were so many ways he helped people

He is known very well by many in different areas of the world. He is liked by most, he is respected by many. When he did a job he finished it and did it well. People would count on him to get things done because they knew he would do it right.

He worked on many different types of jobs and was so talented. He figure things out, everything he attempted to do was done with the upmost care. Anthony was a very good and loving person.

I can relate to you and what you are going through Gary, because I have been there.

May God bless you Gary my heart goes out to you,  being there for your wife is why we got married to be with the person we promised to love honor in sickness and in health till death us do part.

Love you Gary, thank you for what you have done for so many people. You brought us together with the ones we missed and didn’t know we did. So grateful for being able to relive our youth in ways we never thought we would. You added inspiration to our lives to a lot who needed it. I for one am very grateful to you, by doing what you did I was able to look at myself in a somewhat different light.

God bless you and keep you strong for what you have to face ahead of you. God helps us through everything!

Your classmate

Ginger

====================================
Blog (433) posted on April 20, 2009

04/20/2009

Posted on April 20, 2009

Winifred Pritchard Eurich passed away:

Posted by LeaRae Parrill Espe (67): Bottineau, ND

Gary, I wish I didn’t have to report bad news again, but Sharon Eurich Hanson left a message on my answering machine this morning saying that her mother, Winifred (Pritchard) Eurich, had passed away this morning at 8:30 (that would be Sunday morning).

I knew she was doing poorly a month or two ago, but seem to have rallied after that.

She celebrated her 90th birthday at St. Andrew’s Health Care Center in January. It was a double celebration for Winifred and Dorothy Pritchard who celebrated her 96th birthday around that same time.

I have no other details regarding the funeral at this time.

So two of my classmates have lost mothers this week. (Carmen Myer and Norman Eurich).

Follow up message from LeaRae

Funeral services for Winifred Eurich will be on Thursday at 10:00 at Peace Lutheran in Dunseith.

I attended the family service for Pat Myer tonight and it was annouced there. (Johnnie Myer and Elmer Espe are first cousins.)

To the Eurich family, Our condolences are with you with the passing of your mother/grandmother Winifred. I will always remember her and your family with the visits our family made to your house in my childhood days. Your place seemed to be the gathering place for different events as I recall. Those were good times. Gary & Bernadette Stokes.

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

Shirley Houle Vandal received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Good Samaritan today.

Lloyd Awalt sang “Good Night, Irene” at the end of the program today at the Good Samaritan Center. He did a great job! When I used to attend dances, they always ended with “Good Night, Irene”. It’s a great song, but I always hated to hear it, as it meant the dance was over.

Neola

Congratulations Shirley for all of your great services. I do not have an email address for you, but hopefully someone will pass this message unto you. Gary

Reply From Nathan Richard (90), Allen’s son: Fort Greely, Alaska

Gary,

I work in missile defense here at Fort Greely. This year we saw on our thermometer -53. In and around town however they were reporting around -66. Our little dodge neon didnt have quite the trouble as other people did with there large diesel trucks. I started to chuckle a little when it just kept goin with no problems, but kept my thoughts to myself as not to jinx it LOL.

Nathan A. Richard
1LT, AD
Bravo Crew Sensor Operator
HHB, 49th MD BN
Unsecure: (907) 873-2222
Home: (907) 869-3563
Cell: (701) 330-6563

Reply from Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew):

I read your Dad’s story. My Dad helped build the Peace Gardens working for the CCCs. The CCCs then became the Soil Conservation Service. Dad was in the SCS until he retired in 1978. Dad worked for the SCS in Wahpeton and Dickinson, he was a soil conservation engineer. At Wahpeton he helped put in hundreds of shelter belts. They used to go to old shelter belts and pick the plums, take the plums back to the SCS building and seed them for the next years planting.

Don, You told me one time where you are living, but I did not record it in my records. Sorry about that.

Dad planted many of the shelter belts in Bottineau too. If those tree rows were not nearly perfectly straight the trees would be pulled and replanted. It was a 3 man operation. One to drive the tractor and another two behind planting the trees. Dad also did some of the cultivating of the shelter belts for the SCS in Bottineau county.

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary,

I mentioned Rita Langer was one of the performers at the Music Jamboree at Good Samaritan last time. She was there again today. This is her second CD. If people want to order a CD/ask Rita (and her husband, Richard) a question, their phone number/mailing address/email address are all included.

Richard told me today, he named the recording studio Acorn Ridge Recording because he/Rita live on a ridge, and there are many oak trees around their house/the area.

Neola

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): Santa Fe, NM

Sharron and Gary,

Thanks so much for these family histories. I (and others, I’m sure) would love to read histories of every family in the Dunseith area. Gary, would you please post a photo of your family again?

For sister Nancy. I didn’t think you were ever that young. ha

Colette

Colette, I don’t have any recent pictures of any of my family all in one photo.

Bernadette was not with me that trip back to ND in 2000, so she is not in the top picture.

Kristin & Nathan are Darrel/Debby’s children. Bernie and Sheryl are our kids.

3 weeks before dads death.

Standing L to R: Kristin, Nathan, Debby, Darrel & Gary Stokes

Sitting: Robert & Elaine Stokes

Bernie/Sheryl Stokes 1990 Sheryl Stokes 2005

Gary/Bernadette Stokes 2008

Folks,
My internet service was down again so I wasn’t able to post last Friday’s blog.

Allen Stokes was Assaulted

Our brother Allen was assaulted and severely beaten several days ago. He was almost killed with multiple (many) skull fractures and several broken ribs. They took a chunk of bone out of his head to relieve the swelling. He is currently in ICU with an induced Coma. Until they bring him out of the coma they will not know the extent of his brain damage.

Allen lives in a boarding house in San Diego, California. It was one of the residence of his boarding house that assaulted him. He fled and they are looking for him. He will most likely be charged with assault and attempted murder.

Allen is divorced with no children. He has no family in San Diego, so they located my brother Darrel in Bottineau, ND.

Anthony Poitra, Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s husband, Passed away
Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hi Gary,

Anthony passed away the 15th of March

I am writing to let you know that my sole mate, my love,  my heart, my everything passed away last night at Altru hospital in Grand Forks.

Well it is now Thursday March 17th , I began writing this March 15th.

He had a genetic disease called hemochromatosis, which is an overload of blood which attacks organs, if not caught soon enough. Well his wasn’t caught in time and he got cirrhosis of the liver. Although it is not uncommon for this to happen, for doctors to not find this terrible disease.

The reason this happens is because a patient goes to see a doctor because,  maybe they have aches in their joints, maybe the knee, next time the back or ankle, tiredness,  weight loss, etc., and all these things are not put together and diagnosed as one disease.

I will send this out today, go ahead and post it today Gary,

Ginger, class of 1965

Gary’s comments:
Ginger, we are so saddened with this news of Anthony’s passing. Anthony has been your partner in life for 50 plus years. It’s hard, so hard losing him. You have good memories of this wonderful man that will be cherished forever. Our condolences are with you and your family. Hang in there.
Your DHS ’65 class mate, Gary  

 Anthony Poitra’s Obituary

 Anthony Poitra, age 71 of Belcourt, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in a Grand Forks hospital. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of rural Belcourt. Burial was in St. Louis Cemetery of Dunseith. Officiating at the service was the Reverend Father Anthony Hession. Casket bearers were Gary Poitra, Perry Poitra, Brandon Poitra, Dominic Poitra, Nick Dionne, Curtis Poitra, Carl Eller and Lance Jay Jr. Providing special music was Richard St. Claire and Clarence Allery Jr.

Arrangements are with the Nero Funeral Home of Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Condolences to Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65)
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith friends,

Dear Ginger,

I am so sorry for the recent  loss of your dear soulmate/ husband, Anthony.

His obituary indicated what a remarkable man he was; family first,  as a loving husband, dad, grand pa, brother and son of Lesedo and Mike.

and  an  inquiring mind to learn  and value education which led him on to  a notable work ethic.

God bless the memory of Anthony and give you peace.

Sincerely, Vickie

Face book reply from Donna DeCoteau Reed (’63)

Comments
Donna Decoteau-Reed I know this a post from 2012; however, was looking for classmates I went to school with in Dunseith. My name Donna DeCoteau now Reed also my sister Diane. She, Carol, and myself were good friends.

Gary Stokes
August 14, 2012 ·
We had a fabulous buffet dinner last night at the Cebu Parklane Hotel. We met Agnes Walker who is a good friend of Carol Bergan Harris originally from Dunseith, ND. Agnes is originally from Cebu, but has been living in California for over 30 years now.

Don Conroy’s daughter Shannon
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (432) posted on April 19, 2009

04/19/2009

Posted on April 19, 2009

Folks,

I was without DSL internet and land line phone service from Friday until Monday, so I wasn’t able to get Friday’s and Monday’s blogs posted. There was a problem with our service box. I was able to monitor my email messages and use Face Book with my phone, but couldn’t send any bulk messages.

Gary

Denise Lajimodiere preserves history through ancient art birch bark biting
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Fargo Forum Newspaper article web link

http://www.inforum.com/shesays/3957142-moorhead-woman-preserves-history-through-ancient-art-birch-bark-biting
Gary and friends,

I met Denise when she like me, was a student teacher at  Dunseith Elementary.

Throughout the years, although  our journey in education and  life diverged; I thoroughly enjoy our visits whenever our paths cross.

I value the ways  Denise continues to learn, then shares a vast and devoted knowledge of Ojibwa culture.

Two summers ago, Denise invited me to the Historical Center in Belcourt on Saint Annes Days, she introduced me to several  artisans and writers.

I  had arrived late in the  morning  to a quiet round table discussion, the sharing of  poetry and short stories.

I did not know a soul except for Denise, but through her warmth and courtesy,  I was heartily welcomed into the group.

After a little lunch shared, a local artist  brought in an  absolutely stunning work of scenic art,  made completely of dyed porcupine needles!

With the sun drawing  the afternoon close, Denise gathered several of us around a table and demonstrated her latest endeavor;

fascinating  birchbark craft, I learned  lessons in ecology of birch trees, history and the way oral stories were handed down whence creating with elders.

What a day!

I garnered a piece of  Denise Lajimodeire original  birch bark art and a copy of her poetry book.

I met one of her friends, another writer, one of the sisters of Louise Erdrich.

T’was a summer day,  I hated to see such enjoyable treasured experience come to an end….. I want to  repeat.

I was delighted to see the article  in today’s (02.28/16) Fargo Forum.

Thanks Gary and friends.

Vickie Metcalfe

Seim School Photos
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

RE; 2349  photos. They are from the treasure box of Marie ( Eurich) Beachler.

I asked  Marie if I could borrow them and ask Karen to scan them at the Spectrum.

Marie  gave her permission. So I took them into Karen and she sent them off to you.

I credit Marie identifying the  children in the Seim School photo.

She showed me a different copy of the same children which is the last photo.

I asked Karen to scan it for the blog  and  I will send the copy off to Carroll’s sister Ursella.

I think of those children in that photo at a critical time in our country, right before WWII.

I wonder,  what were there thoughts?

It was obivious  they were patriotic as they held flags and saluted.

Acht, and things endured through WWII.

Rationing, waiting for news of loved ones far and away?…..

Marie shared memories with me; recalling Grandma Rose Metcalfe staying with her and her siblings while their mother went away to the hospital.

She told me as a teen, her  older sister Olynda stayed  with Jim Metcalfe family and helped when Lola was born .

Marie shared she found work  at San Haven  caring for a  children whose parents were employed; She took care of Jay Vanorny as a baby.

Art Seim told me when the Eurich’s  were close neighbors, he did something helpful for the Eurichs.

It was never forgotten.

Eva Eurich repaid him with home made  sauerkraut.

Art said,  he told her, it was the best!    Mrs. Eurich continued treating him every fall with a quart of  homemade kraut.

Thankyou Gary,

Later,Vickie

World TB Day at the Central Library
Posting from Karen Loeb Mhyre (’47):  Bellevue, WA

Hello Gary!

Seattle library readers suggestions -that I subscribe to.  I thought these titles might be of interest to some of the people on your Dunseith List.

Karen LOEB Mhyre

Reply to Larry Hackman’s above posting
From Keith Pladson (’66):  Roanoke Rapids, NC

Larry, thank you.  I read your transmission “The Kiss” and must admit it brought a tear of emotion to my eye.  WOW!  What a wonderful story.

And I thought to myself, that is a really emotionally powerful email and one that won’t soon be topped.  And then I read this one and I had another tear of emotion, albeit, for a different type of emotion.

Keith

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Blog (431) posted on April 18, 2009

Posted on April 18, 2009

Community Jam session posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Hi Everyone,

If you enjoy “old time/country” music, the Senior Citizen building in Bottineau, is the place to be this coming Sunday from 1:00-5:00. It’s great!!

This event usually takes place the second Sunday of the month (has only been one session so far), but because of Easter, it will be held this Sunday.

Musicians from throughout the area/Canada perform at this event. Performers at the last session (from north to south on stage): Larry Nelson, Minot; Floyd Borud, Minot/DesLacs?; Willie and Inez Rose, Minot; Carl and Shirley Knutson Melgaard, Turtle Mts.; Rita Langer, Belcourt; Gerry, Canada; Sandra Poitra–Rita’s niece; Lyla Roerick, Harvey; Dick/Brenda Johnson, Dunseith; Ron Hett, Bottineau; David Mettler, Souris/Bottineau; Tina Bullinger, Turtle Mts.

Larry, Floyd and Willie are part of the Dakota Rose band from Minot–Floyd and Karen Rath are first cousins. Dick/Brenda and Ron comprise Highway 43. David Mettler and Tina Pladson Bullinger are “Just Us”.

Rita has at least two CD’s for sale. I have the first one–it’s wonderful! I don’t know if other musicians have CD’s, or not. Dick would know.

See you on Sunday at the Senior Citizen Center in Bottineau!!

Neola

Reply from Jan Bergan Evans (66): MONTICELLO, MN

Gary when you did that line of Richards what program did you use to get it to tier? I have family tree and for the life of me I can’t see that??? II have been doing genealogy for years not real serious for a while but am getting back into it My grandfather Albert Laverdures dad was married to one of the Lords (Eugenie) a sister to Emma Lord Boucher so I’m interested on the Lords line. Art Richard always said they were related to us and I guess it is there, I enjoy your work very much thanks Do you do genealogy too? How do you fit it all in??? Wish I knew more about my grandmother side Clara Olson I need to try and use the ancestory.com . They have one at the Latter Day Saints Library but I have not gone there yet (lazy)

Reply from Theresa (Lloyd) Cote Awalt (48): Bottineau, ND

In regards to the Foster twins they are my nieces, Jane is married to Dwight Ormiston

& is retired from teaching & lives in Minot. Joan is married to Curt Anfinson & lives in

Mylo, she works at the Bank in Rolla.

Theresa Awalt

Reply from Debbie Mongeon Cernohous (66): RIVER FALLS, WI

Hi Gary,

I am replying about the Foster Twins. They are Joan and Jane and were our first cousins. Mom and Eileen were sisters. As you know Eileen just passed away and her funeral was last Sat. We had lots of good times with them. Now we all live in different directions and don’t see each other.

Debbie Mongeon Cernohous.

Debbie & Theresa, I feel like a complete fool for asking that question about the Foster twins after having posted Eileen, their mothers, obituary in message 424 on April 10th. When I posted her obituary the girls didn’t click in my mind. It was when Neola sent me a message that she was going to contact someone by the name of Foster originally from Omemee. Then it clicked that I remembered these Foster girls from Omemee, but I couldn’t remember if it was thru Dunseith or Bottineau folks that I knew of them. I didn’t really know these girls, but I remember folks talking of them in a very good way. Even when Neola told me their mother was Eileen, it still didn’t click. I didn’t put two and two together. It wasn’t until Eileen’s death that I realized you guys relationship either.

Condolences & reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT

My condolences to the Myer family and belated condolences to the Foster and Cote families. I remember Patti Myer very well–she always seemed to be very energetic and very capable. I also remember Eileen Cote Foster–primarily because she was the sister of Theresa and Esther and of her twin, O’Neil. I believe it would have been in about 1944 when O’Neil and Jerome Christianson first came to a dance at the city hall. (I and a few other girls who were really too young to be at the dances–we didn’t dance much–just watched). These two young men, that we had never seen before, made quite an impression. When they found dance partners and started to dance, they made an even greater impression. O’Neil’s best dance partner was Eileen. I think most people on the dance floor stopped dancing to watch them. We had never seen anyone who could dance as they could. ( I believe Leona and Lydia, O’Neil’s sisters, were also capable of keeping up with him.) Sometime during the next few months Bernice, my sister, and O’Neil became friends. If someone had tried to describe him, I think they would have said–best looking, best dressed, best dancer. In the spring of 1945 he became seriously ill with typhoid fever.

This next information is my recollection of things and it may not be totally accurate. Eileen had gone to California to work sometime earlier–her parents tried to get in touch with her and couldn’t reach her. We got reports each day on O’Neil’s condition and it was not good–we also got word that they had not been able to reach Eileen. This went on for several days. Unknown to anyone, Eileen had decided to return to No.Dak. She had not informed her parents, and I was told she didn’t really know why she had felt she should go home but somehow it was a strong enough prompting that she just did it. I don’t remember if she arrived home before O’Neil died or not. I have heard there is a special bond between twins and I think that bond certainly played a part in her decision to come home. O’Neil has had to wait a long time for his “best dance partner”, but there was probably a lot of dancing when Eileen arrived. I’m not sure those who leave us miss us as much as we, who are left behind, miss them. (Theresa Awalt or Esther Fugere may be able to correct my recollections that are inaccurate.)

Shirley Olson Warcup

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): Dunseith, ND

Reply from Floyd/Carmen Richard: Rolette, ND

Thank you so much Gary, it is a treasure. I especially liked the idea of putting each family a different color. It makes it so much easier to identify who belongs to who.

Replies from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Laurel — thought I should introduce you to Gary Stokes. Gary — meet Laurel Ann (Lagasse) Manaois. Her mother was Dad’s sister, Irene Richard.

Laurel — Gary Stokes is my classmate and is responsible for our class reunion and bringing many former and current residents of Dunseith and the area back together with our daily blog.

Scroll down on this–There is a Richard Family Tree, but it left out your mom and all of you.

Gary — Trust me–you don’t want to bring this to the next generation unless you get a bigger server!

Allen

Gene Was a barber for many years in Minot. He ,married later in life and was widowed. No children. Gene moved back to Rugby at about age 70 and passed away at age 76 in 2000 —- Dad was in the hospital with leukemea at the time — also in Rugby. Dad and Floyd planned Gene’s funeral but Dad was too ill to attend. Dad passed away in Feb of 2001.

Gene was one of the kindest people I even knew.

Got all of us????? Jeez Gary — you are talking French Catholics here!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good thing you don’t plan to go beyond Generation 4!!! Wait til Laurel gives you the Lagasse clan–another 10 first cousins of mine!. Counting the Pigeon side, I have 59 first cousins. With Stephanie and me that makes 61 in our generation. Only two have passed away– both on the Pigeon side — Vivian Pigeon — from California and Gary Pigeon — a DHS grad. 1959 I think.

Allen

Laurel A. Lagasse Manaois Reply:

Hi Gary,

My mother, Irene G. Richard, was married to Arthur J. Lagasse:

Children:

Joseph (died in infancy)

Carole Jean (Dallas Brown)

Karen Marie (divorced)

Delores Theresa (William Cundy)

Kenneth Arthur (Teresa)

Ronald Raymond (Nancy)

Laurel Ann (Orlando Manaois)

Darrell Joseph (Shirley)

Beverly Irene (Jim Null)

Richard Lee (Abby)

Jeneil Marie (Shelley)

Sheri

Lynn (Scott Karnopp)

Gene Richard did not have any children.

I would love to see the finished product! Thank you, Allen

Laurel A. Lagasse Manaois

Allen & Laurel, I will update the Richard family tree to include your family memembers Laurel and also Gene. I will then repost this slide. This slide will really become busy now, but I think I can keep everything on one slide. Gary

Pictures from Sandy Zeiler Vandal (62): Elk River, MN

Gary~

Found this picture among many. This is Nancy Hosmer, Pam Fugere and me. The picture was taken at Pam’s house don’t know the year, maybe Pam can figure it out, she looks around 2, and is still as cute as a button.

Sandy

Picture L to R:

Pam Fugere Schimdt (73) Mandan, ND; Nancy Hosmer

Baldwin (62) Lake Metigoshe, ND & Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62)

Elk River, MN

Pictures/message from Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

No–I don’t remember any round barn in the Thorne area. Dad and his siblings did spend some of their youth at farm known as “Grey’s” which is a couple miles East of Thorne. Here are a copula pictures of it from my trip to ND in 2007 for the reunion —

Gary — Most people didn’t know I had a brother that died at birth. Also – FYI — my first born was a son born may 14 1975, also died at birth. I have three older kids, Kelani, Marya and Nathan — all DHS grads. Alaina belongs to Susan and me and never lived in the Dunseith area.

Alaina Richard, Alan’s daughter, standing in the Grey’s House – 2007

Alaina Richard, Alan’s daughter, in the Grey’s House – 2007

The original Pigeon house — Where Mom and all her siblings grew up

recollections of our school years
Reply from Karen Loeb Mhyre (’47): Bellevue, WA

Wow!!! Thank you Ginger for your recollections of our school years.  I have never remembered the names of our early grade teachers except that I thought the first and second grade teachers were sisters.  Sounds like it was the first and third grade.

I too remember the wonderful year in Mrs Conroy’s 4th grade.  She was an amazing teacher.  I will never forget her reading of Lorna Doone.  I can still picture the misty colored heath and how she described it.  So real, so beautiful and mysterious.  I am adding Lorna Doone to my reading list to reread some day soon.

Miss Selzer was also a special teacher.  I remember thinking how beautiful she was and how I wanted to grow up to be like her.  She was a great teacher and a such a lovely person, inside and out.

Our family moved to Minneapolis in the summer before sixth grade, but we continued to visit our Grandmother Higgins every summer at Lake Metigoshe.  I would get together with Evie Gottbreht and Susan Fassett and Carol Jasper most summers until well into high school. It  has been nice to be able to reconnect with Susan and Evie as well as other classmates from back in the day.  I think you all were so lucky to be able to grow up together.  I think that is such a wonderful way to grow through our school years.

Our family moved four different times during my school years.  It is hard to stay connected to friends through the years when your family moves a lot!  Thank you, Gary for all you and others have done to make our reunions happen.  They have meant a lot to me and to many other people, I am sure.  It is great to be in our golden years, now free of judgment and curiosity, just looking for the friendship and fun that comes with reconnecting!

As an adult, my husband and I have lived in two different parts of this country:  Seattle, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Seattle area again.  We have lived in six different homes, with one more move planned for this summer, still in the Seattle area.  Our children are near (a son and a daughter) and far (one daughter).  My siblings as well – one brother and his family in Australia, the other three are all in the Seattle area.  We are lucky to see each other every three years or so.  This important life lesson we share:  Family First!!!!

I ramble on.

Again, thank you, Ginger,  for the wonderful recollection of each grade and your memories.  I wish my memory was so clear.  I have made a copy of your notes and am adding it to my copy of the Dunseith Reunion Book, “Prairie Past and Mountain Memories 1882 – 1982”.   Hard to believe that reunion was thirty four years ago!!

Take care,   Karen Loeb Mhyre

Cebu, Philippines
On our way to the Radisson Blu for our Monthly Cebu Expat dinner

Mirasol, Novie,  Bernadette, Jasmine (Novie’s daughter) and Tata (Bernadette’s evening caretaker)

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Blog (430) posted on April 17, 2009

Reply to the History of the class of 66
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Hey!  Larry. Ginger here, class of 1965

Good job on your classes history.

Your 1st grade teacher Miss Fern Strauss, ours too, wasn’t she the best teacher,  having us read aloud in class,  very good learning experience. I think our 3rd grade teacher was her sister, Florence.  Our 2nd grade teacher was Mrs. Masvelten.

Otherwise our 4th Mrs. Conroy and 5th Miss Jesslyn Selzer, was the same as yours,  6th Miss Nordine,  7th and 8th Mr. Art Rude, were ours. Anyone correct me if I’m wrong.

I was figuring— that I was four years old whenever I started 1st grade. Pretty  crazy!! I turned 5 in November.

I remember a little bit of our first grade classroom , there were pictures of Dick and Jane characters hanging on the walls.

Reading,  I loved it!

I sure wish I had a memory like yours,  Larry.

I remember Mrs.Conroy’s classroom,  I truly enjoyed it in there. One of the things she did was read us stories. She read us, “Lorna Doone”, when she read the book it made me feel like I was part of the story.  I remember looking through the book later on and the book wasn’t written in English, but she read so fluently in English. There was a movie of the book,  no comparison to listening to Mrs. Conroy’s reading the book.

Another was,  “The Secret Garden”. Again it was so lifelike describing the flowers as she read I could visualize every color so vividly. The character’s were described so well in the book and with Mrs. Conroy reading about them just made them seem so alive. I never will forget her reading to us and the books she chose to read.

I was excited to see the movie,  “The Secret Garden”,  when I was watching it I’m saying to myself,  nooo, this I is not! ” The Secret Garden”,  the garden, the characters,  all just not like the story that Mrs. Conroy read to us.

The stories she read to us all had a lesson,  a family,  of olden days.  I just came to realize that because the stories she brought into our minds, at least for me, I prefer to watch old movies that have a good story of real life, and books of the same .

Once in a while Anthony watches one of the oldies with me and really enjoys it. My son also gets caught up in a story or two of the kind, he to enjoys them.

I feel that teachers should still read stories to their students,  what is wrong with them listening to them in 4th grade.

There were other things she brought out in her students and that was their artistic abilities, crafty art, plaster of Paris as I believe they called it putting it in molds then painting whatever you made, for Mother’s Day, Christmas etc. We made colorings designs. I still have them,  I made so many of them Mrs. Conroy gave the book of colorings to me.

Those were the extra things she taught, besides reading and writing and arithmetic not to the tune of a hickory stick.

The other teachers also showed us things that I remember vividly but of all of them Mrs. Conroy’s class is the one I remember most things from.

3rd grade school Ms. Florence Strauss , besides some other things,  I remember the Christmas party,  exchanging gifts drawing names mixed gender.  I remember Donald Egbert drew my name, so his mother surely picked out the gift which was a beautiful blue designed scarf with a small bottle of Evening in Paris. I loved the gift and kept the scarf I have it packed away for safe keeping. I often wished I would’ve kept the perfume as well. I never did tell him I kept that scarf, maybe I should’ve. Maybe she inspired my love of Christmas and of giving from the heart.

2nd grade Mrs. Masvelten, I remember how she loved to play piano, I loved to listen,  she could have helped in my love of music, I remember that from her class. It was while in her classroom that I got measles,  I had to stay home from school,  this happened not long before Valentines Day,  we of course were going to have a party with her music playing the piano.  My mother made me think I wouldn’t make it, but all this time she had bought me a nice short sleeved white sweater, and I already had a red skirt to wear. You guessed it! I loved the Valentine party.

5th grade, Miss Seltzer, Miss Seltzer was a grooming person,  I remember when we came to school in the morning we lined up by the chart that was made to check each child off. She checked if hair was combed, teeth brushed, face washed, hands clean, finger nails clean and cut,  shoes tied, clothes clean and neat. This all was very good to do. Children learned from this.

This should still be done in schools.

I do remember once walking into her classroom,  with her!  The students who were there before us were shooting spit wads at each other, I wasn’t the only one who walked in with her. We were all innocent as could be and we all had to write 500 words. I went home told what I had to do, my sisters decided to help me out after hearing what happened,  well my mom got wind of that and wouldn’t let them help me. She said ” If the teacher said to write, you write by yourself.   I suppose we had to write something like,   I will not shoot spit wads or something of the sort. Well needless to say I had no respect for that kind of punishment!! ! MASS PUNISHMENT! !  I remembered that all my life, it happens to frequently in workplaces. She taught me a couple of things that really stand out.

6th and 7th grades Miss Nordine, she was an older lady. You know nothing stands out for me in her classroom.  I remember her shoes, they were different.

8th grade, I remember our Home economics class the teacher was great she taught us how to sew,  do some cooking, I need to mention this one thing she had us make, it was shaped like a fish, a large fish and tasted sooo goood. Tuna, or some kind of fish but was delicious, I sometimes wish for the recipe.

In high school I learned about favoritism in the classroom,  which is sometimes in our homes, workplaces. This usually works for the worse. People see this happening.  They react in ways of maybe hating the one who is being favored, while they should look at the one who is playing favorites. There are many things I saw in high school that I didn’t like. There were also many things in high school I did like. I learned I know that.

I was always a listener. I observed, I didn’t say hardly anything in my young days.  But I was learning all the time.  Everyday of my life wherever I went.

Thanks for bringing these all to mind Larry

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Bottineau High School Class of 1964  7^th grade pictures
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

I don’t know if you can use this picture.  There are at least two fellows in the picture whose parents were from “the hills”: L. D. Hiatt and Charlie Carbonneau.  Dwight Coleman might be of interest to your readers???

Mrs. Harlan Renick and the other half of the class are in another picture.

Neola

Gary’s comments

Neola, So both you and Wally were teachers and good ones too I know.

There are a lot of familiar faces and names in these pictures that will be of interest to many of our readers. I recognize a whole of these folks too.

Thanks.

Bottineau High School Class of 1964: Wally Garbe’s Class/names on picture, 7th grade

Bottineau High School Class of 1964: Mrs. Renick’s Class/names on picture, 7th grade

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Blog (429) posted on April 16, 2009

Dunseith High School Class of 1966 history
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Feeling a little nostalgic lately, I thought why not dig this history out of the archives for all to see.  I think with a little embellishment, it makes for some good reading about a time gone by.  What do you think?  Thank You,  Larry Hackman

1. H. S.  CLASS OF 1966 HISTORY

September 6, 1954, will always be a date that will be remembered by the “Dunseith High School Class of 1966” because of the fact that the nucleus of the 1966 Class, started school on this date.  That is the day Miss Fern Strouse took her station at the door of the first grade room of the Dunseith Public School to welcome 33 frightened little toddlers into the warmth and shelter of that school that was to be ours for the next twelve years.

Corliss Allard                     Rodney Guderjohn              Gerald LaRocque                Richard Slyter

Ella Boucher                      Dana Henriksen                   Terry Martinsen                 James Tooke

Linda Boucher                  Lawrence Hetle                    Debbie Mongeon               Barbara Vandal

Darrell Delorme                Lynette Honsey                    Jean Nicholas                      Gerald Walette

July Dusheneau                 Marlene Kalk                        Alfreda Patenaude             Shirley Bercier

Tom Evans                         Marvin Kalk                          Vincent Peltier                     Margaret Faine

Carrole Fauske                  Gregory LaCroix                   Leroy Richard                      Judy Arends

Maurice Gouin                  Joan LaCroix                         Samuel Richard                   Jay Vanorny

The next year we had Miss Strouse again for a teacher.  We must have been a lovable bunch as our history demonstrates that a few teachers could not bear to teach without us and followed us as we advanced from grade to grade.  Somewhere in the hallway between 1^st and 2^nd grades we lost 7 pupils while we gained 6 pupils.  I don’t know which students didn’t get replaced but I replaced someone as I joined the 2^nd grade class in 1955. I never have written more sentences in my life, that said the same thing over and over again, that said,I wouldn’t do this or I won’t do whatever.  I don’t know why Miss. Strouse had us doing all that writing.  Do you think it was just to improve our penmanship as we were just starting to learn to write cursive?  Than it always seemed to be just us boys sitting in the class room during recess, doing all this writing?  I never thought my penmanship was that bad.  But, what did I know.  I just remember it being a fun year.

Miss Lavonne Rhode was our third grade teacher.  We were as thrilled as we good be as we finally got to go upstairs to where the big kids (the third and fourth graders) were of the old white two and ½ story school house.  Where, when they had a fire drill we got to go down the shaky wobbly steel fire escape.  Some were so chicken?  However as thrilled as most of us were to be able to climb them stairs to new heights, eight of our fellow classmates decided they could not leave Miss Strouse behind.  Aside from Miss Rhodes regular teaching duties, she taught us many good manners which most of us still live up to today.  She always told us that she wanted to hear from everyone including other teachers, other students and parents on how well mannered her class is, and we as her students did not want to disappoint her. It’s too bad many students now days don’t have a teacher like her.
WOW, Fourth grade who would of thought.  We were getting so big, the biggest kids in the old white two and half story school house with lunch rooms in the basement.  Remember how good it smelled and how are stomachs started growling because it made us so hungry when the cooks were making our lunch.  But in the trek across what is known as “No Man’s Land” the hallway between the third and fourth grade rooms, we lost 5 students and gained 5 students. This left us with a class total of 24 students.  But, we were so thrilled to be in Mrs. Conroy’s room, as this room had a small room attached to it with a cot for the kid who got sick during the day.  I think every student planned on being sick at least once during the year so that they could stay on the cot in that room.

This was also the first year we made posters for Memorial Day, and put on a program for Memorial Day on the stage of the old City Hall.  The first year we elected class officers and sold items from house to house and worked at basketball games selling pop and candy that took place at the City Hall Building to make money for our class.  I guess that money went to pay for the prom that we put on for the 65’rs. Anyway we thought we were big time.

Fifth Grade, we migrated back down to the first floor, out of the old white wood building into the old brick and mortar building, and back to being the youngest kids on the block.  However, there were benefits to this location.  We were in the closest class room to the bathrooms and to the old gym.  Getting to school early meant you could hang out in the old gym. Basketball was fun but if I remember right, it seems like arm wrestling was the in thing at the time.

During the migration from fourth to fifth we lost four students and five others, joined our happy throng.  Our new teacher was Mrs. Jessylyn Hosmer.  Mrs.  Hosmer gave us the most thorough instruction in Health that we have ever received.

Sixth Grade, believe it or not we went from the closest room to the bath rooms to the room farthest away from the bathrooms.  That year we gained six new students and we lost three and I don’t know if our classroom location to the vicinity of the bathrooms had anything to do with the increase or not.

Mr. Dennis Espe a DHS graduate himself became our teacher.  He had his hands full with a bunch of young fellows wanting to show how strong they were and also with trying to keep the high school boys down at the other end of the hallway.  He must have enjoyed us, as he stuck with our class for the next three years.

Seventh Grade, Yes we had wheeled and dealed our way into the seventh grade where two more men teachers Mr. Art Rude and Mr. Perry Aus joined Mr. Dennis Espe in trying their luck at trying to educate us.  Now I don’t know what happened but it must have been decided somewhere along the line that more teachers were needed to control them junior high students.  I don’t know if it was because of us or because of the classes that preceded us?  It couldn’t have been because of us?  It must have been because of them new 6^th graders.  However some said that if we didn’t drive them teachers to getting ulcers the other classes pulled them over the edge.  There were 25 students in that seventh grade class with everyone was learning how to hold hands out behind the outhouse, and the boys playing basketball. Everybody was staying busy.  The fragrance behind them outhouses must have been dizzying.  Didn’t we have indoor plumbing yet?  We were really growing up, becoming ladies and gentlemen.

Eighth Grade.  Yes, we had the same teachers as we had in the seventh grade.  I think them teachers, Mr. Art Rude, Mr. Perry Aus, and Mr. Dennis Espe were expecting us to pull some hanky panky business, like knocking down partitions between class rooms, and also putting stick pins in the noses of them paper air planes and wallpapering the classroom ceilings and other students with them.  I remember wearing a paper airplane for an ear-ring because of some of these shenanigans. It did hurt to remove it and it did leave a scar, Kenny.

It was also the last year for us to picnic at the International Peace Gardens as a class.  Every year near the end of the school year, each grade would transport there students up to the gardens for a picnic.  This year a fellow student gave me a pint of spirits (Seagrms 7) I think.  I put it in front of my pants under my shirt for the trip.  Who knew the Chief of Police, Virgil Vanorny would end up hauling about five of us in his car.  I never in my life sat more still and quiet for an entire trip.  After getting to the gardens, several of us each grabbed a can of coke, and headed off into the brush.  It was a bad deal.  I spent the remainder of the day laying on a picnic table that I pulled over into the shade trying to recover.  It was no fun!  I don’t know why.

I think them teachers were completely surprised by our manners and our actions after the 65’rs left and we the 66’rs were in control.  We actually left an impression on them teachers that they have never been able to shake.  I just felt sorry for the grade school classes that had to follow us and tried but were unable to live up to the  example that we set.  We are the class that will never be matched but envied by all.  Except for maybe the class of 64?  Mr. Art Rude senior always said that they were his favorite class.  I don’t know why.   This year we lost three students and we gained 15 student which brought our class enrollment to 38.  Does anyone remember the names of all these students?

I think it was the last year (1962) for a formal eighth grade graduation ceremony at Dunseith.  Remember how exciting it was.  I think it was more exciting than any other graduation ceremony I ever participated.  Remember how we were lined up in the basement of the old Dunseith City Hall.  We were ready to march into the hall from the back entrance up to the front into a full house of friends and family.  It was so exciting waiting to be called up onto the stage and to receive your eighth grade graduation diploma.  Kids now days don’t know what they are missing.  Than we sat and watched the DHS Class of 62 receive their diplomas.  What an exciting night.

Freshmen, the year we made the long haul from the eighth grade to high school and in the process we gained eighteen students and lost six that brought our enrollment up to 50 students. Who were all these students and what happened to them?  Can anybody remember who they were and what were their names?  As far as we were concerned we gained in number, but lost in prestige.  We were poor green freshmen, and nobody let us forget it.  Remember we started at the beginning of the dictionary in science class writing down the first twenty words and memorizing their definitions and that continued for the remainder of the class with a test every other day on the next twenty words.  Did we ever get to the end of the dictionary?  We also were the 1^st freshmen class in the bran new high school that actually was still under construction.   So there was a little glory to being a freshman that glorious year of 1962-63.

Sophomore, this year for us, seemed to be the year for dropouts, being we lost nine students and only gained three.  However, we gained in prestige this great year, mainly because we were able to hold our own in the hallways during the mad dash to our lockers between periods, and during the eraser, and spit wad fights, as we were a little bigger but mostly because our attitudes were a little bigger.  We had earned our stripes and we weren’t going to be pushed around anymore.  We were good kids but for some reason Mr. Corbin our Biology teacher must have figured his nerves could not hold up another year at D. H. S.  Because after that year he moved onto White Shield to teach there. What was wrong with throwing frog and worm and starfish parts around the room?  Wasn’t that the point , to get us use to handling these critters, oh but the smell of that preservative that they drowned them poor critters in was unbelievable.  Still makes me sick to this day.  Does that smell ever leave your nose?

Junior year, we definitely were getting to be the big dog in the yard.  Why, we could really walk down the halls without getting any lip from anybody.  One of the memorable events that happened this year has people still laughing.  We had all decorations set up for the prom and along comes this little tornado or otherwise known as Gerald Casavant.  For some reason he decided the gym needed airing out, because he turned on the blowers and away went the crape paper decorations.  Boy, you never saw a little Frenchman make tracks for cover like Gerald did that day.  I guess he thought that he would make a memory.

Senior year, take a breath, what a marathon, huh?  After twelve years of blood, sweat, toil, and midnight oil, we can finally say that we have reached the most memorable year of all the 12 years of our school lives.  Our number was diminished down to 28 strong, but mighty seniors that walked the halls and filled the classrooms of good old D.H.S.  We are now gone but hope we are not forgotten.  Together we made a lot of memories, some good, some not so good but we were all there together and we marched through that school into our future without fear and with all the hope and strength our parents, teachers and friends good give us.  We the senior class, “The Dunseith High School Class of 1966” the greatest class that ever roared through the halls of D. H. S.  We the Dragons, The Senior Class of 1966 won’t forget you, our parents, teachers, classmates, and all our friends.  From our hearts, THANK YOU ALL,

THE DUNSEITH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1966

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Blog (428) posted on April 15, 2009

04/15/2009

Posted on April 15, 2009

Guy Knox

Born: October 15, 1925
Died: February 27, 2016

Guy Knox, age 90 of Bottineau formerly Dunseith, died Saturday, February 27, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Little Prairie Cemetery near Dunseith.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Floyd Dion’s comments
Gary:
This is for Neola as I do not have her email address
That electric wheel chair that Harvey and I made
was made in the early 1960.It used a 24  volt aircraft
motor or starter . It was a little fast as it was not geared
down enough but it worked.
Floyd

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Blog (427) posted on April 14, 2009

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04/14/2009

Posted on April 14, 2009

Posted by Julie Knox Seier (72): Minot, ND

Guy Knox

Born: October 15, 1925
Died: February 27, 2016

Guy Knox, age 90 of Bottineau formerly Dunseith, died Saturday, February 27, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

Looking for the grave site of Alexander Bomrod
Posting from Barbara Gunderson:  Cavalier, ND

Hi.  I am looking for a gravesite for Alexander Bomrod.

He was a Syrian peddler who I suspect who buried in the Dunseith area.

Do you have any records of him? I am writing an article about him for our local newspaper.

Thank you very much.

Barbara Gunderson

Follow up reply from Barbara Gunderson
Thanks for the response.  No, I live over here east of you in Cavalier.  I’d be happy for you to post my question.  I need to track this man down. He has a  great story.

I have been interviewing people all day long. Nobody seems to know where he died or is buried.

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Blog (426) posted on April 13, 2009

04/13/2009

Posted on April 13, 2009

Mrs Conroy’s 4th and 5th grade class of 1952-1953
Reply from Duane Trusty (’61):  Laramie, WY.

Gary

Hello from the Wyoming High Plains

Referring to posts on Dec 10, 11, 12, 2010.

I’m the mystery student listed as Duane T, 1rst row, 4th student.

The girl behind me in the same row listed as Marta, G last name is Graham, she  is Mike Graham’s sister who is pictured with the 5th Grade class.

I only attended Dunseith Grade School from Jan 1951 through The end of the 5th Grade.

Wish everyone the best

Duane Trusty
Gary’s Comment

Hello Duane,

It is so wonderful hearing from you. Thank you so much for the picture ID too.

I did a search and found you listed as living in Laramie, WY. Please provide us with a little of your life history from when you left Dunseith until now.

Marlene Reing’s Passing
Gary’s comment

Folks, Marlene was My sister-in-law Debby (Darrel) Stokes Sister.  Jim Fulsebakke (75) is married to her daughter Marlee Rae. Oliver and Marlene were on several Dunseith Alumni Cruise with us too. Nice friendly folks. We will most certainly miss Marlene with our visits back to the area.

Our condolence are with Marlene’s family with her a passing.

Marlene Reing

Born: March 12, 1932
Died: February 22, 2016

Send Flowers

MARLENE REING

Marlene Reing, age 83 of Bottineau, died Monday, February 22, 2016 in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the First Lutheran Church of Bottineau. Burial will be in the Oak Creek Cemetery also of Bottineau. Visitation will be held on Thursday beginning at 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and Friday 9:00 until noon at the funeral home.

Marlene Reing, a daughter of Melvin and Josephine (Matthews) Lee, was born in Bottineau on March 12, 1932. She was reared and attended school in Maxbass. After her graduation she attend nurses training at Bottineau and received her LPN degree. Marlene then began working at St. Andrews hospital. On July 11, 1954 she was married to Oliver Reing at Bottineau. After working at the hospital for 15 years she worked at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center until she retired. Marlene then helped Oliver on the farm.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Bottineau. Marlene enjoyed sewing, quilting, cards, bingo taking care of her flowers, going to birthday club and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Oliver at home; daughter, Marlee Rae (Jim) Fulsebakke of Bottineau; sons, Mike Reing of Bottineau, Steve (Kim) Reing of Minot and Rick (Ann) Reing of Coon Rapids, MN; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kevin (Deb) Lee of Eagle, ID; a sister, Debbie (Darrel) Stokes of Bottineau and her dog Putz.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

Reply to message 2352 – Renee Delorme Guilbert’s picture
From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

When I read your latest newsletter and saw the picture/information about this picture, I became very excited.  I copied the info about the picture and intended to add it to Renee’s picture so if I would run across the picture, I’d know where to mail it.  I was REALLY excited when I saw I had actually sent the picture!!  As you know, my intentions to get the Wondrasek pictures sent to people is HIGH, but my being able to get much accomplished is LOW.

Thanks again for all you do, Gary!

Neola

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Blog (425) posted on April 12, 2009

Happy Easter to all: We are going out for dinner today at 12:00 noon with some friends of ours from England who are now living here in Cebu. They too are retired. In order to live here they, like all foreigners not married to or family of former Filipino citizens, had to invest $40,000 in this country for the privilege of being able to live here. It’s currently 10:00 AM (Easter Sunday), so I am putting this out a little early today before leaving for dinner. Gary Condolences to the Eileen Cote Foster family From Rita Carboneau Anderson (Former Gamble store owner): Fargo, ND In rememberance of Eileen Cote Foster, I wish to extend my sympathy. I knew all of the Cote family as I lived in the Dunsieth and Bottineau area for many years. It is nice that Gary keeps us all informed of what is going on. My sister-in-law and brother live in Bottineau, they moved from the farm last fall. Sincerly, Rita Carbonneau Anderson Doris Bergeron Fugere picture (39 Deceased) Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Hi Gary, I didn’t realize Doris Fugere attended school in Dunseith. Here’s a picture of her/her mother/daughter/granddaughters. Lona Jean was married to an Aho. Lona’s grandson was almost in my class at Bel Air years ago. His mother/he/siblings moved to a different part of Minot before school started. I have/had a family picture of Leo/Doris; I might have given it to Cherrille Bergeron McLean. Neola Five Generation picture Folks, When I got to researching Doris Bergeron Fugere’s ties with Dunseith, I discovered she is related to a whole bunch of you folks. To get it all straight in my mind I put together a simple little power point sketch below. In the process I discovered that Francis is Doris’ sister. Francis was married to Oscar Fugere. Francis and Oscar sat at the same table as my parents for years for their daily dinner meal at the Senior citizens in Bottineau. For all the years that I knew them, I had no idea that Francis was related to all the Dunseith Richard’s. This sketch nowhere includes all of the Richard families. I only included those that I know to be connected to Dunseith. I know there are way more relationships than I have listed here. Floyd/Carmen Richard, I discovered I don’t have the names of your children. Gary

Lead in Flint Michigan’s water.
Message posted to Esther Murray Flemming (’65)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Hi Esther,

I am certainly glad to hear that you aren’t in Flint any more.

It is terrible for the people who are there, I feel very bad for them.

I had been watching and listening to the news about the lead in the water, especially since I knew you lived there.

Thank God you are no longer there, but I am sure you know a lot of the people who are there yet,  going through this.

I will say prayers for the ones you left behind.

Glad you responded to this email of Gary’s

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of  ’65

Cebu City, Philippines
Dinner last night at the “buffet 101” Restaurant.

This is a new restaurant that recently open with a seating capacity of over 400.  They have Japanese, Filipino and Western selections. Very good food. Very reasonably priced too.  Lots of unlimited self-serve beverages, inclusive of San Miguel beer on tap for the beer drinkers and wine too.

We had Tata, the lady that takes care of Bernadette in the evenings, Jasmine (Novie’s daughter) and Isa (Mirasol’s daughter) with us too. Bernadette was pretty good last night and today too. She uses her wheel chair now though when we go places.

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Blog (424) posted on April 11, 2009

Posted on April 11, 2009

Flint, MI: Lead in the water system
Reply from Esther Murray Fleming (’65):  Burton, MI.

Hi everyone. I no longer live in Flint,  We have lived here in Burton for the last 3 years. Yes, it is a very sad thing for Flint.  It is supposed  .  to be being worked on and I hope and pray it is. They are trying to get new pipes on, but don’t know how long it  will take.  Ill keep you all informed if I hear anything more and I hope it is good news Keep good thoughts.  Esther

Gary’s comments:

Esther,

Great hearing from you. Glad to hear that you are not affected with the Lead problem, in the water, in Flint. I was reading about it in our local daily news paper here in Cebu yesterday too, so it made international news.

July 2007

Picture taken at John and Margaret Bedard’s

Larrett Peterson (’71): Bottineau, ND and Art Rude (’71) Crosby, ND

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Blog (423) posted on April 10, 2009

Posting correction, Flint Michigan, for message posted with 2351
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I am sorry it wasn’t the weather,  it’s the lead in their water.

Betty Counts Poitra, Passed away on February 7, 2016
Posting from Debbie Poitra Rondeau (’77):  Dunseith, ND

Betty J. Poitra

Born: April 23, 1934
Died: February 08, 2016

Betty J. Poitra, age 81 of Dunseith, died Monday, February 8, 2016 in a Bottineau health care center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Eagleheart Cultural Center of Dunseith.

Betty J. Poitra, a daughter of Ernest and Helen (McCloud) Counts, was born on April 23, 1934 at Belcourt. She was reared and attended school in the Belcourt area. On April 14, 1956 she was married to Leo Poitra at Belcourt. Betty began working at the Crystal Café then Dales Café as a waitress. She worked for a time at San Haven and the Dunseith nursing home as a nurse’s aide. Later she worked at the Dunseith Public School as a truant officer. Betty and Leo owned and operated the Kelvin Klinic Bar north of Dunseith. After they sold the business, Betty began working as an ambulance driver for IHS in Belcourt. She worked as a CHR (Community Health Representative) worker until she retired in 2007. Leo passed away on September 18, 1994. Betty came out of retirement to take a job as a Green Thumb worker at Dunseith Fitness Center where she worked until her health began to fail. She has continued to make Dunseith her home.

She was a member of the St. Michael’s the Archangel Catholic Church of Dunseith. Betty loved to play cards, going the casino, visiting and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by daughters, Darlene (Dennis) Azure, Carol (Curtis) Belgarde, Debbie Rondeau all of Dunseith and Judy Harms of Mayo, SC; sons, Terry (Norma) Poitra, Wade (Sandy) Poitra both of Dunseith and Reed (Tammy) Poitra of Burnsville, MN; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Randy; a grandson, Emery Poitra; 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

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Blog (422) posted on April 9, 2009

Harsh winter in Flint Michigan.
Message posted to Esther Murray Flemming (’65)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hey Esther!

I have been hearing about the water issues in Flint Michigan,  that is where you live right? That is just terrible!  How could they not know they needed to do things before it happened.

God bless you and your family.

I hope you and yours are doing well.

You and  your family as well as the whole city are in my prayers.

Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra your class mate ’65

Erling Berg’s Brother, Hilmar Berg, passed away

Gary Stokes comment

I met Hilmar for the first time in the winter of 1967/68 in Everett, Washington.

Hilmar’s brother Clarence (Mabel) was married to my dad’s brother’s wife sister. Dad’s brother Nels and Helga lived in Everett, WA. While working in the paper mill, Hilmar spent the winter of 1967/68 with Nels and Helga. With my numerous visits to Everett that winter I saw and visit many times with Hilmar. In the following years, I’d see Hilmar with most of my annual visits back to ND. Hilmar was a nice likable friendly guy. I really enjoyed his company. I will miss him. I know he will be missed by his family and numerous friends too. Our condolences are with them with his passing. Rest in peace Hilmar.

Obituary provided by Diane (Berg) Rheault (’79): Fargo, ND

Hilmar Berg

        Born: February 28, 1917
Died: February 08, 2016

Hilmar W. Berg was born on the family farm in Starbuck Township, Bottineau County, ND, on October 7, 1917, to Carl and Inga Berg.  He was raised there, with three brothers and one sister, attended rural school at Thrum’s #5.  After working on farms in the area, he went to Minnesota in 1938 and worked on farms there.  In 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served 3 years and 8 months.  20 of those months were spent in the Aleutian Islands.  After his discharge in October of 1945, he returned to the family farm.

In the winter of 1947-1948, he spent 3 months in Anchorage Alaska driving a city bus.  When he returned to Starbuck Township in the spring, he began farming on his own and continued to do so for approximately 20 years.

Many winters were spent in Arizona, California and Washington.  Among his winter jobs, he worked on an assembly line for Chrysler, in a paper mill and a door factory. In 1969, he moved to Bottineau, where he made his home with his widowed sister Helen.

Hilmar has been an active member of Nidaros and Mouse River Lutheran Churches in rural Landa, First Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Senior Citizens and American legion all of Bottineau.

Hilmar was a kind gentleman and loving friend to many.  His nieces and nephews have many fond memories of him making their childhood fun.  Hilmar loved to play pool, garden, and enjoyed feeding the birds in his yard. His love for the Lord is reflected in the “worn” fingerprints on his Bible.

Hilmar passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Andrews hospital in Bottineau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Olaf (Hazel), Clarence (Mabel), Erling, and his sister Helen (Herman) Brandvold.

Hilmar is survived by his sister-in-law Delores Berg, nephews Don (Mary) Scottsdale, AZ; Curt (Kelly) Grand Junction, CO; Keith Berg (Chery) Fargo, ND; nieces Cindy (Mike) Pesek of Grand Forks, ND, Sue Berg of Lake Metigoshe and Diane (Jim) Rheault of Fargo, ND; great nephews Adam (Michelle) Lunde, Chris & Will Berg, great nieces Bethany Lunde, Kelly (Douglas) Bowles, Jessica, Jennifer and Allison Berg and Jacqueline Rheault; and great-great nieces and nephews. He is survived also by cousins Dan McCauley of Minot ND, Carol Moe of Champagne Il, and David Berg of Richmond VA.

Posting of the day
From Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

The true story of the Chicken Gun. Too funny not to share!

Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist!                                                                     
Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound
Dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space
Shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the
Frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of
The windshields.

British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the
Windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and
A gun was sent to the British engineers.

WHEN THE GUN WAS FIRED, THE ENGINEERS STOOD SHOCKED  AS THE CHICKEN HURLED OUT OF THE BARREL, CRASHED INTO THE SHATTERPROOF SHIELD, SMASHED IT to SMITHEREENS, BLASTED THROUGH THE CONTROL  CONSOLE, SNAPPED THE ENGINEER’S BACK-REST IN TWO, AND EMBEDDED ITSELF IN THE BACK WALL OF THE CABIN, LIKE AN ARROW SHOT FROM A BOW.

THE HORRIFIED BRITS SENT NASA THE DISASTROUS RESULTS OF THE
EXPERIMENT, ALONG WITH THE DESIGNS OF THE WINDSHIELD AND BEGGED THE U.S. SCIENTISTS FOR SUGGESTIONS.

NASA RESPONDED WITH A 1 LINE MEMO   :

“DEFROST THE CHICKEN.”

(TRUE STORY)

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Blog (421) posted on April 8, 2009