My cousin Jack Wifladt from Edmonton, Alberta Canada visited us here in Cebu. He arrived on January 15^th and left last night. Jack’s mother and my Dad were twins.  We truly enjoyed his visit. Lots of fun. With his visit I missed posting the last three blogs, so this is a catch up.
Gary

Message from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

I have been wondering how you are.

Thinking of you and Bernadette,  how much you have done for everyone.

Bernadette was always so helpful when we had a class reunion and so graciously giving of her expertise.

Gary you have made everyone so much more aware of their families and friends around the community. I feel that everyone is closer,  those who weren’t in days of old.

I for one, know more people who were around me all those years in school and never knowing who they were.  Now I at least know them some what better than I did back then. For that I am so very grateful. All because of you and the time you took from your wonderful family to bring a bigger family together.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing us all so much closer than we were as kids.

May God bless you and keep your heart as big as it is and has been, forever and always.

Bless you my friend and classmate,

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra our class of 1965

Gary’s Reply

 Thank you ginger for this wonderful eulogy. I must say that I too have learned to know many folks whom as kids I really only knew who they were, some of whom I had never even seen or talked to. I think that was so true of so many in many of the smaller rural communities of our days too. The common tread being that we are a close knit community with common ties that we can all relate to.   

Lillian Thompson Bergstrom (’36): Superior, WI.
Reply from her Granddaughter Bev Rochon:   

Good Morning,
I am the eldest grand daughter of Lillian Thompson.
I stumbled onto your website by accident when I typed my grandmothers  name into the “search”.
Grandma has quite a few  relatives on Face Book and I was wondering if it is possible to share your site.  All of her grandkids, and some great grandchildren are members too.
If you have any pictures of grandma, class photo’s etc..
I would love to see them.
Thank you,
Bev Rochon.
Lillian’s first grandchild and grand daughter

Gary’s Reply,
Thank you Bev for this reply. Lillian to our knowledge is the oldest living to have ever graduated from Dunseith High School. Lillian’s mother was a sister to my my Grandfather, Frank Stokes. Lillian and my dad were first cousins. Ella Pladson was also a sister of Lillian’s.

Radom acts of Kindness
Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

In  this  day  and  age  of  rapid  change  in  which  we  live, I  find  it   more and  more difficult  to  find  anything  that really impresses  me  anymore,others  than  random  acts  of  kindness, like  the  guy  on  the  New  York  subway  last  week  that  literally  gave  this  homeless  man  the  shirt  off  his  back, and  his  wool  knit  cap in  freezing  weather….. I  couldn’t  watch  it  enough  times….I  was  so  totally  impressed,and  it  seemed  like  so  was  the  rest  of  the  world.  Today  while  reading  the  Dunseith  blog  I  came  across  the  picture  of  the  USS  New  York  made  out  of  the  salvage  of  the  World Trade  Center that  Alden  Allard  sent  in……totally  impressed….thanks  for  taking  the  time  to  share  that  Alden, it  is  so  interesting  to  look at, and  very  impressive.  Thanks  again  for  sharing.  God  Bless   Aggie.

Seim school picture in the late 30’s: Need to identify
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends,

I am on a mission to  help a long ago neighbor of the hills.

I received this photograph just this past Monday, January 19, 2016,  from Ursella; Carroll Carlson’s younger sister.

She seeks help identifying former schoolmates from her country school days. (She didn’t  not say  the year, I wonder  late ? 1930’s ? early 1940’s?)

It is  a  photograph  of Oakes Country School a.k.a. Seim Country School; on the front steps facing West, Teacher, older Youth and several children

This school was located  on the dirt road about one mile south of the John & Ingrid //Arthur & Eva Seim Farm///Peter & Christina Carlson Farm.

1. The school would have been located, one mile North of Henry & Josephine Birkland farm site; a wee bit  shy where David and Eva Eurich once lived on a farm.

Ursella said the teacher, was a  Ms. Brennan.

Ursella is standing  by the teachers husband in this photo.

The teacher was probably the photographer,

(I do not know if the teacher would be  Mrs. Hazel Brennan  i.e. Mrs. Ross Brennan or a sister of Ross, Ray & John  Brennan)

Some of the  older girls are Ursella Carlson, and  friends Emilie Birkland, and Bette Eurich.

Ursella also  said there were ‘a lot’  Peterson children in the photo. (Max and Mary Awalt Peterson)

Thank you  all so much on this endeavor!

Vickie  L. Metcalfe

Seim School in the late 30’s
Need to identify

North Dakota’s Six pack
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

http://www.agweek.com/news/north-dakota/3867264-six-pack-rodeo-members-be-recognized-nfr

Gary and Friends,

Today’s January 18, 2016,  Minot Daily News front page was interesting. An article  and photograph  of  North Dakota’s Six Pack.

I was fortunate to have met good people who knew, were in awe of,  and respected the Six Pack.  I  also had the opportunity to work with

one of their wives who was a reading teacher.

Before I went to work in Sidney, I knew very  little about Eastern Montana.

Moving to Sidney was a rare educational experience.

The first few weeks,  I met children of  dry land farmers, irrigation Beet  farmers, people who owned oil wells, Cowboys and Ranchers,

descendants of Migrant workers, Sheep ranchers,  Dane’s who came to work annually  in the Yellowstone Valley, and rig workers.

The first day,  I also quickly found out how to respond when  asked what kind of  rig  I had.

Then, came a  learning experience in true cowboy culture and the “Cowboy Way”.

The people in ranch country of  rural western  ND and Eastern Montana hold good cowboys with high esteem and respect.

One friend who  I  often rode horseback with lived just over the Yellowstone in North Dakota.

Her husband saddled up his horse Pepsi for me to ride and we’d ride in the shadows of the bluffs.

I was leary and chicken about  rattlesnakes, I’d watch Pepsi’s ears believing in the horse sense.

The first spring I was  invited  to come to  their ranch for  branding.

She said  “branding” is the neighborly event!

“Sure”, I said, “How do I find where to go” in the big cattle pasture?

She gave me general directions then added, “If you get in the general area and see a butte;

Stop,look and listen.  I did,

It was a hot, dry, spring, midday when finally, I saw  dust and smelled burning hair… I knew I was close!

I drove over  another cattle guard and  grassy knoll.  There on the open  range was the cattle herd.

Cowhands of every age (5-75)   from the area were riding and roping. One guy  stood holding  the branding iron.

The younger guys were wrestling calves.

And a  cacophony of loud  bellering!

A hundred feet  away from that action tables  covered with cloths, laden with every kind of potluck salad  brought by the ladies; hot bbq beans and  roasters full of

warm slices of  roast beef, homemade buns  and cold beer and soda  provided by the owner.

Soon everyone stopped, ate discussed  when and whom was having the next branding.

There would be several of these events within a month.

My friend once told me, anyone can enjoy Montana  mountains but  true Beauty,  Eastern Montana, isn’t just seen with the eye, it’s felt in the heart.

And I hold Eastern Montana  fondly………

(Sorry folks I know its winter but I’m thinking spring)

Later,Vickie Metcalfe

Condolences to the Leonard Delorme Family
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

My sincere sympathy to the family and extended family of Leonard Delorme on his passing.

His cousin, Shirley (Hunt) shared her sorrow of his passing .

I recalled  when  ‘Lennie’  as a youngster, came to our farm with his dad, Leonard and uncle Tom Belgarde to haul hay bales.

Those guys worked hard  in unison in the summer sun.

Dad was most appreciative to have the hay brought to the home place stored and  ready for the sheep, cattle and horses.

Vickie Metcalfe

http://www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1736208

Leonard David Delorme Lenny
October 24, 1961 – January 20, 2016

Leonard David “Lenny” Delorme, age 54 of Grand Forks, ND, passed

away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the University of Minnesota

Medical Center Fairview.

Lenny Delorme was born October 24, 1961 in Rigby, ID, the son of

Amanda Poitra and the late Leonard Delorme. He grew up and attended

school in Dunseith, ND and later attended the North Dakota State College

of Science in Wahpeton where he graduated with a degree in business

management. Following his education, he began working for Automated

Maintenance Services in Fargo. He later started his own window cleaning

business and worked for various meat packaging plants including Greater

Omaha where he was the Manager of Engineering. He was united in

marriage to Lisa Peterson in 1986 in St. Cloud, MN. The couple moved to

Grafton in 2002 where he continued his window cleaning business and

later in Grand Forks in 2010. His health forced him to retire in 2012.

Lenny had a passion for motorcycles and riding horses. He was a people

person and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He

wasn’t just a brother to his siblings, but also like a father.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Delorme, Grand Forks, ND,

children: Reannen (Kevin) Blake, Omaha, NE, and Karly Delorme, Ryan

Delorme, Danielle Delorme, and Leonard Delorme Jr., all of Grand

Forks, 12 grandchildren: Riley Hanson, Kyler & Khloe Blake, Jordan

Johnson & Grant Galloway, Caitlyn, Myah, Alivia, Ryan Jr., Ryder, &

Rydn Delorme, and McKenzie Pederson, mother Amanda Poitra, West

Fargo, ND, siblings: Denise (John) Lettow, Robert (Debbie) Delorme,

both of West Fargo, ND, Deanna (Patrick) Devine, Grand Forks, ND, and

Gary (Heidi) Delorme, West Fargo, ND. Several nieces nephews, and

friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his father and sister

Sandra Delorme-Peltier.

Born: October 24, 1961

Place of Birth: Rigby, ID

Death: January 20, 2016

Place of Death: Minneapolis, MN

Message from Lee Stickland (’64): lDickinson, ND

Y’ALL

This morning in a Care Conference I was informed that my health was too good to warrant my continued staying at

St Luke’s Home.

I was admitted on August 22, 2014 when the hospitalist @ our local St Joseph’s Hospital determined that I could no

longer safely live alone.  I was repeatedly falling flat on my face.   ( A TRUE faint/loss of consciousness is always

forward. )   { [seizures, from 1965 head injury] decreased blood pressure, heart stoppage>>>???}

My last fall at home was the fourth (4th) for the day, by 11 am.  I was standing in my apartment’s bathroom and ended up with my face on the new carpet in the hallway; blood all over. When I fell, I kicked the seat off

from the toilet, and broke other surrounding items.  In spite of my years of EMT training and experience with the ambulance, I failed to know enough to just put pressure on the cut; I kept trying to staunch the blood flow.

Don’t know how long I lay but when I woke I was not able to use my cell phone until finally remembering that I had

an app that allowed me to press a button for the first name of a friend.  He quickly sent his two (2) sons over.  I thought

they could maybe discover a towel that was not full of blood and use it to apply pressure and get me to the emergency

room.  NOPE—ambulance time.

9 stitches and 8 days later I was fortunate to gain my bed in room number 110 here at St Luke’s.  My seizures are now

in control, I have went through a battle with cancer of the prostate; beginning with a PSA # of 96.0 and being able to

get it down to 0.10 in just 6 months.  Dr. says my A1C, which measure my diabetes,is wonderfully stable.

THEREFORE: I no longer require skilled nursing care and can safely move to the Evergreen Care Cntr. where Dad was for 4 and 1/2 years.  I will be interviewed by two (2) ladies on Monday whom I know well.  One is the administrator and one is the front office person; each who have been with Evergreen for many years.  I look forward to new horizons, even though new curves in the road will present themselves.

The 88 year old gentleman who sits across from me at meals learned last week that he would be going to Evergreen on the 25th.  Nice that each of us can get better together and move about the same time. He likes to play cards and I like to read and write and work with the computer so all should “go just OK”

Don’t know what there may be for furniture at the Evergreen.  I may be sleeping on the floor.  As I recall, there is a lot

larger area for hanging up clothes, so that will be convenient.

” When A New River Presents Itself, I Will Just Have To Construct A New Bridge”    LEE      s       12:am        MST      1/23/16

Yours, as always:::Dad, Dad Lee, Grampa, Classmate, (A) brother, Uncle, 1st cousin, 4th cousin, friend

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (411) posted on March 29, 2009

Posted on March 29, 2009

Condolences to the Albert Johnson (’70) and David Striker (’70) families
From David Slyter (’70):  Sabin, MN

Gary:

My condolences to the Striker family.   David was a classmate of mine from the class of 70.   In just a couple of weeks we have lost two of our classmates to cancer.    Albert Johnson and now David.   So sorry to hear this news.  Our thoughts and prayers are with both families.

Dave Slyter  (70)

Condolences to the Albert Johnson (’70) and David Striker (’70) families
From Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

I would like to send my condolences first to the Albert Johnson family and then to the David Striker family. The story goes that Albert and I first met when we were babies in Perth, North Dakota. My parents worked at the school and Alberts parents taught. We met up again as freshmen at good old DHS. I met David as a freshman also. I believe we shared lockers that year and Albert and I shared the next year. Albert and I did a lot of chasing in High School and beyond. I would really like to have the Cuda he had in about 1972 or 73. We kind of moved on at about that time and met up again in about 2008 or so. My memory don’t work so good no more. David and I carried on a friendship through High School and beyond and he even worked for me at a lumber yard in Rolla back in about 1989. I had thought of them both through the years.  I now wish we could maybe have gotten together again for a few more laughs about the things we did when we were younger. We just took it for granted that we would be doing those things forever.  I hope now Albert and David can maybe get together and share a good laugh. I will still think about them both as good friends and with a smile as I think about those High School years.

Mel Kuhn

Condolences to the David Striker (’70) family
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

To the Family, Extended family and friends of David Striker,

David, was a neighborhood of the hills friend and classmate,

I recall when  mom and dad would ‘go visiting’ back and forth with Doug and Marlene or with his grandparents, Art and Effie.

David and I were classmates for years beginning within the group of  9 second graders and many first graders in Mrs. Hanson’s stage combination room.

David was always cordial, pleasant and kind  through all the years.

My sincere sympathy as you mourn.

Vickie Metcalfe

A Winter Day at Tractor Supply.

My dog Thor’s stomach has issues. Finally, I found dental treats which his stomach  tolerates.

I  usually just go in and out quick to the treat section at Tractor Supply.

With today’s January  cold,  Thor and Buie  fussed with cabin fever;

I put on their coats, leashes, and took them to Bottineau Tractor Supply store  which welcomes dogs within the store.

Buie and Thor thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hour exercise walking  and exploring every aisle.

Buie’s favorite find? … a big box with big,huge, giant  bone’s _;the greedy little skunk wanted  to drag one home.

T’was not-a-thing I wanted in my living room!

One of the clerks gave Thor a  t-r-e-a-t. He went back again as he’s chosen that clerk for a new friend.

Yup. Just once, Thor goes up, looks him in the eye and the clerk is now trained to give him a treat!

I could  have stayed  all afternoon!  Going way back into the depths of the store I discovered;

Sections for birds, rabbits, dogs, horses, porcine,__ salt blocks for cattle…Yum. lickin salt blocks as a kid on a hot summer day.

We were sidetracked in the poultry section.  Speciality feed,waterers, brown and white clay eggs.

Say what?__Yes, fake eggs so the chicken will be encouraged to lay.

Hmm?   Mom’  never had to put fake eggs in nests.

May be the chickens of yesteryear were smarter. Ours at  the farm were smart and tame.

They perched on our shoulders while we worked..

Recollections of the cold  winter Saturday’s on the farm and choring flew through my head.

Saturday’s outside chores of cleaning gutters and calf pens,  hauling loads of straw bales from the bale pile with the horse or skidoo and stone boat to the barn.

We girls  let the laying hens out to scratch through the straw;  some  chose to sit our shoulders while we worked bedding down the calf pens.

We loved those times of  being out side in the  cold fresh air, crunching through the snow, keeping company of livestock,chickens, cats and dogs.

About this time of year after lunch came inside chores and may be mom would find an extra… it’s time to go to dirt cellar, to sprout potatoes. Yuck!

I believe walking the dogs indoors at Tractor Supply may continue at least until the warm breath of spring.

That’s my thought.

Until later.Vickie

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Blog (410) posted on March 28, 2009

Posted on March 28, 2009

David Striker (’70) Passed away.
Posted by Deb Striker Kubela (’74): dkubela@hotmail.com Wahpeton, ND

Gary,

thought I needed to let you know, our brother David passed away after a 5 year battle with brain cancer. He graduated with the class of 1970.

He passed away Jan 2nd. We will be having a family service this summer in Dunseith. No obit yet

Thank you!

Deb Striker Kubela

Message from Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Howdy Y’all,

On 12-24-15 a colonoscopy and an endoscopy were done on me; primarily looking for a contributor to me being anemic.

I did not get a report over Christmas or through New Yews, which is reasonable.

I planned to go to Boston on the 8th of January so I called the surgeon’s office and asked that they do not call me with any results until after the 13th, at which time I would be home from Boston.  Did not want to receive a discouraging phone call while I was at my son, Eric’s.

I called the office today and learned that all was OK.  The surgeon found some questionable spots but all turned out fine.

He had shown me some photos he had taken along the way of his exam.  Obviously, all looked foreign to me but I could see the difference in colorations that he pointed out, as one section would differ from surrounding tissue.

Glad all I OK for now.   Will repeat this exam in a year.   Love Dad/Dad Lee/Grampa/A classmate-brother LEE

====================================
Blog (409) posted on March 26, 2009

Posted on March 27, 2009

Cebu City, Philippines: Dinner at Maya’s Mexican Restaurant

Our on Bernie has been visiting since December 21^st. He got sick and was unable leave on 1/6 so he rescheduled his departure to tomorrow, 1/15. He is feeling fine now. His supervisors at Microsoft were very understanding and strongly encouraged him to get well before returning.  Bernie has boned well with his twin boys too.

Lorelie and her 5 year old Daughter Nika have their US Visas. All they are waiting for now, before going to the USA, are the US Citizenships and US passports for the Twins.

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Blog (408) posted on March 25, 2009

Posted on March 25, 2009

Condolences to Al Johnson’s family
From Pamela Fugere Schmidt (’73):  Mandan, ND

My heart goes out to Linda, Joe, and Al’s children.  My memories of Al are from my early junior high and high school years, when he was a Junior and Senior.  I remember Al as a thinker,  a dreamer, and a great conversationalist…a friend with a memorable personality and a heart of gold.  I’m only sorry we didn’t have a chance to stay in touch over the years.

Gas Engine Washing Machines
Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Gary,

Ginger LaRocque’s reference to a gas engine washing machine reminded me that we had one of those when I was a little guy. Mom was washing clothes one day and just dropped out!  She got a few too many carbon monoxide fumes.  She had come-to and was still sitting on the floor when my dad found her.  Needless to say, that was the last time it was used.  My dad rewired an old electric motor that someone had given him and hooked it up to the washing machine; no more fumes.  I learned about this many years after the incident.  I would say that Mom and the rest of us got lucky that time.  Be Safe!

Dale Pritchard

Darrell Abbey Passed away
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

DARRELL E. ABBEY

Darrell E, Abbey age 87 of Dunseith, died Friday, January 8, 2016 in a Minot hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, also of Dunseith. Visitation will be Monday, January 11, 2016 beginning at 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday, noon until service time in the church.

Photo (Carroll Carlson) from Ursella Carlson (’44)
Posted by Vicky Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary.

I was delighted to receive a Christmas Card from Ursula , Carroll’s sister.

She  sent   the photo.

It was great to hear from her.

I hope someone can help identify.

Back row,

Carroll is the young man in the middle.

Ursula wrote one of the young ladies is Mary Evans I am not sure which one.

The young man in front  ?Cook

Thanks Gary.

Vickie

Folks, Please identify – DHS class of 1934. My guess – Gary
Back: Mary Evans, Carroll Carlson, Lodena Sanders
Front: Robert Cook

Memories 1981 and 1982
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Gary and friends,

I read  about an Owls in the Canadian news, today and   thought of the winter of “81-’82.

I’m recalling the cold North Dakota winter of ’81-‘82 I lived in a graduate student dormitory at UND pursuing a graduate degree. I drove to East Grand forks for practicum, which meant, frequent trips to a back lot and starting the car often!

It was a cold trudge through the snow to the student parking lot on a late afternoon as the darkness drew close. I was relieved despite December’s cold of 1981, had not affected starting of my car.

The heat was on full blast as the car sped west/north to my parental home while listening to radio’s Christmas music as I peered through the windshield.

Finally the hills of home!

Turning on the gravel road and seeing the familiar Carlson lights off in the distant hills beyond the ‘homestead meadow’. The front two-wheel drive car effortlessly pushed through the light snow, up the big hill, past the mailbox, turned into the farmyard.

The garage door was open thanks to thoughtful parents.  I drove in, sigh of relief, opening the door grabbing a suitcase, glanced to the right.

At the front of the garage sitting by dad’s old workbench was a winter-wonder sight.

Look again!

No, not imagination but quite alive, were two, a wee duet of fluff, small white owls.  Each was no more than 6-8 inches tall gazing without fear sitting in on a board four feet above the garage floor well out of winter’s fierce windy cold.

Wishing not to disturb, the creatures, I climbed the steps.  The dogs, ‘Chilou’, dad’s blue heeler and ‘Shiloh’ his border collie wagged and wiggled their welcomes.

Opening the door into the entryway, I was greeted with flavors of mom’s kitchen and her hug. To the right, I peered into the living room for dad’ in his recliner.

His feet were propped up greeting me as I smoothed his warm hands.

I asked, “When did the owls move into the garage?”   Mom said she had not seen any thing earlier that day in the garage. My dad who was without sight said with a grin, “I haven’t seen any thing”.  Then said, “Don’t disturb them they will stay or they will leave when they are ready.”

I wondered if the owls were eating. They seemed still except for watchful eyes. And seemed to quietly move around in their sitting places when we were not in the garage.

Of course over the vacation, we used the cars, the dogs were always greeting with wags and wiggles but they did not disturb the owls. Each day we drove Dad to his local coffee spot the fourth stool in Dale’s café.

The owl duet sat.

The owls stayed in the garage the entire weeks I was home.  They were quite content when I left going back to university.

One week into my last semester studies an early morning phone call from mom notified me that Uncle Emil had passed away.

I talked to my advisor, with defrosters on high headed through the North Dakota Winter‘s Cold, home to grieve with family.

With anticipation of mom’s warm kitchen the car plowed through the snow into the garage.  I crawled out of my car greeted by dogs.

One little white owl.

Opening the door I went into the stillness of a grey house…. Dad quiet in his chair and mom quiet in the kitchen.

The Metcalfe Clan gathered at Peace Lutheran, Little Prairie Cemetery, and Kathy’s house where we grieved together for Uncle Emil.

One little owl continued to sit solo in the garage. I wondered if he was lonely missing the other?

I left to resume university studies semester student counseling practicum at a K-12 school in East Grand Forks.

On an icy morning, ten days after my return into my studies, mom telephoned more sorrowful news.  Uncle Jim had passed away in the night.

Icy cold highways and snowy drifts returned me to home. The farmhouse atmosphere was now a heavy, heavy grey. The dogs had greeted me.

Walking through the door to greet me? Pain.  My father’s loss was overwhelming.

The Metcalfe family clan returned to mourn at Peace Lutheran, and Little Prairie for my James A. Metcalfe, my uncle and Godfather.

Remember the winter of ’81-’82?I think and recall a burden on my heart colored a heavy grey.

And I remember and wonder about owls.

Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

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Blog (407) posted on March 24, 2009

03/24/2009

Posted on March 24, 2009

Cecile Gouin Craig (’61) passed away
Message from her daughter Dawn Cherne:

Gary,
I know my mom enjoyed connecting with you and all the happenings in Dunceith so I am emailing to let you know that she passed away on Jan. 2.
She appreciated getting all the news and heading about what others were up to, thank you for doing all you do to keep people connected.

Best wishes,
Dawn (Cec’s daughter)
Dawn,
I am shocked and saddened to hear this news of your mothers passing. We exchanged many personal messages too. I truly enjoyed her. We will miss her. Our condolences are with you and her entire family. Thank you so much for letting us know.
Gary

Obituary for Cecile Craig

Cecile Craig
Cecile was born to Eugenie and Laurent Gouin January 28, 1943 in Windsor, Colorado and passed away January 02, 2016 in Federal Way, WA. Cecile is survived by her husband of 48 years, Keith; her children Michael Longie, Barb Brindle and Dawn Cherne; grandchildren Mikaila Fulfs, Makenzie Cherne, Danielle Fulfs and KC Cherne; and brother Maurice (Morris) Gouin.

Condolence to the Johnson family
From Ron Peltier (’70) Dunseith, ND

Condolences to the Johnson family on the passing of Albert.  Albert was part of my class whom I thought was a very intelligent and outgoing individual.  I had the utmost respect for Albert, his sisters and brothers.  Albert lived in Rolla a few years back and he made a point for me to come and visit him, talked about the old days and about his sickness.  I also knew his mother and father very well, use to have a few beers with his dad in the Corner Bar after I turned of age, and Velma taught me how to play pinochle after our catechism class on Wednesday evenings.  Rest in Peace my friend, we will meet again.

Kramer CCC Camp
Reply from Larry W. Moore: 

Gary,

I was doing some research on Pop’s CCC Camp when I ran across this Site. http://dunseith.net/blog/?p=7611

Wanted to tell you how nice it was to see Pop’s CCC Bio posted there with the Kramer CCC Picture at the bottom. Thanks to Tim Martinson, It made for a warm place in my heart.

I also saw your photo from Vietnam and want to thank you for your Service and Sacrifice. I was lucky and did not have to go to Vietnam. I was in Army 67-68 and another 22 year in the Army Reserve. Pop was called for service in summer ’42 but failed physical several times. He always regretted no being able to serve, so I did my best to even it out.

Thanks again, I really appreciate your kindness in posting his Bio.

Larry W. Moore

Paragould, Arkansas

Larry,
Thanks for the nice reply and kind words. That picture and article was posted with blog number 2087 on 9/7/2014. Click on this link http://dunseith.net/blog/?p=7611 and go all the way to the bottom of that day’s posting.

 I too spent time in the Reserves too. 25 years. When we turned 60 we were officially retired army soldiers with all of the benefits too.

 Gary

Reply to Larry Hackman (’66)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Very cute jokes, Larry
Ginger

Glen Shelver: Reference to 1/6/2016 Posting
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary

I forgot to tell you that Garry and I had been smelling gas from the washing machine, that was the reason we fell asleep,  you probably figured that out anyway.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra Class of 1965

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Blog (406) posted on March 23, 2009

03/23/2009

Posted on March 23, 2009

Albert J. Johnson (DHS ’70)

Johnson, Albert J. Age 63 of Minneapolis, formerly of Dunseith, ND. Went home to the Father on January 1, 2016. Well known motorcycle professional and racer, master of all things mechanical, avid outdoorsman, eagle scout, amazing dad and teacher. Preceded in death by his mother Velma, father, sister and brother. Survived by children: Matthew, Marshall, Kelsey, brother Joe, sister Linda. Celebration of Life Service 5:30PM Saturday, January 16, 2016, visitation 1 hour prior. Washburn McReavy Davies Chapel, 2301 Dupont Avenue S., Mpls, MN 55405. Memorials preferred to The Hope Lodge – American Cancer Society, or The Pillars Hospice – Health East. Washburn-McReavy.com Washburn McReavy Albin Chapel Eden Prairie (952) 914-9410

So sorry to hear of Albert’s passing. With the email messages we exchanged I found him to be a really decent nice man. He fought a long hard battle with this cancer too. At one point I thought they had it arrested. He will be missed. Our condolences are with his entire family.  Gary

Happy Anniversary to Allen and Susan Richard
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Allen and Susan,

Happy Anniversary! I wish you many more wonderful years.

Ginger (LaRocque)Poitra Class of 65′

Yvette Belgarde

Born: October 08, 1965
Died: December 30, 2015

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YVETTE BELGARDE

Yvette Belgarde, age 50 of Dunseith, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in a Minot hospital. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Michael’s of The Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith. A wake will start on Monday at 4:00 P.M. at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center in Dunseith.

Yvette was born on October 8th, 1965 to Steve F. Belgarde and Delores M. (Roussin) Belgarde in Belcourt, North Dakota. She graduated from Dunseith High School and attended college and graduated from United Tribes Technical College with a Health Administration and Injury Prevention Degree. She was employed with St. Michael the Archangel Church, the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Aberdeen, and St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck as a Director of Telemedicine. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church.

Pall bearers included her nephews: Braden Allery; (god child) Dalton Kopecky; Davin Depoe; Davalance Depoe; Sharlo Davis; and Jake Marion who she had a special place in her heart for. Honorary Pall Bearers were Hunter Karlson; Ryder Belgarde, and Parker Belgarde, (nephews) and her brothers Stuart B. Belgarde, Lance M. Belgarde, and Shawn S. Belgarde. Gift bearers were cousins Debra Wilson Schieffer and Mark Wilson. The rosary was led by Alvin and Ella McLeod. She was carried by Steve Leonards’ beautiful team and wagon.

Yvette is survived by her two daughters, Nashay Bercier of Bismarck, Deete Belgarde, (Kyle Mathiason), son Dontae Maloney and her very special granddaughter Malani Mathiason. Sisters Patti Belgarde (Wayne Cornelius) Oneida Wi., Sandra Belgarde Karlson (Neil Karlson), Surprise, AZ-Mandan, N.D., Wanda Belgarde, Fort Yates, N.D., Michelle Kurle (Casey Kurle), Mercer, N.D., Elaine Gunville, Grand Forks, N.D., Stuart Belgarde (Teresa-Cha Cha ), Lance Belgarde (Kim), Horace, N.D. and Shawn Belgarde (Brenda Martell) and her special mother who she loved dearly Delores Belgarde. Uncles Louis Roussin, Clifford Belgarde, Aunts Gladys Azure, Mabel Roussin, and Theresa Heath of Patossi, Mo.

Yvette enjoyed watching the cooking channel and cooking, riding horse as a child, and visiting family and friends. She was very witty, fun loving and enjoyed dancing. She will be greatly missed and was loved very much. She was preceded in death by her father Steve F. Belgarde, niece Natasha Depoe, paternal grandma, Elsina Belgarde, grandfather Frank Belgarde, and maternal grandma Clemence (Jerome) Roussin, and Louis B. Roussin.

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Memories
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith,

At the end of the old year, I am always filled with sweet memories of my parents, Charlotte and Cliff.  The following is based on their memories shared with me. How blessed I was! Happy New Year.

Ice House and Ice Cream

I remember the days before my parents owned a freezer.  The only freezer at the farm had, was the top of an old Frigidaire that came with the house when they bought it in the winter of ‘51. With heavy frost buildup, my mother would spend one of the first warm summer days defrosting that freezer.  Later it became another designated ‘CHORE’ for one of her girls.

I do not recall the days of ‘ice houses’. People who lived close to a lake harvested lake ice, using a horse and sled, hauled huge ice blocks to a cool storage area built into the ground, perhaps in the shady side of a hill, dugout or the ground. The bottom of the icehouse would be graveled and covered with wood poles.  This allowed the melting water to not muddy the ground.

During winter’s cold, blocks of ice would be stacked on the wood, then layered with sawdust or straw.  The icehouse would be packed with the blocks of ice then topped with a roof and straw.

Whence cometh, hot summer days, ice was a valuable commodity.

Mom told me my Grandma Lamb was known for two major things in the Carpenter neighborhood;

1. Sylvia Wicks Lamb had a prolific garden. Vegetables, soft fruits and flowers. People would drive North to her home to gather sweet smelling blooms. I recall while in grade four, Mrs. Florence Conroy telling me about my grandmother Sylvia’s wonderful garden.

#2. My mom said her grandmother,  Elizabeth Welch Wicks a local midwife, was a wonderful cook and her ‘pop’ Bob Lamb cooked the best flapjacks and biscuits. Her mother, Sylvia would rather be outside, tending her livestock, or in her garden than in the kitchen cooking.   However, Sylvia enjoyed making ice cream.  Sweet cream, sugar, and many flavor varieties. Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Juneberry, Ah, How she loved experimenting!

My mother recalled the hot of summer Sundays, when the wood handled crank ice cream tool was brought out and made ready.

Come Sunday morning, Sylvia Wicks Lamb began preparing various ice cream mixes.  Ice would be fetched from the icehouse. By afternoon, neighbors, friends, and relatives would gather in the Lamb yard on old gravel road #43 East.

Games of horseshoe and tag would commence. Sylvia filled the little cylinder tank with her creation.  Strong boys with muscles took turns. Some one would add a bit of rock salt to the ice. Visiting, laughter and anticipation filled the air

Finally with a C”MON GET IT!!!!

Ice Cream was finally ready!

Summer’s hot breath was quenched under shady trees with cool licks of the cold, sweet, heavenly, icy creation.

Until Later,

Vickie Metcalfe

Shelver’s Drug Store
Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Speaking of Shelver Drug Store.  I have a couple stories to tell of our very important druggist.

I am sure many of you know he was also our doctor.

There was one time when my brother Garry and I were being babysat by our Aunt Alice LaRocque,  we were very young and not of age to go to school. Aunt Alice was washing clothes in a gas powered washing machine.  Aunt Alice sat us by the washing machine so she could watch us I expect. I remember (there aren’t many things I remember when I was young but I remember this) getting off a bench she had us sitting on.  We went to the living room got our coat/jacket and we’re helping each other put our coat/jacket on, we were told we were laying on the floor,  out ! sleeping!

I woke up in my Aunt’s arms and she was running to our house or grandma LaRocque’s house. While my brother was with Uncle Jerome, so we were told.

Our mother was working and came home.

Glen Shelver was also called to come and check us out. He stayed until he knew we were fine.

Mom said when she got home Garry was walking back and forth with his hands in his pockets. I was in the house lying on the bed still sleeping.

Another time,  Mom was working,  I am unsure about dad or what time of year is was so if he was working on the railroad and it was winter then he was home. I was in our house cutting a slice of bread,  and lo and behold!  I cut off the tip of my finger on my left hand.

Glen Shelver was called again,  he had to have put the tip back on because I still have it. There is a scar , not numb. Mr Shelver did great!

He was great,  to come and take care of us in our time of need. I don’t know if any of my other siblings ever needed his care but he sure did good for my brother and I.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra  Class of 65′

Joke of the day
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Three older ladies are discussing their problems with aging. The first one says, “Sometimes I find myself holding a loaf of bread in the kitchen and I can’t remember if I was putting it away, or, about to make a sandwich.”  The second one says, “Sometimes I find myself on the stair landing and can’t remember if I was going up or down.”  The third one says, “Well, so far my memory is perfect — knock on wood.”  She raps her knuckles on the wooden table and then says, “Wait here while I go answer the door.”

A bus driver for a retirement home has a busload of seniors. They’re taking a day trip to the seaside. About 20 minutes into the journey, an elderly lady walks up to him and says, “I’ve just been molested!”  He thinks she’s senile and tells her to go back to her seat.  Ten minutes later, another old lady has the same complaint. He thinks something in their coffee must’ve made these ladies delusional and tells her to sit down, too. Another ten minutes go by, and a third lady tells him the same complaint. He decides to stop the bus and investigate.

He goes to the back of the bus and finds an old man on his hands and knees. He asks, “What the hell are you doing?”  The old man answers, “I’m looking for my

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Blog (405) posted on March 22, 2009

03/22/2009

Posted on March 22, 2009

Shelver Drug Store
Reply from Lee Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

LEE here.  I feel honored and compelled to contribute to the Shelver Drug Store legend.  When our Mother discovered a health-related situation in our home that exceeded her excellent German upbringing, she found it easy to call Glen and ask his input; esp. @ nite.

Glen was kind to offer ameliorative advice if appropriate or to facilitate further steps to satisfy the situation.

Darrel (Doc), Dean and I each had a paper route.  Mine was the first; I took over from Darrel Haberstead .  His mother ran the show for the ‘transfer of operations (money)’.  It was only after Dad got the Minot Daily News man involved that I was able to make a “go of it”.

Anyway, back to the drug store.  Each fourth (4th) Saturday I would collect for the papers that I had delivered.

I would unerringly go to the drug store and for only 75 cents could get a large chocolate malt, a juicy hamburger and a generous side of french fries.

One Saturday night some fellows whom I thought were my near-friends wanted me to share my collected money with them.

They got some of it.  The next time that was attempted, I had 2 old-fashioned “church keys” in my pockets.  Once I presented them and stated that I may draw red, that never happened again; to me or to my brothers that I know of.

So glad for YOUR efforts to keep OUR blog going, Gary.  I would like to contribute to it, if that could help:

so that you have content and do not need to walk the street of CEBU to gain NEWS,

Say, I hear fireworks and I notice that it is 5 minutes before midnite, 2016.  I watched the ball fall in New York on the TV in the DR 2 hours ago.  Now it is our turn.  YOU had your turn many hours ago, I reckon: right?

LEE

24 year Anniversary
Posting from Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI

24 years ago yesterday, 12/31/1991 at 2:00 P.M. I married the most amazing person in the world.  Happy anniversary my love!

Congratulations Allen and Susan. Wishing you many more years together too. Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (404) posted on March 21, 2009

Folks, I went up and got a hair cut and a foot scrub at one of the local beauty parlors located in our local mini mall here in the Philippines the other day. The hair cut cost a dollar and then I gave the guy a dollar tip, so 2 dollars in all. I got a very thorough foot scrub with nail clippings and the whole bit. They scrubbed away all the old calluses and dead skin leaving my feet as smooth as a babies butt. The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours. The foot scrub cost 5 dollars, so with a 2 dollar tip, 7 dollars in all. Bernadette’s manicure and pedicure cost 2 dollars total. That’s 50 cents per limb. What a deal. Gary From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND Gary A beautiful day in Dakota today. The sky was clear with a slight breeze. The sun was shining. The snow was melting. The water was running. The birds were singing. The geese were flying. Spring has sprung. My thermometer showed 60 degrees in the shade. I went out and washed the car on the driveway in between the piles of snow without a jacket. I even got a little sunburned. I have to say it again. A truly beautiful day here in Bismarck after a long winter. Just so you don’t get homesick and jump on an airplane and come flying in to enjoy spring in the Dakotas. You have to remember that Spring here includes snow and they are talking 3 to 4 inches next week. Them flocks of geese that were flying today were flying both ways. The flocks flying north were honking with joy. The flocks flying south had been up north and saw the snow in the fields and the ice on the lakes and were honking their disappointment as you know they want to get up north to lay their eggs and start their families. It still was a beautiful sight and at least reminded a person that summer isn’t to far off and that it is good to be alive to enjoy days like this. I’ve worked outside most of my life and I know there are not too many perfect days like today. Hope you had a good day, I did. Take care and again thanks for all that you do. Larry Folks, I want to share this message of Lee (Leland) Stickland’s with you. Lee and Gloria have registered for our cruise. Unless told other wise, Lee has told me I can post what ever he sends. Gary Lee Stickland’s (64) message: Dickinson, ND Gloria, Gary and Bill, I have had a couple very pleasant/constructive phone visits with Gina, She purposely stayed after normal hours at work in WA DC this afternoon and called me to continue booking procedures. I now have completed the deposit, received a registration/confirmation/booking number of 16415392. Gloria and I have elected to have a cabin with a balcony. I understand that there is always the possibility of a free upgrade. I have made reservations at the Ramada for the nights of July 23 and 24, 2009. I was told the rate is to be $99 per night, confirmation # 60418104. WE sure wish to participate in the gala of the reunion to be held at the Best Western. I am a list-maker and have a few pages of, with questions that will either be answered by the many questions/answers in the links sent or I will ask them directly. THANKS SO much for the multitude of arrangements that are in place and the efforts to do so. Lee Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND Renee is the daughter of Rodney (67) and Karen Peterson (77) Lagerquist.

Hilmar Berg (98 years young) Honored
Picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND
Summery up-date Posted by Sue Berg (Hilmar’s niece):   Bottineau, ND

Folks,

Many of you know Hilmar, a brother to Erling and Clarence Berg. Hilmar has lived the Majority of his life in the Bottineau county Area.

Hilmar’s brother Clarence was Married to Mabel Berg. Mabel was a sister to my aunt, Helga Berg Petterson. Helga was married to my dad’s brother, Nels Petterson.  They lived in Everett, WA.

I first met Hilmar in the Winter of 1967 / 68 when he spent the winter staying with Nels and Helga Petterson, in Everett, WA, working in a paper factory.

With most all of my trips back to the area over the years I have seen Hilmar.  He is always so friendly and nice and likes to visit and talk. Very nice gentleman in deed. Hilmar has never married.

Thank you Sue Berg for your prompt reply sending the latest update for Hilmar too, pasted below the picture.  Most appreciated.

Summary Up-date of Hilmar, posted by Hilmar’s niece, Sue Berg.

Hilmar turned 98 October 7th, 2015. On the 17th of October he entered St. Andrews hospital with pneumonia ( the third bout in one year) and a UTI which is terrible for the elderly. He seemed to take some time to recover with a few ups and downs along the way. He made the decision to stay in long term care at St Andrews in Bottineau. He was a very fortunate man to live on his own all these years with a little help the last couple of years from relatives, a good neighbor and veteran friends. His heart is not in the greatest shape, but he has a strong will and great determination, which is amazing!

Reply to Shelver’s Drug photo posted by Jeff Skjielver
From Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (’65): Rolette, ND

Whenever I drive down Main Street Dunseith, I always miss the Drug Store on the corner.  Sweet memories

of chocolate malts made by Edna Leonard at the unbelievable price of 25 cents!  Indeed, those were the good

old days!  So fun to reminisce about those delightful days of growing up in a small town where everybody knows your

name!  What a gift!

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Blog (403) posted on March 20, 2009

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44): Bottineau, ND Reply to Phyllis McKay, Roy Anderson was Fred Anderson’s son who was a brother to my Granddad Bill. Myrtle Anderson my Grandma could write a book about her. She was one great lady , I think she was a Grandma & every one in Dunseith,when they moved to town in 42 they lived down by the cross roads which is just North of town. They would walk up town about 10 in the morning & all the business places worker would go out on the street & look for them to come. The reason was Grandpa 6’4″ tall Grandma 4’2″ tall they would say here comes Mutt & Jeff. McKay’s only lived about a mile or two from Anderson’s, we visited alot together. Phyllis your mother & Grandma were very close friends. Lloyd Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): MIssoula MT I too own “Cindy and the Turtle Mountain Boys”. I remember when my Grandpa Pete Longie bought it. We played it every Sunday afternoon, it sounded good then and it sounds good now. Actually my brother Roger but it on a cd because I wanted one for my car. And it sounds great!! They wer all awesome singers and musicians!!!! It wa alwasys more fun to go somewhere when you knew the Poitras were gonna play!!!! Families and friends all gathered and had wonderful times together listening to there music!! Thanks Alan for bringing up such great memories!!! Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): Everett, WA Bill Hosmer is right, postcard emailed by friends in Grand Forks. Time to look up that family! The Alaska cruise was the best Shen family holiday ever. Saw big blues leaping and slaming their tail fins; many Orca groups. Cannot express the beauty of the Misty Fiords visited on return trip. Sharron Reply from Tom Hagen (51): Mesa, AZ I got Dot from the hospital at 7 tonight. She spent 2 nights in the hospital. She is doing fine and will not go to rehab or therapy but will do some home exercises. We willdo them 3 times a day and then she must walk, walk, walk. Got in an out of the van with no problem and up the 3 steps, no problem. She can’t run any races yet but can maneuver pretty well with her walker. Thank you for the many letters and prayers you have sent and we want you to know it was very much appreciated and welcomed.We love E-mail letters, Love Tom and Dot Picture from Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND Gary I decided to edit this photo and perhaps it may be more recognizable to some one. So, to save some time. It was found in Ester (Bakken) Schimetz’s memoirs. The Bakken’s had a farm about 3 miles south of Yellow Corners. Two of My Uncles, John and Mike married Bakken sisters. Ester and Molly respectively. No one in the family is able to identify they 3 people. The Little one may be a girl. To Ardis Bakken Horner (Teacher) and Marsha Getzlaff Bakken (74): Is this Bakken Family related to your family? Gary

Picture posted by Dave Shelver’s (’63) son
Jeff Skjelver:  Rugby, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (402) posted on March 19, 2009

03/19/2009

Posted on March 19, 2009

Condolences to the Pladson Family
From Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA.

Our condolences are to the Pladson family. My wife and I are in Miami, FL this week and missed the first posting.  Linda baby-sat a couple times for us in the late 70s when we were back to ND.  I had not seen her since then so that is the way I remember her.  Linda was a very fun loving person who will be greatly missed.

Dale Pritchard

Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi  Gary,   As  much  as  I appreciate, and  enjoy, and  have  enjoyed  the  Dunseith  blog you  created, I  for  one  totally  understands  you  reaching  the  burnout  point, to  some  degree.  I  don’t  fully  understand  all  what  goes  into  it, but  it  sounds  like  quite  an  undertaking.  With  Bernadette  being  sick  and  all  I  know  you must have  alot  on  you  on  a  daily  baisis, no  matter  how  much  help  you  have.  I  personally  feel  if  you  wanted  to  cut  back  to  a  once  a  week  post  or  every  other  week  that  people  would  understand. Like  the  Turtle  Mountain  Star  only  goes  out  once  a  week…..(I  think???) at  least I  know  it  use  to…. :).  You  have  to  do  what  works best  for  you  Gary…. as  we  all  know,  nothing  stays  the  same  forever.  I  just  want  you  to  know  you  got  my  100%  support  what  ever  you  choose  to  do, God  Bless  you  for  your  faithfulness  this  far  with  keeping  the  blog  going  for  as  long  as  you  have.  I  will  keep  both  you  and  Bernadette  in  my  prayers, and  that  you  find a  peace with  any  changes  that  you  feel  you  need  to  make  with  the  blog.  Take  Care, and  God Bless.  Aggie

Thanks Aggie, Gary

Dinner last night at the Cebu Tops overlooking Cebu City.

Bernadette was a bit better last night so she was able to go with us for dinner at the tops. Very nice view of Cebu up there too.

Today we are going to the New Seaside mall with Bernie and Lorelie. Bernadette will be in her wheelchair. She can’t walk long distances or be on her feet very long.  The new Seaside Mall is one of the largest in the world. I think maybe the 3^rd or 4^th largest. We will check it out today. It is located about 10 miles from our house.  Within a span of 5 miles we have 3 very large modern malls.

Gary

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Blog (401) posted on March 18, 2009

03/18/2009

Posted on March 18, 2009

Reply from Bill Hosmer (’48):  Tucson, AZ

Gary, I would like to thank you and congratulate you for the loyalty

and care you have managed to keep us North Dakota folks in touch

with one another.  The historical significance of the re-plays of some

of the posts is beyond imagination.  Reading words of terrific people

no longer with us as well as current dialogues from people all across

the country has become a big part of my daily routine.

You created something of value that at first,nine years ago, seemed

novel and original in every way.  Now, for some of us it has become

a NEED to get our Hills and Prairie “fix”.  When Bernadette is having

a bad health time and you need to focus on her needs, that is completely

understandable and I believe we all feel compassion for her when those

days occur.

Personally, I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet you and your bride

when you were home for a visit. I’m proud to be a part of the community

of us who started life, or continued it, or lost it in that special place.

God Bless Gary and Bernadette Stokes and Happy Holidays to all

of you fellow Dakotans.   Bill Hosmer

Thanks Bill for the kind words.  Gary

Condolences to the Pladson Family
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Pladson family and the Ash family upon hearing of Linda’s passing.  May God give you some peace in your hearts.

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Linda Pladson Ash Killed in a Car Accident
Obituary posted by Keith Pladason (’66): Roanoke Rapids, NC

 Linda Ash
9/3/1961 — 12/16/2015

• Send a Condolence

Linda Ann Ash passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in a car accident. She was 54 years of age.

Linda was born Sept. 3, 1961, in Bottineau, N.D., to Elden and Ella (Thompson) Pladson. She attended schools in Dunseith, N.D., and graduated from high school in Bottineau. She went on to attain an associate degree in forestry.

Linda moved to Lewiston in 1986 and worked as a social worker in the area for Community Action Partnership and Goodwill Industries. She loved her work helping her community.

She and Bill Ash were married on Oct. 3, 1999, and they were married 16 years until his passing in September of this year.

Linda enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling and anything having to do with the outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her siblings, Florence Sime, Floyd Pladson, Keith Pladson, Dan Pladson, Fern Beaver, Tina Bullinger and Victor Pladson; stepsons Shane (Kasey) Ash and Brandon (Tiffany) Ash; children AJ (Crystal) Pladson and Nichole Pladson; as well as stepgrandchildren Wyatt, Wayne, Rhett and Kean Ash.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; and brothers Jerry, Clarence and David Pladson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am. Wednesday at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home. Any memorial donations may be made to AJ Pladson, 1515 23rd Ave., Apartment No. 9, Lewiston, ID 83501.

So so sorry to hear this Keith. Our condolences are with you and your families.

Holliday Greetings
From Ron Longie (’65):  Yakima, WA

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may you all “LIVE LONG AND PROSPER” ————— Ronnie Longie

Memories
Posting from Lorraine Richard Nelson (’46):   Mesa, AZ.

Oh what fun to read all the fun things that happened in Dunseith so many years ago. In answer to Gary Metcalfe’s email.. What memories!! I still sing a lot, whenever I get the chance. We always look forward to “Crazy Fingers” Gordie Lindquist’s arrival in January as he entertains here in the Valley for about three months, at the Senior Centers and Wayne and I are part of his program..We really enjoy singing with Gordie and folks love him as we do. Lorraine Richard Nelson…Our home is now in Arizona.. Payson (in the Mountains) and Mesa in the Summer.Merry Christmas and a Happy 2016 to all..

A present from Santa
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

Yesterday, Christmas eve morning  while I was out shoveling the sidewalk a blazer drove up.
A little boy about 6 jumped out and ran up  to me.  I had never seen him before. Nor the driver of the vehicle.

Leaning on my shovel, I said, ” Are you looking for someone.?
The boy said,  “I am looking for you.”
He handed me a brown paper bag.  Then,  said,” Santa gave me this to give you.”

I replied, “You saw Santa”?
He nodded.
I said,  ” Did he have along white beard and was he dressed in red?”
He grinned one tooth missing, saying,  “YES.”

I replied….”Wow! that is so exciting!  Thank You!  If you see Santa again please tell him, Thank YOU and Merry Christmas.”

He nodded, saying  “Merry Christmas,” ran back to the vehicle and which sped away.

I didn’t stay l puzzled at the child’s  identity.

I am certain  He was sent by Santa and that’s enough for me!

I believe!

It was just the great beginning to a great HoliDay!

Happy 2016.
Vickie, Thor and Lochbuie

Christmas day eve party in Cebu

This picture was taken last night at a Christmas party we attended at one of our Cebu Expat friends. They had catered food for about a hundred of us. Bernadette was not well enough to go. Our son Bernie and his wife Lorelie were with me too.

Note: Dave Sandness in the picture is a cousin to Richard Sandness, Now disease. Richard worked at the First National for many years. I knew him as a loan officer.

Gary Stokes, Barbara Kenny, Bernie & Lorelie Stokes, Dave Sandness and Richard Mitchell

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Blog (400) posted on March 17, 2009

Posted on March 17, 2009

We are into Year nine.

Folks,

We have just completed 8 years with this blog. We are now into year nine. In the past 8 years we have hashed over a lot of memories of which we plan to keep on doing for years to come too.  My daily distribution is about 750 plus the posting of each of these blogs in our Dunseith Alumni Wed site.  http://dunseith.net/

I will be honest there are days I feel guilty for not getting a blog posted, especially if I have missed several days. I am getting burned out posting one every day.  The fun part is putting it together. The not so fun part is the distribution.  I find if I miss a day or two, I am eager to get one posted.

I am no longer posting the “Happy Birthday” wishes either. It just took too much time to put all those together. That was one area I thought I could eliminate.

Starting Next week I will dedicate myself to posting a blog on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings my time.  That will be Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Dunseith.

Linda Pladson Ash died in a car accident
Message from Keith Pladson (’66):Roanoke Rapids, NC

Gary,

My youngest sister, Linda (Pladson) Ash was killed in a car accident on Wed, Dec 16th in Lewiston, ID.  I am currently in Spokane, WA, in route to Lewiston.  I’ll try to send you an obit soonest.

Keith Pladson

Such sad news Keith. She was only 54 years old too. Our condolence are with you and all of Linda’s family.

Reply to Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s posting
From Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dear Ginger,

Thank you for sharing your memorable childhood Christmas story.

            I am WOW-ed, you actually saw  Santa Claus!

 I never got to see him in  person.  

            Like you,  I’ve  always been a believer. 

At school there is always a kid who asks, “Do you believe in  Santa?”

            ….I say “Yes!”

            Like you,       I like the joys in life; 

wise and wonderful things which come from within 

the human heart.

Vickie

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Blog (399) posted on March 16, 2009

03/16/2009

Posted on March 16, 2009

Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom (DHS class of 1936)
Posting from Ron Cain:  Superior, Wi.

Gary:

Thanks for posting a recent photo of Elaine Stokes and Corbin & Luella Pritchard.  My mother -Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom-has some unidentified pictures and I can now put a name to the face.

She is doing well and in two months will hit the century mark.  WHEW!

Ron Cain

Thank Ron for this reply.

 Your mother, to our knowledge, is the oldest living to have ever graduated from Dunseith High School.

 Folks, Lillian’s mother was a Stokes, sister to my grandfather Frank Stokes. The Thompson farmstead was located in the Ackworth community about a mile east of the Fauske Farm or about a mile north and about a half mile east of the our farm, the Stokes farm.

 Lillian was also a first cousin to the Pritchard’s, (Robert, Corbin, Winifred Eurich and Floyd Pritchard’s dad)

 Advance happy birthday to Lillian too. Not often folks reaching a hundred still have s sound mind like Lillian. I understand she is a little hard hearing is all. Remarkable. Ron please keep us posted with your mother’s 100^th birthday. We are most certainly interested.

 Gary  

Memories
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

I grew up in a small house in shanty town, of Dunseith. Our house WAS SMALL!  We were a family of 7, one boy and 4 girls.

We were poor money wise. Our mother made our clothes including our coats for the most part. Our father worked different jobs, draying, driving truck for Evie, Ernie and George Gottbreth’s grandfather, he did what he had to do to feed his family. He later got a job on the railroad, working summers in the beginning, later working year round, retiring from the railroad.

Our mother began working at the Crystal Cafe as a cook, she always said that Rosie McCoy was a good cook, who taught her a lot. Working at the Crystal Cafe began because she wanted to buy Christmas gifts for us. She ended up working there for 9 years before going to work at San Haven for 27, she was a cleaning lady,  she cleaned for Dr. Loeb and other people.

There were no doors for the two bedrooms so mama made curtains for doors.

One Christmas Eve when I was maybe 5, 6. After having eaten our supper the dishes were washed and put away, floor swept, the kitchen having been cleaned extra good we sat around for a while.

We were all told to go to bed and sleep or Santa won’t come, we couldn’t go to our usual places to sleep so we went to mom and dad’s bedroom knowing we would soon be awaken to open our gifts.

What kid could go to sleep with the excitement that Santa would soon be here.  Knowing what we knew,  my brother and I knelt on the bed peeking through the curtains which were opened a bit, just enough to see pretty good.

We could see the door leading outside. It opened!  There stood dad, mom! And Santa!  Carrying a sled!

The sled was my brothers,  I got a black bear with a white face.

This was a memorable Christmas for me,  I got to see Santa Claus!

I didn’t tell anyone I saw Santa until way later in life, and it was my kids I told it to.

Merry Christmas to all and to all I ask.  Did you ever see jolly old Saint Nick? The real one!

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of 1965 a most wonderful year!

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

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Blog (398) posted on March 15, 2009

1943: Corbin and Luella Woodward Pritchard with my mother Elaine Woodward Stokes.

My Mother and Luella Pritchard were sisters. This picture was taken when my dad was in the Army during WWII.

When our dad got drafted into the army, Luella went to stay with our mother on the Stokes farm in the Ackworth community. During this time Luella taught school at Acworth. It was there where she met their neighbor, Corbin Pritchard. Corbin and Luella were married in 1943. In 1944 Luella died, from TB, in San Haven. Corbin then met and married Doris smith the mother of their three children Bill, Cheryl and Keith. Since Corbin was my uncle, even if we are not blood related, Bill Cheryl and Keith are my cousins.

Corbin Pritchard was a real gentleman type guy too. He and Doris owned Pritchard’s shoe store in Bottineau for many years. With each of my trips back, each summer to the area, when Corbin would see me he’d always took the time to shake my hand and visit. Most often I’d see him in Tommy’s café.

Bill is a mirror image of his dad too and I am sure with his gentleman characteristics.

I saw Keith, very often, this past July at the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau when he was giving Physical Therapy to Eleanore Fauske  and Angus Campbell. Keith, like his dad, is such a gentleman, super friendly and nice too. He is an excellent Physical Therapist too.

             Elaine Stokes            Luella and Corbin Pritchard

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Blog (397) posted on March 14, 2009

03/14/2009

Posted on March 14, 2009

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Blog (397) posted on March 14, 2009

Happy birthday Ivy Eller Robert (’74)
Message from Ivy:  Bottineau, ND

Today, December 12th, is my 60th Birthday. I know that there were many people in my class that had their Birthdays in December as well. I just don’t remember who was on what day…….all I know is I would like to say a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone in the class of 74, who has their Birthdays this month.

It is so unbelievable to think that the people I graduated with have been around for 6 decades, WOW! (I hope we still have a few more to see before we are gone).
Just to sit & think about all the things that have happened & all of the thing that have been invented and manufactured since 1955 is mind blowing sometimes.
Well, I had planned to take a drive and explore the area for my Birthday, however it’s raining…………At lease I am not in the snow and cold of North Dakota. My sister Julie decided this year to winter in Southern New Mexico. We are in Alamogordo area. We just didn’t realize it’s 4000 feet up & not as warm as we would like it to be. Great area to explore, but I want warm, so we just might go back to Arizona, to the same place as we have been the last two winters.
Hope everyone has wonderful holidays & Grand New Year.

Ivy (Eller) Robert ’74

Reply to Dale Pritchard’s (63) question
From Rod Hiatt (’69):  Bottineau, ND

Gary

In response to Dale’s question on the TV show, I believe it was the Pat Beardstail show he was talking about. I remember watching that all the time with my Grandpa John and old Mr. Abrahamson that lived just west of his house. Granddad always liked the girl that sang Little Bitty Tear let me Down.

Brings back the good memories of growing up in Dunseith

Reply to Dale Pritchard’s (63) question
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

I recall a show with local talent being broadcasted on one of our Minot stations.  Although I don’t remember who performed.  I remember another show with Pat Bearsdale or Bearstail. I’m thinking it was country and western music. Probably not local singers.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

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Blog (396) posted on March 14, 2009

Cebu City SM Mall

This picture was taken several days ago while we were shopping in the Mall. We ran into Dimple, the girl on my left, so we took a picture.  She is a former girlfriend of Bernadette’s nephew.

                      Mirasol         Novie  Gary/Bernadette     Dimple

Reply from Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA

Gary,

All the “posts” about music lately reminded me of a TV program in the late 50s – early 60s.  There was a TV channel out of Minot that invited musically talented folks to be on TV live and play some of their music and sing if they were so inclined.  One of the best on the program was a guy from Belcourt, I think.  There was also a father and his 10 year old (?) son from somewhere around Minot who were really good.  The father played a double-necked guitar and his son had a regular guitar.  Does anyone remember anything about this program?  I think it was on a Saturday or Sunday.

Dale Pritchard

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (395) posted on March 13, 2009

Posted on March 12, 2009

Dean Lamb (’70) and Joanne Millang (’70):
Not sure of the occasion or the year?

Orvin Hagen. We miss him dearly too. He passed away in August 2013 at the age of 92.

Ed Milligan – Forestry History teacher

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Blog (393) posted on March 11, 2009

Posted on March 11, 2009

A couple of photos from Dewy Morinville’s (72) Face Book pa
Thanks Dewy.

Johnny Myers

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Blog (392) posted on March 10, 2009

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03/10/2009

Posted on March 10, 2009

Reply from Alan Boguslawski (’65):  Vancouver, WA.

Happy Anniversary Gary and Bernadette!!  I admire you!

Alan Boguslawski

Thank you Alan,
It is great hearing from you. I have often thought about you too. Now we know you are alive and assuming well too. I am assuming you are probably retired now, enjoying your Yacht. If possible, we’d love for you to sail to the Philippines too.
Gary

Rely from Ralph and Luella Boardman Bjornseth (’49):  Bottineau, ND

Happy Anniversary!  Great picture of you  guys.  Hope Bernadette is feeling better again now.  Tell her HI from us.

Thanks Luella and Ralph.

Gary

Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary and Bernadette,

Beautiful bride and handsome groom,  very nice picture.   Happy Anniversary!   Hope you two have a beautiful time at your anniversary dinner.

Ginger

Thanks Ginger
Gary

Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s DHS teacher):  Hutto, TX

Happy Anniversary to you two.  Enjoy your day together and may they be many, many more.

Bob Lykins

Thanks Bob,
Gary

Reply to Bernadette (Wedding picture)
From Elve Hill Fuchs: Bismarck, ND

Beautiful !!

Thanks Elve.
Yes that is beautiful picture of Bernadette.
Gary

North Dakota
Posting from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi  Gary,  It  was  interesting  reading  all  the  comments  about  North  Dakota…… I  think  I  might  have  shared  this  story  a  few  years  back, but  I  will  share  it  again  for  the  benifit  of  those  who  havent  heard  it, and  feel  a  bit  put  off   with  the negative slights by  whoever.   A  few  years  back  I  went  out  to  breakfast  with  a  friend  of  mine  at  a  popular  restaurant (Shoney’s) near  the  Charlotte  Motor Speedway  on  race  week-end.I  just  happened  to  be  wearing  my  white  North  Dakota Centennial  jacket. Shoney’s  was  packed  the  waiting  line  was  long, but  race  fans  are  99.9  country   folks,  so  the  wait  was  friendly  and  interesting. Our  name  was  finally  called  and  as  we  worked  our  way  through the  crowd  to  our  seat, I  heard  someone  holler  out, “Hey  North Dakota!!!  as  I  turned to  see  who  hollered,  this  truck  driver  waved  and  hollered, “I  drive  truck  in  that area, prettiest  country  you’ll  ever  see”  I  smiled  and  waved, and  the  people  smiled  back.  Another  time  I  was  up  in  Gatlinburg  Tennessee  where  me  and  friends  would  get  together  to  go  do  New Years  every  year. Again  I  was  wearing  my  North  Dakota Centennial  jacket, as  we  were walking  down  the  street  New  Years  Eve night. The  traffic  was  bumper to bumper and  moving slowly. Pretty  soon  a  car  went  by  with  this  guy  hanging  half  way  out  the  window  and  hollered as  he  waved “Hey  North  Dakota!!!  The  nicest people  you  could  ever  meet, I  waved  back  and  hollered  “Yes  we  are!!!   All  at  once  everyone  one  around  me  wanted  to  claim  me  with a Whoo!!!  Whoo!!!……. So  with  that  bit  of  a  holiday  story,  I  would  like  to  take  the  time  to  thank  you  Gary  for  the  blog, and  to  wish  you  and  Bernadette, and  all  the  Dunseith  bloggers  a  very  Merry  Christmas &  Happy  New  Years  with  every  thing  “Good”  that  the  Lord  can  bless  you  all with  this  Holiday  Season.  Aggie 😉

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Blog (391) posted on March 9, 2009

03/09/2009

Posted on March 9, 2009

Gary and Bernadette Stokes’ 37^th Wedding Anniversary

Folks,

Today is our 37^th Wedding Anniversary. Bernadette wanted to go to the new mall today that  open last week. Of course if we went there Novie and Mirasol would have to go along to assist Bernadette. Anyway the girls talked their Tita (aunt) Bernadette into going to the new mall tomorrow instead. They told her that just the two of us should go out for a special dinner this evening. She listened to them too, but not me. She wants to go Maya’s for a Mexican dinner, so that is  where we are going.

Gary

Reply to picture
From Dewey Morinville (’72):   Dunseith, ND

Gary the man sitting next to dad (Joe Morinville is Oscar Hagen. He married our cousin myrtle daughter Emmy

Dewey,
Oscar was a brother to Orville and Clifford Hagen. John and Agnes Hagen were their parents.  They live 1.5 miles south of us and a half mile west.  From the time I can remember back  too Oscar had already left home, so I never knew him.  He sure looks like a Hagen though. Oscar is on our distribution too. Not sure if he is reading them though.
Gary

                      Oscar Hagen and Joe Morinville

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Blog (390) posted on March 8, 2009

03/08/2009

Posted on March 8, 2009

 Happy Birthday Don Boardman (’60): Bottineau, ND

Happy Birthday Darrel Fassett (’47):  Boynton Beach, FL

Happy Birthday Pam Fassett Faust (’47):  Lilburn, GA.

Betty Hackman Schmidt (DHS ’68) Obituary
Posted by Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Larry Hackman’s Comment:
Betty left us way to soon.

Betty Ann Hackman Schmidt, 65, retired from Bank of America and previously AT&T was greeted in heaven on Sunday, November 22, 2015.

Betty was born on March 22, 1950 in Rolette, ND She was the fifth of eight children born to Clarence Hackman of Dunseith, ND and Marian Kraft Hackman, Rugby ND.

On May 23, 1969, she married Gordon Schmidt at the Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby ND and went on to raise their four children while living in Devils Lake, ND.

In 1986, the family relocated to Arizona, which she has called home ever since.

She will be truly missed by her husband, Gordon Schmidt; her four children, Pamela Schmidt Kosh, Penny Schmidt Prespentt, Gordon Schmidt Jr. and wife Melanie and Keri Schmidt; her grandchildren, Jacob and Nicole Kosh, Marcus Prespentt, Zachary and Aurora Schmidt and four legged grand-baby, Cheba.

She is also survived by her brothers, Anton, Henry, Larry and Lanny; sisters, Clarice, Rosie and Jeanne.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Marian Hackman; her in-laws, Phillip and Leona Schmidt, Rugby.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2016 in North Dakota

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Blog (389) posted on March 7, 2009

03/07/2009

Posted on March 7, 2009

Folks, I’m a bit later than normal getting today’s message out. We had a few errands to run today in conjunction with getting our plane ticket’s to go back to the states in July. July is a high season travel month from the states to the PI, so the rates are about 1.5 times higher than off peak seasons. Our travel agent here in Cebu beat any price I could find on the internet by $60. Our round trip ticket’s cost $1,290 each from Manila to Seattle. Better rates can be found departing from the states to the PI, than from the PI to the states. We are flying on Northwest airlines and will be arriving in Seattle on July 23rd at 8:55 AM. The flight time is 15:45 hours, but with the time change we will be arriving in Seattle 45 minutes later than when we left the Philippines. We will be staying at the Ramada Inn at SeaTac on July 23/24. Gary

Question from Esther Murray Fleming (65): Flint, MI

Hi Gary,

Just a note, I was just thinking about a family that used to live in Dunseith. Does anyone remember the Orville Sutton family and whatever happened to them. I know there was Gail, the twins, Janet and Janice and I think few other ones in the family and I can’t remember there names. Does anyone possibly know what happened to any of them? Give my best to Bernadette and also you. You know that, Have a good day.

Esther

Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hi Gary, I do believe we have some CD’s left or if the need be I can get some more made. By all means let me know and I will see what I can do! Thanks! I will attach a song that was on the album and written by my dad.

Alan, I listened to the song you attached to the message you sent me that was written by you Dad. It’s beautiful! It’s a crystal clear recording, very professionally done. The file size is a bit large to be attaching to one of these daily messages, but for those that like, they can request a copy from either you or me. We may be able to get Bill Grimme to post some of these songs too. You’ve got some beautiful music there that will for sure bring back memories to many. Gary

Radiation treatment update from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau ND

Hi Friends/Relatives,

Thanks for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf; they are working. I have now had three radiation treatments, only 33 left! Ha! I’ll have treatments 5 days a week, except for holidays, or if for some reason, I can’t make it. I should be finished about April 22, or so.

As those of you who have experienced radiation treatments know, there is no pain with the actual treatment. To have my breast positioned exactly correct, my body is in a position I don’t usually use–arm stretched above my head/body lying so my back is in a kind of twisted position. On “planning day”, a cast was made of how my body would be positioned for treatments, and many marks were drawn on the upper right portion of my body. That day, my fingers went numb first, and later my hand/arm started to go numb. I was such a wimp! I felt like a new recruit in boot camp! Ha! The next day was better, as it didn’t take nearly as long. Today, they didn’t need to take x-rays, so the treatment didn’t take as long as it did yesterday. It will all be fine.

I’m in Bottineau tonight (After my treatment today, I came directly to Bottineau.). I’ll be here until Sunday (later in the day), or until Monday about noon. My appoints are at 2:30, so IF I get my body out of bed and get going, getting to Minot by 2:30 shouldn’t be a big deal. Ha!

I’m going to visit my mom at Good Samaritan tomorrow, and on Sunday, I’m planning to attend the music event at the Senior Center her in Bottineau. Highway 43 (Bottineau Group) and musicians from Frozen Fingers organization in Minot, are performing at 2:00. It’s open to everyone, so if you live “fairly close to Bottineau”, come to the program on Sunday and spend the day with many other friends who enjoy country/old-time music. Senior Citizens are serving lunch. I don’t know if it will be free-will donations; items marked individually, or how it will be handled.

All for now.

Neola

Reply to the ND video from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I was amused and yet disgusted by the video on traveling to North
Dakota! The TYPE of people asked, “Would you go to North Dakota” or
“Where would you least like to go?”, happen to be the TYPE we don’t have
here and I think it’s great that we don’t! I watch the Weather Channel,
headquartered in NY City, and they think that Cleveland, Ohio is way out
in the midwest! It’s no wonder they have no concept of the midwest, when
the farthest west they seem to have dared travel is western
Pennsylvania! It is also good they don’t come out here in the
summer—we probably couldn’t get rid of them! The colder climate is
what has built a decent and hardy lot and has also kept us from becoming
like those who belittle us and our way of life! To the producers I say,
“Thanks for staying in NY!” In a more serious tone, thanks Bill and Gary!

Dick

Dick, I was thinking the same thing of the folks selected for interviews, when viewing that video. They did not select a true representation of the ND folks to be interviewed in this video. The John Doe’s selected did not appear to be very knowledgeable of the jobs they are holding. We know that’s not the case. Gary

MILDRED PARRILL’S 90TH BIRTHDAY
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Saturday, December 5th 2-4PM
Oak Manor in Bottineau

No gifts or card.  Just come and enjoy cake & coffee & sign the guest register. If you can’t make it, I know she would enjoy email messages or a note from her friends and former students.  Emails can be sent to me at  espe@utma.com.  Snail mail can be sent to 823 Railroad Ave., Apt #29, Bottineau, ND  58318.

Mildred (Mom) taught school a total of 36 years of which 28 were at Dunseith Public.  She began her career in Dunseith with 37 first graders in 1955. (This was my class of ’67.) The following year they gave her 39 students (Class of 68).  She only lasted until Christmas as my brother Joel was born in Feb 1957.  Her break lasted three years and she returned to teach 2nd grade in Feb 1960 where she stayed until retirement in 1986.  In the early 60s the classes were split to have two and later three teachers per grade. Before Dunseith she taught country school near Sawyer, the Medrud and Butte schools in Bottineau County, at Russell, ND and at Wetherelt (Rolette County) the summer of 1955.

Mom (Mildred Nelson) graduated from 8th grade in 1938 (age 12).  She skipped a grade, but then had to stay home a year to earn money for books.  She and her sister Marie Parrill roomed in town at the Riverside Hotel and later at Mrs. Bedard’s.  She graduated from DHS in 1943.  She attended Minot State where she graduated four times-with a 6 week rural certificate, one year rural, two year life time standard, and finally a BS in elementary education. Students from her earlier days remember her red hair.

Her favorite hobbies now are reading, reading, reading- mostly nonfiction and especially biographies, watching NFL (Vikings/Bears) and NBA (Lakers/Bulls) and playing whist.

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Blog (388) posted on March 6 , 2009

Folks, With all that Dick provides with these daily messges, The name “Dick Johnson” has become very familiar to most all of us. For those of you in the area, here’s your chance to see Dick & Brenda. I am reposting Dick’s message as a reminder of the entertainment He and Brenda, along with the Frozen Fingers group from Minot, will be providing this Sunday at the senior center in Bottineau. There is no admission charge. What a deal for some great entertainment. Gary Brenda & Dick Johnson Dick Johnson’s message (68): Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends,I should have been more precise. The Frozen Fingers group from Minot, which we belong to, is joining us for a jam session in Bottineau, at the Senior Center on Main Street every second Sunday of each month. The first jam session is planned for March 8 at 1 PM. It’s open to the public at no charge and the Senior Citizens will be providing the lunch. At this time I’m not sure if the lunch is free will or if items are priced, but either way it will be great! There will be pickers and singers from all over the area taking turns playing all kinds of music . It should be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there! Dick Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) permission to post:Dickinson, ND Yes, do, Gary, on both accounts; Dad’s obituary and my wordy last note. Black ice this earlier am but now shows 34 degrees; just don’t jump to conclusions about weather in March or any other time for that matter. I find myself nearly turning to go to the NH some mornings. That is probably not unusual as the grieving process goes on. I once thought I knew a bit about aging, dying, grieving, etc. We are never ready. I am so impressed by YOUR ability to ferret out information, Gary. Again, yes, post what ever I write to YOU or that YOU are able to find rellative to the remaining Sticklands that grew up in Dunseith. We all started out in that locale, Grandmother May Striker grew up just south of the Peace Gardens, Grandfather Lee came to ND from Indiana. Lee ( leland–stick–sticky) Robert Elmer Stickland The Dickinson Press Published Saturday, February 28, 2009 Robert Elmer Stickland, 87, Dickinson, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Robert’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Mr. Martin Wilson and Mr. John Simons officiating. Spring interment will take place at the Dickinson Cemetery, with a military flag presentation to follow the service and will be provided by the Dickinson Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to service time on Saturday at Ladbury Funeral Service. Robert was born to Edward Lee Stickland and May (Striker) Stickland on July 6, 1921 near Dunseith. Following two years of high school, Robert joined the Civil Conservation Corps and served in North Dakota, Arizona and Utah. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation metal smith in the U.S. and Panama. After the war, he worked as a Rural Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 plus years. In 1944, he met Irene Adams. They were married in Ayer, Mass. on May 3, 1945 while he was stationed at a Naval Air Base in Quonset Point, R.I. They later made their home in Dunseith where they lived for 31 years. In 1976 they retired to Bozeman, Mont., then transitioned to Dickinson in 1992 and have remained there ever since. Irene preceded Robert in death on April 17, 2002. They have three sons, Lee of Dickinson, Darrel of Blaine, Minn., and Dean of Olympia, Wash.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Leonard; and three sisters, Doris, Joy and Marian. Robert and Irene met God’s servants in the fall of 1949 and made their decision to follow Christ’s teachings in the spring of 1951. Their lives have been enriched with the love and care of family and many friends. Lee (Leland) Stickland’s (64) reply to Gary: Dickinson, ND Gary, I was Stick to many in HS, my grandfather Edward Lee Marchant’ Stickland was called Lee. I found that saying Leland Stickland on the phone when attempting to successfully communicate with strangers was a mouth full. The migration to Lee took some time and was assisted by my having nursing home in varying locales; three homes in ND/// Dunseith, Dickinson and Mandan. I worked with Dickinson and Mandan at the same time as they are less than 100 miles apart. I was in Wis with 9 different homes at the outset and also at Boise ID. My self-imposed moniker was thought to be actual. Much of my mail is Lee. My passport is Leland as is the drivers’ license; when we fly I must be sure to have all names as Leland or I could left behind. Yes, there was an good obit of Dad, written by Dean, following the format of Mom’s Darrel’s name is as appears here. He is Doc to many but his name in the MPLS area is Darrel; a reverse of circumstances that ensued for me. I was and am Mr Lee much of the time, esp when I practiced MBWA (Management by wandering around) in the homes that I was responsible for. No one ever worked for me, we all worked with and together. I will send a cc of the obit shortly, have not made all of the rounds yet locally to thank folks for all each did for Dad so have been doing that. My apartment is a typical bachelor dwelling in order but not definitely so, thus things are here and there. I will also send a cc of the editorial that I wrote and that just happened to appear in the local paper on the day of Dad’s funeral, February 28, 2009. There is no convenient time to die and it is not easy to say good bye. Dad asked to see my girl friend, Gloria, on the morning of the day he died. He and she had shared some “secrets” and were fast friends. Dad had recently been sent to the ER more often. At these time we would go to the hosp and meet him there. This time I was called for OK to send him to the ER. About 7 minutes later, I was called back to be informed that he had died at the nursing home. And times moves on. Lee Reply from Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN Hi Gary, Frank Poitra is my grandfather and if possible I would like to get a copy of that article written about him. I have listened to many artists from the Turtle Mountains and have to say there is so much talent that I would love to go to a jamboree with nothing but the Turtle Mtn Artists. For those of you who do not know me, my father was the late Gary Poitra, he was the youngest of Grampa Franks children and I am so proud of the music played by my father and uncles. I cannot tell you how many house parties, weddings, anniversaries that I have sat and listened to my father and uncles play their hearts out. They were well known around the Rolette County and other counties and played many a nights at many bars and events. Like the Metcalfe’s, the Poitra’s were a talented family and the gift was passed on down to many of the children (Rodney, Ron, Stuart, Daren, Timmy, Gary Jr). For those of you that knew the Poitra music, you can attest to the fine country sound that came out. As they grew older, they did not always play together but when a family get together was in place, you can be guaranteed that their would be some good old fashion music and we love to dance!!. Like the article mentioned, the Poitra family was quite huge and when we got together with relatives and friends it was quite the party. I would also like to mention that my father in his earlier years did play with a band from Bottineau called ‘Cindy and the Turtle Mtn Boys’, they were well known also, and recorded a album which was sold around the area. I did see that there was an article about Scotty Thompson also, his wife Cindy and Roger Thingsvold, along with my father were recorded on this album. At the request of my father I did reproduce this album on a CD so he could share with friends and relatives at their request. My uncle Darrel also recorded a 45 that was very good. I do live in Minneapolis and do get over to see my uncle Francis every now and then, and he still loves to play the violin and sing, so that brings back so many memories of my father and uncles. It can be very comforting to put on “Mule Skinner Blues” and listen to my father sing. I wish I could have taped many sessions of the family get together’s. My hat is off to all those talented people from the Turtle Mountains, their music is and will be remembered for many years to come! Thank you for bringing back some cherished memories!!! May the music memories of my father Gary, uncles Darrell, Leo, Irvin, Lloyd (aunt Clarines husband), Dominic (aunt Mildred’s husband), Francis, and uncle Alfred.and last but not least my Grandfather Frank live on forever.. Alan Poitra (class of 76) Allen, You mentioned Thelma Thompson. Scotty and Thelma were very close friends, for many years, of my Dad’s brother Emil (Lillian) Petterson. Scotty worked for about a half century at the Bottineau creamery. Scotty is deceased, but Thelma is still living in Bottineau. Are any of these recordings or CD’s that you mentioned, available for folks to purchase. My uncle Emil did a little jamming with Scotty/Thelma, Ken Severson and Ole Bursinger over the years too. Gary Reply from Lyle Olson (75) – Lorraine Metcalfe’s son: West Fargo, ND Gary:I sure have enjoyed the many memories of the greatest band to ever come out of Dunseith. I saw Travis Metcalfe’s e-mail about the band and immediately remembered the band singing “It’s a Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Junior. That was Travis’ favorite song if I remember correctly, and the girls would play it as many times as Travis wanted to hear it. My favorite song from the band was “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. Great memories to be sure. I was surprised to see the newspaper clips of my mother and Uncle Jack. I note that one of the pictures encompassed a time when she played with Blanche Hunt, Lorraine Haggerty, Jack Metcalfe and others. That band’s name was the “Country Travelers” and they focused more on bluegrass. Although my mother played in many bands, my favorite was the “Turtle Mountain Stump Jumpers”. That band included my mother and Ole Bursinger as the corp and many others depending on who was home and available. Ole and Glynnis would always stop at the house for a bite to eat (and other libations) after the band got back to Dunseith and many times the music would continue until late in the morning. I especially remember the house parties at my grandparent’s (Bill and Mary Metcalfe) home. The kitchen table was moved to the corner so people could dance and the grandchildren would gather around an air vent in the upstairs and watch everyone dance and have a great time! Thanks for all you do Gary! Lyle Olson ND Video from Bill Grimme (65):BIRMINGHAM, AL Gary, Your friends in the PI will probably enjoy this. Actually, pretty funny. Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6c8bYq9Ve8 Bill, This is very a interesting Video, so I decided to post it for everyone’s enjoyment. The folks here in the PI have no idea what snow and cold is. March & April are the hottest months here. Instead of day time highs near 89F, it’s closer to 92F for these two months. Surprisingly those extra couple of degrees are very noticeable. Gary

    Happy Birthday Randi Mongeon (’68): Chaska, MN

Betty (Hackman) Schmidt (68) Passed away
Message from Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Betty my dear sister went home to be with our lord on 11-22-2015 after suffering a severe heart attack.

At her bedside at the time of her death were husband, Gordon and their four children, Pam, Penny, Gordon Jr., and Keri.

Betty born Mar. 22, 1950  Died Nov. 22, 2015

Larry, We are so sadden to hear of Betty’s passing. Our condolences are with you and all of her family. She will be missed.

Thanksgiving

I want to wish each and every one of you a happy thanksgiving with turkey, ham and all the trimmings.

We too here in Cebu will be celebrating a Traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Waterfront Hotel. We asked them to prepare a special Thanksgiving Menu for our Cebu Expat group of which they agreed to do. Their maximum seating capacity is 240. As of this morning I have 232 folks signed up to attend. They are not taking reservations from any others and they are not allowing any walk-ins, so we have the whole place reserved just for our group.  To get their special rate we are having to have our dinner on Friday, but that is OK because we are a day ahead of the states in time.

                                         Cebu Waterfront Hotel

Cebu Waterfront Hotel Main Dinning Buffet

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Blog (387) posted on March 5 , 2009

Folks,

The email providers are tightening their controls.   With the amount of bulk email messages that I send, with blind copies, with an IP address from the Philippines, some are putting limitations on the number I can send Bcc. For that reason, for a few days, I exposed the email addresses, but I don’t like doing that. For a small Monthly fee AOL is allowing me unlimited Bcc distribution, so they say. When I first signed up for their service they too put a limit of 5 emails for each Bcc message. It appears as though they have now lifted that restriction. We will see.

I get the most returns from those of you using the school email addresses –  k12.nd.us and Sendit – They give me the most problems.

Besides the Dunseith alumni, I have numerous other larger groups that I send messages to also, so the numbers add up.

Gmail has put a hold on my account with them now too while they evaluate.  I don’t anticipate a problem. The restriction was computer generated. Again we will see.  That was two days ago. I have 7 email accounts, all good, so I have reserves.

Gary

Lorraine Somers
Reply from Marlys Hiatt (’71):  Dunseith, ND

Good Morning Gary and all,

I just wanted to add a couple comments about Lorraine Somers.  I first meet Lorraine when she came to work in the office at the Dunseith school when I was in High School.  Always a big, beautiful, friendly, smile to greet you if you needed anything.  I liked to stop in for a quick chat and a tease or joke between classes.  After graduation I continued to cross paths with Lorraine now and again and it was always the same, a big smile, a friendly chat, and laughing.  Lorraine Somers will always be a very special lady to me and someone i remember with great fondness.

Marlys Hiatt

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Blog (386) posted on March 4 , 2009

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03/04/2009

Posted on March 4, 2009

Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX 

That’s great news about Lorelie being able to finalize all the paperwork. I know what a long process that can be. It’s very exciting that Bernie and his family will finally be together. The babies are adorable. I hope all goes well at the embassy and that you guys have fun with the babies!

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Reply from Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT
You will be tired….and joyful for the time with the Kids..
Glen W

Yes Glen, but they are a joy to have around.

Reply from Dale Evans:   Renton, WA
Congratulations Grandpa Gary!

Thanks Dale

Mental Health First Aid training at the new Bottineau Ambulance Training Room
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

This past Wednesday a fast moving, powerful west wind blew into the mid-section of the state; bringing a wee bit of snow which rapidly turned clear clean streets to ICE.

Within hours, the warmth and clarity of Sunny Days  gone!

Many find the first ice hard to navigate. We can’t see clearly.  Our cars crawl at a snail’s pace. We grip the wheel, foot ready to brake and worry about a sliding loss of control,

or crashing or being T-boned into.

As ugly as the  wind, cold and ICE  was, it did not prevent a full house attending a Mental Health First Aid training at the new Bottineau Ambulance Training Room.

This eight hour  training focusing on Suicide intervention was brought to Bottineau by several local resources and church communities, including First Lutheran Church.

The local community resource group provided coffee, rolls, scones, and noon lunch; funding for the resource based training materials and a  trainer.

The highly qualified Heart View Foundation Alcohol and Drug Therapist led the group  of  about fifty through the training.

She focused our attention toward educating and understanding several Mental Health issues; including Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Depression, PTSD, and  Alcoholism.

The following day, the session was repeated for area Veterans at the newly completed Bottineau Veteran’s Building.

Discussing Mental Health First Aid after winter’s first ice was sobering serious work.

(I’d rather be out dancing)

Participants including myself walked  away from the training with a deeper and  broader understanding  of individuals who face these oft times life threatening challenges within families.

Many reading the Dunseith Blog  know of folks who live out each day with the chilling ICY reality; a  loved one with serious mental health concerns.

We all have learned thorough experience;

The road of life now and again has…’black ice’.

‘Black ice’ which can make it difficult to navigate, especially without knowledge or resources or support.

Last week’s workshop gave me insight on how I can be a better Mental Health First Aid responder.

Thank you to the Dunseith area alumni who were at the presentation, influenced and supported the decision to bring this experience to the rural community of Bottineau.

Vickie M.

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Blog (385) posted on March 3 , 2009

Posted on March 3, 2009

Stokes Twins

Folks,

We are going to have these guys for 11 days while their Mother Lorelie goes to Manila to have her Physical and final Interview with the American consulate to get her spousal USA visa to go the USA.  Once their paper work is processed, these guys will automatically become US citizens. Lorelie just got their Birth Certificates. This is the Philippines, so things don’t happen fast here. She has now given their Birth certificates along with Bernie’s USA citizenship to the American consulate. Within 3 months they will have their USA citizenship and Passports. Then they, along with Lorelie and their 5 year old sister will join Bernie in Bellevue, WA. Needless to say they are all very excited for all this to happen.

Bernie will be here for Christmas too. He arrives on December 22^nd and will be here until January 6^th.  He couldn’t wait to see his twin boys that very much look like him too.

Bernadette is excited for these guys to be here too. They will have two full time, 24 hour per day, babysitters too while they are at our house. Their babysitters and I will pick them and Lorelie up this afternoon at 5 pm.

                 Our twin Grandson’s – Bryce and Brydon Stokes

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Blog (384) posted on March 1 , 2009

03/01/2009

Posted on March 1, 2009

Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Bottineau 2015 Craft Show
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (383) posted on February 28 , 2009

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02/28/2009

Posted on February 28, 2009

Folks,

I have been kind of busy and have not been able to get a blog posted since last Saturday. Bernadette has not been well either. Today though she has bounced back and seems to be much better.  Today is our bowling day, so I managed to get this put together and distributed before leaving at about 11:30 am.

 Gary

Happy Belated Birthday Peggy Sime Espe (’60): Dunseith, ND

       Happy Birthday Patzy McKay Heggen: Dunseith, ND

Neola Garbe and Jim Kofoid’s first cousin
Happy Birthday Mike Brudwick: Fargo, ND

Betty Hackman Schmidt (’68) Mesa, AZ not well
Report from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Gordon, my sister Betty’s husband called with bad news. The doctors had

taken him and their family into a room and told them that Betty’s organs
are starting to shut down and that she isn’t going to make it, and that

they are too call family and let them know.

The doctors did not install the Cheney heart pump as they thought that she is to weak,

that she would not survive the operation.
Sorry for the bad news.
Now, we all need to pray for a miracle.

Thank You for all your prayers.

Larry

Such sad news Larry. Our prayers are with Betty and all of her family.

Reply to Judy Allery Azure’s (’65) Birthday picture
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I just wanted to say,  hey Judy!  I haven’t seen you since we graduated high school. Wish you would’ve come to our reunions.

Would’ve been nice to see you!

Ginger LaRocque Poitra class of 65′

Reply to Lyle Olson’s posting
From Vickie Metcalfe (‘’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

Thank You to  Lyle Olson for the feedback and  comments recently shared on this blog about ‘Jacks Story’.

Lyle, I Loved Lorraine ( Metcalfe) Olson – Somers,  your Mom. I

didn’t know her  when I was a little kid like I knew  her brother,

‘S’milin Jack, the banjo picker’.

Somehow, we grew together, sharing common familial ties, stories,  and work while employed side by side at Dunseith Public School

We were cousins, we were friends,  and  we were comrades in developing the  Metcalfe Family Reunion held in  the early 80’s, and we  enjoyed countless adventures.

Lorraine was  kind, non-judgmental, and unwavering in her beliefs.

With Lorraine I always knew where I stood.  She was so good to Mom and Dad which I am grateful for.

My heart gladdens with fondness thinking  and remembering  Lorraine’s laughter;  which was an uplifting bright spot in some rather tough situations. I will always miss her.

Hang on to the laughter~!

Later,  Vickie

Reply from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I was going to write about my grandfather Martin Bergie and my uncle Joseph Bergie , but I need prior written consent by the authors.

I did know a lot of information about them before they wrote this book about them. I suppose they will think I took my information from their book.

I do have a newspaper article about my uncle Joseph, it might have been from Montana, my only aunt on grandpa’s side of the family gave it to me many years ago. Not sure at this time where it is.

I need to get busy and put things where I can find them.  Lol

I’ll get back to you at a later time.

You might want to put this on the blog it will explain to the readers why I won’t be writing about my grandfather and uncle’s accomplishments.

Thanks Gary,

Ginger (LaRocque ) Poitra class of ’65

Reply to Tony & Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s wedding posting
From Vickie Metcalfe (‘’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

What a great  “Happy Wedding Day’ photo of Ginger and Tony Pottra!

I  got to know GInger within the past couple years.

Thanks Ginger for sharing  treasured  family photos and comments of your brave American Veterans!

Ginger and I found something in common; our parents childhood friendship, is a  common factor.

When visiting, I find she too recalls people I remember my father talking about.

Many names I recall in discussions with his siblings and friends; Art & Eva Seim and Emil & Genevive Morin.

Ginger’s mother, Madeline (Bergie) LaRocque and my dad were class mates.

For years in the late 1920’s early 1930’s together they  attended Hilltop (Bergan) Country School.

I  accompanied mom and dad to many dances at Kelvin on Friday or Saturday nights.

My cousin’s  Janice and Raphael,  promoted many local musicians and bands.

Ginger’s parents  Joe and Madeline LaRocque were also often in attendance at dances.

After a ‘set’, Dad would  say to mom, “I am  going ask Madeline to dance”.

They’d glide across the floor,  recalling and laughing  about  fond childhood memories.

Kelvin  dance floor would be brimming with people of the hills and a few from the prairie,

Waltzes, Two Steps  and Fox trots were  finely and smoothly executed.

In unison, couples circled the dance floor.   and,……. I loved learning to dance from the best!

Usually people who enjoyed dancing were in  attendance at those dances.

NO one stood around at the door watching.  Everyone participated in dancing.

Among them,my Uncles and Aunts, the Simes, Mr. &  Mrs. Pritchard from over by Ackworth, from across the highway;Lorraine & Duane Peterson, Jim & Ruby Birkland,the Carl Millang siblings and their spouses,

Mr. & Mrs. Allard from St. John,  Pat & Johnnie Myer,  and Lorraine Haladay and another couple from Boisevain, Canada.

Oft times, Jennie Handleland  & Hilda Strong would dance together.

It was Jennie who taught me how to dance the Schottsche  with a the jukebox tune  at the old Kelvin Bar before it burned, one hight so long ago.

Over and over patient Jennie  and I  practiced until I finally caught the stepping.

Dancers are a joyful  lot who  love dancing to  “Old Time Music” .

My parents watched for  particular music;  They were fond of Jack & Lorraine, and Ole with the Stump Jumpers.

The Poitra Boys Band , who were  the sons and grandsons of Frank Poitra

Everyone also enjoyed dancing to  the Tommy Belgarde Band which was  another band with ‘good timing’.

Jimmie LaRocque often played double string fiddle with Tommy s’ band.

All of this brings to mind,  Robert Fulghum’s Story  from the book “It Was on Fire When I laid Down Upon It”.

One short tale nails a  feeling  I recall , I felt while dancing with those wonderful dancers;Dancing with an Old Geek Dancer/

In his book Robert Fulguhm’s short tale about dancing is  entitled  “Old Geek Dancers”.

The ending goes something like this;

“There is something said about the Hopi’s. They  believe there isn’t much difference between  praying and dancing; both are necessary for a long life.”

“They say to be a useful Hopi is to have a quiet heart and take part in all the dances.”

I believe all those folks who made music and enjoyed taking part in dancing had quiet hearts!

With plans to keep dancing where ever I can through life!

Perhaps someday, I  too will be called, an old geek dancer……

Giving thanks to you Gary, your  blog, has certainly aided in promoting

and restoring old familial friendships.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Vickie Metcalfe

Road Trip Through The Hills – Sept. 25/26, 2015
Story from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

I hope this little report finds you and your family doing well.

I’ve been working on this story for awhile trying to get ahead of the spin put on it by Dick and Mel, on previous blogs.

This time of year, from Labor Day to New Years Day always seems to go by too fast.

Hope you and all our friends enjoy the story.

Larry

Road Trip Through The Hills – Sept. 25/26, 2015

It was fall in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota and the trees were dressed in colors to impress.  The sun upon your face was warm with a slight hint of coolness in the air.  When you stepped into the darkness caused by the thick canopy of the trees and with heaven sent shafts of shining light breaking through the shadows, and with the rustle of the leaves as a breeze blew through the tree tops, made the world go away.  It made me want to go for a walk in the woods or string up a hammock between a couple of trees and lay back with the warm sun upon your face and enjoy the sweet smell of nature, to observe the colored leaves against the bright blue back ground beauty that is the sky.  To feel the calmness and the beauty that is nature on a beautiful fall day not only through your eyes but through every sense and pore of your body, “to be as one with nature”.  O-hell it made me homesick is what it did.

Yes, Henry and I decided to take another road trip through the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota this year, taking advantage of an invitation that our wives received to attend a wedding in Rugby, ND for their great nephew, their sister’s grandson.  We pulled our campers up to Rugby and camped out in the RV Park, owned and operated by Jim Rocheleau who once farmed about twelve miles south of Dunseith.  Contrary to what Mel said, we did not park our campers in the Shopko parking lot, although that probably would have been fun.  Camping in the RV Park has a few more conveniences than the ShopKo parking lot does.  We decided that the wives would use Henry’s truck to get around and to visit their relatives in the Rugby area.  Henry and I used my truck to tour the Great Turtle Mountains and to visit our relatives and friends that live in that area.

Henry and I decided to start in Bottineau, ND and work our way east.  I had brought along on the trip some new information I had obtained on the Hackman family genealogy and because of this material I wanted to stop and see people who I knew would like to have it added to their books.  The first place we headed for was to Cousin Lorraine (Handeland) Mallang’s place.  We drove by slowly noticing the garage door was open and that her car wasn’t home.

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We decided to keep on going and tour Bottineau and have an early lunch as we figured she had maybe ran uptown for groceries or something and intended to be gone only for a short time.  We each had a  bowl of delicious chunky homemade roast beef with vegetables soup at the Bottineau Bakery.  We drove back over to Lorraine’s and there she was visiting with some people parked in her driveway.  We waited politely for her to finish visiting and as the people drove off, she came over and greeted us with big hugs and invited us in for cookies and coffee.  She always serves us cookies and coffee.  We finally told her that we had come by earlier and didn’t stop because we didn’t see her car.  She said that she had been home all morning and that someone else had borrowed her car right out of her garage, and without her permission.  She says that she always goes out in the morning to fetch her paper from the box along the curb, on the way she opens the garage door to let the sun shine into her garage.  She said that she loves to see the warm glow of the sun filling her garage in the morning as she sits and reads her newspaper.  Well, this morning she just threw the newspaper on the table and went downstairs to throw a load of laundry in the washer.  When she got back upstairs she sat down at the table preparing to read the news of the day and when she happened to glance out the kitchen door into the garage and to her surprise there was no car.  She said, she thought to herself “oh no” maybe when I parked it I forgot to set the brake or that it slide out of gear and had rolled out into the street.  She said that she ran out in the garage and looked out into the street but there was no car to be seen.  She couldn’t believe her eyes, where did it go?  She said she started calling everybody and the Police.  She was having a very busy morning.  The policeman came over while we were there and introduced himself to all of us.  We found out that he was a LaRocque and had grown up in St. John, ND. He said that he was no relation to the LaRocque’s in Dunseith or Belcourt.  I than asked if he knew Mel Kuhn from St. John?  He started laughing and said that he did and you know for the rest of the time that we sat there at that kitchen table, the man had a continuous smile upon his face.  I don’t know what it is about Mel, but he seems to have that affect on people?  I have heard that the police in Fargo North Dakota stopped a man who was driving a car that

3.

he had taken in Bottineau, ND.  I am hoping that this car was not Lorraine’s as I heard that he was shot and had to be taken to the Hospital.  It was busy at cousin Lorraine’s as relatives, friends, neighbors and the police were all concerned and curious about her well being and what had happened and all wanted to help.   News travels fast in a small town and every one there was showing her the love and concern they have for her.  Henry and I did not like leaving such friendly and comfortable surroundings but eventually we had to, and proceeded north from Bottineau up into the beautiful Turtle Mountains.  Ahh the clear blue sky, the  lakes like huge pure blue marbles laying in a nest of lush emerald green vegetation surrounded by trees dressed in their festival of fall colors between the rolling grass covered hills that are, The Turtle Mountains.  Beautiful.

We proceeded East onto Highway 43 and toured the Lake Metigoshe area and then traveled south on Willow Lake Road to Bob’s and Cousin Barbara (Boucher) Rivards farm for a visit.  Yes, we were doing another (pop-in) visit.  We caught Bob and Barb at home.  Barbara was baking bread and making wine from home grown grapes.  Well, I actually don’t know what Bob was doing?  Maybe he was sampling the wine as he did seem glad to see us.  Actually they were both glad to see us.  Henry and I also got to sample the wine.  They were doing a good job.  It was late afternoon when we left the Rivard farm.  We continued south on the Willow Lake Road thinking that we would pop-in and see Cousin Duane Handeland.  Well as you know, when you do the pop-in visit thing sometimes people aren’t home.  It’s when you call and let them know you are coming and they aren’t home that you have to become a little suspicious.  Duane was not at home and looking at the clock we talked it over and decided to head for Dunseith as it was getting close to Jumbo Burger Time.  We pulled up in front of the motel building, the one that George is gutting out and turning into a meeting area, just south of the restaurant.  Henry I just started walking across the end of the drive through road toward the restaurant, when there was grinding of brakes, the sliding of tires upon gravel, and the honking of a horn.  Cousin Duane Handeland had just pulled up and asked, with a huge grin upon his face, what hell are you guys doing up here in the sticks?  We explained that we were visiting relatives and friends while

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our wives were at a wedding.  Duane’s reply was, “so they are attending a life funeral, huh”?  Duane is always a pleasure to visit with.  We visited only for a short time before Duane sped off in his car with a cold case of beer in the passenger seat, and a smile upon his face.

Henry and I went into Dales and we each had a delicious Jumbo Burger.  We just automatically do this, as we think it’s just crazy to drive that far and not have one.  We must have hit the dinner rush hour as Dales was really a busy place.  After eating our dinner we traveled south on Highway #3 to visit our Uncle Bill Kraft and his wife Janet (Fountaine) Kraft.  Guess what?  She was busy baking homemade buns.  We had a great visit about old times.  Henry and I both worked on Bill and Janet’s farm during our high school summers and played a lot of pinochle and drank a lot of beer, year round.  As we were going out the door and saying our goodbyes, Janet handed us a bread bag full of freshly baked buns.  Them buns smelled like we should eat them but with our tummies full of jumbo it just wasn’t in the cards.  We got back to Rugby late so we went directly to our campers.  Surprisingly the women weren’t home yet so we figured they were having a good time at the wedding, (life funeral).

The next morning my wife Marion was making sandwiches out of them freshly baked buns from my Aunt and that good tasting Cloverdale Tangy Summer Sausage made right here in Mandan , North Dakota. There was no noticeable activity over at the Henry Hackman camper yet, so I grabbed a couple of the freshly made sandwiches and took them with me up to the RV Office to visit Jim Rocheleau.  Somehow in a previous conversation with the man it had come up that when him and his family use to run around with my uncle Bill’s family that they sometimes would have lunch afterwards, at someone’s home or at a restaurant, and that he loved to go to my Uncles place and eat, because Janet would always serve sandwiches made with delicious homemade buns.  It was a pleasure to share a sandwich with Jim and talk about days gone by.  It was about that time that Henry and his wife and my wife came in the door informing us that a huge elm tree had blown over in the camp ground and had scared the hell out

5.

of them.  Everyone had come out of their campers to see if the world was coming to end.  It was amazing that it missed all the campers and did no damage to anything but itself.  Jim said that he knew it was in bad shape and had already arranged for it to be taken down at the end of camping season.  It looked to me like the wind had just saved him a whole bunch of money.

Henry and I grabbed that bag of sandwiches my wife had put together, and headed for the hills for our second day of visiting.  We traveled north on Highway #3 to Cousin Jim and Ruby Birkland’s place, with a huge tail wind.  The wind was blowing hard out of south that day but it must have decided to blow around the hills instead of over them as it was quiet up there.  Jim and Ruby really enjoyed their 80^th birthday party the weekend before at the Dunseith Lutheran Church.  In fact some of the relatives had just left for Oregon the day before we got there. We could tell they were a little tired from all the celebrating, but were happy.  I added some pages into Jim and Ruby’s (Hackman/Hackmann Genealogical book).   Jim’s mother Josephine is my dad’s oldest sister. After some conversation and goodbyes Henry and I were on our way.

We headed north and east from their house and ended up at Dick Johnsons shop as that is where he always seems to be.  We caught him and his son working on an old D-8 Caterpillar dozer.  Now Dick was sure happy to see us.  He came right over and started jawing with us.  His son just kept on a working on that dozer, stopping by for introductions and occasional advice from the old man.  Well, that boy had that dozer going in no time.  I think he was grateful that we occupied some of Dicks time.  Now, old Mel explained to me, that is the way work gets done over at Dick’s shop.  Mel said, when he’s invited over to help old Dick out that is the way it always seems to work out, “he is doing the sweating and Dick is doing the jawing.  I know, hard to believe, right?  Now to be fair, Mel gave the impression in his  memoir that Dick starved, Henry and I well we over there, and it was up to him to step in and fatten us back up with some freshly made apple pie.  I’m just glad Mel felt that way.  You know how it is Gary; it’s hard to pass up a pie.  Anyway, it was in the middle of the afternoon and Dick did offer us water or beer,

and I guess because we are old, Henry had a bottle of water and I didn’t have anything because I was the designated driver.  Henry was sure impressed with that dozer.  He has talked about it a lot.  He just couldn’t believe that they did all that work on it and went parked it in the trees.  I think, Brother Henry wanted to take that baby out and knock down some trees, and level off some ground.  Oh hell, he wanted to operate it, pull some levers, and make that old D-8 snort and blow some coal black smoke into the air, is what he wanted to do!

After leaving Dick’s place we headed back down south of Jim Birklands to the Ed Walter farm/ranch.  It’s hard to do a pop-in on Cousin Ed, because that man is always working.  He is 75 years old and still works hard from sunup to sundown.  We had a nice little visit with his wife Bonnie and his daughter Pam and gave them some pages, to add to their Hackman/Hackmann book, and were on our way.  They did not know when Ed and Ben were going to be back, so we decided to go up north to our dad’s old farm and visit Brother Anton.  Brother Anton wasn’t home either.  That is what happens sometimes when you’re doing the pop-in thing, sometimes you pop-out.

Henry and I did some driving around the country side and found a spot on top of a hill with a nice scenic view of the beautiful Turtle Mountains.  We pulled out that bag of sandwiches that my wife had made with the tangy summer sausage and my aunts homemade buns.  We opened the doors of the truck and sat and ate in silence, as our eyes and bodies soaked in the beautiful surroundings, on a beautiful fall day.

The shadows of the trees were starting to get long when we departed that site and headed for St John down the scenic road that is Highway #43.  Yes, we were on our way to see our old buddy Mel.  Guess what?  Mel and his wife Kathy were waiting for us. They had baked a whole bunch of apple pies for the occasion.  I knew I could smell fresh baking pies from atop that hill that we were parked on.  Mel said them pies were for the bake sale at the church tomorrow, but that he was willing to share one with us, and that he would pay his wife extra for all her work in making this pie, so the church wouldn’t be out anything.  I could tell that

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his wife actually believed every word that was coming out of Mel’s mouth.  Actually, I think that was when she got up and left the table.  Yes, Mel did actually get up and pull her chair back for her, when she got up?  I think he wanted more pie.

It was as dark as dark can get when Henry and I left Mel’s place and traveled through St. John, and proceeding west on Highway #43.  Around a curve and topping a hill a skunk ran across the road in front of me, and for some doggone reason he made a U-turn and came directly back towards my vehicle as the pickup wheel thumped over its body. Yes, Mel I left a “dead skunk lying in the middle of the highway”.  Isn’t there a song about that? http://www.jango.com/music/Loudon+Wainwright+III com/webhp? (sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Dead+Skunk+Lyimg+in+the+Middle+of+the+Highway)

Now I know Mel is going to ask me what color was the skunk?  Mel, “it was black with a white strip”.  Now I know his next question is going to be if I ran over his right side or his left side because I know Mel knows I would not cross the white stripe, “not intentionally anyway”?  Mel, “I ran over its front side”.  Mel’s, next question will be, “How do you know that”? I know that because it made no scent.  “Get it Mel”?  It would have definitely made scent if I had run over the other end.  I hope this explanation saves me from writing another email to him, explaining it all over again? Can you get skunks in different colors?

Yes, it was a fun trip, there is always something special about revisiting where you grew up, visiting The Turtle Mountains.  We had a great time visiting with everyone.  We didn’t get to see everyone we wanted to, or everywhere we wanted to go, but we have already decided that we have to do it again sometime.  Thank you to everyone for the conversations, the laughs, and the food.

Thank You,

Larry Hackman

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Blog (382) posted on February 27 , 2009

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND Gary and Friends,I should have been more precise. The Frozen Fingers group from Minot, which we belong to, is joining us for a jam session in Bottineau, at the Senior Center on Main Street every second Sunday of each month. The first jam session is planned for March 8 at 1 PM. It’s open to the public at no charge and the Senior Citizens will be providing the lunch. At this time I’m not sure if the lunch is free will or if items are priced, but either way it will be great! There will be pickers and singers from all over the area taking turns playing all kinds of music . It should be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Hope to see you there! Dick Folks, Mark your calendars. This will be a fun event every month. I wish I could be there. Gary Reply from Shirley Olson Warcup (49): Ivans, UT Shirley is Dick Johnson’s aunt – sister to his mother Gary, Was the Fred Chase Vance Baily mentioned in his letter a painter? Two brothers who were painters painted our house when we lived on a farm west of Dunseith. Shortly after they finished the job, one of them was accused of murdering someone at San Haven. I was perhaps 8 years old at that time–I don’t remember their names. I do know that my parents were surprised when they heard about the murder and arrest. Both of these brothers were apparently very satisfactory workers and very polite men. I know my parents were skeptical that one of them could have done something like this, however, if my memory is correct one of them was convicted of the murder. Perhaps someone with a better memory than mine knows if our painter was Fred Chase. Shirley Olson Warcup Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): Forsyth, MO Reply to Vance Bailey’s letter Here is some input about Jules Waldron, Vance mentioned the boys left town. In a letter from Bing Evans to his mother dated October 20, 1941, Bing was in training at Ft. Lewis, Wa. Bing says, ” I spent the last weekend in Seattle, John Schimitz and his wife came over to Jim’s (Metcalfe) and we played cards and drank beer. Had a great time. I visited for awhile with Albert Aubrey and Fred Waldron. Fred told me his brother Percy, was in the Army a year and spent 280 days of that time in the guard house. Albert is working in an electrical shop for at $10.00 per day and Fred works in a service station.” Albert was known as Monk. Who knew his mother and step dad, Tom and Maggie (Aubrey) Cassidy? What a pair. Maggie and I had asthma together. We went to Bottineau one fateful day to see a new young dr. in town, Dr. Bray. An old lady and a kid. The dr. used a syringe that was designed for a draft horse….it was memorable!! Gary Metcalfe Reply from Lyle Olson (75) – Son of Lorraine Metcalfe: West Fargo, ND Gary:I read Bev Morinville-Azure’s e-mail the other day wherein she mentioned the band, “Tickled Pink”. She forgot to mention that Roberta Hagen (now Striker) was the drummer for that all girl band. The band was formed in the mid-70’s. I was in the USAF at the time and literally made weekend trips home from Scott AFB in Illinois to see them play. They had an enormous following, young and old alike. I’ll never forget their biggest fans seemed to be Kenny and Nettie Tooke. In fact, Kenny and Nettie even developed “fan wear” for the band in the form of Black Windbreakers (to make Kenny look skinny) with the band’s name emblazoned on the back. They were quite the picture twirling around the dance floor, dancing two-steps to the Eagles and John Fogerty. As many of you know, the lead singer for that band was Kathy Metcalfe. She was the best singer I have ever heard, as she could sing anything from Fleetwood Mac to Johnny Cash. Her voice was strong and pure, and she was great musician as well. I remember sitting on the porch at David Fugere’s house one summer night and we could hear Kathy singing all the way down the block. Her voiced filtered through the air as if delivered to one’s ears by angels. I really miss her. Now, I want to take some credit for how the band got its name. You see Janice, Kathy, Elaine and Cheri Metcalfe and I were all driving around one night drinking a little wine in the winter of ’74, co-incidently named “Tickled Pink”, a delightful wine with no cork and less than $3.00 a bottle, and singing songs. It seems you can never get Metcalfes together without a little picking, grinning and drinking — but that is another story all by itself. The band “Pink Floyd” was popular at the time and we were all listening to them on the only radio we could get at the time, KFYR out of Bismarck. Well, lo and behold in the back of the car we were driving around in was a pink Frisbee and a pink scarf. Well to be funny, and after way too much wine, I used the scarf to tie the pink frisbee on my head and “PINK FLAUD” – the counry-bumpkin version of Pink Floyd – was born!! I couldn’t sing “Dark Side of the Moon,” but I was “Comfortably Numb” and having the time of my life with my favorite cousins. Well we eventually made our way up to a party at Brian Fauske’s place in the hills. I remember it was a great party but it ended late. As we made our way back to Dunseith, I remember starting to get sick on the way down San Haven hill. How we made it to the little mobile home we lived in at the time without any regurgitation is beyond me. In any event, out of the car and into the house I bounded to get to the only bathroom in the house, which was right next to my mother’s bedroom. Well, she heard me get sick and she rushed in to see what was wrong. Well, I must have drank a beer with a cigarette put out inside as I brought up some tobacco with my wine. My mother screamed, “Oh my god, he is on marijuana!!!!!” I spent the rest of the night trying to convince her otherwise by incoherently telling her about Pink Flaud and Tickled Pink wine, and how it was those damn Metcalfe girls that led me astray!! Well, when I told the Janice and all about this story, they had no choice but to name the band “Tickled Pink.” Now you know the rest of the story. {The above story as to the naming of the greatest band to ever come out of Dunseith is pure fiction and is not to be believed by any party, living or dying} Lyle O. Class of 1975 Reply from Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas to bev mornville: i truly do remember the tickled pick girls, they played for mom and dads 25th wedding anniversary party at the ac bar. good bunch of girls and great music JUST LITTLE OLE ME FROM KANSAS Bobby, Mel Kuhn just sent me a song from this group. I am going to send it to Bill Grimme to see if he can reduce the file size enough so we can post it with these daily messages. Gary Reply from Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND In reading todays stories it made me think of the dances dad and mom [ Norman and Irene Hiatt] use to have in the quensat [unsure of the spelling sorry] I was probably 5 years old. I remember the music, it was Norris and Bud Knutson and I believe Gary Olson. One of my fondest memories is doing the butterfly with Sharon and Jim Hansen. I remember mom making big kettles of sloppy joe and going to town to get the buns from the bakery. I also had a bed made for me under a counter. I remember dad telling a storie about my brother Jim and our cousin Clifford, apparently it was their job to pick up the beer cans and bottles the next morning, well I guess dad caught them poring all the cans together so theycould have a little refeshments after their work was done. I guess dad told them be careful drinking from those cans boys people could be peeing in them. I don’t remember if that stopped them or not. Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine Vickie, I remember really well when your folks had those dances every Saturday night. We could see your house plain as day one mile to the east of our place. You guys sure drew the crowds and we could hear the music all the way to our house. Gary Reply from Bob Lykins (mid 60’s DHS teacher): Germany & Hutto, TX Gary,Ah, the PI. You gotta love the place. I recall a time when I was working the schools at Subic Bay Naval Station. In the evening I went into Olangapo (where the sewer meets the sea) to have dinner at a reputable resturant that I knew. I was alone and sat down in a booth putting my camera bag beside me. I never went anywhere without my camera (the original OM-1). A fellow came up to me and starting talking. He was friendly and, as I recall, we had a great conversation. Unbeknownst to me, his accomplis while I was distracted, had reached over the back of the booth, unzipped my camera bag, took out the camera, removed the camera from it’s case and replaced the case back into the bag zipping it back up. Since I had other items in the bag and the camera didn’t weigh that much, I never missed it until I got back to my quarters on base. Slick as a whistle it was. Naturally I had to report it for insurance purposes. Needless to say, nothing came of the investigation and I can only hope that the sale of the camera brought some poor family additional food and clothes. Fond memories. Bob Lykins Bob, Events that draw a lot of people here in the PI also draw a lot of professional pick picketers from other areas of the country. One has to be careful. When ever I’m in a crowded area, even in the malls at busy times, I always place my wallet in my front pocket. Living in the heart of a true Filipino community with many very poor neighbors, we have never had anything stolen from our place. Because we have folks (helpers and some relatives) living in our compound, we never lock the gate into our place. We feel very secure. On the other hand, if someone tried to take anything, they’d have to go past many folks to get out of our area and believe me, these folks would tackle and catch who ever was running. A month or so ago a large truck had an accident on the main road that caused serious injuries to several folks riding motor cycles. Before the police arrived, the bystanders beat up this poor truck driver so bad that he had to be admitted to the hospital. Gary From Mel Kuhn (70): Saint John, ND Gary, Here’s one for Bev Morinville Azure from back in the OLD DAYS. To make a long story short, after a conversation with Shelly Fulsebakke Albertson a while back, she dropped me off a CD of Tickle Pink. Crank up the speakers. Rolette County Historical Society will be holding its Fun Night on April 18th at the Senior Center in St. John. We had a real good turn out last year with lots of great music from area talent such as “Hwy 43” and lots more. Mel Kuhn Mel, I forwarded “Tickle Pink” to our computer expert, Bill Grimme, to see if he could reduce the file size for group sending. He was able to reduce the file size considerably, but I feel it’s still a tab bit large to be included with one of our daily messages. Folks, if you’d like a copy of “Tickle Pink”, please request a copy from Mel or myself and we’ll gladly forward you an electronic copy. Gary Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) reply to Bernard Morin (76): Dunseith, ND WOW , Bernard I didn’t hear a thing I am sure if I would have heard it I would have been dancing in the street after all they were the best band to dance to if I remember right. Those were the days and if I remember right Bernard it was whiskey not beer lol seems like forever since those days . If anyone knows where I can get a cd of Pickled I mean Tickled Pink please call me and let me know my number is 244 0775. Bernard as I remember these were the day when u learned to park in my drive way back in those days we didn’t have DD.

Happy Belated Birthday Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): Belcourt, ND

Happy Birthday Judy Allery Azure (’65): Bismarck, ND

Happy Birthday Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75): Boonton, NJ

Happy Birthday Aggie Casavant (’69): Modesto, CA

Betty Hackman Schmidt (68) Mesa, AZ

Update from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

My  sister Betty was transferred from the Phoenix Hospital to the Mayo Hospital in Scottsdale Yesterday by ambulance (a twenty mile trip across town).

She is so weak that they are having problems keeping the water from accumulating around her heart and lungs.  They are going to attach some kind of pump to her heart to assist it.  I guess this pump is keeping old Dick C

heney alive.  I just hope she don’t get as grouchy or lose her hair and start to look and act like him.  Actually I don’t know if that’s  the side affects or not, but as long as it keeps her going.  Keep on praying.

Betty’s E-mail address;  bettyschmidt@yahoo.com

Her home address is;

Betty Schmidt

45697 W. Skylane

Maricopa, AZ. 85139

Her daughter Keri will deliver all messages and cards to her.

Thank You for your prayers.

Larry

Reply to Vickie Metcalfe’s Posting

From Lyle Olson (’75):   West Fargo, ND

Beautiful story by Vickie Metcalfe about Jack Metcalfe, my Uncle. She nailed his personality and temperament.

My mother Lorraine and Jack were very close. He spent a lot of time at our home, playing Banjo, eating the best food ever, and teasing us boys. Mom always made a big meal on Sunday. After the meal and after all the dishes were washed, the guitars and banjos would come out. They would play for hours, even though they also typically played at local bars every Friday and Saturday night. They just loved playing music and loved being together doing so.

As noted by Vickie, Uncle Jack and Uncle Bill served on the USS Boxer with my father, Orlin Olson. My mother and father divorced when I was rather young. Uncles Jack and Bill always made the effort to tell us boys about our father and their time in the Navy. I am sure some stories were not told but I remember having great pride in those three for serving our country during the Korean War.

ALS is an insidious disease. It may have taken Uncle Jack’s physical presence but it could not, and did not, take the twinkle in his eye.  I remember that most of all.

Lyle Olson

Joseph LaRocque Service yearsPosting pictures from Ginger LaRocque (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary,

I just wanted to say that,  my dad,  Joseph LaRocque was in the army. He was in World War I I along with his brother Jerome.

My dad always said “I just drove truck”,  I am sure that was an important job. He drove in black outs, driving blindly through the darkness of the night.  He learned to drive trucks,  I think it was when he worked for old man Gottbreth as he would say. He did learn to double clutch while working there, which he used a lot while in the service. Dad was proud to know how to do this, the other truck drivers had a hard time getting up the inclines. They wondered how he did it.  So he taught them how. They were very appreciative.

Dad’s brother Jerome on the other hand I don’t know a whole lot of what he did in the army. I remember talk of him getting the purple heart.

My grandpa Bergie, my mother’s father served during World War I.  I don’t know many details.  His brother also served at the same time.

I have a book which tells about the Bergie brothers I will have to find it and look up the information.

The book is about Native people who served during wars.

More later

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra class of 65′

Joseph LaRocque

Joseph LaRocque cousin Martin Delorme & Jerome LaRocque

Martin Bergie my grandfather

Yesterday’s veterans (Part 2 of 3)
Posting from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Charles Durning:  US Army;  Landed at Normandy on D-Day, shot multiple times, awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, survived Malmedy Massacre

Raymond Burr:  US Navy, shot in the stomach on Okinawa and medically discharged

Hugh O’Brian:  US Marines

Eddie Albert:  US Coast Guard, Bronze Star with Combat V for saving several Marines under heavy fire as pilot of a landing craft during the invasion of Tarawa

Clark Gable:  US Army Air Corps, B-17 gunner over Europe

Charles Bronson:  US Army Air Corps, B-29 gunner, wounded in action

Peter Graves:  US Army Air Corps (Younger brother of James Arness)

Buddy Hackett:  US Army anti-aircraft gunner

Jack Palance:  US Army Air Corps, severely injured bailing out of a burning B-24 bomber

Robert Preston:  US Army Air Corps, Intelligence Officer

Cesar Romero:  US Coast Guard, participated in the invasions of Tinian and Saipan on the Assault transport USS Cavalier

Jason Robards:  US Navy aboard heavy cruiser USS Northampton when it was sunk off Guadalcanal.  Also served on the USS Nashville during the invasion of the Philippines, surviving a kamikaze hit that caused 223 casualties.

Dennis Weaver:  US Navy Pilot

Robert Taylor:  US Navy Instructor Pilot

Randolph Scott:  Tried to enlist in the Marines but was rejected due to injuries sustained in US Army in World War I

Ronald Reagan:  US Army;  Was a 2nd Lt. in the Cavalry Reserves before the war.  His poor eyesight kept him from being sent overseas with his unit when war came, so he transferred to the Army Air Corps Public Relations Unit where he served for the duration.

John Wayne:  Declared “4F medically unfit” due to pre-existing injuries, he nonetheless attempted to volunteer three times (Army, Navy and Film Corps (so he gets an honorable mention.

Audy Murphy:  He became America’s most-decorated soldier, who became a Hollywood star as a result of his US Army service that included his being awarded the Medal of Honor.

I don’t believe this is a complete list because I read somewhere that David Niven was involved in something also.  This is a pretty extensive list from the film and TV industry.  Jump forward a few years to Viet Nam, Iraq, Kuwait, Afganistan, and a few other unpleasant places.  Where were the actors of the day during these time frames?  Were they exempt?  Some of them were making movies about the wars without a clue to the reality of it all.  You have probably seen pictures of some of them wearing parts of military clothing with the rank still on them.  I’ll get off my soap box now!    To all the veterans of times past and those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces, Thank You!

Dale Pritchard
Viet Nam (1967. 1968, 1970, 1971, and 1975)

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Blog (381) posted on February 26 , 2009

02/26/2009

Posted on February 26, 2009