Reply from Randy Kelly (’69):  St. Paul, MN
Gary,

I forgot to congratulate you and your wife on the birth of your twin grandchildren.  What a blessing.  God is truly great!

Take care.

Randy

Thanks Randy: They are special. They look like
Bernie, their dad too. Very healthy and doing well.

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Lyle Olson (’75):  West Fargo, ND

Gary and all,

So sad to hear of Jack Flynn’s passing.

I hauled literally thousands of hay bales for Jack.  Although barely a teenager I still remember all the conversations we had driving from town to his farm.  He talked about all manner of things, including sports, politics and life in general. He talked to me like I was a man and not a tweener.

As most know, he rarely talked about his military service, or at least not with me.  As I grew up and heard the horrors of Vietnam Nam from the local boys who fought over there, I often thought that Jack must have seen some god awful things during his long tour of duty in WWII. He was truly a patriot and one of the greatest generation. It was his advice upon which I joined the USAF after high school ( well his advice and that of James Very, the Juvenile Court Judge at the time—-

However, I prefer to remember that it was Jack’s advice that carried the day!)

Jack was an avid reader, until the cruel onset of his vision loss.  I would bump into him from time to time and he would tell me about a book he just finished.  He also wanted to talk about law with me and I must admit he stymied me on more than one occasion. But he did so with humor and intelligence.

Although not a very good baseball player I was a bench warming member of some of the best Legion teams Dunseith ever produced.  Jack would show up at almost all the games.  He loved baseball and especially enjoyed watching his boys from Dunseith.  I remember him showing up at a Babe Ruth State tournament game in Minot and he then drove a few of us younger boys to watch our Legion team play a Regional or State game in Carrington. He bought us all lunch and made sure our parents knew we were with him.

Back to hauling bales, Jacked would often hay with Wally and Kenny Hiatt.  I remember Jack letting me drive a load of hay back to the farm and I took a corner a bit too fast and half the load tumbled off the trailer. Kenny was not too pleased and said a few swear words my way.  Jack simply walked over to the pickup and grabbed a warm Schlitz beer out of the box and said he would supervise me while I restocked the load.  That is exactly what he did. Never said a bad word my way and never mentioned it to anyone.  By the time I finished he had put away 3 to 4 warm beers and asked me to drive home!  Definitely gave me confidence to drive, which I know now was his intent.  Can’t beat that kindness!

Lyle Olson
West Fargo

Memories of Jack Flynn
From Don Olson (’75):

The Olson family moved to Dunseith in 1968.  I am the oldest of three sons of Lorraine Somers, (Metcalfe).  My name is Don and I have two accomplished brothers, Lyle and Rob. We were involved in sports, baseball, basketball, and football.   Our mother worked three jobs to support us but we did have people who watched us play and would tell our mother about our performance, be it good or bad.  Mr. Jack Flynn was one of these people.

Growing up in Dunseith you were certain of a couple things. One, if there was a sporting event in town, especially baseball, Jack Flynn and Herman Martinson would be there.  Looking back at the experiences we had in Dunseith, we were very privileged and honored to be taught about life by these two men.  Herman Martinson was one of the best people I have ever met or probably will meet. His soft-spoken guidance helped more than one young man see problems more clearly and he had this sense of knowing what you needed to feel better. Once in a while, he would jack you up if you had been slacking or he would boost you up when you needed the reinforcement.

Mr. Flynn was the driving force behind the American Legion teams from the late 60s through the early 70s. He made sure that the Dunseith squad had all the equipment they ever needed and funding to go to tournaments and food for the boys. I think for about three summers we played over 40 baseball games and were in three state tournaments.

All he ever asked for in return was respect for the game, respect for the American Legion and sportsmanship. You were expected to stand at attention for the American Legion Creed; you were expected to hustle on and off the field at all times. You were to respect the umpires and referees and to be good sportsman and act like gentlemen. I do not remember a time when he did not support each and every individual in the team like we were part of his family.

The second thing I was assured of as a boy; was that we were expected to give our best efforts in any endeavor we chose. He believed in our potential as boys and later as men.  I feel truly blessed to have had role models such as Jack.

My last encounter was with Jack was one afternoon at The Hardware Store. I stopped in for something and when I asked David Fugere for the item, Jack who was sitting on the bench, said “I know that voice is an Olson; which one are you?” I told him I was Don and he related how he would sometimes walk across the street to our little trailer and grab one of the younger Olson Boys to go with him to pick rock on the farm. First it was Lyle and then Rob as he got older. My brothers talked about being with Jack as a great experience as he was fountain of knowledge and care. He never ceased to ask about my brothers when I saw him.  It was an honor to be mentored by such good men.

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th Birthday Party
Posting/pictures from Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Hi Gary,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing better.  Hang in there old friend.

I really appreciate that you are still able to find the time to get the blog done and sent out to all of us.

Here are some photos of Jim and Ruby (Kuhn) Birkland’s, “80th Birthday Party” celebrated at the Lutheran Church in Dunseith , ND. on Sept. 20,2015.

If your gonna play in North Dakota , ‘You gotta have a fiddle in the band”!

A great time was had by all.

Larry

A few others  who joined in the fun.

A couple other guys and a hot rod at the Birthday Party.

Thanks Gary, You do a great job!

====================================
Blog (358) posted on February 2, 2009

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51): 

Hi to all:  We are home from visiting children and grandchildren during December and from Costa Rica during January–where we studied and lived with a family.
We had felt some small rumbles in the earth a few times before the big earthquake occurred (6.2) and we ran out of the house to the back yard, where we swayed back and forth with the earth for a short time, I even felt nauseous.  North of San Jose at Volcan Poas occurred massive damage and some people have never been found and several communities were wiped out.  The T.V. news, of course carried it constantly and the people of C.R. came to the rescue as best they could.  I even saw a large monkey run into the arms of an animal rescuer.  It was very touching.  Volcan Poas is again open for visitors, but the devastation of the roads and beautiful mountains and streams is great–just in that area.  The rest of C. R. is okay.  About 30 volcanologists were studying Poas in the crator when it cccurred, but they all came out unharmed.      Happy New Year to all!    Lois Lilleby Fielding

Reply from Lloyd Awalt (44):

Hi Gary,  Here is my answer to Dick.

Hello Dick Johnson,

1960 is when Bill Teal retired from the depot, Bill Teal almost never drove, he always got someone else to drive for him.. Bill and Irene moved down next to Jack and Minnie Flynn.  Ray Hagel took his place as depot agent.  Yes I remember putting pennies on the train tracks and having the train flatten them, so you weren’t the first to do that and you sure weren’t the last.  Doing that sure made a penny look like it could be worth more than one cent didn’t it!

My Dad John Awalt bought the Dray Line in 1931 from Ike Berg.  We used horses to haul the freight, we hauled everything, coal, ashes, and ice besides what came in on the train.  During the Christmas Season is was not unusual to haul as many as three truck loads of mail up to the San Haven.  Coal was a big part of the business because almost all homes, stores and the school was heated by coal.  The coal had to be pushed from the train cars into the coal sheds and later loaded onto the wagon or truck and hauled to it’s destination.  The bucket you pushed it with by hand was no easy chore, and sometimes if you hit a nail in the floor as you were pushing it was a bugger of a quick stop.  Dad sold the Dray Line in 1943.

Lloyd Awalt

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (56): 

Hi everybody, hope you all are getting ready for spring.  Surely it must be on the way!!!

Elaine Watkins died just 1 month after my sister Corinne.  Both were mentally challenged.  It was interesting to hear of Elaine’s ability to remember things,

because Corinne could also.  She remembered all the relatives’ birthdays, anniversaries, and she could also tell you how old people were.  My mother used

to say, if it weren’t for Corinne, nobody would have gotten birthday cards from her.  Corinne did not attend public school, although that was tried and failed, but she did have a

tutor come to the house for a time.  That was Elinor Fuchs and she made a big improvement in Corinne’s life.  Elinor taught her to read enough so she could find things in

the newspaper.  Especially she would look to see who was in the hospital from Dunseith.  As Mom was writing the news for the TMS, that was a big help.  One of the things

about Elaine, when we were younger, was that we would sit together at the movies, way down in front.  She wasn’t always as friendly as she was as she got older, but

mostly we managed to get along.  She and Corinne were much more compatible.  I don’t remember Bud so well, but I knew his folks better as they were often in the Crystal

Café when I worked there.  Bud was pretty quiet, but friendly.

I really think Gary Metcalf gives Bonnie and I a lot of credit as I see our names in his messages pretty often. Thanks, Gary, you are alright!!!

Adrian Egbert was a character around town.  He was the father of my aunt, Margaret Lilleby who was just the best aunt to have in this world.  She and Louis drove a

taxi in Dunseith for a number of years before moving to Washington.  They lived in the house the Dick Johnson’s folks had before moving to their farm.  Eventually my

brother Lowell owned that house.  The house was right across from Adrian’s Northern Hotel.  Adrian’s woodpile was always a temptation on Halloween, and my

friends were involved in several “tricks” there.  Dorothy (Adrian’s second wife) and my mother were friends and visited often.  When Mom wanted to sell the house we

had lived in (get this, which was built by Adrian) Dorothy bought it for $2000. What a deal!!  Donald and his wife lived in the last I knew.

Enough for now.  Take care.  Janice Leonard Workman, class of 1956 rules!!!!

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Re: Modeste Lagimodiere

Modeste’s homestead was about 1 1/2 miles south of Rapid City Lake and one mile off #3 highway.  Louis Riel Jr. was son of Julie Lagimodiere and Louis Riel Sr.
I have a story of Joe Lagimodiere and old Martin Evan’s, also Ben Lagimodiere told my dad what to do if a mean bull got you off guard in an open field.

If Alice Bergan doesn’t have a picture of Alcide, what with Alcide babysitting her kids all those years, then I guess we are out of luck.  People reading this would get a lot more out of it if there was a picture.
It is interesting that Bergan’s land is connected to the old Modeste homestead and Mahlon Bailly was right next door   The Banker Templeman place where Wilmer Fassett was after 1935 was there also.

Melvin Cook, someone out there may know what family brought him to the area.  I am guessing maybe the Anderson’s.  On those swimming adventures on Rabbit City Lake, they would look way over on the other side of the lake, and say “there he is”.  Melvin swam like a duck, staying under water so long, they wondered where he was at.  I think he had some other talents too.

About 1947 Dad introduced me to a man named Fred Morin.  He had a big star, a big hat and he was a rather striking figure of a man, this was up on the Jack Rabbitt Trail north of Dunseith.  As I read his story in Prairie Past and Mountain Memories, one could easily write a book on his life of 104 years.  I thought Fred did a lot of his duty on foot?  For sure Wilbur Hall did his work on horseback on the Canadian Border when we first came back to the farm.  Things really were changing fast in the 40’s.
Gary Metcalfe

Reply from Colette Hosmer (64): c

Cousin Bob,

I liked your memory/letter which included Elaine Watkins very much.  I have added this image of you to my file of “cousin Bob Hosmer memories” in my head.  That’s one of the great things about this communal “blog”.  It enables us all to build a more complete picture of those who contributed to our lives.

Thanks to you, the “Fassett Boys” and others, my memory of Elaine has filled-out considerably.

Colette

Susan, I forgot to attack the pictures when I posted the following message with #355.  Sorry about that.  Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins.   She was born Jan 1st 1938 to
Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins.  She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine
Robert, and Carol Carbonneau.  She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at
home on the farm north of Dunseith.   She never fully developed mentally
beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her
into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance.  She
loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan
Fassett, and all our siblings.  We used to tease her unmercifully when
we were kids, but she loved us anyway.  Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I
used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and
we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so
the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine
squeal.  She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when
she came out of the house.  I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about
her and also Murl and Jeannine.  These pictures are in my collection,
of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2.  The one of her dancing is with my
mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin.  Mom was teaching her to dance and
that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the
couch.)  We had lots of good times with her.  I like to think that she
and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who
have gone home ahead of us.   God Bless,  Hugs and prayers,  Susan

Irene Fassett & Elaine Watkins Dancing – Paula Fassett on couch

                  Elaine Watkins – 1940

                    Elaine Watkins – 1940

                     Elaine Watkins – 1940

Happy Birthday Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (’73): Grafton, ND

Randy Kelly (’69)

Former St, Paul Mayor and former Personal staff of President George W. Bush.

I am sure most of you know or have heard of Randy Kelly. Randy’s mother was a Fauske, sister to Elwood Fauske and Lydia Fauske LaCroix. Randy was with the DHS class of 1969. His family moved to the twin cities before he graduated. From what I understand, Randy spend a lot of his childhood days staying with the Ernest and Lydia LaCroix family west of Dunseith.

Anyway, what brings Randy’s name into the picture is at our Cebu Expat dinner last night at the Marco Polo, one of our newer members told me he was from St. Paul. So I asked him if he knew Randy Kelly and of course he did. He wasn’t sure if Randy would remember him, even though he had run for a Legislature office in Randy’s district. Last night when I got home I zapped Randy a message with this guy’s name and  picture and Randy knows him.  Small world. With Randy having been a past Mayor of St. Paul, I was nearly 100% positive this guy would know who Randy is and he did. Not being from the Twin Cities area he was very surprised when I brought up Randy’s name.

Gary

DHS 68 Prom – Randy Kelly and Toni Morinville

Jack Flynn Memories
Reply from Bob Lykins (60’s HS teacher):  Hutto, TX.

Gary,

I was deeply saddened to read of Jack Flynn’s passing.  Jack and Minnie were among our very first friends in Dunseith.  They took us into their hearts and helped us to not only adjust to living in a new community but also married life as we were newly-weds when we first lived there.  Jack had the greatest sense of humor and many a laugh was shared at the American-Canadian Bar when Jack was there.  His stories and photos of his experiences during WWII and his participation in the liberating of some of the concentration camps was so interesting and enlightening to a young man who’s passion was, and still is, history.  With his passing another part of the “greatest generation” is lost to the future.  My sympathies go out to Minnie and the family.  This is one man who will certainly be missed.

Bob Lykins
Francis Peter (Jack) Flynn

Born: July 15, 1921
Died: September 25, 2015

Send Flowers

FRANCIS PETER (JACK) FLYNN

Francis Peter “Jack” Flynn, age 94 of Dunseith, died Friday, September 25, 2015 in the VA Hospital in Fargo. A memorial service will be held on Friday October 2, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

Jack was born July 15, 1921 Fonda, ND (east of Rolette) to Hugh Francis “Frank” and Mathilda (Marcotte) Flynn, the youngest of five children. Jack grew up in Rolette County and attended country school and then Rolette Public School, graduating in 1938. As a kid he worked at many jobs including Billy Murry’s pool hall in Rolette and for area farmers. He was a truck driver in the CCC camp at Kramer, ND and was part of their champion North Dakota basketball team, winning over Montana and South Dakota teams. His service in World War II was operating big radar equipment and truck driving in the U. S. Army from 1942 to 1945. His division landed in North Africa and made their way north through Europe. At the end of the war, they were among those liberating Dachau concentration camp.

Returning to the United States, he settled with his parents in Dunseith. He had jobs at a cream station, bakery in carpentry, and at gas stations before many years at American- Canadian Bar. He was a member of American Legion and other veterans organizations. He often reminisced about playing on the 1947 ND Independent Basketball team champions. Jack loved life and his family, growing crops and gardens, all sports, and was a fan of Barbershop Quartet music. Jack loved life and his family, growing crops and gardens, as well as all sports (Go TWINS!!). He was an ardent supporter of Dunseith baseball. He was a fan of Barbershop Quarter music. In his 90’s he raised pigs and chicken in an unused grain bin.”

Jack married Minnie Knox Dec. 28, 1948. They made their home in Dunseith and later Willow Lake Township on their farm.

Jack’s family: wife, Minnie, Dunseith; daughters, K. Jacqueline Richard, Dunseith and Jill(Larry) Tinjum, Powers Lake; son: Randy(Laurice)Flynn, Happy valley , Oregon. Grandchildren: Patrick(Elizabeth) Richard, Brooke(Garrett) Silbernagel, Richard Tinjum, John (Tally) Tinjum, Stephanie(Carter) Fong, Sonja Tinjum, Wyman(Liza) Flynn, Greir Flynn, Rio Flynn. Great-grandchildren: Julia, Autumn, Brody, Karys, Kolie, Sydney, and Parker and two nieces; Marlene Jorgenson and Tara Martinson and a nephew; Tim Martinson.

Preceded in death by family: parents-Frank and Mathilda Flynn, brother-Harold Flynn,
sisters- Evelyn Foster, Isabelle Burgan, and Pearl Martinson.

The family requests memorials to the American Legion Foundation.

Send Sympathy Card 

 Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries 

====================================
Blog (357) posted on February 1, 2009

02/01/2009

Posted on February 1, 2009

      Happy Birthday Shelley Hiatt Kenner: Devils Lake, ND

     Happy Birthday Robin Olson (‘79): Walla Walla WA

Phyllis Campbell, Dick and Brenda Johnson
Posting from Rich Campbell (’68): Minot, ND

How ironic.  Visiting Mom at the Bethel Nursing Home in Stanley today and heard familiar music coming from the activity area.  It was Dick & Brenda and their new friend Carl (Dakota Drifters).  By the time I brought Mom down they had finished.  We did have a good visit.  Mom sure enjoyed seeing them.

Rich Campbell

Jack Flynn’s Obituary
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67): Bottineau, ND

Jack Flynn passed away.  A short notice is on the Nero Funeral Home Web site.  The family submitted the full obituary and I expect it will be on there sometime tomorrow.  The service will be at Peace Lutheran on Friday at 2PM.  Thanks, LeaRae

Gary’s reply

LeaRae, I just checked and his obit is not yet posted. I will post the full Obituary when Nero’s have it posted. I have posted the short notice below.

Our condolences are with Minnie and all of Jack’s family with his passing. Jack will be missed, that is for sure.
Francis Peter (Jack) Flynn
Born: July 15, 1921
Died: September 25, 2015

Send Flowers

FRANCIS PETER (JACK) FLYNN

Francis Peter “Jack” Flynn, age 94 of Dunseith, died Friday, September 25, 2015 in the VA Hospital in Fargo. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Peace Lutheran Church of Dunseith. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation.

Send Sympathy Card 

 Print ObituaryView Guest Book Entries 

Posting from Ginger LaRocque (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Hey,  Gary

Tonight the moon is red.

It is very pretty.

We had a beautiful fall day, the olden days fall.

Take care,

Ginger

Gary’s Reply

Ginger, We are partly overcast with 90f and the Relative Humidity at 48%. Our average high is 88 to 92f year around. The lows are in lower 80’s. I don’t own a coat or any long sleeve over garments here. I really like it being summer year around.

====================================
Blog (356) posted on January 31, 2009

Bernice Belgarde (72):

Bernice, Enabling folks can contact you, I forgot to post your email address with message yesterday’s blog.  Sorry about that.  Gary
Folks, I recieved the following messages from Vickie Metcalfe that Denise Lajimodiere sent to her, Dick Johnson & Ginger LaRocque Poitra.  Bernice Belgarde forwarded Denise the daily blog messages with the stories of Alcide Lajimodiere. Gary

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie, Ginger & Dick: 

Hi you all!

Berniece Belgarde has sent me your emails and information you wrote about Alcide Lajimodiere. His grandfather, Modeste Lajimodiere had three wives and 21 chlidren. I have all the family geneaology – if I can find the folders, I’ve moved and packed them safely away, and can tell who his parents were. My father, Leo Lajimodiere, called him his cousin, and never seemed to have much to do with him, so I never got to know him. Modeste was first cousin to Louis Riel, of Canada fame. His father, Joseph had to flee Canada when Riel was hanged, and that is how we migrated to Dunseith area – Modeste took out a homestead north of Dunseith.

Alcide is buried with the other Lajimodiere’s in Dunseith.

I love the stories you have told, thank you so much, keep them coming if you have others!  So many of the Lajimodiere men here in the states and in Canada never had children. With my moving to Fargo there are now no one living in the T.Mts. with our last name. There are many that live in Winnipeg and Wallhalla.

Does anyone have a photo of him?

Denise K. Lajimodiere
2219 4th Ave. S
Moorhead, MN 56560

Vickie Metcalfe’s reply to Denise:

Denise, Over the years I have asked lots of folks about photos ofAlcide but no one has a photo. Thank you so much for sharing your

information information. I will keep you in my address book. If I
hear anything more.
I recalled you telling me about the Lajimodere connection to Louis
Riel. Two cousins and I about 4 years ago visted the Riel house in
Manitoba while we visited St. Agathe where my great grandmother
Celina Morin LeDuc was born.
Is it ok if I send your information in to the Gary Stokes website?
Thanks so much! I hope you’re having a good life. Vickie
—
Vickie L. Metcalfe

Denise Lajimodiere’s reply to Vickie:

I am currently in a dream job as professor in Educational Leadership at NDSU Fargo. I don’t like Fargo, but I love my job and my house in Moorhead. I head home to Belcourt/Dunseith as often as I can. I got my doctorate in 2006 from UND.
Please send any info anywhere – the more the merrier. Who is Gary Stokes?  I have long contemplated doing a little chap book on the Lajimodiere history here in the states. We fled Manitoba after Riel was hanged. Some returned but my family decided to camp in the Turtle Mountains. At the 200 year anniversary bash of Jean-Babtiste Lagimodiere and Marie-Ann Gaboury in Winnipeg in 2006, most Lajimodiere’s there did not know there were a lot of us in the states.

The historian there said I had the most complete family history of any he had seen. He is doing a huge book on the 20,000 current descendants of JB Lajimodiere.

What are you up to?

Happy Birthday Brenda Hiatt from your brother Bobby Slyter (70): 

Gary: today is my sister brenda’s birthday (1-23-55) could you possibly post this for me, thanks for all that you do for us, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS LOVE YA

Happy Belated birthday Brenda. We are hoping you had a good one.

Bobby, For some reason this message went into my spam folder and I didn’t catch it until today.  Sorry about that.  Gary

Ele Dietrich Slyter’s (69) reply to Leroy Burcham’s picture posted by Randy Hiatt

Enjoyed the pic very much.  Leroy looks so very much like Norman to me as he ages.   The Birklands and my Dad were cousins and I try to stay in touch with Jim and Ruby as they are living closest to me, but I’m afraid I don’t do a very good job at it, as we usually see each other either in the grocery store or clinic.  Richard and I get teased a bit about being related BEFORE we got married because Leroy was married to Delores Hiatt.  Such a small small world.   Reply from Bobby Slyter (70):  TO RANDY HIATT: GREAT PICTURE OF LEROY AND HIS WIFE, DID NOT KNOW THAT HE HAD GOTTEN MARRIED AGAIN, THE FARM SURE HAS CHANGED SINCE DAD HAD IT, YOU SHOULD HAVE STOPPED TO VISIT AS DADS GRANDDAUGHTER (MY NEICE) (RICHARDS DAUGHTER) AND HER HUSBAND OWN IT NOW, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GREATFUL THAT IT STAYED IN THE FAMILY   JUST LITTLE OLE  ME FROM KANSAS   A little winter humor, for all the snow this year, From Julie Hiatt Bonebrake (81): You know you’ve had enough ofwinter when you see this while walking thru the park! Julie

Fugere Twins
Happy birthday Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75): Minot, ND
Happy birthday Diane Fugere (’75): Burlington, ND

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

I certainly enjoy reading the blog,  but I understand why you are unable to at times.

You do so much for all of us,  so diligently getting this blog to us as often as you do.  There is not to many people would have the stamina you have.

God bless you Gary for making so many people happy by sacrificing so much of your time,  your one in a million! !

You have to be enjoying it! Right?

Ginger

Gary’s Reply.

Thank you so much Ginger for the nice comments. Bernadette’s condition is demanding more of my time these days too. That combined with other groups that I coordinate, there are days that I am an not able to get the blog posted.

When I came out to the office about 30 minutes ago, Bernadette was sleeping in her recliner. At the moment none of our help is here, so it is me alone. Novie will be here later on. Anyway a few minutes ago Bernadette was calling me. When I went in the house she said “I just cannot take it anymore. I am saying my good byes to you and checking out. I don’t want to be around anymore”. After getting her calmed down some I went and got Edelyn to assist her taking a shower and getting dressed of which she is doing now.

Having just gotten out of the shower and dressed, Bernadette has calmed down and is OK now.

Dakota Drifters Performing at the Hostfest with Dick/Brenda Johnson & Carl Kannianen
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

We’re heading to the Hostfest next week.  Our new group “Dakota Drifters” will be playing at the Reykjavik Hall every day at 9 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.  We always enjoy the Hostfest and meet so many nice folks.

The Hostfest website also has our bio and schedule at this link.

http://hostfest.com/entertainment/dakota-drifters/
<cid:part1.00030705.01020209@hughes.net>

We will still perform as Highway 43 when Ron Hett is back in the summers, but most of the time we’ll now be performing as the Dakota Drifters.  Our friend Carl Kannianen from Stanley, ND is a fantastic lead guitar player and loves old traditional country music like we do.

We also have another new member, Toby Nelson from Minot who will be joining us on the drums for the Hostfest.  We hope to see some of our friends in the audience.  Please feel free to stop by for a visit after any of our sets.  We sure would enjoy that! Thanks Gary!

Dick

DAKOTA DRIFTERS

This trio is made up of Dick and Brenda Johnson from the Turtle Mountains in north central North Dakota and Carl Kannianen from the Stanley area. All three are home grown self-taught musicians who really enjoy country music.

Carl farms in the Stanley area and has played the guitar for many years. He found out early in life that he enjoyed music. He sings harmony on several songs and also does vocals. Carl has a unique style of picking and his instrumentals are fabulous.

Dick farms near the International Peace Garden. He has been involved with music from the time he was young. He plays guitar and handles most of the vocals. He is known to favor Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash songs and always includes a few Norwegian jokes to keep things lively.

Brenda works for the North Dakota Forest Service in Bottineau. She started playing the standup bass just a few years ago. She keeps the group organized and is always looking for new “old” material. She and Dick have played and entertained together for several years.

This group plays a variety of country, gospel, rock-a-billy, and even some rock and roll. So if you like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Chet Atkins and other similar old time music you’ll enjoy hearing this group perform.

Barn Picture
Reply from Kenny Nerpel (’65):  Rugby, ND

The picture that Mel mentioned in the last post was actually taken in 2004.  I probably didn’t share it until 2010.  We just happened to be passing by it on a day when the wind was changing directions and thought that the reflection would make a nice picture.  It’s not looking so good now, but time marches on.

Kenny

Mel Kuhn / Larry Hackman
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Mel Kuhn says he was overwhelmed with the intelligence Larry Hackman expounded at the birthday party.  I’m still trying to understand why I don’t find that odd?  Mel said Larry took a picture of him at the church but I bet he doesn’t know the real reason for that either? Larry will be showing his pals that picture back in Bismarck just to prove that it’s true that he really does know some hillbillies from the Turtle Mountains. I think what Mel might be referring to with my superior intelligence is just that when I have had a few beers, I am able to describe–in detail–things that I can’t fully even understand when I’m sober.

That’s a good reason to have another beer just to see how brilliant I can actually get.  One of my old friends said he would have been a doctor right now if he hadn’t been quite so smart when he got out of high school.  I don’t know,  a couple beers and it comes right back.

Thanks Gary!

Dick

Larry/Henry Hackman & Dick Johnson
Reply from Mel Kuhn (’70): 

Dick,

Low and behold and much to my surprise at about 7:30 this evening Larry and Henry Hackman come a knocking on my door. This time I don’t think they were lost. They actually seemed to know where they were. They said they had been over at your place before they decided to come here. They said they had been at your place at about supper time but you didn’t offer to feed them. I took this as a sign that they were hungry. Kathy had been baking all day for the fall supper at the church tomorrow and she let us have one of the apple pies [I think she’s gonna make me pay $10.00 for it]. A piece of that pie and a cup of coffee seemed to bring them around. They were grateful that I gave them their pie on a real plate but they wondered if they would have to wash them so that I wouldn’t get into trouble for having to go buy some new plates. They remembered me having to do that while Kathy was gone on vacation and I ran out of dishes while she was gone and had to buy some new ones so that I had something to eat on. This was before she had told about paper plates. Who ever heard of such a thing? Anyway I guess they’ve been touring through the Turtle Mountains these past few days just a stopping and visiting with people from Bottineau to St. John. It was a good visit and we all got to tell some lies [mostly Larry] and maybe Kathy. Well it’s getting late in the evening and I have to cook a turkey for the church supper tomorrow so I should call it a day. I still have to go catch one somewhere yet. I’ve got my dog watching for one so maybe with a little luck he’ll get one by morning. He’s kind of like Larry, does his best hunting in the dark. Later.

Mel
 

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Blog (355) posted on January 30, 2009

Gary and Friends,

Today we got hooked up to DSL, so things are good! My new email address is :

With the many folks reading this blog, I thought it would be a good
place to post this change. Please change my address folks so I don’t
miss your individual messages. Thanks!

Dick

Gary’s Reply:
Dick, Because so many folks do not have high speed internet, many of which do not have it available to them, I keep the daily postings relatively small in file size. I try to keep them less than 500 KB.  You will enjoy the faster internet service.  Gary

From Bernice Belgarde (72):

Hi Gary.

I cannot find the newsletter that told the story of Alcide Lajimodere.  It might have been #347 but I cannot retrieve it because my delete file cleared out my deletions too soon.  Can you resend me the article on Alcide?  Denise Lajimodere would like to know who wrote the article.  I sent her the story but did not put in the email the narrator of this story. I just want to say chi mii-gwitch (a big thank you) for providing us the history of Dunseith, ND.  I lived a different life in Dunseith coming from a native american home and I know a lot of the people there.  My life as a youth and teenager does different from what the white students and people did there.  Yet it is very interesting to see how they seen life in Dunseith.

Bernice Belgarde – Class of 1972

Bernice, It’s great hearing from you!  I found those messages and forwarded them to you. I’m assuming Denise would be related to Alcide?  Vickie Metcalfe phrased it so well with her phrasing, in a message quite some time ago, of the multi cultures that we had growing up going to school in Dunseith.  Gary

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65):

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins.   She was born Jan 1st 1938 to Helen Amundson and Roy Watkins.  She was a sister to Murl Hill, Jeannine Robert, and Carol Carbonneau.  She died in 1993 peacefully in her bed at home on the farm north of Dunseith.   She never fully developed mentally beyond about a 10- 12 year old mentality, but I believer God sent her into our family to teach us love and understanding and tolerance.  She loved all of us kids (cousins Tim Hill, Charles Carbonneau, Susan Fassett, and all our siblings.  We used to tease her unmercifully when we were kids, but she loved us anyway.  Charlie, Mark Andersen, and I used to take her out on Lake Metigoshe in the boat (Charlie driving) and we would make her sit on one side and then Charlie would turn sharply so the edge of the boat was nearly touching the water, just to make Elaine squeal.  She loved to tease the roosters and they would chase her when she came out of the house.  I’m sure Carol can tell many stories about her and also Murl and Jeannine.  These pictures are in my collection,  of Elaine in 1940 when she was 2.  The one of her dancing is with my mother, Irene Fassett, her cousin.  Mom was teaching her to dance and that was at our house on the corner in Dunseith(Paula sitting on the couch.)  We had lots of good times with her.  I like to think that she and mom and dancing in heaven along with lots of other relatives who have gone home ahead of us.   God Bless,  Hugs and prayers,  Susan

Reply from Paula Fassett  (71): 

Hi All…

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Elaine Watkins, so I decided to add my two cents.  Elaine was my cousin – actually my Mom’s first cousin.  My mother was Irene (Watkins) Fassett.  Her mother – Gudrun Amundson  – and Helen (Amundson) (Watkins) Nelson were sisters.  Helen is Elaine’s mother – and mother of Murl Hill, Carol Carbonneau and Jeannine Robert. ( I hope my sister Susan replies, too – she is the historian of the family.)  Helen worked at Hosmer’s for many, many years so I’m sure a lot of you remember her.

Elaine, in this day and age, would most likely be diagnosed “developmentally disabled”.  Although that is the way the medical profession most likely saw her, to our family she was most certainly a treasure.  And Elaine was smart in many, many ways.  She rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary.  She could probably have told you the family lineage of most of the people in the TurtleMountains.  And clever – man, could she tell the jokes – some that would make you blush!!!  AND she could play the harmonica!!  In her later years, Elaine resided in Minot and I’m sure that many Dunseith residents who were at one time or another hospitalized in Minot can tell of Elaine coming to pay them a visit!! She kept an eye on the patient list in the Minot Daily News!  She missed very few weddings, anniversary celebrations and/or funerals.

Elaine loved to chat on the phone, and although Aunt Helen would tell her not to make so many calls every day, sure enough the phone would ring and after you said hello, there would be a pause, then Elaine’s throaty voice, saying “Mother just went to the barn, so I can’t talk long”.  One of my favorite Elaine “tales” is of Tim Hill (who is her nephew) at a time he was going to school in Grand Forks, I believe it was.  Elaine was probably in Grafton?  Tim wouldn’t give her his phone number for fear he would be inundated with calls, but he would pick her up on weekends that he was going home and take her along.  Well, Elaine wasn’t satisfied with that plan – and she knew the street address of where Tim was renting.  So she went through the Grand Forks phone book – line by line – until she found the address and Voila!  Tim got a phone call!  THAT is perseverance!

Elaine passed away a few years ago – I think she was about 65 years old.  She was quite a character.  I think you could ask anyone who was related to her – or a friend or a neighbor who knew her – and they’ll have a humorous tale of Elaine!

Paula Fassett

Reply to Gary Metcalfe from Jerry Williams (54): 

Yes Gary I do remember Elaine Watkins.  She was what  in today world be would termed as mentally challenged.  Back than we unfortunately had much more derogatory terms for her.  She was teased by many of the students back than. I believe that in today’s world with the classes that we have for the  mentally challenged she could have fit into our society.

There has been allot of talk about the past teachers from Dunseith School System.  The one that I remember the most was my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Conroy.  I had the greatest respect for her and she will always remain “Mrs.” Conroy to me.  Of all the teachers that I have had in the past, both in Dunseith and in college Mrs. Conroy was, to me, the most outstanding and she had a profound impact on my life.  Even though she has passed on thank you Mrs. Conroy from the bottom of my heart.

And yes Gary I am about 3 or 4 years older than you and I still remember you.  If I remember right you were on the football team the fall of 1953.  Am I right?  You may have been on the basketball team as well, however my role on the BB team was bench warmer (at best).

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

I’m sure you’ve covered the Peace Gardens in some of the earlier posts.  My Dad, Don Aird Sr., helped build the Peace Gardens with the CCCs.  Every Memorial Day we would come to Dunseith to put flowers on the Carlson graves at the Little Prairie Cemetery.  Then we would go to the Peace Gardens.  Dad would spend most of a day just going back to the places he remembered.  One story Dad told me that you may not have heard had to do with Kelvin and the switchboard.  Everyone was on the same “party line”.  Ease dropping  was common.  The commandant for the CCCs had to make a report once a month to Washington using the phone.  When he called Washington lots of folks picked up their phones to listen in.  When they did that they drained the electricity powering the system so the report couldn’t be made.  The commandant finally rang up everyone on the line and told them if they would wait he would call them all back and give them the same report he was making to Washington.  So every month there were two reports one, to Washington and one to the ease droppers on the line.

My birthday is July 2 and I also have 2 family members in July. My cousin is 6 days younger than me and we were

raised almost like sisters. Sybil

Sybil, you are only 19 days older than me and you are a Great Grandmother.  Gary
Reply/picture from Randy Hiatt:

Gary, I have attached a picture of my step father Leroy Birkland and his wife Alice, and one of Wades sons so some of the folks can see. This was taken when I was back last December to visit him in Bottineau. I hadn’t seen my step dad in many years so it was really nice getting backand visiting with him. I took dad for a drive up in the hills and stopped to see Freddy Hiatts old farm byWillow Lake.  A lot had change with that farm from the way I remember it when I was a kid visiting. The big red barn was gone and a lot of the out buildings as well.

I am still trying to figure out how this blog works in regards to what I type and what is posted. If I post a few things I will get the hang of it. I have lots of other pictures that people would probably be interested in seeing so let me know which way would be the best way to post them.

Thanks for everything

Randy Hiatt

Randy, I will post pretty much what ever anyone sends to me and would like posted. I try to keep the postings related to the interests of the Dunseith Alumni.  Folks love pictures, so please send what ever you have.  If someone sends me a note or message that we have not heard from or have not heard from for a long while, with discretion, I’ll post their message to let folks know they are on board with us. There have been times that folks have replied to someone’s message letting us know they have not seen or heard of that person for many years, sometimes 50 plus years.  Lots of our folks know your step dad Leroy Birkland. Thanks for sharing.  Gary

Leroy & Alice Birkland

    Happy Birthday Jeff Gottbreht: Dunseith, ND

Happy Birthday LaVerne Rude (BHS ’63): Vancouver, WA

    Happy Birthday Janet Houle: Kensington, MN

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th birthday party.
Message from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

Today I went to my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Ruby Birklands 80^th Birthday party over in Dunseith and of all the people to run into there was Larry Hackman. I should’ve known he’d be there with the free sloppy joes and chocolate cake. I was in line after Larry and I had to wait for my cake while they ran over to Dales to get some Ding Dongs for the rest of us. I haven’t saw Larry for a while so he had a whole bunch of new lies to try and get me to believe. I just go along with him and nod my head like I believe him. It probably was a good thing that Dick Johnson wasn’t there or my poor old head probably would have exploded with all the knowledge they would have tried to force upon me. They know that I can only take in so much for one day. It’s hard to tell which one of them is “smarter”. Anyway-there were a lot of people there at the party. Some I hadn’t seen for a long time and some that I didn’t recognize. Then there were some like that DuWight Poitra that I didn’t want to recognize. Bernard Morin even made a guest appearance. Then Uncle Jimmy dug out the old fiddle and him and some of his kids and grandkids played a few good old tunes for us. Jimmy still know which end of the fiddle to tuck under his chin. When all that was done Larry and I got to visiting and he wanted to know if the old Berginski barn up on Hwy 43 was still standing. Kenny Nerpel used to take a picture now and then and keep us informed as to its condition. Kenny has seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth. We were wondering if we should be concerned or not. So I stopped on the way back home and took a picture of it with my phone. It kind of came out. Maybe Gary can doctor it up some seeing as it took me about three hours and seventeen minutes to figure out how to get it downloaded onto my computer. Downloaded-that’s the proper term isn’t it? Boy I don’t know, that’s a lot for me to try and understand. That’s about all I got to say I guess and every word I put down here is the honest truth. And Larry should know that ‘cause he took a picture of me there at the church in front of a picture of the last supper and there was a glow that just formed around me. There Larry I beat you to it, you was going to try and tell everybody some kind of lie about that too weren’t you? Later.

Mel

Mel Kuhn’s recently taken – 2015

Kenny Nerpel’s picture taken five years ago in 2010

Jim and Ruby Birkland’s 80^th birthday party.
Message from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Friends,

Today, It seemed nature knew she had to be wearing  her best, to celebrate Jim and Ruby’s 80th birthdays. The foot of the Turtles, was a gloriously,  beautiful  on one of the last days of summer!  The leaves are beginning to  slowly crown the trees with colour, along with  berries of roses, cranberries  and mountain ash  splashed in  abundant shades.

Jim and Ruby’s three children, Larry, Brenda, and Brian were in attendance as well as many of their families;  children and grandchildren. Many neighbors came out for the occasion;as well as family and friends from Bismarck, Minot, St. John,  Bottineau, Belcourt,  and Boissevain, Manitoba.

One  of the last to eat lunch; I d  sat with Brenda’s grand children, (5 boys).  Questioning them what the best things they ate were?  Because,  I trust kids  judgement of the   “good stuff”.   The  five tow headed boys ranging from eleven down to two each gave me a response of what they thought the best stuff was.  They  finally came to agree, “sloppy joes”! Brian then asked if I’d eaten yet. I went for the sloppy joe.   …….”.Mmmm.”  I said.  “Who made this? They are really good.”   The boys said, “Grandma Ruby.”

Everywhere, around the white circular tables in the  parish hall; old neighbors, family and kids ate that wonderful lunch and  enjoyed good visiting.

Many family photographs were taken with the birthday  guests of honor, a.k.a  Jim and Ruby.  I kicked  myself many times,  because I had forgotten my camera. Uffda….but I did remember the birthday card!

Jim, Brian, Brian’s son, and Brenda’s granddaughter jammed a wee bit .    Now , “Your Cheating Heart”,  and ” I’ll Waltz across Texas with You” are replaying in my head! And will be all week. Nothing like a great music jam session to get the fingers and toes tapping.

And Yes! Jim did fiddle!, The others played guitar. Reluctantly, I found myself needing to say farewell, ( my boys were waiting in the car).

As I hugged Brenda good bye,  I said to her,  “I was charmed by your  grand babies”.! I ‘d told her grandsons, ” I will see you back in 10 years for Great grandpapa  and Great Grandmama’s 90th.  They each told me what  instrument they will  be playing  then. All those boys are currently  taking piano lessons.

I figure,  when I see them in 10 years they will be playing with Great Grandpapa Jimmy!

Until Later.  Vickie

Posting of the day from my good Expat Netherland’s friend Leo Tacke.

This took place in Charlotte North Carolina .

A lawyer purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against, among other things, fire.

Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars, the lawyer filed a claim against the insurance company.

In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost ‘in a series of small fires.’

The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason, that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.

The lawyer sued and WON! (Stay with me.)

Delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous. The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company, in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be unacceptable ‘fire’ and was obligated to pay the claim.

Rather than endure a lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000 to the lawyer for his loss of the cigars that perished in the ‘fires’.

NOW ..FOR THE BEST PART….

After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!!!

With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail

and a $24,000 fine.

This true story won First Place in last year’s Criminal Lawyers Award contest.

ONLY IN AMERICA ….

NO WONDER THE REST OF THE WORLD THINKS WE’RE NUTS

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Blog (353) posted on January 28, 2009

Folks, with yesterday’s message we (I) skipped message 351, so there is no message 351.  Gary

Correction to Jerry Williams message posted with message 350.

Folks,  I miss read Jerry’s message thinking, in my mind, that he had been back to Dunseith many times since 1954. I sent Jerry a message telling him I was going to edit out the word ‘not’ in his message.  I told him if it was wrong, I’d post a correction.  Well I was wrong, so I’m posting the correction below.  Gary

Jerry’s reply:

I have only been back to Dunseith a few times after I Graduated in 1954.  I guess that is the way I should have composed the message.  Oh well you did good to catch a potential mistake.  Thanks.

Jerry

Jerry’s original message:

I graduated with Viola with the class of 1954,  a graduating class of 8, I think the smallest to ever graduate from good old DHS.  Anyway I have not been back to Dunseith many times since 1954 myself and Viola is one of those people that I have not seen in now 55 years.  I don’t know if  our class is going to get together for a 55 year reunion this summer or not but it would be fun to get to see her again.  How about it class of “54” are we going to have a class reunion this summer?

Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS teacher – mid 60’s): 

Herzlich glueckwunch zum Geburtstag, Allen!

Speaking about collecting Social Security.  A little bit of information for those retireing from Federal Service.  I started collecting full Social Security benefits when I turned 65.  My 10 year old son (at the time) started collecting an amount equal to half of my benefits because he was under 18 and (get this) my ex-wife, because we were married for more than ten years, also began collecting benefits amounting to 50% of my benefit. My current wife doesn’t get anything which is a bone contention on occasion.  When I retired at age 68, because I am under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) The Social Security Windfall Act applied to me as it does to all Federal employees under CSRS.  As a result, just when we really need full Social Security benefits when we retire, they are cut, in some cases,  by as much as  75-80%.  The rationale being that we have been working all these years and paying into another retirement plan and not paying in to Social Security.  I wonder if this also applies to people in private business and industry?  It has taken the Social Security Administration a full year to catch up to me as I have been receiving full benefits during my first year of retirement and not eligible to do so.  I lucked out in that they only cut me about 45% but I have to pay back what they overpaid me this past year.  Not a problem since I knew this was going to happen and with each monthly payment dropped 50% into a savings account.  In other words I had a nice loan for a year from Social Security.  My son and ex-wife also have to pay back.  Good luck on them getting money back from the ex.  It’s no wonder that outfit is going broke.

Again, Allen, Happy Birthday.

Bob Lykins

Gary’s reply
Yes Bob, you fell into the social security off set rule when you started collecting your federal retirement. For me the bulk of my Social Security entitlement comes from my Army reserve years.  In my case the off set rule I feel is fare, because I did not pay that much into the system to get my qualifying quarters.  I don’t necessarily like it, but I can see the rational behind the rule for folks like me.  It’s not a fare rule for those that had substantial years social security before going to work for the government.  This rule only applies to those hired into federal service before 1984. To maximize my retirement, I learned the Government, Reserve and Social Security laws well.  Gary

     Happy Birthday Norma Manning: Princeton, Ill.

 
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Blog (352) posted on January 27, 2009

01/27/2009

Posted on January 27, 2009

Happy birthday wishes to Jean (Nicholas) Miller, class of 66, on 9/11: Glendale, AZ
From your sister Ellen (Graff) 58 Myrick:  Grand Forks, ND

Bernadette Stokes Holding her Twin Grandsons.

They are 14 minutes apart in age, but born on different days.
Here in the Philippines, childrens middle names are their mother’s Maiden name.
Lorelie’s family name is Papa. Now that she is married she has taken her maiden family name as her Middle name.
Lorelie Papa Stokes.

Margaret Bedard Strong
Question from Maria Parlade Corral (’62): Coral Gables, FL

Gary, is Margaret Bedard Strong one of the Bedard triplets that graduated with me in Dunseith in 1962 ? Congratulations to you and Bernadette for the beautiful twin grandkids.   I was in Dunseith for  only one year and my brothers and sisters attended school there for 2 1/2 years and I truly enjoy your blog.

What a great job !! , Maria Parlade Corral ( Dunseith , 1962)

Gary’s Comment
Maria, Margaret is in the one of the Triplets. I will someone else thoroughly answer your question though.

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Blog (348) posted on January 24, 2009

Posting from Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’64): Belcourt, ND

That is very sad, the terrible things that are done for what they say is for the good to further medical science.

Thanks for all you do Gary

Bernadette looked great in that picture of you all eating together.

Tony and I often say this hamburger or this JUMBO doesn’t taste the way it used to.  Well I was thinking it is the buns, Herman made such good bread no one can beat it. It would be great to have that recipe,  mm mm good !

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

Gary’s Comment
Ginger, I think you are probably referring to Bernadette’s condition, Vascular Dementia. There is no cure or meds available to treat this disease. It is lack of blood flow to the brain cells causing them to die off. Once the process starts there is no reversing it.

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

We all need a Tree!

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had
just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an
hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck
refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited
me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused
briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both
hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation.. His face
was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his
wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity
got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do
earlier.

‘Oh, that’s my trouble tree,’ he replied ‘I know I can’t help having
troubles on the job, but one thing’s for sure, those troubles don’t
belong in the house with my wife and the children.. So I just hang them
up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of
them. Then in the morning I pick them up again.’ ‘Funny thing is,’ he
smiled,’ when I come out in the morning to pick ’em up, there aren’t
nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.’

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Blog (347) posted on January 23, 2009

Happy Birthday Ruby Krause. 

Ruby, I had a message come across my screen telling me it’s your Birthday tomorrow, January 24th.

We wish you a very happy birthday, enjoy. Gary

Krause, Ruby
PO Box 87

Dunseith, ND 58329

Phone: (701) 244-5833
Notes:
Former Teacher

Request from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary,

Dick and Vi Hobbs (54) Ziegler would like to be added to the list of daily
blog folks. They would probably like to see the stories of the Hobbs
family that have been posted in the last few days. Thanks Gary!

Dick and Vi Ziegler

Dick, For some reason, I did not have Dick & Vi included with our daily distribution. I have now added them and I have forwarded the last few days messages to them, starting with the posting of Dick’s newspaper article.

Dick & Vi, I am so sorry for this mix up. Gary

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

Harvey Hobbs and his wife, Viola (also his sister’s name) operated the
Metigoshe Store. It was just south of the bridge and on the south side
of the curve. We went there many times in the late 50s and early 60s,
usually by boat from the cabin on the south lake. I remember how the
store had lots of steps up the front and you first entered the lunch
counter area. I had many sundaes at that little counter, while the folks
got groceries and supplies. They handled nearly everything lake related.
When the Hobbs’ left Lake Metigoshe, I think they moved to Crosby, ND.
Last Memorial Day I walked around at all the cemeteries and at Riverside
I saw the Hobbs grave where Harvey is buried. I believe he passed away
in the last couple of years, if my memory serves me correctly. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, I remember that store and park area well. I was thinking it was Harvey Hobbs that owned that and you have just confirmed what I thought. We frequented his store and park area with many picnic lunches over the years of my childhood. I remember the water cooled pop dispenser that they had. Orange was my favorite, but it wasn’t always that we had a nickel or a dime to put in the machine. I remember our good Friends, Oscar and Sylvia Bergan, being connected to the Hobbs’ in some way too. Maybe they were just good friends of Harvey & Viola. Gary

Harvey Hobbs’ obituary & reply from Doreen Bailey:

Gary

Just to clarify Harvey Allen Hobbs was full name of Harvey E. and Viola’s father. It was very common to use the Middle name in the years past. I believe one reason for it was that so often families repeated the first names from generation to generation to honor fathers and grandfathers, etc.. It makes for some confusion when doing genealogy. I attached the son Harvey’s obituary it gives a good outline of his life’s activities. Thanks Doreen Bailey

Email address change for Rod (51) & Helen Evans – please udate your files:

Gary,

Enjoy your updates on Dunseith. We’ve a new address ,rheve@comcast.net.

Thank you,

Rod & Helen

From Ardys Bakken Horner (Teacher):

Gary had lunch with recent cruise travelers to Alaska and they said even in summer ( July) they needed warm coats, mittens and caps
esp for visits to glaciers and it was cool on board ship, don’t just bring summer clothing along. Ardys Horner

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):

In reply to Dick, in reference to Alcide LaJmodaire, I was doing a little
checking, I don’t know his parents, but he was a brother to Bud Davis’
wife, who were the parents of LaDot. I was talking to Beverly Parisien,
wife of Albert Parisien, whose mother was a sister to Alice Bergan, Alcide
was just a friend to their family and stayed with them as he did with Leo
and Betty Poitra.

I will search for some more information on Alcide. I remember him coming
to our home too. A lot of people remember Alcide and Ward.

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

ALCIDE LAJIMODERE

Alcide Lajimodere was a proud native American veteran of W.W.II.
I was told recently that he was listed as a POW,veteran of foreign war and a long time a member of the Belcourt American Legion.
One of my former college classmates,a direct decedent of Ben Lajimodere. Denise Lajimodere told me over 35 years ago that Alcide was a cousin to her dad. Alcide was the uncle of Toosie Poitra Delorme, mom of Carol Ann (Parisien) Lavalle. Tootsie’s mother who was married to Ralph Poitra died when Tootsie was 5 years old, Tootsie was then sent to a mission boarding school as were her siblings. Alcide and Mrs. Poitra also had two brothers, Ovide and Francis. I don’t know if there were other siblings.
Alcide’s parents were friends of my grandparents, William and Rose Metcalfe. My dad, Cliff told me that the couples, visited frequently back and forth as neighbors. Out of respect, dad always referred to them as Mr. and Mrs. Lajimodere. He told stories of riding in the wagon box along with his parents to visit the Lajimodere family where he played with Francis. Francis who was about my dads age, called my dad from Grafton ND, every New Years Eve, the last few years dad lived
Alcide lived at various places.
Among the various seasons of farm work in the Turtle Mountains: Harvesting of trees for firewood usually in the winter when a fallen tree would be rolled up on a sled and pulled out by a team of horses brought into the home yard and piled. Calving and lambing season,Fencing season came as soon as the ground thawed in the spring, Castrating and dehorning season. Sheep shearing season. Planting crops season. Cultivating and summer fallowing season which included rock picking. Cleaning the calf pens season. Haying season. Fence post sharpening season. Sawing up the dried logs. Putting up and hauling hay. Wood splitting season. Harvesting. Among many jobs dad hired help for.
When we were youngsters our dad Cliff hired men seasonally. When we were adolescents I along with my sisters, Nancy and Cyndy became the hired men.
Many of the men dad hired worked in their areas of expertise. As I recall, all had the utmost respect of both mom and dad. Mom cooked 3 square meals a day and also served lunches. She felt that working men needed hot meals. She also found out their favorite meals and made a habit of cooking one of their favorite meals for them. Alcide’s favorite meal he’d ask for was Mom’s Chop Suey.
When the time came to pay to pay a hired man, Dad would always always say, “How much do we owe you” Then he’d say, “Get the checkbook Lottie” and tell her to write the check for more,usually saying to the hired man, “You’re worth more.”
My sister Nancy and I have fond memories of Alcide Lajimodere beginning when we when we were small small children living in the house with no plumbing. But when working for dad he usually fenced, sharpened fence posts or hayed. And he’d stay for maybe a week at a time.
Alcide was undoubtedly a very homely man.
Dad would say to us Alcide Lajimodere is as “homely” as his sister the first Mrs. Ralph Poitra was beautiful. WOW! We girls thought ….”She really must have been a beauty!” Dad also said Alcide was kind,honest,trustworthy, a hard worker and a story teller. We were not to be frightened of him but treat him with respect. And we did because we never heard him speak disrespectfully or swear.
Alcide was of medium dark complexion with native American features. He was tall and rangy thin, wearing clean blue chambray work shirts and denim blue work pants and his straight black hair was always trimmed. He didn’t have hardly any facial hair. When he cleaned up before meals he’d always wash up, then look at himself in the mirror combing his hair he’s say something like, ” um hum, What a handsome man”. We girls eyed him with wonder, WOW! He really believes that?”

Then after a meal we girls would be entertained by Alcide’s’ far fetched stories. At times I’d get scared and he’d look at me and say something like, ” Oh this wolf wasn’t a really a bad wolf, he was a nice coyote.’
There was one exception to the far fetched stories. It was usually the last story of the day. It was a story I heard Alcide tell many times over the years. And my dad said it was true.
It went like this. Alcide said, ” I was captured by the Japs. They made us walk and walk and walk through the jungle and didn’t feed the Americans.” “One day me and some guys got away.” “We were running, running, running day and night through the jungle.” “We tried to hide but the Japs continued to chase us.” “One guy was killed while running.” “Then,we were down to two of us just wearing our skivvies.” “We ate insects and fruit when we could”, “The other guy fell I said, get up and tried to move him, carry him.” Saying, We gotta keep moving, or we will be killed. “But refusing to move, he said, … They can kill me right here then… because I can’t go any further.” “So I left him and I was alone for a time.” “One day some American soldiers came and I stepped out into a clearing hunched down with long dirty hair and dirty skivvies .” The soldiers pointed their bayonets surrounded me, told me to put my hands behind my head.” (He’d say, like this and he would show us) “Then, one of them spoke very slow and loud, who are you and what are you? ” ( We girls then would really be wide eyed imagining Alcide, very brown, wearing only dirty bottom briefs ,ie skivvies with long stringy hair.(Then Alcide would get up from his chair straighten himself up to his full height) ..and finish the story…say, ” I said, (insulted) Haven’t you ever seen an American Innian”. (Then Alcide would proudly walk out of the room.) Blessed be the memory of the kind,gentle, PROUD AMERICAN INNIAN VETERAN…..ALCIDE LAJIMODERE..Vickie Metcalfe

    Happy Birthday Lyle Lamoureux (’63): Prescott Valley, AZ 

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Blog (343) posted on January 19, 2009

Bonnie, Besides the Smith’s you have other cousins that many of us know too. Off the top of my head, Bradley Salmonson, son of Hank and Obert & Marlys Medlang, children of Kenrose. Your uncle Hank Salmonson is going strong. He is still living on his farm located 2 miles east of the Ackworth Cemetery. He and the Lagerquist’s are close neighbors. Kenrose Medlang is still living on her farm too, located just east of Stan & Joan Salmonson on the south side of #43. Gary

Does anyone recognize this young lady?

Stokes Twins: Our New identical Twin Grand sons with different Birthdays

Brydon Stokes born on Sept 2^nd 11:56 pm and Bryce Stokes Born on Sept 3^rd 12:10 am.

Both boys look nice and are very healthy. Bernadette and I went to the hospital yesterday to see them. They are Bernie’s first children too. This is something he has been wanting for, for a long time. At the age of 44 he got his wish. He is so excited to see them. He will have to wait though until they go back to America hopefully within the next couple of months.

Bernie’s Face Book posting with pictures
Today, I received one of the most intense emotional news of happiness. At around midnight my wife gave birth to our first twin son “Brydon” on Sept 2nd at 11:56pm, and our second son “Bryce” on Sept 3rd at 12:10 both about 5.4 lbs. Identical twins but born on two different days, how awesome is that? And one even shares the same birthdate as our Grandpa Stokes. Wow, what are the odds for these two events to have happened?

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Blog (341) posted on January 17, 2009

01/17/2009

Posted on January 17, 2009

Note to Phyllis McKay (’65)
From Pastor Oval Moran:  Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Hello:  Please forward this note to Phyllis:  I reminder you,
Happy birthday.  Bernell and I send our love.  Pr. Orval Moren

Martin Belgarde and Andy Patnaude Stories
From Travis Metcalfe (’76):  Mesa, AZ

I enjoy reading the old blogs you attach and thought for sure I shared a couple of stories about Martin Belgarde and Andy Patnaude but I searched the site and could not find them…

If I have already shared them I hope I am telling them the same as before….But hey..they are my stories so I can tell them any way I want…

I would go to the Powerhouse at San Haven and listen to the stories and remember Martin telling about how fast his old Chev pickup was.  He had a White 65 or so and said he got going so fast going home the other night he “overran” his headlights..yep…he had to slow down so they would shine out in front of the truck again……I remember thinking about that for months before I realized he was pulling my leg…I am sure he had a good laugh….

Andy was Marlene (Kraft) Armentrout’s uncle and she tells a couple of stories about him…

First was the day a fellow came into the A C Bar that she owned and told her he was looking for the family of a soldier killed in WWII that was from Dunseith.  He had carried Andy off the battlefield and thought for sure he had died.  He wanted to talk to his family but he ended up talking to Andy himself….

The other story was when Andy was hit by a car in town and his glass eye was lost…Marlene was out helping look for it and she told him that he sure had bad luck…Andy said..”I am ok as long as they keep hitting me in the head-someday someone is going to kick me in the ass and kill me”….

TRAVIS

Fort Buford / Fort Union
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

WoW!
For me,  love of learning is never ending!

http://www.willistonherald.com/community/grandest-fort-and-the-grande

st-history-mondak/article_a9940498-4e90-11e5-8df0-87d808bb2e43.html

I love  the beauty of Eastern Montana.

I was  there for a number of years.

I was delighted to read this article this  morning about  my friend

Becky!

The years  I was  in Montana,  Becky was  one friend who shared my

love of history, reading, and learning.

Becky’s undergraduate degree  is Archeology  and her graduate degree

is Reading and Elementary Education.

Her knowledge of history, teaching children to read and learn is

absolutely amazing!

I learned so much from Becky about respect of elders.

Especially, POW Veterans, Native American burial  sites and Native

American Medicine rings.

Before her dad passed away from  the treatment  he suffered years ago.

Becky, her husband and her elementary age children took her mom and

dad  to visit  Germany.

They visited where her dad was held.

Her Dad  a WWII POW veteran, was held in a German Concentration camp.

While in Montana, I was fortunate to have Becky as a friend and

share many interesting unforgettable adventures.

Among them, exploring the MonDak region, canoeing   the

Yellowstone, and visiting with Assiniboine elders at Wolf Point.

Thanks Gary.

Until Later. Vickie Metcalfe

Berry Picking time in ND
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

It is chokecherry season in ND. Today, a friend and I were discussing her recipe for preparing choke cherries.

As kids on the farm,in our family we rather enjoyed foraging for wild fruit.

We would go to fetch cows and end up side tracked in a  berry patch, greedily gobbling down raspberries or tiny wild strawberries.  Perhaps a handful might make it home to be shared  as a treat with  our mom and dad.

My mother canned many quarts of wild  and domesticated fruit.  How I loved to crawl down the steep steps into the depths of cool musty smell on a hot summer day. The root cellar  smelled of the good earth. Peering into  the darkness,one would  reach up, sensing  the  pull of the light string.   ah Light! Then, gaze  at all the colorful labeled jars., row by row back, back back and beyond.

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Blog (339) posted on January 15, 2009

Reply from Monte Espe (68) to Martha Lamb Schepp’s (68) Question: 

Gary, I have to let you know how much you are appreciated by

putting this all together. So much history is being recorded by
our own little group.  Here is what I found out.  Shane
Lester’s Grandmother [Fern Wetherelt], was born at Kelvin in
1905. The oldest daughter of Thomas H Wetherelt. Thomas H
Wetherelt and my Grandmother Scelina Wetherelt House were
siblings. Fern Wetherelt moved with her parents to Broadus,
Montana in in 1922 and in 1928 married Joseph Lester [Shane’s
Grandfather]  Shane’s father [Lloyd Lester] married Charleen
Best[who grew up on a ranch west of Towner]. So yes Shane has a
lot of relatives from up in the Hill’s.  Hope this answers your
question Martha.  Of course Martha and I go back to our first
grade as classmates at Hilltop School.  Gary, When I came in
from the shop tonight , the snow crunch’es under your feet like
it did when we were kid’s.  It’s -38 out tonight and clear as a
bell. WILL BE OUR COLDEST NIGHT IN YEARS !!! Hope it’s years
till it returns. Also the coyotes are really howling it up.
Bring back any memories ?

Monte, It is so nice to hear from you.  I know many others will be excited to hear from you as well.   So things are kind of cold in Minot. I’ve gotten several other reports of this nasty cold front that is passing through your area. It got cold here last night too. It was 76F when I got up this morning. These folks had their coats on.

Martha, It sounds like Shane may have a whole lot of relatives he didn’t realize he had.  Gary

Dwight Lang (61) – Colon Cancer: 

I think most of you know Dwight and knew his parents, Adam & Charlotte (Hiatt) Lang. Gary

Dear Friends,

2008 has finally ended, thank goodness!  Property values, retirement accounts and all other investments free fell as expenses, taxes and living costs, grew like pig weeds in early summer.  To cap off this wonderful year, I has a colonoscopy performed on the 31st of Dec.  Happy New Year!!  On the positive side of the ledger, this old tight wad finally splurged on a new LCD 47″ TV.  Merry Christmas to me!  Now I actually pay my Comcast bill each month knowing I enjoy watching their service.

Here we go with 2009.  As the Obama maniacs plan for their super blow out bash in DC, I awaited the biopsy results.  Got a call Friday and malignant was the verdict. Since moving to Tucson some five years ago, I have used the VA for my primary health care services.  Having had several health issues mainly back and hip problems these last few years, at times I have bitched and moaned about the delays in receiving services thru the VA bureaucracy.  I have found the care and the staff both to be great at the VA, but scheduling to receive them is usually another matter.  Well today being Tuesday, I got a call from the surgeons assistant, Mary, and I am set up for pre-opt testing and consultation within two week with surgery scheduled to remove the cancerous section of my Colin the following week.  Now how about that for service?  I know and trust Dr. Levine, the surgeon, and Mary, his asssistant.  Yes, I am relieved and hope for the best in the remainder of 2009.

I still have the area code 58319 (Lake Metigoshe) on my AOL welcome screen and as I logged on tonight, I see it is 25 below in Bottineau (hope the wind is not blowing).  The extended forecast for Tucson is for highs in the low 70’s all this week.  Yes, there are some things to be thankful for even when this old body starts giving me fits.  This Internet thing is kind of neat too, isn’t it?  Within a minute, my small sermon here, will find it’s way to the Phillipines, Ukraine and Texas to North Dakota without a stamp.  Happy New Year to all of you and I wish to each of you the best life can offer through 2009.

Dwight Lang

Dwight, We are here pulling for you.  We know the thought of cancer is kind of a scary thing, but you can beat it. Our son Bernie had a spot of colon cancer a few years back and he’s cancer free today. Don’t let this get you down. We are here for your support. Please keep us posted.  Take your laptop with you when you check into the hospital so you can keep us posted with your condition.  In May you’ve got to be well and ready to head north to Lake Metigoshe. Gary

From Carmen (Leonard) Richard (Rolette): 

Our nephew, Bryan Schmeitz, son of Stella (Richard) and Louis Schmeitz. is truning 50 on Feb. 4th.  He has been battling Multiple Sclerosis for a number of years  and is a resident of the  Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Bottineau. He is pretty much confined to his room, as the heat and lights bother him. I am requesting a card or letter shower to help him celebrate this milestone birthday. It would brighten his day to hear from any of you.  Bryan graduated from Dunseith High School in 1977. His address is

Bryan Schmeitz

Good Samaritan Home
725 E 10th St.
Bottineau, ND 58318

Carmen, Bryan is on our daily distribution also.  I’m not sure how much of each of these daily messages he reads, but when I first added him to our list many months ago, his mail box was full at the beginning. Since then it’s only been full a time or two.  I have pasted his email address and phone number below.

Folks, Please send Bryan a card. You can send him an email message too, but I think he’d really appreciate cards and a personal visit if you are in the area. Gary

Happy Birthday Bryan

Terry Espe (64) retires from the Head of the ‘Home Land Security Office’ at the Peace Garden Port of Entry.

Posted by Patti Metcalfe Woods (67):

Gary,

Jack and I will be attending Terry Espe’s Retirement Party tomorrow night, Thursday, January 15th, at the Norway House in Bottineau.

Wish you could all join us. Terry’s wife, LeaRae (Parrill)  and I started first grade together in Dunseith.  LeaRae’s mother, Mrs. Millie Parrill was our first grade teacher.

Terry’s brother, Dennis Espe, was my junior high teacher.  I road on the same school bus as Terry’s sister, Claudia.  She had a beautiful long plaid coat and

would wrap our feet in her coat to keep them warm.  There were no radios or heat in Johny’s bus.  These are all very fond memories of mine.

I have worked with Terry at the border for 22 years. He was a number one boss and we will miss you Terry.

His job is complete. He has given his best effort.  It is time to sweep up and turn out the lights on this career.  For the light

will come up brightly on the brand new adventures that await him.  Enjoy your retirement, Terry.

Best Regards, Patti and Jack Woods

Congratulations Terry!  I see they are celebrating your retirement today, 1-15-09, but I’m kind of thinking, like the rest of us Federal retiree’s, your retirement was effect on the 3rd of the month.  Is your successor from in house or did they bring someone in from the outside?  I’m hoping Patti was selected for the position?  Enjoy your retirement.  We are looking foreword to seeing you and LeaRae, on our cruise and also at the Dunseith Seattle Alumni reunion, this coming July.  Gary

Terry and LeaRae (Parrill) Espe

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Jill Flynn Tinjum for the correct story on her uncle Harold
Flynn. This was great research and very interesting. Also thanks to
Ginger Larocque Poitra for her input on Martin Belgarde and Andy
Patnaude. If you find out more from Alfreda, please post it for us. Gary
Metcalfe—the John Belgarde I mentioned is the dad to ‘Little Raymond’
and Chippie, and lives on the south side of Hwy 43 across from Carpenter
Lake. I think the boys even worked for you, if I remember right. I think
you have a couple stories about that too! Something about Richard
(Elvis) always sitting in the middle of the pickup so he wouldn’t have
to open gates. You tell it! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65): 

Gary,

This summer the Wondrasek Photography lady and her daughter in Bottineau
decided to give to the people, pictures she had kept all these years, that
were taken at their studio.

They said that if we know who they were to take them and give them to the
people we knew.

I took a few of them and some were of this couple. Jeannie and Ron,
Jeannie lives in Belcourt and is the sister of Dave Jollie who owns
Jollie’s Supermarket here in Belcourt. I talked to her one day about the
pictures because I wanted her to have them. She said that her children
would love to have them, since they are no longer married. I still haven’t
gotten them to to her but I will.

Mrs. Wandrasek and her daughter are very kind in doing this, there were a
lot of pictures there. The lady at the museum was telling me that  a
couple of the older ladies stayed up until 4:00 in the morning at the
court house looking at pictures.

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra (65)

Ginger, I am about 100% positive one of those ladies that stayed up all night going through those pictures was Neola. Do you have a copy of the picture Neola posted of this couple in Message #337?  Gary

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): 

Dear Gary,

In this very kind message from Neola she mentioned a picture posted of Ernest Tennancour. Could I have a copy or forward of the posting.

Ernest Tennancour was the great uncle of the children of Dale and Alma Gottbreht. Ernest, brother of Mary Louise Tennancour our great grandmother by her first husband John Levi Gaudette, was our neighbor across the street and up the block. Their home was near the steep Willow Creek bank. EJ and I were returning from a visit to Aunt Celia Evans late one spring, traveling along the creek shore. One could hear the rush of water under the snow covered ice and EJ decided she would check this out, we were 6 and almost 5. “Don’t do it Emma Jo”, but out she went and fell through about 8ft from shore. I fled up the embankment and started screaming for Uncle Ernest all the way to his home. He was out the door and rushed past me with a long shovel and was able to extend it to EJ and pull her off the ice. Lucky she was such a “light weight” and only lost boot and shoe from one foot. I am sure Uncle Ernest and Aunt Theresa must have tired of my frequent visits; a family hero. I’ve never had a problem believing in
Guardian Angels; he was one of those too.

Be well. You do good work Neola and Gary. Love the prospect of Gary’s page in 2009.

Sharron Gottbreht Shen

I think this is the picture you are referring to?  Gary

                                     Ernest Tennancour

The Robert & Dorothy Pritchard family from Dale Pritchard (63): 

Dale, I hope you don’t mind me posting this.I know it will be of interest to many of our folks.

I’ve included a recent picture of your mother too.  Gary

Gary & Neola,

Shirley (#1) was married to Alvin (Howard) Wagner from Bottineau.

Divorced and remarried to a Zahn.  All three deceased.

Lorraine (#2) is married to LeRoy Tohm from Kramer.  To show how we all
get tangled up with shirt-tail relations, LeRoys brother, Melvin, was
married to Fay Hiatt (Deceased).

Lois (#3) was the one married to Lyle Draveland from Bottineau.
Divorced and remarried Allen Beckman from Bottineau.  I’m not sure if
they are divorced also or just gave it up but they don’t live together.
They both live in Golden, Colorado.  I think Lyle passed away two or
three years ago.

Carol (#7) is married to Don Corzine from Texas, currently the Sherrif
of Yokum County, Texas.

Neola – We had 7 in the family.  Shirley, Lorraine and Lois then Darold,
John (Deceased), and myself, then we had a tie-breaker with Carol.  The
first four went to Bottineau High School.  I don’t have any idea which
ones stayed long enough to graduate.  Lois also went one year to high
school in the Washington DC area.  Our Uncle John, who lived there at
the time, somehow persuaded our folks to let her go back with them.

Dale

Dorothy Pritchard several weeks before her 96th Birthday this month – 01/09

               Happy birthday Peter Gillis (’65): Dunseith, ND

      Happy Birthday Shirley Anderson Doan (’60): Yakima, WA

Pictures Snagged From Phyllis McKay’s Face Book Page. Thanks Phyllis.

===============================
Blog (338) posted on January 14, 2009

Reply from Claudette McLeod (From Belcourt):

Good morning I went to work @ 6 a.m and it was -28 here in grafton n.d. the first thing that came to mind was mom getting us all on the bus and then going out to do chores. I don’t think she ever complained. For all of you that your parents are still living call them and tell them “I love you” I sure wish I could.  Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

I found the article in Readers Digest and sent a letter to the magazine protesting the use of the Peace Garden as pork spending.  I hope many of you will do the same.  The Peace Garden is a wonderful place to visit and I have many fond memories of times spent there with family and friends.  I know many or most of you do too.  Please let readers digest know how you feel about this.  Thanks.  Hugs and prayers Susan

Susan, I’ve reposted Bonnie’s message below from message #336 addressing this topic.

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

Dunseith Alumni:  Check out the slam in the Reader’s Digest February issue, page 50.  Speaking about a bill the was passed through they are speaking about PORK SPENDING,  Dunseith North Dakota, pop.739 received $295,000 for the International Peace Garden,  I don’t believe that they checked at all to see what the Peace Garden is, what it stands for, or the correct population of Dunseith.  Maybe Readers Digest should get a lot of letters from our Alumni letting them know the importance of the Peace Gardens, and what it represents.  You can e-mail Readers Digest at letters@readersdigest.com.  Let our appreciation of the Peace Gardens be known.

From Jill Flynn Timjum (68): 

Thanks, Gary, for all your work on the Dunseith Alumni blog.

I passed on the above messages to Mom and Dad. They will appreciate it.

The following information I have gathered about our uncle, Harold Flynn, who died in the Philippine Islands during World War II. (Our grandmother, Mathilda Flynn, was honored as one of the Gold Star Mothers during Memorial Day programs in Dunseith, having lost her son as a result of the War.

Frank and Mathilda Flynn lived in Rolette in the years before World War II, so the family was schooled and known in that area. Their son, Harold Frederick Flynn, born in 1919, joined the army in May,1941 at Ft. Snelling, Minneapolis, MN. Previous to that, Harold had been in CCC camps in North Dakota and also worked at various jobs, like for farmers in the area. Dad (Jack) was inducted into the army in 1942 at Ft. Snelling. Frank and Mathilda moved to Dunseith in 1942 after Dad joined the service, so the family was not located in the Dunseith area until that time.

Harold was with Company B, 803 Engineering Battalion, U.S. Army. He sailed from San Francisco on the U.S.S.Tasker Bliss in October of 1941. He was stationed at Fort Stotsenburg, Pampanga, Philippine Islands, about 80 km north of Manila. (Part of Fort Stotsenburg became Clark Field, then Clark Air Force Base –from an internet source.) He drove a reconnaissance or commander car. He usually drove the Captain (company commander) or other officers to their destinations.

Harold died in Camp #3, Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp, Philippine Islands, on June 12, 1942 from malaria and dysentery. Lack of food and water and no medicine caused so many of the prisoners to die of disease. The family was notified by Western Union in October of 1942 that Harold was missing in action on the Philippine Islands. There was no official confirmation of death until October 1945. Harold’s remains were buried in the US Armed Forces Cemetery, Manila, PI, and were reinterred at the request of the family at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN in 1949.

Besides the official notices from the government, the family received notes from the diary of Lt. Col. F. S. Conoty:

Pvt. Harold F. Flynn, 803 Eng. Battalion

a. beleagured from 8 Dec 1941 to 6 May 1942

b. was a P.O.W. from 7 May 1942 to 12 June 1942

c. died of disease (malaria and dysentery) 12 June 1942

d. was not absent from his post without proper authority

Harold was not on Bataan, a peninsula to the southwest of Manila, I am sure.  He was in Camp #3, Cabanatuan, north of Manila,at the time of his death.

A Fergus Falls, MN Ex-POW Clarence K Larson wrote a book in 1998, A Long March Home, where he fulfilled his promise to his compatriots that whoever survived would tell the story of the Bataan March. Part of Clarence’s POW stay was at Camp #1, Cabanatuan, which he said was built as a prisoner of war camp. He tells of the death, disease, and horrific treatment they endured, which undoubtedly existed in each of the camps.

Thanks again, Jill

From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): 

Gary,
I think someone mentioned something about Andy Patnaude getting shot
during World War ll, and wanted to know more about the situation.  Andrew
has a daughter who stills lives around the area her married name is
Alfreda Morin.  She probably knows a lot more about him, and then maybe
not, some of those dad’s didn’t mention those kinds of things to their
daughters.

Alfreda’s brother (Jigs) Andrew was killed in a car accident on San Hill
not long after the new road was built, he was only 17 at the time of his
death.

Alfreda’s mother was Mary Delorme.

Martin Belgarde was my Grandma (Poitra) Bergie’s, sister Rose’s son, her
sister, Rose was married to Fred Belgarde. Martin had a sister Agnes
Peltier (her husband was Dan), Ida was another of his sisters. Agnes and
Dan had one daughter Dorothy, who didn’t have any children. Dorothy passed
on too so that ends that family. Ida had no children and was never
married, Martin and Florestine had no children.

I’ll quit here for now, I will write more later.

Ginger (Poitra) LaRocque (65)

From Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Another memory of Martin Belgarde, one morning in the sixties, old John Bedard, at age 86, and I were looking out the picture window of the old house at the little lake and about a foot of fresh snow.   Can you imagine Martin riding a Scorpion snowmobile, they were tippy and smaller.  He had his big brown parka on with the hood up.  He made a turn and when we saw him from the back, John said, in his broag, “Gentle Ben”, so I called Martin  Gentle Ben from then on.  Needless to say I just listened to those old timers?  Martin lived about l mile east of us on the old Fred Belgarde place, next door to George Albert.

Dick you asked about John Belgarde’s war stories, now I am sure you didn’t mean Toby’s son, but I am sure it was Dan’s brother or else Charlie’s  brother.   Charlie held a higher rank in the military, Captain, and was a very successful contractor in Minneapolis.  Warren Anderson’s uncle.

Thanks Gary Metcalfe

Message/Pictures fromVerena (Pete 65) Gillis: 

Hey Gary,

Wonderful to hear from you.  Pretty Cold here right now, with the wind
chill around -15.  Schools are running late, some not having school at all
and bus trouble.  I’d rather be where you are right now!  Especially since
we are supposed to get -30 to -40 below weather this week, eeeeeeeeeeeek!

Pete and I are doing very well.  He had a check-up in December and the PSA
has not gone up any higher nor has it gone down but they are just going to
continue him on the medications he is on now and hope it keeps working.
He is very thankful to have been able to be with us another Christmas.

Our daughter moved home in May and she is going to school at the TMCC in
Belcourt for elementary ed.  Her husband is currently on unemployment but
that is good as they have 4 children, Taylor who is 11; Thalia who is 8;
Elizabeth the terrible 2 year old and Elliott 8 months.  So he is a big
help with the 2 babies.  But we now have 9 people in our house and of
course Pete and I had to make some renovations again!  Turned our garage
into 2 huge bedrooms for them and we are one big happy family.  Naturally
Pete and I are thinking about rebuilding a little shack for us, after all
we are getting up in age and that much activity is a little bit too much
for him, lol.

I have been pretty busy what with benefits for other unfortunate people in
our community coming down with this horrible disease called Cancer.  We
had one for Linus and Diane Gladue’s daughter Shelly Azure (married to
Mark Azure who manages the golf club) this past Saturday.  We managed to
raise over $2000.00 for them.  She has to go to Minneapolis on Tuesday of
this week.  Andrew LaVallie is another one we heard of, they have found
lung cancer and he has to go for surgery on the 26th or 27th of this
month.  He says he hasn’t touched a cigarette since Vietnam!

Anyway, enough of that, I saw the pictures of your wife’s family members
and they were great!  I’m glad she was able to get together with them.  I
sure miss my family members who are no longer with me.

You tell Bill hi for us.

Verena

ND Poem from Verena (Pete 65) Gillis: 

> Hey everybody, Happy New Year!  Here’s another cute little poem about
God’s Country for you to enjoy-

It’s winter in North Dakota and the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour at thirty-five below!
Oh, how I love North Dakota
When the snow’s up to your butt, you take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut!
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I’ll hang around.
I could never leave North Dakota-
I’m frozen to the ground!

Verena Gillis (Mrs. Pete)

ND Poem from Larry Hackman (66):

Gary

A few people were sending in poems, that they would sing as they traveled into North dakota.  Here is the one we ar singing now.

Larry

It’s winter in North Dakota

And the gentle breezes blow

Seventy miles an hour

At twenty-five below

Oh, how I love North Dakota

When the snow’s up to your butt

You take a breath of winter

And your nose gets frozen shut

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

So I guess I’ll hang around

I could never leave North Dakota

‘Cause I’m frozen to the ground

          Happy Birthday Phyllis McKay (’65): Auburn, WA

      Happy Birthday Cathy Campbell Springan (’73): Stanley, ND

Happy Birthday Margaret Bedard Strong (’62): Dunseith, ND

    Happy Birthday Carrole Fauske Rude (’66): Vancouver, WA

Happy Birthday Betty Lamoureux Badget (’49): Fountain Valley, Ca

     Happy Birthday Bob Abrahamson: Bottineau, ND

====================================
Blog (337) posted on January 13, 2009

01/13/2009
Posted on January 13, 2009

Reply from Shirley LaRocque Windt (59):

GOOD MORNING MARTIN BELGARD WAS MY MOTHERS UNCLE HIS FATHER WAS FRED.

ANDY WAS MY DAD’S UNCLE HIS WIFE MARY’S DAD JOE DELORME WHO WAS MY GRANDMOTHER MARY LAROCQUE BROTHER SO I WAS RELATED TO BOTH OF THEM THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO GARY

Reply from Judy Allery Azure (65):

Cebu Philippines
Picture taken at our Bowling Banquet last night. Bernadette was having a spell and was not able to go. She is little bit better today

L to R: Steve, Gary, Garlyn, Alma and Joy

====================================
Blog (336) posted on January 12, 2009

Brenda Berube Lenertz Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

BISMARCK Brenda Lenertz, 55, Bismarck, formerly of the Minot and Rolla areas, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, in her home.

She was born Aug. 20, 1953, to Edward and Evelyn Berube in Rolla. She married Myron Lenertz June 24, 1977.

Survivors: husband; daughters, Andrea Lenertz, Bismarck, Jenna Lenertz, Fargo; mother, of Belcourt; sister, Sharon Austel, Simi Valley, Calif.; brothers, Gary, Mandan, Brian, Bismarck, Perry, Euclid, Minn., Timothy, Andover, Minn.

Funeral: Saturday, 10:30 a.m., St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Bismarck.

Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Vigil and rosary service: Today, 7 p.m., Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck.

Visitation: Today, 5 to 7 p.m., in the funeral home.

Folks, This Berube family recently lost their father/husband Edward too.  Edward was a brother to Fortune & Lawrence Berube.  My condolences go out to the Berbube family for the loss of Brenda and Edward. It has to be tough loosing two family members so close together. Gary

Pete & Vie Mellmer Celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversay:
Message from Jim Mellmer (72): 

Today, January 11th, is the 60th wedding anniversary of Pete and Vi Mellmer.  They were married in 1949 in New England, ND.  They are living in Bismarck at 3009 N. Colorado, Bismarck, ND  58503.  Also, Pete will be celebrating his 80th birthday on March 2nd of this year.

Thank you Jim for posting this. We congratulate your parents for 60 years of marriage and also your dad with his 80th birthday. Your family was well known in the Dunseith community.  Gary

Question from Martha Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

Last night we were at my husband’s company Christmas Party, Souris River Cooperative, somehow the agronomy manager, Shane Lester, started talking about his heritage. He said his Grandma Wetherelt was at Kelvin Store in the 1920’s and later moved to Breadas, Montana. Does anyone remember hearing this name or have any stories to share. He also says he is related to the “House” family. Any comments would be welcomed. Thanks for all that you do Gary and everyone else. Martha Lamb Schepp

Martha, I think Shane Lester may have some relatives among us. This is from the 1982 Dunseith Book. With what you said, his family may be one of the ones listed below.  I’ll bet we have some folks that will know.

Herman House Married Scelina Wetherelt.  Their children were: Velva (Mrs. Tony Christianson), Jessie (Mrs. Carl Millang), Effie (Mrs. Art Espe), Walter, George (Married Violet Hiatt) Harold (Married Pearl McKay, and Richard (Married Bertha Metcalfe).

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

To Randy Hiatt:  Lois Hiatt and I were friends and she baby sat for you while your Mom worked at the Gamble Store.  Your nickname was “Pudgy” and we all called you that, infact couldn’t remember your name as anything but Pudgy until you signed on to Gary’s newsline.  We had a lot of fun taking you around with us even at Slumber Parties at Lois’s house.  Sure am glad you were so small you couldn’t remember anything that went on!!!.

Dunseith Alumni:  Check out the slam in the Reader’s Digest February issue, page 50.  Speaking about a bill the was passed through they are speaking about PORK SPENDING,  Dunseith North Dakota, pop.739 received $295,000 for the International Peace Garden,  I don’t believe that they checked at all to see what the Peace Garden is, what it stands for, or the correct population of Dunseith.  Maybe Readers Digest should get a lot of letters from our Alumni letting them know the importance of the Peace Gardens, and what it represents.  You can e-mail Readers Digest at letters@readersdigest.com.  Let our appreciation of the Peace Gardens be known.

Bonnie Awalt Houle (56)

Reply from Ron Longie (65):

Randy,

I remember Martin and Florestine very well they were real close friends to my folks, they lived north of town, and we used to go there quite often. I believe my dad and Florestine were cousins, if I remember right Florestine was Clarence Allery’s sister (I could be wrong). Randy thanks for the memory recall.

Ron Longie

Ron and Dick with your posting below, My dad became a close friend of both Martin & Florestine when he worked at San Haven.  He spoke highly of them, very often. I never met them, but I felt as though I knew them through my dads converstations.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary Metcalfe mentioned Martin Belgarde and his service time. I knew him
in later years through selling hay to him and trading guns. He was a
story teller for sure. Another serviceman who was badly wounded was Andy
Patnaude, who was shot through the eye as he peered out from a trench.
He was supposedly with another Dunseith soldier when he was wounded, but
I can’t remember who. Maybe Martin Belgarde or Dan Decoteau–I’m not
sure any more. Maybe someone can fill us in if  they know the details.
Jay and Lola Vanorny were good friends with Martin and Florestine, maybe
they know.  I remember Andy had an artificial  eye and a plate in the
back of his skull, his injury also affected  his balance.  Gary M.  did
you ever hear  John Belgarde  tell  about his experiences in the tank
battles? He said they were told the new Sherman tanks were bullet proof
and to take the Panzers head on. They met up with a new a Tiger tank and
it shot right through their new Sherman tank! It was the wrong kind of
shell so only blew a hole and didn’t explode. He said they headed for
cover and stayed out of sight just like they did with the old tank! The
Turtle Mt. Star did an article on John’s WWII experiences about 2-3
years ago. I don’t think I kept the article but I planned to and forgot.
John passed away just shortly afterward. It was interesting, although he
may have ’embellished’ a tad! I guess he earned that right! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

My wife’s dad told about how his ship, a destroyer escort, was also used
to help transport Marines between islands and battles. While on the Navy
ship the Marines were under the command of the Navy Admiral. The rivalry
between the different branches of the military caused a lot of barroom
brawls, so this unique command made the Marines on board disgusted, to
say the least. The Admiral ordered everyone on deck and at attention,
while he gave the men their orders for the coming day and the next
battle. He started out the briefing with—“Tomorrow morning at 0600
hours–for you Marines, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is
on the 6!” My father-in-law said all the sailors were grinning and the
Marines were boiling mad! There wasn’t anything they could do that
wouldn’t cause a court martial! They were heading into places where they
probably needed both the humor and the anger just to survive. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

It just ocuured to me again how connected everyone is.  Rich Campbell and Wally, my husband, worked at the same bank in Minot for a few years.

Neola

Annabelle Shelver’s picture posted by her grandson (Dave’s son) Jeff Skjelver: 

Hi Gary,

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Annabelle Shelver with one of her great-granddaughters taken at the Shelver cabin at Lake Metigoshe in 2002.

My wife posted this one at her website:

http://www.queenanneswar.com/

Peace…

Jeff Skjelver

Jeff, this is a great picture. Many folks remember your grandmother well. Thank you so much for sharing.  Gary

        Annabelle Shelver with her Great-Granddaughter – 2002

Message/Pictures from Geri Metcalfe Munro (59): 

Gary,
I will attempt to attach some pictures of my Uncle Bing Evans, Dary Ryan and my parents, Jim and Ella Metcalfe, Jimmy and Gary taken while they lived in Seattle–1941–I was not born yet at the time of these pictures, but soon after. lol  Hope our cousin, Randy, enjoys these.
Geri Metcalfe Munro  Class of’59

p.s.  Hi to Margie Longie; I graduated with Wally and friends with Willie and Marg.

Pictures posted by Geri Metcalfe Munro – Lto R:
Dary Ryan, Jim Metcalfe holding Gary, Uncle bing
and Jimmy Metcalfe in front.

Ella Evans Metcalfe holding Gary, Uncle Bing Evans;
Jimmy Metcalfe and Dary Ryan in front

Dary Ryan (he was Kenrose Medlang and Glady’s” brother;
their mother was a good friend of my Grandmother, Randina (Martin) Evans

  Happy Birthday Luella Boardman Bjornseth (’49): Bottineau, ND

Russell Pigeon’s Memorial Service
Posting from Sharon Peterson Harmsen (’63):  Bismarck, ND

On Thursday evening, August 20th, Tom Berube and myself attended the Remembrance and Memorial Service for Russell Pigeon held at the Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, ND.  As was evident by the standing room only attendees of family and friends, he was a very well liked and admired man.  Russell was very well known for his meat processing and sausage making  and this became evident as his friends and family shared their stories.  He was also apparently quite a jokester as friends told stories of his shenanigans.

His older brother, Bruce, spoke as well as his two sons Steven and Michael whom Tom and I had the pleasure of meeting after the service.  Steven, the spitting image of his dad.  As Bruce mentioned in an earlier blog posting, Russell’s final interment will be on Tuesday, the 25th, at 10:30 am at St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith.

And, as a bonus, Tom and I were able to go out after the memorial service for something to eat and to get “caught up”.  It was very good to see him again.

Sharon Peterson Harmsen, Class of 1963

Stubby and Elwood Fauske
Reply from Stubby’s sister Florence Hiatt Dahl (’50):  Anchorage, AK

Bless you Gary for your many visits to Stubby and Elwood,  Your pictures show the joy Elwood had with your “talks”

Stubby and Elwood Fauske
Reply from Lindy Fauske Van Eynde (’69): Yorkville, IL

Hi Gary,

Thank you for the nice write up and Happy Birthday wish to my Dad, Mom & Dad both really enjoyed you coming to visit them while you were back in Bottineau and yes they love to have company esp. Mom, I think the time gets a little long. They are getting such great care and Love at the Good Samaritan Home.

I hope Bernadette is doing better.

Thank you Gary for all that you do for us and to make others happy.

Take care,
Lindy Fauske Van Eynde

Tyrell Fauske and Amanda Lyn Bopp Wedding shower
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (335) posted on January 11, 2009

Reply from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Wow, I guess I have another cousin!!  I tried calling Randy Hiatt tonight to welcome him to the family, but did not get an answer.

It’s really something how one letter can tip you off to lots of things you would like to know.  Herman mentioned Cote’s outfit, I thought Laureus Cote was somewhere over there, now I know for sure.

Does anyone remember Martin Belgarde?  He was a fixture at Lamoureux Bros. Garage, about like Carroll Carlson was.  Martin was a great storyteller.  I think he actually was in Italy for awhile.  He said he jumped off a ten foot bank hoping to break just one leg and all I broke was my gol dang gun. LOL

Janice and all of you in Seattle area, hope you are staying safe and dry through all of this unusual wet/snowy weather out there.   Gary Metcalfe

Gary, I think you’ve got a pretty squared away cousin too with Randy.  You mention Laureus Cote.  I knew him well.  He and Loretta included me as if I was one of the family when I went to Bremerton, WA in the fall of 1966. Laureus often mentioned his WWII service years in Europe.  He passed away several years ago. I can get you connected to his children if you wish.  Fern Cote Berube (Mrs. Lawrence) and Laureus are siblings.  Gary Stokes

Request from Marge Langan Wilcox (Ron Longie’s (65) sister):

Good morning Gary,

You probably don’t remember me.
I am Ron Longie’s sister in Vancouver WA…. would like to be added to the Dunseith alumni
I left Dunseith in 1956….. after marrying Hollis Wilcox
I get all of the messages from my brother Ron longie.

Marge Langan Wilcox

Marge, I know a lot of folks will remember you. Ron and Willie are remembered well by many.  You guys come from good stock.  Welcome aboard. I have reposted your family photo below along with a more recent picture of your mother and Hannah Loab. You are a very pretty girl. Gary

Wilbur Longie Family:
Back row: left Wallace, Wilbur, Marge, Ronnie
Front row: left Willie, Patti, Ursula, Donnie

Hannah Higgins Loab & Ursula Longie – 7-13-07

Reply from David Slyter (70): 

To Dick Johnson:

I too enjoy reading the War stories.  It is so interesting to read the letters of the soldiers to their loved ones during a very tough time in their lifes.   Not being a military person myself, I still have a respect for the ones that serve in any of our armed services.   Our dad Fred Hiatt was commander of the American Legion in Dunsieth for many years and as you know we always played or sang at the memorial day programs at the old Duseith city hall or the High School.  It takes people like my dad, or Jack Flynn, or Floyd Dion and the Hosmers and many more to keep things going in a small town like Dunseith.  Those were the good ole days.

To Randy Hiatt:

Welcome to the Dunseith Alumni pages.  Mom always spoke of the day that she delivered you into the world and it was a proud moment for her.  In 98 we took Mom out to Washington on a summer trip with us.  It was great seeing you and the rest of the Hiatt clan at the picnic that everyone thru for us.   I had seen relatives that I hadn’t seen in 25 years.   Mom passed the following year in 99 but had always talked about that previous summer.    So again welcome to our world and enjoy.

Dave Slyter (70)

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59): 

It is so frustrating that I cannot send mail direct to Gary Metcalfe. Just wish to thank him for the keen insight he has into the 34th. I shall look for the book he recommends. Copies of the camp picture in the mail by Monday; I am sure Aunt Emily and/or Uncle Roland will know fellow soldier. I have no idea what camps behind the lines looked like but the tent structure looks collapsable and screened – good for buggy Louisiana but also important in Italy where fever born disease from mosquitoes was a problem in river areas. Sharron

Reply from Allen Richard (65): 

To Wally Garbe– Yeah this is a weird winter by modern standards for sure.  Saginaw Mi was a couple inches short of its annual snow fall last week– we are supposed to get another 3-4 inches tonight.  Over the Christmas Holiday — in a 10 day period, we went form nearly no snow to two feet of snow to no snow.  We have about 8 inches now.  I hope you don’t get another “blizzard of ’66”  That was the nastiest in my memory.  I have a few stories about that one– I’m sure a lot of you do too.

Hope everyone had a great holiday season — onward and upward for 2009—not sure if we can get much lower!

Allen

Willie/Maxine Hiatt picture posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks,  Willie and Maxine Radley (38) Hiatt lived in the Ackworth community until moving to Bottineau in about 1955.  Norris Knutson purchased their farm and has lived there ever since.  Willie was a plumber in Bottineau for many years.  Maxine worked for Dr. Sveen, a Dentist in Bottineau, for a number years. Willie pasted away this last year. Maxine is currently living at the Oak Manor Apartments. Their children are Barbara Cote, Harvey, Lawrence & Doug. Doug has been working the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau for quite some time now.  Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Jammin’ to the oldies      Minot Daily News: December 28, 2008

Frozen Fingers Music Association holds stage show, jam session

The Frozen Fingers Music Association held a stage show and jam session at the Sleep Inn in Minot Saturday. Members of the association entertained an audience with old-time and bluegrass music.

“This organization is for the education of people about old-time music, and it’s for fun. The whole purpose is to promote bluegrass and old-time music, to get a few more people interested in it,” said Dick Johnson, vice president of the Frozen Fingers Music Association.

Once individuals are interested in the music, it seems to be something that sticks with them. Johnson recalled how he started playing.

“I came down to the concerts three years ago. I went in a jam session with my guitar, and I didn’t leave my chair for 14 hours,” he said.

The Frozen Fingers Music Association is made up of old-time and bluegrass groups from around the region.

Frozen Fingers hopes to interest more young people in the music, and the association serves the purpose of teaching them how to play.

“The best way to learn how is to sit down with people, and do it. It’s something we need to keep doing, or it’s going to slowly dwindle away,” Johnson said.

Frozen Fingers’ next stage show and jam session will be held at the Sleep Inn in Minot Feb. 14-15. A dance will be held Feb. 13, and a guitar clinic will be going on during the stage show and jam session.

“It’s a full two days of music groups, old-time or bluegrass. Sunday morning we’ll have a polka mass, and during the day we’ll have old-time gospel music,” Johnson said.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

I know some of you know Claudia Harrison Trebas. Gary

Hi Everyone,

Claudia sent the info written in green.  I had “run” the original email by her before I sent it.  I’m including her latest info.  Thanks, Claudia.

FYI:  Claudia has acess to a computer in Bismarck/Bottineau, so you may visit her site/send emails any time, and she’ll receive them immediately.  Neola

January 9: Good morning Neola, I am home now, as of last night. Really
glad Bottineau didn’t get the snow. I will be in Bismarck
for treatments, 6 chemo, 3 weeks apart and then 6 weeks
radiation. I will be home when I can be. I have to have
hercepin every week until I’m done with chemo, then
herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Thank you for passing it
on, it is so nice to hear from people and have the support.
How are you? When do you start? Is radiation first? Let me
know how that goes and keep me posted. You are in our
prayers also. Thanks for all the laughs, you know laughter
is the best medicine. God Bless, Claudia
Hi Everyone,

Some of you know Claudia Harrison Trebas/her father and mother, Marvin and Muriel Bergeron/her grandparents, Leo and Claudia DuBois Bergeron (Page 76 in Centennial Book).  Leo and Claudia lived 9 miles east of Bottineau (about half-way between Bottineau/Dunseith; Leonard Neubauer and family lived there later; Leonard’s son now lives on “the place”.

Claudia is married to Brad Trebas of Bottineau.  Brad/Claudia live in Bottineau.  I copied/pasted the following info I found in Claudia’s Caring Bridge site.  I have had two surgeries to achieve clean margins and the lymph nodes were removed after cancer was found in the sentinel node. I will begin chemotherapy treatments January 16th and radiation will follow. Maybe we can’t see this as a blessing quite clearly yet, but we do know we are blessed with such loving and supportive family and friends.

It is with Claudia’s permission and blessing that I send this email to all of you.  If you click on the link I’m including, it will take you directly to Claudia’s journal on Caring Bridges (Hi, Claudia!).  Claudia would love to have you visit her journal/read the information/look at the pictures/sign her guestbook.  Claudia is staying at her daughter’s (Chelsey) home in Bismarck.  It’s not exactly the way you’d choose to spend more time with your grandson, but, if you have to stay somewhere, you can’t do better than seeing your grandson (other family members) every day.

Neola

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/claudiatrebas

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net

IPG “Rainy Day” fund.

Gary,

As you can see, this is a little old.  The Courant was lying on the table.  I saw this article and decided to scan/send it.  Now I can throw this part of the paper.

Neola

Happy 95^th Birthday Elwood Fauske: Bottineau, ND

Folks, I visited Stubby and Elwood numerous times with my trip back to
Bottineau last month (July). They are both residence at the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau. Stubby is recovering well and Elwood is physically fit as someone 50 years younger than he. I visited a lot with Elwood discussing his soil conservation days when he used to run their D-7 and then their D-8 cat. He remembers those days very well. For those of you in the area and those of you visiting, please stop by Good Sam and see them. They love company.  They are both in the same room.
This picture was taken at Stubby’s 90^th birthday party in 2013.

Russell Pigeon’s final internment will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM
Posting from Bruce Pigeon (’61):  Garrison, ND

Hi Gary

I was finally able to make contact with the priest in Dunseith and Russell’s final internment will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am at St. Louis Cemetery in Dunseith.  We held a Visitation and Memorial at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison today.  Russell had many friends and there was standing room only.   I am hoping that many of his classmates and friends will be able to make it on Tuesday.

Thanks
Bruce

Message from Dale Pritchard (’63): Leesville, LA.

Gary,

You have been pretty quiet for a few days.  I hope everything is going OK for you and that you’re just busier than usual.  For the past few months I have been working on a family tree project for my wife.  Her ancestors settled primarily in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana the spread out from there.  I have around 1,500 names so far and am nowhere near done.  In the course of this I ran across the Stokes name several times individually.

Today, I found a “Stokes’ Cemetery” but there aren’t very many Stokes’ in it.  I don’t know if any of your ancestors prior to your Grandfather were in that area.  If you’d like, you can find your cemetery through a google search at “Stokes Cemetery, Greensboro, Hale Co., Alabama”.  Hope to see you up and running soon!

Dale Pritchard

Gary’s Reply
Yes Dale, I had a pretty busy week with the Cebu Expats and personal stuff, so I wasn’t able to get a blog out for several days. I did get a blog our yesterday though.
The Stokes name is not all that popular in the US, but it is a very command name in England. At least the is what I was told from a good Stokes friend of mine here in Cebu.
Thanks, Gary

Giving Generous for Lola Renae (Metcalfe) Vanorny
Posting & pictures from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Family and friends of Lola gathered to joyfully give generously in Lola Vanornys’s memory at a Kelvin Klinic Indian Taco gathering.  Here are some of photos faces of Lola’s family & friends at the event.

Photo #1 (L to R)
Lola and J.’s three children, Jason, Tina (Corley), & Joe; and their dad Jay Vanorny. Pete II (a.ka.Pete Two)Azure is the wagon boss who donated wagon rides to folks participating at the benefit’ with his team of fine gentle, black draft horses.  Also pictured Pete II’ s wee granddaughter.

Photo # 2
Giving generous, laughter with Lori (Demers)

Photo # 3
Friends Sandy Hagen, Jeff Azure and Marge (over the border Canadian friend) busking for donations. Marge & Jeff each modeled stylish red high heels; and Jeff demonstrated pretty  fine jigging moves ….whilst in  heels.

Hey, we weren’t in Kansas…….!.

Lola and J.’s three children, Jason, Tina (Corley), & Joe; and their dad Jay Vanorny. Pete II (a.ka.Pete Two)Azure

Lori (Demers)

Sandy Hagen, Jeff Azure and Marge

====================================
Blog (334) posted on January 10, 2009

Weather report from Wally Garbe, Neola’s husband: 

We got 13 inches of snow last night.  To say the least Minot is shut down completely and most of Ward County.  Schools are closed and many of the businesses. The forecast is for some more wind this afternoon.  So we could have a good old North Dakota blizzard.  Like the ones I remember many, many years ago.

Gary I can’t believe how much you know about all the relatives in ND. I wouldn’t mind at all if you posted my e-mail. Thanks for bringing me closer to my family and friends.

As you have probably figured out this is my work e-mail address. Would it be to much trouble to ask you to add my home e-mail to the list? It is hapicamper2@comcast.net

Thanks Gary.
Randy Hiatt.

Randy’s message.

Gary thanks for adding me to your distribution list. I am neither the Randy Hiatt from Lynnwood or Everett. My wife Lori and I are from North BendWA. 98045.I have lived there for more than 20 years now. I was born in Dunseith in 1954 in the house my mom (Delores Hiatt) was living in and delivered by my aunt Margret (Fredy Hiatts wife). My step father who I was just back to see is Leroy Birkland and yes he lives in Bottineau.

I just read a lot of the e-mail that you sent me after this one. Dunseith Alumni  Wow a lot of those names were very familiar. Like Dick Johnson who was my half brothers (Terry Hiatt) good friend.

As time goes on I want to learn more about my real father Evan Evans or Bing Evans as he was called. I know that he pasted away in a house fire when I was only 1 or 2 years old. Anyway it so good to hear about some of the people from the Turtle Mountains.

Thanks Again

Randy Hiatt
Building Envelope Specialist
W.G. Clark Construction

From Gary Metcalfe (57): 

To Sharon Gottbreht,

Good job Sharon!  That is not Bing or Ole in the picture with Herman.  If you go to message #70 you will see Ole with the gal he married in San Francisco and Bing in work uniform.  Bing was 27 years old and Ole was 25 when they went in the service.  They realized what they were in for from the beginning.  Most of the replacements were probably 18 year old kids and the older soldiers felt terrible guilty for not being able to keep them alive in a rifle company.  When Herman mentions Ick and Dary Ryan, I think he meant Ike Hagen??

When he says you all got to see Ole, Ole had been wounded pretty bad and had had 28 months in combat so needed rest badly.  They sent him home for a time, 3 or 4 weeks maybe.

I am going to suggest the picture of Herman and the unknown soldier was at Boot Camp in Louisiana.  It is fun trying to figure out the wat and when of a time so far in the past.   I don’t think any of these men had a racket, this was about the time that they were abandoned by Patton and most of the units as they went into France and Normandy, the 34th went on to the end of Italy.
Here is another letter that Bing sent his mother dated

November 18, 1944

France

Dear Mother,

I’ll have to find out how Ole works that furlough stuff.  I could go for a little of it myself.  If I didn’t know him so well, I’d swear he was AWOL.  Two generous furloughs in quick succession isn’t the usual thing you know.

The mail came in this evening with your letter of Oct. 27.  Rather slow for a V-letter but I guess that’s to be expected this time of year.  Christmas packages have been pouring in for more than two weeks now.  I got one from Hanna and two from Edna about a week ago.  Tell Edna the cookies were swell.

It appears the young ladies around that part of the country are making one last desperate drive while it’s still legal, and it’s a long time ’til ’48.  Poor Ole.  I wonder if he survived the mad rush of matrimonial-minded maidens?!?  A Tech. Sgt. I hear is considered a pretty fair catch….up in them thar’ hills…should be good for about a hundred dollar monthly allotment, which ain’t to be sniffed at, by any means.  As to my chances, —I feel confident and maybe just a bit smug over the fact that all First Sgts. in general are considered such utterly repulsive people, that even the most hardened character must indeed be in sorry straits to dare associate with one.  However, being a cautious sort of a guy, I’ll stay away ’til Leap Year is over.

Over here, things are going much the same as usual, although the weather has turned somewat colder.  We’ve already seen the first snowfall of the season, which melted within a few hours after the sun came out.  Of course we’ve been issued warmer clothing and I for one, don’t fear the cold.

Best regards to all!  Bing

PS.  This blog is such a wonderful register of history that could just be forgotten.  Now I wish I had my one and only letter from Ole to type into the blog, but….I have lost it.  How sad for me.  One thing I do remember from his letter is that he told his mother that “I had a coke today, the first one in over a year”.

Randy Hiatt, I will forward message #70 to you with those pictures.  Gary Stokes
From Dick Johnson (68): 

You all are doing a great job on the history of WWII. I really enjoy
hearing local stories of those who served. It does seem to me though
that some people, especially younger ones, really don’t care about this
stuff or even want to be bothered hearing about it. Little do they
realize that without the sacrifices that these men and women endured,
they would not have the life they take for granted today. I’m sure we
are not as removed from the issue because it was closer to our time and
much study of it was done during our schooling. Anyway the old slogan
‘Lest We Forget’ is certainly self explanatory! Memorial Day is becoming
a day to enjoy the lake or other activity when we need to remember what
the true purpose of the day is!

In the message from Sharron Gottbreht Shen, the picture of Hermann
Boucher and another man–I don’t think that is Bing Evans, but Gary
Metcalfe and his crew will know for sure. The letter is very interesting
and gives us an insight to what our local soldiers were up against.
Italy was  another rough battle zone and was one Hitler did not want to
give up. The battles of Anzio, San Pietro, and Cassino were some of the
worst of the war. Heavy casualties for every yard gained. Thanks
Sharron, Gary M., and Gary S.!

Dick

Posted byDick Johnson:

Gary and Friends,

Bill Hosmer mentioned his dad, Jack Hosmer and someone going to Kansas
City to recruit a baseball team. Today I was looking at an old Dunseith
Journal and here was the article—April 2, 1936. If there is some
interest from the readers I can scan the article and post it. Thanks Gary!

Dick
Gary,

Here is the article although it doesn’t fit the scanner completely. Thanks.
Dick

Happy Belated Birthday Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN

Happy Birthday Susan Fassett Martin (’65): Spearfish SD

Russell Pigeon Internment
Posting from Bruce Pigeon (’61):  Garrison, ND

Thanks Gary

I wanted to let you know, that the boys are requesting that no flowers be sent, instead of someone wants to a donation to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

The date of his final internment, we are not sure of, as  have not been able to contact the Priest to schedule,  hopefully that will be taken care of the first part of the week. Then I will pass that information on.

Bruce

Pigeon Family Memories
Posting from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

My  thoughts  go  out  to  Bruce  Pigeon  with  the  loss  of  his  brother  Russell. Although  there  was  a  few  years  age  difference  between  all  of  us  I  remember  Russell, and  the  Pigeon  Brothers  (as  we  use  to  refer  to  them)  well, and their  sister  Rochelle. I  remember  when we   were  neighbors  growing  up  and they  went  to  Russell  School. I  was  like  only  in  the  first  grade  and  they  were like  in 6-7-8  grade  I remember  them  well.It’s   funny  the  things  a  person  remembers, but  I  remember  at  Russell  School  when  the  “BIG  ROOM” (5th  thru 8th grade) and  “Little  Room” (1st  thru 4th  grade) would  get  together  and  get  around  the  piano  and  sing. One  time  with  Mrs.  Larsen  was  playing  the  piano  we  were  singing  this  song  about  the  school  called  “Russell  Will  Shine  Tonite”  When  we  started  singing  it,  Russell  started  jumping  around  and  dancing. Mrs. Larsen  stopped

the  piano  and  said, “you  can  stop  dancing  were  singing  about  the  school, not  you!!! (which  in  retrospect  was  pretty  harsh, but  that  was  Mrs.  Larsen….everyday  in  every  way) Russell  and  the  other  boys  started  laughing and  horsing  around, and  Mrs.  Larsen  made  us  go  back  to  our  rooms,I  also  remember  Russell  when  he  rode  our  bus  when Russell  School  closed  and we  all  started  going  to  school  in  Dunseith, and  when  he  got  his  first  brand  new  car  I  think  it  was  very  pastel  pinkish  purple  metalliac  color  and  he  came  over  to  our  place  to  show  it  to  our  brothers.I   think  it  cost  all  of   $4,000  LoL…..One  other  thing  I  remember  about  Russell  is  he  didn’t  like  eating  lunch  at  the  school  and  he  ate  at  the  Crystal  cafe  every  chance  he  got, but what  I  remember  about  Russell  the  most  is  he  was  just  all  around  nice  guy, from  an

overall  nice  family. I’m  so  sorry  for  you  loss  Bruce. God  Bless  you, and  hoping  you  find  peace  and  enjoyment in  the  months  and  years  ahead  thru  Russells  boys,  and  great  memories.  Sincerely, Aggie  Casavant’ ——————————————–

Cebu Expat dinner at the Radisson Blu, Cebu Philippines – Wed Aug 19, 2015
  

Alice Hafsahl, Everett, WA, Passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

My Cousin Ardis kindly let me know of another passing in our family

Alice Hafsahl, was the second daughter of Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary Metcalfe.

For many years,

I enjoyed Sunday evenings of summer or lazy winter afternoons, spent at Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary’s. Whenever their “kids” came home was fun time to visit and hear the easy laughers .

Uncle Bill and Auntie Mary’s little white house nestled in the hills, would ring with laughter whenever we all came together. Driving up the long driveway to their home,a person would hear,story telling, banjo & guitar  picking, singing and bursts of delighted laughter coming from the depths of the home, and the hearts ….belly laugher.

Aunt Mary wearing an apron, would greet and envelope each visitor at her door with big warm hug whenever a person came into her presence and again in parting, another warm loving hug goodbye.

Years later after her passing, to my delight, Uncle Bill began to hug!

I loved Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill well. And  always felt well loved in return.

At the back door on a stand was a water bucket and dipper. They never had running water or plumbing. Aunt Mary cooked on a combination wood heat electric stove. Uncle Bill cut wood for heat.

Mouth watering smells flavored Mary’s kitchen where she provided most delicious meals and lunches.  Some of her recipes were amazing. I wondered where in the world she learned to put flavors like apples and dill pickles together on that last  Thanksgiving meal she prepared for our family.

Aunt Mary was brought into life and lived a rural simple farm life in the early part of the last century; she attended Fort Totten Catholic Boarding school when she was four; raised most of her family through the great depression;somewhere she learned to create awesome wonderous flavors out of simple ingredients.

Whense inside their home, every visit was a treat to the eyes; everywhere were old photographs which were changed often. It created many opportunities for us to open conversation and discuss who were in the photos; perhaps a story or two would  be gleaned.

In the living room, my Dad and Uncle Bill shared snoose cans………  They favored Copenhagen. In my earliest memories Uncle Bill wore “arm garters” around his shirt sleeves. Those garters reminded me of “Gunsmoke.” When asked,  Dad said Bill  wore them because his shirt sleeves were too long.

As kid an unspoken lesson; men of the house, have a favorite chair.  It was simple courtesy of the time, never sit in the home owners chair.

But for his little brother, my dad, Uncle Bill would give up his favorite chair, especially noticed  when dad lost his sight.

Sitting quietly in the warm company  of the wood stove, I would listen to family stories  over and over told by Dad and Uncle Bill.  Stories about people and times they recalled. They would both get quiet in thought then spit in the spittoon.

Some nights while there, Uncle Bill would frequent the entry way. Dad told me later,sometimes Uncle kept a little bottle behind the water bucket!

Stories to me, never lost flavor as I heard them again another time..

It took me some time as a child to listen and figure out who’s who in the branches of the Metcalfe family cousins;

Uncle Bill Metcalfe and Aunt Mary DeMontigny were married in September of 1923 a two months after their brother Cliff was born. As a kid, I felt the love Dad had for each of them and they for him.  Stories told that my father was a sickly child after the death of his little tow headed brother, Lloyd.

When he was seven, Cliff was taught the alphabet at the knee of his brother Bill along with his niece, Eleanor Rose. Cliff and Eleanor started first grade at Hill Side School together. Much to his embarrassment she would run trying to catch up calling Uncle.. uncle…

William Bryant  the son of William and Mary Marjorie  the daughter of Rose, were each the eldest children, of my respective grandparents; So, they were each Dad’s half sibling. Some folks scratch their heads and snicker?  I never let any ones  silly ness about that bother.  However, I was bothered years after my aunt and uncles  passing away, When a drunk I was dancing with said the demeaning word…..squaw in reference to my aunt. My response,I walked off the floor.  I choose to not tolerate that behaviour.

Chronologically; Eleanor Rose, Robert a.k.a Bob , Alice,  Lloyd a.k.a Punch/Dutchie, Bertha, Billy, Jack a.k.a John, Lorraine, and Larry.

Some stories heard through the years

Mary decided go picking Juneberries;  she was adamant to go picking because the fruit was a needed necessity…it was picking berries.,Cousin Alice was born at Butte St. Paul.

A few years later Jack was delivered into this world by his sister 11 year old Eleanor  at their home.

About 10 years ago on a hot summer day was invited to Lorraine’s home on Scotch Annie  Island for a gathering of the Bill and Mary Metcalfe family.

Like an impatient kid I could not wait. I drove up one day early. Lorraine greeted me and said Alice and Bernice were in the camper. She led me to the dining room . A man stood,with his back to me looking out at the lake. WHoly Buckets!. But from behind he could have been my Dad or Uncle Bill. My heart  had nearly stilled. There was was my cousin Billy.

The next day I joined those cousins for fried chicken dinner. Swapping tales with Larry, Lise, Bernice, Alice, Lorraine and a laughter fun filled argument about  a crazy made up family name, or was it a gaelic or Metis word ?

Billy started pickin his guitar.Sweet music filled the air along with occasional sounds of distant thunder.

Later, I drove Eleanor back to her Dunseith apartment when a summer thunderstorm hit

On my way home, I stopped at Good Sam to tuck my mom in. I went to her  dark room stroking her cheek, She asked “How was your visit with Mary and Bill’s kids.”  I told her about the day.…

Mom smiled saying, “Oh Vickie, You sound so much like your dad!

“huh Mom?  She said, “Your dad would go over to see those kids and always come home happy!”  …I said,  Oh mom I  am happy, I love being with my cousins. When we all get together we are “easy laughers”.

Thanks Gary,

May you  each experience the joy of being among …easy laughers.

Vickie Metcalfe
August 17, 2015

Alice Hafsahl Obituary

Our beloved mother Alice Hafsahl entered Heaven peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2015, with her daughter Lynn Beck at her side. Alice was 88 years old. She was born June 18, 1927, in Dunseith, North Dakota. Alice spent the last seven years of her life at Cascade Valley Senior Living Memory Care in Arlington, Wash. where she was tenderly cared for by their wonderful staff. She was loved by so many. Alice always had a smile on her face, was an excellent listener and willing to help and provide comfort. She loved to be outside, especially in the sunshine, enjoyed gardening, fishing and RV traveling with her husband and close friends. Her children Gary and Lynn Beck were blessed to have such a dedicated and loving Mom. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold (Hal). In lieu of flowers, please bring stories to give to the family as keepsakes. Mom, you were my best friend and you will be so missed more than words can express. We love you and will keep you in our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life for Alice will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Sons of Norway Hall, located at 9910 270th Street NW, Stanwood, WA 98292.

Published in The Herald (Everett) on Aug. 14, 2015

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary.aspx?n=alice-l-hafsahl&pid=175502942#sthash.1CsAU4vD.dpuf

Class of 65 Dale’s Picture was Mislabled
Correction from Larry Hackman (’66): l Bismarck, ND

Gary

The photo is mislabeled.  Henry is sitting beside Ron Longie with the baseball cap and beard. I tried straightening it out, so scroll down and take another look.

They use to think we were twins, until I proved I was smarter and better looking.

I graduated in 66, but they the class of 65 adopted me because they needed some class in their class?  Glad you liked the story.

It did have some good subject material to work with.

Larry

Gary’s Comment

Larry, I also missed Phyllis McKay. I include the Labeling with the picture making it hard to correct.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Very much appreciated.

Correction pasted below.

Gary

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Joke of the Day

One day, Sven was walking down Main Street when he saw Ole driving a brand new pickup truck.

Ole saw Sven, and pulled over to him, grinning from ear to ear.

“Ole,” said Sven, “where’d yew get dat truck?”

“Lena gave it to me,” Ole replied.

“She gave it to yew?” Sven responded. “I knew she vas kinda sweet on yew, but a new truck?”

“Vell, Sven,” said Ole, “let me tell ya vat happened. Ve vere driving out dere on County Road 6, in da middle of nowheres, und Lena pulled off da road, put da truck in four-wheel drive, und headed into da voods. Den she parked da truck, yumped outta da cab, trew off all her clothes, und said, ‘Ole, take vatever yew vant!’ So, I took da truck!”

“Ole,” Sven replied, “yew are a smart man! Dose clothes woulda never fit yew!”

====================================
Blog (333) posted on January 9, 2009

01/09/2009
Posted on January 9, 2009

A big salute to Mrs. Flynn from Martha Lamb Schepp (68):

Hi Gary,Lynn and I very much enjoyed Minnie Flynn’s birthday party. I would like to give a compliment to Minnie Flynn as a teacher. I think Dean and I were very fortunate to have teachers who really cared for the individual all through our school years in Dunseith. When my brother set his goal to be a Veterinary, it appeared that there was much studying to be done before such a task could be accomplished. Mrs. Flynn was Dean’s teacher, I believe in about the 5th grade. Mrs. Flynn approached Dean to see if he would accept extra help during her break and his recess. He respectfully accepted her offer . He always felt she had a lot to do with giving him the extra boost to earn his Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Degree..

Thank you, with much respect Mrs. Flynn.

Martha Lamb Schepp

Randy, K & Jill Flynn, Please pass this message onto your mother? Thanks, Gary

Thanks to Jack/Minnie from Rob Olson (79):

Gary

I just had to write after I saw the Flynn family photo. I picked Randy, Jack and Minnie out right away. Don, Lyle and I lived right across the street from the Flynn’s. What a nice famly. In fact I credit-or blame Jack Flynn for introducing me to ice cream. If I was out in the yard when he came home he would invite me over and Minnie would get me a bowl, or two. (Like I needed it!). Jack was another person who would take me and whom ever wanted to go to away baseball games. We rode in his pickup-sometimes in the front seat and sometimes in the box. It didn’t matter to us we were going to a game. It was always an adventure. It did not even matter if I or any of the guys had any money which we usually didn’t Jack would take care of us buy us seeds and pop or whatever.

Some times-early in the morning Jack would come over to the trailer and knock on the door and ask Lyle if he wanted to go up to the farm and pick rock or haul bales. After a lot of begging Jack even took me. Jack told me that if the rock was to heavy for me to lift I was to let Lyle know and Lyle could pick it up and put it in the pile. Being no dummy eventually all the rocks got to be to heavy for me so Jack let me ride on the tractor/loader with him.

Minnie was the owner of the gift shop at the Peace Garden. One year she hired a gal by the name of Christina Hiatt- Jim Hiatt’s daughter. I was working for Orvin Hagen on the grounds ( I did that for 4 summers-great job!). Orvin’s crew spent most of our breaks at the gift shop and Christina and I met. We celebrated our 25th this past summer. Thanks Minnie!

Randy, as most of the older baseball fans know, was a stellar second baseman for the Dunseith Dragons. By looking at the size of his arms in the picture I think now Randy could make that throw from second to first without a problem–just kidding. I did not know Jill or Kay well but one thing is for sure those Flynn’s are good people and I owe a big thanks to them for treating me so nicely.

Happy belated birthday Minnie.
Rob Olson

Rob, What a surprise! I had no idea that you are married to Jim Hiatt’s daughter, son of Norman and Irene. What a pleasant shock to read that statement. As you well know, I know Jim and his sisters well. We were close neighbors our entire growing up years. I’m hoping Jim can make it up to Seattle for our ‘Seattle Dunseith Alumni Reunion’ this coming July. It’s been nearly 40 years since I’ve seen him. Speaking of Orvin, he was like family to us. I need to call him again one of these days too. He lives in Kindred ND. What a small world!

Randy, K & Jill, Can you pass this along to your folks too? Thanks Gary

From Rod Hiatt (69):

Gary, Not sure if you even want to put this on your blog, but sure were

a lot Dunseith people there.

Rod, I for sure want to post this. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Good morning Gary and the rest of the world.

Well I believe that we started 2009 out with probably one of the social
highlights of the year, not saying that there won’t be
more events to come.
Toad Knutson and Jenna Mastvelton wedding brought out almost every
Hillbilly from Souris to St. John and flat landers from
the Canadian border to S. Dak. and east and west to the neighboring states.
Now Jenna, is the daughter of Lisa (Williams) twin to Lois Soland and
sister to Lori Lagerquist, and another 3 sisters that I never knew
existed + some brothers I was also informed about. When these younger
ones moved to Dunseith the others were already on their own. I noticed
that they were all getting their picture taken, so maybe someone will
have a copy to post later. So now thats where a lot of the Dunseith
people came in, knowing or being related to the Williams family.
Ray and Lori Lagerquist and there 3 daughters and new son-in-law came
back from Montana and it sure was good to sit and talk with them. I
don’t think that I had seen Ray for 15 years or better and back in the
early 70′s Ray, Brian Fauske and myself were kind of a, well thats
another whole chapter that maybe we’ll just leave out for right now.
Toad, son of Roger and Julie(Bullinger) Knutson & grandson to Norris and
Arlene Knutson, well that brought out all the Hillbillies Toad is
involved in Demolition Derby racing, so that brought out the rest of the
people in at least the 2 counties.
The wedding was held up at the Metigoshe Chapel and the reception and
dance followed at the Armory in Bottineau. They had the place decorated
up really nice with the wedding party at the head table and parents and
grand parents up toward the front as well. They served a large group a
very good meal( a little disappointed that Rodney and Curt Lagerquist
didn’t furnish fresh Venison).
My son Jason and his wife Lisa were matron of honor and best man, so
they both gave a short speech or toast. Lisa’s was very nice and sweet,
what you would expect to hear from someone talking to their best
friends, and Jason’s, well lets just say that it sure got the crowd woke
up, as well as embarrass his mother. A nice slide show was presented and
then the MUSIC began.
It was -20 outside but it was heated up inside. I’m sure that with all
the anti freeze that was consumed that night, it wouldn’t have made much
difference if it were-40.
The dance floor was full with steps like the St. John Shuffle and the
Turtle Mountain Twirl. Not so sure I didn’t see the Williams Twins (
Lisa and Lois) doing some kind of Shottish or Highlander step as well.
It sure was great visiting with all the friends and family that you just
don’t see often enough. Seems like its either a wedding or funeral that
brings people together. I know that some of you might be thinking that
there isn’t much difference in the 2, but I’m not saying that, as my
wife reads all of Gary’s emails. I hope all that were there enjoyed the
evening as much as I did

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49):

Gary,

I am enjoying all of the information I receive in your e-mails! It’s almost like being “home” —-in Dunseith. A few people have commented about how many of the men who served in the military are rather silent about all that took place while on duty. I met a couple men where this was certainly the case.

Many years ago, I met a man called Gail Halvorsen. His sister introduced me to him one Sunday. I spoke to him for a short time; I can’t remember what we even talked about. Sometime later, his sister Marilyn, said he dropped candy to children in Germany when he was stationed there. She told me this about 25 years ago. It wasn’t until last week that I found out what that “dropping candy” was about. There was a 1 hour special on TV about the “Candy Bomber”. Gail Halvorsen was that candy bomber. He has been honored by the Republic of Germany in many ways. He received the highest medal awarded by them. He also carried the German team’s National Placard into the Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 2002 Winter Olympics. He became the commander of some airbase in Germany and also participated in its closing. He has been back to Germany many times and something was named after him (I missed what it was). They said the U. S. Military has modeled some of Halvorsen’s actions in Iraq, dropping toys, teddy bears, and soccer balls to Iraqi children. I wish I had known all of this at the time I met him–I imagine he could have told us many things !!

Another man we knew for about 30 years was Jess Bullock. Ron saw him frequently, Jess worked at the lumber yard where Ron bought lots of “stuff” We also saw him at church on Sundays. He left Merced about 15-20 years ago. One day after his departure, someone mentioned he had served in WW2. He had never said a word about that. They then told us he had been at Guadalcanal and that he was the 2nd most decorated soldier in the war–right behind Audie Murphy. Jess was the most gentle, soft spoken man I’ve ever met. They tell me he’s mentioned in “Guadalcanal Diary”–I’ve never checked that out—one of these days, I will.

There are so many stories to be told and so many men (and women) to be thanked for their service to our country. I had no idea so many men from the Dunseith area served in the military. We owe them a great deal!!!Thanks for doing what you’re doing, Gary. I’m learning more about Dunseith and its people from these e-mails.

Shirley Olson Warcup

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,With the interesting discussion on the men and women who served in WWII,

there is one young man who hasn’t been mentioned. Harold Flynn, the
brother of Jack Flynn, was among those who died at the hands of the
Japanese on the infamous Bataan Death March. He would be the uncle to
Randy, Jill, and K. Flynn and also uncle to Terry, Tim, and Tera
Martinson. I can’t find any mention of this in the Dunseith history
book, but I believe it’s correct. Maybe some of the family will confirm
or correct me. That was one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific war.
Carroll Carlson said that Gen. MacArthur told the men to fight to the
end until reinforcements could arrive, knowing none were being sent!
Those that did hold out to the end were nicknamed the ‘Battling Bastards
of Bataan’, by those who knew of their valiant, though hopeless, effort.
Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Don Aird (Carroll Carlson’s Nephew):

Dick Johnson mentioned that you had to live in North Dakota to understand how folks help each other. When my Uncle Carroll died I had to come up from St Louis to make the funeral arrangements. It was mid May and there was a lot of new snow on the ground from a freak storm. I had to drive between the funeral home in Bottineau to Dunseith where Uncle Carroll’s funeral would take place then on to Rolla to stay with my Aunt Verlie Aird Clark. On the way back to Dunseith from Bottineau a van had gone off the road into the ditch. The Sheriff stopped the first 4 wheel drive vehicle that came by and had him pull the van out of the ditch. Then the sheriff let the traffic move on. There are very few places in the US where something like this would have happened.

From Sybil Johnson:

Dick, you are so right. Not even here in Wyoming, can one depend on help from a stranger. You really dont even dare

look for help; atleast that’s the way I feel. Being by myself, I dont trust alot of people that pass my apartment.
Wyoming is known for being one of the main routes for drugs and where I live here in Cheyenne, there have been
many homes around me that have been noted as drug outlets. The 10 years that I have been in my apt., I have
made very few friends and that is sad. I have more friends on the internet, than right here in Cheyenne. But, I
cant do anything about that and I wont dwell on it. Have a nice day everyone.
Sybil Johnson (great_grandma2007@live.com.)

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, Leonard & Eleanor have asked to put their messages on hold until they return to their summer home at Lake Metigoshe in the spring. I’m hoping they will see this posting? Gary

From Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

I spoke with Aunt Emily Birkland Boucher this week; she confirmed that bootcamp was in Louisiana but did not know exact location. She said that Herman did receive the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and several other ribbons. Uncle Herman seems weary of war and the more fierce combat as Axis lose ground and are pushed north. The attached picture was found with Herman’s letter. Uncle Ernie confirms that the picture was taken in Italy. I was told identity of the brother-in-arms, but did not write it down! Perhaps Ole or Bing Evans?Sharron

Herman Boucher’s letter from Italy in 1944:

Dear Sis & Bro Italy 7-11-44

Well my mail finally got up with me & I guess I owe you girls all letters. So I guess this will have to hold you for awhile. Anyway, I suppose these letters all go around, I hope.

Well I see you all got to see Ole [Evans]. So you should have got the low down on this outfit pretty well & on my racket. My racket is a good one, as long as you got to be in the Infantry. Ole doesn’t throw the bull, he isn’t that kind of guy. And there’s a rumor here now that he’s back in Naples, so I’ll be seeing him before long. I should be able to get lots of good news. I suppose you thought he had lots of stripes. Well I don’t think he’ll be wearing them very long when he gets back. He’ll be wearing a bar instead. That is if he wants to take it. They’ve been making quite a few officers out of these line Co. & Ole’s been a good soldier. So I guess he’s got it made & I sure hope he gets it.

Ick and Dary Ryan were down to see me this afternoon. The first time I see Dary. Well he didn’t get taller, still a runt and looks about 50 yr’s old & he sure can throw the bull. I got a couple of pts of rot gut & we got feeling pretty high. He’s got some tall stories to tell, pretty interesting. I just listen. They’ll make good stories to tell at the bar – should be able go get a lot of free drink out of them. His racket is about as good as you can get in the Inf. The only thing that bothers him most of the time is the noise of our own artillery guns & I think I could stand that pretty well. Somebody has got to get the breaks.

I think it was you or Yvette was hoping that my wound would keep me in the hospital for awhile. I told you it was just a scratch. I just went to the medic & got it patched up. I wasn’t going to go to the hospital at first, said it was too damn far to walk. So the Sgt took me down in the jeep. He said you might as well get the Purple Heart – some of these other boys are getting them for the GI’s or in plain English the s___s.

Well I wrote a letter to Hector & told him we were off the lines. That was right but we had too good a setup and I knew it wouldn’t last. We got a pretty good rumor that we’re going back Fri night. We’ll have been off 9 days. Well I don’t know what they would do if they didn’t have this Div over here. They keep us on all the time. We thought at first we were getting a Div relief, but it was just a regiment relief. I guess Cote’s outfit is coming back in our place. These new outfits they brought over here last winter & spring laid on their ass most of the summer & went up the line when we did this fall. And now their getting Div relief. I hope our boys get good & drunk and clean their ass before we go back up. Their a pretty cockeye outfit. It’ll do them good.

Well one thing I know, before we go up again we’ll be bringing ourselves some cough medicine along. The last pass we couldn’t even get wine. The Dagoes that we run across up there are no damn good. They won’t give you nothing. The only way we can get anything from them is to steal it. In the southern part of Italy they were glad so see us. They use to give us anything they had. We didn’t have to steal it at least.

Well I was suppose to go on a day pass tomorrow but now they called it off until the next day. They better be careful how many days they call it off or I’ll just be out of luck. We get five day passes every so often in a rest CA. but that comes about every 6 mo and the last one I had was about 3 months ago. So I don’t have to think about that for awhile.

It’s about my bedtime so I better sign off. Hoping this finds everybody in the best of health.

Love & Best Regards from your Bro Herman

Herman Boucher

Herman Boucher & Bing Evans?

Posted by Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette):

Carmen, this is beautiful. Gary

BLESSED NORTH DAKOTA

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said: ‘Today, I am going to create a land called North Dakota.

It will be a land of outstanding Natural beauty; a land of beautiful lakes, each one full of fish. It Shall have tall majestic pines, peacefully flowing rivers, landscapes full of Buffalo, tall grass, and eagles, beautiful blue skies, forests full of bear, elk And moose, rich farmland and fair skinned people.’

God continued, ‘I Shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper and They shall be known as a most friendly people, people who practice being Nice every day.’
But Lord,’ asked Gabriel, ‘don’t you think you are being too Generous to these North Dakota people?’

‘Not really,’ replied God ‘just wait and see the winters I am going to give them,’

Happy Birthday Flavia Moraes (’73): São Paulo, Brazil

Happy Birthday Val Moyer (’63): Bottineau, ND.

Russell Pigeon (‘63) passed away
Posting from Bruce Pigeon (’61):  Garrison, ND

Hi Gary

Sad news.  My brother Russell lost his battle with his cancer yesterday morning.  I am meeting with his two boys to plan on when to have a memorial service and burial.

He will be buried in Dunseith at the family plot.  I will send more details as soon as I know more.

Please put something out on the list to let his friends know of his passing.

Thanks

Bruce

Gary’s comment

Bruce, our condolence are with you and the rest of your family with Russell’s passing. He was well known in his school days too. He was a good guy. He will be missed.

Russell Pigeon’s reply to Allen Richard (’65)

Hi Allen

I am sorry to have to tell you Russell lost his battle with the cancer about 7am this morning.  He fell asleep and didn’t wake up.  He went peacefully which is all that we wanted.  He is in a better place now.

I will miss him terribly as he wasn’t only my little brother, but also my best friend.

We will have a memorial here in Garrison and they he will taken to Dunseith to be buried in the family plot with mom, dad and Gary.  There will be a gravesite memorial for him, the date has not been decided.

Bruce

Russell Pigeon

(Died August 12, 2015)

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Russell Pigeon, 71, Pick City, died on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the Garrison Hospital. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 20, from 5 to 7 pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison. Burial will be at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Dunseith.

Russell Albert Pigeon was born February 20, 1944 to Romulus and Pearl (Stevens) Pigeon in Rolla, ND. He was raised and educated in Dunseith, graduating from Dunseith High School. He married Cheryl Jacobson in 1966 in Rugby, ND. They had two sons, Steven Russell and Michael Paul.

Russell was a retired union pipefitter with Local 300 working construction most of his life. He was very well known for his meat processing and sausage making. He spent countless hours in his meat shop, many of those hours with his sons helping him.

Russell is survived by his sons, Steven, Pick City, Michael, Hazen; brother, Bruce, Garrison; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Gary, and one sister, Rochelle.

Art Hagen with his farm toy tractor.

He can cover many acres in a day with this rig.
Look at the size of those tires and there are 12 of them.
Lots of traction with lots of power too.

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Blog (332) posted on January 8, 2009

Condolences to Ivy Eller Robert with the loss of her brother from Robin & Bernard (76) Morin:  

Our sincere condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robin and Bernard Morin

Thanks. Bernard

Reply from Debbie Armentrout Metcalfe (77): 

Gary:

For many years mom has reserved her Monday mornings to gather the news for the Turtle Mountain Star and the Courant.  I will pass on your thanks.

Debbie

Debbie, Neola has provided us with several more of your mothers wonderful ‘Dunseith News’ columns posted below.  Gary

From Gary Metcalfe (57):

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

You nearly have to live in North Dakota to understand the way folks here

help each other. The other day there was a picture of Randy Hiatt, Ike’s
son, posted here on the blog. A couple years back I was out in the
eastern part of the state to pick up an antique car. As I was heading
back with the car on my car trailer, I looked in the mirror and noticed
a tire was going down on the trailer. I stopped out in the middle of
nowhere to put on the spare, but my spare was also flat. I limped along
at about 20 miles an hour until the tire was nearly flat. I came to a
rural elevator at Loma, ND. There are no houses anymore but the elevator
is still operating. I pulled in to see if they might have an air
compressor I could use to air up the tires. The young guy came out and
said he loaned his compressor out that day and it hadn’t been brought
back yet. I told him I have a real problem with a flat and a flat spare.
He said we could just drive over to the next farm and use his air and he
jumped in with me. I asked if the guy was home and he said it didn’t
matter, he knew where the stuff was and how to turn it on. We did
exactly that and I was ready to go. On the way back to the elevator he
asked who I was and I told him. He said he was Randy Hiatt and was from
St. John. I told him I had breakfast with his dad in St. John that
morning before I left! He wouldn’t take a dime for helping me and wished
me luck on the rest of my trip. I can only imagine what my chances of
having this kind of help in other places than good old ND,  would have
been ! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

In answer to Bev…….That saying about you can’t teach an old dog new tricks…….Well I’m a pretty old dog. Besides, if anyone saw me with a smile on my face they’d think I got my medication mixed up. HA!HA!HA!!!!

Mel Kuhn

Picture posted by Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

These are the five Watkins girls–Irene (Mrs Wm T Fassett), Lenore (Mrs

Leslie J Hoover),  Carol(Mrs Emery Carbonneau), Jeannine(Mrs Adolph
Robert) and Murl (Mrs Johnny Hill).  There was also Elaine but she was
much younger and was not part of the run around together pack.  This is
dated Oct of 1976.  I will try and find an older set of the five if I
can.  Thought some of the older Dunseith alumni might be interested.  I
am sorting pictures—again!!  I may never get done with scrapbooks and
albums, but I am  going to give it a try.   Hugs, and prayers,  Susan

Picture:
Irene (Mrs Wm T Fassett), Lenore (Mrs Leslie J Hoover),  Carol(Mrs Emery Carbonneau), Jeannine(Mrs Adolph Robert) and Murl (Mrs Johnny Hill).

Dunseith News posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Message to Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (’75):  Boonton, NJ

To Trish:  you have the most amazing life!  Best wishes for your new adventures in Montana and beyond.  We ( the class of 75) also got the pleasure of seeing Gary at our reunion on July 11th.  We had a very nice time catching up on everyone’s life.  Best wishes,  Lynn Otto

Gospel Music Festival at the Peace Garden
Posting from Don Boardman (’60):  Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary

Just thought I would send you some information for your blog.  We are having a Gospel Music Festival at the Peace Garden in the Burdick Center for the Performing Arts this weekend.  It is the “International Country Gospel Music Fest” and the website is www.internationalcountrygospelfest.com.  You can see all the performers, the write-up on each with pictures, the schedule, and other information on the festival.  This is the 11^th festival we have sponsored with groups from the US and Canada.  No charge to get into the festival except the charge to get into the Peace Gardens itself.  The Gardens are beautiful this year as usual.

Don Boardman, Tina Bullinger, and Jerry Olson

Ackworth Cemetery

Folks, the Ackworth Cemetery is looking very nice. The Lagerquist boys are doing a wonderful job taking care of it.

My Brother Darrel and his wife Debby looking at our Parents graves.

Gary

                               Ackworth Cemetery – July 2015

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Blog (331) posted on January 7, 2009

From Warren Anderson (65): 

Hi, Gary we are talking about WWII alot and a friend of mine sent this to me.  I think it is great as we only studied about “Betty the

Ribbeder” in History Class but here is another nation that used wood.  Maybe Mr. Hosmer can say alittle more about it.   Class of ’65 Warren

Warren, This is a very interesting movie about the 1944 Australian fighter bomber manufactured out of wood called the Mosquito.  This movie is a bit large to be sending out with a group message.

Folks, please get in touch with Warren if you’d like for him to send you an electronic copy of this video.  It’s an interesting clipping.  Gary

Reply to Neola from Chery Larson Dakin (71): 

To Neola Kofoid Garbe, good luck on your surgery tomorrow. You are in my prayers for a quick recovery. Take good care, and let us know when you can how you’re doing.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Neola’s reply following Lumectomy Surgery: 

Hi Everyone,

First, THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers.  They were definitely answered.   I’m so blessed to have so many “praying” relatives/friends.  I did not worry about the surgery before I had it, and I’m not worried about it now.  I don’t expect cancer will be in the tissue they removed. If, by any chance, there is, we’ll take it from there.

Wally and I got home about 20 minutes It[It’s taken me 15 minutes to write this email, so it’s a little long ago now)ago (after dropping off a prescription for pain pills and buying a few groceries for me to take along to Bottineau tomorrow).  Annn Kofoid’s funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 at Nero Funeral Parlor.  At this point in time, I plan to go.  I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.  I’m feeling fine right now–the pain pills will wear off sometime this afternoon, so that might change.  I’ll take a couple more pills if I need them.

I am very fortunate in that I heal quickly.  The first thing I did when I got back to my room was to ask for Diet Coke (Yes, I KNOW it isn’t good for me!).  Then I had two slices of toast/jelly and a cup of coffee.  After that, I had to prove my kidneys/bladder worked.  They do.

I see the surgeon on January 19, unless something comes up.  I don’t plan to see him before the 19th.   I imagine that’s when I’ll find out when the radiation treatments start. Again, I don’t anticipate any probelms before/with the treatments.

Again, thanks for all the prayers, emails, cards, anything I might have missed mentioning.   Like I said, I am BLESSED!

Neola

P.S.  We stopped for groceries to buy ice cream.  Wally says I can rationalize anything; I didn’t want to let him down, so I “rationalized” that I need to indulge myself and have some ice cream–half-gallon, of course!! (Two of them!)

Tim Martinson’s reply to Larry St. Clair’s photo posted in message (328): 

Hello Gary, I had to comment on the picture that Larry sent to you. I had mentioned that Larry was part of the

class of 1966 and you had said that he was from the class of 1965. It kind of puzzled me that was I wrong

and my mind slipping but has the truth come forward at the bottom of the picture. Tommy was a senior that

year as his 4 year stripes on the letterman’s sweater attest to. I could still be wrong and Larry was eligible to

play an extra year as in a red shirt freshman status. I sure hope this does’nt raise a stink and DHS has to forfeit

all those games that were won that year!!!! Maybe we should keep this quiet? Hope your web site is secure?

Anyway the picture brought a smile to my face and fond memories of loud cheering and fast paced basketball.

Always looked forward to the next day breakdown of the previous nights game at the bakery. Back then it was

slaps on the back, way to go, and usually a win, that paid off for off for all the hard work put in at the lengthy

practices.  Take Care, Tim

Yes Tim, you were right.  I had Larry in the wrong year.  He’s listed with the class of 66 now though.  You are not the only one that brought this to my attention. It’s wonderful that you guys catch this stuff so it can be corrected.  Future generations will be looking at this stuff in years to come and we want it to be right. Gary

Reply from Dale Pritchard (63): 

Gary,

I did a search for “USS Cole” on the internet and it brought up several
newsworth and interesting things.  On the first page are listed
“Recovery of the USS Cole” and “U.S.S. Cole.”  The first one is a video
of the recovery with music.  The second is a tribute with music to the
17 sailors who were killed in the terrorist attack.  Scroll down on each
to see it all.

You mentioned going through Clark Air Base in the Philippines.  When I
was stationed in Okinawa and both times in Japan we spent a lot of time
there working with our sister unit.  I guess you know that Clark was
closed after Mt. Pinatubo erupted and buried it in ash.  It wasn’t
practical to rebuild it after so much damage was done.

Dale

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Mel  Kuhn,  I think you should  come and live in  our house  with me  for a few  weeks  I  could  train you and   send  you home  after   that  and  your  wife  would   be  soooooooooooo happy,  After all most  men  are  trainable   lol

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70): 

I hope this comes thru ok…happened across it this morning and thought you might enjoy it.  Thank you to all our veterans for all you did and continue to do.

Happy Birthday Allen Pladson (’67):  Dunseith, ND

Happy Birthday Denice Casavant: Rolette, ND

Ron Peltier (’70)

Folks, I had the pleasure of meeting and having my picture taken with Ron Peltier in Dale’s Lounge

Reply from Trish Larson Clayburgh (’73):  Livingston, MT.

Hello everyone!  I was very happy to get back to North Dakota this year, although it was a very quick visit and I didn’t manage to connect with some dear friends I hoped to, I was so glad to see others and meet Gary in person for the first time.  It was fun seeing Terry Espe and Les and Myra Halvorson and also great to run into Vicky Metcalfe in Bottineau.  And one of the sweetest surprises was running into Connie Halvorson at Wal Mart!

I am now officially living and working in Livingston, Montana, and plan to stay here and “settle” down.  I am taking a break from nursing and took two jobs at the Chico Hot Springs resort near Yellowstone.  I work three days as a massage therapist at the Day Spa, and two days a week as a wrangler with the Outfitter there.  My life has changed dramatically from what it was in California, and I am loving it.

I just returned from a photo shoot at the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse sanctuary near the Wyoming border.  We got some great photos, including a bear with two cubs and a big buck in full velvet.  My friend is a professional wildlife photographer with proper gear, so we were able to zoom in for some special shots of some of the beautiful Spanish mustangs that roam the top of the mountain.  Those photos are being posted on FB.

My horses are doing well here in the Paradise Valley.  They live at the outfitters place I work for, and get to mingle with their herd of 60 horses.  My goal is to buy land and build an old style log cabin eventually, but for now, I am living in town, just a few blocks from downtown Livingston.  There are frequent music festivals going on in the summer, so it’s a lot of fun to be able to just walk a few steps and join the fun.

I love the old west feel of this small town, and feel very lucky to live here.  It’s about 23 miles to Bozeman and 100 miles to Billings from here.  Those cities have everything a person needs for supplies and shopping.

Well, that’s my update for now, and be sure to give me a shout out if you’re coming this way.

Trish

Reply to Dick Johnson (’68)-  old ‘57’ Chevy
From Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

To Dick and Brenda Johnson,

Looks like you found my old ‘57’ Chevy.  I bought it, or one like it, in ‘65’ and traded it in Bottineau in Jan ‘69’ for a ‘64’ Ford with only 28,000 miles on it.  Two years of not being used while I was in Japan didn’t do the engine any good.  I’ve seen some of your great restoration work, thanks to this blog.  Please post another picture of it when you get done.

Dale Pritchard

====================================
Blog (330) posted on January 6, 2009

Reply from Kay Hosmer (77):

From Kay Hosmer (77) – to Marlene Armentrout, I hadn’t remembered that you have done the news column for so long in the paper!  It reminds me of my maternal grandmother Ila Selzler who did the column in Towner for probably 50 years?  Good job, Marlene!

Folks, Kay is the Daughter of Don (Bill & Bob’s Brother) and Jesslyn Selzler Hosmer.  Kay is currently living in Indiana. Her mother Jesslyn taught school in Dunseith for a number of years.  She had the class of 65 and others in their elementary years.

Debbie Armentrout Metcalfe, Can you relay this message of Kay’s to your mother? She has been doing a darn good job of posting the Dunseith news to both the Star and the Courant for many years.  She is to be commended for such dedicated service.  Gary

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

Howdy Gary,

Finally I can say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I say finally because they’re finally over with, Geez—-don’t they just go on forever? We have a grandson that lives with us—finally he’s back to school. Finally the wife is back to work on a daily basis like she should be. It’s bad enough when they leave you these honey do lists but when they’re right there telling you what they want done—-day after day after day. Now Lola is gonna tell her what I said again and here goes the circle again—day after day. Women—Geez—-OK Paula have at it, go ahead I can take it. I kind of roamed off of the holiday stuff, finally the credit cards are full and the checking account is empty and everyone is happy. Finally the house is back to empty and I can have some peace and quiet. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!
Mel “The Scrooge” Kuhn

Message/Pictures posted by Debby (Darrel 70) Stokes: 

Here are 2 pictures I took at Dorothy Pritchard’s birthday party today. Her birthday isn’t for another 3 weeks but they celebrated it along with Winifred Eurich at St. Andrew’s Long Term. Winifred is 90 and Dorothy will be 96. Dorothy seems to like it at St. Andrew’s Long Term, but she still misses Oak Manor.

Thank you Debby for sharing these pictures. Dorothy is looking great!  You can see the spark in her eye and I know in her mind equally as well.  Joanne Smith Fuchs from our class of 65 has been her hair dresser of a number of years.

Folks, Debby is married to my brother Darrel or better known as Bud among a lot of us. Debby retired from a life long career of teaching several years ago.  In retirement she chose to help out 3 days a week with the noon meals that are delivered to Oak Manner. Dorothy had an apartment at Oak Manner for a number of years. She recently moved to Saint Andrews.  The Lagerquist boys or I think Lyle purchased Robert and Dorothy’s farm following Robert’s death. The Lagerquist boys sister Evon is currently living on the Pritchard home place located one mile south of our old home place up in the Turtle Mountains.  Believe it or not, there are a number of our Senior Dunseith Alumni currently living at the Oak Manner apartments in Bottineau. With your visits to Bottineau feel free to stop down there and see them. Noon is a good time to catch them out in the dining area.  They are a friendly bunch of folks.

Back to my brother Darrel (Bud). He works for the City of Bottineau and also farms. He’s one busy guy. Bud is in charge of the Bottineau Land fill and transfer station located less than a half mile north of the fair grounds on the west side of the road. If you have any garbage to get rid of, he’s the guy you will see.  He welcomes friendly visits too, even without garbage.  Gary

                        Dorothy Pritchard & Darrel Stokes (70):

    Dorothy Pritchard several weeks prior to her 96th Birthday.

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

A note to Bill Hosmer– saddened to hear of the loss of your flight
leader. It sounds as though he did a lot for his country and it’s
citizens, as well as his friends. Just a point to check; at the
beginning of each township chapter in the Dunseith Centennial book there
is a map of the township with home sites shown in the early days and
then another with a newer map. The homes are shown as a black dot. It is
interesting to see how many people lived on each parcel back then.

Ivy— We are sorry of the loss of your brother. It’s good that you got
to know him in these later years.

When we were talking about trails and sleighs, I remembered another
trail story. In 1967, Ernest LaCroix passed away and Dad bought his
black angus cattle. I remember going to look at them with Elwood Fauske,
who was Ernest’s brother-in-law and was handling the sale for Lydia, his
sister. If I remember right, there were about 30 cows and a bull that
had been wintered about three and a half miles straight south of our
farm. There is no road through the trees, just some trails that link
together to go through the ‘jungle’. On a Saturday morning Dad and Randy
Kelly and I went cross country through deep snow and started the long
cattle drive on foot. The cattle had no idea where we were chasing them
so they took every wrong turn and spread out through the brush every
chance they got. Dad was in front of the herd with a tractor and hay
rack. Randy and I had to run through the hazelbrush and get them back to
the trail time and time again. We started the day thinking it was a two
hour hike. About eight hours later we finally got them all to our place.
We were so worn out and hungry we could hardly get in the pickup for the
ride back to town. That evening Dad took us to Dale’s and told the
waitress to give us anything we wanted. We each had a Jumbo and fries
and a chocolate malt. When we finished that, we each had a sundae! If I
tried to eat HALF that much today, I would croak! Randy and I had some
good times together when he lived in Dunseith. He went back to St. Paul,
MN and graduated there in ’69. He later was a state legislator and most
recently mayor of St. Paul. I’ve often wondered I he remembers some of
the stuff we did as kids? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, Randy Kelly’s mother was a Fauske, sister to Elwood and Lydia LaCroix. Randy is currently on President George Bush’s staff. I’m assuming that most of President Bush’s staff will be replaced with our new President?  With his status, I’ve been unable to get in touch with him. I’m hoping that he has been recieving some of these messages via some of his family members?  Randy is well remembered and was well liked by those from his school days.  I think Randy spent a lot of time at the LaCroix’s in his growing up days. Gary

               Randy Kelly (69)  & Donna LaCroix Allard (64)

Folks, This picture has been posted several times before, but now we have a story to go with the folks in this picture.

Yes, Lydia looks like one of the girls. She’s retained that Fauske youthful appearance over the years. Gary

Ernest LaCroix family
Joan, Judy, Lydia & Donna LaCroix – 2007

Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

I was quite sure I (Dad’s) have a copy of Rolette Counties (the one I’m assuming this page came from.)  I just found it tonight.  If anyone in the Bottineau/Dunseith area would like to borrow it to scan pages, they are most welcome to do so.  I’m guessing many of your readers also have this book, so this is can be a “back-up”, if you need one.  I’ll take it along to Bottineau the next time I go and will have it there.  228-3917, or send an email to me.

I’m trying to remember what all I have to do while I still have two “good” arms.  I think I’ve heard you aren’t suppose to lift anything heavy for a week, or so, after a lumpectomy.  I also have to remember to not eat/drink after midnight.  That might be the hardest of all!  I drink a LOT of liquids, so going 8+ hours (until the surgery) will be challenging.  I’ll have to leave notes around the kitchen, reminding myself not to drink anything; I always have a mug of something on the counter and drink without even thinking about it.   I’m still fine with the surgery tomorrow.  I probably should be concerned about it, but, as yet, I’m not.  Because I stayed up so late last night (10:00 this morning), I slept all day.  I suppose I’ll be up all night.  That’s OK. That might make it easier to be at the hospital by 8:30 A.M.

I’ll try to send an email later tomorrow.  I’m not sure when I’ll get home, but I’m guessing by maybe three-four o’clock in the afternoon.  I’ll have to see how much energy I have/how I feel later in the day. I can hardly believe how many people are saying prayers for me.  They must be working already being I’m so calm about all this.  It’s wonderful.

I’m checking into attending Ann Kofoid’s funeral on Tuesday afternoon at Nero Funeral Home.  I’ve contacted someone who might be willing to take me to Bottineau/visit her relatives while I attend the funeral/lunch, depending on how I feel, of course.  As you can tell, I don’t plan on being “laid up” for very long.  I might be over-confident, but that’s OK.

Neola

Neola, you’ve got the right attitude. Please keep us posted.  You are in our prayers.  Gary
Reply from Mark Schimetz (70):

Jack Flynn is wearing the Dark glasses (1st Picture) behind him is Kay Flynn (Richard) in purple, Jill Flynn’s son next to Kay, and Jill is next to her mother Minnie. Randy is to the right of Jack in a green sweater. Behind Kay is her son and to his right Kay’s Daughter Brook, Other than that. Randy will have to fill you in.

The Bottom Picture is Stella Schimetz, Jennie Took and Sharon Tooke

It was a wonderful Tribute for a stellar individual of our community and the program was so well done with music and singing from family and stories abound.  It is so great to see something like this done while the person is still alive.

There just wasn’t enough time to visit with everyone as the church was near full,   not enough coat rack space.  Larry, Tooke and his wife along with Linda Kay Tooke came in from Westhope, Jeannie Tooke came in from Mandan.  Randy from the South I think he said Alabama,  anyway it was a blast.   mark

Reply from Randy Flynn for his mothers birthday pictures (70): 

Flynn Family Foto

L-R Back  Greir Huck Flynn (Randy’s 2^nd Son), Liza Southwood (Friend of Wyman Flynn), Brooke Silbernagel  and Patrick Richard (K’s Daughter and Son), Elizabeth Richard (Pat’s Spouse), Dr. John Tinjum (Jill’s 2^nd Son), Tally Tinjum (John’s Spouse), Stephanie Tinjum (Jill’s 3^rd Child), Larry Tinjum (Jill’s Spouse)

Middle – Wyman Flynn (Randy’s Oldest Son), K Richard, Richard Tinjum (Jill’s Oldest Son)

Front – Laurice Flynn (Randy’s Spouse), Randy, Rio Flynn (Randy’s Daughter), Jack Flynn, Minnie Flynn, Jill Tinjum, Sonja Tinjum (Jill’s Youngest Daughter)

Randy Flynn Family

Randy Flynn, Greir Huck Flynn, Jack Flynn, Rio Flynn, Wyman Flynn, Liza Southwood, Minnie Flynn, Laurice Flynn

3 Amidas ?

Stella Schimetz, Jean (Tooke) Berger, and Sharon (Tooke) Parkhouse

Reply to Minnie Flynn’s birthday pictures from her daughter Jill Flynn Tinjum (68): 

We had a great time celebrating  with Mom.  She wanted her party at the end of the holiday season so all our families had time to get up to Dunseith, before commitments of school and work.  Thanks to so  many family and friends who came out in  the nasty weather. We had such a nice time visiting everyone.  It was a great party!  Thanks, Mark, for the pictures.

Sibling family color code- Please correct me if I’m wrong.  Gary

Randy’s family
K’s family
Jill’s family

Top row:  Greir Flynn, Liza Southwood, Brooke Silbernagel, Patrick Richard, Elizabeth Richard,John Tinjum, Tally Tinjum, Stephanie Tinjum, Larry Tinjum.
Middle row: Wyman Flynn, K. Jacqueline Richard,Richard Tinjum.
Front:  Laurice Flynn, Randy Flynn, Rio Flynn, Jack Flynn, Minnie Flynn, Jill Tinjum, Sonja Tinjum.

Randy with his family and his parents
Randy, Greir, Jack, Rio (middle), Wyman (Back), Minnie, Liza, and Laurice.


Reply from Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

In the photo of the three ladies supplied by Minnie Flynn’s family,

the gal on the left in the red sweater is Stella (Richard) Schimetz.
I don’t know anyone else.  Diane Sjol

Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Gary, I think the 3 ladies in the bottom picture are Stella Schimetz, Jean Tooke, and her older sister, Sharon.

Picture taken at Minnie Flynn’s birthday party:
Stella Schimetz, Jean Tooke Berger, Sharon Took Parkhouse

Happy Birthday Geri Metcalfe Munro (’59): Fargo, ND

Happy Birthday (8/9) Mick Kester (’59): Fargo, ND
Happy Birthday (8/10) Janice LaCroix Kester: Fargo, ND

Reunion in Bottineau with my First cousin Randy Woodward.

Randy lives in Omaha, NB. Randy’s dad and my mother were siblings.   I had not seen Randy since my folks 50^th Wedding Anniversary in 1991. Randy was able to spend several days with us in Bottineau when I was there. It was so nice being able to see him again too.

Randy is an Orthopedic Surgeon, specializing in backs/spines. Randy is a good friend of Dr. Uthus in Minot. They were roommates in Med School. Over the years, Dr. Uthus has done many hip transplants for lots and lots of the Bottineau folks including my mother and my Uncle Emil Petterson all with great success.

Gary

First cousins – Randy Woodward & Gary Stokes

Dick Johnson’s Birthday, July 20^th
Posting/pictures from Brenda Johnson: Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary

I’m a little late, but thought I should forward you a picture of Dick’s 65th birthday.   We celebrated at the lake with some friends and family a couple of weeks ago.  Probably more of interest to blog readers would be the second picture of his 57 Chevy restoration project.  A car he found in the weeds and will keep him busy for some time!  We enjoyed having pizza with you and Trish and reminiscing about old times.  Thanks Trish for the treat.

Brenda

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Blog (329) posted on January 5, 2009

Leo Eller passed away – Posted by Ivy Eller Robert (74): 

Hi Gary & Dunseith Alumni,

I hope you will post this:

My half-brother Leo Eller, died Friday morning January 2 at 10:30am, of lung cancer. He had several heart attacks in the past 15 years or so. He also had a kidney removed a couple of years ago, it was full of cancer. He had been in and out of the hospital, more in than out, for the last couple of years.
I don’t know his exact age, but I think he was in his late 60’s. He did not graduate in Dunseith, but lived around there as a kid and is related to several folks in the Dunsieth and surrounding areas.  He had moved out of the house when he was a teenager, and lived a brief period with my grandfather George Albert. Then moved out to California, and eventually moved to the Seattle Washington area. He went to work for the Boeing Company when is was pretty young and ended up work for Boeing for 48 or 49 years. His heath was not good enough to reach the 50 year mark. Him and his family lived in the Marysville/Everett area most of the time until he retired from Boeing, 3 or 4 years ago. They bought a place in the country, about 20 miles north of Portland Organ in a town called Battle Ground Washington.
Not growing up with him, I didn’t really know him as my brother, but when I moved to the Seattle area in 1986, I really got to know him. I must say, you could not have found a more layed back, mischievous, and “full of the Devil”, gentle soul as Leo. He was the best and will be missed very much.
I know he thought very fondly of a lot of people from his home town (Dunseith) and I didn’t know how else to let those people know of his passing. Anyone wishing to contact his wife can at,

Billie Joy Eller
360-667-0223

Thanks again Gary for all that you do…….

Ivy Robert

Ivy, we are saddened to hear of the death of your brother. I’m sure there are some of our alumni that do remember him. Our condolences are with you and his family.  Gary

Map reply from Bill Hosmer (48): 

Gary and Doreen, Thank you for presenting the display in this mailing.  Doreen has picked up on Vance Bailey’s penetrating interest and actions regarding the history of our fair community. Doreen, I thank you for sending the display.  Surely there are those among us who can build on this offering.  It looks like a whole wall with enlarged maps and homesteads, etc could handle the challenge.  I’ll keep encouraging ideas like Doreen’s and try to figure out the ways and means.  Cheers, Bill Hosmer
Reply from Bill Hosmer (48): 

Gary, Another tremendous collection of good reading.  I’ve got a couple of things to say.  One is that I’m old enough to have met all four of the Gottbreht gentlemen in the 4 generation picture that Evie gifted us with. There is a picture of George and my Dad, Jack Hosmer in the Centennial Book, when they were in Kansas City trying to get a baseball team to come to play for Dunseith.  They were the all black team who used to play all comers, including The House Of David team which was all caucasion, and all with full beards.  They played on Sundays at the ball field west of the Dunseith City Park   The gentleman holding the youngest of that clan, William Gottbreht was still operating the mill at the site now owned by Jim Evans.  One day when we were young and wreckless Joe Evans and I were running around doing what kids do, and we picked up alot of mud and other barn yard materials on our shoes just before we ran across a whole stack of newly sacked

flour which had not been delivered to the stores in town.
We left ugly tracks on those beautiful white sacks of flour.  William, who was a friend of my grandfather, Will Hosmer (Jack’s Dad) came around the corner while Joe and I were trying to disappear into thin air and said, ” I know who you are, Hosmer, and I’m going to tell your grandpa about this, Now, GET HOME.  I got home.  The word never got out and I could start breathing again after about a week of agonizing suspense.  Dale was always friendly toward us young guys running around the place, and Alma was everyone’s friend especially if they were Dunseith Kids.  That family certainly gave our town alot of the character we still take pride in.  And George and Ernie are still maintaining the watch.

The second thing I wanted to say is that the Leader of the Thunderbirds who took us down main street in 1961 died yesterday here in Tucson from a fall. It took the wind out of me, because, since those days, we have had alot of togetherness on the social arena.  He was a very giving person who was also a great leader in the business of formation acrobatics.  He was also a fighter Ace from the Korean War. He shot down 6 MIGs during that war and is a member of the Arizona Aviation Hall Of Fame, along with other notables like Barry Goldwater, Frank Borman(astronaut). I guess I just felt like letting the readership know that it happened. No one in my experience had the fortitude to break all the rules and give our town a salute like he did.  So, in the fighter pilot world we have an expression about these things. “Hoot Gibson has gone West”.  So it is.I will miss him and remember him. Bill Hosmer

Bill, is this the picture your are referring to? Gary

Minnie Flynn’s Birthday pictures posted by Mark Schimetz (70): 

Here are the photos that I want to share with you. Gary These are from Minnie Flynns 80th Birthday Party at Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.  This adobe method is new to me so here goes, anyway it was a great turn out but was a nasty day outside and the weather has not improved. Later Mark.

Mark, Thank you so much for sharing these pictures.  I had no idea they had a birthday party planned for Minnie.  Now we will have to ask you or someone to identify everyone.  I recognize for sure Minnie and I think Jack and also Randy, but from there I’m lost.  Randy, is that by chance you and your family with your parents in the 2nd picture?  Who are the 3 ladies in the bottom picture?  I don’t see any of them in the group picture.  When I get the names, I will repost these pictures.  Randy, K & Jill, do you guys realize it’s been nearly 44 years since I’ve seen you and I don’t think I’m alone in that department either.  I used to see your mother some up at the Peace Garden over the years. She has not changed from the way I remember her back in our school days.  Gary

From Mike & Sandra (62) Zeiler Vandal: 

This is “GREAT!”   Tells it like it is……

“If You’re Gonna Play in Fargo” (ya better have a shovel in the Van)   . . .  It’s pretty funny.

Click on Play when you get to the site.

http://froggyweb.com/?p=1744

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (71): 

Happy New Year All! To Diane….we (I) still sing the North Dakota song when we hit the North Dakota border, and our kids still roll their eyes . Between that, stamping white horses, and making them get out of the car to take a picture every time we got to the Geographical Center of North America at Rugby, I know they think I’m half nuts. With all the plays we would put on, and the singing we would do, how did our kids get to be so quiet and conservative?

Cheryl

Email address change for Sybil Johnson: 

Good morning Gary! Just a note to let you know of my new address–

Because of the change, I have missed the last 4 emails, so, you can send future ones to this
address. Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Sybil Johnson

Message & Pictures posted by Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

Gary, with all the back and forth on service men, I thought some might be interested in this page from my Dad’s history book. Gottfred “Fritz” Eurich was the son of David and Eva (Kraft) Eurich.  He had served at Guadalcanal and several years overseas.  Then he contracted thyphus while in Burma and died there.   He was a first cousin to my dad and his sister Bette Nerpel was just here visiting.  If anyone wants to know history of Dunseith,  go visit Bette in Bottineau.  She has an amazing memory and loves to tell stories.

Happy New Year to all.    Hugs and prayers,  Susan

Susan, I recognize Clarence Hagen.  That’s him.  I did not realize that Dave Jr. and Betty had a brother that died in the war. Speaking of the Eurich’s, today for you guys and yesterday for me they celebrated Winifred’s (Mrs. Dave) 90th and Dorothy Pritchard’s 96th Birthdays at Saint Andrews hospital in Bottineau.  Gary.