Reply to Janice Leonard Workman (’56)
From Larry Liere (’55):   Devils Lake, ND

Posted with last posting on 2/11/2021
Year Books

Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (’56):  Auburn, WA

Hi Gary and all,

I seem to remember a year book from 1944 (My first grade).  There was a picture on this blog that Larry Liere sent to you to see if  some of the kids could be identified.  Miss Egge was the teacher and there were kids older than me in the picture.  That picture was from a year book.  I don’t remember any others but there probably were more.

Janice Leonard Workman

I agree long time no hear from Janice.  I attached the picture Janice was talking about and still have fond memories of my time in Dunseith, ND.  Today is my Dad’s birthday and I have attached 2 of his pictures but I am sure Janice was too young to remember him unless she met him at a reunion.  1^st picture is after he retired and last picture would be how he look when working in Dunseith until about 1946. We are in AZ now until late April and then would be back in Devils Lake so I have to send my email out on Google but I can receive email and my regular address which is lkliere@gondtc.com  Gary I would like to see you when you are back in ND.

LARRY

Gary’s Reply:
Yes Larry I really would like to you see you also and everyone else too. By mid-summer hopefully this covid pandemic will be behind us. We have walked the same turf, but at different times. We have a lot in common. It’s time we meet in person. We aren’t getting any younger, but still have lots of good years ahead.
  

History Pictures
From Susan Fassett Martin (’65):   SD black Hills

Gary’s Comment:
We don’t have dates for the first two posting.

Bill Hosmer (’48): Please fill us in with the details of this plane crash. As I remember, it was when you were a pilot for the Thunderbirds. You were very fortunate to have escapade with minor injuries.

Allen and Phyllis Campbell Siblings: Do you have any idea what year your family purchased the Dunseith Bank?

Gary Stokes Message:

Folks,

My plans are to Visit the USA this coming Summer. Provided I can get the Covid Vaccination. Push comes to shove I will arrange for the Vaccination from our former doctor in Bremerton, WA for immediate injection when I arrive.

My plans are to visit our Kids and friends in WA and CA with the majority of my time being spent in the Bottineau/Dunseith area. I’d like to spend at least a month in ND. I spent the whole month of July, 2015 in ND. That was my last visit. With Bernadette’s condition and then Covid, kind of put a damper on things.

Year Books
Reply from Janice Leonard Workman (’56):  Auburn, WA

Hi Gary and all,

I seem to remember a year book from 1944 (My first grade).  There was a picture on this blog that Larry Liere sent to you to see if  some of the kids could be identified.  Miss Egge was the teacher and there were kids older than me in the picture.  That picture was from a year book.  I don’t remember any others but there probably were more.

Janice Leonard Workman

Gary Stokes Remarks:
Janice, Wonderful hearing you. We haven’t heard from you in ages. I have been wondering about you and meaning to message you.
I hope all is well with you too. Please keep in touch.  Gary

Don Malaterre (72) Retires:  Sioux Falls, SD

Subject: I turned 66 last June. I retired and sold my shares in the firm. I practiced accounting for over forty years. But I’ve been officiating sports for over fifty years. The first basketball game I officiated was in 1970. It was a game between the Dunseith teachers and the Rolla teachers. The Dunseith team was led by John Morgan, Terry Espy, Less Halverson, Larry Haugen and Richard Becker. Rolla was led by their high school coach John Bockhouse. Blockhouse was a former all-state player with several high school scoring records. I remember late in the game I called an offensive charging foul on him. He came unglued. He screamed and swore like a sailor. He wanted to argue the call. Too late I put the ball in play and away we went. Rolla ended up winning the close game mainly due to Bockhouse’s scoring. After the game my co referee Don Berg asked me if I was intimidated by Bockhouse? I smiled and said “No because the call was correct”. So here I am fifty years later and I’m still officiating sports. That’s me on the far right. But now I only do it for the exercise. And of course the free hot dogs we get from the concession stand.

Skinny Legs Sled dog Harley

Story from Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, Nd

February 9,2021

Gary and Dunseith Alumni Friends,

            Soon to be a great Day about Friendship. Valentine’s Day!

            I enjoy feeding birds.

            Until yesterday,  when a young scruffy looking  fellow, Mr. Cooper Hawk made his acquaintance.  He slayed one of the little sparrow friends on my deck then with an arrogant  audacity, decided  with no qualms of fear savored  a meal in front of my window. 

            This morning I caught that predator  at it again.  I know he may have been hungry cold,  but I wish  him to be gone!  He  won’t be my valentine friend.  l removed the bird feeders.

            “WHAT WILL THE BIRDIES DO THEN THE POOR THINGS?”

            Whenever I have a need to cancel out negatives, I read.

I found a great story of about a SD child adopting a dog. A retired Sled dog. ( see attached). This story  about a SD family  adopting Harley,  a retired sled dog was recently on regional KFYR TV. news.

            I usually find it necessary to find more of the story.  Usually resulting in another  great story. 

Those who know me.  Know me as person who truly loves  stories ending in “Happy Ever After”!

So I followed up  finding out  more about  the  Skinny Leg Sled Dogs. 

            Thoughts turned to the  memory of  a former Bottineau Grade three teacher, Mrs. Mavis  Hagen. Mavis was a wonderful teacher who every winter  led  her class  following the Alaska  iditarod.  Those children gained so much knowledge.  Thermometers, windchill, distance, safety care of pets, etc. Mavis was a reader who purchased many books  for her class and  she  always looked to better her knowledge. Her husband Art was her biggest supporter.  Theirs wasn’t a just one Valentine’s Day flower day Love.

            Art honored his best friend, and sent flowers to Mavis on a frequent basis.

            The forecast is for more super cold weather and  wind chills -40-45  for a another five days here in Bottineau.

            Tis, A good time for a warm dog story! And looking forward to Alaska dog races coming in March.

            Keeping those Warm woolies on, until spring……….

Until Later  wishing you all,  Happy Valentine’s Day Dunseith friends,

 Vickie Metcalfe

Face Book Posting
From Susan Fassett Martin (’65):  Belle Fourche, SD

Bottineau First Lutheran Sunday School Picture
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

Folks,

This is a nice picture with three familiar faces for many Dunseith folks.
Jean Pladson, Ednamae (Abe) Nelson and Neola Kofoid Garbe.
Jean Pladson was a first cousin to me, brother Darrel (Bud) and the Morinville siblings.
Ednamae was Carlyle’s Sister. Their father was Abe Nelson.
Neola, You look so Happy, Cheerful and Smiley in this picture.

Patty Grossman (DHS Class of ’67) Passed away.
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Sorry to have to report another death.

Patricia Grossman Colby Hazel  April 28, 1949 – December 28, 2020

Her full obituary in on the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Her funeral was live streamed on January 4, 2021. I was able to watch it and I believe it is still available.

Patty was in the Class of 1967 from Grades 3-11. Her father taught HS English at Dunseith during those years.  Mr. Ben Grossman was hired as principal in Velva in the fall of 1966.  Patty and (I believe) all her siblings graduated from Velva.

Her brothers Paul and Peter have lived in Hazen for many years. Both of them worked in the coal industry.  The youngest brother, Parrell Grossman, is a lawyer and has worked in the North Dakota Attorney General’s office as the head of the Consumer Affairs Division for a long time.  Whenever there is a scam going around, Parrell will be interviewed by the press to advise and warn the citizens of ND.

In response to Francine Gottbreht’s son about DHS annuals
Posting from LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

In response to Francine Gottbreht’s son about DHS annuals, as far as I know there were never any annuals published during the 60s or before that. Maybe someone has more information, but the class of 1967 for sure did not have one.

My husband, Terry Espe, began his career teaching in Dunseith in 1968.
He has a few annuals from his teaching days, the earliest is 1970.

Dunseith Alumni Website is back on line
https://dunseith.net/blog/

Folks,

Our Website, https://dunseith.net/blog/ ,  is back on line running safe and sound. When my Hotmail email address, associated with our site, was compromised they temporarily blocked the site for nearly a month.  For security purposes, they also required me to purchase an SSL certificate of which they are requiring for all Websites now too.

Each and every blog is posted on this website too, with a simple searching tool that allows you to you to search all the postings to find whatever you are looking for.

Our Website is open to the public, so they too will find their subject matters in our sight with their google searches.

Mick Kester Memories
From Art Rude (’71):  Bismarck, ND

I just want to say thank you again for all you do.  Mick Kester was a tremendous guy, I always looked up to him, son of Red, that great guy that would visit with the kid I was as he delivered the fuel.  I thought the world of both.  There are some things I definitely do not like about Facebook, but the way I have been put in touch with wonderful people I hadn’t heard from in years is tremendous!  Mick was one of those people.  I felt honored when he communicated with me.  I was shocked to hear he was gone.

Although it’s not good news, I like knowing.

Thank you!

Every day is a gift, that’s why they call it the present!

Have a great day!!

Art Rude

Mick Kester Condolences
From Colette Hosmer (’64):  Santa Fe, NM

Dear Janice, W

When I think of sister, Jan, (several times a day) you and Mick often slip into the same thought.  I am so, so sorry to hear of Mickey’s passing.  I have always loved thinking of you two still together since high school.  Please know that I share some warm memories with you.

Love,
Colette

Trying to locate Dunseith Highschool Year books.

Posting from Francie Gottbreht Dutra’s (’63) son:  Lacey, WA

Evening, Mr. Stokes!

By way of introduction, I’m the eldest son of Francie Kay Gottbreht (Dutra).  I have very much enjoyed your alumni website and read it constantly to add to my (amateur) genealogy pages.    I usually push out my questions about Dunseith to my mom, or my Aunt Maryann Brennan or sometimes Sharon Shen but this time I thought I might reach out to you as a quasi-fellow researcher/archivist:   Why is it that I can only find one digital copy of the Dunseith High School yearbook?  I’ve been searching bookstores, eBay, auctions and even the university libraries and all I ever come across is the 1972 yearbook.  Was there a school name change or are the folks from North Dakota just that stingy with their high school memorabilia?   

Any thoughts or insights you could give would be much appreciated.    I sincerely hope you have made archiving plans for your huge database of photos, stories and contacts from Dunseith… I consider them to be of the greatest family/community treasures!

v/r

Retired professor writing a book about San Haven.
Posting from Brenda Hoffman (’68):   Taylors, SC

A retired Moorhead, MN State professor is writing a book about San Haven with emphasis on hospitalized children with TB. If anyone has information that might help Professor Grineski with his research, please send contact info to Gary so the Professor can discuss your information with you via the Internet or telephone.

Earl, Lillian and Woodrow Aal Pictures
From Cheryl Larson Dakins (’71):  Bedford, TX

I am attaching a couple pictures. One is of Earl and Lillian Aal, the other of Earl and Woodrow Aal. These pictures are in folders and in beautiful shape and I would love to send them to any relatives or descendants that might like to have them. I’m hoping someone on the blog will be able to help point me in the right direction.

Michael Kester (DHS Class of 1959) Passed away
Posting from Janice LaCroix Kester (’59): Fargo, ND

Gary!
My husband of 58 years on Dec 29^th, passed on Dec. 14 at Sanford’s ICU hospital from leukemia. We were high school sweethearts. His obituary  can be found on Boulger’s web site. Michael (Mick)Kester Boulgers Funeral Home There are many comments from former students & colleagues  on the guest book.  We read some of them at his service that helped us get through  a difficult day.   I don’t remember a time  Mick wasn’t part of my life. This has been a tough year for so many. I lost my brother, Jerry. my brother in law, Elmer, and now my beloved husband in less than 6 months. 2021 just has to be a better year.

Thanks, Gary

Michael “Mick” V. Kester

Date of Passing: December 14, 2020

http://boulgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-mick-v-kester/

On Monday, December 14, 2020 Michael (Mick) Vaughn Kester passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo from Leukemia. By his side was his wife, Janice (Jan) Dianne LaCroix Kester and his children.

Mick was born on August 9, 1941 to Ormal (Red) and Margery (Hunter) Kester of Dunseith North Dakota. He attended Dakota College in Bottineau, then graduated from Mayville State College with a Bachelor in Elementary Education in 1963. He later received his Master’s Degree from NDSU.
Mick and Jan were born one day apart and met when they were 8 years old. They grew up together and had so many shared memories. They became high school sweethearts and were married December 29th, 1962. lt would have been their 58th wedding anniversary later this month. They raised three children, Todd, Troy, and Julie.

In his youth, he worked on farms and helped his Dad who worked for Standard Oil to deliver gas. He had fond memories of milking cows, mostly because they gave him a horse for the summer as his wage. Later he helped his family during harvests. He just couldn’t stay retired, so in his 70’s Mick began hauling sugar beets. He just loved to talk about farming and equipment and always enjoyed being part of farming.

His first teaching and coaching position was in Esmond, ND. He wanted to pursue a Master’s Degree at NDSU, so he applied for a position at Agassiz Junior High School in Fargo, ND. He taught science for 21 years at Agassiz where he became known for “The Kester Test”. He transferred to Centennial Elementary for the last 12 years. After 37 years of teaching he retired in May, 2000. He began a recycling program in school system. He also volunteered at Nativity Church as an usher and later at the Police Department.

After retirement, he worked many part-time jobs, retired again, and purchased a lake cottage near Perham MN. He enjoyed his neighbors along the beach, margarita cruises on the pontoon, puttering in the yard and spending time with family and friends on Big Pine Lake. When in Fargo he liked meeting up with other retired teachers for socializing. Mick and Jan also enjoyed getting away from the cold winters and made the long drive to Mesa, AZ, then to Ft. Myers Florida. They truly cherished that time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Janice; children Todd of Canandaigua NY, Troy (Kelli) of Minneapolis, MN, and Julie (Bill) Miller of Kansas City MO; Grandchildren Isabella Kester of Canandaigua, Ellen Kester and Jonah Kester of Minneapolis, Dana Miller of Denver CO, Bill (Joy) Miller of King of Prussia, PA, Corey Miller of Philadelphia PA; Great Grandchild Dalia of Philadelphia, PA; Sisters, Joanne Boucher of Rugby ND, Pennie (Gary) Grenier of Rolette, ND and Cheryl (Randy) Gaugler of Ft. Lauderdale FL along with cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents Ormal (Red) & Margery; In-laws Henry and Gladys LaCroix; brother-in-law’s, Elmer Boucher and Jerry LaCroix; and granddaughter Alexandria Kester.

On Saturday December 19th, 2020, a private service will be held. A Celebration of Life to follow later when it is safe to gather. Visit boulgerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sanford Health Foundation for the Roger Maris Cancer Center and at Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation.

Condolences to the Stickland family
From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (73): Grafton, ND

Dean so sorry to hear of your loss, sending my sincere condolences

Findagrave Memorial for Darrel Stickland
From Ken Striker:   Dayton, OH

Gary-

I made a Findagrave Memorial for Darrel.  Links are there for parents.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/220157115/darrel-stickland

Ken

Posted by Dean Stickland (’73):  Olympia, WA

Darrel Lee Stickland June 20, 1949 – December 23, 2020

Darrel (Doc) was born to Robert E. Stickland and Irene (Adams) Stickland in Rolla, ND.  He was raised in Dunseith, ND, a small rural community a few miles south of the Canadian border.  As a young child he had numerous health scares.  Someone commented that in order to pay off all the medical bills he’d have to be a doctor.  The nickname “Doc” stayed with him for life.

Darrel attended college for two years and left the University of ND in 1969 to take a job in Fargo where he met his future wife, Jan.  A move to the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area in 1970 began a new and lasting career as a drywall contractor.  Darrel was an accomplished guitar player and a great part of his non-working time during those years was spent playing lead guitar for the “Doc Kelly Band” at various venues in the Twin Cities area.

In 2008 work slowed in the Twin Cities due to an economic downturn so he moved out to Olympia, WA to begin a new business in a milder climate.  He was referred to a local property management company and spent the last 12 years working almost exclusively for them and their clients.

Most of Darrel’s adult life was busy with family, business and music.  In 2019 he began to read his Bible and started attending some local gospel services.  In March 2020 he expressed his commitment to follow the things he was reading and hearing about.  Often these last months he expressed his feeling of a deep and satisfying peace.  He often spoke of his hope for his eternal future.  He is rejoicing in that realization now.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Leland.  He is survived by his only daughter, Laura, two granddaughters and two great grandchildren, all of Rochester, MN and a younger brother, Dean (& Marion) of Olympia, WA.

Darrel passed away suddenly in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack.  He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

There will not be a memorial service for him due to current restrictions on gatherings.

Elaine Gunville Obituary and condolences

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

https://prod12.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/elaine-gunville?fh_id=14585

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Sincere sympathy to the family of Elaine Gunville.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Krisandra Gillis Obituary and condolences
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/krisandra-gillis

December 26,2021

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Sincere sympathy to the Gillis and Hunt families on the passing of

their loved one.

Sincerely, Vickie L. Metcalfe

Sympathy to the Carol Eller Desjarlis and the Stickland Families
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

December 26, 2020

Gary, and Friends of Dunseith School alumni,

Sympathy to the sisters of Carol (Eller) Desjarlis. and sympathy to  Dean and the extended Stickland family.

May everyone who has suffered loss, each find comfort and peace.
The loss of a spouse, parent, child or sibling is a deeply sorrowful personal wound.  Mourning is especially difficult during these last trying months of Covid -19 pandemic where ability to share  grief has  been significantly altered.

For people recalling the former  school community, loss of  a classmate is a sobering reminder when reflecting on fond memories and experiences. We shared lots of stuff, with peer classmates through several years of our journey; primary school through upper high school attendance.

I believe, Carol (Eller) Desjarlis joined our class in grade three, upstairs in the big white school house in Mrs. Halvorson’s classroom. As I recall, she and her 3 sisters (Julie, Bonnie and Ivy)  transferred in after school started. It is not easy walk for a child… into a group of strangers.

The day, Carol walked into the classroom, I was duly impressed by her  beautiful long hair.

Carol always was quite proud of her, maternal Grand-dad G. Albert  who was a  farmer and United States veteran of WWI.
Our class, the  class of 1970 with 48 of classmates, was the largest class to graduate from DHS at that time.

Of the Stickland brothers I  remember Dean.  I never quite figured out, at the time there were actually  3 brothers. I knew their dad,Mr. Stickland  was the rural mail carrier and brother to our neighbor, Joy Peterson. And they were related to Annie Nicholson. The two elder Stickland brothers I often confused with each other.  I thought they were two altogether, known as Doc?

Being a  country girl of the hills, I thought Dunseith school was pretty big in population especially in junior high.

All of a sudden!  There were 3 sections of 7th and  3 sections of 8th graders. The walls were fairly bursting, young teens…. everywhere.

Overnight it seemed many country township schools closed.  Dunseith Day closed their 7th and 8th grade.

All  consolidating into one Dunseith School. Whoa… several kids who had attended Catholic Boarding schools also came.

It was a  brand new scary world for most of us.  Kids just wanting to fit in and be accepted in strange surroundings, YUP! Those were “the days of yore”  when,  Dunseith School “Baby Boomers”  milled around through the halls!

Until later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Darrel (Doc) Stickland (DHS class of 1967) Passed away.
Posting from Dean Stickland (’73): Olympia, WA

Gary,

Sorry to interrupt your Christmas with bad news but wanted you to know about the death of my brother Darrel (Doc).

We discovered him in his home last night, the 23rd, collapsed due to a sudden and massive heart attack.  He turned 71 last June.  He had experienced mild symptoms recently but felt they didn’t require medical attention.  He lived just a mile away and was a close and dear brother to us in many ways. We’ll miss him dearly.

Darrel spent almost his entire working life as a drywall contractor in the Twin Cities, MN area until moving out to Olympia, WA about 12 years ago.  He was semi-retired but still worked part-time, mostly for a local property management company.

He is survived by his former wife, Jan, only daughter, Laura, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He’ll be greatly missed by all who knew him.

This comes only two months after our older brother Leland’s decease in October. 2020 has been quite a year.

We don’t question the Lord’s work or his timing.  We give thanks for the comfort He gives us.

We wish the best for all in the new year.

Dean Stickland

deansbows@gmail.com

Gary’s Comment
So Sorry to hear this sad news Dean. You lost your only two brothers so close together this year too. Our hearts go out to you. Please keep us posted with Funeral or other arrangements. Again, our condolences are with.

Raphael Poitra memories and condolences
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

 Folks, I forgot to include this message from Vickie with my last posting. So sorry for that Vickie.

 Gary, Kelly, Jaime, family, Evon, and many friends of Raphael,

            Raphael’s family roots were well known to my dad’s family. Raphael recalled and  knew lots of local oral history stories. 

            I heard  tales  from those who worked iron, he had a  unsurpassed respected work ethic among his peers and employers. 

            Raphael will be well remembered as  honest and true to his family, friends and neighbors.

He was a loyal friend accepting  and respectful of others whose opinions differed from his. He  never wavered on his beliefs. He’d adamantly stand behind his word and argue his opinions.

            Sincere sympathy Kelly and Jaime on the passing of your father.  Yes indeed, he had a wonderful, hearty, contagious laugh that will never be replicated! He was delighted and  immensely proud of  you, Kennedy and  you Joss, whom he loved unconditionally!

 Sincerely, 

Vickie L. Metcalfe
December 9, 2020

Carol Eller Dejarlias (DHS Class of 1970 Passed away.
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Everett, WA

 Hi Gary,

 So very sorry for your loss of Bernadette. I wanted to let you know that I got news that my sister Carol Eller Dejarlias passed away, but could not confirm it. Julie and I have not been in contact with her and her family for a good many years. I mentioned it to Art Hagen and he said he would see if he could find something.

He texted me the other day and said he found a small ‘stip-it’ when he Googled her name.

All it stated was, she died on December 12, 2020 in a hospital in Fargo, ND. No cause of death. Just stated that there are no services planned at this time.

Carol graduated from Dunseith High School in 71. I know she married Mathew Dejarlais, but don’t know when. He passed away, I think 4 or 5 years ago. I ready don’t know anything else about her.

 Thank You,

Ivy Eller Robert (74)

I saw the Christmas Star 2020
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

 Hello Gary, 

December 21,2020

I went out at 4:40  to the field adjacent  to my yard on the South East Yup, that old habit of mine,  I always show up to things early.

 I trudged  back and forth for a great length of time  through the snow. Finally  as the sun set I had a well worn path. And the light of the  moon above. South West was a first star appearing. I wandered crunching through the  crisp snow using… a sturdy …. gardening plant stick. Breathing  in the cold fresh North Dakota  air, I’d pause,  squinted, and counted stars as they appeared.

 I had to keep moving to keep warm. Nearly frost bit  my toes as the cold seeped through the sole of my boots.

 That first star was not a huge star…. like a flash bang moment. But  was the biggest and steadfast all the time. Hmmm  No, not a satellite or the International space station?  A  jet  passed high above in route like a  giant snow bird winging south.

 I thought, “Wow, to be a shepherd and follow a star on a cold night”……. and hope it is the right one.

 It got darker and darker on the 50 acre field. I didn’t see any bigger ones appear. 

I sent my thoughts and prayers up high, along with the Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles Creed. I thought,  “Wow, God, I am seeing the same sky  and stars as lots of family and friends.

And a star that was there when Jesus was born!”

 Now, maybe tomorrow, someone will tell me I was looking in the wrong direction. All was Calm and All was Bright in my world, finally reluctantly  I waded through the snow. I didn’t use the flashlight in my pocket,  trusting  the path and the stars. 

It took  a long time to thaw out. I rechecked info about the Star  on line that folks may continue to see the star thru the 26th of December.

 December 22, 2020 

This morning I stopped at Cenex for my  usual morning coffee. I purchased the mug back last April for  $20. and since then have free fill ups every morning.

 Yup~ I do not deny I am of  Scotch of the hills person decent!  

I have noted Cenex, where a cheerful wonderful group of  committed  folks work  there through this long pandemic. One is  Amber  (Great Grandparent’s; Ed Hanson,  Jennie Handeland & Winnifred Eurich)  She Is the manager of the  Cenex food court.  I’ve known  her since  she was a wee child. I also taught the Hanson Twins in my third grade class. ( they’d  say, “No,  it isn’t Hanson,  it is the ” Handsome Twins”) It has been gratifying watching former students … come into there own!

            Amber  brought out a  little wrapped gift, placing in my hand,  She said,  “open asap.” Of course  like a kid, I tore open a.k.a ripped open  the pkg.
……. wooden star ornament……

 I  am so touched by the significance of this “CHRISTMAS” star,  Amber handmade and gave me the morning after I saw the  Christmas Star. 

 May  all be Blessed with a Merry Christmas!

Vickie

Folks,
Sorry that today’s postings are all deaths.
I will add however that I am doing OK. However Bernadette has left quite a void in my life.
On the Positive side, These are pictures of my helpers.
Aldrin and Tat have been with us the whole time we have lived here, 17 years now.
Mirasol has been with us 7.5 years. Her Husband is Bernadette’s nephew.
They all live right here too with their families in their own homes.

I don’t need two helpers for the house. Tata was my choice mainly because I was keeping Aldrin, her husband for the outside work and Maintenance. Tata wouldn’t stay unless I kept Mirasol on too. She didn’t like seeing her loose her job. So they agreed to both stay on with 2/3 the wages they were getting. I requested that they be in my house by 8:00 AM each morning for general cleaning, making my bed etc. That will take them several hours or so. In addition to that I have asked them to make my lunch at noon and my evening dinner. Also that they be here to help, if I have company. They are good cooks too. The rest of the time is theirs. They are happy and so am I. They stick around my house most of the day when they are finished with their work too. Come and go. They know me better than I know myself. Likes, dislikes, etc. They keep close tabs on me too. I am a very luck guy to have them and I do treat them well. They all speak and understand English too. Mirasol has a Business BS degree too, but she prefers working here.

Aldrin just turned 50, Tata is 46 and Mirasol is 40. Tata was very close to Bernadette. She took her passing very hard. Mirasol too. In Bernadette’s life, I was number one. Number two was Tata above all others of which really showed with Bernadette’s jesters near the end too.

Actually, I have gotten spoiled over the years.

RAPHAEL’S POITRA’S OBITUARY: DHS Class of 1965
Posted from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Raphael Lee Poitra, age 73 of Dunseith, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at a Fargo hospital.  A private family funeral will be held.   Visitation will be on Thursday, December 10, 2020 beginning at 4:00 pm at the St. Michael’s Catholic church in Dunseith.

Raphael was born on December 15,1946 in Belcourt, ND and was raised in Dunseith by Alice and Ralph Poitra. He attended Dunseith High School and was in the class of 1965. Raphael married Janice Metcalfe in 1978 and they had two children, Jaime and Kelly. In 1982, they purchased Kelvin Klinic Bar and Grill and ran the business for over 35 years. Through the years, they enjoyed serving, entertaining, and visiting with others at their establishment. Raphael was also an Iron worker for the Union for 30 plus years. In 2009, Raphael’s wife Janice passed away and he retired from iron working to run Kelvin Klinic full time. In 2012, he found love again with Evon Lagerquist and together they continued to run Kelvin Klinic until they both retired from the bar business in 2019 and moved to Dunseith. He enjoyed Evon and her son Eric’s company. Evon and Raphael would travel to see his family and visit others around the Dunseith area quite often.

Raphael enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Vikings football and old westerns on TV. He also enjoyed visiting his grandchildren.  They were his pride and joy and he was very proud of their accomplishments. He loved watching them play sports, sing and play guitar. He rarely missed their events.

One of Raphael’s favorite pastimes was visiting with others. He was a great storyteller. He loved to reminisce about the old days and knew the history of the Dunseith area well. Some of the stories he told were somewhat over exaggerated, which made them even more enjoyable to listen to. His stories were always followed up with his well known one liner…”and that’s a fact.” Raphael’s laughter (often caused by his own stories and jokes) was contagious and could be identified by anyone in the room.

Raphael is survived by his partner, Evon Lagerquist; his two children, Jamie Metcalfe (April) and Kelly Olson (Chris); his grandchildren, Kennedy Olson and Joss Olson; his brothers, Robert Robillard and James Robilllard; and his sisters Lila Poitra (Jacque St.Claire), Gloria Patnaude and Carol Della Sample; and his godchild, Lester Lempke.

Raphael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alice and Ralph Poitra; his mother, Elvena Robillard; his wife, Janice Poitra; his sisters, Geraldine Volker, Cecilia Delorme, Doris Lempke; his brothers, Charlie Poitra and Roland Poitra; and several friends and family members.

Gary Stokes Comments:
I was saddened to hear of Raphael’s passing. Raphael was one of nicest politest guys on the face of this earth. Such a nice guy and well like by all. He was my HS class mate of 1965. When we had reunions in recent years he was always there helping Set up with his pick-up truck too. He will be missed. I extend my condolences to his partner Evon Lagerquist and to the rest of his family too.

Gerald Anderson, DHS Class of 1961 passed away.

12/16/2020
Posting from Ann Carbonneau O’Connell: annieoconnell06031950@gmail.com  Bottineau, ND

My cousin Gerald Anderson passed away This morning. He was living in Arizona. He lived and went to  school in Dunseith in his younger years.  His parents owned the Gamble store. His wife passed away several years ago and he is survived by two sons and their families.

There will be no funeral for Gerry. He will be cremated and his sons will take care of his ashes.

Kenneth Baker: DHS Class of 1973 Passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://prod12.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/kenneth-baker?fh_id=14585

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Condolences to the Baker family on the passing of Kenneth.

Kenneth did attend Dunseith School as did his siblings.

I am so sorry Eunice my classmate, on the loss of your brother.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

December 9, 2020

Bernadette Stokes’ Remains & spiritual blessings.

This is a Prominent Catholic Country with Very sacred spiritual beliefs.

They believe the body shall be in the home of the decease and the body will never be left alone until burial or Cremation.

They believe the decease shall have 9 days of Novena Prayers following death, followed with another 9 days of Novena Prayers at the 40^th day and one year time frame. The Novena prayers are about one hour each, attended by family and friends, followed with a beverage and snack.

Bernadette’s Ninth day was December 1^st. In addition to the Novena prayers, Bernadette had 5 Catholic priest services. Three were paid for and sponsored by her family. The 4^th Priest Service on Sunday, the 7^th day, I considered to be her funeral with Cremation the following day (Monday). On the 9^th day we took her Ashes to the Catholic Church for a final service. Since I considered Sunday’s service her funeral I ordered 175 catered box dinners. A meal following the funeral service is Tradition here.

In leu of attending her funeral and for covid concerns, the majority of our Expat (Foreign) friends visited individually prior to the funeral.

Eventually my plans are to have her ashes placed in the local Cemetery where her Father and Brother are buried.

This is the 2^nd day being back to the new Normal without her. We knew this day, of her passing, was coming, but it was still hard when the moment came. She is resting in Peace now.

Today is the last day for the Helper that was taking care of Bernadette at nights. At the end of this month I will let one of the other 3 go. I will then continue with Two helpers. One for inside house duties and one for outside.

Mildred Parrill’s 95^th Birthday Celebration
Posted by LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67): espe@utma.com Bottineau, ND

Happy 95th Birthday Mildred Parrill on December 6.

Mom is doing pretty good, still reading books and watching the Vikings.

We have not been able to see her in person for several months. /We take on the phone daily and can also Skype once in a while.

St. Andrew’s just last week reported that a couple of long term swing bed residents have Covid. They have been moved to a different wing and will be cared for by separate caregivers. It is very worrisome especially after what happened at Good Samaritan here in town where between 15-18 were lost to Covid.

Mom taught first grade in Dunseith for one and half years the classes of

1967 and 68.

(37 students and 39 students). She was out for about 3 years and then came back into second grade for the classes of 1970-1996.  She retired in 1986.  Shortly after she came back in second grade, they finally divided the students up in a first and second combination and later to two sections and eventually three. So all students in those years did not have her.

Folks may send birthday wishes over this blog , directly to my email of

espe@utma.com

or to my Facebook account or by mail to

Mildred Parrill, 316 Ohmer St., Bottineau, ND 58318

Thanks, LeaRae Espe

All thanks to all who have written her letters over the last months.

She is very appreciative.

Bernadette Stokes Passed Away

Hello Dunseith Alumni and Friends,

Bernadette fought a long hard battle with her Vascular Dementia. She hung in there a long time. 8 years this month. The average life span is 5 years from onset.

She became unconscious Saturday night after going to bed of which she never snapped out of. Last night, Monday, Here vital signs were not good, but her BP was normal. I didn’t expect her to go quite as fast as she did. She died at 11:25 PM Monday November 23^rd.

This past year was a tough one for her with pretty much zero quality of life. She’s resting in peace now. I will miss her dearly too. She was my heart and soul.

This December 3^rd would have been our 42^nd Wedding Anniversary.

I have pasted her Obituary below.

Gary

Bernardita (Bernadette) Ostulano Stokes 72, Cebu Philippines, died peacefully in her home on November 23, 2020, in Cebu, Philippines

Bernadette was born June 28, 1948 in Cebu, Philippines. She was Baptized and confirmed Catholic. She attended primary and secondary schools in Pasil, Cebu. She then attended South Western University in Cebu.

In November 2012 Bernadette was diagnosed as having Vascular Dementia. She had been fighting this terrible disease until the very end. She was a fighter, never giving up. Her charm, wit and bubbly personality were admired by many.

Bernadette was united in marriage to Gary Stokes in Bremerton, WA on December 3, 1978. Bernadette and Gary spent the next 25 years living in Bremerton.  In 2003 Bernadette and Gary retired back to her home town, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines where she has resided ever since.

In 1979 Bernadette, knowing multiple Languages, was hired as an “English as a Second Language” (ESL) teacher for the Washington State, Kitsap County School districts. She traveled to various schools assisting kids with the language barriers from multiple countries. She was gifted easily learning the various languages.

In 1986 Gary and Bernadette Purchased the T.J. Crockett’s Sandwich shop in the Silverdale, Washington State Kitsap Mall. From 1986 to 1994 Bernadette managed T.J. Crockett’s. With her wit, charm and selling abilities combined with her aesthetic food and Sandwich preparations, T.J. Crockett’s prospered very well.

From 1994 until 2003 Bernadette was a sales associate with Zale’s Jeweler in the Kitsap Mall.  Working for Zale’s Jeweler, she received many awards for high sales inclusive of a Zale’s national award for an all expensive paid Caribbean Cruise for two.

Retail sales was a highlight of Bernadette’s. She had a very successful Avon career in the early 80’s.

Bernadette is survived by her husband Gary of 42 years, Cebu, Philippines; Children, Bernie (Lorelie), Santa Clara, CA and Sheryl Wingate (Allen), Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren, Tyler Mick, Nevaeh Wingate, Nika Stokes,(Twins) Brydon and Bryce Stokes; Sisters, Lourdes (Allotte), Tokyo, Japan; Lisa Joseph, Cebu, Philippines; Erma Ady, Bremerton, WA; Cherry Cabrera, Cebu, Philippines; Sister-in-Law’s, Josephine Ostulano, Cebu, Philippines and Joy Ostuano Cebu, Philippines,  brother-in-law, Darrel (Debby) Stokes, Bottineau, ND

Bernadette was preceded in death by her Parents, Eligio (Youling) Ostulano, Bremerton, WA and Bertha Tampus, Cebu; Brothers; Jose and Arnell, Cebu Philippines; Sister Berlinda Congson, Consolacion, Cebu Philippines; Father-in-law and Mother-in-Law, Bob and Elaine Stokes, Bottineau, ND; Brother-in-law, Allen Stokes, San Diego, CA.

Bernadette was a lady of many talents. The kitchen was her Forte. She was well known for her cooking and baking abilities. Seldom did she use recipes and very seldom did she have flops. She just knew the proper ingredients and the right amounts of each to add for whatever she was preparing.  She loved entertaining and preparing dinner meals for large groups of people, often times single handedly inclusive of the salads, main course meal and deserts with vast selections of each. Never ever did she have a shortage of prepared food. Preparing a meal for a hundred or more people was effortless for her. It was her comfort zone.

Funeral service: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020  at her home in Consolacion, Cebu Philippines.

Interment: Cremation at St. Peter Memorial Chapel, Imus Ave (Main Highway), Cebu City on Monday November 30, 2020

Visitation: Everyday, all day, at the Stokes residence from 10:00 AM to 10:PM until the funeral in Nangka, Consolacion, Cebu.

Nine-day Novena (prayer): Nightly at 7:00 p.m. at the Stokes residence in Nangka, Consolacion, Cebu.

Peter Gillis (DHS ‘1965) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Peter J. Gillis, Sr, 73, Dunseith, ND, died at home peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020.

Peter was born August 29th, 1947 to John and Lucy (Davis) Gillies in Bottineau, ND. He was raised on the Gillies homestead north of Dunseith, attending the Dunseith Indian Day School through the 6th grade, graduating from Dunseith Public High School in 1965. Peter then attended Haskell Indian Jr College, was drafted to the US Army in January of 1967, where he was sent to Ft Polk, LA for Jungle Training before being sent to Cu Chi, Vietnam, spending 12 months there. Peter was awarded the Overseas Service Medal, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, the Commemorative Service Medal, and a National Defense Service medal. Peter was honorably discharged in December 1968, at the rank of Specialist E5.

Peter then returned home to Dunseith, ND and obtained his apprenticeship in Masonry. He met the love of his life, Verena St. Claire, in 1974. They married on March 23rd, 1976, made their home in Dunseith, ND, where they raised their beautiful family. Peter and Verena have 24 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, who they loved spending time with as often as possible.

Peter worked as a Brick and Block layer for 25 years, then as a custodian for the Dunseith Public Schools and Turtle Mountain Community Schools in Belcourt, ND up until his diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in 1995, ending his work career. He then began his frequent travels to the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND for cancer care. After battling this disease for 24+ years, exhausting all options, he was placed on Home Hospice Care through the VA with Heart of America, Rugby, ND up until his death.

Peter loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his heart. He enjoyed golf, and was very competitive, winning many tournaments. He was especially proud of his hole-in-one on #8 at the Garden Gate Golf Course and received a golden putter and a $50.00 dollar bill. Peter and Verena competed in many tournaments and played with several other couples every Thursday and on weekends. They were a tough team to beat. Peter also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling to various casinos with his wife, and playing cards with his family.

Peter is survived by his wife Verena Gillis, sons Harold Gillis, Peter (Jackie) Gillis, Bryan (Allison) Gillis, daughters Crystal (Charles) Monette, Brandi (Jared) DuBois and Chante’ (Scott) Allery, 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, brother John (Karen) Gillis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his parents-John and Lucy Gillies, siblings-Frank Gillies, Viola Grinnell, Raymond Gillies, Mildred (Millie) Crasco, Mary Ann Hamley, Dave Gillies, Clifford Gillis, Margaret (Peggy) Belgarde, Fritz (Fred) Gillis, Geri Luhr, Angelique (Angie) Olmschied, Phyllis Schock, and Joseph (Joe) Gillies; grandson-JD (John David) Gillis. 

Funeral Services to be held Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Dunseith, ND. Visitation beginning at 1:00pm, Rosary at 2:30pm, Mass at 3:00pm. Burial immediately following at St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith, ND.

Masks and social distancing required. Services will be live streamed via Facebook: facebook.com/groups/StMichaelDunseithND for those unable to attend.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Stella Schimetz | 1930 – 2020

Stella Schimetz
October 13, 1930 – November 19, 2020

Stella Schimetz, age 90 of Dunseith, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at a Rugby hospital.  A private family service will be held with burial at the St. Louis Cemetery in Dunseith.  A public visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  A celebration of Stella’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.

Stella Elvina (Richard) Schimetz was born October 13, 1930, in the Rolette Hospital to George and Anna (Boucher)Richard. She went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2020, at Heart of America Care Center in Rugby.  Stella was raised on a farm near Thorne. She graduated 8th Grade from Russell School. In her late teens, Stella worked as a waitress in Dunseith at Schimetz Cafe until she married the boss in 1950. Louis and Stella were married October 10, 1950 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith. Stella worked many years at San Haven State Sanitorium in Dunseith as a nurse’s aid. She became very attached to her patients. In 1964, she received an offer from the Dunseith School to be their head cook and she accepted. By then, Stella had a houseful of kids and that job offered better hours for her. Stella remained head cook for 32 years, and she absolutely loved her job. Her love was obvious by the quality of food she and her staff prepared. Over the years, she cooked for thousands of kids, and, to her, they were all her kids. Stella retired in 1996. Throughout her retirement, she was visited many times by kids, now adults, who grew up eating Stella’s food at school. They loved her and her food and many had their favorite dishes. Her chili, her BBQs, her turkey and stuffing, and more. Stella became somewhat of a legend in Dunseith, the town she loved.  Louis passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Stella is survived by her daughter, Kathy Wood of Dunseith, daughter Kim (Bill) Zorn of Newcastle, WY; son, David Todd (Kathleen) of Mandan; son, Mark of Garrison; daughter-in-law Colette Schimetz of Bottineau; 12 grandchildren John (Jessica) Schimetz of Bottineau, Jennifer (Craig) Zachmeier of Rugby, Matthew (Amy) Schimetz of Bottineau, William (Raelynn) Schimetz of  Richardton, Daniel (Renae) Schimetz of Mandan, Kaitlyn (Peter) Sandroni of Minot, Ryan Vandal of Minneapolis, Rachel (Michael) Ford of Aurora, CO, Nicole (Eric) Kregel, New Castle, WY, Jaclyn Zorn of Bottineau and Jacob and Tessa Schimetz of Mandan, 17 great grandchildren, brother, Don (Marlys) Richard of Bottineau; sister-in-law Carmen Richard of Rolette; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Reid and Bryan; infant son, Daniel, and twin infant sons, John and Joel;  brothers, Art, Ernest, Gene and Floyd Richard and sister Irene Lagasse. Stella’s family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at Heart of America Care Center in Rugby. Their compassion and care provided to Stella and her family during this difficult time went above and beyond our expectations. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to Becky Hershey, Director of Nurses for Long Term Care and Hospice-Rugby. She has done, and continues to do, everything humanly possible to care for her residents and their families. Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Reply to Ginger LaRocque’s (’65) posting
From Vickie Metcalf (’70): Bottineau, ND

November 18, 2020
Gary, Ginger, and Dunseith friends,

          Through the pandemic memories are held close;  precious and sweet.

Years ago, I  saw  Gingers parents a couple times out dancing to a local band at Kelvin. They were a couple  who could and did danced well!

          My Dad without sight would ask mom and I  who else was present.  

He’d always ask me to walk him over to Gingers parents where  he greeted them. Dad respected Mr. and Mrs. Joe LaRocque.   Also, he  had fond  childhood memories of Ginger’s mom  where they were classmates at Bergan School.

          The music would strike up and Dad and your  mom always danced one two step as childhood friends. Your dad would smile as he watched.

Blessed  memories……….to be thank ful for.

Vickie Metcalfe

Bernadette Stokes.
This picture was take October 8^th, about a month and half ago, with our neighbor friend, Lilli Wilmot.

Bernadette has really gone down hill since this was taken. Yesterday she weighed 100 LBS. In this picture her weight was 117 LBS. Her normal ideal weight was about 150 to 160 LBS. There are days she refuses to eat or drink. Other days her intake is very little.

She has the best care possible with three full time caregivers 24/7. Feel so sorry for her, but we are doing the best we can to keep her comfortable. So sad seeing her helplessly in this condition. Absolutely Zero quality of life.

Veterans Day Remembrance
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, Nd

November 10, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Tomorrow is Veterans Day.

I find it fitting to Thank You Gary , all of  our Dunseith friends,
classmates and everyone who served.  

I especially liked the title, “the Comfort of Strangers….”

THANK YOU.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Memories

Form Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65): to Belcourt, ND

11/4/2020
Hi Gary,

Today would’ve been my Dad Joseph LaRocque’s birthday October 27th, 103 he would be. The Angels took him away February 27th, 2005.

My Dad was such a nice man, he was liked by most, he made many friends during his time on earth. I know that Bill Evans was his friend for life, they passed away very close together.

My Dad was a good worker, he worked for Gottbreht’s, also on the railroad for 33 years, he of course worked other jobs like draying.

While working on the railroad ( which was nothing like today’s work) he worked hard he and of course others on the crew, they used picks, layed ties, rails, switches were put in by hand and set by hand, fixed when needed. He worked in the winters, there would be derailments in the dead of winter very, very cold he didn’t work  alone, he worked with the crew, he would come home with his face froze somewhat, as cold as they could get temperature well below zero with the wind blowing. He shoveled snow to clear the rails helped getting train on track, I don’t know all aspects of what he and the crew actually did. Dad never complained, not once did I hear him do that.

Dad worked with Louis Shemitz who was the cook. They would go for a week at a time when to far out Louis had a cook car as they called it where all meals were prepared and served by Louis.

I remember Dad while working on the railroad, would be up at 4 in the morning, I wondered why so early? To just drive to Rugby, they were detailed to different places for a week or more at a time driving back and forth daily. I finally asked him. He started, “Well I go pick up Isadore Gouneau, Dan LaFountain, Isadore ?, and 1 or 2 others,”  while he told me he would point up north of Dunseith, turning his body as he told the story to come back to Dunseith to finally get on his way to Rugby.

At home Dad worked hard in the winter, we would get a whole lot of snow, he would go out and shovel snow which would get higher then him. He would have a large scoop shovel, he would load it high with heavy snow,  carrying it slowly across the driveway always walking up straight. That’s when I knew he was a very strong man. He sure wasn’t scared of hard work.

He was able to do woodwork, he made kitchen cabinets for our kitchen and his mother’s as well. For us he made cabinets to store whatever mom wanted to store in them, it was large. He refinished furniture.

Dad’s carpentry work was an addition onto our small house, it included a very large kitchen ( with the cabinets I spoke of) and an inside bathroom at last! Running water was so great with washing dishes as well.

The task of adding inside water was a large back breaking job, what happened there was the neighborhood kids and my siblings helped in hauling pails of dirt out of the cellar, a lot of dirt! This all happened in 1962, or 1963. I got out of most of that work, I think it was planned that way, I went to stay with my sister Shirley for one summer, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Guess which sinking ! I was never let to lift heavy,  l couldn’t haul water from the well the water to wash clothes was hauled in a tub, HEAVY ! I think Dad was a huge decision maker there.

Before the water works was installed in the house the sink had been installed in the kitchen, in order to utilize,  a large pail was put in under the sink to let water drain into it after dishes was completed. Dad’s idea.  One evening Sister Shirley decided to wash her hair in the sink. She got busy washing her hair, poured water in sink and water poured out onto the floor, of course  as you must’ve guessed! The pail hadn’t been replaced under the sink. Dad told her she would have to go wash her hair at the creek, Shirley believed him and began crying and carrying on. Dad laughed and laughed, just one of his jokes that he really didn’t know she would do.

I do have a lot to write about my Dad but there isn’t time right now, I will write again.

As you can see I was late finishing to where I wrote. I started on the 27th of October 2020.

I love you Dad and I miss you with your sense of humor.

Ginger LaRocque Poitra class of 1965

Eleanore (Stubby) Fauske Passed away.
Posting from Glenda (Russell) Fauske (’64):  Dunseith, ND

Gary,

I just got a call from the Nero Funeral Home they will “live stream” the family service on Tuesday and that link will be added to their website under Eleanore when it is set up.
https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/index.cfm

Glenda

Hi Gary,

We wanted to inform you Eleanore Fauske passed away and her “Celebration of Life” for the immediate family will be Tuesday, October 27.  There is a public visitation time set at the Nero Funeral Home on Monday, October 26 from 4 – 9 p.m.  A Memorial Service may be planned for the summer of 2021.  I’ve attached a jpg of the photo and a Word document of the information below.

Thank you for sharing it on the Dunseith Blog as she was known by many in the community.  She did not die of Covid, but probably because of it.  The isolation and lack of personal engagement impacted her and many of our loved ones in our desire to protect the most vulnerable.

Our best wishes to you and Bernadette.  We pray you folks there have peace and strength to endure during this challenging time for the entire world.

Glenda and Russell

Gary’s Comments:
I was so saddened to hear of Stubby’s passing. She always looked so healthy and vibrant, even in her later years. Elwood too. In my mind they’d live forever. The Fauske’s were our only neighbors to the North between us and Canada. In our School days, Stubby took a liking to me, trusting my judgement and always treated me as Family, even in my adult years too of which I so admired her for doing.  

She was a firm loving mother with four beautiful daughters. They were good kids, but none the less, for the love of mother, she kept a tight rein on them.

Connie, Carrole, Beth and Lindy, does this ring any bells? Your mother was very firm and protective, probably much more so than needed. You were good kids. You had your Aunt Charlotte Lang (Teacher) keeping an eye on you at school too. The likes of being pretty and popular. You have all lead good productive lives too.   

Obituary Eleanore Fauske
October 23, 2020

Eleanore Lois (Hiatt) Fauske, 97, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, in the local health care center.  A private celebration of her life will be held at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau on Tuesday, October 27, for the immediate family only.  Burial will follow at the Ackworth Cemetery in rural Dunseith, ND.  A public Memorial Service may be planned in the summer of 2021.  A public visitation time has been set for Monday, October 26, from 4 – 9 p.m. at the Nero Funeral Home.

Eleanore “Stubby” was born on April 9, 1923, to John and Margaret (Randall) Hiatt on the family farm north of Dunseith.  She grew up in the Turtle Mountains and attended the Ackworth School and graduated from Dunseith High School.

On October 31, 1942, she married Elwood Fauske in Bottineau, ND.  After their marriage, they moved to Thompson, ND, where Elwood worked as a farm laborer.  In 1946, they moved back to Dunseith and Elwood worked for the Rolette County Soil Conservation Service as a heavy equipment and caterpillar operator.  Eleanore worked as a pastry chef at Dale’s Café.  They raised six children.

Eleanore always had a deep, personal faith in God and was an excellent example to her children. She and Elwood attended Grace Lutheran Church in Bottineau for many years where they enjoyed many Bible studies.  She was a member of the Kelvin Homemakers and TOPS for many years.  She was a 4-H leader and reached out to share the love of God with children.  She loved to read, bake, garden and sew.  She worked at and sold numerous embroidery items at the Front Porch on Cranberry Creek in Bottineau for many years.  However, her favorite times were “family gatherings” and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  They said she also knew how to yodel.

They purchased the Hiatt family farm in 1962 and had a diversified farm where Elwood raised beef cattle and small grains.  Eleanore took a position with the U.S. Post Office in Dunseith and retired after 30 years.  Elwood retired at the age of 80 and they moved to Bottineau in 2000.  Elwood passed away in 2017.

Eleanore was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Elwood: their son, Steven: son-in-law, Robert Monte; and all her siblings.  Her loving family includes:  Connie Monte of Lexington, Kentucky; Russell (Glenda) Fauske of Dunseith; Carrole (LaVerne) Rude of Vancouver, WA; Beth (Al) Duncan of Yorkville, IL, Arlinda (Tom) Van Eynde of Yorkville IL; Brian (Deb) Fauske of Minot; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials be sent to the Ackworth Cemetery.

2013: Eleanore “Stubby’s” 90^th birthday

Condolences: Joyce Evans Passing
From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce Evans. She and my mom were lifelong friends. I pray for the health and well-being of the remaining residents and staff at Good Samaritan.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Condolences to the family of Joyce Evans.
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce Evans. She and my parents were close neighbors since 1975 when my parents moved up town. Joyce and her husband of course knew my parents years before 1975. They visited back and forth living down the same street from one another. Joyce was so pleasant as her husband was. 

This is so sad , this covid is taking so many lovely people from this earth. I sure hope the end is near for this pandemic.

Joyce, I am sure you are in a beautiful place like the beautiful person you. You will be dearly missed.

God Bless you Joyce, 

 Ginger Poitra

Attached: Omaha Beach…… a MUST WATCH

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

October 22, 2020

Gary and Dunseith Alumni friends,

I just received this from Carroll’s nephew, Don.

It is a story that resonates for anyone who knew those

who laid their lives on the line in service to our country.

Please remember and honor their memories on Veterans Day.

I won’t  forget.

Thanks Gary.

As ever Vickie

The combination room on the stage…..
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

October  22, 2020
Gary, and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

After a middling Indian Summer, Old Man Winter and his sidekick, Jack Frost arrived over the past weekend. They did not keep Covid-19 distance, dancing around for about 12 hours resulting in  my ‘Carlson’ the apple tree bending quite fatigued from dancing and tired bearing weight of the snow

Walking became challenging again for me, I “walk like a penguin” bundled into 3 layers. A couple of inches of snow and again I  am forced  to recall North Dakota Ice and snow driving skills.

Since Kathy shared her mom’s recipe for chili, I have been slowly stockpiling beans, tomatoes, celery, onions, pulling out the largest iron skillet and locating the crock-pot. Voila! This morning I wept over chopping onions.  The chili is now simmering in the crock-pot.  Holy buckets!  I ‘m wondering how many weeks I will eat chili.

While, I wept over onions and celery my thoughts were of Stella.  When do I remember meeting her?

I was in Mrs. Hansen’s second grade class of 9, at the time, it was a combination class as  she taught, as about 20 first graders.

For Mrs. Hansen’s combination room;

Our domain was  on the stage.

The 9-second graders desks were on against the wall,

the 1^st graders sat closer to Mrs. Hansen.

We’d go down steps into the gym, up steps to the seating, then out the door to the main bathroom.

To eat lunch we got into  the never-ending line with students of all ages, walk down the hall and  down, down steps into the basement of the big white school    Under the steps was a little kitchen where we were handed a plate of rather bland tuna wiggle hot ,  chipped beef over potatoes or boiled well boiled, rather colorless hotdogs  and other forgettable  sometimes other questionable food,

At recess time we  go out the exit doors off the stage.

The hallway into the classroom, which was useful in our imagination free play. Dragon’s or witches lairs HOME FREE place for the girls chase boys or boys chase girls games

My second grade class was comprised of 4 girls and 5 boys.  Many of us were ‘of the hills’ farm kids; there were a couple prairie farm boys, and 1 town boy.  Many of the boys had 1^st grade brothers.  As did Mark.  His little brother name was Reid.

I thought, it was so special, when the town children’s mothers walked over after school and  walk their children home from school.

One particular mother, was petite Stella Schimetz.

Often accompanied by two quiet little girls with big brown eyes, long brown hair curled hair with big bows. Hand in hand with their mom.  I learned these sweet little girls with the petite lady were Mark and Reid’s young sisters, Kathy and Kim.

A few short years later that mom became the  Dunseith Public  school  head cook.  And school children reaped the benefit for years.

Hmm, I realized something missing.

Stella always served commodity cheese on white bread with chili. I don’t think I can find that anymore.

Until Later,

May Jack  Frost and Old Man Winter find you Dancing away from Covid.

Joyce Evans – Passed away
January 03, 1930 – October 11, 2020

Joyce Evans, 90 of Dunseith, died Sunday at a Bottineau nursing home.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Gary’s Note: Folks, I understand Joyce Contracted Covid. I was told yesterday that a large number of the Residence at the Bottineau Good Samaritan Nursing home have expired from this terrible disease. So sad. Joyce was very well known in the Dunseith area too, especially during my days there also. We extend our condolences to all of her family with her passing. I will post her Obituary too when it becomes available.  

Memories of Stella Schimetz and Birthday wishes.
From Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Monday, October 5, 2020

Gary, Kathy and  Friends of Dunseith ,

O my garsh!

I won the lottery opening message  2,777!

Over the years, I have eaten many school lunches at many schools. Not one could  ever compare to the meals which  Stella Schimetz  graced the Dunseith Public School cafeteria with.

Stella the lady,  always warm, personable and hardworking. Stella, first person at school  in the early mornings

Stella’s meals  were never;
‘Plastic. Tasteless,  Pre -packaged’ ….. (which sadly is becoming a norm.)

Coming into Dunseith school a person could find Stella Schimetz working multitudes; hand mashing  gallons of potatoes,
opening hot ovens and pulling out huge roasters of meat,
……on her tippy toes stirring chili in a huge kettle
at a counter, whipping up  special dressings  for her pea salad,
pulling together desserts like peanut butter bars.

( Nowhere in sight a recipe book…..)

Every bite was wholesome tasty nutritious as well as DELISH!

At the close of  her day, Stella Schimetz  was still there scrubbing pots and pans, moping the floors not leaving until everything was  ship shape sparkling.

In the midst of the day Stella Schimetz, knew each  child’s name moving through the lunch line.
She knew their diet needs and preferences.
Children respected her as she gave respect.

Through it all  Stella Schimetz  never looked harried or unkept.
From the early morn beginning of the day until she left the kitchen Stella was neat as pin,

For those of us, who ate in the Dunseith Public School Cafeteria,
Stella Schimetz is forever memorable

Recipes from  Iconic  “Stella Schimetz” are indelible!

Thank You  Stella  Schimetz children for lending us, your little petite momma, to cook for the rest of us  for many years~ and sharing the recipes.

Yes, Stella Schimetz  remains  a  legend.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Birthday wishes to  Stella Schimetz:
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Happy 90th Birthday Stella,

I sure hope you had a wonderful birthday.

I don’t know if you remember me but my name is Ginger (LaRocque ) Poitra. I am the daughter of Joseph and Madeline LaRocque. My dad Joe worked with your husband Louis on the railroad for many years maybe it was 33 years.

I remember seeing and talking to you a few years ago at a funeral, we had a brief visit and I had to leave. I sure wish I could’ve visited with you longer. It seemed you wanted someone to talk to.

Well Stella you take of yourself.

Love You, God Bless

I think of you often

Ginger (LaRocque) Poitra

Condolences to the Amy Gunville Family
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):  Belcourt, ND

Sandra Azure, I am heartbroken about the loss of your beautiful daughter Amy. Amy looks a lot like you Sandra.

So young to be gone from you and your family.

God Bless Amy and all her family, my prayers are with you. I will keep you in my prayers.

God Bless you all

Love You,
Ginger ( LaRocque ) Poitra

Condolences to the Loren Dubois Family
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):  Belcourt, ND

Condolences to Loren Dubois family,

I am sorry of the passing of Loren from this terrible corona virus.

God Bless him and all his family through this sad time.

Ginger  (LaRocque) Poitra class of 1965

Reply from Norway to our Dunseith.net Website
From Gunn Haug: Oslo,  (Lørenskog) Norway

Hei !

My grand grandmother Otille Haseldahl traveled to BottIneau in 1911. She married Henry Haseldahl in 1910. They had a son Gustaf Emil Haseldahl who married an Olga (Hanson). NOTE: Folks, Please note that Olga Was my dad, Bob Stokes’, sister and mother to Jean Pladson and Audrey Aitchison.

I was wondering if you had a photo of Otille or a story about her. I know she died in October 1945 in the Turtle mountains, maybe you can  find out the cause of death.

I do not know if this is the right place to ask, but Dunseith is the only thing I get when I apply for Haseldahl Bottineau.

Hope someone can help.

Mvh Gunn Haug

Gary’s Reply
Folks, what a coincidence. After Bert Passed away Olga Married Emil Haseldahl. She was his first and only wife too. They lived a few miles NE of Bottineau in the Turtle Mountains east of the lake road. She found a wonderful guy too with Emil. If any of you Genealogists have or can find any info about Emil’s mother Otille it will be most appreciated. All I know about Otille is what I read from the small posting in the 1984 Bottineau Centennial Book

Reply to the “1949” Dunseith Girls Photo posted by Cheryl Dakin From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX

Thanks all for identifying the gals in the picture I submitted. It fills in the blanks nicely. Also, thanks to Vicki for the kind words about my mom. She could sure tell some stories. I am in the process of putting together a book of family memories so if anyone has any stories, I would love to hear them.  Also, thanks Kathy for posting your mom’s recipes!

Sincerely

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Stella Schimetz 90^th Birthday Celebration
Posted by Kathy Schimetz Wood (’72): Minot, ND

My mom will be celebrating her 90th birthday on October 13th! Sadly, we cannot gather with her, as a family, to celebrate, due to covid. Mom absolutely loves getting cards! She reads them, saves them, then reads them again. If you know my mom and want to help us flood her room with cards, here is her address:

October 13^th – Stella’s 90^th Birthday
Mailing address to send Birthday cards

STELLA SCHIMETZ
room 224 Heart of America Medical Center
800 S Main Ave
Rugby, North Dakota 58368

MY MOM-THE SCHOOL COOK
Mom cooked at the Dunseith School for 32 years. She loved it! Today, I posted about her upcoming 90th birthday. I’ve had requests for her PEANUT BUTTER BARS recipe, so here it is! Grease and flour or spray a 13 x 18 pan Preheat oven to 350o. PEANUT BUTTER BARS 1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 cup peanut butter 2 1/2 cups flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

STELLA’S CHILE

2 lbs hamburger
2 large onions chopped
at least 1/2 a bunch of celery-chopped fine

Cook together and season with salt–about 2 teaspoons, pepper–about 1 teaspoon, and chili powder–at least 1 tablespoon. Adjust to your liking. That’s how Mom cooked—taste, then adjust!

In a stockpot-mix together and heat through:

About 1/2 can tomato juice. (large can)
2 cans red kidney beans
2 regular size cans tomato soup
1 large can of tomatoes

Add salt/pepper/chili powder to this too!

Add meat mixture to stockpot, simmer awhile—taste—-adjust seasoning to your liking. I add garlic to mine, but Mom didn’t-she didn’t use much garlic in her cooking. If you like it, add it! Add more tomato juice if chili is too thick.

Amy Gunville’s passing / Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Dunseith, ND

Saturday October 3, 2020
Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

I am  deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Amy Gunville, whom I’ve known,  first as a child and as an adult,

She  was a wonderful little girl who grew into a  powerfully strong woman.

I recall Amy as an respectful to adults and her peers while she was a  student at Dunseith School Elementary School.

She and her brother Mike were both former students whom I enjoyed greatly as third grader’s.

Years later, whilst at Bottineau School I became reacquainted with Amy as a parent.

She was very supportive of education.

Amy, a warm friendly person always greeted with a smile upon meeting.

And after a pleasant visit, she’d leave behind  in her wake ……. a warm glow of positivity.

Sincere sympathy to her immediate and extended family.

Her parents who were my former Dunseith classmates. (her mom, Sandra rode my school bus).

Her (big) brother Mike.

Her children. (She was supportive of  each of you, your education and uplifting of  your individual personalities and ability)

God Bless the memory of Amy Gunville  and her spirit

Vickie L. Metcalf

Funeral Service
Monday, October 05, 2020  10:00 AM
St. Michael’s Catholic Church  PO BOX 862  Dunseith, North Dakota 58329
https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/amy-gunville

Joy Murray Anderson (DHS ’73) Passed away: Tacoma WA
Posting from Esther Murray Fleming (’65): Burton, MI.

Hi Gary I am sorry I haven’t written to you about my sister Joyce passing. It has just been so hard. I still  cannot believe that she is gone.   At around the  same time my husband had major back surgery and is finally  back home  recuperating.  I want to thank everyone for all their prayers.  God loves yuzu’s all as I do.                                                                                                                                      Love you  Esther

Gary Stokes Comment:
Esther, So sorry to hear this sad news of Joyce’s passing. Our condolences are with you and her entire family.

Verdy Richard Larson (DHS ‘49) Memories
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Dunseith, ND

 Gary and friends,

Verdy Richard  Larson was always kind and helpful whenever, where ever I met her.

She would always ask me and talk fondly of her lifelong friend , Alice Metcalfe.

She’d often  tell  me, t how they worked together at Hosmer dept.  store and enjoyed many fun times together.

Like Verdy, Alice, throughout  her life, carried a positive attitude, was  optimistic, carried a fun sense of humor 

 and held in high regard family  and friends.

Thanks for igniting that fond memory.

Later.

Vickie L.  Metcalfe

Leland Stickland: Find a grave Web site
Posted by Ken Striker:  Dayton, OH

 Gary-

 Sending FYI correspondence I had with Dean Stickland yesterday.

 Thinking you would appreciate my Striker Family FB and also the Findagrave Memorial.

 Ken Striker

—–Original Message

Dean

Sending Findagrave Memorial for your Dad….it has a link to a memorial for Lee.

 Also links to “surf” around,  including back to William E Striker..and for that matter, back to the immigrant Christian Striker.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/77447475/robert-elmer-stickland

 facebook.com/groups/1770605333045952https://www.

Ken

Reply to the “1949” Dunseith Girls Photo posted by Cheryl Dakin
From Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,   My mom Bernice Olson Johnson is the third one from the left (#3)  in Cheryl Dakin’s picture of the ‘girls’ of Dunseith in 1949.  I think (#1) is Patsy Sunderland.  It sure looks like her to me.  Thanks Gary! Dick

Gary’s comment:
Thanks Dick, I think we nailed it. You always come thru and Ken Nerpel too.

Reply: Leland Stickland (Deceased)
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s (’65): Belcourt, ND 

Oh my gosh! It’s hard to believe that Leland is gone. I was going to write more to him and now he is gone to be with our Lord.

I too will miss him, I knew him but not that well in high school he graduated with my sister Lana, I told her that I corresponded with him on the blog and what it was about, she said really, where is he living, I told her and she said I haven’t been on the blog to hear about anybody, she thought she might get on and e-mail him.

I am sending my condolences to his family, Lee was a strong guy to live through the accident in 1965, now this dang covid took him, unbelievable!  I was just going to know him better him liking the same thing I liked! He will now see all those lovely things in heaven I am so sorry for your loss and all his friends loss I can tell he was a good guy from his writing he sent me on e-mail.  Love him you all forever, miss him forever, you know he was a special brother and friend to you all.

God Bless all of you
On this very sad time

Condolences to Leland Stickland’s family
From Bob Lykins (Teacher):  Hutto, TX

So sorry to learn of Lee’s passing.  My prayers go out for the family.  I recall Leland from his HS days in my classes.  He was not only an excellent student but a flat out nice kid.  He was also a pretty fair football player on Bob Jury’s teams.  May he rest in peace.

Bob Lykins

Condolences to Leland Stickland’s family
From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (’73):  l Grafton, ND

Condolences to the Stickland family

September 30, 2020
Message to Leland Stickland with a copy (Cc…) to Gary Stokes
From Lynette Honsey:  

Hi Leland,

Earl Hiatt was one of my favorite cousins.   I remember so well hearing the news.   I had already been moved to California and was basically a kid with no one to talk to about my awesome cousin.   It hurt.

I paid tribute to Earl at the cemetery while I was in North Dakota in 2015.

I was never told about a car or that there was someone else in the vehicle.

I’m wondering what the real story is.   Can we talk?

Lynette

I’ll email you soon.

Are you from the Rolette County area?

September 30, 2020
Lynette Honsey’s reply to Gary Stokes

 Hi Gary

So nice to hear from you.

No I have not heard from Leland.

I’m out on an errand to help a senior get her groceries.  And there is the presidential debate soon.    So, I’m going to email Leland tomorrow if nothing gets in the way.

Leonard Honsey was my biological father.  He left when I was very young, moving to Washington to be with someone else.   I never got to know him very well.   I did get to meet him when I was in my 30’s or maybe 40’s.   Very handsome guy.

Vida was my Aunt.  Sister to my mom, Lois Peterson.   Vida was a sweetheart of a lady.  Great cook!  Picture of health if I remember correctly.   She had a beautiful family.

Nice to hear from you Gary.  We’ll talk soon.

Friends,
Lynette
October 2, 2020
Lynette Honsey’s reply to Leland Stickland’s passing

 Hi Gary,

Thank you for the information.

I feel terribly sad about Leland.

I’m sorry for your loss.  And my condolences to all of the fine North Dakota people that knew Leland.   I sent Leland an email two days ago asking him about my wonderful cousin Earl.

I’m astonished and saddened by this unexpected  news.

I’m so sorry.

Wishing you my best.
Lynette

October 3, 2020: Note: We are a day ahead of USA time.
Lynette Honsey’s reply to Gary Stokes

Hi Gary,

Yes, Leland’s passing was quite a shock.

So you knew about my cousin Earl Hiatt and you remember what happened?  Can you tell me the story?

Yes, Sharon Peterson is my cousin.  Her mom, Joy, was wonderful and quite an inspiration.   I had lunch with her in 2015 when I last visited in North Dakota.  Joy at that time lived alone in a house that she took care of even to the point of mowing the lawn.  Joy amazed me with her vibrant personality.

I’m sad to say, but I didn’t know my cousin Larrett well at all.  He looks like Uncle Bill, his dad.   Larrett’s wife Yola is pretty.   What’s in Crosby, North Dakota that drew my cousin to move there?   I’ve never been to Crosby.  I sure wish Larrett and Yola a happy life in Crosby.

I’m living in Orange County, Southern California.  I love the ocean.   Also, my son lives about nine miles from me.  He and his wife blessed me with 2 beautiful grandchildren, ages 4 and 1 year old.   I get to watch them and spoil them every now and then.   I love it.  Those little children hugs are so precious.    I’d move out of Southern California if my son wasn’t here.

So take care of yourself Gary.   We all know life is short.

Blessings to you and your wife.

Lynette

Dunseith ND Highlight
Posted by Don Martel (Teacher):   Rosemount, MN

I thought it was interesting that Dunseith was highlighted in today’s segment of “onlyinyourstate. com.

Don

Web link
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-dakota/things-only-in-nd/

Reply to the “1949” Dunseith Girls Photo
From Ken Nerpel (’65):  Rugby, ND

 Regarding the girls “1949” photo from Cheryl Dakin, the girl that is second from the right might be 

my Aunt Alice Metcalfe.  According to my records she was born in 1927 and may have been in Dunseith at that time.

Kenneth Nerpel

Veteran’s long-lost military ID tag returned to his widow
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary, I just read this  on national news, and thought about former DHS POD teacher, Gene Hepper.

Many of us North Dakotans who live in rural areas of ND always know someone who know someone connected… 

While this war was going on I felt it was a subject not spoken about at school,  although many of us watched the national news and knew how horrific it was for those who were serving. 

Later,Vickie

Web Link

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/10/01/vietnam-veterans-long-lost-military-id-tag-returned-to-his-widow/

Pictures posted by Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum):  

Gary,
Don’t know if you have seen these two pictures before.  I found them in my computer. Karen

Gary’s Reply,
Thank You Karen. These Pictures need a repost

\

Leland Stickland Passed away this morning
Message from Dean Stickland (’73):  Olympia, WA.

Gary,

I thought you would like to know that our oldest brother Leland (Lee) passed away early this morning.  He had been residing at an assisted living facility in Dickinson. Several residents and seven staff members there tested positive for Covid-19 a couple weeks ago, including Lee.  He had a few rough days, then felt better and thought he was done with it.  A few days later he was worse again and had symptoms of pneumonia so they hospitalized him on Wednesday morning.  He died less than 24 hours later.  He will be cremated.  When it is a bit safer to travel we will gather in Dickinson for a memorial service and interment.

He would have turned 74 on the 20th of October.

Darrel (class of 67) and me (class of 73) both reside in Olympia, WA just a couple miles apart.  We’ll miss our phone visits with Lee.  We’re glad we all had a week together a year ago.

All the best to you.

Dean Stickland

Gary Stokes Comments;

Dean; we extend our condolences to you and your family with Leland’s passing. You will miss him dearly.

What a shock to hear of Leland’s passing. He had been corresponding a lot with us lately too. Never did he mention he had Covid. I remember and knew Leland very well from our HS days too. Always a very nice respectable guy. He will be missed.

Leland’s last message sent to me on September 21, 2020 Posted with our last blog on September 25^th.

Ginger, yes I read a lot, have never owned a TV. YOU may recall that I went through HS like a breeze but when I was in the car accident that took Earl Hiatt’s life on 12/30/65 ALL of that information was wiped away. I was able to make my first try to go to college in March of 1969; it took three attempts to succeed. In 101 English Composition, the teacher asked me how, with such a great HS record, I was not able to write. I told her what had occurred and she apologized. I sent her a copy of first Master degree thesis; it had more than 100 pages.  This masters was in Public Health. SNUF Tanks for YOUR ear.  Lee (Stick)

Ginger LaRocque Poitra’s (’65) reply to Leland: toddpoitra073044@gmail.com

9/26/2020 Hi, Lee,

So sorry to hear that that happened to you. I know I was devastated when I heard about Earl,  he was always such a nice person, good to all. I did’nt hear anymore then that about the accident and I guess that he was coming from Rugby. There were pretty high hills in those days which were later flattened out some, not so scary and dangerous.

I am so happy to know that you made it! Took a while but you did it! The Lord gives help to those in need and who work for it you are one of those.

Enjoy your life Lee you deserve to enjoy a good life.

So long for now, maybe I will write more about the beautiful things the Lord gave us to all enjoy. We were so fortunate to live in a less crowded area to be able to see the stars and moon at night without the hindrance of city lights.

God Bless you Lee

Ginger

Gary Stokes Note: I actually have a lot of more postings from you folks that I will post within the next couple of days. Kind of busy today.  I wanted to get Leland’s’ death posted.

Loren (Sonny) Dubois Passed away this morning with Covid
Message from Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, Mn

Dennis Dubois messaged me this morning that his brother Loren (Sonny) passed away this morning with Covid. He was a resident at the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau. He was recently in a Minot Hospital for a week. When he returned to Good Sam he tested negative for Covid. While in Quarantine after returning from the Minot hospital, he became covid positive. Bottineau didn’t have a facility for him being positive, so they transferred him to Minneapolis several days ago where he died. Being Covid, his remains will be cremated.

I understand that a lot of the good Samaritan Staff and residence have tested covid positive. The number I heard was 31 total. Also I heard of one positive that I know in Dunseith too.

We extend our condolences to Sonny’s family with his passing. It’s trying times for his children with his passing.

Gary

Condolences to the Joyce Murray Anderson family.
From Sharon Longie Dana (’73):   Missoula, MT

So sad to hear of Joyce Murray Anderson’s passing. She was always a great classmate and a sweetheart. Love an prayers for her family and all of those who knew and loved her.

Reply From Leland Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

Ginger, yes I read a lot, have never owned a TV. YOU may recall that I went through HS like a breeze but when I was in the car accident that took Earl Hiatt’s life on 12/30/65 ALL of that information was wiped away. I was able to make my first try to go to college in March of 1969; it took three attempts to succeed. In 101 English Composition, the teacher asked me how, with such a great HS record, I was not able to write. I told her what had occurred and she apologized. I sent her a copy of first Master degree thesis; it had more than 100 pages.  This masters was in Public Health. SNUF Tanks for YOUR ear.  Lee (Stick)

Reply to Gary Stokes
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65):  Belcourt, ND

Hi Gary,

I sure wish that Bernadette was well and could come back here to see everyone with you.

If you come after all this crazy covid19 is over, I look forward to seeing you.

With blessed prayers to you and yours,

Ginger

Gary’s Reply
So sad to say, Bernadette’s traveling days are over. Comparing her to last year at this time, there is massive deterioration. She requires 100% assistance inclusive of eating. She has to be fed. She is unable to get up on her own, but can squirm in her recliner with fear for us of falling on the floor breaking a few bones. She can sit for short periods of times in a chair. Her speech is severely affected too. We can only understand about 10% of what she says. She still recognizes and knows those around her and some of or friends, but not all. She is not cognisant of the moment or the time. Starting this past March, I brought on 24/7 help. I sleep in our former upstairs bedroom. Bernadette sleeps in her hospital bed in our bedroom and the Helper/Caregiver sleeps in our Bed. With her present condition, I will not be able to get away, even for a few days. Bernadette is a handful, both emotionally and physically.

Reply to Leland Stickland (64):
From Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65): Belcourt, ND

Memories to Leland Stickland

Hey Leland!

Ginger LaRocque Poitra, here. Just saying how much I too love the scenery out in our Turtle Mountain area. It is so beautiful all summer. I drove around the Metigoshi area looking at the green trees so thick with their leaves I love it!

Now that fall is coming I sure would like to drive around to see the leaves change to their lovely shades of orange, yellow, red.

Then the snow lightly falling from the skies changing the ground to white, when it is white and untouched for the time it can be untouched it is beautiful and the sky looks so blue when it is finished falling and the stars shine all is as breath taking as the best drawing of landscape moonlit picture.

I just love looking at the scenic views anywhere,

Thanks for reading,

Ginger

September 3, 2020
Joyce Murray Anderson (DHS ’73) Passed away.
Posted by Ivy Eller Robert (74):  Everett, WA

Gary,

It’s with very sad heart, I’m telling you that my cousin, Joyce Murray Anderson passed away Tuesday Sept. 1st. Her daughter informed me that she had a heart attack at home in Roy Washington. There was nothing they could do for her by the time the paramedics got there. I guess she had COPD as well.

She lived in Dunseith from birth to 1972 or 73. I don’t remember the exact year she moved to Washington state. Her first husband was Terry Gregory and had a daughter. After his death she remarried a few years later, and had 2 girls and a boy with her second. They divorced and several years later she remarried for the third time.

Her daughter said she will be cremated. It had not decided, as of yet, due to Covid, what kind of service or where she will be laid to rest.

Her mother and my grandmother were sisters. Joyce just turned 65 on August 3. I just talked to her a few weeks ago to let her know that I was in Washington state and would dearly love to see her, but wasn’t going to because of Covid. My heart hurts that I didn’t get to see her one last time. We talked about her retiring. She said she didn’t know when. It’s sad to know this is her retirement.

Ivy Eller Robert  (74)

“The Girls” 1949 in Dunseith
Posted by Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX

Hi Gary

I found this picture of my mom, Verdellis Richard Larson, and her friends titled “The Girls” 1949 in Dunseith. They would all be about 22 years old. From the left is:  ?, her sister Jerrine Richard,  ?,  Joyce Evans?, her mom my Grandmother Johanna Richard, ?, my mom Verdy Richard Larson. Would love to fill in the blanks.

Thanks

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Walter Hiatt Family Picture
Facebook picture posted by Robin Grandbob Scott

 Gary Stokes Comment:

Walter Hiatt married Julia Johnson. They raised their family in the Dunseith area. They moved to Renton, WA in the fifties.

Freddy and Wallace are the only siblings I personally knew. The rest, to my recollection remained in Renton, WA.  As a child I claimed to have known who all the Hiatt’s were and the families they belonged to. My memory has faded now though.

Freddy and Margo’s children were (Richard, David & Bobby Slyter), Brenda, Rhonda, Kim & Julie

Wallace and Arla Hill Hiatt, If memory serves me right had two daughters, Jacqueline and Jarilyn.

Fall colors of the Turtle Mountains!
Memories from Leland Stickland (64):  Dickinson, ND

Gary and ALL,

A few days ago I saw a flash across the top of my computer. It was regarding the beauty of the foliage that is now dressing the land of heritage for many us: the Turtle Mountains.

I once worked with a company in Dickinson as VP,  beginning 12-4-72 for $600/ month. I helped increase the gross sales from $1.6 million to $3.2 million in 16 months. One of the benefits of this company was that we owned an airplane and I learned to fly in 1969 so I had the opportunity to see much of  America from the pilot’s seat.

My then-wife, Bea, who really didn’t care for flying but was a wonderful navigator, and I would fly to Dunseith in about 1.75 hours; it is a , 278 mile trip on the ground. We could enjoy the vast loveliness of the Turtle Mountains from West of Bottineau to near Rolla @ 150 Miles per Hour. As all from the area know, the Mountains extend south, down toward Dunseith and north some miles into Canada. It is great to observe the handiwork of the Creator.

Thanks for listening. Lee (Stick)5

Farmers market baking September 12, 2020
Posted  by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

 September 12, 2020
Hello Gary and Friends of Dunseith School Alumni,

Various area communities area are again sponsoring “Farmers Markets” including Bottineau.

My favorites;

Fruits of the garden, Potatoes, cabbage, etc. vegetables and Fruits of the kitchen, from scratch bakers!

And I?

I delight hearing people talking about  the good stuff  found and saying good things about people I know!

I was at the bakery early one morning a couple Saturdays ago whilst a man came in  for breakfast.

I heard him telling some of the coffee and breakfast guys, he had to get up early to come to the Bottineau Farmers Market.

“He came specifically for  pie.

He said he had to get to the market “right as it opened.”

“And be fast.  The homemade  pies made by one specific person sell  quickly.”

He said, He’d come the week before by 7:30 and  disappointed her pies were gone.

But on this morning he was lucky to get a seasonal fruit pie and a Sour Cream Raisin!

This guy got up on vacation day, early Saturday morning to drive from the lake into Bottineau to peruse Farmers market

for a home baked from scratch  pie baked by a specific  person.

(I smiled) For I knew the pie baker.  An older gentlemen had happily purchased 2 June berry pies from her the week before.

Later that day, I saw and told Donna (Hanson) Moldenhauer that guys are  talking about her pies.

She was surprised!  But I heard from pie eaters in the know … She is a pie baker extraordinaire.(class of ’67)

Today while at the Farmers Market,  my sister purchased date filled cookies made by  cousin Lola and Jay’s daughter, Tina.

My sister called and asked if I wanted one.   She said, “Tina used her grandmothers recipe.” “IOh, Yes! Yes. YES,” I said. “I haven’t ate

a good homemade date filled in years.”\

Upon, Eating one I conjured up a sweet memory of Aunt Ella.

While in Graduate school at Grand Forks I lived  frugally, in a dorm room.  About once a month I’d  discover in my mail,

A discretely wrapped  brown grocery paper bag care package, mailed from a special aunt, My God mother.

She knew I savored  whatever she made and  was especially fond of her date filled cookies.

Anticipationing, I’d RIP off the brown paper bag find a red Folgers coffee can covered with the lid opened,

Filled with  -OH MY …first inhale, breath in  the scent of  homemade cookies baked cookie, sugar.. and ah, vanilla.

Then a first bite.

Aunt Ella’s Date Filled cookies always  had one special ingredient…….

they were infused with her LOVE I could always feel it.

Thanks Gary and Bottineau Farmers Market.

Until later,  enjoy Fall  Farmers Markets.

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Pictures from the archives

Folks,

I spent the whole month of July 2015 in the Bottineau / Dunseith area. I stayed with my Brother Darrel (Bud) and his wife Debby in Bottineau. During that time I spent many hours each day in the Bottineau Bakery. I was there every morning for Breakfast about 8:00 AM and often times didn’t leave until well into the afternoon. I had Breakfast, forenoon lunch and dinner at noon all at the bakery. All in one setting. Never a boring moment there. Their Center long table was a community gathering table. That was an enjoyable month. 2015 is the last time I was back in the area too. With Bernadette’s health, she is unable to travel. Hopefully when this pandemic is over I can slip away for a week or so and make it back.

First picture: Pete (’65) and Verena Gilles came in the Bottineau Bakery. We had a nice visit and were talking when Earl Roland came in with his son. I knew and remembered Earl very well from our childhood days with the Metigoshe Lutheran churches. Earl is a few years older than me. After he had been sitting there awhile, he was very surprised when I called him by name. He had no idea who I was. Needless to say he was very surprised when I told him. We hadn’t seen each other in nearly 50 years. My looks have changed over the years, Earl’s hasn’t. Earls Mother, Rena Roland, was a first cousin to Art Rude.

Second Picture: Terry Olson (’64) and Lorenzo Anderson (’63) were regulars in the Bottineau Bakery. I saw them most every day while I was there.

Third Picture: Ralph and Luella Boardman (’49) Bjornseth had their dinner meal most everyday at the Bakery too

Condolences to the Lyle Lunde Family
From Ron Peltier (’70): Dunseith, ND

My prayers and condolences for the Lyle Lunde family.  He was one of my greatest friends.  I met him while attending NDSU-Bottineau and no matter where I saw him he would always give me a big hug and ask me how I was doing.  I always thought that was so awesome.  Have a safe and quick journey home my friend!

Ron Peltier

The Trevers’ Family
Reply from Ken Nerpel (’65): Rugby, ND

The Trevers kids were Canadian; I think their father worked at the border.  I remember riding the school bus to Dunseith with Jim and his sister Sandra.  The first thing I thought of when seeing the football picture was “where is Dennis DuBois?”.

A few years later another Canadian family’s kids attended school in Dunseith by the name of Vogel’s.  Their father was a gardener at the Peace Garden.  Helen Vogel graduated with the class of 1965.

The Trevers’ Family
Reply from Geri Metcalf Mnro (’59):  Fargo, ND

Jim Trevors is 3rd from the left, middle row.  His father, Fred, was a Canadian customs officer and they lived at the port near the Jim Metcalfe (our farm).  He and his sister, Sandra, rode the school bus with us to Dunseith.

Geri Metcalfe Munro

Correction from Geri Metcalfe Munro
I need correct my statement that Jim Trevors was 3rd from left, back row.  I know that Dennis Dubois knows who he is—I hadn’t read all the replies.  Please accept my apologies, Dennis.  I meant to say who Jim Trevors was and thought that was the question.  I need to read more carefully before I speak.

Geri Metcalfe Munro

Gary Stokes’ Comment
Don’t feel bad Geri. We love hearing from you.
Dennis and all the rest of us understand.
We all realize that picture is 60 years old too.

Obituary posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe Minot, ND

          Marion Johnson

April 19, 1930 – August 28, 2020

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/marian-johnson

Obituary posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

                Lyle  Lundy

Dec 22, 1922 – Aug 29, 2020

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/lyle-lunde

Replies to Leland Stickland’s 1960 DHS Football Picture:

First off, I want to make it very clear that Leland Identified Lowell Bad heart Bull correctly. I am the one that changed it thinking he was wrong. My apologies Leland. With the over whelming replies that is for sure Bad heart Bull. You all agreed that the unidentified guy on the top left is Ron Longie, so we know it’s him. Ron and Donald Egbert would have been 8^th graders too. They must have been really good to have been chosen to participate in High School Football.   Thank you, folks, for all the replies and thank you Leland for sharing. I think we now have everyone identified Correctly too. Gary

Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63):
Good morning Gary. I just looked at Leland Stickland’s football picture and he has a couple of mistakes. I don’t know who Jim Trevor is, but that is me. Bruce pigeon is actually Russell Pigeon and Lowell Leonard is actually Lowell Bad Heart Bull. I don’t know who that is on the top left. It could be Greg LaCroix. The deceased are: Don Egbert, Russell Pigeon, Don Prouty, Lowell Bad Heart Bull, John Morgan, Dwight Lang, Bob Jury and Dan Machipiness.

Gary’s reply Thanks Dennis for the corrections and listing those deceased too. We now have you correctly Identified too.

Reply from Ron Peltier (’70):  Dunseith, ND
I don’t think #53 was Lowell Leonard, probably a Bad Heart Bull.  And Donald Egbert is the second guy from the left in the back row. Gary’s reply Thanks Ron for the corrections. Reply from Ken Nerpel (’65): snerpel@gmail.com Rugby, ND Re: DHS 1960 Football team

I believe the unidentified player to be (class of 65er) Ron Longie and the player identified as Lowell Leonard is actually Lowell Bad Heart Bull.

Regards

Kenneth Nerpel

Gary’s reply Thanks Ken for the corrections
Reply from Wayne Smith (“61):  Lake Metigoshe, ND
I believe Number 53 is Lowell Bad Heart Bull.

Wayne Smith

Gary’s reply Thanks Wayne for the correction
Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (’65): Spearfish, SD I think that is Ron Longie first one in the back row.  I think #53 is Lowell Bad Heart Bull, not Lowell Leonard

Gary’s reply Thanks Susan for the corrections

Bruce Pigeon (’61):  Garrison, ND
Hi Gary Hope all is well and life is good.  On Lee Strickland 1960 Football picture.  My name is listed where it should have been Russell Pigeon listed.  I sat out that year because of a injury that had plagued me for several years.  Still have fond memories of those times.

Take care

Bruce Pigeon

Gary’s reply Thanks Bruce this reply and the corrections.

Reply from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND
Gary and Friends,   Leland did pretty well on his ID of the teams.  I might throw in a couple thoughts.  In the back row, left side, I think might be one of the Longie boys, then Don Egbert for sure, then I think is Dennis Dubois although it may be Jim Trevors as Leland said?  Next to him looks to be Russell ‘Sadie’ Pigeon as Bruce wasn’t quite as tall, as I remember?  Number 53 next to the coach is Lowell Bad Heart Bull, I believe.  Leland was correct with ‘Lowell’ just not Leonard.  The fellow on the right end of the front row (60) looks familiar and I at first thought was Dennis Dubois but I think not.  These are just my guesses and may all be wrong so others should correct any that I misidentified.  I do remember when Russell Pigeon played basketball, he was the biggest guy on the team and the biggest white jersey that “Sadie” had to wear, was number ’00’ and we younger kids used to chuckle at that.  Thanks Gary?

Gary’s reply
Thanks Dick for this reply and corrections. Everything you said corelates with all the other replies. Your memory, as always, is fantastic. This class year, 60/61, was 7 years ahead of you too.

Note: For those of you that save this picture, the names will follow.

 Lyle Lunde Passed away: Former well know Bottineau County Sheriff Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (‘70) Bottineau, ND

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/lyle-lunde

Lyle Lunde, age 97 of Bottineau, died Saturday at the North Dakota Veteran’s Home in Lisbon.

FYI
Sheriff Lundy was  a WWII navy veteran who served this country,  both in ˝ Germany and Pacific fronts.

He was  the former Bottineau County Sheriff.

We connected by discussion of his Navy service and time spent in Scotland.

I  very much enjoyed every visit I had with him.

He had just moved into the  ND  Veterans home at Lisbon a few short  weeks ago.

He was a treasured honourable man who gave and received respect.

A true Exemplary of the Greatest Generation!

Vickie

Sheriff Lyle Lundy
Reply from Travis Metcalfe (’76)   Mesa, AZ

I worked for Lyle Lundy as a Deputy in Bottineau for a year or 2….Great guy to work for….

TRAVIS

          Sue Berg passed away

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/susan-berg

Sue was a first cousin to Don, Curt, Keith and Diane Rheault Berg all DHS graduates. Their father was Erling Berg

Sue’s parents were Clarence and Mabel Berg. Clearance and Erling were brothers.

Mabel, Sue’s mother, was a Sister to Helga Petterson. She was married to my dad’s brother Nels.

Thursday our time, I received the following FB message from Neola Kofoid Garbe

Gary, you probably know this, but Jim just sent this to me.  I feel SO bad about it.  If you haven’t heard, Sue Berg the hairdresser at Lk Met didn’t survive a bicycle accident yesterday at Met State Park.  She was biking with someone and their bikes collided.    She fell and hit her head on road.  Terrible things happen and fast!

Susan’s Obituary Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Susan’s Obituary

Sue Berg, age 63 of Lake Metigoshe, died Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at a Minot hospital.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Mouse River Cemetery, Landa.  Visitation will be Monday, August 31, 2020 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Susan Kristine Berg, a blond hair, blue eyed Norwegian, was born at St. Andrews Hospital in Bottineau, ND on November 7, 1956, to Clarence and Mabel Berg. She was raised on the Berg family farm along with her brother and sister and attended school in Souris, ND. Sue was a Souris “Blue Jay” and graduated from high school in 1975. Her high school summers were spent at Lake Metigoshe carhopping at the Drive Inn.

Sue was always very creative and studied both flower and hair design. She started her life-long career as a hair stylist working at “Diane’s Mane Street Salon” in Bottineau, ND. Over 35 years ago, Sue took a leap of faith and started “Wave Maker by Sue” at her home in Whiskey Bay on Lake Metigoshe. Sue wasn’t just a hairstylist for most of her customers. She became an extension of their families and a life-long friend.

Sue loved living on the lake and enjoyed all the fun that went along with it. From jet-skiing to boating, Sue loved her time in the water and the warm sun. She wouldn’t mind if summer lasted all year as long as the sun was shining. In the winter, Sue tried to get away when she could to a beach in Mexico or somewhere else warm to relax and catch some Vitamin D. For over a decade Sue talked about moving to a warmer destination, but she just couldn’t leave the summer paradise she called her home.

Sue was a kind, generous, and warm-hearted gal and a loving friend to many. Although she had no spare time, she still prepared and delivered food for friends and cut hair for the elderly at area nursing homes. Her family has many fond memories of her making them laugh with the wit she inherited from her dad. Sue was a “Cat Whisperer” and enjoyed rescuing and feeding many of them through the years. She was very spiritual and loved Jesus.

Sue left this world on Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND after sustaining a head injury in a bicycle accident. The Silver Lining in this tragic time of sorrow is that Sue will live on through the donation of her organs by doing what she always did best, helping other people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and numerous uncles and aunts.

Sue is survived by her sister Cindy (Mike) Pesek of Grand Forks, ND; brother Denis (Marty) Schoonover of Arlington, WA; nephews James (Sherry) Schoonover of Lake Stevens, WA and Adam (Michelle) Lunde of Maple Grove, MN; nieces Kristy (Scott) Olson of Marysville, WA and Bethany (Joe) Benjamin of East Grand Forks, MN; five great nieces and four great nephews; one aunt Delores Berg of Rugby, ND; many cousins; cherished friends and hair clients; and millions of kitty-cats.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Mouse River Cemetery and the Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.

DHS 1960 Football team
Posted by Lee (Leland) Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

Gary’s comment.

Folks, this picture was taken 60 years ago. What a clear picture too.

I admire Leland’s ability to remember the names of all but one of these guys with the correct spelling too.

Leland asked that we check his verification of his recollection of the Identification of these guys. First guy on the left in the back row is the only one not identified.

Please Identify those no longer with us and the location of those still with us.

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

Hi All

I am back in North Dakota! The big difference this year is that I am retired as of Dec. 31, 2019 and we don’t have to rush back to Texas in 2 weeks for work. We can stay as long as we want to, and plan to be here until the end of September. I will miss my grands and my kids, but it’s so nice to be back “home”.  With all that is going on in this world, it is such a comfort to be here where the grass is green, the sky is blue (and so big!) and the people are friendly and welcoming and kind. We lived here off and on for a brief period of time a long time ago but it has always been home, and it is the place some of our earliest friendships were made. It has been the place we come back to, to regroup and unwind. I brought jars and lids and can’t wait to begin processing the chokecherries my sisters have picked and putting up some of the bounty from their vegetable gardens. They do the work and I reap the benefit. It is so good to be back.

As summer winds down and kids go back to school and we try to figure out what our new normal is supposed to be I hope everyone is healthy and happy and has a great fall season.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Marian’s Obituary

Marian Johnson, age 90 of Bottineau, died Friday, August 28, 2020 at a Bottineau hospital.  Her funeral will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 10:00 am at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Burial will be at the Salem Cemetery north of Bottineau. Gary Stokes’ comments I was saddened and surprised to hear of Marian’s passing. I never thought of her being as old as she was. Lester, Marian and family lived on Lester’s childhood home farm located  two miles NW of our childhood farm. Their children used to catch the School bus at our house. Marian was very active with the Mountaineers 4-H club. She was a 4-H leader for many years. After moving to Bottineau, Marian worked at the Bottineau Senior Center for many years too. Lester passed away a few years ago. I will post her complete obituary when it’s available. We extend our condolences to all of Marian’s family too. She was a good person and will be missed dearly.

Thank you to Vickie Metcalfe (’70)
From Bill Krause (’74):  Dickinson, ND

Thank you Vickie Metcalfe for those kind words about our Mother, Ruby Krause. They are very much appreciated!! She will definitely be missed…Bill Krause

Condolences to the Ruby Krause Family
From Larrett Peterson (’71):  Crosby, ND

Hi Garry ,

Hope you’re doing great at Cebu with Bernadette…..Larrett was sending his sympathy to the Family of Ruby Krause…………

Regards to everyone !
Yola ( Larrett Peterson )

Reply to Nancy Holter’s Posting:
From Geri Metcalfe Munro (’69):   Fargo, ND

 Nancy Holter’s posting
My grandmother was Charlotte Fairles, daughter of Annie Fairles. Her uncles were Murrays.  They lived by Butte St. Paul and Lord’s Lake.

Geri Metcalfe Munro’s reply
Dwain Coleman was related to his aunt, Marion Fairless–any relation to the Coleman’s??  Or, Sue Gilmore Metcalfe?

Birthday Greetings to Jerry VandeWalle, ND Supreme Court Justice
Jerry’s brother Virgil, A Community Icon, was an Ag and FFA teacher in Bottineau for many years.
Face Book posting by Virgil’s daughter Mary VandeWalle Kuntz.
Mary Graduated from Bottineau HS in 1973:

Gary’s comment
Folks: Jerry Vandewalle’s brother, Virgil VandeWalle (deceased) was an Agriculture and FFA teacher at Bottineau HS for years. Many of you on this distribution were his students. He was a community Icon.  He also facilitated the Monday night farmers classes that many of the local farmers attended including me. I was in High School at the time. I attended those classes with my dad and Robert Pritchard.

Jerry very much resembles Virgil too.
I have included Mary With this distribution.  

Mary’s FB posting
August 15 is my uncle Jerry Vandewalle’s BIRTHDAY I would so appreciate cards sent to him as he is still dealing with Covid. Send me a PM if you would like to do this. Thanks to everyone for your concern and kind messages and comments Most of you know Jerry and he knows you but if not could you tell him how you know me???
August 14, 2019 ·
Happy birthday to this man … Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle….. better known as uncle Jerry or Jerry by his namesake Lincoln Gerald. This man has been like a father to me as his brother ( my dad) died at a very young age. Thank you Jerry for all you’ve done for me and all you’ve done for the state of ND . Your life has been the Supreme Court but you have also been there for me or anyone else whenever the need is present. You are most definitely a man of integrity, character, empathy and kindness. Lincoln should be so fortunate to have you as his great great uncle. Rock on Jerry….. we love you beyond words

Meteor shower this week!
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Weblink
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/perseids-2020-1.5678617

August 9, 2020
Gary and Friends of Dunseith,

When I was a child one of my  very  favorite earliest  summer memories was going up to Jim and Ella’ Metcalfe’s farm home close to the border on a Saturday night.

Those wonderful  girl cousins taught us how to play ‘Ante aye Over’. (Annie, annie  i over)

Later darkest dark, darkness descended.

While the grown-ups visited over coffee in the house the Girls brought out a blanket.

We all lay down on our backs,  elbow to elbow, looked up and gazed at the stars in the sky.

In the Jim Metcalfe yard,
I discovered  the  Milky Way, the North star, the  Little Dipper, the Big Dipper… and watched for falling stars to wish on.

Look for the  Meteor Shower this week.

I  plan on making a wish.

Please, join me in gazing at the stars and wish for a vaccine!

Vickie  L. Metcalfe

GRAND – OPENING GAGA BALL AT THE BOTTINEAU TURTLE PARK
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

FYI
This is Dakota’s Scouting   project. 

 Dakota is Jay (’66) and Lola Metcalfe (’66) Vanorny’s grandson.  Great Grandson of Jim and Ella Metcalfe.

                        The Bottineau  Veterans  supported Dakota on his project.

 He is making a difference for Youth  in the  Bottineau community.

The Corley family moved from Kansas last year.  

Tina, his mom is an EMT here in Bottineau.

Tina and her husband Christian are very involved in  many  Community Service projects 

Later, Vickie
VFW Posting

ALL

Everyone is invited to come.  WE, the Legion, AMVETs, VFW have donated to this project. would be great to see as many come as possible

GRAND-OPENING GAGABALL ARENA: (Please share this post! Tx!)

Everyone in Bottineau is invited to the Grand Opening of the Gagaball Arena in Tommy Turtle Park on Tuesday, August 18th from 6pm to 8pm. We will be social distancing and masks are encouraged. Don’t miss the Mayor Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 7pm. Dakota Corley is working on his Eagle Scout (the highest rank in Scouting) wanted to build the Gagaball arena to give back to the community. Gagaball is a “friendly version of dodgeball”, lots of fun for kids of all ages & built by the Scouts of Troop 528 with lots of support from local organizations including Asst Scoutmaster & home builder Bud Saykally & family. Come out on Tuesday to enjoy hotdogs, chips, drinks and s’mores, as we celebrate this awesome addition to the community. Any questions, call Dakota 701-404-9400. See you there!

Al Wondrasek

Hello Folks,

Sorry for the long delay with postings.

 In the process of upgrading Windows 10, I lost all my address books. I have recovered them all now, so all is OK.

 Gary

Deer Heart Lodge Pictures
From Nancy Holter: naholter52@yahoo.com

I came across your blog while looking for information about Deer Heart Park. My maternal grandmother grew up in the shadow of Butte St. Paul (literally). I am scanning photos from the 30s and one that caught my eye was this one from Deer Heart Park. It looks like there are 2 squirrels, dressed, in a diorama of some sort – can that be correct? Can you give me any information about the park?

My grandmother was Charlotte Fairles, daughter of Annie Fairles. Her uncles were Murrays.  They lived by Butte St. Paul and Lord’s Lake.

I also have a number of photos of the dedication of Butt St. Paul Park, if you are interested. Yes Nancy, we are interested in any pictures you may have. Please send them to me. Thanks, Gary

I see you have graduation lists back to 1930, I think I may have one  or two from about 1911-15. If I find them again, I will scan them for you.

Nancy Holter

Gary’s comments
Are any of you familiar with Nancy’s relatives, the Fairles family. What Murray family was she connected to?

Deer Heart Lodge Pictures

Ruby Krause, Former Dunseith Educator, Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Ruby (Torno) Krause

Jan 24, 1932 – Jul 29,2020

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/ruby-krause

Friday, July 31, 2020

Gary and Friends of Dunseith School,

            Ruby  Krause was well known as an Elementary educator  at Dunseith  Public School.

Ruby and Howard’s children all graduated from Dunseith Public High School.

            Ruby ‘s  faith, her family and education were very important to her.

Many Dunseith children were blessed to have Mrs. Krause as a teacher/principal. 

( I worked alongside her for several years)

            My sympathy to  Ruby’s children and grandchildren on the loss of this fine, smart articulate lady.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Fauske reunion:

What a fantastic reunion this had to have been. When I saw other pictures posted on Facebook of their reunion, I was hoping We’d see some with their mother Elenore (Stubby) too. Doesn’t she look fantastic. She was 97 years young this year.  Thanks, Carrole Fauske Rude for posting.

The whole family looks wonderful in both of these pictures. I know the majority of you know and can connect to this family too.

Off the top of my head I think Stubby is the only surviving of the Johnny and Margaret Hiatt siblings. Her first cousins, Sisters: Leola Lagerquist and Nettie Peterson, both in their 90’s too, are doing well. I recently saw some of Nettie’s Facebook comments too, so I know she is actively engaged with Facebook.

Leland (Lee) Stickland (64):   Dickinson, ND

 I think the Covid Lockdown did him in.
I think Leland needs a haircut.
Gary

 2020

2018: Leland, I found this photo

Leland’s Posting
No problem; what YOU see is what YOU got, regarding posting of my photo. We are yet locked down inside our facility. We have (staff and each resident), tested negative for the last two (2) test periods when checked each two (2) weeks. Thus, we are now able to go to the DR for meals. We have assigned seating to facilitate any contact- tracing, if that would become needed. Good days to YOU and YOURS
Lee

 Leland’s Follow up post
Gary, I forgot to mention the most important part. Our lady Barber was finally able to get into the facility so I had my normal haircut down to the skin. The long hair that shows on the picture is nearly an insult but it was an accumulation from about 5 months because I needed a haircut before we got locked down. Don’t want to keep bothering you I just wanted to make that clarification so that maybe you can make that note in any narrative so the folks that know me want to feel that I fell off the edge even though I live out here in Western North Dakota where it pretty close to the edge. Thank you again Gary time for me to catch a little sleep I didn’t go to bed last night I was learning about camshaft degrees lobes and durations and how to build those Transmissions that you use and race cars when you can keep the pedals to the metal and just keep moving your levers through the six gears. Maybe Bernadette would remember me but y’all so he can say hi to your caregivers for me.
Lee

Kjersten Larson Family postings.
Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (’68):  

Gary, 

Thanks for the email. I really appreciate having these. Kjerstin was my great-great grandmother.

Her daughter Petrina was my great grandmother and Petrina’s daughter, Cora was my grandmother.

Kjerstin and Petrina are buried at a small cemetery at Metigoshe. 

Thanks again,

Toni

Enjoy your upcoming birthday! I turn 70 this go round.

Gary Stokes’ reply to Toni
Toni, I am so blessed to have the same birthday as you. You too enjoy your milestone birthday.

My dad’s sister Olga Hanson, was married to your mothers Brother Bert Hanson. That makes us almost first cousins too. Jean Pladson and Audrey Aitchison are our common first cousins.

Gary’s Comments on the Kjersten Larson Photo.

Kjersten Larson was born in 1820 and died at the age of 95 in1915.

I am very sure this picture was taken in the Lake Metigoshe area.  I counted 38 Grandkids of Kjersten Larson in this photo. I am sure they probably were not all present either. Many of these grandkids, who are Great Grandparents to many of our readers, had large families of their own. To this day, Kjersten Larson must have a thousand or two descendants. I am sure Doreen Larson Moran or some of you others have this Larson family tree all broken down? Half the hills must be related.

Year 1910

Memories from the Past: 2013 Dunseith gathering at the Bottineau Pizza Inn

Harvey Hiatt’s Obituary
Provided by Tanya Hiatt: Flagstaff AZ.

Harvey A. Hiatt, 76 passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020 in his Flagstaff, Arizona home with his wife and daughter by his side after a long illness.

Harvey was born on July 18, 1943 in Bottineau, North Dakota to Willie and Maxine Hiatt. He attended Bottineau High School and graduated from NDSU, Bottineau School of Forestry with a degree in Science of Forestry.  In 1964 he married Teressa Carlson of Bottineau and had two children.  He worked 27 years working in research with USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. He enjoyed his work and was presented numerous awards throughout his career for loyal and dedicated service, ingenuity, creativity & engineering skills.

Harvey met and married Tanya Embury-Rench and shared the last 35 years of his life together. They had a blended family and raised 3 children together.  Member of Living Christ Lutheran Church for many years.  He loved hunting, country music, dancing, reading, travel and enjoyed family, friends and food. Everyone knew him by his smile.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Tanya, sons, Brad (Dana), Jeffery Rench (Katrina), (Jay) Jalynd (Desiree), daughter, Sheri Hiatt (Susan),  10 grandchildren, sister, Barbra Gross (Joe), brothers, Laurence (Debi) and Douglas. He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Jeanette Rench.

Harvey will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Compassus in Flagstaff.

Ackworth Cemetery

Condolences to the Hiatt Family

From Brad Salmonson (DHS ’61 Valedictorian): s Idaho Falls, ID.

Gary,

Please pass my condolences to the Harvey Hiatt family. Harvey and I started grade school together at Ackworth school and were best buddies during the six years that Harvey went to school there. We later connected during college at the School of Forestry and occasional visits back to North Dakota. I think about him a lot, he will be missed.

Brad Salmonson

Kjersten Larson Family postings

Reply from Ruth Tang:  Thank you. I appreciate you putting that together .

Ruth Tang

Kjersten Larson Family postings Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  Bedford, TX. Hi Gary

I was just looking at the originals of these pictures last night. My dad (Mensvil Norman Larson, Jr) and O. Gordon Tang are cousins. Dad often talked about his visits to his Aunt Hilma in Wisconsin. I am trying to sort out the Larson and John Anderson pictures and family histories I have so I can put them in some kind of order for my kids and for my sisters. Having no experience with this and not a whole lot of time yet to devote to it, it’s a long process. I’m giving myself until next summer so I have something to present at the family reunion. I am praying Covid is not going to be an issue then.  We are fine here in Texas but pretty much hunkered down and wearing masks when we do go anywhere. Our church opened up for 3 weeks and then closed again 2 weeks ago so we are back to online worship services. I am so tired of all these Covid restrictions as I am sure everyone else is too. I hope everyone is well and hanging in there.

Cheryl Larson Dakin

Kjersten Larson Family postings Reply from Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61): b Spokane, WA.

Gary – the date for the birthday photo would be July 1910 when Kjersten was 90.  She lived five more years, until 1915 when she was almost 95.  The Lake Metigoshe Christian Center is where she filed her homestead claim and lived in her own little house from 1890-1915.  Yes, that is 25 years – she filed when she was 70 years old.  To list all the descendants of Kjersten would be very long indeed.  Martin, Lars and Hans Peder had very large families that were in and around the Hills.  Adrian had 13 children but all but Arthur A went West.  Some changed their last names from Larson to the land they left in Norway.

I am pleased to see these pictures all together.  Ruth Tang, I knew your grandmother Hilma and mother-in-law and father-in-law quite well, but never had the pleasure of meeting you.  Hilma’s brother Leo, was my grandfather.  I will email you later when I am back home in WA after being in ND for the past month – just enjoying life. Doreen Larson Moran

Year is 1910

 Dennis J Parisien (’65) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Dennis J Parisien was born on January 23, 1947 in Belcourt to Beatrice Parisien Vivier.  He was raised and educated in Dunseith.  He was blessed with many fond memories of growing up as a kid.  On May 16, 1968, Dennis enlisted in the US and received his Honorable Discharge on April 2, 1970.  He received numerous medals and certificates and was very proud of his service.  Following his discharge, he worked for the BIA Road Department and also as a truck drive and carpenter for the tribe.  Dennis graduated from the Police Academy on September 9, 1986 and worked as a police officer for the City of Dunseith for several years before returning to the road department. Following his retirement, Dennis spent the majority of his time having fun and being the great and loving uncle/Godfather to Jacy, Hunter and their children, Mavrick and Shooter.

He had the most loving and caring heart and enjoyed life.  He also enjoyed taking care of his mother.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting for hours.  He had a great sense of humor and would tease and joke around with everyone.  He had a nickname for everyone.  Dennis was a good person with a big heart.  He showed a lot of love and compassion to those dear to him.  Dennis was also an avid outdoorsman.  He deeply enjoyed hunting and ice fishing.  He loved sports and was a great softball player and bowler.  He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed driving around.  The holidays that Spook enjoyed the most were the 4^th of July and Christmas.

Dennis passed away on Friday, July, 3, 2020 at a Minot hospital with his brothers Jason and Randy Vivier and nieces Hunter and Jason by his side.

He is survived by his mother, Beatrice Parisien Vivier, brothers and sisters, Randy, Jason, Andrew, Gary, Carol and Cheryl all of Dunseith and Logan, Sheldon, Eli, Vicky and Charmaine all of Belcourt.

He was preceded in death by his special godchild, Weston; brothers Tony, Jerry and Carey and sisters, Sharon and Connie.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Kjersten Larson Family postings.

 Folks,

After receiving this old picture of Kjersten Larson with her Daughter-In-Laws from Ruth Tang, I retrieved the previous postings from 8/26/2009 that go along with her picture. All this is hard enough to follow without a bunch of other postings. With that said, today’s blog is solely the Kjersten Larson Family.

Gary

Kjersten Larson Pictured with her Daughter-In-Laws
Message and picture from Ruth Tang:   

Gary:

I tried to share the attached photo after seeing photos of this same family taken on the same day. The post was from August of 2009.

I am hoping that you will post it for me. I couldn’t get it to work.

I stumbled upon the blog because my husbands’ Grandmother was Hilma Larson Tang. I inherited a great number of photos from my father-in-law O. Gordon Tang.

In the photo Kjersten Larson is seated. The women from left to right are, Lena Nikoline (Martin), Karoline (Lars), Thea (Hans Peder) and Kristine (Adrian).

Photos such as these should be available to any and all descendants that wish to see them.  It must have been a very proud day for Kjersten, being 91 years old and responsible for her part in all those Grandchildren.

Ruth Tang

Gary’s comments:

I Believe Petrina Larson Hanson in the second picture down from the top and in the bottom picture was a grandmother to Toni, Bev and Duane Morinville and also to Jean Pladson and Audrey Hanson Aitchison who are also my first cousins on their mothers’ side?

Posting from 8/26/2009

From Cheryl Larson Dakin (’71):  

Hi Gary

In reply to Audrey Hanson Aitchison, I am enclosing a photo of Kjersten and her sons (2^nd picture from the top) (in the back-row Martin, Hans Peter, Lars and Adrien. Kjersten is in front with her daughter Petrina) This was taken on Kjersten’s 90th birthday.

The other picture is of Martin Larson and his sons. My grandpa Mensvil is on the far left. I’ll have to call Dad to get the names of the other boys. And to Bev and Jean…I’m still working on peaches I brought back from North Dakota last week so between catching up with grandchildren and fixing peach preserves, I haven’t had a chance to put together the other Larson information I promised. But I will get it to you soon.

Cheryl Larson Dakin.

I believe Martin Larson in the picture below was a great grandfather to Diane Larson Sjol (70) and Cheryl Larson Dakin (71)? Martin Larson was Mensvil Larson’s father. Mensvil Larson was the Bottineau county Sheriff for many years. His son Mensvil Jr. (Norman) Larson, father of Diane and Cheryl, lives in Bottineau.

Please correct me if I have interpreted some of this wrong. Gary

Martin Larson and his sons. Mensvil is on the far left

Posting from 8/26/200

From Audrey Hanson Aitchison:

Patrina Hanson celebrated her 95th birthday on March 20, 1949. There were 40 relatives and friends there. She received a rocking chair. Reverend T. Weltzin spoke a Norwegian message. Patrina was 27 when she came to America. Martin Larson was her only living relative at her party. Does anyone remember where Hagrop and Patrina lived?

1932
Norman Larson’s 7th birthday with brother Dick (little blond boy in front)
and Frances Hansen Morinville (center back)

Gary Stokes comments from Cebu, Philippines

 Good day folks,

 I hope all is well with most of you, with this Coronavirus and all. This pandemic has taken a toll on pretty much the whole world.

 From Mid-March until May 20^th we were locked down and couldn’t leave our premises. Only one person per house hold was given a pass to go out 2 days per week to purchase food and necessities. Our helper had our pass. I’d drive her in the car and then just wait for her in the car. They had guards up on our road checking all those that went out too. It was a real lockdown. They’d let me drive our helper as long as I didn’t get out of the car.  We are able to go out now, of course with masks and social distancing. They have guards in the malls to make sure folks follow the arrows and maintain social distancing. 

Cebu City has pretty high positive Covid numbers at the moment too. They are still locked down tight. We live outside of the city so we are OK. To maintain social distancing in Cebu City, the president brought in the Army with soldiers, armored vehicles and Helicopters to observe social distancing. If they see any group gatherings, they are reported and dissolved immediately. I think a little stricter here than back in the states.

Folks,

I received word that Harvey Hiatt Passed away at his home in Flagstaff AZ on June 30^th.  I will post more of his details when I receive his obituary later this week or next week.

Harvey’s ashes will be buried in the Ackworth Cemetery. Please see picture below.

Chatting with Harvey’s widow, Tanya, she said she will prepare his obituary this week. She is taking his passing very hard. We extend our condolences to her during these hard times with Harvey’s passing.

Harvey was the son of Willie E. and Maxine Radley Hiatt. His siblings are Barbara Cote, Laurence Dale (LD) and Douglas. In 1954 Willie and Maxine sold their farm in the Ackworth community to Norris Knutson and moved to Bottineau. Harvey attended the first six years of his schooling at the Ackworth Country school.  Grades 7 through High school he attended the Bottineau schools. Off the top of my head I believe he graduated with the BHS class of 1961.

\Harvey and his entire family always remained very connected to their roots, the Ackworth community. In my younger days, before they moved to Bottineau, our families were interactive on a daily basis. Very close. Their farm, one mile east of ours, now the Norris and Arlene Knutson farm, was the original Amos Hiatt farm. Amos was Harvey’s Grandfather. The original Hiatt Homestead (Harvey’s Great Grandparents) was located on the exact spot as our, the Bob Stokes farm, Buildings. Our family ties go back many years to the beginning of the 1900’s.

This picture was taken at Dale’s Café when we had a mini reunion with our former Ackworth school teacher Geraldine LaFromboise Marcavage.

Geraldine (Geri) LaFromboise Marcavage was our teacher at Ackworth in 1954/55. This would have been the first year of Winter school. Prior to this Ackworth was a summer school. I was in 2nd grade, Harvey Hiatt and Stan Salmonson were in 6th grade and Barbara Hiatt was in 8th grade. Geraldine lived with our family when she taught at Ackworth. I had not seen Miss LaFromboise since 2nd grade, 52 years prior to this photo being taken. Prior to our going back to Dunseith for the 2007 reunion, I decided to locate Geraldine. She was a hard one to track down, but I did find her.

Ackworth Cemetery  

In 2007 Harvey had this Tombstone made and placed in the Ackworth Cemetery.

Dennis Parisien (DHS 1965) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Dennis Parisien Dennis Par January 23, 1947 – July 03, 2020

Dennis Parisien, age 73 of Dunseith, died Friday, July, 3, 2020 at a Minot hospital.  His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 10:00 am at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church near Belcourt.  The wake will be on Wednesday starting at 4:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the church.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Jerry LaCroix (DHS 1973) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dunseith Alumni Friends and Gary,

I wish to offer sympathy to Arlene, Laura, Christopher, Mark and extended LaCroix family.

I appreciated Jerry’s genuine kindly chuckle,  devotion to his wife Arleen,  his three children and his work

for so many years in the State of North Dakota.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

             Jerry LaCroix

April 26, 1954 – July 01, 2020

Jerry LaCroix, age 66 of Bottineau, died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at a Minot hospital.  His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 10:00 am the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau.  Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Jerry John LaCroix, the youngest child of Henry and Gladys (Click) LaCroix, was born on April 26, 1954 in Rolla, ND.  He graduated from Dunseith High School in 1973.  He worked for his uncle, Oren Rocheleau on his farm during high school.  He began working at the San Haven State Hospital in 1973 and worked there until it closed in February of 1988.  Jerry then started working for the North Dakota Department of Transportation.  On June 25, 1988 he married Arlene Skarphol.  He worked with the ND DOT until his retirement on July 31, 2014.  A career spanning 41 years.

Jerry passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at a Minot hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Bottineau; daughter, Laura (Tyler) Hanson of Grand Forks; sons, Christopher of Minot and Mark of Bottineau; granddaughter, Brynlee Gerken-LaCroix; siblings, Janice (Michael) Kester of Fargo, Charlotte LaCroix of Fargo, Gregory LaCroix of Fargo and Paulette (Ken) Chisholm of Newark, DE and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant brother, Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Turtle Mountain Cancer Support Group.

His funeral will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpb7lO3kYR0.

SERVICES
Funeral Service
Tuesday, July 07, 2020  10:00 AM
St. Mark’s Catholic Church  322 Sinclair St  Bottineau, ND

David L. Kjorsvik Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

June 25, 2020

Hello Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Condolences to the extended Morin/Kjorsvik family of David Kjorsvik.

David Kjorsvik was a proudly patriotic, quiet and unassuming person.

I knew David and his wife Donna (Morin)Kjorsvik, as a truly committed couple.

David treated Donna, his wife as if she were gold. He truly treasured his family.

And he treasured his country.

His wife, Donna, my cousin Elaine and I all attended and graduated together with BS Elementary Ed degree’s from UND.

Many times, David provided transportation from Grand Forks to Dunseith in his Toyota Corolla.

David quietly maneuvering the car safe fully and skillfully, through good weather or bad.

Donna, Elaine and I when together talked education nonstop. ….. David listened.

Blessed be the memories of David and Donna (Morin) Kjorsvik.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

           David L. Kjorsvik

Dec 16, 1949 – Jun 22, 2020

DAVID’S OBITUARY
U.S. Veteran

David L. Kjorsvik, 70 of Devils Lake formerly of Lakota and Dunseith, ND passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020 at his home.

Funeral Services for David will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake and weather permitting in the Gilbertson Funeral Home parking lot. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery, rural Dunseith ND at a later date.

David Lorentz Kjorsvik, son of Lorentz and Selma (Northagen) Kjorsvik was born on December 16, 1949 in McVille ND. He grew up in Nelson County, attended Melrose #4 School, Michigan Public School and graduated from Michigan High School with the class of 1968.

David enlisted in the United States Army on December 27, 1968 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with foreign service in Germany. He was honorably discharged from active duty on December 17, 1970 and continued with the Army Reserves until December of 1974.

David was united in marriage to Donna C. Morin in 1971 in Dunseith ND. They established their home initially in Grand Forks, but moved to Wahpeton ND when David attended NDSSS.  He received his degree as an electrician in 1976, earned his journeyman license in 1981 and his master electrician license in 1987.  He worked at Burkland Electric in Lakota for several years.  In 1988, David became the owner and operator of D&D Electrical in Dunseith ND.  David and Donna resided in the Turtle Mountains, eastern North Dakota, Lakota for many years and after Donna passed away he moved to Devils Lake.

David wanted to continue to serve his country, so in 1990 he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was part of the Bottineau and Rugby Units, with specialties in construction engineering and water purification.  He was honorably discharged in 2008 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  David’s unit was deployed overseas for a time and also assisted in the Grand Forks, Jamestown and Fargo flood fights.

David was hard working man, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. When he took time to relax, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, brew master of his own beer and wine, and liked to tinker as a welder.  In later years, he loved watching old movies, Westerns, and was a fan of “MASH”.  He might be called a “Pack Rat” to some, but he believed that one man’s junk just might be his treasure!

David proudly served his country, loved his family with all his heart and was a good friend to many.

He is survived by his son Kendrick Kjorsvik, Grassy Butte ND; daughters Kelly (Kenny) Asleson, Devils Lake and Krystal (Greg) Charette, Belcourt ND; grandchildren Kahlen and Aime-Justine (Cody), Rylee, Shawna and Dawson-Kayleigh, Mikey, Tate and Marianna; great granddaughter Claire; siblings Sharilyn (Brian) Hendrickson, Crary ND, Vance Kjorsvik, Wahpeton ND, Lorna (Glenn) Lindblad, Beulah ND; sisters-in-law Gloria Kjorsvik, Little Falls MN, Lynn Kjorsvik, Tasmania Australia, Gail (Raphael) Trottier, Belcourt ND, Allison Morin, Sheri (Mike) Gladue, and Joyce Morin all of Dunseith ND; brother-in-law Bernard (Robin) Morin, also of Dunseith; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna on October 19, 2003, brothers Larry, Myron, Duane, Curtis and infant brother Lyle Kjorsvik, in-laws Richard and Madeline (Parisien) Morin and sisters-in-law Donna J. (Christensen) Kjorsvik and Connie Vivier and brothers-in-law Duane Morin and Claude Morin

==============================================
FROM THE PAST
Blog (93) posted on Jun 21, 2010

Teacher and Class room shortages in the Philippines:

Folks, our helpers little boy, JR and Bernadette’s little great niece, Jasmine, are first graders this year. The school year here is from June thru March. When school started last week there were 95 first graders in JR and Jasmine’s class with one teacher and no helpers in an average size class room. That is what you call togetherness. Today, Monday, the principal decided their class was a bit large for one teacher and that there were a few too many students for the room capacity. Today they spilt the class in half with half going in the morning and the other half in the afternoon all in the same room with the same teacher. I’d venture to say there is not much one on one teacher/student relationship in that class. The average teacher’s salary is $250/month. Gary

Sending greetings to Art Rude in Trinity Hospital:
Site link posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

I forgot to send this website address to you yesterday. If people want to send greetings to Art Rude, they can go to this site/leave a message for Art/tomorrow it will be typed/delivered to him.

Neola
www.trinityhealth.org/Greeting/Mailpatient.asp

Class Pictures taken at the reunion:

Folks, These are some class pictures (71, 72, 59 & 65) that Myra Henning provided that I posted from ND without identifications. I’m pretty sure I’ve identified those in the class of 59 correctly and I know I’ve gotten all those in the class of 65 labeled correctly. The other 2 classes I need some help with. I will repost with the correct ID’s.

I know there were other class pictures taken that I do not have. I know there is one of the class of 68 and I know there must be one somewhere of the class of 60. The class of 60 folks had quite a turn out and I know you guys had a get together a night or two before the reunion. We’d love to see any pictures that you guys may have and others too.

Gary

Reply from original posting
From Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

I must have been singing in the photo – notice the musical note above my head? Ha! How great of Myra to share these. I took several, but haven’t had time yet to even load them into my computer. Susan has my photos on her computer, too, and there are several of the Class of ’65 – which I’m sure she will share so everyone can see how great they look “after all these years”!

What a great reunion!

Paula Fassett
Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Officer
Customs and Border Protection
Minneapolis, MN
PH: 612-348-1690, ext. 141

Class of 71:
Back: Cheryl Haagenson, Denise Peltier?, Paula Fassett, Marlys Hiatt
Front: I don’t dare guess with this one. I think Gary Fulsebakke is on the right?
The rest, I think, are Rod Medrud, Alan Henning, ????

Class of 72:
Loretta Neameyer, Donald Malaterre, David Abrahamson, Bernice Belgarde, ??? Ann Boppre, Myra Henning, Loraine Neameyer, Linda Johnson, Shelly Fulsebakke

Class of 59
Standing: Curt Halverson, Abe Murray & Lowell Leonard
Sitting: Helen Boguslawski & Geri Metcalfe

Note: I better get this one right. We had a pretty good turn out with 21 folks. 18 of our 26 living graduates were present. Too bad we didn’t get this picture taken earlier so all those present could have been included. Gary

Class of 65:
Standing: Donald Egbert, Ernie Gottbreht, Warren Anderson, Susan Fassett, Henry Hackman, Angela Berube, Raphael Poitra, John Bedard, Rene Casavant, Kenny Nerpel & Bill Grimme.
Sitting: Margaret Metcalfe, Patty Boguslawski, Gary Stokes, Pete Gillis, Esther Murray & Ginger LaRocque.
Those that were present but missing in picture: Cecile Berube, Helen Rivard, Gladys Roussin, Joanne Smith