Happy Birthday Jeff Skjelver: Rugby, ND

Dinner at Art and Rose’s

Art Hagen and Rose invited us to their home last night for a delicious turkey dinner. Art was the cook. The Turkey with mashed potatoes was very good. Art is an excellent cook. Thank you Art for that Authentic Bottineau, ND supper. It was most appreciated.

Bernadette was very disappointed that she was not well and unable to go. She very much wanted to go, but just didn’t have the stamina to make it.

Art will be leaving here, headed for the states, on April 1^st . Rose will follow later.

This coming Monday, Elma Severson, from Bottineau, will be visiting us too. She will be staying with Art and Rose.  Many of you know Elma. She is from the Philippines, but has lived 20 plus years in Bottineau. She will only be in Cebu for 3 full days. She will be bowling with us on Wednesday too. Then on Wednesday night we have dinner reservations at a traditional Filipino Restaurant. We are looking forward to Elma’s visit.

Gary

Story posted by Larry Hackman (’66):Bismarck, ND

The Orbit
BY:  LARRY HACKMAN

It was back in the 60’s.  A beautiful Sunday afternoon.  The summer sky was clear with a few billowing clouds floating by like huge white cotton balls on an ocean of pure blue.  A slight breeze tickled the emerald green leaves that hung from the trees that lined the road as they cruised north out of town, through the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota on a black ribbon of pavement that cut through a sea of a thousand shades of green into Canada.  Things are always pretty, when you think back to the old days, aren’t they?  Yes, these young fellows were on a road trip.  They were going up north across the border to visit a few towns up in Manitoba, Canada for nothing better to do, but to waste a Sunday afternoon.

While traveling up in Manitoba in the 60’s, did you notice them round, 3.5 foot diameter metal objects spaced along the roads about every five or ten miles with the logo (Orbit) stamped on the side.  The question is, does a globe shaped object have a side?  The answer is yes, inside and outside?  Anyway, back in them days when all the news papers and TV shows were all about satellites, moon landings and outer space and meeting up with aliens, what was a person to think when you saw these round objects along the road?  Were we under attack by aliens, were these objects some type of space ship, was someone or something going to jump out from behind one of these objects, and demand that they be taken to our leader?  I didn’t know what to think.

The Young fellows that this story is about of course had their pop, soda, (soda pop) with them (EH).  I think a few of them were trying to hydrate themselves after a Saturday night and were nursing slight headaches.   I know a couple of these characters were less than two beers away from a beautiful day before they started their road trip.

They had finished touring Brandon and Boissevain and also had finished off the last of their refreshments that were in the cooler in the trunk, and they were just a few miles from the American – Canadian border, and then it happened.  There were flashing lights behind them.  A Canadian Mountie (RCMP – Royal Canadian Mounted Police) had found reason to stop them.  He came up to the window and appeared madder than hell.  He demanded to know what they were doing up in Canada, and I don’t know why and they didn’t know why, he started blaming them for all the soda pop and beer can pull tabs lying on the road.  He not only blamed them, but he blamed all Americans for all the pull tabs lying on every road not only in Canada but in the world and I think the Universe.  This Mountie had these fellows worried, they thought he was going to blow a gasket and that they were done for.  The Mounties tone than softened a little as he made an offer, saying if you fellows pick up all these pull tabs on this road from here to that next road approach that he would let them go on their merry way.  These fellows thought that this was a great idea, because they didn’t want to pay a fine or worse, end up in jail, and agreed to police up all the pull tabs. Because this Mountie had them worried, and he looked like he could send them all straight to hell with a blink of eye, without thinking twice about it, these fellows jumped out of the car and started picking up tabs.  Now, I don’t know if it is true or not, but these fellows thought they had picked up tabs on a mile or more of road.  There and back would be two miles, oh that’s right, they have kilometers up there in Canada, one kilometer there and one kilometer back, would make it just over a mile that they cleaned up. I hope I didn’t confuse anybody; this stuff gives me a headache sometimes.

Upon completing the police call on the pull tabs the Mountie wanted this young fellow to deposit the sacks of tabs into one of them so called ORBITS sitting along the highway.  This young fellow refused, telling the Mountie that after doing all that work, he wanted to take all the pull tabs back home.  Well, if you remember right and I’m sure that you do, pull tab chains were all the rage back in them days.  Young people had pull tab chains hanging all around and across the ceilings of their cars, their rooms, and every place else they could find to hang them.  Well that Mountie got this huge smile on his face, you could tell, that he had finally found happiness, “That cat had finally caught the mouse “and he said, you fellows go ahead and take them tabs back to where they came from, and he went and let them fellows proceed on their merry way back across the border, down that black ribbon of happiness cutting through that sea of green, and home with their new found booty.

The only time I can recall ever seeing anyone ever using one of these so called ORBITS up along the highway in Manitoba, Canada was when I saw this semi (18 wheeler) pulled up on the edge of the road and as we passed the truck, I happened to look back and saw this guy (truck driver) standing up against one with his hands on his hips and pointing into the opening of the Orbit.  I figured this truck driver must be a Veteran, and was having a flashback to his days back in South Vietnam.  You know where they had these 8 to 10 inch diameter tubes stuck in the ground with half of a 50 gallon drum “ cut from end to end mounted in front of each tube so that the barrel curved around each side of the tube ” to give you some privacy.   Now, if you were out in the bush in Vietnam, and one of them wait-a-minute vines latched onto you, that was the time to relief yourself as you would be waiting there at least a minute anyway.  Did this story suddenly change into a time management story?

I never had to ever pick up pull tabs off the highway, but I remember having to pick up soda and alcohol beverage containers, “mostly beer cans”, in a parking lot, in a park, in central Minneapolis, in the middle of the night.  A group of us young people decided to go there and party with a trunk full of beverages and play hide-n -seek.  Yes, that time the police who had stopped us agreed to let us go, if we did a little on the spot community service. However at the time they seemed to be more concerned and wanting to make sure that we had everybody together that we came with, and that everybody was OK.  They gave us a talking to about how parks are a dangerous place to be at night and that some bad things have happened to people at the parks during the night, and that is also why they have to patrol them.   Now, thinking back, maybe all these police officers had just found a nice way to sober us up a little, before they sent us on our way, and to tell us in a nice way, to stay the hell off the roads and out of the parks if you are drinking?  To be young again.

No names were used on this report in order to protect the guilty.

Keep on laughing,

Larry

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

                               Enjoy!
This is a  true account recorded in the Police Log of Sarasota, Florida:

An  elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car,  found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her  shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of  her lungs, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! GET OUT OF THE  CAR!”

The four men didn’t wait for a second threat. They got out  and ran like mad. 

The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to  load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the  driver’s seat. She was so shaken that
she could not get her key into  the ignition. She tried and tried, and then she realized why. It was for  the same reason she had wondered why there was
a football, a Frisbee,  and two 12-packs of beer in the front seat.

A few minutes later,  she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She  loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station to report  her mistake. The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn’t stop  laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale  men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as  white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying  a large handgun. 

No charges were filed.

Moral of the  story?

If you’re going to have a senior moment…make it  memorable!

====================================
Blog (266) posted on October 29, 2008

Reply from Marth Lamb Schepp (68): 

Hi Gary,

I was a little embarrassed to see our wedding picture and the BIG write
up of our day.  I’ve gotten over it now, so guess I will respond and
thank you again for all that you do.  I was glad Randy Flynn did the
math as we did celebrate our 35th in Medora.  On our 25th we did a
little cruise off of Miami.  More great memories!  Where has the time
gone.

Thanks again,

Martha Lamb Schepp

Martha, That was a beautiful picture and write up they had for you guys 35 years ago.  That picture is exactly the way I remember you, however, you are one of the few that folks will still recognize that haven’t seen you for many years.  Over the years the physical characteristics of most of us have changed considerably, however there are a few of you that have not changed.  Off the top of my head, Margaret Metcalfe Leonard, Ron Longie and you are the ones that I can think of at the moment, that have changed very little, over the years.  In August of 2004, my two brothers, (Darrel & Allen) and I were in the bank in Dunseith. We were standing by the window next to main street.  When I look out the window I saw this lady walking across the street, I said to my brothers, “that’s Margaret Metcalfe crossing the street”.  She was coming into the bank. I had not seen Margaret for 35 plus years.  She looked exactly the same as I had remembered her from our HS days with the same friendly bubbly personality that she has always possessed.  Gary

Reply from Cheryl Larson Dakin (71):

This is in reply to Lyle’s comments about hanging out at the Morinville’s…I know I’ve said this before, but during the times when my Dad was stationed out of the country and we couldn’t join him, we would go home to Dunseith to stay. We always knew we were close to home when we would see the “eyes, nose, and mouth house” on the highway outside of Dunseith. But we really knew we were there when we got to Aunt Lee’s (Hosmer’s) next door to the Morinville’s. We had many, many sleep-overs there with Debbie and Bev. I didn’t know until many years later that my Dad and Francis were cousins so that made the relationship even more special.  I don’t remember ever being turned away at their door, even when the kids might not have been home. During our grade-school days we spent a lot of our spare time at the creek or at the Fontaine’s or playing behind Gamble’s, or hanging out at the Campbell’s garage. And even though it would sometimes be years between trips to Dunseith, when we did go back, it was like we had never left. From Mrs. Seim to Mrs. Halvorson to Mrs. Conroy, to Bev and Margaret, Loretta and Loraine, Stephanie, Paula, Cheryl and all the kids I knew “way back when” you had a huge impact on my life.

Cheryl Larson Dakin ’71

Cheryl, I have said this before too, Frances Morinville’s brother Bert Hanson was married to my dad’s sister Olga.  I did not realize the Larson’s and the Hanson’s were related. They all lived in the Lake Metigoshe area.  Gary

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette): 

In reply to Joe Johnson about the Catholic church in Thorne, it was moved to Rolette in 1973 and was remodled in 2005. I think it was originally built about 1950 and if memory serves me correctly, Ted Grenier was one of the church council members when it was built.

Message/picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

I sent this picture to Gailord the other day.  The following is his response.  Needless to say, I’ll sure be including this picture in his package.  I wish it would have been an 8 x 10, but this size will work, too.  Receiving emails like this, where a family member has never seen a picture I post/send to them, brings tears to my eyes.  I am so grateful God bless me with this “passion” for pictures and getting them to people who want them.

Neola

Gaillord Peltier’s (80) reply: 

Good Morning Mrs. Garbe;

This picture is my Father and Mother, Joseph J. Peltier and Delores
(Davis) Peltier with their daughter, my sister Madonna and her husband
Melvin Yawakie. That is a beautiful picture, one that I have never seen
before.

Joseph J. Peltier Family

Reply From Cecile Gouin Longie Craig (61): c

Yes that is the Longie family, circa 1958-60.
Back row: left Wallace, Wilbur, Margie, Ronnie
Front row: left Willie, Patti, Ursula, Donnie

Cecile Gouin Longie Craig

PS – On the names in the pic I should have written Wilbur was known as Bill.
Where as thats why Willie was called Willie or Billy. Cecile
Cecile, I did not realize that you are related to the Longie’s.  Gary

Reply from Sharon Longie Dana (73)

Reply from Dick Johnson (68)

Gary,

It seems weird, but I looked at the kid on the right and he looked like
I remember a Longie around my age. I would guess that picture was taken
about 56 or 58, in there somewhere. Crazy huh!!

Dick

Folk’s I initially sent this photo to Dick Johnson and Mel Kuhn for their identification, thinking it was another family. Dick replied saying he thought this was the Longie family. With a second look, I recognized Ron Longie (65) in the picture.  He has not change at all.  Gary

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

Message from Lyle Olson (75): 

Gary and all:

Received an e-mail from Mel Kuhn the other day.  It was good to hear from him.  He spoke with great excitement about the excellent St. John High School football team – undefeated thus far.  It got me thinking about the best teams fielded by Dunseith over the years.  In my opinion, the best football team fielded by Dunseith was in 1971. The best baseball team fielded by Dunseith was definitely the class of 1972.  And, of course, the best basketball team fielded by Dunseith was also the class of 1972.  Now, I recognize that some may argue about my selections, and I invite you to do so on this blog.  However, let me make the case about the 1972 Dunseith Dragons basketball team.

The team was coached by Larry Haugen.  Richard Becker was the assistant coach ..  Our team motto was: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The players were as follows: Seniors Don Olson, Greg Evans, Jim Melmer, Donald Malaterre, Linus Faine, Tim Gunville and Curt Hagel; Juniors Curt Berg and Jeff Evans (George Malaterre made the original team of 12 but did not finish out the season); Sophomore Terry Counts (Jesse Marion came on the “A” squad when George Malaterre left); and Freshman Lyle Olson.  The “main five” were made up of Don Olson, Jim Melmer, Curt Berg, Greg Evans and Terry Counts.  I believe we went 25-3 that year, losing to Wolford and Langdon (who took 5th place in the State A that year) during the regular season and then to Berthold in the first game of the state tournament in Minot.

Everyone seemed to have a nickname on that team.  Don Olson was called “Ole” or “Jelly Belly”, depending on the crowd.  Greg Evans’ nickname was “Tic”.  “Honker” was the nickname of Jim Melmer.  Doanld Malaterre went by “Donald Duck”.  Linus Faine was “Guff,” Tim Gunville was “Gunner” and Curt Hagel was “Bear”.  Jeff Evans was called “Harvey”.  George Malaterre was called “Coco”.  I can’t remember Curt Berg’s nickname, but I called him “Sir” after he nearly killed me in the boxing match at Honsey’s.  Terry Counts’ nickname was “Pie”.  Jesse Marion was called “Muff” and my nickname was “Mad Dog”.  I could explain the origin for some of the nicknames but I had better stick with how I got my nickname; after all, I still see some of these guys every now and then.

During try-outs for the “A” squad, we were told to run laps.  Well, I was never a very fast person to be sure – in fact, I was downright slow.  In any event, my legs somehow got tangled up with Curt Hagel’s legs and we both went down.  Well, Curt being a Senior and me being a freshman, Curt came up and was pretty upset at being put down by a lowly freshman and we started wrestling around.  Needless to say, I got my you know what kicked (yes, there seems to be a pattern here with older classmen).  Well, I must have done somewhat OK because everyone started calling me “Mad Dog” after “Mad Dog Vashon,” a famous ALL-STAR wrestler at the time.  Needless to say, that nickname has stayed with me to this day.  The nickname kind of became a self-fulfilling prophecy because I always seemed to have a quick temper and received many technical fouls as my basketball career progressed, or regressed, depending on who you talk to.  Looking back on it now, I deserved each and every one of those technical fouls and I hereby apologize to Jim Berube and Red Johnson, who refereed many games in which I played.

In any event, I think we were 10-0 when we lost to Wolford.  Up to that point, we had beat all opponents by wide margins.  It was a tough game all the way through.  We had the ball the last possession of the game and I missed the last shot.  Now, not to second guess Coach Haugen, but what in the hell was I doing in the game at that point in time, and why did I have the ball  – I was only a freshman.  Regardless, I took a shot from deep in the corner and the damn thing nearly went in.  Had it gone in I would have been a legend, at least in my own mind.  However, it did not go in and that was that – our first loss of the year.  Remarkably, I do not remember any of my teammates giving me grief about missing the shot, or even why I was in the game at the time.  A team that good never looked back and we ran off a few more wins before being thrashed by Langdon by 20 points.  As noted above, Langdon had a great team that year and finished 5th in the State A.

Everyone who follows Dunseith Dragon basketball knows what happened at the State B, and I will not rehash that here.  Needless to say, we were quite destroyed by the first game but had enough pride to dominate the loser’s bracket by winning the next two games to take home the 5th place trophy.

That team was a close-knit bunch of guys.  We took two road trips that year, if memory serves me.  On the road trip to Ray and Powers Lake, the main five was not doing all that great against Powers Lake and Coach Haugen put in the second five in the late first quarter or early second quarter and we caught up to them and built a lead for the main five by half-time.  I also remember going out after the game in Ray and snagging a few good looking local gals, but that story is best told eye to eye without any wives or girlfriends around.

I saw most of the 1972 basketball players at the reunion in 2007.  Unfortunately, Tim “Gunner” Gunville passed away a few years ago, but all the other players are still living.  Many of us weigh 25% to 50% more than what we weighed when we played ball and others have remained fit.  Indeed, Curt Hagel actually weighed less in 2007 that he did in 1972, or at least he looked like he did.  He better not try and wrestle me now, as I have him by a 100 pounds!!!  Seriously, and even at this old age, I would put that team up against any team produced by Dunseith over the years.  I think we would stand a good chance in winning despite eroding skills and deconditioned lungs because if I have learned anything over the years, it is that heart and desire are formidable teammates, and the 1972 Dragon basketball team had them both, in abundance.

Lyle

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

It was great to hear from Toni Morinville Gredesky after waiting for so
long! Toni has a wealth of interesting memories she should share with
us. In answer to her question, I do remember going to Minot to the
concert by Fred Waring and his orchestra. At the time I wasn’t really
enthused about the musical events my dad, Don Johnson, was forever
taking us to! Man was I wrong! Do you remember how he expected us to be
well dressed and behaved at all times? I now know that the attitude he
wanted us to present, was part of the reason our choir and band excelled
to the degree it did. I also remember how he got the school to buy those
blue Dragon blazers for us and for the basketball teams. He and Mr.
Hepper ‘conspired’ together on the blazers. I remember wearing the
blazers the first time to a game in Rolla, our rival. They looked
defeated when we walked through the door! I don’t know how long it was,
but the very next time we played Rolla they were wearing gold Bulldog
blazers! Never to be upstaged by us! Thanks Gary and Toni!

Dick

Message/picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

Basically, this is Alvin/Lillian Torgerson Berg’s family.  As you know, Lillian married Reinhard Schultz awhile after Alvin was killed in the car accident when he/Lillian/Gary/Mr. and Mrs. Berg were on their way to visit Alvin’s sister, Arla, and her husband, Tony.

Neola

Dick Johnson’s (68) reply to the Berg Family: 

Gary and Neola,

Alvin and Martin Berg were brothers and grew up just west of where Bud and Mary Knutson live, along 43. Bud has since died but Mary and son, Bob live there yet. Alvin’s mother was Clara Johnson Berg, a sister to my grandma and Bennie Johnson and the rest. Alvin had the bakery in Dunseith for a while and I think he was also involved in one of the
bars. Alvin and Lillian went on a trip and were in an auto accident, I
think in Illinois, and Alvin didn’t appear to be injured. He was helping
care for the family and just suddenly collapsed and died. Martin and
Alvin and two girls were first cousins to my mom, Bernice. We went to
visit Lillian and her family many times. Guy was my age, Gary and the
girls were older. The Haugerud I remember was also my age and her name was Corliss (Corky) Haugerud. She went to college with me at Bottineau. I remember Mom saying that Lillian found a very nice man, Rienhard Schultz. She had lived alone for many years and raised the family by herself. We lost contact with the family after Mom was gone so I don’t know where any of them are today. I did get permission a few years ago to walk over from Mary Knutsons to where the Bergs lived. It was sure a trip down memory lane! Both houses, the old log house and the white frame house are still standing, but in real bad shape. I remember going there in the mid 50s and having lunch with Albert and Clara. Albert used to come to visit us in Dunseith after Clara died in 1957. He reminded me of the pictures of Winston Churcill. He wore a black longcoat and a black hat and carried a cane. The best part was that he drove a black 36 Ford two door I really liked! One of his daughters, Amanda, and her husband, Clarence Schultz, got the 36 when Albert died. They lived in Donnybrook,ND and had a grocery store with Eldon Hiatt for a few years. I think Amanda is still living and I want to find out what became of the old car. She may still have it in a garage down there. Who knows—the
thrill of the hunt!!
Dick

Gary,

This is the message from Shirley Olson Warcup about Alvin Berg and the family. She corrected my memory of his place of death, Ohio not Illinois the rest seems correct.

Dick

Dick,
Alvin died June 11, 1952–I believe it was near Lima, Ohio–the
only reason I remember this is because I heard it on the radio when we were
living in Grand forks and as I heard Lima, my first thought was “that’s in
Peru”.  As I listened further and they told of the accident, they mentioned
Ohio.  I have never looked at a map to locate Lima–it’s possible he was
transported to Illinois to a hospital and died there.  I remember they said
he appeared to be all right (he had been looking after everyone)  but died
enroute to the hospital.  I was really surprised to hear this on a Grand
Forks radio station–there was quite a bit of detail.  I’m not sure, but I
think Clarence Schultz and Reinhard might have been brothers.  Martin Berg
married Alice Brudvik–I think they had only one daughter, Carol.  Arla
married Anthony Marteliano–they lived in Port Charlotte, Fl., after they
retired.  Arla died May 29, 2000. Even after Arla’s death,we usually got a
Christmas card from Tony, but I don’t think we got one last year so I’m not
sure if he’s still living or not.  Ron hasn’t read this e-mail yet–when he
comes in from the garage I’ll have him answer your question about cars.
Tell Brenda “hello”.
Snookie

Alvin Berg Family taken after his death. Alvin owned the bakery, at one time, in Dunseith

Reply from Bonnie Awalt Houle(56): 

Dear Gary,

The wedding picture shown is of one of the Bailey girls.  From left to right:  Jeanne Bailey Groves, Judy Bailey Foley, Harvey Bailey, Hulda Bailey, Bride is Janice Bailey Proctor,  the groom is Jim Proctor and the other girl in light color is Joanne Bailey Perrin.  I don’t recall the names of the boys in this picture or the name of the other women.  This photo was probably taken at the Methodist Church in Rolla.

Have a wonderful day.

Bonnie Awalt Houle Class of 1956

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Reply from Marlene Henderson (Rolla): 

From Judy Bailey Foley to Marlene Henderson Re:  wedding picture

Jeannie Bailey, Judy Bailey Foley, Harvey Bailey, Hulda Bailey, Janice Bailey Martinez (bride),  Antonio Martinez (groom), ? ?, JoAnn Bailey  Perrin, Nick Perrin.
> The little ring bearer is my son, Steven Foley.

Sorry I don’t know the names of Tony’s brother and sister-Dunseith book might want this–my dad’s family farm was in the Dunseith  area.

Antonio & Janice Bailey Martinez Wedding:
Jeannie Bailey, Judy Bailey Foley, Harvey Bailey, Hulda Bailey, Janice Bailey Martinez (bride), Antonio Martinez (groom), ? ?, JoAnn Bailey  Perrin, Nick Perrin.  Ring Bearer is Steven Foley

Correction from yesterday. I said the class of 1970 had nearly 40 graduates. I just check and they had 48 graduates.  I beleive they are the largest class of have ever graduated from Dunseith High School.  Gary

                                   Dunseith High School Class of1971

Condolence to Toni Morinville (’68):
From Colette Hosmer (’64):  Santa Fe, NM

Toni,

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Jerry’s death.  Please know that you and your daughters are in my thoughts.

Colette

Clayton Lider’s Birthday
Comment from Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT.

Hope Clayton Lider has a great Birthday party…He and I at one time were hunting buddy’s

Glen Williams.

Reposting of Ruby Adam Sivertson’s Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Folks,
Part of Ruby’s obituary got cut off, so I am reposting.
Ruby was a sister to Mrs Bob (Irene) Stickland, so she was an aunt to all three of the Stickland Boys. My Cousin, Alney Kofoid’s wife Lorna’s mother was also an Adam’s, sister to Ruby and Irene Stickland.
Gary

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Ruby Sivertson

Ruby Sivertson, age 89 of Bottineau, died Thursday at a Bottineau hospital. Her funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Ruby Sivertson, a daughter of Henry and Lydia (Brandt) Adams, was born on February 8, 1926 at Kramer, ND. She was reared there and later graduated from Kramer High School. Ruby then worked at the Vinje Department Store in Bottineau. On January 3, 1950, she married Lars Sivertson in the Turtle Mountains. They made their home on the Sivertson Family Farm near Bottineau. She worked for time at the San Haven State Hospital and the Dunseith Community Nursing Home. Lars passed away on September 12, 2010. Later that same year, Ruby moved into the St. Andrew’s Apartments in Bottineau and in 2013 she moved into the St. Andrew’s Hospital.

Ruby was a member of the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau. She enjoyed gardening, quilting and cooking. Most of all, she loved her family and her Lord and Savior.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa (Tom) Delikat of Box Elder, SD; sons, Mike (Donnet) Sivertson, of Bottineau; Mark (Rita) Sivertson of Williston and Paul of Casper, WY; grandchildren, Brooks Sivertson, Andrew Delikat, Jessica (Brandon) Asker, Rachael (Jacob) Ferris, Sarah (Ben) Bader, Brenden Sivertson, Ciera Sivertson, Jill Sivertson, Joe Sivertson and Scott (Rachael) Eaton; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Monson and Riley Monson; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl Nelson of Minot and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 6 sisters.

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

Joke of the day
Posted by Bob Hosmer (’56):  Lynnwood, WA

Hi Gary,

I don’t write often, but always keep up on hometown news on the blog that you so expertly put together every day.  I found this article very amusing and thought I would share it with you:

Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian flu. A bird pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts. However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car. MTA then hired an ornithological behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills. He very quickly concluded the cause: When crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah”, not a single one could shout “Truck.”

I needed that bit of humor.  Hope everyone enjoys it.

Bob Hosmer ‘56

====================================
Blog (265) posted on October 28, 2008

Folks, We had a lot of replies to the Grenier pictures. This was actually the wedding of Pennie Kester and Gary Grenier. I think Ted Grenier must have ordered copies of these pictures, so that is how his name came up when Neola found them. I have pasted all the Grenier comments from this statement down to the pictures.  Thanks for your many replies. The Grenier family was well known in the Dunseith community.  Gary

Reply from Pennie Kester Grenier (69): 

Gary,  The pictures of the Grenier wedding are old!  Haven’t seen my own for quite some time, so I was surprised to see them on your site.  The picture with 4 people from left to right: Cheryl Kester Gaugler,

myself,  Gary Grenier (with a bit more hair than he has now) and Gary’s
brother Roger Grenier.  The other pic shows Gary’s sister Karen pinning
a flower on their Grandfather Simeon Grenier.  The lady in the far right
hand corner of that picture is Irene Fassett, Susan, Crystal and Paula
Fassett’s mother. Hope this helps.  Take care and send us some of your warm weather-it was 14 degrees here this AM.  Take Care,  Pennie Kester
Grenier

Pennie, It’s currently 89 degrees here with scatterd clouds at 12:40 PM.  Gary

Reply from Joe Johnson (77): 

Gary,

I’m not sure about the title on the photos, but I can identify some of the people.  The reason I’m not sure about the title on the photos is because of the people in the photos and the clothes just don’t seem to fit the dates that my uncle Ted would have married my aunt Margit.  Moreover, if the people in the photos are who I think they are then the title doesn’t fit; however, it may be another Grenier wedding or such.

In the one photo the gentleman having the corsage pinned on his suit is my Grandfather, Simeon Grenier.  I do believe that is my cousin, Karen Grenier, Ted and Margit’s only daughter pinning the corsage.

In the second photo, the young man with the blond hair on the far right looks like my cousin Roger Grenier; the other young man with the dark hair looks like, Roger’s brother, Gary, both Ted & Margit’s sons.  The young lady to Gary’s right may be Penny Kester from Dunseith but I cannot be sure.  Gary is actually married to Penny, so I’m wondering if these photos may have been from that wedding.

Also, again I’m not sure but, these photos seem to be taken in the old Catholic church at Thorne, ND which is no longer there.  I don’t know if it was torn down or what.

Simeon, moved to Dunseith from the homestead farm, 6 miles east of Dunseith and 1 mile south (same road as the Turtle Mountain reservation line going north), in 1959.  Today, my cousin, Steve Grenier farms the original Grenier homestead and Gary Grenier farms Ted’s place just one more mile south of the original homestead.  Ted was Simeon’s oldest child.

Ted & Margit’s kids were older than I so I didn’t have the same close relationship with them that I enjoyed with Orville and Mickey (Haagenson) Grenier’s kids since Orville was the youngest of Simeon’s kids.  The Grenier kids all attended school in Rolette and not Dunseith.

Also, Orville and Mickey and kids are very good friends with the John and Murl Hill family.

I’m sure you may get a response from many others in the Dunseith area as many people knew and still know of my grandfather Simeon (born 1889 passed 1978).  Simeon was one of the best people you could ever meet or know and one of the most humble men I ever knew.  Believe me I could go on about Simeon for many hours as I’m sure many of his other grandkids could as well.

Clarence and Beverly (Morinville) Azure live in the home Simeon built in Dunseith in 1959 and it was really great to get to be back in that home in 2007 when I was in Dunseith for the reunion.  As, Lyle, said many, many kids hung out at the Morinville’s and my sister Linda is still good friends with Bev.  Bev, thanks for the memories.

Again to help you place Simeon, if you remember just a few emails back (message 259), Alan Campbell mentioned this about Simeon Grenier:

Reply from Phyllis & Alan Campbell: 

“To those who played basketball on Campbell’s driveway—-you might not know and might be interested in some background on that basketball backboard. It was made out of wood from the old RIverside Hotel and donated by Simeon Grenier who had purchased the hotel. We think he and Alfred Cote made it and helped install it on the Campbell garage around 1964. There were a lot of basketballs bounced off that backboard!! To honor the North Dakota Centennial in 1976, Jeff painted it red, white and blue and added a bunch of stars. It withstood a lot more activity for a number of years. He finally dismantled it when the wood deteriorated beyond salvage.

Pyhllis and Alan Campbell”

Also, I played basketball at the Campbell’s too, OK not that well but…. – and I never new that my grandfather had anything to do with that backboard on the Campbell garage.  I was so surprised by Alan and Phyllis’ response, definitely an emotional moment for me  What a wonderful town Dunseith was and is, a great place to have been raised.

OK, I’m sure that is more than you wanted to know already.  I’ll try and send in a couple of good George Malaterre stories as well in the near future.  Lyle Olson triggered some really great memories that I have about George.

Thanks, Joe Johnson  (1977)

Reply from Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (68):

Lola vanorny, ew
Wow!!_ Gary!!– this has turned into a unique and awesome  thing huh??  and
to think it all started when you emailed me as you had seen my name
somewhere on the internet-  and asked if I was part of the Metcalfe girls
and if I remembered you as we rode the school bus together and asked about
Margaret and Helen.  Look where it is today!–

I can recognize the wedding picture of Pennie Kester and Gary Grenier–
and the Maid of honor must be Cheryl Kester ( Pennie’s twin sister ) Isn’t
that a darling picture??     and I believe the groomsman looks like Roger
Grenier  .    also the lady in the back ground may be  Irene Fassett.

I had to add my memories of Morinville’s too. Usually it was Randi
Mongeon, Paulette Lacroix, Toni , Connie Mellmer ,  Brenda Hoffman  and I
– and probably more–
We had many slumber parties there and yes how tolerant  and generous  Joe
and Frances were!!- we’d be up making pizza in the middle of the night.
and one of the favorite things to do when they weren’t around was call
someone and ask if they had their TV on and how did it fit? — and all
those  goofy little jokes – We’d call Said Kadry and ask if he had Prince
Albert in  a can–  and to let him out !  We’d go the store and get
fizzies.  Go up to the drug store  and have a cherry coke float and walk
around town or explore the park —  ..  Such carefree days!!

Frances had to get us all ready for a Memorial Day Program one year  , I
remember,    as we had stayed overnight the night before the program.  and
another time I remember her up in the middle of the night Doctoring us for
sand fleas we must have picked up playing outside.!!

I used to love to stay at Mongeon’s too–  all those kids and everyone was
always happy–Armand and Leona  would visit with us after supper and the
rosary —  sometimes Armand would even sing with us or we would catch Leona
yodelling!-  when she thought no one was around!!- wonderful soft
memories!!      We sure had fun!!–  Thanks so much Gary for keeping this
going!!– Lola (Metcalfe) Vanorny

Reply from Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74): 

Gary,

The wedding photo is of Gary and Penny Kester Grenier. The attendants
are Cheryl Kester Gaugler and Roger Grenier.

Dick

Reply from Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

The wedding picture is Cheryl and Pennie Kester, and Gary Grenier but I don’t know the other fellow.

Reply from Allen Richard (65): 

The Ted Grenier pic I think is not accrue ate.  I think it is Simeon Grenier — Angela Malget and her mom Fern would know.

Reply from Paula Fassett Pfuhl (71): 

Gary:

I’m guessing you’ll get better replies than mine on the Ted Grenier wedding photos, but here goes anyway…….the first one I’m not sure who anyone is except my Mom, Irene Fassett, is the very happy lady on the right side of the photo!!! The wedding is Pennie (Kester) and Gary Grenier’s wedding.  Left to right is Cheryl Kester, Pennie, Gary, and Gary’s brother, who’s name I can’t recall!!!  (Pennie and Cheryl had cute little crocheted dresses that I think were hand-made……….)

Paula

Reply from Aggie Casavant (69):

HI GARY, tHIS IS AGGIE CASAVANT IN CHARLOTTE N.C. THE PICTURES OF YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE IS 2 OF MY BEST FRIENDS FROM DHS THE BRDE IS PENNY KESTER GROOM GARY GREINIER FROM ROLETTE, BRIDES MAID IS  PENNIES TWIN SISTER CHERYL KESTER. THE PICTURE OF THE OLDER MAN GETTING A FLOWER PINNED IS SIMEON GREINIER GARYS GRANDPA, THE GAL DONG THE PINNING I DO NOT KNOW

P.S THE GROOMSMAN IS GARY’S BROTHER RODGER,THEY WERE OUR NIEGHBORS GROWING UP AND WE ALL WENT TO THE SAME CHURCH, THEY ARE SONS OF TED7 MARGRET GREINIER
Gary and Pennie Kester Grenier’s wedding:

Picture: Simeon and Karen Grenier.  The lady to the right is Irene Fassett.

Gary and Pennie Kester Grenier’s wedding:
Cheryl Kester Gaugler, Pennie Kester Grenier, Gary Grenier and  Roger Grenier

Reply from Bernard Morin (76): 

Parts of this message got dropped off the first time, so I’m reposting it. Gary

Lyle O is the king. He never fails to provide laughter, whether in casual conservation or telling a story. I however have had the privilege to see Lyle when he wasn’t in his usual jovial mood, he still provided laughter but it wasn’t his intention.
Back in 1988 Lyle, Keith Berg, my wife Robin & I went to Riding Mountain for a weekend of golf on the infamous Wasagaming course. Lyle booked us a 6:30 am tee time on both Saturday & Sunday. We were forewarned as to being in the great white north we should be prepared for chilly weather, heeding that warning we dressed accordingly, long sleeved shirts, trousers and light jackets. By 7:45 am the mercury was rising pretty fast along with Keith’s and my temper, from the first hole on we both were losing balls at a pretty steady rate, whether in the rough or the dense timber. By the fourth hole we had our sleeves rolled up and were sweating like crazy as the temp was crowding 80 degrees, except for Lyle, he had put shorts on under his pants and had brought a light shirt along “just in case”. By the time we reached the 8th tee box Lyle was letting us know pretty frequently that he still had his original ball that he started with. After finishing the 9th hole Keith & I stopped at the clubhouse to replenish our supply, of golf balls, with some gentle ribbing from Lyle about how he was still playing with his original ball that couldn’t be lost. As we approached the 10th tee box we could see it was going to be a long wait as everyone was bottlenecked. While we waited for our turn to tee up Lyle was laying it on pretty heavy about only using one ball on the front nine, I kinda think he was trying to impress the ladies who were waiting behind us. When the group in front of us finally tee’d off, Lyle immediately walked over and tee’d up his ball all the while ribbing us about having to buy more balls as he walked back to sit on the bench. Keith then nonchalantly walked up to Lyle’s ball, lined up and hit it straight into the trees, then calmly looked at Lyle and said “find it”.
Well you would think Keith had just stole Lyle’s best girl or had kicked his dog the way Lyle carried on, we thought it was kinda funny as did the people behind us, there was even a couple that had fallen off their cart from laughter. Needless to say the next few holes were pretty stressful, what with trying to hit a little tiny ball between shrieks of laughter. Up to the 10th Keith & I were getting beat pretty bad. After the 17th it was pretty much a tie, I won’t tell you who won, I think I’ll let Lyle do that.
As for the Sunday game it was pretty uneventful except for the fact that Keith & I were dressed for another 85 degree day and the mercury didn’t make it past 50, and there was Lyle with his shorts and light shirt on, underneath his sweats, so I guess he got the last laugh, watching us shiver uncontrollably while trying to golf.

Bernard

Reply from Bernard Morin (76): 

Gary and friends,

Just a few lines to answer some of Lyles previous questions. As to charging me lawyer fees for your first case I thought you did. I also thought it was paid in full when C J Coleman, Garret Myer and I so graciously pushed you out of that big mudhole you were stuck in east of norwegian corners at 1:00 a.m. The details are a little fuzzy but I remember hearing something about you studying to be crop insurance adjuster. However if I still owe you something please let me know and we’ll work something out.
As for quitting the fine game of golf I played until 1996 at which time my bethrothed and I purchased “the money pit”. And yes, I did run over my clubs with a 3/4 ton pickup and yes, I was too cheap to buy new clubs, but after playing a few rounds with bent shafts I found it actually improved my game, I no longer had a slice. Now that I think about it I should have patented the clubs. My wife & I could be lounging on a tropical beach somewhere instead of slaving away in the great white north.
Like you Lyle I’m wondering why none of our classmates aren’t shareing some “Dunseith Memories” . Why I bet everyone would like to here about boo boo and the eyes in the butter dish, and how about grandpa fluff pulling a fellow hunter out of a snow bank, or maybe even roogaroo hunting?

Bernard

Message from Tim Martinson (69): 

Hi Gary,

I”m going to drop some names in the hope you can associate them with
a class.

Vince Kalk who worked for dad in the bakery when I was younger.

Kenny and Duane Handeland, I believe my brother Terry and Duane were
in the same class but do not remember how long Duane attended high
school or if he attended.  Kenny and Duane were in and out of the
Bakery.

Gerald Cree, I played football with Gerald, and believe his parents
were Francis and Rose Cree.  I thought he had a brother that was a year
younger, but I’m not certain of his first name.  I also thought that
one of the Cree boys died in Viet Nam.  The names Leonard and Ronnie
keep
coming up and I know that there were a lot of kids in that family.
Gerald passed a few years back and I remember his obituary in the
Minot paper.

I have looked over your master list and do not see any of these names
but know that there is a story about each so will leave it up to you
as to
whether they should be included.

Hope you are having nice weather, we have a little snow on the ground
with the temperature at around 5 above this morning.  Clear sky and cool
weather for the rest of the week.  Just imagine how your bones felt
in cold weather, oh to be sitting around in shorts, tank top, and 80
degree
temperatures without the heat  turned up on the furnace.    Take
Care,  Tim

Tim & All, We will add these folks to our class lists.  Please let me know a little info about each of these folks, so we can get them included in their respective classes.  I thought I had Vince Kalk in our lists, but I see that I don’t.  Duane Handland was with the class of 66.  I have not been able to get in touch with him.  Gary

Reply from David Slyter (70): 

Carmen Richard and Gary:

Carmen, Thank you for your forgiveness and Gary I will pass that forgiveness onto you.

Dave Slyter (70)

Message from Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): ndgal1953@  

Happy Birthday Betty Allard Heinz (’60): Rolette, ND

Clayton Lider Celebrates his 80^th Birthday
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

Arliss Lider asked if I would scan/send this picture to you, along with information about Clayton’s birthday party at the Sr. Center on Saturday, March 14, to include in your newsletter.  Clayton knows about the party. 

Thanks, Gary!

Neola

Clayton Lider’s 80th Birthday Party

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Come as early as 1:00 p.m., stay all afternoon

Bottineau Senior Citizen Center

Come and join the fun!

Condolences to Toni Morinville Gredesky (’68) and her family
From Dick Johnson (’68):

Gary and Friends,

        We were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Jerry Gredesky and would certainly like to send our condolences to Toni and her daughters.

Dick

Bismarck Trip with Mel Kuhn and the Hackman’s
Reply from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I think the time has come when my only option is to defend myself.  Yes,  we did make a trip to Bismarck and beyond in search of car parts.  Beyond that,  things are quite out of context.  First of all,  if Mel and Larry had color crayons,  they kept them hidden from me.  Secondly,  when the special is ‘two for one burgers–Tuesday’, wouldn’t that mean that two guys get to split one burger?  That’s how I interpreted it.  Have you ever taken 4 hungry hillbillies into a nice restaurant like Ground Round?  I offered to buy lunch as we were driving to Burger King and right NOW,  Mel hits the brakes and wheels into Ground Round.  He and the Hackman boys nearly knocked some old ladies down trying to get in to eat!  The next thing I saw was Mel on the phone calling both of his sons to tell them,  “Get to Ground Round,  Johnson is buying.”  I was rather glad the waiter was an oriental with little knowledge of the English language (true) or he would have been totally freaked out.  The reason the people were looking at us was because the were afraid of getting hit by food that was flying when these hillbillies were eating.  I think the management was so glad I finally got them all out the door that they gave me a special discount for my effort.  Anyway,  that’s my take on it.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Ruby Sivertson
(Born February 8, 1926 – Died March 5, 2015)

Ruby Sivertson, age 89 of Bottineau, died Thursday at a Bottineau hospital. Her funeral will be held on Thursday at 10:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Ruby Sivertson, a daughter of Henry and Lydia (Brandt) Adams, was born on February 8, 1926 at Kramer, ND. She was reared there and later graduated from Kramer High School. Ruby then worked at the Vinje Department Store in Bottineau. On January 3, 1950, she married Lars Sivertson in the Turtle Mountains. They made their home on the Sivertson Family Farm near Bottineau. She worked for time at the San Haven State Hospital and the Dunseith Community Nursing Home. Lars passed away on September 12, 2010. Later that same year, Ruby moved into the St. Andrew’s Apartments in Bottineau and in 2013 she moved into the St. Andrew’s Hospital.

John Sawchuk, M.D. FAAFP of Cando, North Dakota | 1932 – 2015 | Obituary

Send condolences  

John Sawchuk, M.D. FAAFP

Born: February 18, 1932
Died: March 06, 2015

http://www.dunnigandix.com/home/index.cfm/public:obituaries/view/fh_id/14917/id/2997556

Picture ID
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Hi    Gary,  The  Greiner  pictures  at  the bottom  of  the  page  is  Simeon  Greiner, and  I  beleive  that’s  his  grandaughter  Karen, daughter  of  Margret, and  Ted  Greiner, and  sister  of  Roger  and  Gary  Greinier.  The  bottom  picture  is  non-other 😉  than  Gary  Greinier  and  Pennie  Kester  on  their  wedding  day, with  Cheryl   Kester  as  maid  of  honor, and   Gary’s  brother  Roger  as  best  man…  Aggie

        Simeon Greiner with his granddaughter Karen Greiner

Gary  Greinier  and  Pennie  Kester  on  their  wedding  day, with  Cheryl   Kester  as maid  of  honor, and   Gary’s  brother  Roger  as  best  man

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Blog (264) posted on October 27, 2008

Folks, I am still waiting for several more replies on the Greiner photo’s before posting the comments that I have gotten along with the names of those in the photo’s.

Reply from Toni Morinville Gredesky (68): 

Lyle, how wonderful of you to share your thoughts and stories about my parents. It means so much

to me. It is true that I was away at college when you “kids” were in high school, but your
description of my parents is so accurate. They cared so much for people and my mom would always
try to help or defend those in trouble. Susan Malaterre remembering that my mom stood up for
Donald doesn’t surprise me.

My parents married in 1938–Mom grew up at Metigoshe and Dad just east of Bottineau. They worked
at the Bottineau Creamery and then started the cream station in Dunseith. The creamery burned down
in 1950 and Dad started the grocery store. They were married 12 long years before I was born and
then had 4 children within 4 years. My dad, always the jokster, said it took 12 years to figure
out how to get it started and 4 to figure out how to stop it. One of my very best friends,
Paulette LaCroix, said that her mother told her that my parents considered her and Henry so lucky
when Paulette was born. My mother was not aware yet that she was pregnant with me.

I, too, remember a wonderful neighborhood growing up. The Campbells, Mongeons, Grimmes, Kesters,
Mellmers, Dick Johnson,etc. all lived so close. Interestly, we often played in Bob and Lee
Hosmer’s yard. I’m sure the ball diamond is probably still etched in the soil. Their girls were
older but they never complained about us playing there. We even played “ante-I-over” over their
kitchen.

We spent a lot of creative time in that neighborhood. We Morinville kids were always putting on
shows or acts. One of my dearest friends, Randi Mongeon, probably remembers when we sang “The
Yellow Rose of Texas” for Bob and Lee and my parents on Hosmer’s patio. It’s probably not
surprising that I direct high school plays and musicals and that my daughter Megan is working on
her M.F.A. in theater. Of course, I have to give Don Johnson credit for nurturing my love of all
kinds of music in high school. He was another adult who had such a heart for young people. He
drove us all over to see various acts. Dick and anyone, do you remember going to see Fred Waring’s
group in Minot and Harry Belafonte’s back-up singers in Bottineau?

Lyle, it is so nice of you to bring my parents back to life. I thank you for your loving care of
my mom. I know that she loved you like her own. I am forwarding your comments to my daughters,
Allison and Megan. They never knew my parents, but are always so interested and ask a lot of
questions. This will be so nice for them.
Love,
Toni Morinville Gredesky

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette): 

I am sure it is just a slip of the tongue but David Slyter said that Floyd died about two years ago. Actually that is Ernest– Floyd is alive and well and today at age 79 he is running his John Deere combine, harvesting sunflowers. He says he will retire when he is old enough !!    You are forgiven David, it is easy to get brothers mixed up.

The picture of Ernest Richard family are: back row–Jim, Lester, LeRoy, Ernie, Larry- center Beatrice–front row–Michael, Diane, Debbie,Peggy,Bradley, Marlene.

Carmen, Actually the mistake was mine for not making the correction. Right after David sent that message, he realized his mistake and ask me to make the corrections before I sent it. He mentioned Floyd twice and I only corrected the first one in his message.  David, I am so sorry for that oversight. It’s nice to hear that Floyd is doing so well at his young age. It’s a funny thing, the older we get, “old” seems to be getting older and older.  Gary

Ernest Richard Family
Back: Jim, Lester, LeRoy, Ernie, Larry
Center: Beatrice
Front: Michael, Diane, Debbie, Peggy, Bradley, Marlene.

Guys, Please correct me if I have labeled this picture wrong.  Gary

Erling Berg Family:
Back: Delores & Erling
Front: Don, Diane, Keith & Curt

Ron Longie, That sure looks like you on the far right. Is this your family photo?

Willie, if this is your family, I’m not sure which one is you?

Which Berube & Kelly families would David and Sharon belong too?

                                    Dunesith High School Class of 1969

      Happy Birthday Dana Henriksen Johnson (’66): Meridian, ID

Toni Morinville Gredesky’s husband, Jerry Gredesky passed away.
Face Book posting from Toni Morinville (’68): Fairmount, ND

Lunch in Bismarck – Reply to Mel Kuhn
From Larry Hackman (’66):  Bismarck, ND

Hello Gary;

I hope you and your family are doing well?

I thought I would write and give my view of my brother Henry and I meeting up with a couple of fellows from the hills.  It was a tough decision deciding where to have lunch but it was all settled when Mel suggested we go to the Ground Round, as he would like to see his son, who works there and his other son, also came and had lunch with us.  It was a pleasure to meet his sons who were both good looking and polite young men.  We did have a good time and we will have to do it again someday.

Mel was right too about the patrons and staff of the Ground Round seeming to enjoy our time spent there, enjoying the great tasting burgers and each other’s company.  I thought most of the looks and smiles were because these two fellows from the hills came in with their Turtle Mountain swagger and were wearing their caps sideways.  Henry and I don’t wear hats and haven’t since we moved to Dunseith back in the 50’s, when the bigger town kids would steal them off our heads and play catch, keep-away with them and then once, one took my hat into the Crystal Café, took the seat off the post at the counter and put my hat on the post then put the seat down over top of it.  My hat was a ball of grease.  It was a long time before I ever wore a hat again and still seldom do unless I have to. Actually, if I remember correctly, it was Julian Kalk who told us that we shouldn’t wear our hats up-town as the bigger kids would take them from us and play games.  He must have felt sorry for us kids from hills who were actually taught to dress for winter.  Actually, he probably went through the same battle when his family moved to town and he didn’t want to see a replay.

By the way Mel that great waiter we had at the Ground Round gave me a call the other day and asked me to come back and pick up some items you and Dick left behind.  He said he could not bear to throw away those pictures you and Dick colored while we were there.  He said he never saw such color coordination and the way you two guys were able to color within the lines was uncanny.  I guess he is an art student up at BSC and knows what he is talking about.  After seeing them again I was impressed too, so I brought them home and showed them to my wife.  She hung them on the front of the fridge with the Grand-children’s colored pictures.  So, when you fellows decide to come down again, I’ll give them to you at our next meeting.  By the way, the waiter thought you fellows might also want the crayons, so he put them in a baggie and gave them to me also.  That art student was really impressed with your talent for coloring and he couldn’t talk enough the future you both could have in the art world.  Something for you both to consider?

Yes, Henry and I both agree that it was a fun lunch and we all will have to do it again sometime. By the way Mel, Have you seen an “O’clock” laying around up there in the Hills?  I lost one last night.               Damn time change.

Keep on laughing,
Larry

Jose Balintino Family photo Info
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Hi Gary,

At the time Marlene Plante Henderson (now deceased) and Mel Kuhn provided information for this family (October 25, 2008), I didn’t get the information added to the picture. I just added it now–thanks for resending the October 25, 2008.  I don’t know if your readers are interested in seeing the picture with the information added, but here it is.

Neola

====================================
Blog (263) posted on October 26, 2008

Reply from Myra Henning Halvorson (72): 

Gary,

You can’t believe how much Les and I enjoy reading your emails everyday.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this.  We do appreciate
it!  We watch closely the numbers on each email, and have not received
#255, 256, 258 and 261.  We hate to miss anything!!  Please re-send these
to me and thanks again for the great job you’re doing.  Myra (Henning)
Halvorson

Folks, Please let me know if you don’t receive some of these messages.  With these messages coming form overseas combined with the volume that I send, some of your email providers may trigger some of these as spam.  More often than not, I don’t always get a return message telling me when messages don’t get delivered.  Gary

Reply to Gary from David Slyter (70): f

Folks, I want to share this reply I got from David. I was asking him about his job and this is his reply.  I know many of you are familiar with NDSU.

David, I see you go by Dave these days, but I remember you as David, Bob as Bobbie and Richard as Richard.  Gary

Hi Gary:

Thanks for getting that corrected for me.  I really appreciate it.

I work for North Dakota State University.(NDSU)   I have been there now for 6 years and really enjoy it.  I am a custodial supervisor. I have 14 employees under me and 7 building to look after as far as custodial care is concerned.  It is challenging at times but I really enjoy it.

You just got up and I am just about ready to head for bed.  ha   Just a world a part huh?  ha

You take care and have a great day ahead of you.

I really enjoy all the letters that you post daily on the Dunseith Alumni site.  It is much appreciated by everyone.

Take care and God Bless

Dave

Reply from Lyle Olson (75): 

Bernard inadvertantly left out what happened on the 9th hole of that little trip to Canada.  I was quite happy that I had played the first 8 holes without losing a ball, and I was ahead in the game as a result.  Well, the 9th hole at Wasagaming is a downhill dogleg to the right.  There is such a deep drop from the tee box that the Canadians had set a mirror in a tree so that you could see if the group ahead of you had cleared the area.  Before walking off the tee box to go look at that mirror, I had placed my lucky ball up on a tee.  Keith Berg, who really is an excellent golfer but who had not a hit a straight shot all that day, stepped up to my ball and hit a perfect 250 yard drive — straight into the trees that line the road coming into the golf course.  Needless to say I was quite put out about his little trick.  Indeed, I double bogeyed the 9th hole and proceeded to pout all the way deep into the back 9 as well.  Everyone thought that Keith’s “drive” was quite funny — everyone but me.

I remember that trip like it was yesterday.  Bernard’s wife, Robin, had just given birth to Rachel, their first daughter.  It was no doubt Rachel’s first trip to Canada.  In any event, Bernard was the smart one because soon after that trip he gave up golf.  If one were to listen to Bernard, he gave up golf to spend more time with family; however, I think he gave up golf after he backed his 3/4 ton Ford pickup over his golf clubs and he was too cheap to buy a new set!!!!!

From Lyle Olson (75): 

Gary and all:

When I first sent in the story about playing basketball at Campbell’s and enjoying the never ending summers in Dunseith, I did so in the hopes that other ‘70’s alumni might share a few stories.  Well, a few people responded but not as many as I had hoped.  Perhaps a few stories about spending time at Morinville’s might spur some stories.

Joe and Frances Morinville were like second parents to me.  In fact, Deb, Dewey and Bev are my siblings, just as much as Don and Rob are.  Toni was out of the home at college when I started hanging out at Morinville’s so I really do not know her all that well.  In any event, the Morinville house was always open to the kids.  We spent hours playing kickball by the old City Hall before it burned down.  If you could kick a ball in Henning’s back yard behind the Gambles, that was equivalent to a home run to be sure.  I remember countless hours playing kickball and just hanging out on the back and front porches talking, teasing and planning trouble.  Campbells, Melmers, Malaterres, Hagels, Hennings, Neameyers, Strucks, Parisiens, Colemans, Johnsons, Roberts, LaVallies, Azures, Faines, Berubes, Tookes, Krauses, Morins, Metcalfes and many, many others all seemed to hang out at Morinville’s at one time or another.  If you were looking for someone, you did not go to their house, you went to Morinville’s to find the person!

Frances Morinville took all the commotion in stride; so, too, did Joe.  I think they tolerated all of us kids over there as it was the price to be paid so that their children were not out running wild with the miscreants they hanged out with.  Frances loved to play cards and there were many a night spending time at Morinville’s playing whist.  I used to make Frances quite mad at me because I would never suit my cards when playing whist.  When each hand was played I would go through my cards looking for the right card to play, which meant the game took longer and invariably I would miss the right card to play and we would get set!!  God, she would get mad when I did that!

Joe, as noted before, used to take all of us kids swimming at School Section Lake.  We all hanged out Morinville’s after getting back.  The commotion around the house usually stopped when the 10:00 pm whistle would blow, but when the kids did not leave, he would make sure that siren was not the last sign to go home to be heard at the house.  He, like Frances, had a heart of gold.  I know for a fact that he charged many thousands of dollars of groceries to people having hard times, including my family.  I also know that many people owed a lot of money to Joe at the time of his death.  You would never have heard him complain about that, however, as that was not his nature.

One of my fondest memories of  Frances is the talk I had with her when I was excluded from a teen dance.  The Neameyer twins used to have dances in their garage.  The kids in the classes of 1971, 1972, 1973 and even 1974 were invited to these dances.  These were the kids I used to hang out with, but I was not invited because I was too young (too young or too immature – most likely the latter as I look back on it now).  In any event, all the kids were having a grand old time at the dance and I was watching TV with Frances.  She looked at me and said, “What is wrong with you?” I told her I was quite upset about being excluded from the dance.  She said, “Well, do you know how to dance?”  I really did not want to answer as I did not know how to dance and the last thing I wanted was for Frances to teach me.  However, teaching me to dance was the last thing on her mind.  Instead, she told me a story about not growing up too fast and to try and create my own space so that my happiness did not depend on others.  Well, this was profound stuff for a young kid.  Needless to say, the advice served me well over the years.

One of the saddest moments of my life was also spent alone with Frances.  As most know, she developed cancer and eventually succumbed to that terrible illness.  I always admired the way she fought and also the way Bev and her family cared for Frances.  Well, I was alone with Frances one night when Bev went to Dale’s to get some milk or something.  Frances asked if I would reposition her on the couch.  She had never asked me to do that before and I was quite reluctant to do so.  Nonetheless, I could never refuse her anything, so I picked her up and moved her to where she wanted to be.  She was so light and frail at the time that I just knew she did not have long to live.  When Bev returned, I literally ran out of the house and to my own house where I cried for an hour.  I would cry over Frances again very shortly thereafter as I was three days late home from the service and missed her funeral – one of the greatest regrets of my life as I was not there for Frances and Bev.

Bev and I became very close after the birth of her daughter, Shonda.  In order to give Bev some respite from caring for a young daughter, we used to go to movies and out to the clubs.  I will never forget the time Bev and I went to Rugby to see Steve Martin in the movie “The Jerk”. Steve Martin’s first line in that movie is “I was born a poor black child.”  Bev started laughing so hard that we both had tears coming down our face.  She laughed so much during that movie that the other patrons wanted us thrown out!!!  After the movie, we went to Kirsten’s in Bottineau and she had to tell everyone about this movie, all the while laughing so hard that no one knew what the hell she was saying!!

Bev later married Clarence Azure and they were stationed at the big Army base in Colorado Springs.  I used to work in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO  during the summers and would travel down to visit her and her ever growing brood.  Bev would often return home to Dunseith when Clarence was sent on a deployment.  On one such trip home, she asked if I would fly with her to Colorado and help her with her children.  Well, we made the trip from Minot to Denver just fine.  However, the trip from Denver to Colorado Springs was the scariest flight I have ever been on – this from a person who spent 2700 hours in a C-9A Nightengale when in the USAF and who has earned 150,000 frequent flyer miles in the last 1.5 years.  The airport in Denver was much closer to the front range than the current airport and the planes were exposed to terrible downdrafts as the hot air came over the front range of the Rockies and dived into cold air.  We took off from Denver and at about 5 minutes into the flight, the plane took a down draft and lost a significant amount of altitude and then banked hard to left, almost turning over (or so it seemed).  I looked right at Bev and told her we were going to die!!!  She responded by looking at me and whispering “don’t say that so loud, the kids will hear”!!  I said “who cares about the kids, we going to die” – a little self-centered on my part but I REALLY thought we were going to die.   Well, we eventually landed and my nerve returned.  Although she never said anything, I think Bev thought that she had one too many kids on that flight – me!

I am certain other ‘70’s alumni have fond memories of hanging out at Morinville’s .  Let’s hear some of those……

Lyle

Reply From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): 

Lana and Lori are Dennis and Mary Ann (Gottbreht) Brennan’s daughters.

The family is Ernest and Beatrice (Slyter) Richard…upper right corner is Larry and Leroy is next to Ernest.   Can’t remember the rest of the names, but am sure someone will fill in the blanks.

Thank you Gary.

Reply from Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Dennis and Mary Ann Brennan are the parents of Lana & Laurie Brennan.

Reply from Allen Richard (65): 

The large family in the last photo is the Ernest Richard family.  Probably around 1967–1970.  Marlene Parslow will know the details.

Allen

Reply from Mark Schimetz (70): 

The two Brennan Girls, on left is Lana Brennan, and younger Laurie Brennan daughters of Dennis and Maryann Brennan of Dunseith.

The Large family Picture is the Ernest Richard Family from Bottineau ND. They moved to River Falls Wisconsin in the late 60s

Reply from Carmen Leonard Richard (Rolette): 

That family is the Ernest Richard (Beatrice Slyter) family

Reply from David Slyter (70): 

Gary:

The family in the picture that Neola sent is of the Ernest and Beatrice Richard family.   My wife Pat and I just came back from a
visit with Beatrice and her daughter Marlene Parslow.  Beatrice is doing great and next month she will be a young 86 years old.  She still gets out once in a while and even travels to Arizona in January, where Marlene and her husband live.  It was a great lunch and visit that we had with them.   Floyd passed away about two years ago.

Please don’t ask me to identify the kids, as I wouldn’t know them all.  I do recognize LeRoy and Marlene though.   Nice glasses Marlene.  Ha 
Dave Slyter (70)

Replies from Marlene Richard Parslow (65): 

Hi Gary,

The last picture in this selection is MY family!!!!  My parents and all of their children!!  It was taken when I was a junior or senior in High School.  WOW!!  How did you get this?
Marlene(Richard)Parslow
Hi Gary!

Correction!!!!   I was actually 21 years old in the picture of our family.  I had just become engaged prior to this photo being taken.  The eye glasses back then were really something!!!!  Weren’t they??

I am amazed at how people get ahold of these photos!!  Cool!
Peace and continued happiness,
Marlene(Richard) Parslow

Marlene,  This is a great photo. If you can identify everyone for us, I will repost this picture with names. I know your family moved to Bottineau when you were going into 2nd grade, but with all the Dunseith alumni relatives that you have and with the number of Bottineau folks on our distribution list, many of our readers will remember your family.  I posted a more recent picture of you an Evie Gottbreht blow your family photo. Gary

PS – I’m not sure how Neola figured this to be a Dunseith related picture for me to post.  It must have just been pure instinct. I don’t think she had any idea this was your family.

All pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Ernest & Beatrice (Slyter) Richard Family
Note: I will repost with names whenidentified. 

Marlene Richard & Evie Gottbreht – July 12, 2007

Daughters of Dennis (deceased 55) & MaryAnn Gottbreht (58)
Lana (1980) & Laurie (1982) Brennan

      Can anyone identify these folks in the Ted Greiner wedding?

        Can anyone identify these folks in the Ted Greiner wedding?

                              Can anyone identify this family?

                                    Dunseith High School Class of 1968

Cold in Louisiana
Posting from Dale Pritchard (’63):  Leesville, LA

Gary,

Temperature here in Louisiana dropped from 78 yesterday afternoon to 28 this morning with sleet on the roads.

Dale Pritchard

Making the boarder before midnight
Story from Dewey Morinville (’72): Dunseith, ND

Lyle Olson story about making the border by midnight. One night a few of us went to Canada. Albert Johnson had a cuda (beautiful car) and Russ Robert had his brother (Duane) car. Duane was in the army at the time n Russ was using Duane’s car 64chev gold in color. Anyway we had to make the border and we took off. Linda Johnson was dating Roberts’s uncle Robin at the time. Well Albert had a flat tire on the cuda so Linda n Robin in Robins car went ahead to let the us customs know that one car had a flat tire n would be here shortly. We got the spare on had hit the road. But Aj had a few to many to drive. We in the car wouldn’t let Aj drive so George Malaterre took the wheel n off to the border we were Aj was with a girl Russ n I were in the back. On the way Aj n Russ were talking about racing the cuda against the chev. I told them we all had too much to drink to be racing. George only had a ND drivers permit at the time which is invalid in Canada. Not really paying attention to the speed George was doing I was trying to talk Russ n Aj out of racing. I dispatched at the police dept. at the time so I was worried about all this getting back to chief Whiteshield n dad. We’re getting very close to the border we could see the light of the custom office an all of sudden red lights on us. George pulled over an asked George what’s your hurry. George told the RCMP we had to get over the border by midnight. The RCMP told George that he was going 145mph and he couldn’t gain of us. He took George back to his car. We thought George was going to jail. While this was going on I was still trying to talk these two drunken guts out of racing. All of a sudden George gets in the car n off we went to the US custom. George just got a warning from the RCMP. We got thru customs barely but we did make it. Russ had parked the Chevy in front of our house. They dropped me off an I told them no racing. Russ got in the car n took off. I walked to the pd. Tum tum morning was on duty. About half hour later the phone rang n tum tum said he will be right there. Aj mom called the pd to report Russell had rolled Duane’s car. I asked tum tum what was that about. He said Russ rolled his car. I went with tum tum to Johnson’s n Russell was there with just minor injuries.  When Duane found out about his car I think Duane made Russ buy the wreck from him. We were all lucky that night that could have been the cuda with all of us in it. Someone was looking out for us that night. I haven’t thought about that for years until I read Lyle’s story.

====================================
Blog (262) posted on October 25, 2008

Folks, I know some of you will be getting this one twice, but several folks in your goup of did not get this, so I am resending it.  Gary

Reply from Bernard Morin (76): bemor7@aol.com

Lyle O is the king. He never fails to provide laughter, whether in casual conservation or telling a story. I however have had the privilege to see Lyle when he wasn’t in his usual jovial mood, he still provided laughter but it wasn’t his intention.
Back in 1988 Lyle, Keith Berg, my wife Robin & I went to Riding Mountain for a weekend of golf on the infamous Wasagaming course. Lyle booked us a 6:30 am tee time on both Saturday & Sunday. We were forewarned as to being in the great white north we should be prepared for chilly weather, heeding that warning we dressed accordingly, long sleeved shirts, trousers and light jackets. By 7:45 am the mercury was rising pretty fast along with Keith’s and my temper, from the first hole on we both were losing balls at a pretty steady rate, whether in the rough or the dense timber. By the fourth hole we had our sleeves rolled up and were sweating like crazy as the temp was crowding 80 degrees, except for Lyle, he had put shorts on under his pants and had brought a light shirt along “just in case”. By the time we reached the 8th tee box Lyle was letting us know pretty frequently that he still had his origin     Well you would think Keith had just stole Lyle’s best girl or had kicked his dog the way Lyle carried on, we thought it was kinda funny as did the people behind us, there was even a couple that had fallen off their cart from laughter. Needless to say the next few holes were pretty stressful, what with trying to hit a little tiny ball between shrieks of laughter. Up to the 10th Keith & I were getting beat pretty bad. After the 17th it was pretty much a tie, I won’t tell you who won, I think I’ll let Lyle do that.
As for the Sunday game it was pretty uneventful except for the fact that Keith & I were dressed for another 85 degree day and the mercury didn’t make it past 50, and there was Lyle with his shorts and light shirt on, underneath his sweats, so I guess he got the last laugh, watching us shiver uncontrollably while trying to golf.

Bernard

Reply from Marlene Henderson (Rolla):

Balinto family arrived here from Philippines.  She was a nurse in Belcourt and he started a sewing factory in Rolla.  They had 3 children that I know about:  Lito, John and I think the daughter was Joanna.  The others must have been her parents and sister.  John is the one in blue shirt.  He graduated with our Bill in 88 and is a doctor.  I believe Mrs. Balintono died a few years ago.

They moved to Alaska when they left Rolla.

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

I vaguely remember Jose Balintino, I think he may have had something to do with the Jewel Plant in Rolla. I know I rented 1/2 of a duplex in Rolla from him back in the early 70’s.

Mel Kuhn

The following pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

We all remember, well, following the daily updates ofAnn Pritchard with her Lung transplant

several months ago. We were so sorry to hear of her death from the complications of the Lung

transplant. She was a hard fighter, but she just never really recovered following the transplant. Gary

                 Ann (Mrs. Floyd) Pritchard – 2/20/41 – 8/21/2008

                     Which Brennan family are Lana & Lauarie?

                 Does any one recognize this couple?

                           Does anyone recognize this family?

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1967

Hackman’s, Dick Johnson and Mel Kuhn meet for lunch in Bismarck.
Story from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

This last Tuesday Dick Johnson and I went on a road trip looking for some ’57 Chevy two door wagon parts. Our trip took us down to Lincoln and then in to Bismarck where we took a lunch break. What trip to Bismarck would be complete without meeting Larry and Henry Hackman for lunch. We went to the Ground Round for lunch so we could see one of my sons [Toby] who was working there. We also met up with my other son Ricky. Today [Wed.] they left with the Guard to Germany for a three week training exercise. So I got to see them off. Anyway-back to having lunch with the Hackmans. First we have to argue who’s buying. After 15 minutes or so of arguing it was settled that Dick was going to buy. Not for any good reason or so, it was that the rest of us just kind of ganged up on him. Then he wanted to set a limit to what we could spend and it took a while to get that settled. Our waiter was a very patient young man to say the least. Ricky finally explained to him that we all were just a bunch of goofy old farts from up in the bush and he seemed to kind of understand. Well we kind of were picking out some of the cheaper things on the menu to make Johnson happy when my other son that works there came over and told us that it was Tuesday Two for one burgers. That put a big smile on Dicks face and also on Larry’s. He thought that that meant he could get two for our one. Well there we were, having to get out some Crayons and draw pictures for him to explain what it meant. Some of you may remember that I had to draw pictures for him last summer when he stopped by to see me. He had gotten lost and couldn’t find his way back to Dunseith. Anyway we got the burger thing straightened out for him. Henry just kind of sat there shaking his head. I could tell he was kind of embarrassed. I know how he feels, I have to put up with Dick. Back to paying for the burgers. That Dick, not only got by with two for one burgers my sons got him their military discount. I think when it was all said and done they gave him $10.00 for us to leave. All and all we had a really good visit. My sons and the waiter [and a few people at the next tables] had some good laughs listening to the bull coming out of their mouths. I myself don’t pass along any bull. The young fellows heard a lot of historical tales of the Turtle Mountains and what it was like to grow up in our time of the last century. I know I had a good time and hope that the others did also. There probably are some people from Bismarck that had been sitting close by who are now wondering just who in the hell that troupe of clowns were. I had left home at 6:30 AM and we still had a lot more country to cover. From Bismarck we headed to Mandan for some stuff, and then back to Lincoln for more and then over to Beulah for more. All the time having to wait for people to meet us. I finally got home at 12:15 Midnight. We ended up with a pickup load of goodies for Dick. Tomorrow the ’57 Chevy two door wagon will be heading to Omaha with Travis Metcalfe. Well this wasn’t much of a story but it’s the best I have right now. Later.

Mel

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posting of the day
From Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT.

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like

an unopened gift….Thrown away…. Life is not a race.

Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

====================================
Blog (261) posted on October 24, 2008

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Neola and Friends,

The old picture that has ‘Lyle Bursinger’ on the back is of Mrs. Ole
Bursinger’s parents. I asked John Bursinger and showed him the picture
and he said it is Julius and Clara Overby, Glenice’s parents. In order
to keep from being confusing, Ole’s real name is Lyle and ‘Ole’ is just
a nickname. Thanks Neola and Gary.

Dick

Dick’s reply to Gary

Gary,

Ole’s son, John, lives about a mile south of Ole’s place, which is about
4 miles north and east of my place. Ole’s daughter, Sue, lives in a
newer house with her family in the same yard that Ole lived in. I trade
old cars and parts with John quite often. That is what I was up there
for today, so just printed the photo and took it along. John said his
grandfather used to drink whiskey by the gallon and never even
staggered!He also told me they lived along Highway 43 a couple miles
east, near the Haas’s. I think they died many years ago.

Dick

Name: Clara Overby
Birth Date: 05 January 1888 (Historical Events)
Death Date: June 1966 (Historical Events)
Issuing State: Washington
Residence at Death: Saint John,Rolette,North Dakota 58369
SSN: 538-20-9071

                        Mrs. Ole Bursinger’s parent
                            Julius & Clara Overby

The following pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

We need help Identifying some of these folks. Please help if you can.  Thanks, Gary

                                 Who are these Girls?

                                      Who is this couple?

                            Who is this young Lady?

                         Who is this nice looking Cheerleader?

                     Does anyone know Jerilyn De Coteau?

                           Does any one know this family?

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1966

Happy Birthday Brenda Hoffman (’68): Greenville, SC

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

Good day gary. Hope bernadette is doing ok. I am not sure who this is but it looks like Junior Cote (Leonard) I am not sure if he was in the army but to me it looks a lot like junior to me.

Excerpt from the Cebu Expat Bowling News Letter

My average for three games was only 159. As you can tell, we are not a group of champion bowlers. It  is the Camaraderie that counts. I bowled much better than my average too. Today my 3 game average was 133. My overall average is 141. We normally have about 30 to 35 bowlers.

Bowling News
Twenty four bowlers were present for the Leisure Bowling last Wednesday as a few familiar faces were out of town. Gary Stokes’ total of 477 was enough to give him the High Series.

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

A young Naval Officer was in a terrible car accident, but due to the heroics of the hospital staff the only permanent injury was the loss of one ear.  Since he wasn’t physically impaired he remained in the Navy and eventually became an Admiral.  During his career he was always sensitive about his appearance.

One day the Admiral was interviewing two Navy Master Chiefs and a Marine Sergeant Major for his personal staff.

The first Master Chief was a Surface Navy type and it was a great interview.  At the end of the interview the Admiral asked him, “Do you notice anything different about me?”

The Master Chief answered, ”  I couldn’t help but notice you are missing your starboard ear, so I don’t know whether this impacts your hearing on that side.”

The Admiral got very angry at this lack of tact and threw him out of his office.

The next candidate, an Aviation Master Chief, when asked this same question, answered, “Well yes, you seem to be short one ear.”

The Admiral threw him out also. 

The third interview was with the Marine Sergeant Major.  He was articulate, extremely sharp, and seemed to know more than the two Master Chiefs put together.  The Admiral went ahead with the same question.

“Do you notice anything different about me?”

To his surprise the Sergeant Major said, “Yes sir you wear contact lenses. 

The Admiral , impressed  thought to himself, what an incredibly tactful Marine. “And how do you know that?” the Admiral asked. 

The Sergeant Major replied, “Well sir, it’s pretty hard to wear glasses with only one ear.”

====================================
Blog (260) posted on October 23, 2008

Message from Patti Metcalfe Woods (67): 

Gary,

Thank you very much for the Birthday wishes!

I received Birthday greetings from several Dunseith Alumni; what a pleasant surprise.

I am still wondering how they all knew it was my birthday.

I enjoyed each and every email.

I have been enjoying your messages all these months and appreciate all the work you put into this.  It is unbelievable actually.

I relate to nearly every message as I have lived here my entire life (which is indeed a long time now)…..

It is like reliving parts of my life.  My dad worked a few summers for “ASCS” measuring fields.  We kids “got to” help by setting and pulling stakes.

Mom would pack us picnic lunches and we thought we were having a party. What a fun time we had, visiting all the local farmers and walking for miles in the Turtle Mountains.

Your class rosters are great…  So glad you were able to locate our classmates even Duwayne Goodon .

I know I could not have accomplished finding even one class.

Mary “Anderson” Millang got our class of “67” fired up for the reunion of 2007.

A group of six classmates met at “Dales” a few nights and the class reunion was a success.

Jim Berube bought Class of 1967 T SHIRTS which were distributed to classmates.  He also drove his Dads 1967 in the parade.

It was fun to visit with everyone again after forty years.

Classmates from earlier years Lawrence Hetle, Gary and Larry St. Claire joined the class at the Golf Course Clubhouse.

We truly missed all the classmates who were not able to attend..  None of this would have come together without you, Gary.

I am not a story teller but thoroughly enjoy receiving all the Dunseith news, Old and New.

Thanks again for the Birthday greetings.

Best Regards,

Patti

Reply from Bernard Morin (76): 

Gary and friends,

As some of you may know I am a member of the Dunseith Fire Dept. A couple of months ago we were called out to a grass fire south and west of the Terry Halvorson residence. After the fire was extinguished one of my fellow firefighters knowing that I collect old cans and bottles mentioned that he had seen some old cans protruding from the ground & pointed me in the general direction. Upon finding them I was disappointed in seeing that the exposed portion of the cans were charred. After digging the first one out the letters “SCHL & 12 fluid ounces” was clearly visible. The cans were fairly old as they were made of tin & were opened with a can opener (ie Church Key?) Looking down at the cans they seemed to be at odd angles to each other. Stepping back a few paces it looked like something was written. After backing up a little more the message became clear. It read   M  K  WAS HERE . Well considering as how Dick is kind of a history buff I was h
In reply to Bev I think she is referring to the time period of when I had my first car. It was an old 66 Caprice that had electrical problems. As a consequence the headlights could go out at anytime so it was more than once that I would have to stop & park in a convenient driveway. But to answer your question Bev, no I haven’t parked in anyone’s driveway since I bought a new and reliable Impala S.S. (Well technically its my wife’s car, in her driveway, and she won’t let me drive it.)

Bernard

Reply from Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): 

First of all, We would like to thank everyone who mentioned the ” rare” occurrences that our brother  was involved in.  Now. we know that George would never be in a scandal of surc prop. But I must let Ya All know that one of his strongest supports was Francis Morinville.  She got so tired of hearing George blamed that she threatened the “powers that be.”  She said that she would give him names of who accused him. No more mention  of who could have done this!  Thank you Francis.  I just hope that your defense was justified,  Hey, who ever knew George for sure? Susan

Betty Schneider Lamb’s (54) reply to Gary for the pictures posted below:

Gary:  Thank you for posting the pictures of my family, the Schneiders.  These pictures were taken on my parent’s Golden Wedding Anniversary in the Methodist Church in Dunseith in June 1978.  My parent’s attendants were the attendants when they were married.  Hank Schneider was the best man and mother’s sister, Emma Ahlers, were her bridesmaid.  You do have the names correct on our family group picture.  It’s hard to believe that Bill and I have celebrated our Golden Anniversary already.  We enjoy the daily up-dates.  Betty and Bill Lamb

Betty, Your folks would be celebrating 80 years of marriage this year.  These are beautiful pictures.  Gary

Schneider pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

            Pete & Sofie Schneider’s Golden Anniversary – June 1978:

            L to R: Hank, Pete, Sofie Schneider and Emma Ahlers

                      Pete/Sofie Scheider’s family with children
 

      Pete/Sofie Scheider’s family with children  & Grandchildren

                                Larry Schneider’s (59) Family

Folks, The class of 65 is my class.  We had nearly 9 months to tweak this class before our reunion in 2007.  I’ll have to admit it got well tweaked. Our class was well reunited long before our reunion in July 2007.  For not being a really close class, we sure all came together 42 years later. I think nearing our senior years combined with the power of email was a contributing factor for our success.  Since 1965, I had only seen several of my class mates until our reunion in 2007. That was a fantastic reunion that I will forever remember.  Gary

                                 Dunseith High School Class of 1965

      Happy Birthday Jean Eurich Roland (DHS ’80): Minot, ND

Happy Birthday Vonda Melgaard Antonson (DHS ’76):Maddock, ND

Condolences to the Madeline Peltier Family
From Jay (’66) and Lola Metcalfe (’68) Vanorny:  Dunseith, ND 

Our sincere condolences to the family of Madeline Peltier- !!–  what an awesome woman she was- !!! – she cared for the residents at San Haven with tender loving care !!!_   besides taking care of her family of small children at home-  !!_  and always maintained a demeanor of serenity amongst it all !!-

I first met her when i  went to work at San Haven in JUne  before i was 16 – I wouldn’t be 16 until August but MRS Rowe, DIrector of Nursing -a very sweet older lady —  to me!!_  -said “well we just won’t mention it until your birthday in August!”  LOL!!_  Mrs ROw told me – (between her puff on a cigarette and then she would put it out !_ LOL!!_ ”   and then relight it right away !!_AND PUT IT OUT AGAIN !!    LOL!!_)  — she said “Honey Bug”  !!_ ” You are doing GOd’s work taking care of our residents –  and just treat them so ”  !!- HOw true-  and that always came back to my mind for the next 20 years that i worked at San haven !-

So i was very young – but Madeline was one of the first I met when i was there-  !!!!- and she was just a very calm and loving lady  !!!_   and never got Upset or tired of teaching us how to care for the residents-  !!!  or ever “that i knew of”     had a bad word to say about anyone- !!_  what a dear sweet lady – I think i danced at her and Ed’s anniversary with their son- and could he ever dance!!_  He said his dad taught his kids all how to dance- !!-

Jay and I didn’t find out about her passing until Friday and by that time her funeral was over with- !!_  But  we sure have her family in our thoughts and prayers-  !!! they were very fortunate to have a mother that was a “GIFT FROM GOD” —  sincerely – LOla and Jay

1965 Basketball tournaments
Posting from Les Halvorson (Teacher):  Bottineau, ND

H Gary.

hope you’re are doing well. It’s tournament time again in ND.  Hard to believe it’s been 50 years since this was one was held….

Les H.

Thanks Les for sharing this.
I have attached the file to this message. I passed below Dunseith’s stats from that file.

Gary

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Blog (259) posted on October 22, 2008

Reply from Phyllis & Alan Campbell:

To those who played basketball on Campbell’s driveway—-you might not know and might be interested in some background on that basketball backboard. It was made out of wood from the old RIverside Hotel and donated by Simeon Grenier who had purchased the hotel. We think he and Alfred Cote made it and helped install it on the Campbell garage around 1964. There were a lot of basketballs bounced off that backboard!! To honor the North Dakota Centennial in 1976, Jeff painted it red, white and blue and added a bunch of stars. It withstood a lot more activity for a number of years. He finally dismantled it when the wood deteriorated beyond salvage.

Some background on the Riverside Hotel (originally the Giles Gilbert house) can be found in the Dunseith Centennial book on page 27 under the Demo family history. Demo’s daughter, Jane, was the mother of Lorna Abbey (Darrell’s wife). A picture can be found on page 374–also, there’s a little information in Laura Law’s history of Rolette County book.

Thank you Lyle Olson and Dick Johnson for your kind words and fun memories of our driveway gathering place. We really enjoyed having all of you here!

Phyllis and Alan

Address Change from Brenda Hoffman (68): 

Hi Gary,

Getting close to my class of 1968. My husband and I recently (July) retired to South Carolina. My new address is: 1209 East Washington Street; Unit 406; Greenville, SC 29601. Loving the weather here – but then you’ve lived in warm climates for years! Tossed my snowboots!

Brenda Hoffman – 1968

Brenda, I lived nearly 37 years in Bremerton, WA.   It’s not exactly warm there in the winter months with the rain and 35 to 45 degree temps.  It was milder than the Midwest temps though.  We have lived here in the Philippines nearly 5 years now.  I love never ever having to put a coat or sweater on. 365 days a year the day time highs are around 90f with the lows in the lower 80’s. With this being a tropical country, the humidity is kind of high, normally around 70%. I appreciate the warmer temps in the evenings.  It gets dark around 6:00 PM.

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

I was glad to hear that Bernard Morin was also unaware of these party spots. I was feeling that I was the only one from good old DHS that stayed clean throughout my High School career. I recieced an email from Paula Fassett where she remembered always seeing me working really hard so that I could help the poor and elderly, and she even remembered me helping stray cats. I didn’t think anyone had noticed that. As for Dick seeing my cars at some parties, I don’t know how that could have happened. I used to lend my car to Mark Schimetz or Albert Johnson or Duane Robert every now and then, so it must have been one of those guys that you saw.

Mel Kuhn[70]

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

lol  Bernard and Melvin  …….  I  think  Lyle  and I have the  same memories . The  stories I could  tell., but  remember  most of  you   almost lived at  our house,I  sometimes wonder how Mom and Dad  put up with  10 sometimes 20 kids coming to   our house every evening  and us all  yelling  nurts but ,,,,,,,,, we   sure had  fun didn’t we. Lyle Remember the  new years that  we  were going to get  my  Dad  drunk  lol we were  amazed  when he  drank a  whole  bottle of  vodka  was  still sober and  the rest of  us  were feeling pretty good  by midnight. My  dad  never  drank so we  figured  it  wouldn’t take him much  lol  we sure we  wrong about that one.  mmmmm  Bernard  park in anyones  drive way lately?  HAHA

The following pictures and Dunseith News have been provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

                                    Dunseith High School Class of 1964

     Happy Birthday Gary Morgan (’54): Garrison, ND

Lillian Thompson Cain Bergstrom (’36)
Message from her son Ron Cain:  Superior WI.

Thanks to the power of the internet (and Mr. Gary Stokes exceptional blog)-I was recently introduced to another 2nd cousin-Ms. Mary Knudson. Gary was the first.

I am a fairly new member of the computer world but have figured how to enter this site on a daily basis and I suspect I will find more genealogical connections in the future.

Your effort in taking up the challenges in maintaining your site reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

“I expect to pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show for any fellow creature, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

-RALPH WALDO EMERSON-

Ron Cain
(aka R.D. O’Cain)
(don’t forget the Irish!)

Gary’s Reply
Ron,

Your mothers, mother was a Stokes, sister to my granddad. Mrs William Pritchard was a Thompson, sister to your mother’s dad.

Yes indeed, Mary Eurich Knutson is one of the finest, sweetest and nicest persons on the face of this earth. With this picture I thought I’d introduce you to the rest of the Eurich family too, all great folks.

Gary

Postings provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND
Angus Campbell’s 90 Birthday Celebration

Folks,

As most of you know, for the past 40 years Angus has been pretty close to my brother Darrel (Bud) and his family. It is truly a father son relationship.

Angus fell in his house this morning, breaking his leg below the knee. He is currently in St. Andrews Hospital. Angus’ main concern was his birthday celebration Tomorrow (Sunday). The hospital has made arrangements for him to celebrate his birthday in their cafeteria. Needless to say he is a happy camper looking forward to this big celebration.

Happy Birthday Angus. – St. Andrews is on my distribution so hopefully they will see this and give you a copy.

Les Halvorson with his son Lance at the Bottineau Gun show

MADELINE PELTIER

(May 8, 1932 – February 24, 2015) 

Madeline Peltier, age 82 of Dunseith, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in her home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 10:00 A. M. in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dunseith. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery of rural Dunseith. A wake will be held on Thursday beginning at 6:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 P.M. in the Church.

Madeline Peltier, a daughter of Frank and Virginia (Delorme) St. Claire, was born on May 8, 1932 at Dunseith. She was reared and educated in the Dunseith area. On November 15, 1950 she was married to Edward Peltier at Dunseith. Madeline began working at San Haven as a nurses aide. She worked there for 32 years. Madeline later worked at the Dunseith Community Nursing Home for 10 years.

Throughout her life she enjoyed baking, crocheting, embroidering, playing bingo, playing kings corners with Dad, visiting with Betty on the phone each night, going to mass, family gatherings, sitting outside on nice summer days, sharing recipes, and trying new recipes.

She is survived by her husband, Edward Peltier of Dunseith; children, Ruby Peltier of Dunseith, ND, Curtis Peltier (Delema) of Dunseith, ND, Carmelita Hunt (David Hunt) of Dunseith, ND, Darrel Peltier (Rachelle) of Wasilla, AK, Barbara Eaglestaff (Bill) of Eagle Butte, SD, Brian Peltier (Angela) of Wasilla, AK, Joan Wall (Ken) of Dunseith, ND, Lisa Graham (C.J.) of Grand Forks, ND, Mark Peltier (Sarah) of Seattle, WA, Kevin Peltier (Julita) of Tacoma, WA; 30 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Elaine Thompson (Francis) of Westminster, CO, Roger St.Claire (Dawn) of Bothell, WA, Veronica Hensley of Ashland, KA, Genny Egger of Denver, CO, Jeanie Valentine (Jim) of Edgewater, MD, Katleen Azure (Pat) of Belcourt, ND; brothers, Richard St. Claire (Betty) of Belcourt, ND, Jim St. Claire of Belcourt, ND and Norman St. Claire of Great Falls, MT.

Madeline was preceded in death by: 2 baby boys, parents, Frank and Virginia St. Claire; two brothers, Dwight St. Claire and Michael St. Claire; sister, Connie DeCoteau and one grandchild, Jessica Eaglestaff.

Condolences to the Edward Peltier family on the loss of  Madellne.
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

I knew Madeline as a wonderful gracious  lady!

She was warm, kind  and friendly to all.

For a time Mrs. Peltier  also worked  at the Dunseith School with absentee students.

I remember  the  students loved and respected her immensely.

Sincerely,

Vickie Metcalfe

Don Corbin (Teacher/Principal DHS)
Picture provided by Pat Corbin Miller, Tempe, AZ

Do with his brother-in-law Ernie Miller.

                  Ernie Miller  and Don Corbin

Joke of the Day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

There was this old lady that loved her dog very dearly. When her dog passed away, she was devastated. After mass she pulls the priest aside and asks if he could do a funeral for her dog. He replies, I’m sorry mam, but we don’t do funerals for dogs. The lady says, but he was the only one I had left, he was part of my family! He still kept on saying, I’m sorry we don’t do funerals for dogs. The lady finally asks, well, do you know where I can find someone to do a funeral for him, and do you think that $1000 would be enough to pay him? The priest jumps in and says, Oh, you didn’t tell me your dog was Catholic.

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Blog (258) posted on October 21, 2008

Reply from Eleanar Nerpel Bishop’s (38) duaghter Ann Myers: 

Hello Gary –

Thanks for the email about my mom’s class. I printed it out and gave it to her.  I also printed out and gave the information on the cruise to my Uncle Gus Nerpel (my mom’s brother). Don’t know if he was interested or not.

Ann Myers
Ann, does you uncle Gus Nerpel have email? With the Bedard’s, Anderson’s & Nerpel’s, you have a lot of cousins/relatives from Dunseith, a lot of whom are included with our daily distribution. Gary

Reply from Bernard Morin (76):

Yes Bev, I have to agree with you that Lyle is a great storyteller. I remember being in shop class & our assignment was to give a 10 minute speech. When it came to Lyle’s turn his speech was titled ” The Brown Cow”. I don’t remember the whole speech but I believe there were only 11 different words in the entire speech. By the time his 10 minutes were up the whole class was in stitches including Mr. Enander who I think was the shop teacher at the time. I don’t know what grade Lyle received for his speech but it should have been 110% for delivery.                      In reply to Mel Kuhn, I’m also in the dark on the whereabouts of these gathering places that Lyle speaks of. I believe that these gatherings only involved classes from 71 to 75 as the class of 76 was very studious and the majority.
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Mel must be running for office. We all know he wrote the book on Beer
Can Alley, the Butte, and most other party spots! His old red and black
56 Olds and then his blue 55 Ford were seen at most of the parties. The
only conclusion I can come up with is that his memory has really gone
bad or he is planning a run for some political office. Mel, it won’t
work–we’ll blow your cover! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Allen Richard (65): 

To Mel Kuhn–

Like you I never quite figured out the name and location of some of the “hot spots.”  There was one on Dad’s land that was south of Ernest LaCroix’s place and 1/2 mile east of the road from HWY 5 to the old Currie School.  I guess it got started sometime after 1970.  Anyway we had to clean a lot of cans from our sickle bar of the swather and dodge bottles to keep from cutting tires.

Dad got wind of the names of a couple people who were in — the class of ’72— I think.  He knew one of the kids pretty well and asked him/her  if they could simply toss everything into a pile.  Next time we went to work the field, not only was there a big pile, but the whole area had been pretty well picked up.  Thanks guys — you saved us a few flats and broken sickle blades!

Allen

Reply from Diane Berg Rhealt (79): 

Lyle, I love your story.  I felt like I was reading a book, and I could envision all the places in my mind (well not all, the only lake I went to was Adams Lake-& with my cousin Sue Berg), but I used to watch you guys in a few of your games at Campbell’s home when I was little.  & later, I learned about some of the other places mentioned.  Those really were the days!!  You really should write a book.  I would buy a copy!!  Love you, man!

Diane (Berg)Rheault

Reply from Rod Hiatt (69): 

Good morning all
When Lyle was talking about George, it reminded me of a song by Jimmy Dean about Big Bad John who with the blow of a big right hand sent a Louisiana man to the promised land. Well that could have been Big Bad George.

One night at a party, one of George’s younger brothers and myself got
into a small altercation that didn’t last long and I figured was all
over. Well a few days later a couple of us and dates were in at the
Garden Lanes bowling and George walked through the door. He came
straight over to me and with 1 blow put me either threw or over 3 rows
of chairs(good thing the chairs stopped me or I might have starved to
death rolling) George said nothing just turned and walked out. About a
week later I happened to be back over in Dunseith again(not claiming to
be the smartest one in the family) I think at Dales station when the
door opened and in came George heading straight over to me. I think my
life might have flashed in front of my eyes, when George stretched his
hand out to shake. He said” I’m sorry Roddy for the other day, but he is
my little brother and I just had to do it. I hope we’re still friends”
George and I remained friends and I respect him still today as a friend,
a gentleman and a man with one hell of a big right hand.

Reply/Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

This is another courthouse picture.  Chances are slim this is George Malaterre, but you never know, so I thought I’d send it to you.

Neola

Unknown Boxer


Vicky Bergan’s picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Glenda Anderson Bergan’s (60) reply to Gary: 

HI Gary

Got your email with Vicky’s picture, yes she is my daughter, she graduated from Dunseith in 1982, and the picture is when she was” North Dakota state Horse show association queen”  (NDSHSA) in 1983.

She lives in Princeton, MN  And her married name is, Vicky Bergan-Dietz.

and also I’d like to thank you for all the Dunseith memories.

Glenda Anderson Bergan

Glenda, this is a beautiful picture of Vicky.  She is for sure a queen. We’d love to get Vicky’s email address if she has one. Glenda, I think I remember you telling me that you are a sister to Lorenzo Anderson (63)?  Have I remember that correctly?  Many of our readers remember your husband David’s family too, the Clayton Bergan Family. They lived North and East of Dunseith on what think they call the Jack Rabbit Highway.  I could be out to lunch with the name of road, but I know exactly which road it is.  Gary

     Vicky Bergan – “1983 North Dakota state Horse show association queen”

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1963

Happy Birthday Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (’68):   Newark, DE

   Happy Birthday Bobbie Slyter (’70): Wichita, KS

   Happy Birthday Dianne Robert Johnson (’76): Rolla, ND

Age Correction for Lillian Berstrom/Cain/Thompson
From Ron Cain:  Superior, WI.

00PS!  Correction.  Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/Thompson recently celebrated w/family her 99th birthday (Feb.21)-not her 98th.  Ron Cain

Don Corbin Family Photo
Reply from Bob Lykins (DHS Teacher):  Hutto, TX

Gary,  Great photo of Don Corbin and his family.  Once again you have brought forward great memories.  Don and Leann lived just across the street from the apartment that Evelyn and I had those first years of our marriage.  We spent a lot of time visiting with them.  At school the science storeroom and Don’s unofficial office was also a favorite gathering place for Hepper, myself and Bob Jury to take a break along with Don and catch up on the day’s events.  Nice to learn about what has happened to the family as I lost touch with Don many years ago.  That’s what makes this blog so marvellous.  It looks like I will not be able to make it to the reunion this summer.  A friend and colleague from overseas will be visiting and we will head to Chicago for a get together with other folks from my days in the Pacific and Europe.  Hopefully you guys will have another get together that I can make.

Bob Lykins

2/23/2015 Cebu, Philippines
On our way to the February Cebu Expat dinner at the Quest hotel.

2/23/2015 Cebu Expat dinner at the Quest Hotel
With 132 from our group, they gave us their whole main dining area.
They had 50 regular walk-in customers that they seated in side rooms.

Our good friend Em-Em. Note: Art Hagen in the red shirt standing on the right.

Joke of the day
Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

Patrick Flanagan came home drunk every evening around ten.
Now, the Missus was never too happy about it, either.

So one night she hides in the cemetery and figures to scare the beejeezus out of him.

As poor Patrick wanders by, up from behind a tombstone she jumps in a red devil costume screaming,

“Patrick Sean Flanagan, sure and ya’ don’t give up you’re drinkin’ and it’s to Hell I’ll take ye'”.

Patrick, undaunted, staggered back and demanded, “Who are you?”.

Too that the Missus replied, “I’m the divil ya’ old fool”.

To which Patrick remarked,
“Damned glad to meet you sir, I’m married to your sister.”

====================================
Blog (257) posted on October 20, 2008

From Lyle Olson (75): 

Gary and all:

I received quite a few personal responses to my stories and one of the people mentioned my good friend George Malaterre.  George was (and is) an amazing guy.  He was quite the athlete in his day.  He played basketball with a “big man’s” sense of position, even though he stood only about 5’8″ tall.  Some of my fondest memories center around stamping VOIT across his forehead a number of times when he tried to make a shot and I stuffed him.  He was also an excellent football player – he was fast and could catch any ball thrown to him.  Many people know he was a great boxer as well.

I am sure many people remember George boxing Bob Brennan at the Honsey garage.  However, how many remember the undercard in that fight.  Well, among others, Curt Berg and I boxed..  Now I was an 8th grader at the time but quite big for my age.  Curt must have been a sophomore and everyone knows that he had attained high school size in the 5th grade!!  He was the epitome of a lean, mean fighting machine and I was talked into lacing up the gloves and boxing him.  It is now hard to believe that anyone that dumb could have made it through law school and became a federal Administrative Law Judge!!!

Well the fight between George and Bob was quite the attraction as it pitted a city kid against a hill kid.  Hence, the Honsey garage was packed with kids from all over.  I remember having George lace up the boxing gloves for me and Curt Berg looking at me with a sick smile across his face.  Looking back now I should have realized then and there that my life was about to flash before my very eyes — dead and not even a freshman.  Well, too late to back down I stepped out to meet Curt on that hard cement floor.  I do not really remember if a bell rung but the fight started and I immediately started dancing around like I knew what I was doing.  Well, Curt – never one to waste time doing anything – walked right up and him me square in solar plexus, better known as a soft belly not used to hard work.  He hit me so hard I literally saw stars and all the wind left not only my body but also took with it any sense of time or position.  The fight was over in matter of seconds.  Curt showed some remorse but not much.  I think he would have preferred that the fight had lasted a few more seconds if not at least one round so he could rearrange a tolerable looking face!  However, I robbed him of that pleasure – my only victory of the night!

The main event between George and Bob take place and all agreed that while Bob put up a valiant fight, George was easily the victor.  City kids ruled, at least for that night.  Bob and George remained good friends over the years.  As for Curt and I, we also remain good friends.  Indeed, Keith (Curt’s younger brother) and I traveled to Curt’s place in Colorado a couple of times to play golf with Curt in Grand Junction and Fort Lupton several years ago.

Now back to George.  Many know he worked as an ambulance driver for the Indian Health Services in Belcourt.  When my stepfather had a medical crisis George was the ambulance driver.  He called the hospital the next day and I talked to him.  He was sincerely interested in how my stepfather was doing and how my mother was doing.  When my mother was dealing with cancer she experienced many seizures and had to be taken the hospital many times.  George was again the driver on many occasions and each time he reached out to see how she was doing.  That is George, fists of stone and the heart of a Dunseith Dragon!

Corbin Family in 2004, provided by Dawn Corbin:

Folks, Dawn Corbin (Mr. Corbin’s Daughter) has provided these pictures of her family, the Corbin family.  These pictures were taken at her brother, Scott’s Wedding, in 2004. These are great pictures! What a beautiful family.  Mr.Corbin looks great!  Many of us have not seen him sense the 60’s, when he was teaching at DHS. As most of you know, Mr. Corbin was born and raised in Bottineau.  His dad was Otto and was the owner of Corby’s trading post in Bottineau for many years.

Dawn, please let me know if I have miss identified you guys in these photo’s.

Back: Dawn, Mark & Bob
Middle: LeAnn, Mrs. Scott, Scott & Don (Mr. Corbin)
Front: Terri & Irene (Mr. Corbin’s wife)

Don & LeAnn Corbin’s Children:
Mark, Dawn, Scott, Terri & Bob Corbin

                             Corbin Family with grandchildren

                                   Dunseith High School Class of 1962

   Happy Birthday Lorraine Richard Nelson (DHS ’46): Mesa, AZ

  Happy Birthday Alan Poitra (DHS ’76) Bloomington, MN

Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/ Thompson’s 98th birthday (Dunseith H.S. 1936 ).
Posting from Ron Cain:  Superior, WS

Greetings Gary:

Family members will be gathering this afternoon in celebration of Lillian Bergstrom/Cain/ Thompson’s 98th birthday (Dunseith H.S. 1936 ).  Other than some difficulty in hearing- she is doing well and needs no prodding in recalling stories of her youth and family.  Her beloved state of N.D. remains strong in her heart and we always enjoy hearing her stories.

Ron Cain (son)
Ron,

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Lillian, to my knowledge, is the oldest living Dunseith High School Graduate.

Lillian was a sister to Ella Pladson and Esther Tangen.

She was a first cousin to my Dad, Bob Stokes. She was also a first cousin to Robert, Corbin & Winifred (Eurich) Pritchard.

So Ron, we are all related.

Please wish your mother, Lillian, a very happy birthday from all of us. Tell her we are thinking of her.

Gary

Message from Orval Moren (Peace Lutheran Pastor):  Coon Rapids, MN

Hello from Orval Moren, (Pastor at Peace Lutheran Parish1960-63)

Thank for keeping me on your e-mail list.  Greetings to my congregants!

Leonard Fred Eller Passed away
Message from  Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Gary,

My brother Leonard Eller passed away yesterday just before 2pm. He is at peace now. The funeral will be sometime next week, not sure yet.

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Ivy, Our condolence are with you and Leonard’s family with his passing.  Gary

Postings from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Leonard Fred Eller, Sr.

(September 15, 1932 – February 18, 2015)

Leonard Eller,Sr., age 82, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society, Bottineau, ND.

A visitation will begin at 5 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 10 AM in the church with Fr. Jeff Eppler presiding. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND (www.elickfh.com).

Five Generations
Kathy Gregory, Dawn Gregory Allard, Melody Allard Lemke, Garrett Rude and Ian Rude

Gary,

I’m including info I received from Pat Corbin Miller, Don’s sister.  She said it’s OK to share it with you/your readers.

Neola

Hi Neola,

That’s my brother Don, his wife (at the time), Leann, Bob and Dawn. Don is remarried. Don and Irene live here in Mesa. Leann is still single and lives in Bismarck. Dawn is a real estate agent in Scottsdale and Bob is a vp of Schwan’s Co in Mn.

How’s that for history..
Thanks for sharing.
Pat

====================================
Blog (256) posted on October 19, 2008

Update for Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59) from Susan Brew Roussin (59):

Shirley came out of her surgery fine, Wednesday, according to her sister, Ginger.  I’m sure many prayers were answered for her, her doctors, nurses and families.  Thanks much.  Love to one and all.

Reply from Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

Hey Lyle  great stories thanks for the memories. You  were and still are one of the  best story tellers of all times. Miss you bro and love ya

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70): 

Gary,

I just have a few questions for Lyle. How come I didn’t know of these party places that you mentioned? Places like Beer Can Alley, the Butte, going to Canada and the likes of that. None of this must of been going on when I was in school. And here I thought that you underclassmen were the same straight-laced hard working young adults that we were[Class of 70]. I’m glad that I wasn’t involved in any of those type of shenanigans. Shame on you guy’s.

Mel Kuhn[70]
Reply from Sybil Johnson: 

Those pictures of the Peace Gardens are sure a deception of what it is today/the last time I was there. I use to escape from Bernice (ha!ha!) and go up there

as my refuge/ drive up from Minot several times, just for the refuge it gives. The Chapel is amazing with the Towers. Just walking around/driving was very peaceful.

I remember going up there early in the morning, when the ground fog was just rising and seeing 2 deer in the distance. What a sight! Sybil Johnson

Thank you from Neola Kofoid Garbe:  

Gary,

When you send one of your Dunseith Alumni emails, will you please include a message from me, thanking your many readers who respond in any way to the pictures I send to you, and you include in your mailing?  I really appreciate the identifications/mailing addresses/requests for pictures/emails/etc. from your readers.  As you know, I thoroughly enjoy working with these pictures and getting them to people who are interested in having them.  It’s going rather slowly, as I’m not a very organized person–I have pictures all over my apartment.  When I’ve been in Minot for awhile, I forget what I was doing with the pictures before I left, and I have to start over.  Uff da!!!

Thanks for all do, Gary.

Neola

Neola, That thank you should be reversed.  We thank you for everything you provide and have provided.  Your contributions are greatly appreciated.  Being primarily a Bottineau girl, you have learned to know many Dunseith folks doing what you are doing and they have for sure learned to know you.  We all know the time involved with the research and scanning of these pictures/articles that you provide, that we thoroughly enjoy.  THANK YOU.  Gary
Campbell family Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Alan Cambell Family stamped November 27, 1970:
Top: Rich (68), Phyllis & Alan (42)
Bottom: Jeff (76), Cathy (73) & Dave (71)

Reply from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Lyle Olson’s memories of basketball at Campbell’s was well remembered

and well written. Alan and Phyllis Campbell allowed many of us kids into
their home over the years. They always made us feel welcome. There were
rules we were expected to follow and we did. I know all the kids had,
and still have, a lot of respect for both of them and it was deserved.
We were either playing basketball in front of their garage or in the
basement playing pool or ping-pong nearly every day. One memory I have
about playing basketball there was on a day after I had been dressed up
for something and then stopped by Campbell’s in my good clothes. My
folks had bought me a new pair of shoes I really wanted. They were for
the prom or something, fancy wingtip brogues. I remember Mom saying they
would buy them, but I better take care of them because they cost $35. It
was a lot for shoes in 1966. Anyway, after I got to Campbell’s, still in
my suit clothes, we got into a hot and heavy basketball game. The
jackets came off and we got down and dirty to beat the other team. After
about an hour I thought I felt something on the bottom of my foot,
probably a blister. It finally caused me enough trouble that I looked at
the bottom of my new shoes and one had worn completely through to my
sock from the rough concrete! I knew I was dead or worse! I wore those
shoes for a long time with a piece of cardboard in the bottom so they
wouldn’t know what I had done. I nearly panicked any time I had to kneel
or sit where my folks might see the hole in my shoe! After I had them
for quite a while I got Alphie Dion to halfsole them and all was good
again. I remember keeping them polished so my folks wouldn’t pick them
up. They probably wouldn’t have been that mad anyway, but when you are a
kid you think like a kid! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Tim Martinson (69): 

Hi Gary,

I’ve dusted off the keyboard after the letter from Lyle Olson so
that I could send this picture of Lyle
and myself and tell what led up to a road trip and this picture in
the first place.

One of the most enjoyable times of my life was at the end of the
summer when there was a small
break in the happenings at the Bakery.  The baking for the Music Camp
at the Peace Garden was
finished and the area schools had not yet started.  When I was young
dad baked for the day schools
in the hills and also for the Belcourt school.  I went along on many
of these delivery trips through the hill
country, always full of questions, but I think dad really had me
along to ride shot gun and keep him
from dozing off, yet he would always tell me to pay attention and
watch out for deer and other animals
that may be on the road.

A family vacation was usually a weekend ( Sat/Sun).  The favorite
spot to go to was Riding Mountain
National Park, north of Brandon, Manitoba.  Everything had been
planned ahead and all the baking for
town had been finished and delivered.  So off we went on a Friday
night road trip to get away.  Dad would
usually get a small cottage rental so that when we arrived we hit the
sack knowing we had two days to
do whatever, and for Terry and I it was dad can we ride the go carts
as soon as it opened.  We would go
swimming in Clear Lake, take in the Museum, go bowling, and take in
all the sights and sounds of that
little get away up north.

My first and longest lasting memory of one of these vacations was of
finding a melted popsicle and its
stick on the edge of a step landing.  I had to have been 3 or 4 and
picked up the stick and stirred it around
in what was left of the melted popsicle, just having a little fun,
but to the hornets that had found the sweet
syrup before I did it was an invasion of their property and they were
not going to put up with me poking
around in their business.  When my parents finally got to me I was
welted up all over and the hornets
were still in the attack mood.  Thank goodness for screen doors and a
water hose that saved the day.

Now back to the road trip and picture.  The last time I went to Clear
Lake was in the winter on a camping
trip and we walked in to the lake and set up tents.  It was below
freezing outside and getting colder as the
night went on.  The original plans were to try and get some pictures
of the Bison herd that roamed the park.
As I lay there in my sleeping bag the thoughts of getting trampled by
a Bison started to enter my mind.  Then
as the temperature grew steadily colder the lake started to moaning
and then to cracking and this went on
all night long.  The next morning with little sleep we gave up the
thoughts of pictures of Bison in the winter,
packed up, walked out and headed home with the lessons of mother
nature engraved in my head.

In the fall of 1972 I asked Lyle and Donald if they wanted to see
some new territory and they were up for it
so I planned a road trip (one day), we would travel up to Riding
Mountain National Park, where this picture
was taken at Clear Lake, back down to Brandon, across to Winnipeg and
then back home.  It was a fun
time and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.  It was the first
time I had traveled to Winnipeg and realized
how big that city was.

Lyle and I had taken a previous road trip by bike to Bottineau.  I
rode a old hand me down full size bike while Lyle
rode his small wheeled bike with the banana seat.  It seemed like for
every turn at the peddle I took Lyle would
have to take three to keep up.  He would fall behind and I would stop
and let him catch up all the time asking
him if he wanted to turn back but he did not so we completed our
journey, took a tour of Bottineau and headed
back home.       Take Care,  Tim

            Tim Martinson (69) & Lyle Olson (75) – Summer of 1972

Dunseith High School Class of 1961

Leonard Eller Passed away
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Gary,

My brother Leonard Eller passed away yesterday just before 2pm. He is at peace now. The funeral will be sometime next week, not sure yet.

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Posting from Brad Williams (’78): Hallock, MN

 To Gary + Dunseith bloggers,

It was nice to see the recent birthday party pics you posted …. Bernadette appears to be doing much better now. Here’s a song that might help anyone who is going through difficult times >>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1xlKS6MpTE

The girl singing it is a friend of mine from a small town in Kentucky, and she is appearing on The Voice (on NBC) this coming Monday Feb. 23, at 7:00 pm CST. She has the voice of an angel, and a heart of gold to match. She’s even been featured in some of The Voice promo ads (discovering tomorrow’s #1 artists), so I hope that’s a good sign that she will go far into the competition. I truly believe she has the talent & charm to impress the TV viewers and the coaches, so hopefully she gets those red chairs turning, and lots of votes to keep her advancing !

If you liked the song above, here’s a link where you can listen to more of her music >>>  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kelsie+may  Carrie Underwood & Miranda Lambert, along with several others saw their careers skyrocket after getting national TV exposure in singing competitions, so I’m hoping Kelsie May’s performances will win over America’s music lovers. It would be so awesome if she got on #TeamBlake , and he liked her enough to have her as an opening act on tour with him or Miranda ! I would really appreciate any fans of The Voice to show their support by VOTING for Kelsie throughout Season 8.    #KelsieMayAllTheWay

Brad Williams     Class of ’78

Memories
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

I remember “one eyed Jackson”  and going over  to the Lake Metigoshe area to find him- !    that is about all i remember!!_ i do not remember what he looked like  —    but i do remember them out in the woods down by the “sheep Pasture”     and cutting up lumber and firewood-  oh !!- how i loved the smell of the fresh cut lumber-  and it was usually beautiful fall days   that they cut it and a huge sawdust pile- !!  —

ANd I remember Mom Hauling hot coffee in a big white coffee pot– with a cloth stuck in it   to keep it from spilling  and a big wash tub of sandwiches and cookies—- cakes etc for their “afternoon “Lunch”  —  this was after breakfast and morning lunch and dinner at noon and lunch at 3 o clock and supper after 6 pm– !!!–  Now it is a “snack for breakfast – Lunch (dinner) and dinner (supper )  no lunches in between LOL!!!–  those were the days no high cholesterol —  blood pressure —  diabetes etc- etc–  cause they worked it all off- now everyone drives to the gym – and parks as close to the door as possible and then work really hard for an hour or so !!_  and then diet  !!- —  a whole different world and those old guys lived til they were really old!!_  and so it goes !_  and they all had a great time and very relaxed !- an then would probably play cards  in the evenings-  also !!-  LOLA_

Wood and Coal heat memories
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary and friends.

This is a neat story from a TV station video out of the Bittteroot Valley in Montana.

It brought back a wealth of fond memories of when wood not coal or oil was the important source of heat.

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/bitterroot-family-skids-logs-old-fashioned-way/31304260

I remember my dad getting wood out with a team  in the woods, like this when our family burned wood for heat. This  was about the time of year for “cutting wood season”.

Dad also recalled stories of  his bigger brothers, Jim and Archie cutting trees and hauling wood to sell in town in the winter months.

They traveled with a team on the “winter ” road  over the hills and through the woods to Dunseith before Highway #3 was built.

Cliff (Dad) Leona and Emil were younger and in charge of hauling wood into the house to keep the home fires burning.

They also maintained taking care of their Uncle Hugh by bringing wood over to his home.

When the big brothers went into Dunseith wth load of wood. They’d pull a hand sled over to  Uncle Hugh, one winter when he, his wife and  their older brother Roy (Hugh Emil)  lived on the Rabbit City lake .

This video triggered a trip back  in time, down memory lane!

Warm greetings to Bernadette and yourself where you live in Cebu.

Thoughts of you having many good days and that you are keeping life on “The Sunnyside”!

Until ~Later, Vickie

Postings From Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

====================================
Blog (255) posted on October 18, 2008

From Lyle Olson (75):

Gary and all:

I read where my dear sister, Bev Azure, and then Sharon Longie, requested stories from the ‘70’s classes.  I think many of us are reluctant to share some of these stories because we either have children or parents who read the blog and we are reticent to let them know just how wild we really were.  Well, I have no children and both parents are deceased so I am not so worried about that.  However, I also do not want to expose any of my friends or classmates, so I will attempt to tell a few stories without divulging any names; however, this does not mean the readers, if any, will not guess who was involved in so many of the good times had in Dunseith.

My frame of reference for Dunseith really rests with the classes from 1972 to 1975.  We really had some “rockin’ good times” back then.  Most of my fondest memories center around the never ending summers – the days were long and the nights even longer.  For some reason I do not remember any bad weather days – all the days in my memories were framed by beautiful blue skies and even more beautiful friends.  My world centered around playing basketball at Campbell’s, eating Bismarcks and learning about kindness and integrity from Herman, Terry and Tim Martinson, and hanging out at the Morinville’s.

Playing basketball at Campbell’s was a real treat.  The court was inclined on a slope from the garage to the street.  On the West side was this huge tree that actually had several branches that grew out over the court.  Pity the newcomer who tried to launch a jump shot under that tree.  The East side of the court had a steep drop off for ½ the length of the court and then a deadly rose bush at the end of the court near the garage door.  Alan Campbell once told me that was the toughest rose bush in the country, and he was right. I wish I had a dollar for every thorn taken out of my body after falling into that bush.   Other dangers existed on that court.  One of the dangers was “Grandma” Campbell backing her Buick Wildcat out of the garage.  There was no nicer lady than she but it didn’t take even a dumb kid like me long to know that once she put her car in gear there was no stopping it until it reached the street.  All games were suspended when she left and when she returned.  I will never forget how nice David and Jeff were to always carry her groceries into her house and then rush back to pick up the game right where it stopped.

Ever present was Mrs. Campbell, who could hear you swear even if mumbled under your breath.  She would simple tell us not to swear and that was the end of that!  There seemed to be many unwritten rules about playing basketball at the Campbell’s.  First, all kids were welcome.  It never mattered if you lived at the housing, in a 12 X 50 mobile home like I did or the nicest house in town.  The other unwritten rule was that you did not play unless someone was home.  We used to wait on Sundays for the Campbell’s to return from Lake Metigoshe so that a game could get started.

I loved playing basketball at the Campbell’s.  I once played there for so long on a hot day that I got heat stroke.  I stumbled over to the bakery and told Herman that I had a headache and was sick to my stomach and he asked how long had I been playing.  When I told him it was several hours, he gave me some water, a cold rag for my head and told me to go lie down on the flour sacks.  After about an hour of doing that, I went back to Campbell’s to play another game.

My younger brother, Rob, now perhaps the best criminal lawyer in North Dakota, once wrote a story for the high school newspaper about how much he missed playing basketball at Campbell’s.  I share his feelings to this date.  I can’t imagine that a place like that could exist today.  It was magical, and the Campbells should know that there are literally dozens of Dunseith Alumni who share these feelings.  Thank you for making your home our home for all those years.

Summers were also full of lots of parties.  When I was younger we all looked forward to going swimming at School Section Lake.  Joe Morinville used to pack as many kids as he could in his car and take us all swimming.  He would listen to the Twins games on the radio while we went swimming.  We would swim for a few hours, make our way back to Dunseith, and either hang out at Morinville’s.  What a carefree existence!  As we got older and gained driver’s licenses, we would all pile in several cars and go to School Section.  It seemed like the summers never ended back then.  Someone would gather wood for a bonfire and eventually some cool intoxicants would come out and a good time would be had by all.

Somewhere along the line, we moved our swimming activities away from School Section Lake and then started going to Lake Williams and then Lake Adams in Canada, just a short drive away from Boissevain where a young but oversized teenager like me could pass for age-18 and imbibe in $.25 draws.  The first time I went into Boissevain was at age-13.  I wore one of the guys’ college fraternity coats (TKE, Minot Chapter) and didn’t even get carded.  By the end of the summer, I knew the owner of the bar better than some of the people living in Boissevain and, of course, we knew all the cool Canadian girls.  I’ll never forget when my mother got married to Joe Somers in Boissevain in March 1972 and they had their wedding dance at the Boissevain Inn.  Indeed, she played in a band that night.  In any event, she thought it would be a great thing if I were able to sit in the bar for one of the band’s sets before being hustled back to Dunseith.  Well, little did she know that I ordered a Rum and Coke while she was up there playing and the drink was on the house as the owner said I was one of his best American customers – HA!!  Sure glad Mom didn’t hear that one.  Rather than risk being busted, I left after that first set.

Going to Canada to have beers and dance to live music was not just a summer past-time.  We went year round but the port closed at midnight during the winters back then.  There were many a fast ride from Boissevain to the port because it seemed we always had to stay until 11:30 or so before making our way back home.  Once back in the “States”, we would usually continue the party at Beer Can Alley, Wilsons, Halvorsons, Butte St. Paul, and, during the summer, at the Peace Garden Lookout picnic area.  All places were perfect party places and I am certain my generation was not the first to use those places to party and flirt with each other.

L. Olson

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

The attached pictures are of the Peace Garden. The first was taken on

dedication day in 1932. The other two are from 1953, after some of the
stone work had been done in the Formal Garden area. What I noticed was
the lack of trees when these were taken. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dave Slyter’s (70) reply, with names, to picture:

Gary and Neola,

I will try and name some of the kids in the 82 summer baseball picture.

Top row:  Russell Lagerquiest,  ? ,  Keith Strong ,  ?,   Alan Renault,  ?,  ? Armountraut,  Jeff Woods,  Mark Wilson,  Coach Jim Oslon.

Middle row:  Steven Leonard,  Cory Espe,  Danny Peltier, Rob Wilson,  Mark Melgaard,  Scott Leonard,   ?

Bottom row:   ?     Chad Slyter,  Kris Barbot,  Uriah Davis,  ?,   ?,   ?,   ?,

Great picture and thanks

Dave Slyter (70)

Gaillord Peltier’s (80) reply, with names, to picture: 

This picture is the 1982 Dunseith summer baseball program.

Front row kneeling, Right to Leftis;
Keith St.Pierre, Chad Slyter, Jamie Melgarde, Uriah Davis, Mike Allery,
Scott Leonard, ? Allery, Jermey Brunelle.

Middle Row, Right to Left;
Steve Leonard, Cory Espe, Dan Peltier, Robert Wilson, Mark Melgarde,
Stuart Leonard, Mark Wilson and Danny Davis.

Back Row, Right to Left;
Billy LaVallie, Jamie Malaterre, Keith Strong, Steve Renault, Allan
Renault, Jerry Peltier, Brent Armentrout, Jeff Woods, Coach Jim Oslund

This is the best my memory can do.

Gaillord Peltier
Class of “80”

Jeff Woods, I see you are in this picture too. Can you or anyone else enlighten us with what you know for identities for those in this photo?  Thanks, Gary

1982 Dunseith summer baseballPicture:
Back Row:Billy LaVallie or Russell Lagerquiest, Jamie Malaterre, Keith Strong, Steve Renault, Allan Renault, Jerry Peltier, Brent Armentrout, Jeff Woods, Coach Jim Oslund or Olson

Middle Row: Steve Leonard, Cory Espe, Dan Peltier, Robert Wilson, Mark Melgarde, Stuart Leonard, Mark Wilson and Danny Davis.

Front row kneeling: Keith St.Pierre, Chad Slyter,Jamie Melgarde or Kris Barbot, Uriah Davis, Mike Allery, Scott Leonard, ? Allery, Jermey Brunelle.

                                     Dunseith High School Class of 1960

                     Happy Birthday Lori Hiatt: Dunseith, ND

            Happy Birthday Bob Hosmer (’56): Lynnwood, WA.

Reply to Bill Hosmer’s  comments
From Glen Williams (’52):  Missoula, MT

Gary…I agree 100% with Bill Hosmer’s Comments….Dunsieth and the surrounding area, Hills and Plains are special. Peace Garden, Mineral Springs, etc, etc  and especially the folks that have grown up in or near the big city of Dunseith….!!!!….Do hope that your better half recovers her health soon….

Glen Williams, class of ’52

====================================
Blog (254) posted on October 17, 2008

Dunseith Reunion in Seattle:

Folks, We are planning a Dunseith Reunion in the Seattle area for the evening of July 24, 2009.  That is the day before our cruise. Hopefully we will have several proposals to bounce off of you guys within the next several weeks.  With what we have in the works at the moment, I can tell you it’s a go, so mark your calendars.  We are planning a dinner with a social hour or two before the dinner and also social time following the dinner.  We are also working on hotel accommodations both for those going on the cruise and also for those attending the reunion, not going on the cruise, desiring a room.  For those of you wishing to attend the reunion from outside the state of Washington, this will give you time to canvas the airlines for some good rates. For added attractions, the Seattle Seafair is being held that weekend too.  Gary

Reply from Rod Medrud (71): 

HI GARY I E MAILED NEOLA AND TOLD HER I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PICTURES OF MY PARENTS AND GRNDPARENTS   THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE DOING  ROD

Reply from Bobby Slyter (70): 

     Happy Birthday Cheri Metcalfe Evans (’74): Dunseith, ND

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

Gary, please give Bernadette a hug for me. Meeting her in Bottineau where I first met you in

person, makes me feel that we have something special in common. Cousin hood, sister hood

or something else that becomes a real relationship of significance, because we were all raised

in the hills, on the prairie, or in the big town of Dunseith, my town. We all married someone, some

from our town, but many from other towns, states, and yes, countries.  There is a spirit of pride

that comes to me with a loyal respect for our parents, grandparents, cousins, and our friends

from other parts of the globe who became part of our family.  We all are from a unique place on

the globe that I brag about with the senior citizens I served with from across the USA. Bernadette

came to our place, and we hugged on the main street of Bottineau.  I wish and pray for her

comfort.  Gary, I know you are the most important and positive influence on her behalf, and I

pray that your strength of faith and love for that wonderful woman you live with brings comfort,

joy, and happiness for years to come.  I want to hug Bernadette again.  Bill Hosmer
Gary Stokes comment:

Thank you so much Bill for this very comforting warm message. Yes, Bernadette is the most important person in my life and I love her dearly. With her health issues we hope for the best for her too. Today Bernadette has perked up considerably from yesterday. Sunday (day before yesterday) her speech was slurred too, but today no more.

What you have said about the aluminous spouses of our community  is so true too. Bernadette feels very connected to the Dunseith Community.

1969 Football team
Reply from Gaylord Peltier (’80):  Dunseith, ND

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s note. The 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lost one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned and gave them enough time to score the winning touchdown. Jay Vanorny’s dad, Virgil, went crazy and they got the cops to escort him off the field and probably out of

High School football coaches
Reply from Dennis Dubois (’63):  Minneapolis, MN

Most of my email was lost , in regards to Lee Stickland. I was saying that his first high school football coach wasn’t Jury and Prouty, but Bill Allen. That was the year I started high school and Leland was in Eight grade. He and Donald Egbert were on that team. We went undefeated that year. I’ll bet that was the last year that Dunseith’s football team went undefeated. Again, I want to take this opportunity to thank Lee for sharing his parents with my sister and I. I will forever be grateful to his family for helping us out in our time of need.

Bowers family photo
Posted by Shelley Bowers:  Bottineau, ND

====================================
Blog (253) posted on October 16, 2008

Reply from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (59):

Thank you for the “heads up” concerning Shirley! At least I now have her home address and will call and send a card. Appreciate this social service you manage immensely. I remember well how gracious her mom and dad were every time I visited, often for a birthday party. Joseph LaRocque had worked for William Gottbreht for years, but I was too young and flighty; thus gathered very little info of the Wm Gottbreht family and local history that Joe knew first hand. Sharron Susan & Sharron, I have pasted Shirley’s contact info below.  Shirley, along with her sister Lana, attended our class of 65 reunion with their sister Ginger, in 2007.  Ginger is from the class of 65. They are great folks.  My wife Bernadette called Shirley several months ago.  She never mentioned anything about pending heart surgery.  Gary

Gary and Friends,

I remember when Eddie Johnson, Sander’s brother, left the farm and moved
into Dunseith. He stayed in an apartment in the Northern Hotel
(Egbert’s) just across the street from us. One time he dressed up in his
best suit and went to a funeral and then afterward, stopped uptown at
one of the bars and got pretty well oiled. He walked down the alley,
past our house, and cut across our yard toward Egbert’s. He was
staggering and singing loudly when my little brown dog, Duke, ran over
and ripped the seat out of his suit pants. He came to the door and told
us what happened and Dad took him up to Hosmer’s and bought him another
pair of similar looking pants. Dad said Jack Hosmer had a heck of a time
to keep a straight face while helping fit Eddie with another pair of
trousers.
The only other Sander and Eddie story I ever heard was when they were
going to dynamite a rock out of their field. They dug down beside the
big rock and placed a 1/4 stick of dynamite under the rock and lit it.
They didn’t know that dynamite blows down so there was a bang and there
was a big hole by the rock. They then put a whole stick under the rock
and made a bigger hole. Frustrated, they put several sticks around the
big rock and touched it off! After the dust cleared, the rock was so far
down in the ground that they just shoveled dirt over it and gave up!
Thanks Gary!

Dick

Allen Richard’s (65) Reply to Gary:

Thanks, Gary.  Alaina and I were going to drive the old Dodge to the reunion, but 2,500 miles @ 12 MPG—on premium —- well —

As to Seattle, I arrive there before noon Oct 28 and return Nov. 2.  I have calls in to a few relatives, But I haven’t set any times for get togethers.  I know I’ll be spending time with Aunt Louise (Pigeon) Horsman and her family.  I’m relying on your list for contacting everyone else, Have done little so far.  My best guess is that between alumni and relatives–I’d be talking well over 100 people!

Don’t think that is going to happen!

Take care everyone!  And best wishes from Michigan.

aLLEN rICHARD

Alina Richard’s Home coming pictures provided by her Father Allen Richard (65): 

NO THEY DIDN’T DRIVE THE CHARGER–SUSAN AND I TOOK THEM TO THE DANCE! CALEB’S PARENTS PICKED THEM UP!!

Alina’s Richard’sfirst homecoming dance

The following pictures have been provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Dunseith High School Class of 1958

Bernadette Stokes update:

This morning when I got up, Bernadette was lying on the couch in the living room wide awake.  When I said good morning to her she said “Who are you. I don’t know you”.  I thought she was just joking with me, but then I realized she was not. Then Novie’s boys came in and she didn’t know them either. The I asked her if she knew our kids, Bernie and Sheryl and she said no. Then I went over and got he her sister Belinda to come in the house and she didn’t know her either, but she remembered her mother and her dad. In about 20 minutes she snapped out of it and started to know people again. It is now 11:15 AM and her mind seems to be OK. That was a very scary situation.

Gary

Happy Birthday Clarice Hackman (DHS ’67): Fargo, ND

Happy Birthday Evon Lagerquist (DHS ’77):  Dunseith, ND

            Happy birthday Clayton Parrill (’72):   Bottineau, ND

        Happy Birthday David Schimetz (DHS ’79): Mandan, ND

Posted by Shelley Bowers:  Bottineau, ND

WILLIS (BILL) EMMETT BOWERS

(April 18, 1928 –   February 15, 2015)

Funeral services for Willis (Bill) Emmett Bowers, age 86 of Bottineau, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday February 20, at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Lunch will be served at  St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at Turtle Mountain Lutheran Church Cemetery, Souris, North Dakota in the spring. Officiating at the service will be the Reverand David Hayes. Honorary brearers are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Willis (Bill) Emmett Bowers was born on the family farm north of Dunseith, North Dakota on April 18, 1928, to Frank Claire & Mary Adeline (Amsbaugh) Bowers. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He attended the Ackworth Country School, Dunseith.

On December 21, 1950 he married Shirley Louraine Berge, daughter of Oscar & Alma (Olson) Berge, at the Turtle Mountain Lutheran Church. After marriage they lived on Bill’s home place north of Dunseith. In April 1951 moved to the Andrew Hanson farm, which Oscar & Alma Berge purchased in 1939, and lived there over 60 years, until they entered the Good Samitarian Home in the fall of 2012. They had 3 daughters & 1 son. The farm is now 3^rd generation owned by grandson Wade Bowers.

Bill is one of the last of his breed, the family farmer. He also raised beef cattle. He retired from farming in 2009, and kept a few head of cattle to keep busy. While attending a Cub Scout Banquet in Feb 1969 a snow storm came up & they were stranded in Souris. With 2 kids at home alone, he borrowed a snowmobile and began his love of snowmobiling for the next 20 years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, basketball games, playing cards & cribbage. Many hours were spent playing cards and cribbage with his kids & the Willis’ boys when they were growing up. In later years he enjoyed attending basketball games with Bruce Condit. He enjoyed having people around and would always have a story or a joke to tell you.  While in the Good Sam’s Home enjoyed the music & playing Bingo.  He will be sadly be missed by all.

Bill passed away on February 15,  2015, at the Good Samaritain Center in Bottineau.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, three daughters, Shelley Bowers, Judy (Clay) Ramsden, Wendy Liberty & 1 son Robin (Melonie) Bowers. 9 grandchildren, Jason, Curtis (Kristi) & Cole Ramsden, Dustin, Wade (Amber), Matthew & Kelsey Bowers & Donald & Anthony Liberty. 9 great grandchildren, Darian, Chad & Isabelle Ramsden, Nathan, Madison & Kolton Ramsden, and Korban, Kamea & Kage Bowers. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters, 1 brother & their spouses, son-in-law Dale Liberty, 2 nieces, 4 nephews and 1 great nephew.

Gary Stokes’ Comments:
So so sad to hear of Willis’ passing. Willis was born and raised in the Ackworth community and attended the Ackworth country school.  The Bowers Families were close family friends in my growing up days. Seldom if ever did Willis, Shirley and their family miss the annual Ackworth Alumni picnic that was held the first Sunday after the 4^th of July each year. Following the picnic they most often came to our house for more visiting and camaraderie.

With  our trip back to the area in 2013, I visited Willis and Shirley in the Bottineau Good Samaritan Home. I so enjoyed that visit too reminiscing old times.

Willis was a good guy and will most certainly be missed. Our condolences are with his family with his passing.

Gary

Reply to Dennis Dubois (’63)
From Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Don’t recall my having made a comment relative to a 1959 FB game, but if Dennis wants to include my name with his in ANY reference, I am all for it.      LEE      s      2-13-2015

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Blog (252) posted on October 15, 2008

From Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59):

Shirley, We know this is open heart Surgery. You are in our prays. Gary

So I will be having surgery tomorrow, wedesday, I need to be there at 5:30 in the morning. Please be praying ok thanks talk to you soon..God Bless  Shirley

From Sybil Johnson: 

Thank you Gary. I truly appreciated your reply about Bernice’s family. Yes, I remember when Uncle Raymond talked about Pancho Villa and how he left Mexico, leading an

army–only he wasn’t with them, they were chasing him. He also called himself “Soldier of Misfortune”. He had many stories to tell. There was a scar on his right leg and

he said that was from a spear going thru his leg in Africa. Another story, that both he and Bernice would tell: Raymond brought home a suitcase full of money and put it

on the floor for the kids to play with. He then took it and buried it somewhere on Grandma’s property. I don’t know how true that was, but it was an intriguing story.

Thanks again, for all the wonderful stories. Even though Augie and I have been divorced some 15 yrs., I still care about the family.

Sybil Johnson

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

These are pictures of Han’s Johnson’s barn. He and his brother, Axel,
sawed the dimension lumber on their old sawmill and bought the lap
siding and shingles. The top picture is dated 1926 and the writing on
the back says ‘Axel (standing on the wall) and Hans’ . The second
picture is dated 1929, barn was painted red. The last photo is after the
wind tore it down in 1961. It was actually only 35 years old, not that
old for a building. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picture provide by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

                                    Dunseith High School Class of 1957

1959 Dunseith Football team
Posted by Dennis Dubois (’63): Minneapolis, MN

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s story, the 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lsot one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned” and it lasted long enough for them to s core the winning touchdown. Jay Vanory’s dad

As an added footnote to my response to Lee Stickland’s note. The 1959 football team went undefeated and the 1960 team lost one game, to Rolla, when the clock “malfunctioned and gave them enough time to score the winning touchdown. Jay Vanory’s dad, Virgil, went crazy and they got the cops to escort him off the field and probably out of town.

Leonard Eller not well
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74):  Bottineau, ND

Hi Gary….

My half-brother Leonard Eller is not doing very well. I was hoping that everyone, that reads the blog will put him in their prayers. His daughter Kim Thomas, contacted me here in Arizona to let me know that day before yesterday Leonard had been air lifted to Bismarck.

Leonard has been a residence of the Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau for the last couple of years.  I guess he had been doing poorly for a while and had to be put into the Botno Hospital. He has congestive heart disease that has progressively gotten worse. He coded out a couple of time when they tried to transfer him to Bismarck. They finally got him stable enough to transport, however when he arrived they had to put him on a ventilator, and he will have to be put on a dialysis machine. A year or so ago, when he was put on that machine, he didn’t do so well.

I believe that many people from the Dunseith/Belcourt area know him. Him and his family have lived in the Belcourt area for most of their lives. He is my oldest brother from my Dad’s first marriage. I believe he is 83. I still have 2 more half-brother left. One in Sun City, AZ. the other one is in Elkhart, Indiana.

Please put Leonard in your prayer & hope for the best.

Thank You,

Ivy (Eller) Robert 74

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’68):  Bottineau, ND

Benchmark Electronics to close plant in North Dakota

Posted: Feb 12, 2015 8:47 PM USTUpdated: Feb 12, 2015 8:47 PM UST

DUNSEITH, N.D. (AP) – Workers at the Benchmark Electronics plant in Dunseith and area officials say they’ve been notified by the company that the factory will close by the end of the year.

The shutdown will put 140 people out of work in the northern North Dakota town of fewer than 800 residents. Officials with Texas-based Benchmark did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on why the Dunseith facility is being closed.

Former City Councilman Bob Leonard helped bring Benchmark to the town 30 years ago. He tells KXMC-TV (http://bit.ly/1J0AyDx ) that the impending closure of the facility is a shock to the community.

Mayor Jesse Marion says officials will work to find another tenant for the 100,000-square-foot plant.

Alison Bjorkedal, daughter of G. Ann Krech Bjorkedal (1964 Rolla graduate) at Grammy Awards
Posting from Brenda Hoffman (’68): Greenville, SC

Last weekend, Alison Bjorkedal, daughter of G. Ann Krech Bjorkedal (1964 Rolla graduate) and Al Bjorkedal, was at the 57th annual Grammy Awards as part of Partch – an ensemble that plays the music and instruments of 20th century composer Harry Partch (http://www.Partch.LA.com).

The group took home the award for Best Classical Compendium. Alison plays the kithara, a harplike instrument, with the ensemble.

Alison (http://www.alisonbjorkedal.com) holds a master’s and doctorate degrees in harp performance and is a Los Angeles-based harp teacher, college instructor and performer including a Mariah Carey/Nick Cannon special, an Andre Boucle PBS Christmas program and a State Department exchange with Vietnam.

Alison’s two uncles, Gordon and Gerald, are Rolla residents.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/grammy-awards-john-schneider-and-partch-answer-questions-from-the-press/vp-AA99vSl

The Partch ensemble at the press conference after the Grammy awards.

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (251) posted on October 14, 2008

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary,

Letaine Bolen served DHS as an English teacher in Dunseith in the mid ’70’s through 1982.   She came to ND from Texas, when her sister was teaching at Dunseith Indian Day School.

In 1981, She married Bill Brandt,moved to Bottineau and was an English teacher here in the system until  about 2003.

Diane, her beloved sister died of an aneurism in Texas in 1996.

In 2002, Letaine then was teaching in Belcourt when diabetes began ravaging her body.

She lost parts of her toes and eyesight from one eye, and was undergoing dialysis in Belcourt.  While undergoing dialysis she’d  often find herself renewing communications with  parents of former students.

She and Bill had started  divorce proceedings when he died suddenly of pancreatic cancer last summer.

A couple months ago she got her kidney transplant. Two weeks later,she had a heart attack. Letaine has since been at Med Center 1 in Bismarck ND now awaiting heart surgery.

While in Dunseith, Letaine,was a very able English Teacher. Why do I know? Because she taught my brothers,  and since parents with their disabilties did not go to conferences… I did.

While as teacher, in Dunseith, a character trait goal I remember of Letaine; students looking at everyday on Letaine’s door was …..” BE YE KIND”….  And KIND  she is. She lived it. Former students will probably remember Letaine as a fine teacher who was always respectful of all, young or old, brown or white, poor or rich. And  quick thinking on her feet and very WITTY.

Thanks for asking.

A former Dunseith and Bottineau co-teacher,  Vickie Metcalfe

Letaine’s mailing address and phone number

Medcenter One
Letaine Brandt
300 N.  Seventh St.
Bismarck, ND  58501

Her phone # is 701-323-  and ask for Letaine Brandt’s room. They have been moving her around a lot.  That # will get the main hospital and they will transfer to her room.

You will not have to use Letaine’s maiden name with the address for any letters

Reply from Ardy Bakken Horner (former teacher): 

Gary  If anyone ever goes to Holden Village (Lutheran retreat Center) in Washington, they can still experience a bowling  with hand

set pins, my kids were amazed to see it on our visit there.  Ardy Bakken Horner

Reply from Marlene Lilleby Plmquist/Larson (53): 

Gary

Thanks for adding me to your list, have enjoyed reading the Dunseith alumni news.  After being gone so many years I even still remember some of the names appearing.  What ship are you all going on for the Alaskan Cruise on July 24th?

Thanks again.  Marlene Lilleby Palmquist/ Larsen

From Erling Landsverk (44): 

HI GARY!