Happy Birthday Diane Fugere (DHS ’75): Minot, ND
            

Happy Birthday Debbie Fauske Fugere (DHS ’75): Minot, ND
                              

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

Hi   Gary,

While  reading  your  response  this  morning  to  Dick  asking  about  your  brother  Allen, an  idea  popped  in  my   head.  What  do  you  think  of   every  2  days  post  someone’s  name  either  alphabetically  or  randomly, that   would  share  what  they  have  been  doing  since  graduating, and  where  they  presently  live  and  what  they  are  doing  job  wise, retirement  or  whatever. If  they  don’t  respond  in  two  days  move  on  to  the  next  name,  and  they  will  still have  the  opportunity to  post  at  another  time…to just  let  you  know. I  understand  some  people  may  not  be  interested  to  participating  and  that’s  ok, they  can  let  you  know. I  just  find  “Where  Are  They  Now”  interesting.  Like  I  know   who  your  brother Allen  is…but  didn’t  know  him  personally  but  still  found  what  you  shared  interesting. Like  how  did  Allen  get  from  Dunseith,  to  San Diego…. I  don’t  know  about  anyone  else  but  stuff  like  this  fascinates  me. People  can  share  as  much  or  as  little  as  they  choose  to…. Just   a  thought     Anyone’s  input  on  this  is  encouraged…. Thanks  Gary!  Blessings!  Aggie  Casavant’

Aggie,
What a wonderful idea. We can start with the oldest classes and work our way forward. This gives me a chance to update our records too. For those that would like someone to reply on their behalf it is just fine too. The first two I have are from the class of 1936.

“Lillian Thompson Bergstrom(DHS ’36) – 309 Homecroft Court, Superior, Wisconsin  54880 – (715) 394-2189”

Keith Pladson, Lillian is your aunt. Can you give us a brief history of Lillian’s life from the time she graduated from DHS in 1936 to the present?

“Jean Radley Thomas (DHS ’36) – Lives in Meza Arizona”

Jean is the sister of Maxine Radley Hiatt (deceased). Hopefully someone from Maxine’s family can give us an update on Jean. Jean was not well when I was putting class lists together in 2007.

====================================
Blog (163) posted on July 17, 2008

 Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Yes, Gary, Bernice (Seim) Lindberg moved back from the west coast in the late sixties/early 70’s, worked at San Haven and married Elmer Lindberg.

When my mom was recovering from brain tumor surgery in January of 1980, Bernice volunteered for a few days to stay and help my mom.  (My dad was blind from diabetes and Mom, after the tumors destruction, was also blind in one eye)

In the 80’s, when she became infirm from illness,  Bernice moved to Bottineau Good Sam. for more specialized nursing.  I recall that  Elmer moved into Golden Keys apts. across the street then to be close by her, where he visted her every day.

And, I recall when  she was hospitalized at St. Andrews and her son came to visit, Elmer was never far from her, gruff and blunt.

Yes, Elmer could be gruff, but beneath the crusty exterior, his old fashioned heart was kind.

Ah..from one farm kid to another,  I also remember the days of pickin rocks, which seemed to always multiply and grow especially after a good disc ing!  Vickie

From Lois Lilleby Fielding (51):

Hi Gary:  I have been very interested in hearing about Tim Hill and his progress.  Years ago, when I worked at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, he had heart surgery there, and I was happy to give a pint of my blood for his surgery.  Murl Hill is a friend, of course.  Lois Lilleby Fielding.

From Bob Hosmer (56): 

I’m enjoying the reflection of Dunseith friends and acquaintances.  Reading the barber shop stories brought back memories.  I’m glad Sharon Peterson shared about Marlin Williams.  I visited Dunseith once when he was barbering and he cut my hair–twice in fact.  The first time was Ok, but I came back the next day to have him do some finishing touches.

Does anybody have any memories of camping on Wild Cat Island just north of town or hiking up to Indian Mound and Mineral Springs.  Those areas were wonderful kinds of retreats for me.

By the way, my email address will change on July 24th from rkhosmer@ to rkhosmer@ .  Please use the former until that day.  Thanks, Gary, for all the wonderful work you are doing to keep all of us in touch with each other.

Bob Hosmer (56)

From Bev Morniville Azure (72): 

Colette, I agree  Dick  needs to write a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I  also  think we need a  name  for this  blog .  When I  am  telling  people  about  it  I  never  really know what to call it. ie  i tell my  husband  everynite  what has  been  written for the  day  so I  call it the  Gary site.  Bev

Bev, The Gary sight is just fine.  I have each and every group message saved to include the many massages that were shared with the class of 65 before we expanded to include the whole Dunseith alumni. There are several thousand or more messages in all.  That’s a ton of history with a lot of pictures. In the future, some ambitious person could compile all this into a book. It would be a lot of work, but would make a very nice book. It would be a big book. Gary

Reply from Alan (42) & Phyllis Campbell:

Note: Cathy, I should have double checked the spelling of your name. The Article had Kathy.  Gary

Gary:  In answer to your request for the names of those at the ribbon cutting at the Grand Opening of the new Bottineau Security State Bank they are as follows:  left to right: Jeff Campbell (class of 76), Phyllis, Cathy (class of 73), Jeremy (Jeff’s son who is working this summer at the Botno bank and is a Junior at U. of Mary in Bismarck),Alan, Bottineau Mayor Doug Marsden, Donovan Bertsch (a bank director), Rich  (class of 68 and also a bank director) and David (class of 71).    A little correction on the story – William (Bill) Campbelll came to the bank in Dunseith i n 1933 from Omemee where he, Violet and Alan were living.  Several Dunseith businessmen including W.E. Hosmer, Joe Lamoureaux and Wm. Gottbreht among others asked him to come to Dunseith to run the bank.   I forgot to mention above that Alan was a graduate in the class of 1942.  He went to Jamestown College where eventully he and Phyllis met!    These parents are very proud of all their children and the good education they received in Dunseith and thank you and others for your nice comments!Incidentally all four kids are happily married and all living in North Dakota!  Alan and Phyllis have ten grandchildren – all out of high school now – plus two great-grandchildren.   We do enjoy reading the emails from near and far!

Picture provided by Neolo Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net

Jim Sr. is deceased and Mildred rescently moved to the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau.

Jim & Mid Fulsebakke children:

Message/Picture from Dick Johnson(68): 

Gary and Friends,

Sharon was correct. Right after Godfreys left, Marlin Williams had the
barber shop between the bowling alley and the drugstore. I guess the
cleaners, where Lyda Kolberg worked, was just on the south side of the
drugstore and then the barber shop. One time when I was eleven and Terry
Hiatt was 10, I went in to get a haircut from Marlin. He grinned at me
and said, “So you are going to be a barber”! I said, “What–no”! He said
Terry was just in and had him cut all his hair off because of the mess
‘I’ made! Here Terry had tried to give himself a haircut and cut a strip
right down the middle and was embarrassed, so he told Marlin I did it!
He used one of the old time hand clippers and really cut it short.
Terry spent a lot of time with me as he lived with his grandmother for
several years off and on. He came back from Washington in 1967 and went
with us on a trip to the Worlds Fair in Montreal, Quebec. It was called
Expo 67.From Montreal we went to NY City and down the coast clear
to Virginia and back home. The attached picture is of Terry on our back
step that summer with my first guitar. I bought the guitar from a guy
for $5. as it was in two pieces. I fixed it up and played it for several
years until  after Brenda and I were married, when she bought me a
better one for my birthday. Later in life, Terry and his brother Randy
had a band and traveled from Washington as far as Montana playing night
spots. Do you suppose he got the ‘itch’ from my old guitar? Thanks Gary!

Dick

Dick, Who was Terry’s Grandmother?

Message/pictures from Allen Richard (65):

To those who remember my daughter form the reunion, here she is at the National Cherry Festival Parade in Traverse City, MI last weekend.  She went from 8th grade band to the Bullock Creek 90 piece varsity marching band.  The Lancers Marching band have been at this parade for the last 45 years.  Susan was in the parade for three years.  Alaina will beat her by a year.

Alaina is working on a U-Tube page with her piano teacher.  For her 5th grade talent show, she accompanied herself in the performance of “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera.  She also does the vocals for our agency video.

www.literacymidland.org

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Note: Harry Fassett was the cheif of police in Bottineau for a perod of time.

Do any of you remember any of the Harry Fassett family?  Gary

Harry & Rachel (Frederick) Fassett Children all deceased:

No blogs the past two days.

For the record I did not get a blog posted the last two days.

Gary

Condolences to all the families
From Dave Slyter (’70): Sabin, MN.

 Just want to send prayers and condolences to all the families that have recently lost someone in their life’s .   To Connie Sime and family,  to all the family and friends of Elaine Metcalfe and now Vida Hiatt.   My prayers and thoughts are with you all.   God’s Blessing’s be on each and every one.  

 Dave Slyter (70)

Condolences to the Hiatt Family
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

To  Rod  Hiatt

I  was  so  sorry  to  hear  of  your  Moms sudden passing  Rod,  but  happy  to  see  how  many  years  you  had  with  her. I  lost  my Mom  24  years   ago  and  I  still miss her. A  person  can  lose  people  throughout  their  life, but  losing  your  Mom  is  something  completely  different  as  you  will  come  to  realize.  You  have  had  your  share  of  losses  over  the  years  Rod,  and  for  that  I  am  truly  sorry. God  Bless  you  and  your  family  through  the  sad, and reflective  days  ahead.  Aggie Casavant’

Condolences to the Hiatt Family
From Connie Zorn Landsverk:  Bottineau, ND

My condolences are with the Hiatt families @ the loss of their loved-one Vida!!Vida was a fun-loving person! saw her with her 2 sisters @ the Norway House  on Friday night & now God has called her home! May she rest in peace!!

Vida Hiatt
(Died September 20, 2014)

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Vida E. Hiatt, age 88 of Bottineau, died on Saturday, September 20, 2014 in a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the United Parish at Bottineau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Vida Elaine (Peterson) Hiatt was born February 16, 1926 on a cold North Dakota winter day at home in the Turtle Mountains, the fifth child to Max and Mary Peterson. She attended Weatherall country school through the eighth grade. Then remained at home to aide her parents in attending to the hard work of raising a large family and farm life. One evening years into her life she attended a dance, there brother Bill introduced her to Howard Hiatt. On April 27, 1944 in the Mission Church north of Dunseith, holding a second-hand bouquet of flowers she married the love of her life.

Her life as Mgrs. Howard Hiatt brought her to live deeper into the same Turtle mountains she had grown up in. Cooking and cleaning, canning and milking, and raising a family of her own. Supplemented with taking in neighbor kids, siblings and anyone else that came to hunt or visit or find a temporary shelter under the welcomed embrace of the their home. and the comforting goodness of Vida’s home cooking. Vida and Howard did move from the Turtle mountains and made homes in Dunseith, Washington, Minnesota, Devils Lake, Penn and Bottineau before settling on the farm nestled between Bottineau and Dunseith in 1966. There Vida with paint and wallpaper transformed a mammoth old farm house into a cozy loving home. Her baking and cooking was amazing, having survived the depression years she had the ability to whip up a meal from nothing and send everyone away with full bellies. Hired men were eager to work on the Hiatt farm when they found out Vida would be making the meals.

In her lifetime, she had jobs as taxi driver, as Avon lady, worked in a dry cleaner, and then found her niche caring for those in need at San Haven. There she worked for 17 years, for a short time in the kitchen, then as a nurse’s aide and then a supervisor. After San Haven closed she worked at The Bottineau Good Samaritan and The Dunseith nursing home. In 2005 she began volunteer work at The Good Samaritan Center in Bottineau and did so till the day she stepped into heaven. No matter what job she had she gave 120%, and the lives she touched with her kindness cannot be measured here on earth. Her dream always was to be a nurse, so she could help people, the title was not to be, but she spent a lifetime helping those in need be it family, neighbors or community this tiny lady with humble nature gave everything she could and more, a true servant for her Savior.

In the early hours of September 20th 2014 Vida let go of this world and took flight in the arms of Jesus, home to her beloved Howard, Earl, Vonnie and Laurel, all of whom she missed so dearly here on earth, the reunion must be so glorious. We are forever blessed by the goodness she invested in us all. We loved her dearly, and will forever be homesick for our Vida.

Vida passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at a Bottineau hospital.

Preceded in death by her Husband, Howard, Parents, Children, Laurel and Earl Hiatt and daughter, Vonnie Peterson. Brothers Jack, Duane and Bill Peterson and sisters Marion, Lucille and Lois.

Vida had 4 sons and two daughters. Laurel passed away 2013 and his wife, Mary (Bottineau) Earl passed away 1965, Rod and wife Suzanne ( Bottineau), Daughter, Vonnie Peterson passed away 2003 and her Husband Ron, Rick and Wife Susie (Bottineau) and daughter, Shelley Kenner and husband Jeff (Devils Lake), and honorary “son” Richard “Chops” Carlson. She is survived by her children Rod, Rick and Shelley, 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sisters Mary Artzer, Doris Bristol and Shirley Lagerquist and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Vonnie Peterson Scholarship Fund at the Dakota College at Bottineau.

Emma Gunville Obituary and message
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends,

Emma Gunville  was  originally from South Dakota.

She was married to one of the elder Gunville brother’s.

Robert and Emma had children and grandchildren who attended and completed schooling at the Dunseith Public School.

My sincere sympathy to them on the loss of their mom and grandmother.

Thanks.

Vickie Metcalfe

Emma Gunville
(February 16, 1929 – September 20, 2014)

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EMMA GUNVILLE

Emma Gunville, age 85 of Rolette formerly Dunseith, died Sunday, September 21, 2014 in a Rolette nursing home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the Turtle Mountain Indian Alliance Church of rural Dunseith. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery following the cremation. Visitation will be Wednesday beginning at 4:00 P.M. in the Church.

Emma Gunville, a daughter of John and Emma (Wessel) Zacker, was born on February 16, 1929 at Mobridge, SD. She moved with her family at a young age to Lewistown, MT where she was raised and graduated from school. After graduation she moved to Great Falls, MT where she met and married Robert L. Gunville in 1960. They moved to Dunseith where she worked at the San Haven as a CNA until it closed. Emma retired and became more active in community activities. Robert passed away on March 7, 2003. In 2011 she moved to Rolette where she has resided since.

She was a member of the Turtle Mountain Indian Alliance Church of rural Dunseith. Emma enjoyed gardening, cooking, spending time with family, visiting, playing cards and singing.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzy Daley of Dunseith, Sylvia Lawson of Minot and Toni Tetrault of Dunseith; sons, Harry Maley of North Carolina, Carl Maddox of Dunseith, James Gunville of Dunseith and Lloyd Gunville of Trenton, ND; 25 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert; brother, John Zacker and a grandson, Gary Daley.

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Blog (163) posted on July 17, 2008

From Sharon Peterson Harmsen (63): 

Hi Gary,

Recent emails have prompted me to write again.  But first of all, please take a moment to visit the CaringBridge website for Tim Hill as outlined in the email dated July 14th.  The site is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/timhill and is easy to use.  I just did and it sounds like Tim is doing OK with his new organs in spite of a few minor setbacks.  What a great guy to receive such a special gift of life from another special family (the donor family).

The barber stories caused me to think of another barber that no one has mentioned yet and that was my uncle, Marlin Williams.  He barbered in the shop south of the drug store for several years and I always felt special when I was able to go stay with he and Doris in their apartment behind the shop.   Me and my friends had great fun sitting in the barber chair and spinning around and pretending we were “doing each other’s hair”………….I believe Marlin also was a regular barber at San Haven when those residents needed a hair cut.

And stories of Eva Seim are very special to me as she was my teacher for my first three grades when we attended country school south of their farm.   Our families were very good friends and spent much time together over the years.  She and Art were very special people to me and I still have mementos from both of them;   An ID bracelet from Eva with my name engraved and silver dollars from Art.  Art and I always enjoyed each other’s company because he and I both liked being around horses.

Gary, as like everyone else, I wait for my “Dunseith Fix” every morning.  Thanks for all you do to keep us connected.

Sharon Peterson Harmsen

Colette Hosmer’s (64) reply to Dick Johnson (68): 

Dick,

You’ve got to write a book. The world need a collection of your stories — start now!

Colette

Ardys Bakken Horner (teacher) to Dick Johnson (68): 

This is to Dick Johnson and his Pals…I am surprised he survived his childhoold with the stunts he pulled?  Ardys Bakken Horner

From Kenny Nerpel (65):

Gary,

Just a note to let you know I have changed my email address to

Kenny

From Dick Johnson (64): 

Gary,

When you mentioned your brother Allen ‘Big Ally’, I was just wondering
what he has been doing for the last 45 years or so? I heard that he was
working in Wyoming many years back, but I see he is now in San Diego.
Just curious! Thanks!

Dick

Dick, My brother Allen and his wife Janet, have been living in San Diego since about 1991. Allen is the maintenance man for a larger apartment complex in SD.  I just talked to them several days ago. Things are going fine for them.  Allen is scheduled to have corrective lazar surgery done on both his eyes in several weeks. He’s hoping to restore his vision to 20/10.

San Diego is a nice city. In 2002 the shipyard sent me down there, for nearly 4 months, to work on one of the Submarine overhauls that our yard was in charge of. That same year I spent 6 months at Kings Bay Georgia working on a Trident Submarine Overhaul that our yard was also in charge of.  Had we not moved to the Philippines in retirement, I think we would have retired in the Jacksonville Florida area.  When I was in Kings Bay, we really liked that area. Gary

From Dick Johnson (64): 

Gary and Friends,

Gary, when you mentioned Elmer Lindberg and his 46 Ford Coupe, it
brought the memory of that old car sitting in the trees west of his
house. I think, if I remember right, Tim Martinson bought it and drove
it for a while in high school. I know Tim reads and comments on this
blog, so maybe he can fill us in a bit as to what became of it. How
about it, Tim Bear?? Again, as always, thank you Gary!

Dick

From Lee (Leland) Stickland (64): 

Gary,

On 7-11-08. your send date, I was paging through YOUR great daily provisions of news and saw my name,  Lee Stickland WHOA.  Sure enough, as I paged down, there was my Grand Father.

Yesterday I printed a copy of that photo which my cousin, Sharon Peterson Hermson had provided and was kindly included in your sending of  # 157.

I took that printed image to the nursing home for Dad to see and to have.

He determined that his father LEE is sitting on the right; not on the left,   I interpret the original accompanying caption to evince that Lee is one the left?

This morning, 7-16-08, I called Joy Peterson, Sharon’s Mom and my Dad’s sister and she confirmed that indeed Lee Stickland is on the right as the picture is viewed.

Edward le’ Marchant Stickland became known as LEE; circumstance for aka not being known by me.  I saw Dad this morning after talking with Joy and I learned that my grandfather LEE was born in 1896, died at age 53, in 1949 when I was 3 years old.

A 4th cousin, Diane Creamer, who lives in Madera, CA called me over a years ago.  She asked if I knew a Edward Stickland.  I replied that I did not.  She said his middle name and I said sure that is my grandfather.  She than said that she is my 4th cousin.

Diane has a drive to detect genealogies and has done so with the Sticklands’, way back to John and Mary (Tucker) living in Somersetshire about 1810.

Geroge Tucker Stickland born Feb 14, 1816 in Bristol, England and died in

Iowa January 6, 1861 having been the first recorded Stickland to locate to and in America.

Just ramblin’, Gary but wanted to provide the above info re: the names for the gentlemen shown in the picture that is herein referenced.

Gary, it is much said but not be me,  YOUR labors of daily duty for the enjoyment of and by so many is to be heralded.

Lee Stickland

Lee, Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention.  I have reattached the photo with the corrections below.  Gary

Front L to R: Max Peterson, Nels Landsverk &  Lee Stickland
Back: Ray Brennan

Security State Bank & the Alan Campbell Family:

Folks,

I have gotten the Bottineau Courant ever since I left ND in 1966.  That will come to an end next month though, when my current subscription runs out. Starting about 8 months ago they had to start adding a declartion form with each issue when sending it to me here in the Philippines.  Instead of costing less than a dollar for sending 2nd class, it now costs over $4.00.  The currant is sucking up the extra expense until my prescription runs out.

I just got this paper announcing the opening of the Dunseith bank branch in Bottineau.  I think pretty much everyone of us know the Campbell Family.  They have been in the banking business in the Dunseith community since 1905. They have served the community well. Alan & Phyllis and each of their children, Jeff, Rich, Dave & Kathy are all on our distribution list. They are wonderful folks.

With the Campbell family being so well known in our community, I just wanted to share this with you folks.  I know that they have a great staff working for them too.

Can anyone identify those in the ribbon cutting picture?

Gary

      Happy Birthday Janet Houle (BHS ’70):  Kensington, MN.

Vida Hiatt

(Died September 20, 2014)

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Vida E. Hiatt, age 88 of Bottineau, died on Saturday, September 20, 2014 in a Bottineau hospital. Funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the United Parish at Bottineau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Howard/Vida Hiatt memories
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

ROD AND FAMILY !!_  

 This is just such a shock – !!!- Vida was an angel!!_  such a humble and loving person- !!_ She should have lived to 110 !!!    

 —  she would do extra work at San Haven taking care of her patients –rather   than to ask someone else to do their work-  such a Tiny little thing and she would work circles around anyone-  !!!  -and such tender loving care for our  residents who appreciated it so much !!_  they loved her — !!!!t and then i remember her and your Dad living next  to Gramma Evans in Dunseith-    they had ties —  Vidal’s sister  Mary was married to Gramma Randina’s son Martin – !!  but i remember staying with Randina  (Gramma)  and I worked tile midnight at Dale’s cafe-  from the time i was 14 – throughout high school -i the summers –    but would sleep from about 1 am til noon every day and then back up to work at 2:30 pm  – to go to work at 3 pm till midnight again – !!_  and Vida and Howard always had the boys– mowing the lawn at Gramma-s  along with their own and would bring over goodies-  but when they were mowing early in the morning i would dream that i was at the lake and the motors were from boats –  going across the lake –  and then i would wake up around noon and think !!_ darn!!_  I thought i was at the lake-  it just made me sleep all the better and what great dreams – !!- lOL!!!–
   When Jay and I were first married his Dad bought a farm about 2 miles east of your folks from a  couple- and they had a miserable son in law that wanted that land –  !!_   so he harassed us to no end –  !!- He would come into our yard when jay was at work and threaten me if our bottle lambs got into his field he would kill them etc.!_      WELL ONE NIGHT HOWARDS HORSES GOT INTO THE FIELD OF THIS MISERABLE CHARACTER-  AND JAY GOT UP AND  together they managed to chase them out before morning –  !!! — but we eventually – had to decide to get out of sheep cause the coyotes – were thick and went into cattle and  Virgil sold the land to your Dad and we moved back to my Turtle Mountains-  and bought the land we are on now from Jay’s dad-  LOL!!_ yup bought it!!!!!—– there was no gifting land to the next generation there !!_ LOL!!! —  yup  — 50 acres at $200  an acre was no bargain back in 1970  but we needed a place to live  –  It would be like a $1000 an acre now !!!–  but we needed a place to go !!_  so we paid him and scratched out a place for house we bought from the Parrill’s for $750  and lived there for 6 years until we moved in the house we got now —  from south of Minot and continued to clear out the yard and land to make a farm — and the rest is history – !!_  

Many wonderful memories of your family —  !!_  i Loved both Howard and Vida-   and Laurel and Jay won the first place Buckles at the County Fair for Roping – the first year Jay tried it — the two “old” guys beat out everyone for first place !!-  what a hoot- !!-  –course Jay had been roping rank bulls for all the neighbors for years- and it wasn’t all that new to him!!_  but he switched to heeling — the back feet and Laurel was the header  to catch the head-  but they pulled it off!!-  what fun!!_ they laughed and laughed about it- !!-  —  Well, dear Rod — take care and give all your sibs hugs and we will certainly try to get to her funeral at least one of us – this freight business keeps us   pretty tied down- !!_ —  Lola

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

This is for Lyle Olson–  

Yes many wonderful memories of the “girls and their band”  —  what a delightful time–  those girls gave so much to the community – singing for funerals –  weddings –   etc.– and most known for “Tickled Pink ”  — don’t ask me where they got that name but they and Shelly Fulsebakke and Roberta Hagen Striker-  were quite a band- !!!  – Dwain Coleman  (Patti’s first husband”-  )   loved them as did we and we never issued one of their dances –  man could they belt out proud Mary-  is one i remember- and Sweet Caroline- that was Cheri Evans with them !!_ also !!_  every time Dwain had to go under more chemotherapy he would _  say _ “we better dance now- cause i won’t dance when i lose my hair- ”  and he had the most gorgeous black hair!!_  but would lose it all with every chemo treatments-    !!  and we would dance our hearts out —  to “Tickled Pink”— they were just awesome-  so natural !!_  Emil would just sit and listen to them practice night after night and just in his Glory – !!_  

You are too young to remember but —  Emil was pretty good on the guitar also !!_a nd at the big reunion back in the 50’s after Gramma Rose Metcalfe  died they had a big celebration at my folks house !!_  over New year’s  eve-  !!- — All the Metcalfe siblings from Seattle – etc.  came and we sang and danced and my Aunt Leona recorded the whole thing- !! on one of those reel type – things but eventually awe got  video s of it —  North to Alaska was new then and he played it  wonderfully and sang with all us kids- a and then the whole family of sibs sang their songs — It was a wonderful  l day and night-  !!-they sang from mooring till the next morning — no alcohol involved just pure-  talent  from the oldest to the youngest – !!-  led on by uncle Emil- !!!– and old favorite funny songs  – to Scotland old songs-  to modern day songs-  –but most old gaelic blurbs- n and old favorites-  I will never forget it!!-  as though it were yesterday !!! – 

THEN THEY STARTED TO ARM WRESTLE AND  DAD AND LUCKY COULD NEITHER ONE WIN TIL THE COFFEE TABLE WENT CRUNCH UNDER THEM – AND THEN MY MOM STEPPED IN!!_ LOL!!!–   — AND THEN SHE HAD TO LAUGH IT WAS JUST A CHEAP PURCHASE OF A TABLE- !!

— LOL!!_  OH YEAH LYLE I COULD GO ON AND ON!!_  

 LOVE  YOU CUZ- !!!_  LOLA

Follow up messages from Lola

BUT =–  I remember tickled pink playing at funerals and wedding and  also in their heyday at – parties especially at Kelvin-  well – Dwain Coleman loved their music as did we!!!! –  and we never missed a dance they played at — “Proud Mary ” was his favorite – and then he would have to undergo chemo therapy and would lose that gorgeous black hair again  and he would say be better dance now- !!!_  so we would  and would have a ball — oh to be young again !_  — but he died way too young at 37 yrs.  old  – but lived to the fullest we could till then !!_  — those were such happy days – we thought we were INVINCEABLE!!!!–         —  AND I GUESS WE WERE –   we all survived and the kids all grew up to be  decent citizens with good values and work ethics –  so  i guess all’s well that ends well–   !!_ Lola l

Lyle-  did i tell you about  Elaine taking her nieces and nephew on overnight – camping excursions??– she would stop in here and get fire wood from Jay-  and then take  them out into the  unknown forest –  for a  a  camping trip  !!!    she bought Jay a plate – just gorgeous o f   terry redline – just to show her  appreciation !!-  what a gal – !!- he cherishes that plate!!_  

In the Cebu Marco Polo Lounge follow one of our Expat diners
L to R: Steve, Gary, Bernadette, Em-Em, Thess, Novie, Mirasol, Lorelie and Edelyn

====================================
Blog (162) posted on July 16, 2008

From  Pamela Fugere Schmidt (73): 

Gary, Vickie, and all:

Saw Vickie’s write-up on Eva Seim and have to credit her as the Teacher who had the most impact on me…sharing a love of reading that blossomed into a love of lifelong learning.  This was a Teacher who changed many lives.  If memory serves me, she taught my father and most if not all of my siblings.

Pamela Fugere Schmidt
Vice President
www.siamarketing.com

Gary’s reply to Vickie Metcalfe:

Vickie,

You mentioned Bernice Seim was married to your uncle Archie Metcalfe.  A few years after Archie’s passing, Bernice was married to Elmer Lindberg.  Elmer lived about a half mile into Bottineau county on hwy 43 (Peace Garden road) up in the hills.  Alice McKay and Elmer were siblings.  Bernice became an aunt to all the McKay siblings too.  Until he got married to Bernice, Elmer had been a bachelor his entire life.  My brother Allen and I picked lots of rocks for Elmer from his fields.  He had some fields to the north of his buildings that continually grew healthy rocks.  Elmer was quite a guy with his, whine twitched, heavy Norwegian accent and his old 46 ford coupe.  Elmer always treated Allen and me well.  He sometimes came across as being a little gruff, but he was basically a very nice guy.

After Bernice died, Elmer moved into Bottineau into the apartments located across the street to the south of the Good Samaritan home.  He volunteered lots of hours over at Good Sam, folding towels, etc.

Gary

From Allen Richard (65):

To Angela– Thank you for asking about Susan.  She is doing very well.  Chemo therapy will be her choice.  The doctors at Mayo are not telling her to do it–but not telling her not to take it  either.   If she chooses to go ahead with it we should still have all this behind us by early next year.  Amazing how even a mild case of breast cancer can take a year out of your life.

On a couple of happier notes, I now have 3 — count-em 3 grandsons.  Cooper Allen Parisien was born last Friday.  Jack and Kelani live in Jamestown.  He is director of security and safety at the State Hospital and she is an electrical engineer with Goodrich.

Also I have a trip to Seattle coming up in late October.  Business related, but I’m tacking on some time on both ends.  Hope to see a few of our dozens of relatives out there — and maybe stay with Aunt Louise.

You free for coffee say Nov. 2 in Minneapolis?

You can fill me in on the rest of your visit with the Robert boys!

Dave Wurgler’s (64) reply to Bev Morinville (72): 

Bev:  Hey that was great, brought a lot of memories as far as the cars, songs movies and all things that happened in that era. It was a blast growing up and cruisin in the 60’s. My third car was a 1960 white Chevy Impala 2 dr hard top which I had before leaving Dunseith in 1966. There was a lot of main st. cruisin in Dunseith with that car plus a lot of trips to Botno to check out and hook up with a few gals. THE GOOD OLE TIMES hahaha.  Thanks Bev and Gary keep up the good job and the e-mails comming, very interesting. Dave (64)

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

A while back I sent some stories about Axel Johnson, my grandfather’s
brother. A third person story about Axel was told to me by John Brennan.
John said that years ago someone set off a 55 gallon barrel at the gas
station in Dunseith, and said they would fill it with gas when they were
ready to go home. He said the kid working at the station filled it while
it was on the ground. The guys stopping by the gas station asked him how
he thought he could get it back up into the back of the pickup, as a
full barrel of gas weighs over 400 lbs! Then of course there was a
argument over how much the barrel weighed! Axel came in during this
discussion and someone asked him how much it weighed. Before he could
answer, one of the guys said it was over 400 lbs, to which Axel replied,
“No it can’t be, because I can lift a barrel of gas and I can’t lift 400
lbs”! John told me Axel wrapped his arms around the barrel and then
stood up, lifting the barrel off the ground! He then said, “See, it
don’t weigh no 400lbs”! John said to me, “That was the most ‘inhuman’
thing I have ever seen’!! Just one of many stories about Axel! Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Loraine Neameyer Haas (72): 

I can identify the  David Eurich Family with the help of Mary Knutson whom I work with.  Back Row:  Sharon Hanson, Eileen Nelson, Norman Eurich, David Eurich.  Front Row:  Mary Knutson, Dorothy Strietzel, Jean Roland, Winifred Eurich.

Loraine Neameyer Haas

Loraine, Mary was with the class of 62.  She was married to Leroy (Bud) Knutson (Deceased).  Winifred is a Pritchard, sister to Robert & Corbin, originally from the Ackworth community.  Corbin Pritchard was married to my mothers sister Luella.  She died in 1944, with TB, at San Haven. Gary

Back L to R:  Sharon Hanson, Eileen Nelson,
Norman Eurich, David Eurich
Font L to R: Mary Knutson, Dorothy Strietzel,
Jean Roland, Winifred Eurich

From Loraine Neameyer Haas (72): lhdon@utma.com

I can identify the Gordon Neameyer Family Picture.

Back Row is Jerilyn Fosberg Neameyer and Gordon.

Front row is Blair Neameyer, Larkie Neameyer Kouragian, and Joni Neameyer Massey.

Loraine Neameyer Haas

Back L to R: Jerilyn Fosberg Neameyer and Gordon

Front L to R: Blair Neameyer, Larkie Neameyer Kouragian,

and Joni Neameyer Massey

Vida Peterson Hiatt Passed Away Saturday Morning.
Message from Rod Hiatt (’69):  Bottineau, ND

Gary

In the early hours of Saturday morning Mom(Vida) was taken to Bottineau by ambulance and stabilized to be air lifted to Minot with chest pains and blockage of the heart. Before she could be loaded on the helicopter she passed away. With heavy heart we lost Mom, but she is now with Dad, Earl, Laurel and Vonnie. I will follow up when we get arrangements made.

Hello Rod,

So so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. In my  growing up days your folks and my folks were pretty close. Earl and Laurel were closer to my age, so I remember them the best.  I remember you too, but as a kid 4 years is quite a gap. In the 50’s and the early 60’s we were included with all the Hiatt reunions and gatherings, most often held at the Peace Garden.   I have known your mother since the day I was born. I always liked her. She was a beautiful petite lady.

Our Condolences are with you and all of your family with the passing of your mother.

Gary

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

I stopped up at their house this evening and the three kids were there at Connie’s — so great just like when they were little- “the good old days”  when our kids were hanging around with them and their Shelly was our kids babysitter-  up into their teens — When the kids were older it was more like a housekeeper and just someone to be here in case they had any trouble–In the summers-     we were neighbors for many a year- about 45 to be exact and Larry with my Dad before that– and my sibs who went to school with him-

Jay will miss his visits at our freight depot  –  nowadays it is the “grumpy Old men” that gather around the coffee pot   reminiscing– about their younger day i.e.   –  LOL!!_  seems like yesterday we were all young and the kids were all little — great neighbors-   !!– we will miss him-but are glad is suffering is over now—   Lola

Condolences to the Metcalfe Family
From Alan Poitra (’67):  Bloomington, MN

My condolences to the Elaine Metcalfe family.

Alan Poitra

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

Dear Gary:

Thank you for all you do with the blog.

My heart aches with the news of Elaine Metcalfe’s passing.  She was truly a kind and gentle soul!

I, like many of your readers, have many fond memories of Elaine. She was committed to helping disadvantaged youth, not only through her job at UND but in her everyday life.  Her love for her siblings, nieces, nephews and countless cousins was given freely and without condition. Her hugs were legendary!

Most know that music was a very important part of Elaine’s life. To this day I treasure my memories of the sweet harmonies of Elaine, Kathy and Janice.  Weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies and house parties – it did not matter – when those three gals sang, the room would quiet and all would bask in the joyful noise.  Add to that glorious sound, the wonderful voices of my much loved cousin, Cheri Metcalfe Evans, and Shelly Fulsebakke, and the percussion of Roberta Hagen, and you have the best all girl band ever – Tickled Pink!!  I can close my eyes and hear clearly Elaine’s strong but tender voice singing the Fleetwood Mac classic song, Rhiannon, and so many other songs.  Precious memories to be sure.

I would love to hear stories from others about Elaine’s wonderful life.  It would be a great and lasting tribute to a beautiful lady!

Lyle Olson

Class of ’75

====================================
Blog (161) posted on July 15, 2008

Carolee Casavant Halvorson’s (75) reply to Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

My husbands name is Jeff. His parents were from Rolette. Both are deceased. Thier names were Orris (Bud) and Leslie Halvorson. Jeff’s Grandfather is John Fish also the father in law to Margie Landsverk Fish .                                       Carolee Halvoson

 Carolee, If I’m comprehending this all right, Margie Landsverk (57) is your husbands aunt.  I had no idea that you guys were related.  Gary

Sharon Longie Dana (73): 

Gary and Friends,

Rod was right, Hank’s haircuts weren’t the best! One time we had a

basketball game in Rolla, for seventh or eighth grade players, and when
I went out on the floor to play, Mom heard somebody behind her laugh and
say, “I wonder where he got his haircut”? She said she was so
embarrassed because she was sitting with all her Dunseith friends! There
were spots where Hank cut right down to the ‘wood’, like they say! I
used to look through the window at the guys waiting for a haircut and
then decide whether or not to go in or come back the next day. Hank
never disinfected his electric clipper, most of the time he never even
shut it off between haircuts! Some of the guys hadn’t had a haircut for
a long time and I was not too sure what they might be carrying in that
mess! The other barbers, south of the drugstore, were probably the
Godfreys. There was a father and son who both were barbers. The older
Godfrey used to do the entire haircut with only a scissor, and of course
a straight edge razor around the bottom. His haircuts were just as good
as anyones, old school I suppose. There is a short joke about the guy
who went in for a haircut. As the barber was getting ready, the guy
explained how he wanted it cut. He wanted it longer on one side than the
other, real short in the back, and some long hair in the front that
falls in his eyes every time he looks down. The barber said, “I don’t
know if I can give you a haircut like that”. The guy said, “Why not, you
did last time”!!! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Bev Morinvill Azure’s (72) Reply to Dave Wurgler (64): 

Dave  , thanks  for  the  memories  I  do remember some of those  but  I am younger  then  you  so i clicked on http://cruzintheavenue.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm so  if  you are  younger  then  Dave and his  fellow seniors ( in all  due respected to them)  click on this link and  be  taken  back to  another   great time in  history.

  GOD  BLESS YOU …………BEV

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Gary, to  Neola…..

Fern Berube is Musette (Berube’s)  (class of ’74) mom.  Fern, I believe, was married to Lawrence Berube and   the sister in law to Eva (Berube) Seim, & Fortune  and Edward Berube, Mrs. Dionne, etal.. .. The Berube’s were a huge family all related to Jim Berube.   They  were also related to the Mongeon’s & Greniers.

Eva (Berube) Seim  of French descent, was raised in the Thorne area ,taught rural schools before teaching first grade at Dunseith. She met and married Arthur Seim, of Norweigian descent.  Their son, Edwin graduated from Dunseith High School.  Their two daughters, Marion and Margaret graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Willow City.

My dad, Cliff lived with the  John  & Ingrid Seim and Art & Eva Seim families, as a teen., prior to WW II.  They all were wonderful mentors and kind of… family, as Bernice Seim, Art’s sister was married to my uncle, Archie A. Metcalfe.

John Seim encouraged Dad to be baptized and confirmed when he drove my dad to Little Prairie Lutheran Church on Sundays. I was blessed to stay after school at times, with Grandma Seim, who  lived  about 1/2 block from the big white school house.  I have fond memories of Art and Eva (Berube) Seim, wonderful friends and neighbors growing up, as my parents purchased the farm adjacent  to Art and Eva.

Eva was close to her Berube family, often showing me pictures of them and spoke highly of them. One of Eva’s sisters worked for the foreign service in Europe…. Nuff said… Vickie Metcalfe

Picture/message from Angela Berube Malget (65):

Hi Gary and all,

I can identify the Edward Berube family picture.  Front row left to

right is Gary, Perry, Evelyn (Edward’s wife) holding their youngest
child Tim, Sharon and (as Evie said), either Tanya or Briana, Sharon’s
daughter.  Back row, left to right is Brian, Brenda, my Uncle Edward and
their son in law, Dave Kelly (Sharon’s husband).  Eldon was not included
in this picture.  Evie, you were so right about Dave–great guy and his
friends he introduced us to were equally as nice.  Remember, (Cecile and
Marge too), how they showed us all a very good time in our first
ventures to Minneapolis??  I should also mention here that Brenda is
battling cancer right now while maintaining such a positive attitude.
While this blog has been so enjoyable, we’ve also learned about so many
of you that are going through difficult health problems.  There is truth
to the saying that when you have your health, you have everything.

To Evie–thanks for your kind words about my Mom.   She is doing well in
her assisted living arrangement and enjoying the activities they have to
offer.  She does a lot of greeting card making.  She too has a positive
attitude.  I consider myself lucky to still have a parent living.

To the Tim Hill family–my best to all of you.  We haven’t heard for a
few days.  I do hope everything is going well.

To Allen Richard–how is Susan doing?

I was really happy to hear about Lise Rosseau a few weeks back.  I had
been meaning to ask.  I knew she had married Larry Metcalfe but didn’t
see her on the roster.  I will try to get in touch with her.

I am sending a picture of me and my family on the 10th Ave. bridge here
in Minneapolis which is downstream from the new 35W bridge.  They have
been conducting tours every Saturday morning.  We took the tour
yesterday, July 12.  As you can see on the left, the final gap on the
bridge (both north and southbound lanes) will be filled with concrete
sometime this week.  They expect to be completed 2-3 months ahead of the
target date of December 24th.  On the left is my daughter Sarah, a
senior at Mankato State (approx. 80 miles south of Minneapolis), Danelle
who works with the National Park Service in Fort Collins, CO.,
(currently home on vacation), my husband Greg, and me.  We had 40 mile
an hour winds that day (just a bit strong) but temperatures in upper
70’s – a gorgeous day!  I have listed the website for much more
information and pictures.  It’s all very interesting.

http://projects.dot.state.mn.us/35wbridge/index.html

Thank you again Gary and Bernadette for all time and effort you have
given to re-connect so many people.

Angela Berube Malget

Angela,You have a very nice looking family.  This is the first picture that I have ever seen of your girls.  Gary

  Happy birthday Norma Manning: Princeton, Ill.

Message to Joanne Millang Bernstein
From Connie Zorn Landsverk:  Bottineau, ND

Happy birthday Joanne, wishing you a wonderful day my friend!!

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

 Larry B Sime

(Died September 17, 2014)

Send Flowers Send Sympathy Card
Sign Guest Book

Larry Sime, age 76 of Dunseith, died Wednesday at his home. Funeral will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith. Burial will be at the Little Prairie Cemetery rural Dunseith at 4:00 pm.

Larry Boyd Sime, a son of Leslie and Clara (Medrud) Sime was born on September 14, 1938 on the family farm north of Dunseith. He was reared there and attended country school in the area. Larry entered the United States Army in 1959 and was stationed in Germany, where he recalled his platoon accidentally entered their tanks in Russia. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1965. He married Connie Burcham on March 31, 1965 and they purchased the Sime family farm where they farmed and ranched. 3 children were born to this union, Shelly, Carolyn and Leon. Larry was especially proud of his Hereford cattle which he crossed with Simmental in the late 70’s.

Larry spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator on road construction and was instrumental in passing grade inspections from the DOT using his skill in handling a finish blade. He was a hard worker sometimes working 80 hours a week and coming home to make hay for his cattle. He worked from North Dakota to Oregon and always had a story to tell of his adventures. Larry was an avid reader all his life. He had a vast knowledge of history and he loved to share facts with his friends and family. He was also a honorary member of the Bottineau FFA.

Larry was a patriotic man who believed that honesty and hard work made a man. He loved to ride horse was handy with a rope and was known for catching rank bulls when no one else could.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Connie; daughters, Shelly (Bruce) Fossen of Jamestown and Carolyn Sime of Rapid City, SD; son; Leon (Laurali) Sime of Williston; grandchildren, Nancy Stute, Reid Fossen and Jenna, Kaelyn and Lacey Sime; great-grandchildren, Adam and Hannah Stute; sister, Peggy (Dennis) Espe of Dunseith; brother Dan Sime of Laughlin, NV and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leland, Lowell and Corbin; sisters, Nora Olson and Betty Lou Pollestad; an infant son; and a grandson, Wade Waagen.

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

Elaine Annette Metcalfe’s Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Elaine Annette Metcalfe passed away on 9/16/14 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Elaine was born in Seattle, Washington, to Emil and Ann (Oswell) Metcalfe.  Her early years were spent there, until the family returned to the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota to live on a farm north of Dunseith.  She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling, respectively, from UND, and was a life-long educator, in service as a teacher, advisor and administrator.  The last twenty six years of her career were spent with UND TRIO Programs, which assist disadvantaged students to achieve their educational goals.  Cremation has taken place, as was her request, and a private family and friends memorial will take place at a later date.   Surviving to celebrate her life are immediate family members:  brother, Travis (Deb) Metcalfe, and their children Jake, Michael and Morgan; and niece Kelly (Poitra) Olson and nephew Jaime Metcalfe.  She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother Carson (who died in infancy), and sisters Kathy Metcalfe and Janice (Metcalfe) Poitra.  Memorials may be sent to:  Council for Opportunity in Education, 1025 Vermont Ave. N.W., Washington, DC; the Sunshine Foundation in Grand Forks; or a favorite charity of your choice.

A little bit about Elaine  A. Metcalfe’s professional life at UND

http://webapp.und.edu/dept/our/discovery/focus-on-faculty-3, 

Autumn 2011

Elaine Metcalfe, director of TRIO Programs, has secured more than $440,000 to continue recruiting and supporting talented future college students.  The “TRIO/Talent Search” Program at UND is a federal grant that provides services to 1,000 low-income, first-generation potential college students (in targeted North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota public middle and high schools) and supports their access to higher education.  The program contains a strong research component that measures and tracks students’ high school retention, graduation rates, and eventual enrollment into college.

Founders Day February 2014 Retirement

http://webapp.und.edu/dept/our/uletter/?p=45073

In the  article below Elaine shared the history of TRIO

http://und.edu/student-life/trio/history.cfm

Dunseith Band Picture
Reply from MARJORIE LANDSVERK (FISH, GESCHKE) (’57):  Horicon, WI

HI GARY AND ALL,

I WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT YOU HAD IT RIGHT.  I AM MARJORIE LANDSVERK (FISH, GESCHKE) AND THAT IS ME SITTING BETWEEN JANICE LA CROIX AND LOWELL LEANARD.  JANICE AND I PLAYED THE FRENCH HORNS.

THE FIRST GIRL IN THE 2ND. ROW ON THE LEFT LOOKS A LOT LIKE LOIS HIATT AND I’M SURE THAT IS COLEEN CONROY NEXT TO HER.

I  LOST MY HUSBAND HARRY GESCHKE AUG. 11TH.  WE WERE MARRIED 3 1/2 YEARS

I LIVE IN HORICON WI..

THANKS FOR THE BLOG, YOU DO SUCH A GOOD JOB OF KEEPING EVERYONE CONNECTED.
MARGE GESCHKE

Marge, So sorry to hear of the  loss of your Husband. Our condolences are with you with his passing.  Gary

Picture L to R: 1956 DHS Band
Front row: Gayle Bedard, Caroleen Lider, Janice Lacroix, Marjorie Landsverk, Lowell Williams, Lois Hiatt.
Row two: Karen Woodford, Colleen Conroy, Gerald Lamoureux, Marlene Schneider, Duane  Woodford, Jackie Spaeth or Mick Kester?, Shirley LaRocque, Susan Brew, Connie Bedard, Joanne Kester.
Back row: Charlie Ericson, Ernest Kundart, Charlotte LaCroix,Barbara Bott, Ronnie Link, Lowell Leonard, Dwight Lang, Curt Halvorson?, Don Conroy, Neva Haagenson?, John Morgan, Ellen Graff, BIG DAVE SHELVER, Jean Lake, DuWayne Lang

====================================
Blog (160) posted on July 14, 2008

Tim Hill’s (68) Web Site (Laurie Evans Hill (75): 

Hello Gary,
Sorry that I didn’t have the site address down for you; this is
what they have listed: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/timhill.
Thanks for all that you do to keep us connected to the hometown–
we have had fun reading all the stories while Tim has spent alot
of time in the hospital the last two years. We can usually find something to laugh at when going online with you! Tim has had a really good day-it’s truly a miracle, it’s hard to believe a week has gone by already-once he is out we will have to stay close for 3 months, they have a Transplant house for patients and their caregiver-so far they are full, but might have an opening next week- there are alot of transplant patients right now and it’s great to see them come out into the hallways to walk with their family and just see the smiles on their faces.Thanks again Gary, Laurie Hill

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Thank you so much for including the picture of Angela, Evie, you, Bill, and also the picture taken on Fern’s 90th birthday.  In the email I sent to Angela/Mrs. Berube, I wrote Mrs. Berube was a beautiful lady (in the picture), and I was sure she still is.  I can tell from the picture you sent, I was right–she is still a beautiful lady.  I can also tell she’s beautiful outside AND inside.

Thanks to Evie and Carolee for your comments.

Neola

From Rod Hiatt (69): 

Dick remembers Hank the Barber because of his old car, well I remember

Hank because he always had some horses out on his little farm west of
Dunseith.
My Dad seemed to always be doing some type of horse trading with him,
but Hank never seemed to want to finish the trade as he hated to part
with the one he already had.
There was another barber in town by the name of Pat ?, who had his shop
just south of the drug store. Now Pat was actually a better barber than
Hank, but he was
also I think 2 bits or 50 cents higher. Now with Hank you had basically
2 choices of haircut, a butch crew cut or his zip you up the sides and
back of the neck and kind of give you that bowl on the head look. As I
got a little older and needed a haircut, I would tell Mom or Dad that I
was going to Pat the Barber for the more expensive hair cut, but would
go to Hank and use the extra money to buy candy and pop. Even back then
we knew that it was only the matter of a few days between and good
haircut and one of Hanks. I really never figured  that was actually
telling my folks a lie it was kind of just out smarting them a little,
but I’m sure they had something figured out when I wore my hat pretty
much day and night for that first week.
From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

It seems as though kids survive things that could be deadly. There was a

movie at the Althea that was a detective-cop type, good guy, bad guy
show starring Robert Culp. I can’t remember who his partner was, but
they were both the good guys and were being hunted and chased by the bad
guys. One scene in the movie caused a bunch of us to debate whether or
not it could be true. Robert Culp sneaked up behind the bad guy’s car
and put a piece of newspaper in the filler pipe for the gas tank, and
lit it on fire! He then circled around and took of in his 61 T-Bird with
the crooks on his tail. All at once their car exploded in flames and
flew up in the air! I said it wouldn’t blow up like that! John Bogus
said it might. There was a controversy with a few others adding, “It
would not, or it would, too”! This grew into an issue! One night we were
cruising around town in my 47 Plymouth and started to debate the
explosion again. We usually made at least one pass through the old dump
ground on our cruises, just to see the new ‘arrivals’. This night
someone had dragged in an old 48 Chevy four door and then pulled off the
wheels and tires and dropped it on the ground. We decided to end this
debate right now! I parked my car up on the main road and we walked over
and removed the gas cap and sniffed the tank. It had fresh gas in the
tank, but we had no way of knowing how much. I laid on the ground and
tapped the bottom of the tank and it sounded empty. We put a piece of
paper in the tank filler pipe and then argued about WHO was going to
light it! John said, “You are the one who says it won’t blow up like the
show, YOU light it”! Now I’m not quite as sure! I carried a small can of
gas in my trunk so took that and poured a small line of gas from the
paper down the fender and across the ground for about twenty feet. After
that I put the can back in the trunk and the guys all headed for the
road by my car. I stood back and threw a match! I remember turning to
run and heard this loud bang behind me! The rocks and dirt passed me on
my run to the car! The expressions on the faces of my friends told me
something big was going on behind me! I turned around just as the rear
of car was coming back down! They said it was about four or five feet in
the air! It didn’t burn because the tank was empty, but gas fumes
explode, not gas! John won! I lost! Debate over! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Folks,

I thought I’d share the file of the 16 Casavant siblings that I have in my records.  They are all still living and as you can seeall but Joe and Aggie live in ND.  They are a wonderful close knit family.  I remember Mrs. Casavant, well, working in the lunch room of the old school basement cafeteria in the early 60’s.  I have talked to Mary Ann, many times, putting these class lists together.

She is always so friendly and nice.  Rene & Joe were in my class of 65.  I saw Rene, Joe and Gerald, numerous times, this last

summer at the reunion. Wonderful folks.

I know many of you know at least several members of this family. Now you can see the whole family list.

Gary

                                                 The Casavant Family of 16 siblings

Pictures provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, Please identify those in these pictures.

Terry & LeaRae, this is a good picture of you guys even if Terry does have his eyes closed.

             Terry Espe & LeaRae Parrill

           Dean Pigeon Family, stamped May 13, 1970

From Dave Wurgler (64):

Burma Shave with the Statler Brothers

You may needto watch it twice;once to watch the Burma shave signs change and once to catch all the pictures plus listening to the music of the Statler Brothers. THIS IS REALLY GREAT. For those of you too young to remember “too badyou missed it!”

http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm     ( Click here)

Happy Birthday Joanne Millang Bernstein (DHS ’70): Souris, ND

Deaths – Elaine Metcalfe (’69) and Larry Sime
Posted by Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68): Dunseith, ND

Gary – It is with a heavy heart –  tonight that i would like to pass on that our Cousin Elaine Metcalfe Passed away this week   (She was a daughter of Emil and Ann)  and part of the “Tickled Pink ” band in the 70’s–  and also our  neighbor for 40 + years- Larry Sime also passed this week–  !!  sad time for Jay and I — 

Elaine was a Dept. head in Grand Forks at the University for 30 + years working with the DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS —   and has battled oesophageal cancer for a few years-  but always positive and ready to roll any time-  I think  she was dearly loved by many in GF_ !!_  —  Jay used to cut wood for her to take her nieces and nephews camping in the summer-  — she was a delightful person- !!  

Larry taught Jay about everything there is to know about cattle and he was a good cattleman!!_  Jay had a good teacher because he was a city kid- !!  and had to learn -but loves it so much he would listen-  !!_  Larry and Jay would rope animals from their horses-  for all the neighbors etc.- long before it became a sporting event- !!!_  they go back a long way !!_  and We will miss him- Our hearts go out to the families –  !!!!– Jay and LOLa

They are safe in Jesus arms and free from their suffering now-  

 Lola,

So so sad with the passing of both Elaine and Larry. Our extend our condolences to both their families.

Please keep posted with their obituaries too.

 Gary

Edward Berube Family – Posted yesterday and today at the bottom
Reply from Lorraine Richard Nelson (’46):  Mesa, AZ

Hi Gary.. What a beautiful pictures of the Edward Berube family who lived on a farm 9 miles N. of Rolette ND.. Evelyn (wife) is in an assisted living beautiful home in MInneapolis, near her son Tim. Edward passed away as did son Eldon (Bismarck) and Brenda (Bismarck). I was married to Leo Vandal, Evelyn’s sister. Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture. Lorraine Nelson

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND

Joke of the day.
Posted by Keith Pladson (’66): Roanoke Rapids, NC

Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.

The pharmacist at the counter asked the older boy, ‘Son, how old are you?’

‘Eight’, the boy replied.

The man continued, ‘Do you know what these are used for?’

The boy replied, ‘Not exactly, but they aren’t for me. They’re forhim. He’s my brother. He’s four.”

“Oh, really?” the pharmacist replied with a grin.

“Yes.” the boy said. “We saw on TV that if you use these, you would be able to swim, play tennis and ride a bike. Right now, he can’t do none of those.”

====================================
Blog (159) posted on July 13, 2008

From Evie Gottbreht Pilkington (65):

Hi Gary,

I loved seeing the picture of Fern Berube, Angela’s Mom, I remember her as a wonderful lady and I know she still lives close to Angela.

I also really enjoyed the Edward Berube family picture, the wonderful guy in the back on the far right is Dave Kelly, Sharron Berube (his wife) in front of him and I think their daughter Tanya or Bryanna…..I haven’t seen Sharron in years but Dave died during a simple surgery in September of 1973….he was so young and so loved by many.  My husband Jerry and I went to the funeral, they lived in Simi Valley about 2 hours from our home in Irvine and I remember the church was standing room only.   Dave was a “best friend” to everyone that knew him…..I will never forget him.  I met Dave through Marge Metcalfe and Cecile Berube on a visit to Minneapolis the fall of 65….He had a LAVENDER convertible, that he let me drive during my visit….gotta love the 60’s!!!!!  Makes me think of Ron Griener’s pink Dodge!

Hey class of ’65 I am missing your comments……

Evie Gottbreht

Carolee Casavant Halvorson (75): 

Gary,

All of the Edward Berbue family grew up north of Rolette. Most, if not all the kids attended Rolette School. Front Row L to R : Gary (Bismarck), Perry, Back L to R: Brian (Bismarck) Brenda Lenertz (Bismarck) Edward, and Eldon. Eldon passed away in Minot approximately 5 years ago.The rest of the names don’t come to mind right now. I’ll try to jog my memory and send the rest.

Thanks for all you do!!!!!!

Carolee Casavant Halvorson

Thought I’d include a picture of Evie with several of the rest of us from the class of 65. Gary
L To R: Angela Berube, Evie Gottberht, Gary Stokes, Bill Grimme
Standing  in back:  Allen Richard & his daughter Alaina.  Sitting in Back: Bob Lykins

Fern Berube family on Ferns 90th Birthday – 2/10/07
L to R Standing: Angela, Rachael, Muzette & Robert.
Sitting: Fern

Edward Berube Family 6/28/70
Front L To R: Gary, Perry, ???? and Sharon (Kelly) holding Tanya or Bryanna
Back L To R: Brian, Brenda Edward & Eldon (Deceased) or Dave Kelly (Deceased)

No Blog yesterday.

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy Birthday Jackie Peterson Hanson: St. John


Rolla Tornado
Reply from George Beston (’73):   Newton, IA

Wow how fortunate that no one was severely injured. I currently reside in central Iowa, for the past 25 years and have never experienced or even seen one. The closest I have ever seen one was in North Dakota, south of Belcourt  in the mid 80’s.

Kavli’s
Reply from Theresa Sivertson Delikat: Box Elder, SD

Bernard and Leonard Kavli were cousins of my father, Lars Sivertson.  The Bernard Kavli family were our next door neighbors and I went to country school with them.  That family spelled their name at that time as Kavli.  The oldest child is Mary Ellen, lives in Minneapolis, Helen, lives in Montrose, Co, then Rose Marie and McCarl who lives in Devils Lake.

I believe the names in the picture with Lee Stickland are incorrect.  I think Lee is on the right.

Theresa
Family pictures taken at the Cebu Expat dinner last night at the Waterfront Hotel.

Norway Trip
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

One very interesting historical exhibit that we went to in Oslo, Norway was the ship of famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

Amundsen was the first man to reach the South Pole and was known for his attempts at getting to the North Pole and for his search for the Northwest Passage.  His ship was called the ‘Fram’ and is now in a building built especially for it and is open to the public.  The old wooden ship is about three stories tall from the keel to the deck and then of course,  the masts rise many feet more above the deck.  The building was designed so that people can walk up the stairs to each level and walk completely around the outside of the ship.  From the third level,  there is a walkway that takes you over onto the deck.  The ship is completely open to visitors and I was able to go below deck and look over the entire belly of the old ship.  It seems amazing that a ship that is well over 100 years old could be in such nice original shape.  The first engine was steam engine and that was replaced by a diesel engine prior to the South Pole trip of 1910. There was an extra crankshaft, as well as two spare props,  waiting below deck in case they were needed.  The ship was nicely equipped with things to make a long winter at the poles bearable for the explorers.  I’ll attach a few pictures of the old ship to help explain how it looked.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

Joke of the day
Posted by Rosemary (Wayne ’61) Smith:  Lake Metigoshe, ND.

A young blonde girl in her late teens, wanting to earn some extra money for the summer, decided to hire herself out as a “handywoman” and started canvassing a nearby well-to-do neighborhood. She went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if he had any odd jobs for her to do.

“Well, I guess I could use somebody to paint the porch,” he said.
“How much will you charge me?”

Delighted, the girl quickly responded, “How about $50?”

The man agreed and told her that the paint and brushes and
everything she would need were in the garage.

The man’s wife, hearing the conversation, said to her
husband, “Does she realize that our porch goes ALL the way around
the house?”

“That’s a bit cynical, isn’t it?” he responded.

The wife replied, “You’re right. I guess I’m starting to
believe all those dumb blonde jokes.”

A few hours later the blonde came to the door to collect her
money. “You’re finished already?,” the startled husband asked.

“Yes,” the blonde replied, “And I even had paint left over so I
gave it two coats.”

Impressed, the man reached into his pocket for the $50 and
handed it to her along with a $10 tip.

“Thank you,” the blonde said, “And, by the way, it’s not a
Porch, it’s a Lexus . . . ”

====================================
Blog (158) posted on July 12, 2008

From Linda Johnson Juntunen (72): 

Gary,

 I see that many folks have made comments and sent photos of the tornados that tore through the area on Monday afternoon.  It is sad to see the destruction, but we count our blessings here in Rolla that things are not worse than what they are!  I have had the opportunity to work with the families here in Rolla that have been affected and the volunteers that have been helping with clean-up.  Clearing and cleaning began right away on Monday afternoon, followed by two very busy days Tuesday and Wednesday.  There were people working on clean-up Thursday but not quite the flurry of the previous days.  There is a coulee just to the East of the damage area that if filled with debris and personal items from the damaged homes that will be cleaned on Saturday morning.  The Chief of Police of Rolla, Tom Allard, in conjunction with the Rolla Fire Fighters and City crew are trying to muster 100 to 150 volunteers to work on Saturday to clear this coulee area.  All volunteers are asked to sign in at Our Savior’s LutheranChurch in Rolla, bring a pair of gloves and dress appropriately (there are a lot of thistles).  Water, Gatorade, lunches and a small first aid kit will be provided.  Please if you have an hour or a day to spare, a hand to lend, a 4-wheeler or other equipment that might be offered, if you can deliver lunches or water to the clean up teams, please, please, come and lend a hand.  Thank you so much for any help that you may be able to provide.  If you find that you are unable to come yourself, just take a few minutes to relay the message, maybe someone will hear the call and come and pitch in!

Linda J. Juntunen
COO
Microlap Technologies, Inc.

From Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Note: The Wally Neola refers to in her letter is her husband.

Hi Gary,

Again, it’s a small world.  Rose Kavli, daughter of Bernhard and Betty (page 194, Bottineau County Centennial Book)was married to Roger Gust (Son of Raymond/Violet Kuebler Gust), Wally’s cousin, and my fourth grade student in Kramer in 1961/1962. Roger/Rose were later divorced.  Roger/Rose had a son together: Russell.  Russell and his cousin, Robyn Gust, both work for Trinity in the Sports Medicine department.  Both of them have been in TV news segments about sports medicine on the Minot channels.

Another “small world” tidbit: Elvin and Madeleine Debertin Kavli’s (page 573, Centennial book) daughter, Rebecca, was in Wally’s class when he taught 7th/8th grade in Bottineau years ago.  Rebecca is the daughter who passed away at an early age.  She was married to Roger Hahn from Gardena when she passed away.  In Roger/Rebecca’s write-up (page 562, Centennial Book), it states Rebecca had been married before.   Roger is now married to Char, a relative of Jenny Handeland’s from Dunseith.  Elvin and Madeleine’s son, Robert, was in my Sunday School class when he was “little”.  As far as I know, Madeleine still lives at Edgewood Vista, an assisted living facility in Minot. That was about three years ago, so she might have moved since then.

One of the Kavli sisters, Clarice, married Ted Vinje, a barber in Bottineau (Centennial Book, page 630).  Clarice worked (nurse, I think) at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Bottineau for MANY, MANY years. She still lives, by herself, in her house (beside the railroad tracks) in Bottineau.  Ted died many years ago.

Use as much/as little/none of what I have written, Gary.  You know me, I get “carried away” when I start on family connections.

Like everyone else, I enjoy receiving your emails, Gary.  Thanks!

Neola

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

My aunt ‘Snookie’ asked if my folks knew of all our antics as kids. She
hit it on the head when she said Dad would probably laugh and Mom was
more serious. There was no fooling Dad about anything! He had done it
all himself and knew pretty much everything that we were up to! I could
tell Mom some ‘vague’ explanations and she usually bought it, but Dad
just looked at me and shook his head! Once when I was at the Standard
station, then owned by Darrel Getzlaff, he came out to put a couple
dollars worth of gas in my 58 Chevy, and asked what had happened to my
car? I asked him what he meant by that? He said he heard that the old
348 engine was about shot and couldn’t even spin the tires anymore! I
said, ” Is that a fact”?!! I was facing north at the pumps and pulled
ahead just enough to clear his bell hose, and put the pedal to the floor
and made a U turn out onto Main, heading south, with white smoke so
thick you could hardly see Darrel by the pumps! I looked back at him and
could see he was giggling like he just pulled something? When I turned
back to look down Main street, right on the sidewalk in front of the AC
Bar, stood my Dad talking to Orlan Fuchs!! A SETUP! I dropped off my
friends and went home and parked the old Chevy by the side of the garage
and just went in to take the heat! When Dad walked through the door, I
handed him my keys, which he threw in the back of the cupboard, and
walked to the next room without saying a word! It was about two weeks or
more, and one day my keys were on the kitchen table! His other method of
discipline was to get me up even earlier than usual, if I had stayed out
partying too long, and head for the farm. I remember waiting for the
Crystal Cafe to open at 6 AM, so we could have a pancake. We had two
tractors and usually were in the same field so there was no sleeping in
the shade or taking a break, just stay out there in the sun and take it
like a man! I wanted to puke or cry, or both sometimes, but still never
learned to come home earlier. We would go into the old farmhouse for
dinner, which was ALWAYS hamburgers on bread, fried in an old steel
frying pan! He would say, ‘ “Aren’t you hungry again”? Oh man, the smell
alone was almost enough! Anyway, by dark I felt so much better I would
forget! He sure had a cool way of getting his point across, usually
without saying much! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

“Fern Berube” is written on the back of the picture.  If she’s Jim’s mother/relative, I can deliver this picture and picture of Edward Berube family to Jim at the bar, or to Linda at the college.

Neola

Neola, this is a great picture of Fern. All four of Fern’s children and many other relatives of hers are on our distribution list.  Gary

                                    Fern Cote Berube

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Folks, I’m assuming the Edward Berube family is related to the Fortune and Lawrence Berube families from Dunseith?

Can anyone identify the folks in this picture? Gary

Reply to Myra Henning Halvorson’s Birthday photo
From Connie Zorn Landsverk:  Bottineau, ND

Happy Birthday Myra, hope you are having a “Great Day!!!Love this photo!!

====================================
Blog (157) posted on July 11, 2008

Message (151): My reply to Dick Johnson.  Gary

Dick, I remember that day (JFK’s Assassination) very well.  I was in Mr. Lykins Typing class that was located in the Gym of the new High School.  Mr. Lykins is the one the broke the news to us.  He was very emotional, to the point of tears, when he was giving us the news.

Mr. Lykins, I am sure you remember this day well. Gary

Mr Lykins’  Reply:  bbplykins@aol.com

Gary and All,

Indeed I do remember that day in November when President Kennedy was shot.  Mr. Corbin told me he had been shot and later in the day, when teaching typing in the temporary room in the gymn, an old construction worker, with tears in his eyes, told me the President had died.  That’s when I told the class and, yes, I was very emotional.  My generation loved the Kennedys and the President was everything we had hoped for. He was strong and resolute.  He had a vision of greatness for our nation that he was able to articulate so well not only to we Americans but also to people in the rest of the world.  To this day I have a stack of magazines and newspapers following his assasination and funeral.  It was one of those days that you never forget where you were or what you were doing in those moments.

Bob Lykins

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): 

Note: The Dunseith book has the spelling as Kavlie and the Bottineau book the spelling as both Kavlie and Kavli.

Gary & Keith,

Yes, I’m wrong on spelling.

Thanks for the correction!

I believe,there were a number of Kavli’s siblings in the Bottineau and Rolette County area.

One of  Robertson’s of Bottineau told me, grandmother Robertson, was also a sister to Leonard.

When they retired from farming.  Leonard and Dot sold their farm at Little Prairie to John and Helen Gunville.

It was later sold to Earl Gustafson.  My brother,  Archie and family rented the house and farmstead for a couple years from Earl.

While Archie and Sally lived there, one summer day, the Kavli girls, with  Roselle (Kavli) Tooke, ( daughter of Duane and Phylis of Rolette,  the wife of Chip Tooke is a grandaughter  came up and roamed around the farm.   That’s also,  when my mom told me about working for the Kavli’s when she was a teen.  Nuff said Vickie

Rod Hiatt’s (69) reply to Keith Pladson (66): 

It is coincidence that the Kavlies were mentioned, as we are now planning our 40th class reunion in 2009 and 2 of the Kavlie girls were in my class.Bernard Kavlie lived north of 43 and his kids went to Bottineau School. The oldest daughter, Helen, was up at a Stallion Auction a few years ago that was held at the fairgrounds in Bottineau. I am not sure where she said she lived, but I thought it was around Harvey area. The next daughter, Rose, graduated with me in 69 and lives in the Harvey-Anamoose area. They have a brother by the name of McCarl.The trucker from Bottineau was Alvin Kavlie and his daughter, Christy, also graduated with me and lives in Texas. Alvin has a son Bob, who the last time I heard was out in the Denver area. They also had an older sister who passed away sometime ago. Elwood and Stubby Fauske now live where the Kavlies had built just east of the fairgrounds in Bottineau.

Paula Fassett Pfuhl’ (71) reply to Rod Hiatt (69): 

Rod Hiatt, I have been called a lot of things over the years, but you are the only person in the entire world who ever called me Paula Waula………I remember walking up to Ernie Amundson’s auction sale in Dunseith years ago.  You and your dad were the auctioneers – you had the mike at that particular moment and were in the middle of your auction-lingo – sorry, what’s the correct term for it – anyway, I waved to you and right in the middle of your schpeel you said Hi Paula Waula and kept right on auctioneering.  I don’t think anyone else even knew you threw a hello into the middle of it.  THAT is talent!!!.

I actually do remember the howling dog comment and yes,  it was meant in fun.  All of us (the girls, anyway) were always quite impressed with your rendition of The Auctioneer Song.  I remember several of us “dragging” you up onto the stage at the Boissevain Inn to sing it – but I don’t think we had to do soo much persuading to get you up there.  Those were fun days.

Paula

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49): 

Rod Hiatt, Dick, and Gary,

Rod–I thoroughly enjoyed your message.  If there’s another writer’s strike in Hollywood, give them a call!! They could use someone like you.     I have looked through the centennial book and found lots of Hiatts–some who are my relatives.  Which Hiatt family do you belong to?  I am related to the Walter Hiatt family–Julia and my mother were sisters.  I knew many of the other Hiatts and just wondered who your parents are–I undoubtedly know them.

Hope to hear more of your Dunseith experiences!!!

Dick,
I enjoy your stories–just one question–did your folks know about all these fun times?  Your Dad would probably have a good laugh but I”m not so sure about your Mom.  She was always more circumspect and serious than I was.

Gary,   Once again, thanks for doing what you’re doing!!

Shirley Olson Warcup

Bev Morinville Azure’s (72) Reply to Rod Hiatt (69): 

Happy Birthday Myra Henning Halvorson (DHS ’72): Bottineau, ND

Happy Birthday Dustin Striker (DHS ’89): Wahpeton, ND

Rolla Tornado
Reply from Debbie Fugere Fauske (’75):  Minot, ND

I remember the Rolla tornado well.  I was working in Rolla that day.  Lori Sollin ran into the office and told us all to get to the back room with no windows.  We went back but, of course, didn’t stay there.  We eventually all went outside to watch.  The tornado at first looked like it was coming straight south, then turned east.  We watched it touch down twice.  The second time we could see all the debris swirling in the air.  I’d never seen anything like it and hope never to see it again!

Thanks for all you do, Gary!

Reply to Lola Metcalfe
From Connie Zorn Landsverk:  Bottineau, ND

Hi Lola, thanks for the birthday wish!!! Joey, is doing very well! His wife (Kim) & him live in Tioga. Joe is a Lyman & works for MDU!! Kim is a school teacher & she teaches special needs children. They have 4 kids together!! How’s your Joe doing??

Uncle Bob – Good Dunseith Samaritan
Story from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Sunday greetings,

I  just arrived home from making  a quick run to Bottno Hometown Market.

A person from a graduating  class of the late 50’s found me in the canned vegetable isle.

He  cheerfully said, “Hey, girl, I  bet you will never guess what  I did today.”

Of course, I stood there, guessing,  and all of my guesses were dud’s.

Finally,  he said, ”  I went  to the top of Butte Saint Paul

with a First Lutheran Sunday School class.   “They were studying Moses”

………..I was speechless, “Humm, Oh , Did you ride up on  a 3 wheeler?”

“NO. I walked”, he said.  “The Sunday School class , were studying

the story of  Moses,  who went to the top of a mountain.

They were  busy reciting the 10 commandments all the way up.”

____I quickly thought backwards…..____I have walked to the top of the

Butte Saint Paul with nieces and nephews  it was a challenge 20 years ago.”

At the time, gasping, with my side in stitches, I used a walking stick, and found lots of sitting rocks……

I looked at him  standing  there with his broad grin, and said,

“HOLY BUCKETS, BOB!, just  how old are you?”

Laughingly  replying, “I am 75 years old.”

“Holey buckets! ” I told him, “The last time I walked the Butte, I wheezed and rested frequently,

while my nieces and nephews scampered,  frolicked, and giggled.”

He looked at me and said, “We hiked the hard way up.”

“But  I know of the easier way I will go next time.”

Wholey Buckets!

And that Dunseith friends, is the tale of

Bob Lagerquist, class of 58, who attributes his stamina to walking everywhere.

Also, he is fondly called Uncle Bob by all of the Medlang kids,

great-grandchildren of  the late Kenrose and Odin Medlang..

Later, Vickie

Trish Larson’s son – Army Airborne
Posting from Trish Larson Clayburgh (’72):  Portola Valley, CA

Hi Gary,

I thought I would share with you and your readers, a big event in our family.

My oldest son, Sylvain, joined the army in May, and just completed Basic Training.  He was off for the weekend and able to join us for a short break in Atlanta before heading back to Fort Benning to begin Airborne School.  Following this 3 weeks of training, he will go on to Army Ranger School and then deployed to wherever he is needed.

We are proud of his choice to serve our country in time of war.  Of course, as his mother, I am holding in my heart a wish for his safety and hope that your blog readers will join me in praying for peace and understanding in the world.

Thanks for keeping us all connected Gary.  I am so glad to see that Bernadette appears to be feeling better these days.

Trish

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND


====================================
Blog (156) posted on July 10, 2008

From Diane Berg Rheault (79): 

I would like to “ditto” Bill Krause’s email to Tim, Laurie and family.  Well written, Bill!!!!

Tim, I will keep you all in my prayers, and wish for a speedy recovery!!  Take care!
From Bobbie Slyter (70): 

From Rod Hiatt (69): 

Good morning Dunseith,

A while back there was mention on different people that are either in a
musical group or played in one or even back in the good old days when we
all went to Canada to party, as some of us would get up and sing with
the bands.
Well back in the mid 70’s I was also in a country band. We played alot
of the local bars from Mohall to Knox to Kelvin Klinic and some wedding
dances and private parties. We  weren’t really very good so we changed
our name about once a month so that we could get people to come, as they
were thinking it was a new band in the area. The bar owners always liked
us, as it seemed the more you drank the better we sounded. I think it
was Paula Waula Fassett who asked me one night at Kelvin if she could
bring her dog up there to howl with the music. Not sure if she meant
that or not, but I never wanted to ask as I didn’t want to know the
truth. When I got married in the fall of 1975, I decided that being gone
every weekend was not the way to start out a new marriage, so I gave up
the music business. Others said that I quit because my new bride was
embarrassed to go out in public. There again I’m not asking as I really
don’t want to hear the truth. We use to getting em rockin with the
Auctioneer Song and Wabash Cannonball, but I guess to make it big in
Nashville or  even Dunseith you need more than 2 songs in  a 4 hour  gig.

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

There was a barber in Dunseith by the name of Hank Johnson. We called
him ‘Hank the Barber’, and he had a shop two doors south of the Althea
theater. This is not the Hank Johnson from Willow Lake, but another guy.
Anyway, for years he drove an old 1950 Nash four door car that resembled
an inverted bathtub! It was dark green and ugly, real ugly. In those
days Nash thought it was cool to be able to lay the front seat down and
make the car into a bed, maybe for camping, who knows! Hank decided to
sell his  old Nash and buy a newer car so Marvin Kalk went down and
bought it for $25, if I remember right. It didn’t like to start real
well but he seemed to get it going most of the time, one way or another!
One night a bunch of us were cruising town in  Marvin’s Nash and we
noticed he had a stick holding the rear of the driver’s seat up! Someone
asked what it was for and Marvin said the latch was broken so the seat
fell back to the bed position. He dropped us off  by Fortune Berube’s
house and we were standing by the car talking to Marvin, who was still
in his car. Bill Berube had tied a rope to the stick that was holding
the seat up and had secretly dropped it out the rear window. We asked
Marvin if he could make the old Nash burn rubber? He revved it up and
dropped the clutch and sure enough it  squealed the tires and took off
to the east! Billy gave the rope a pull and poor Marvin fell over
backward in the seat and lost his grip on the steering wheel! The car
veered to the left and jumped the curb, heading for Knute Landsverk’s
garage! Marvin sat back up just in time to turn the wheel and miss the
garage, but instead of hitting the brakes he just kept going and drove
clear across the vacant lot south of Landsverk’s and then bounced back
over that curb and drove off like nothing happened! We went from being
scared to laughing hysterically in just a few seconds! I remember
thinking, if he would have hit that garage we would have all been in BIG
trouble! But we pulled off another one! Thanks Gary!

Dick

The Minot Daily News

Rolla, Belcourt residents cleaning up, putting their lives back together

By ELOISE OGDEN, Regional Editor, eogden@minotdailynews.com

POSTED: July 9, 2008

Eloise Ogden/MDN —
Sheri Leas, right, and her son Logan Leas, 11, stand in front of what’s left of their house in northeast Rolla Tuesday after a tornado struck the area the day before.

Fact Box

Red Cross accepting donations

The Red Cross is accepting donations to help with the disaster in the Rolla and Belcourt areas. For more information, people can call 1-800-323-3179.

People who would like to volunteer their time to help in Rolla with clean up and others ways can call Rolla City Hall at 477-3610, then extension 10. Volunteers need to sign in at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rolla.

People who would like to volunteer to help with the clean up and other needs in Belcourt can call the emergency services office at 477-2674 or 477-2693.

Rolla recovers

ROLLA AND BELCOURT Sheri Leas said she really didn’t know where to begin, as she picked up pieces Tuesday of her home in Rolla that a tornado hit and demolished the day before, scattering much of it about the area.

On Tuesday, Leas, along with others in Rolla and the Belcourt area whose homes were destroyed or damaged, were trying to clean up the debris and save what they could from their homes.

“It’s quite the devastation,” she said.

Leas said they weren’t home when the tornado hit. They’re living at another place now “and cleaning up,” she said.

Tom Allard, Rolla chief of police, said Tuesday that six to eight homes in Rolla were destroyed and 20 homes were damaged. Allard was the first emergency person who arrived at the scene of the damage in that community Tuesday afternoon.

At Belcourt on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, about 19 structures were affected, said David “Doc” Brien, chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. That number was a preliminary assessment, and tribal officials were continuing their assessment of the area Tuesday.

Gov. John Hoeven and several other state officials visited the Rolla and Belcourt areas Tuesday to view the damage. During a news conference in the Rolette County Courthouse in Rolla Tuesday morning, Hoeven extended his sympathy and concern to those who have been impacted by the tornados.

The 19 structures in the Belcourt area included Martin Peltier’s home northeast of Belcourt, which was considered a total loss. The tornado’s force moved his home off the foundation. Peltier was trapped in the basement, rescued and then flown to Trinity Hospital in Minot where tribal officials said, to their knowledge, he’s in stable condition.

Another injury as a result of the storm was a firefighter in Rolla who sustained minor injuries when his vehicle was struck by a tornado when he was observing the storm approaching the city.

Brien said 18 people on the reservation were affected by the tornado’s damage and rooms were provided for them Monday night at the casino at Belcourt.

“To our knowledge there might have been three tornados that folks saw,” Brien said, referring to the west side of the reservation between Belcourt and Dunseith, although the number hasn’t been officially confirmed.

Brien told the group attending the news conference in Rolla that a grandmother with several grandchildren and a mom saw a tornado coming, went inside their mobile home and hid in the bathtub. “That’s actually the wrong thing to do,” he said. He said people die from being in mobile homes and cars. He said the tribe needs to work on warning people of approaching storms and also make sure people get the right advice on where to go and what to do.

He said that family’s mobile home was lifted up. The grandmother said it was “just like her guardian angel said, ‘no, you’re not taking that trailer’ and pushed it back down. We’re very grateful that family was not injured,” Brien said.

Anita Blue of tribal Emergency Management in Belcourt said all the homes that were destroyed or damaged on the reservation belong to people who are poverty stricken and have no insurance. She said officials were working on getting help for them.

Shaiyan Davis of Belcourt was at the Anishinabe Learning, Cultural & Wellness Center north of Belcourt, attending a cultural camp there when a tornado hit Monday afternoon. She said about 20 kids, 20 mentors and 10 more adults were there at the time. “It just came out of nowhere,” she said. She said it had been sunny but then got really dark. She said the noise was like big gusts of wind and then complete silence. Davis took cover with others in the main building. A straw-insulated building on the property was damaged.

Hoeven and other officials Tuesday commended all the emergency responders for their coordination and short-notice actions Monday afternoon.

Agencies including Red Cross officials from Minot and Bismarck were on the scene to help with the work, along with other people.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rolla has been set up as a relief facility. Erma Mickelson said the American Legion Auxiliary is using the church as a site to serve food. The auxiliary had served supper Monday night and was serving meals Tuesday to those whose homes were destroyed, she said.

As the cleanup gets under way in both communities, Adam Hamm, North Dakota Insurance commissioner, said people need to take steps to prevent further damage, to take photographs or videotape of their property and save all receipts of work, which will help to expedite insurance claims.

Pictures From Bev Morniville Azure (82): 

Gary, Here are someof the pic’s I took in Rolla from the Torando. U can share with the site if u would like to. Bev

Cebu Philippines
Some of Bernadette’s family eating Banana Cues That Novie and Mirasol prepared. Fried Bananas in brown sugar paste.

Dr Jim Mhyre’s DNA Sculpture displayed in the Genomic Science Building of UW.
Posting from Karen Mhyre (’65):  Bellevue, WA

Hi Gary,

Here Are 5 photos of the DNA sculpture Jim made.  It originally was designed as a gift for evergreen hospital in Kirkland where he practiced for 34 years.  It has been installed in the Genomic Science Building at the University of Washington.   It took Jim about 6 months to design and build.

I am happy to have my parking spot in our garage back!!

Jim just finished a bike ride around Mt St Helens this afternoon and is headed back here to help babysit our grand kids in Kenmore.  Our son and daughter in law are spending the night at the annual Mitochondrial Guild Dinner and fundraiser for Seattle children’s Hospital Mitochondrial Research. The event is being held at The Willow’s Lodge  in Woodinville, WA.  This is one of the rare occasions that they can be gone overnight.  Our almost six year old granddaughter is profoundly affected by Mito disease and they also have a very healthy 4 year old and 18 month old.

Bernadette  looks well and happy  in you recent photos On the blog!  We r still enjoying summer like weather even though it is mid-September!!!

Take care! Our best to Bernadette!

Karen Loeb Mhyre

Joke of the day Posted by Don Malaterre (’72):

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.

“In honor of this holy season,” Saint Peter said, “you must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.”

The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. It represents a candle, he said.

Saint Peter said you may pass through the pearly gates.

The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, “They’re bells” .

Saint Peter said you may pass through the pearly gates.

The third man started searching desperately and finally said “do you see this underwear I’m wearing”.

St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, “And just what do those symbolize?”

The man replied, “They’re Carols”.

====================================

Blog (155) posted on July 9, 2008

Obituary – Wanda Poitra (77)

April 21, 1958-July 4, 2008

DUNSEITH Wanda Poitra, 50, Dunseith, died Friday, July 4, 2008, in a Rugby hospital.

She was born April 21, 1958, to Roy and Rose Ann Poitra in Belcourt.

Survivors: daughter, Bobbie Jo Poitra, Bismarck; sons, Fabian Poitra and Michael Poitra, both Dunseith; stepsons, Ryan Vettleson, Bismarck, Anthony Vettelson, Fargo; stepdaughter, Alesha Poitra, Grand Forks; three grandchildren; sisters, Diane Lenion, Belcourt, Roberta Nadeau and Barbara Demery, both of Dunseith, Ruby Morin, Spokane, Wash.; brothers, Thomas, Rodney and William, all of Dunseith.

Funeral: Thursday, 10 a.m., St. Michael The Arch Angel Catholic Church, Dunseith.

Burial: St. Louis Cemetery, Dunseith.

Prayer service: Wednesday, 7 p.m., in the church.

Wake: Wednesday, 4 p.m., in the church. (Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau)

From Bill Krause (74): 

Tim,Laurie and Family..Tim I am wishing you all my best in a full and speedy recovery.I know half the battle is over, but with time I know you will complete the other half of this long journey..I can only begin to imagine the weight that has been lifted off the shoulders of everyone in your family, knowing you have been given this gift of life. Take care my Friend, and may God Bless You, and Your Family. Bill Krause

From Martha Lamb Schepp (68):  

We are happy to hear of Tim’s transplants. We see Tim and Laurie frequently in Minot, we were really concerned for Tim and his family. Patience is the key.

Richard we must have missed a days e-mail since I didn’t realize you were having health problems. From the e-mails I gather that you had a heart attack. Good to hear you are doing well.

To those who were classmates of my brother, Dean. My husband Lynn, our two sons Kyle and Kevin and myself will fly out on Friday morning for Dean’s son Lauren’s wedding which will be on Saturday in Wetherford, Texas. Lauren is a veternarian in residency in Oklahoma and his to be wife, Jodie, is also a veternarian starting a residency in Texas. They will be living about 3 hrs. apart for a year. She was in New Jersey last year.

I don’t write often but enjoy the site everyday.

Thanks, Gary,

Martha

From Dave Slyter (70):

Margaret Leonard:
Those new titles are hilarious.  Thanks for sharing and making my day.

To Diane Berg Rheault:
Lets have lunch someday.  I work at NDSU and am close to 19th Ave.   Grand Junction has a great noon luncheon.  My wife Pat and I live in Sabin, Mn.  Just south of Moorhead.    Good to hear from you.

Dave  Slyter : )

From Bobbie Slyter (70): 

My thought and prayers go out to the tim hill family and for a speedy recovery, god does answer prayers GOOD LUCK TIM GO GET EM

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49): 

For Margaret Metcalfe Leonard

You made my day!! That’s the best laugh I’ve had for a long time.  I’m a living example of 75% of those.  I called Pat Sunderland Warburton and we laughed together!!

Shirley Warcup

From Diane Larson Sjol (70): 

This message is for the Morinville girls….I have great memories of
your dad. He was always making jokes and telling stories….the
article is great. Debbie you look just like him!  Susan thanks for
sharing.
Diane Larson Sjol

From Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Here are some Tornado pictures from Rolla

http://rolla.nd.utma.com/rolla_tornado_pictures.htm

The Minot Daily News

July 8, 2008

ROLLA – A series of tornadoes skipped across Rolette County Monday afternoon causing property damage and at least two injuries.

According to a press release from the Rolette County Sheriff’s Department, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning in northern Rolette County at 2:30 p.m. Initial indications were that a tornado touched down at the International Peace Garden on the Canadian side.

The storm then moved southeast to Belcourt, where a tornado or tornadoes skirted around the northern edge of the town shortly after 3 p.m. Dr. Richard Larson, medical director of the ambulance service at Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health in Belcourt, said a tornado was one-half to one mile to the north of town when it moved by the hospital.

“Our employees stepped out of the hospital and shot pictures with their cell phones,” Larson said.

There is no count on exactly how many tornadoes might have touched down, but Larson stated one of the nurses at the hospital saw up to four tornadoes, with two of them dropping down side-by-side at the same time near her house.

Although Belcourt was spared the brunt of the storm’s power, Larson said a house northeast of Belcourt was demolished and a man seeking shelter in the basement was seriously injured, while a puppy at the house was killed. Larson said the man was injured by a falling wall of bricks. The man, whose identity is not being released at this time, was transported to the Belcourt hospital and then air-lifted to Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Larson said that was the only tornado-related injury the hospital treated. While he didn’t know what tornado-related injuries other hospitals might have treated, he did say no other agencies asked for help from the hospital’s EMS service.

The storm then moved east to Rolla, which wasn’t as fortunate as Belcourt. The sheriff’s department reported a tornado touched down on the northwest side of Rolla at approximately 3:15 p.m. and then continued east, causing damage to residential and commercial structures on the north side of town.

According to a press release from Gov. John Hoeven, the tornado affected a roughly three-block area, and Rolette County acting emergency manager Eldon Moors reported that four homes were destroyed and eight were damaged. Otter Tail Power Cooperative also turned off power to the area to ensure safety. The press release said preliminary reports from Belcourt indicate at least one home was heavily damaged while several others suffered lesser damage.

While there were no serious injuries reported in Rolla, a city firefighter did sustain minor injuries when his vehicle was struck by a tornado as he was observing the storm approach the city.

For those displaced from their homes in Rolla by the storm, the American Red Cross provided relief at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

“We extend our sympathy to those who were injured and to the families whose homes were destroyed or damaged,” Hoeven said in the statement. “I’ve asked the Department of Emergency Services to respond with any state resources the communities feel are necessary to help in the aftermath of this destructive storm.”

Hoeven will meet with local officials in Rolla today at 8 a.m. A news conference will then be held at the Rolette County Courthouse at 9 a.m. Hoeven will also be in Belcourt to meet with Doc Brien, tribal chairman, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters.

Sherie and Randy Zupan, who live about two miles southwest of Belcourt, were at a store in Rolla when the tornadoes touched down.

“My husband yelled at me to come out and look at this,” Sherie Zupan said.

Randy Zupan wanted to get a better look, so the two jumped into their vehicle and drove to the C-Store.

“Like a crazy person, we stayed out and took pictures on our phone,” Sherie Zupan said. “It was pretty devastating.”

The Zupans reported seeing three or four tornadoes touch down, and also saw two touch down at the same time. After the storm moved away, they drove around the city to see the damage. The Zupans said there were several houses destroyed about a mile south of Rolla’s airport, which is north of the city.

“When we went out to look at it, there were roofs off, shingles, trees pulled right out, the roots and all,” she said.

They then left Rolla as rescue efforts intensified and drove north to St. John. They saw the wreckage of a red four-door truck that had been thrown into a telephone pole. They also discovered the straw-insulated building at the Anishinabe Learning, Cultural & Wellness Center a few miles north of Belcourt had one side of the roof pulled off. A family that lived in the area had their house damaged and their pontoon was sitting in a tree.

“It was a pretty good-sized pontoon, so it was a pretty strong tornado,” Sherie Zupan said.

Zupan says she’s seen tornadoes before, but this is the first time she’s experienced their power first hand.

“I’ve seen tornadoes, never this close,” she said. “I never want to go through this again. It was pretty scary.”

Click in the sight below and plug in your ZIP code to find the lowest price gas in your area.  Today, gas in Bottineau is $4.14 per Gal.  It’s $4.24 in Souris.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Happy BIrthday CECE and Connie
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Connie- I  will never forget the loving care that you gave my mom- ELla Metcalfe at the good sam  –   and then that horrible accident – and you have done so well since- !!_  you are an gel  for sure!!_ LOla   By the way — how is Joey doing?? haven’t heard from him for  long time–  he and JOe were good friends-  !!

Dick Johnson’s Norway Pictures
Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

Dick,  your  cousin in  Norway  Ford  Mustangs  are  breath  taking. I’m  familiar  with  those  car  shows  every  year  at  the Charlotte  Motor  Speedway. It’s  always  neat  when  they  come  to  town  cuz  you  see  all  kinds  of  beautiful  classic  cars   all  over  the  place in  the  days  prior  to  the  car  show.  I  don’t  recall    just  Mustang  Show…but  I  have  been  down  to  the  speedway  for  the  Classic  Car  Show  which  is  endlessly  awesome  and  have  seen  many  Mustangs.  My   foster  kid  who lives  in  Charleston  S.C  her  husband  Byron  restores  cars  to  show  room  condition.  He  has  a  shop  on  the  side  of  his  house where  he  works  on  them, re-builds  engines, and  the  works, and at  the end  of  the  day, you  could  eat  off  the  floor by  the  time  he  leaves  that  shop.   The  floors  look like  glass. He  really  amazes  me. Every time  I  would  go  down  to  visit  he  would  pull  my  van  into  his  shop  when  I  got  there, and  it  was  like  brand  new  inside  and  out  when  I  leave on  Sunday. Oil  change, tire  rotatation, new  air  filter, brake  job, shock  absorbers, you  name  it  he  took  care  of  it. Anything  and  everything  if  it looked  like  it  was  wearing  out  he  would  replace  it.  Then  he  would  wash, wax  and  detail  it…..and  not  take  a  dime  for  it, he  would  pay  for  everything. So  when  I  would  get  home   I  would  send  him  a  gift  certificate. Him  and  I  have  always been  really  close. A   truly  good  guy. Well  keep  the  stories and  pictures  coming  Dick. 

Richard  Slyter, and  Tim  Hill
Reply from Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

So  happy  to  hear  that  you  are  both  doing  so  well!!!  We  serve  a  gracious and  loving  God  who  hears  our  prayers  when  we  pray  and  ask  him  to  take  care  of  our  family  and  friends. Richard  don’t  rush  yourself  with   getting  back  to  work,  take  the  time  you  need  to  heal  100%. Ele   will  be   O.K     Tim  your  miracle  man,  what  can  I  say  but …. To  God  Be  the  Glory!!!  You  have  been  blest  with  such  a  great  family  that  is  so  supportive   and  a  beautiful  wife   who has  been  by  your  side  through  all  the  trials and  tears. As  I’m  sure  you  realize  your  a  very  blest  man.  When  I  saw  you  at  the  class  reunion  the  first  thing  that  really  struck  me  was  how  much  you  haven’t  aged  since  high  school, for  all  that  you’ve been  through….hang  in  there  and  keep  on  keeping  on.  Peace, and  Gods continued  Blessings  I  pray  for  you  and  your  Family……say  Hi  to  Joanne  and  Greg  for  me.  Sincerely, Aggie  C.

Joke of the day
Posted by Leland Hagen (’50): Bryan, TX

SENIORS COFFEE GROUP

A group of seniors were

sitting around talking about all their ailments
at Timmy’s.

“My arms have got so

weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee,” said
one.

“Yes, I know,” said

another. “My cataracts are so bad; can’t even see my
coffee.”

“I couldn’t even mark an

“X” at election time because my hands are so
crippled,” volunteered a third.

“What? Speak up! What? I

can’t hear you, said one elderly lady!

“I can’t turn my head

because of the arthritis in my neck,” said one, to
which several nodded
weakly in agreement.

“My blood pressure pills

make me so dizzy!” exclaimed another.

“I forget where I am and

where I’m going,” said another.

“I guess that’s the

price we pay for getting old,” winced an old man as
he slowly shook his head.

The others nodded in agreement.

“Well, count your  Blessings,” said a woman cheerfully….

Thank God we can all still drive.

====================================
Blog (154) posted on July 8, 2008

From Evon Lagerquist (77): 

Hi Gary,

The class of 1977 lost another classmate. Wanda Poitra passed away on Friday, the 4th. She had been in the Rugby hospital for the past few days before her passing. Her funsral will be Thursday, the 10th.

From Phyllis McKay (65): 

Gary,

I called the district for advice about this problem. They were not very helpful being it was a personal message and not work related. I am at school now and when I open the e-mails from you, I can get the pictures and the format of the e-mails seems to be different too. I am going to be leaving for England next week and will be gone until the end of July. The first of August, I will be going on a cruise out of Florida to the Caribbean with my sisters, Patsy and Minnie Mary.

I am so glad to hear about Tim’s recovery. I know it’s been a long road with many scary bends and turns for Tim. We are so fortunate to have gifted surgeons that are able to perform this life saving procedures. Joe Link had open heart surgery to replace a damaged valve. It was a life saving procedure that gave him many years of a healthy life. He did not die of heart problems but of an aneurism in the brain.

It is good news about Richard, too. The power of prayer cannot be under estimated.

Phyllis

From Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): 

Good Morning Gary

My prayers go out Tim, Laurie and Family. Hope you have a speedy recovery Tim.

And to Bonnie Await Houle. Betty Counts Poitra is my mother, she lives up North of Dunseith, she retired a year ago, and is going crazy sitting at home now. She would love to hear from you. She remembers you going down and visiting her in Minn. Her phone # is 701-244-0213 and Address is PO Box 36 Dunseith.

Debbie Poitra Rondeau

Debbie, There are two Betty Poitra’s in Dunseith. I beleive you mother is the one I talked to, several times, putting DHS class lists together.  She was such a nice lady to talk to.  Gary

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

For Laurie, Tim, Joanne and Families, So glad to Hear Tim is doing well. Sending many good thoughts and prayers your way.

Richard Slyter, glad to hear your home and recuperating!!!!!

Sharon Longie Dana(73)

From Dave Slyter (70): 

Tim and Laurie:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  We do know that you are in very good hands.

Dave Slyter

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Thanks Bonnie for the dates on your photos. I knew it was before 1956,
because our lake cabin left town, for Lake Metigoshe, in 1956 and is
still in our yard on the picture. Lloyd was in the war [WWII] so must
have just had his uniform on for the picture, unless he was in for more
than four years. Do you know, Bonnie? Doesn’t really matter, just always
curious, I guess!
In answer to your question about if Tim was the son of John and Murl
Hill, in U of M back in the early 60s, yes he had his first open heart
surgery in about 1961. He had another in about 1974 and just a month or
so later they had to go back in and repair a problem. So this is his
fourth and hopefully last time to endure this trauma! He was my best man
when we got married and  before that we stayed together in Grand Forks
for a year. He has been my buddy for all these years through thick and
thin! I can remember his love of old cars is as deep as mine and goes
back to when we were kids! Tim has a 1937 Ford hot rod that is partially
finished and he has been unable to finish it because of his health. He
couldn’t weld because he had a pacemaker device that would react to a
welder. Now in a few months we’re gonna ‘git ‘er done! Thanks Garry!

Dick

2nd reply from Dick

Gary and Friends,

I should have payed more attention in Geography class, when they told us
the difference between east and west! I said the pictures were directly
east of Awalt’s house, I meant to say west! Sorry! Lloyd said the
pictures were from 1946 or 1947, so Bonnie was a bit late and so was I!
Thanks Lloyd and Gary!

Dick

Request from Diane Berg Rheault (79): 

Could you add me to your email list.  I am Diane Rheault (Berg).  Don, Curt & Keith are my brothers.

Curt forwarded one of your emails to me.  I love it!

Thank you!

Diane Rheault
American Crystal Sugar Company
Technical Services Center

Diane’s reply to Gary:

I graduated from Dunseith in 1979.  My husband, Jim, daughter Jacqueline (8) and I live in Fargo, ND (actually Reiles Acres, ND = on 45th Str. N, 1 mile west of I-29 & between 19th Ave N and Co. Road 20).  I went to college at NDSU Bottineau, and finished at NDSU Fargo, with a B.S. degree in Bacteriology.  I work at American Crystal Sugar at the Technical Services Center in Moorhead, MN.  I’ve been with the Company for 20 years (as of March 2008).

Our parents live in Rugby, ND, and we were all home over the 4th.

Diane Berg Rheault

From Margaret Metcalfe Leonard (65): 

Gary,

Dot Kavlie was also a first cousin to Odin Medlang father to Obert and Marlys, who were also from the Little Prairie community.  Marlys was very fond of Dot and Leonard as family and neighbors. My mother, “Lottie”, Charlotte (Lamb) Metcalfe worked for Leonard and Dot as a teenager, she had high regard for the Kavalie family.  Mrs. Victoria (Krogen) Gillis, from here in Bottineau is also a cousin of Leonard Kavalie

Vickie Metcalfe
From Deb Lindstrom Lee, Bottineau HS graduate (68 or 69?).

Folks, I included Deb Lindstrom Lee with yesterday’s message.  Her parents, Elmer & Mildred Lindstrom, were very close friends to Leonard and Dot Kavlie.  Deb’s mother, Mildred and my dad were 1st cousins. Deb’s husband, Kevin, is a brother to Debby Stokes, my brother Darrel’s wife.  I am sure a lot of you Bottineau folks remember Kevin and Deb.

Deb has identified the Kavlie family below.  Thank you Deb.

Gary

Left to right on the Leonard Kavlie family:  Leonard, Curtis, Duane, Jerry(adopted), Hampton

I believe this is correct.  I don’t know anything about the Jerry’s adoption.

Deb

L to R: Leonard, Curtis, Dot, Duane, Jerry(adopted) & Hampton Kavlie

No blog yesterday.

For the record, I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

  Happy Birthday Cecelia Berube Reynolds (DHS ’65): Minot, ND

     Happy Birthday Connie Zorn Landsverk: Bottineau, ND

 

To Lee Stickland:
From Ken Striker:  Dayton, OH.

Sorry to read of your recent bouts with your health, but happy you are at a place satisfactory to your needs.  Many thanks for making the Striker family connections. If there are other Striker cousins out there, I would be happy to hear from you

Ken Striker in Dayton Ohio

Norway
Posting/pictures from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Everyone who knows me knows I’m a old car nut from long ago.

This seems to be something I acquired myself but maybe there is a genetic connection that helps explain the attraction I have to old cars.  First,  the farm where my grandfather was born in Norway isn’t a quaint little log cabin on a mountainside as I thought it might be.

It’s a farm on the edge of town where a guy repairs and junks out cars.

Just a couple miles down the road lives another of my third cousins who invited us to his home for a meal and visit. He runs a automotive repair shop on his farm and is a collector of Ford Mustangs and is building a

’32 Ford roadster.  His name is Geir Haugen and his wife is Line–(pronounced Gare and Lena Haugen). They are quite progressive and have traveled extensively including many trips to the US including this past April when they were in Charlotte NC for the 50th anniversary gathering of Mustang fans from all over the world.  I find this amazing that Geir can accomplish all he does while having only one leg.  He was only in his 20s when he was diagnosed with cancer in his hip and had to have his leg and part of his pelvis removed.  It doesn’t slow him down a bit and he was planning more car builds as we were visiting.  In his Mustang collection,  he even has one Shelby which is the top of the line. All of the cars are top quality restorations that he did himself.

He also does some racing so some of the cars are supercharged and/or turbo charged.  All this with one leg.  Here are a few pictures taken at Geir and Line’s.  They are family and seemed like we had known them forever even though we just met. Thanks Gary!

====================================
Blog (153) posted on July 7, 2008

From Richard Slyter (56): 

From Kathy Casavant Ellingson (74):

Reply from Joanne Hill Evans (74): 

Gary,

Yes ~ I apologize for leaving that out.  We are just so excited about the wonderfully news with his heart, as we have been dealing with that for so long.  Tim did receive a kidney, also, from the same donor.  They did not remove his kidneys, they simply place the new kidney on the lower left side of his abdomen.

Today (Sunday) they had him sitting up in a chair for about a half-hour and he ate his first ‘meal’ ~ some raspberry ice.  He is very aware of all that is going on around him and what is being said. The heart transplant doctor stopped today and said his surgery went exactly as they wanted.  Tim is doing very well and his coloring is better than I have seen in a long time.  Laurie is coping extremely well and is so wonderful for Tim.  Our blessings are many.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Joanne (Hill) Evans

From Doyle Abrahamson (68): 

Tell Tim I hope for a quick and early recovery.

Doyle Abrahamson

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): 

Hi Gary, our continued prayers go out to Tim and Laurie for the long road to recovery.  We pray for them and their family.  Also prayers to Richard Slyter for his recovery.  My Mom, Dorothy Halvorson was so pleased to hear of Tim’s surgery success.  She said she has been praying for him for a long time and will continue to do so.

Lynn Halvorson Otto

From Bev Morinville Azure (72): 

YAHOO   I  just got  home  from Grand Forks and  read  the news  about  Tim   I  am  so excited and   thankful  that  things  have  gone  so well. Tim and  Laurie  what a  blessing we  have  all  had this past  year . If you need anything   let  me  me   love you   guys   Bev and  Clarence

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56):  

Gary,

In answer to Dick Johnson, The pictures of Marshall and Lloyd were taken about 1954-55.  They were taken before I graduated in 1956.

Keith and I were remembering a time when we first moved to Minneapolis.  We received a call from Johnny Hill about a son of his that was ill at the University of Minnesota.  They needed blood and were asking people from N. Dak to come down and donate if they could.  Keith went down and donated blood.  Was it Tim that was sick at that time.  Early 1960’s.

I also remember visiting with Betty Counts Poitra when she was at the University of Minnesota having treatments for Cancer.  Tootie Evenson Dostaler and I went down to see Betty. That was in the early to mid 1960’s.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

Vietnam Picture
Reply from SGM (E-9) (Ret) Jim Kofoid (Neola’s Brother):  Bottineau, ND

Good Evening to you folks on the other side of the mtn!  I just keep rethinking about that picture of the two Garys!  It’s a keeper!  I see CPT (Dr) Wall around town quite often.  I’ve told the story many times about how you and he, by coincidence , ended up together in that far away place!  I was over there, too, at pretty much the same time (Mar 69 – Apr 70).  I spent my time in Saigon (terrorist’s territory)!  Greetings to your family and friends!

Jim K

To Lee Stickland
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill, SC

I  was  happy  to  hear  you  taking  your  situation  all  in  stride, it  is  rare  that  people  accept  situations  in  life  with  that  much  grace.   I  remember  when  you  were  the  Administrator  of  the  Dunseith  Nursing  Home  when  Arla  Hiatt  and  I worked  there.  I  will  never  forget  when  you  came  into  the  break  room one day and  hung  this  sign  on  the  wall, that  said, “Before  You  Say  It…..Is  It  Kind,  Is  It  True,  Is  It  Necessary”  you  have  no  idea  how  many  places  I  worked  at  all  over  the  United  States since  then,  where  I  hung  that  very  quote  in  the  break   rooms, and  by   time  clocks.  It just  goes  to  show  the impression  a  person  leaves  in  another  persons  life.   I  always  admired  you when  you  were  the  Administrator wheather  you  knew  it  or  not,  cuz  you  always  carried  yourself  with  such  integrity.  I Hope this  message  finds  you  doing  well, and  that  your  health  improves  with  each  passing  day.  God Bless You, and  Keep You, Sincerely  Aggie  Casavant’

====================================
Blog (152) posted on July 6, 2008

From Joanne HIll Evans (74): 

Gary,

This is Joanne (Hill) Evans.  Tim and Laurie have been living with us in Owatonna since the end of May, waiting for the transplant.  We received the call early Friday morning and Tim’s transplant surgery was completed and he was back in ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital by 6:45 Friday evening.  He is doing very well.  He received a young, strong and healthy heart.  Laurie and I were blessed to listen to Tim’s new heart through a stethoscope last night ~ what a miracle!  God has certainly blessed Tim and all our family.

This morning (Saturday – by 9:00 a.m.) they had removed the ventilator tube and Tim was talking.  The nurse was impressed with how well he is doing.  He is responding as expected, and even better.  His color is good, he is alert and is well aware of everything.  The care at St. Mary’s Hospital is tremendous.

We do not yet know how long Tim will be hospitalized.  When he is released, Tim & Laurie will live at the Transplant House in Rochester for approximately 3 months.  I will keep you posted as we proceed.  Laurie & I will be creating a CaringBridge site, hopefully before too long.  Will advise when it is available.

Thank you so much for all your prayers.  This is the happiest Fourth of July I have ever experienced!

God’s blessings to all.

Joanne & Greg Evans

From Susan Malaterre Johnson (69): 

Hi Gary, Thank you to Dick for letting us know about Tim’s updates.  I’m sure that he’s had many prayers today.  Richard is also in manny hearts.  Bless them both and the physicians who work with them.  Dick, My mom used to relate storied that your uncle told us of his time on the titanic. If nothing else, it has provided us with many rich memories of what might have been.  He most certainly was interesting.  Such a diverse group we’ve turned out to be and with you, Gary, still close.  Susan Johnson

Susan, It’s been quite sometime now since I talked to you.  Please update us with your life in Texas.  When I talked to you, you were in the process of purchasing a 2nd home near your daughter.  Do you still have your trucking company?  I know it’s been very traumatic for you with the loss of your husband.  Gary.

From Kathy Schimetz-Wood (72): 

From Bobbie Slyter (70): 

Richard is undergoing some more tests today and if all is o.k., he may get to go home tonight or tomorrow, the doc says he wont be able to work for about a month so pray for Ele having him around the house that long  ha ha just kidding.

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): 

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Thanks to Bonnie and Neola for the pictures of our serviceman. I know
the Awalts and Bob Stokes were very proud of their country and of their
time in the service. Lloyd Awalt and Bob Stokes were both very active in
the American Legion in Bottineau.
They led the parades for years on Memorial Day. The pictures of Marshall
and Lloyd were taken in the vacant lot directly east of Awalt’s house on
the east side of town. The house behind the picture of both of them
together, is Ed Leonard’s. In the picture of Marshall alone, our house
is directly behind him and Egbert’s house is to the right. Between the
two you can see the old elevator at Myron Evan’s. True, when these
pictures were taken it wasn’t our house, it was still Arnold and Hattie
Lilleby’s. I would like to venture a guess as to the year of the photos,
about the 1948-1950 range, I think. Is there a date on them, Bonnie? Thanks!

Dick

From Shirley Olson Warcup (49): 

Gary,

That was welcome news about Tim Hill!  Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim and Richard and their families.

Last year we made an unplanned stop at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck.  I told the ER personnel we were on our way to a school reunion and I hoped I could get things taken care of rather quickly so we could make the reunion.  One of the Drs. on duty that day was a surgeon.

He asked where the reunion was.  I said it was in Dunseith.  He said that’s where he grew up–north of Dunseith.  His name was Gaylord Kavlie.  His father was a minister.  I think he left before he was of high school age.  He came to my hospital room the next day and we spent some time talking about Dunseith and the UND Medical school.  He also gave me more helpful information, healthwise, than I had received from previous doctors.  I haven’t seen a dr. since then.

Again, thanks for getting this newsletter going, Gary.  I look forward to it every day.

Shirley Warcup

Shirley, Gaylord Kavlie’s grand parents would have been Leonard & Dot Kavlie and his father is Hampton Kavlie. The Kavlie’s lived West and south of Little Prairie church up in the hills.  I remember Leonard and Dot well, but their children (boys) were enough older than me that I don’t remember them that well.  I remember Leonard coming to our farm every year to spray the livestock.  I think one of Leonard and Dot’s boys was adopted from one of the Abrahamson’s?  I think that is what I was told.  Someone please correct me if I’m wrong or confirm if I’m right.  All four of the Kavlie sons attended high school at Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, MN. One of Leonard and Dot’s granddaughter’s works in the Bank in Dunseith.  Gary

Note: I don’t know who’s who of the boys in the picture.

Leonard Kavlie Family (Leonard, Dagny, Hampton,
Duane, Curtis & Jerry)

Happy Birthday Karen Woodford Olson (DHD ’59): Marana, AZ

Reply to Vietnam Photo
From Dennis Dubois (’63):  Minneapolis, MN

I must make comment to the picture of Gary Stokes and Gary Wall. First, thanks to both of you for serving our country.  I was in the Army from 1964 to 1967. I was stationed in Germany for 29 months. I have always had pangs of guilt for not having had to go to  Viet Nam. I was fortunate. I was able to play division level basketball, so I was TDY for most of my  time to play basketball and football. A far cry from what you folks and many others went through in Nam. I have the utmost respect for my fellow veterans. Our area, Rolette and Bottineau counties, have contributed well to our country. Thank you all who have served.

Reply to Vietnam Photo
From Rene Casavant (’65):  Bismarck, ND

Gary Stokes and Gary Wall,    Seeing the picture of both of you in Vietnam, sure brought back the memories of the comraderie that were formed during my tour in Vietnam. I was in the Seabees ( Construction Battalion)  MCB121 , station 2 miles south of the  city of Hue. I was in the  process of being discharged when the picture of the two of you was taken. I also had the experience of crossing paths with my first cousin Allan Malo from Rolette, while I was there. I didn’t even know he was there at the time. The battalion I served with had a reunion in Gulfport, Ms. in 2006, which I attended. Lot’s of fun reminiscing with old comrades.

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

Gary,

A FIRST-TIME-LINE  FROM THE NURSING HOME ! 

I LIVE HERE.

ST LUKE’S HOME
#110 242 — 10 St  WEST
Dickinson, ND   58601-3926

I have experienced greatly increasing incidences of falling. I had numerous falls in August, hitting my head on the floor with NO protective reflex from the arms.  Reasons for or contributing factors to/for falling are not fully determined.  Advancing consequences from 1965 head injury are of major concern.

Black and Blue marks exceeded white skin, broken furniture appeared, ribs hurt badly, never knew how long I lay B4 becoming aware of need

to get up…etc.

Fell,  hard, @ least 4 times on August 15—4 more times on 16th.

Last fall was on face, broke R eyebrow open, much blood.  I reached a man by voice call feature of my phone and he sent his boys to help me.

I figured a few more towels to hold be blood and a ride to the ER would do but they took one look and called the ambulance.

The DR who sewed my eye brow closed is a man I knew when he was 4 years old.  I was admitted to the hospital and was there from 16 to 22.

Hospitalist who handles all patients who are in the hospital, regardless of attending/personal DR visited with my neurologist.

Dr Wongjirad, from Thailand, has been my neurologist for many years.  He informed me that it is no longer safe for me live alone in my own

Nursing Homes ‘treated’ me very good in my 20 year career of attempting to administrate them.  I like it here.  Dad was in this home for 4  1/2

years and I know many of the staff and they, thankfully, recall me, favorably.

I lived alone for 20 years.  I can move around the home, exercise without leaving the facility, meals are good.

I hear some complaining about meals but I am glad that I don’t live in Africa.  If we complained about the food at home; we became aware very

promptly that if we did not like the food we could leave the table, quietly and await an invite to return to some meal, later.

Love it here,  It is safe, very clean, friendly, professional, progressive, certainly advanced relative to what I am familiar with from my years as a

NH adm.

SNUF 4 now,  Gary, the above is for YOUR review and consideration of sharing.

Thankz   LEE      s      1964

Joke of the day

 Subject: Romantic Dinner

A man and a woman were having a quiet, romantic dinner in a fine restaurant.

They were gazing lovingly at each other and holding hands.

The waitress, Taking another order at a table a few steps away, suddenly noticed the woman slowly sliding down her chair and under the table – but the man stared straight ahead.

The waitress watched as the woman slid all the way down her chair and out of sight under
the table. Still, the man stared straight ahead.

The waitress, thinking this behavior a bit risque and worried that it might offend other diners, went over to the table and, tactfully, began by saying to the man: “Pardon me, sir, but I think your wife just slid under the table.

The man calmly looked up at her and said: ……….”No, she didn’t. She just walked in.”

====================================
Blog (150) posted on July 4, 2008

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I received a phone call this afternoon from Mike Hill, son of Tim and
Laurie, and he said Tim was in surgery at that time getting a new heart
and kidney! Mike said the heart replacement was done and they were
working on the kidney replacement as we were talking. I think all DHS
alumni will be glad to hear that such a deserving guy is soon to be on
the road to recovery! There is a time of  healing of course, but it will
be good to see Tim back to enjoying life again! He is at Mayo in
Rochester, MN so is in good hands! I hope Richard Slyter is also on the
road to recovery, seems like we never know what is next! I’m sure the
Hill family will keep us posted on Tim and Slyters on Richard. Hang in
there guys!

Dick
From Floyd & Carmen (Leonard) Richard:

Yes, that is our wedding picture from the Dunseith Journal taken in 1954 by Dunseith photogarpher Ted Brodak. He took a series of pictures of our wedding and only charged us $10 for all of them.

A few weeks ago there was a picture af the band, and there was trouble identifing one fellow, Jackie Spaeth or Mick Kester. That brought back memories of Jack, he worked for us a couple of summers when he was in high school. After graduating he joined the Marines and was part of the Green Barrets. (There was even a song about the Green Barret) Jack came out to visit us every time he was home on furlough and later when he was out of the service and visiting in the area.He was like part of our family.

Have a great July 4th weekend everyone. We treasure reading all the emails and am so glad that we are on the list !
From Bobbie Slyter (70): 

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers, I am sure Richard will appreciate them.
From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Most people remember November 22, 1963. That was the day J.F.K. was
assassinated in Dallas and just about everyone can tell you where they
were when they got the news. We were in school in the old school as the
7-8 grade addition wasn’t finished yet.
We had a little goof off deal we pulled in the afternoon sometimes,
where we checked out of study hall to go to the library but instead used
a coat hanger to get into the small office on the corner just south of,
and around the corner from, the main office. This was Dennis Espe’s
office and he had a class at that time everyday. Art Rude was in the
assembly so no one was around checking! We just sat in there and
listened to the radio and talked. Well, that day John Boguslawski and I
were in there listening to the radio when they interrupted the music
with the news of the shooting! We listened to it for a while and I said
we HAVE to tell Mr. Rude!
John said, “No way—he’ll ask us how we found out and we’re screwed”! I
told him to check back in to studyhall and I would take the chance, as
we have to tell him! I went to the door of the studyhall and when Art
saw me I motioned for him to come to the door. Now in those days you did
not tell a teacher to come out of his class, a kid didn’t anyway! He had
a strange look on his face, but came to the door, where I told him what
I heard. He ran to the main office and set the intercom mic in front of
the radio and we spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the
developments in Texas. I went to my desk and was never asked HOW or
WHERE I got that information! I asked Art just a few years ago if he
knew and he said it never really crossed his mind! I guess it went as
planned!! Thanks Gary!

Dick
Dick, I remember that day very well.  I was in Mr. Lykins Typing class that was located in the Gym of the new High School.  Mr. Lykins is the one the broke the news to us.  He was very emotional, to the point of tears, when he was giving us the news.

Mr. Lykins, I am sure you remember this day well. Gary

From Bonnie Awalt Houle (56): 

Good Morning Gary,

Today is the 4 of July and we are celebrating the Birthday of our Country and also the men and women that have fought for our country.  I would like to say how proud we are of our family members that have fought for the freedom we all enjoy.  Attached are pictures of Marshall and Lloyd Awalt .  Lloyd served in the Navy and Marshall served in the Marines for 30 years.

Bonnie Awalt Houle 1956

                              Marshall Awalt aboard ship

Marshall and Lloyd Awalt – Military

                                  Marshall Awalt – Military

Picture provide by Neoal Kofoid Garbe:  

I think this must be in 1977 When he was the Bottineau Legion Commander.  Gary                                

                        Bob Stokes in his legion uniform

Reply to Vietnam picture posted yesterday
From Dr. Gary Wall:  Bottineau, ND

Gary Stokes,

I can not tell you how proud I am to have served our County and with you in Vietnam.

That war left us, as most wars, with scars that today still linger.  Although we were not wounded our Mothers and others prayed for our safe return.  God Bless our Mothers.

We were fortunate to have met that year in Vietnam and I will never forget it.  This tall lanky guy(Gary Stokes) asks me “Captain where are you from” and I responded, “you would not know where but I am from North Dakota.”  “Where” was the next question?   “Bottineau” and Gary Stokes said “I am from Dunseith” and the rest is history.  SMALL WORLD!!  Gary you can elaborate if you would like please.

There are a lot of things that I cherish and that is our meeting in Vietnam and our service to our Country and the friendship we enjoy that came forth from it.

Your Comrade and Friend

Gary R. Wall

Gary W,

The chances of us meeting and being in the same Dental Clinic in Vietnam were very slim to none. With the Bottineau/Dunseith communities being small, I had heard of and knew who you were, but we had never met until that day in Vietnam. It was July 1969.  We were together 6 months in Cam Ranh Bay before you DROS’d back to the states and I was transferred to Chi Lai. Of course we know lots and lots of common folks too. It was so nice having you there to talk and visit with in this war torn country. Our folks/your mother also knew each other. With us being in Vietnam together their bonding became quite strong too. Following our army days, I saw your mother with each of my visits back to Bottineau. She was so friendly and nice.

I too am very glad to have served our country with you in Vietnam. We have had a lasting strong special friendship the last 45 years too. Hopefully we will see you next summer. With the DHS Class of 65 fiftieth reunion, we have tentative plans of being there. With Bernadette’s health issues, it may only be me going.

Gary S

Reply to Vietnam picture posted yesterday
From Don Aird:  St. Louis, MO.

You guys didn’t have the jungle boots?  I thought everyone wore them.

Don,

Those are jungle boots we are wearing. In the picture they look like solid leather though. We were all issued two pare in Oakland before going to Vietnam.

Gary

Norway Trip
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

In Norway,  the areas of Veldre/Brumunddal/Hamar,  where my Grandpa Hans Johnson came from, have one thing in common that the people are very proud of.  It is that they are all on the east side and very close to Norway’s largest fresh water lake,  Lake Mjosa (Me-o-sa).  It is a very beautiful lake and is crystal clear.  We took a few pictures of the lake to show how nice it is. I have always also had a thing for old wooden boats and I took a few pictures of some that were docked at Hamar so will send a couple of those pictures also.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

====================================
Blog (150) posted on July 4, 2008

7/3/2008: Richard Slyter has Heart attack
Message from Bobbie Slyter:

Bobbie,

Please keep us posted with Richard’s condition.  We are so sorry to hear that he had this heart attack.  It has to be rough on Ely and the rest of you family members as well. As you well know, there are a lot of your family relatives on this distribution. One heck of a lot of us remember you guys well, from our school days too.

Richard is in our prayers,

Gary

From Sharon Longie Dana (73):

Gary……I was sure that my sister Bonnie who died in Oct of 2006, Told me that Esther had passed away a few years earlier. Bonnie lived all of her life in Dunseith, so I believed her, since I have not since 1976.
Esther, Carl & Cindy & your family…….. I’m so very sorry for my mistake! I send my love to you for the misunderstanding……I haven’t seen you since, I think it was Cindy’s wedding. I remember asking Bonnie several years ago about you Esther, She probably though I meant someone else. I would love dearly to see you, Carl & Cindy. I will be passing through Dunseith in September, my son Jonathan is getting married in Wahpeton on the 13th. I’ll be stopping in Bottineau for a few days with Julie before we continue on to the wedding. I will try to stop by to say Hi…….
Sorry once again for the misunderstanding on my part……..
Ivy (Eller) Robert

Ivy, We all make boo boo’s every so often and there is always some good that comes out of them.  I have sure made my share of screw ups too and yesterday’s message was a prime example.  These screw ups get folks attention and in the process generates activity from folks that sometimes are a little reserved in replying.  I encourage folks to reply, right or wrong.  That’s what gets the ball rolling with the interaction that we have.  Gary
Picture/message from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

This is either Edward Houle, or Edward Houle ordered the pictures.  I hope it is Edward–I think it’s a “classy” picture. There are six 5 x 7’s in paper frames.

I need a name/address, or email address, to contact about these pictures.  Be sure to include the name Eddie Houle.  I sometimes get the info and which picture it pertains to, confused.

Thanks to those who have sent names/addresses for the pictures.  I’m printing the info/putting it with the picture so I have them together.  Again, thanks for the emails that contain information for the pictures. I /appreciate/enjoy receiving them.

On Saturday, I’m going to Kramer for the “big bash” (My husband, Wally, is from Kramer–he’s coming from Minot.  I taught in Kramer 1961-1963.) and then to Minot.  I won’t be taking any pictures to Minot, so maybe I’ll get caught up with pictures/addresses.

Thanks, Gary.

Neola

Do any of you folks recognize this guy?


Alva Azure Gladue’s (75) reply to Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

Thanks to Alva Gladue, we now know this cutie is Mandy Davis.  I’m glad we know, as it would be a shame to not get her pictures to her. The next time I go to the courthouse, I’ll look for more pictures of her.

I appreciate everyone being so helpful in identifying the people in the pictures I send and also the contact information.  You’ve probably guessed I have a passion for pictures.

Neola

Here’s Alva’s email: The little girl in your pictures is Mandy Davis.  Her mother is Lori

Parisien Davis married to Curtis Timmy Davis  of Dunseith.  Mandy lives in
Dunseith. Her parent’s phone number is 244-5897.  Hope this helps.

                                     Mandy Davis

From Tim Martinson (69): 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

South Vietnam October 1969
Dr. Gary Wall and Gary Stokes

Stokes farm in about 1980
 

====================================
Blog (149) posted on July 3, 2008

Folks, As you can see,  we got a lot of replies  to the Mike Poitra family photo.  Their family photo follows all your replies.

Thank you Neola for providing this photo.

From Michaela Poitra: 

Subject: RE: (148) Donna Dubois, Vickie Metcalfe, Ivy Eller, Dick Johnson (picture) & Paula Fassett…..

This is a reply to Ivy Eller, I am the neice to Esther Eller and she is still very much alive and she still lives in Dunseith.

I am Ginger (LaRocque) Poitras Daughter, Michaela , She is married to Anthony Poitra Tall, center one on top, The others are from the top Virginia, Dale, Ina Allery, Anthony, Vita Azure, Gene, Raymond, Second row, Peter, Esther Eller, Grandma(Josephine) Lesedo, Grandpa Mike (Deceased), Mabel Delorme (BEBE), Arnold (Sonny), Bottom Three Mary Ann Morin, Linda Morin, Geraldine Larson.
All of the Children and Grandma are still alive, All live in the area, and Mabel lives in Bismarck.

Michaela, I was hoping you would get this, because I know you mother does not get her email in the summer months when school is out.  Please tell her I am incuding her with this message. Gary

From Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): 

Names printed on picture by Neolo Kofoid Garbe

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Note: I got the names out of the Dunseith book for this very same picture.
I see there are two Bertha’s listed.  Gary

Annie, Bertha, Dave, Lester (Bud), Bertha, Marlene, Dorothy Kraft – 1969

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Marlene , Rodney, Debbie, Brent & Bryan Armentrout – 1969

From Susan Fasssett Martin (65): 

I ran across this article in my dad’s scrapbooks while looking for CCC information.  I thought the Morinville “kids” might like to see it. Hope it is reada     readable  If anyone would like printed copies of anything, let me Know.

Prayers, Susan

I know.     Susan, I also see Floyd (59)& Ann Pritchard’s Wedding picture in this article too. They live up at Lake Metigoshe and are the owners of the Birchw   Birchwood resort

From Tim Martinson (69): 

Hi Gary, 

I have been researching this photo that was labeled Kramer CCC Camp that my mother had in a album that

she had made out of two pieces of plywood and construction paper.  I’m guessing that her brother Harold may

have been at the camp or maybe someone else she knew from the Rollete area . I could not find that much on

the internet but came across this site that had a reference to Kramer.  http://members.aol.com/famjustin/ccchis.html 

The site has a research link that explains how to get government documents which I will have to look into.  The 

Kramer reference was a biography for Lowell “Red” Moore.  After reading the biography I sent off the photo and a

explanation that as work in the area was finished the camps were decommissioned, the whole site was torn down

and at times everything was moved to a new site.  This may or may not have happened at Kramer.  This is the reply

I got from the son.  It is the little things in life that count.  Take Care,  Tim

Tim,

Got your email today. What a pleasant surprise. Yes indeed, that photo fills an empty gap in Pop’s CCC folder. Pop was not there too long. But he related stories of being at Kramer. I really appreciate you sending the picture. Pop was there in 1941, I think. Thanks again for the email and picture. It means a lot to me. I don’t have any pictures of Pop at Kramer, but do have some after he transferred to Lowell, Idaho. Thanks again so much.

Regards,

Larry W. Moore

Biography of Lowell “Red” Moore

CCC Enrollee, Company 766, Kramer, North Dakota & Company 5704, Kooskia, Idaho & Camp F-190, Lowell, Idaho

   My late father, Lowell “Red” Moore was born December 07, 1924 in Marmaduke, Arkansas. He completed the 8th grade in 1939 and worked as a farm laborer. He entered the CCC on January 12, 1942 at Little Rock, Arkansas. He was assigned to the 766th Company at Kramer, North Dakota. He later transferred to Company 5704, Kooskia, Idaho. He was assigned to camp F-190 in Lowell, Idaho where he did road construction and some fire tower watch duty. He later cooked for the officers mess making homemade biscuits and gravy for the officers on weekends. Pop’s name was spelled Loyal, but he changed the spelling to Lowell during his stay at Lowell, Idaho Camp F-190.

   He was discharged on June 17, 1942. When he got back home he used what little money he earned to pay the family grocery bill. He was called for military service, but did not pass the physical. He and mom married in August, 1943. I was born in September, 1947. Pop worked in furniture stores, was a floor mechanic laying all sorts of floor goods. He later worked for Emerson Electric in Paragould, Arkansas as a Die Grinder.

   I lost Pop in March, 1985. In 1998, my son and I took some time off and went to Kramer, North Dakota to look up the CCC Camp. It was non existent and even the locals knew little about it. We went on to Lowell, Idaho in our quest. There we found the site of Camp F-190. One of the original buildings is still in use by the Forest Service and there is a small camping area on the banks of the Lochsa River. We camped there for a couple of days . It was great to spend time with my son at the site of his grandfathers CCC experience……….

—– Larry W. Moore

No Blog Yesterday.

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

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

Violet Campbell (Picture)
Reply from Flavia Moraes (’73 Exchange Student):  Sao Paulo, Brazil

Dear Gary

So good to see the picture of my American grandma Violet Campbell. Such a sweet person!

Regards

Flávia

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

Dick, that  sock  tree  is  awesome, so  unique  and  colorful, but  i  have  to  say  I   was  surprised  to  hear  that there  was  one  in  Fargo.  Thanks  for  sharing.  Aggie    ( The  sock  tree  was  my  own  description, just  kind of  looked  that  way) 

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

Hi Dick,

Your dispatches from Norway are fascinating. I especially love the “Tree Cozy”.

Colette
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

Seth Nelson

(Born September 1, 1994 – Died September 3, 2014)

Seth Nelson, age 20 of Bottineau, passed away Wednesday, near Rugby. Funeral will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Willow Creek Cemetery near Overly.

Seth Nelson, a son of Les and Carrie (Johnson) Nelson, was born on Sept 1, 1994 in Rugby. He was raised at Bottineau where he attended school. He graduated from Bottineau High School in 2013. Following his education, he began farming and ranching on the family farm full time.

Seth enjoyed alpine skiing and ski racing. He also enjoyed 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. Seth loved spending time with Sydnie and Stetson. He adored his little sister and brother. Seth was very adventurous, he just experienced a love for sky-diving.

Seth passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.

He is survived by his parents, Les and Carrie of Bottineau; sister, Sydnie, and brother, Stetson, of Bottineau; grandparents, Richard and Carol (Sletto) Johnson of Overly, aunts, Cindy (Dennis) Nelson of Bozeman, MT, Cathy Johnson of Big Sky, MT and Corrine (Jay) Clauson of Parshall, ND; girlfriend, Megan Saville, who he loved, of Bottineau, special cousins, Mariah, Sarah, Daniel, Jacob, Joshua, Jesse, the Ron Nelson family and numerous cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Kenny Nelson. 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 Don Malaterre (’72): Sioux Falls, SD

====================================
Blog (148) posted on July 2, 2008

Folks,  I screwed up the numbering of these messages yesterday.  Yesterday’s message should have been 148, not 146.  There are now two messages numbered 146.  Gary

From Vickie Metcalfe (70):

Gary,

As Velma Wondrasek downsizes,  she, and her family have left many photo’s at the Bottineau County courthouse. Many folks, here in Bottineau are having fun looking through them and identifying folks. These pictures are from many, many, decades of  Wondrasek photography in the area, from Westhope to Dunseith, Belcourt and Rolla.

Also some wonderful old time photos that they restored for folks.

If anyone out there recalls having their class pictures, passports, weddings, restorations or family pictures etc. done at Wondrasek Photography in Bottineau go to the Bottineau courthouse and search.  Be prepared to dig like an archaelolgist as they are not labeled in any order!

There’s some  rediscovery of forgotten photos going on!

Vickie Metcalfe

From Ivy (Eller) Robert (74): 

Gary…….In Mike Poitra Family picture, middle row, second one from the left is Esther Poitra Eller. She was my ex-sister-in-law. She had married my half-brother Herman Eller Jr. They had two children together Carl & Cindy. She pass away a few years back. I don’t remember what year. I think either Carl or Cindy sill live in Dunseith, I’m not sure. I do recognize some of the others in the picture, but I don’t remember their names. Esther & Herman divorced many years ago. I think I was still in grade school when that happened. Esther stayed in the Dunseith, but Herman Jr. moved to California, then Alaska, but retired to Prescott Arizona.

Thanks, Ivy (Eller) Robert
Mike Poitra Family picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

If someone from this family (Mike Poitra) lives in Bottineau, and I get an address, I’ll deliver it to them.  It’s a nice fairly large picture.

Neola

     Do any of the rest of you know the Mike Poitra Family?

Picture/message from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

I have quite a few pictures of my mom’s that were taken in the mid

forties. I think she was a ‘shutterbug’ as there are many pictures that
are not for any real occasion, that I can see. It would appear she just
liked to take pictures! Now, 60 years later I’m glad she did! These two
attached pictures are of Mom’s sister, Shirley Olson Warcup [black
skirt] and Shirley Sunderland and both were taken in 1946. A couple
cuties! [Sorry Snookie!] Thanks Gary!

Dick

From Paula Fassett Pfuhl (71): 

I’m guessing the photo that Tim Martinson posted was of a “CC”Camp (Civilian Conservation Corp) in the 1930’s.  They were established by the government to provide work for young men, or some such thing.  My dad (Bill Fassett) worked at/in one – and one of the projects he was involved in was building the Clark-Sayler Refuge over in the Towner area.  My sister Susan has by dad’s history books that he put together and probably has tales of the cc camps…….  As you can tell, I’m not the historian of the family and probably have my facts all “bass-ackwards” as my dad would have said….

Paula

Happy birthday Glenda Anderson Bergan!!’
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Norway
Posting from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

One of the funniest things we saw in Norway was a live tree in a yard that had been knitted completely with different colors of yarn.  It really took us by surprise.  My cousin laughed and said the Norwegian women have started to knit almost everything.  Lots of trees and even a complete motorcycle he said he had seen.  When Brenda mentioned it to one of her Fargo friends, the friend said she had seen it done in Fargo as well so maybe it’s more common than we thought.  Thanks Gary!

Dick

LaVonne Nelson Shelton’s Confirmation picture and Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

LaVonne Shelton (LaVonne Nelson Shelton)

LaVonne (Vonnie) was born on May 7, 1938 to Abraham and Mary Evenstad Nelson in Bottineau, ND. She died on August 30, 2014 after a long “struggle” with rheumatic heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

She graduated from Dakota Lutheran Academy, Minot, ND, in 1957 and then moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she worked for five years at Augsburg Publishing. In 1962, LaVonne moved to Seattle, WA where she worked for almost 30 years in the banking system – Rainier Bank, later Bank of America. On disability retirement since 1991, she has made her home in Brier, WA. 

LaVonne’s body has been accepted by the University of Washington Medical Center for research which was her wish. A memorial service to celebrate LaVonne’s life will be held at 11am, Saturday, Sept. 6 at Refuge Church, 2609 Larch Way, Lynnwood. Memorials are suggested for Foss Home VILLAGE. Thank you to the super staff there for the past 21/2 years and also the terrific night staff at Swedish/Edmonds at the time of her death.

Published in The Seattle Times from Sept. 2 to Sept. 3, 2014

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=lavonne-shelton&pid=172337183

If you would like to have EdnaMae’s email address, ask me for it; I’ll send it to you.

====================================
Blog (146) posted on June 29, 2008

From Betty Jane Schneider Lamb (54): 

Dear Gary:  Thanks to Neola Kofoid Garbe for sending the picture of my parents, Sophie and Peter Schneider.  I am married to Bill Lamb, retired State Farm Insurance Agent, and we live in Grand Forks.  Larry owns Bismarck Gold and Silver Exchange at 212 North 4th Street in Bismarck.  Both Doris and Stanley passed away from cancer in 2003.  Rochelle Pigeon Schneider lives in Sioux Falls.

Thank you Gary for forwarding all the E-mails and we look forward to them.  We appreciate all the work that you are doing.  Betty Jane Schneider Lamb

Message/picture identification from LeaRae Parrill Espe (67):
Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Back row Janet ’68, Clayton, 72, Thurman
Seated Lynda ’69, Rodney ’73, Myron ’76 and Marie
Janet (George) LeNoue lives in Lexington, Kentucky.   Lynda (Curt) Jordan lives in Yarington, Nevada.  All three sons live in Bottineau.

The older kids attended Willow Lake School and then Dunseith Public, but they redistricted and since their home was in Bottineau County, Homen township they all ended up graduating from Bottineau.  I think Rodney and the girls would like to get on the email lists.  The girls are coming in July.

As you know we are double cousins and have every single relative the same so we are very close to them.

Back row: Janet ’68, Clayton, 72 and Thurman
Seated: Lynda ’69, Rodney ’73, Myron ’76 and Marie
Mike Poitra Family picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:
Gary,
If someone from this family (Mike Poitra) lives in Bottineau, and I get an address, I’ll deliver it to them.  It’s a nice fairly large picture.

Neola

Do any of you know the Mike Poitra Family?

From Debbie Poitra Rondeau (77): 

Good Morning, Gary again

Found out who the Lavendure couple are.  Jeannie Jollie and Ron Lavendure. Ron parents are Nora and John Lavendure.

         Jeannie Jollie and Ron Lavendure

From Alan and Phyllis Campbell:

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

There are 9 pictures of this cutie–(one) 8 X 10 picture, (3) 5x 8’s in paper frames, and (5) 3 X 5’s in paper frames.

    Does anyone Know this little girl?

Picture Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

             Does any one know this couple?

Picture Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

           Does any one know Bill Lord
 

Picture Provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe:

I’m not sure where Neola found this one, but it’s the Stokes family in about 1968

                  L to R: Elaine, Darrel, Allen, Gary & Bob

No Blog yesterday

For the record I didn’t get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Happy Birthday Glenda Anderson Bergan (DHS ’60): Dunseith ND

Happy Birthday Richard Slyter (DHS ’67): Dunseith, ND

 Happy Bithday Corliss Allard Habets (DHS ’66): Kevin, MT

====================================
Blog (146) posted on June 29, 2008

From Jan LaCroix Kester (59):

Hi Gary!  Our network was down for about a month so have a lot of catching up to do.  I came to #156 – regarding whether this is Mick Kester or Jackie Spaeth.  That is Mick Kester, definitely!

Jan LaCroix Kester?

From Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Hi Gary,

Thanks to Susan Fassett Martin and Evon and Eric Lagerquist for sending Betty Nerpel’s address to me.  I delivered the picture to Betty earlier today.  She was thrilled to receive it.

Thanks again, ladies.

Neola

Picture/message from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Gary,

I’m quite sure this is Sophie/Pete Schneider, parents of Doris, Betty, Stanley, and Larry.  Agree?  I’m sure you remember Doris was married to my uncle, Kenneth Brudwick.  I know Betty is married to a Lamb; Stanley was married to Rochelle Pigeon (right?)–think he has passed away a few years ago.  They lived in the Black Hills, right?  Deadwood area? I think Larry lives in Bismarck, or did.  I saw a segment about him on TV a couple of years ago.  It seems to me he is a coin collector and has a business in Bismarck.  Do you know if it’s in Kirkwood?

When I have accurate information, I’ll send the picture/information to Eileen.

Thanks, Gary.

Neola

Neola, I think you have everything correct as far as I know.  Betty & Larry please let us know if this is all correct.

Larry, You may be surprised to learn that a good friend of yours, Jared Steele,  is currently visiting us here in Cebu, Philippines.  He arrived June 10th and will be going back to Bottineau on August 1st.  We got connected with Jared through your good friend Terry Moe.  Terry graduated with the class of 72.  Jared is such a nice young man.  I know Terry has a good employee, with Jared, working for him in his Yamaha delership/store in Bottineau.

Actually Jared is here to get married.  We introduced him to several nice young ladies and he has connected well with Geraldine.  They have been communicating since February via lots of email messages and phone calls.  Geraldine is 22 years and a recent college graduate with a BS degree in teaching.  Jared is 27.  There is no doubt that they are very compatible and get along very well together.  Their wedding will be July 28th.  It will take 6 to 8 months, after they get married, for Geraldine to get her visa so she can go back to Bottineau.  Gary

Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Gary,

Gary’s Cota’s information is probably in the Dunseith book.  What was his wife’s maiden name?  Can you identify the boys–which is which?  Gary is related to Martin Berg, but I’ve forgotten how.  I’m sure you can tell me.   I think it’s through his mother, right?

Neola
Neola, I was unable to make contact with Gary when I was putting his class list of 56 together.  I pulled out the Dunseith book see just how Martin Berg and Gary Cota are related.  Their mothers are sisters.  They are also sisters to Dick Johnson’s grandmother and also Freddie Hiatt’s mother.  Dick’s mother (Bernice), Gary Cota, Freddie Hiatt and Martin Berg were 1st cousins.  That’s the way I interpreted it when I read it. Shirley Olson Warcup, Dick’s mothers sister, would also be a cousin.  She is on our Distribution list as well. Gary

From Leland Hagen (50): 

After seeing Susan Fassett Martins reply to the ccc camp picture I beleive she is right. There are no trees anywhere in the picture, not even in the background. The layout of the camps and the buildings were probably pretty standard at all CCC camps.

Leland Hagen

Picture Name Correction from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

I hope everything is correct now. Check to see if I spelled “Bakken” correctly, please.

Neola

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Folks,

I didn’t have any current postings, so I scanned some old pictures to fill the void.

Gary

December 1961

Looking east from the Stokes farm. Ackworth School in the background.
We could also see Little Prairie Church, not visible in this picture, located 4 miles East, South East.

December 3, 1978

====================================
Blog (145) posted on June 28, 2008

From Joan LaCroix Lannie (67): 

Hi Gary i have changed my e-mail and I want to give you my new information.

You are doing a great job keeping us all connected and i have missed the last few days from hearing from you.

Tony and I and our two grand daughters are going to Minnesota to be with my family for the 4th of July.

Have a great holiday. Joan Lannie LaCroix

Picture provided by Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

Hi Gary,

This picture says “Ray Nerpel, Dunseith”.  The original is 11 X 13, or so. It wouldn’t fit on my scanner.  Any of the Nerpel family live in/near Bottineau and would like to pick up this picture?  If not, I’ll put it in the “Dunseith” box.

Neola

Ray Nerpel Family
(Standing) Wilfred, Gordon, Mike, Carol, Harvey
(seated) Betty, Ted, Raymond

 
From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

I think this is the CCC camp #766 Kramer ND.   My dad, Wm T Fassett attended there in 1939.  While there he helped build the lower Souris wildlife refuge, driving truck mostly.  Oddly enough, a few years ago our oldest daughter was working at that same wildlife refuge.  They ran an article in the Turtle Mt Star on Johnida, our daughter and my dad.  I will try to find that and send it.

Also, my husband fell at the landfill on Monday and broke both bones in his right leg just a few inches above the ankle.  He will be laid up for quite some time.  Pray for speedy healing.      Prayers,  Susan

Pictures from Neola Kofoid Garbe:

Folks, these are some pictures that Neola has found that she thinks may be from the Dunseith/Rolette county areas.  Please let us know if any of you know any of these folks.  Gary

Is this the same James Parisien that was in the class of 1969 and died in 1991?  Gary


Eddie King Johnson Family, Belcourt  – 1969


  John Derby Family 1979

====================================

Blog (144) posted on June 27, 2008

Blog (144) posted on June 27, 2008

Reply from Shirley LaRocque Wendt (59): 

Obituary

DELLA NELSON

JULY 24, 1922-JUNE 16, 2008

POSTED: June 20, 2008

Della Nelson, Minot, 85, formerly of Lansford, passed away Monday, June 16, 2008.

Della Evelyn Nelson was born July 24, 1922, in rural Nanson, to Carl and Ellen Lunde. She was baptized and confirmed at Ox Creek Lutheran Church in Nanson.

She attended grade school in Nanson and graduated from Rolette High School in 1939.

Della was once married to Donald Cobler of Rolette, and together they had three children: Dennis, Diane and Donnie. Don was transferred to Bastrop, Texas, where Della attended nursing school and worked at a local hospital in Bastrop.

Della returned to Rolette in the early 1950s and worked at the Rolette hospital. While living in Rolette, she met John Nelson and they were married July 3, 1955. They had four children: Sherry, Jana, Bob and Jeff. The couple lived in Rolette and New Rockford before settling in Lansford and retiring there. In 2003, they moved to their current home in Minot.

Della and her brother, Howard Lunde, owned and operated D&H Market in Lansford from about 1969 until 1973. Following the sale of the grocery store, she managed Broken Spoke Western Wear.

As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansford, she served on the church council and was active with the Ladies Aid. She was president of the Lansford Senior Citizens for several years, joined Eastern Star while living in Rolette, volunteered at Taube Art Museum and belonged to a birthday club. For many years, she was a member of the Potter’s Bar bowling team.

Della had many interests and was rarely bored. She loved to cook, bake and entertain. She spent many hours in her flower gardens and enjoyed silk flower arranging. She was a member of a bridge group and loved playing pinochle with her family. She and John were avid Minnesota Twins fans.

She is survived by: her husband, John Nelson, Minot; daughters, Diane Botton, Great Falls, Va., Sherry (Tim) Coutts, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jana Nelson, Minot; sons, Dennis (Kathleen) Cobler, Muskegon, Mich., Don Cobler, Bob Nelson, of Craig, Colo., Jeff Nelson, Minot; grandchildren, Amy Cobler, Mike Cobler, Brian (Renee) Botton, Teresa (Pete) Gilbert, Carla (Brian) Safigan, Ilona (Ryan) Goltz, Tricia (Tom) Luebesmier, Charisse Cobler, Jake Coutts, Casey Coutts; and six great-grandchildren.

The family will be forwarding memorial contributions to various organizations in Della’s memory.

Memorial service: Thursday, July 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansford.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a register book on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, from noon until 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

                        John Awalt – Class of 65 – July 12, 2007

Ernie Gottbreht, Cecile Berube & Margaret Metcalfe – Class of 65 – July 14, 2007

     Susan Fassett & Angela Berube – Class of 65 – July 14, 2007

      Happy Birthday Pete Gillis (DHS ’65): Dunseith, ND

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

Cebu City Marco Polo Plaza Hotel
These are few pictures from our last Cebu Expat dinner this past Monday at the Marco Polo.
There were about a 100 folks that attended.

                Bernadette & Lorelie Stokes

Standing: Edelyn, Thess, Em-Em, Novie, Mirasol, Annalyn & Lorelie
Sitting: Gary and Bernadette

 General group picture. The guy in the white shirt is from France. He is 88 years old

 ====================================
Blog (143) posted on June 26, 2008

Folks, Dick Johnson and Judy Allery have identified the folks in these pictures that Neola Kofoid Garbe provided with yesterdays message.  Neola has made contact with Linda LaRocque Poitra and made arrangements for her to get Eddie’s picture and a few more pictures of other folks that she has.  I have pasted Eddie’s death info at the bottom of the pictures.  Gary

From Dick Johnson (68):djcars@srt.com

Gary,

The serviceman in the middle photo, I believe, is a kid from our class,
named Eddie Nadeau. He quit school and went into the service. He was
married to another classmate, Linda Larocque. She is now married to
Curtis Poitra and still lives in this area. I heard that Eddie is no
longer living but no confirmation on that yet. The guy in the first
picture sure looks familiar but I can’t say for sure. Someone will know
and hopefully reply. Oh, by the way, Ronnie Larocque is Linda’s twin
brother and lives in Beulah or Stanton, ND and I believe is on your
mailing list. Thanks!

Dick

From Judy Allery Azure (65):

Gary the picture dated April 4, 1967 is Rick Williams, the picture dated March 11, 1967 I believe is Eddie Nadeau (deceased) , and Sharon Martin of Belcourt, her brother Dennis was Principal in Duneith.

Judy

Rick Williams – Dated April 4, 1967 Eddie Nadeau – Dated March 11, 1967            Sharon Martin 1971   Edward NADEAU     Birth Date: 23 Nov 1948     Death Date: 3 Jan 1996     Social Security Number: 502-54-5836     State or Territory Where Number Was Issued: North Dakota     Death Residence Localities     ZIP Code: 58329     Localities: Dunseith, Rolette, North Dakota   San Haven, Rolette, North Dakota   Message/picture from Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Sure Paula, you women could be getting along like a couple of old alleycats until it comes time to pick on one of us old dogs, then you all pile on——HA! HA! It probably was some woman’s idea to put in the skylight, I had to talk like crazy to convince my wife that we didn’t want one when we put new windows in. Yes, I was first in my class in advice giving.

While everyone is taking a tour through the Hawk Museum head straight north to St. John and walk through the Rolette County Historical site. Art Sr. collected things for years for it and stills attends all the meetings. It is open every Sunday in the summer from 2:00PM til 4:00PM. If Sunday doesn’t work out for you just let me or Dick know and we’ll get you in. Dick is Pres. of the group now that Art. Sr. has slowed down and I’m one of his flunkies. There are old buildings to look at as well as two large builds full of goodies and machinery to investigate, Dunseith and San Haven included.Hopefully I’m including a picture of an original old Trappers Cabin that is at the site.

Mel Kuhn

Pictures/message from Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

My aunt Shirley ‘Snookie’ Warcup’s story about Hank Johnson was great!
Mom always talked about him as being a very ‘nice’ drunk! He wasn’t mean
in any way, just liked to get loaded once in a while! I remember her
saying that one Christmas during World War II, they were all at Grandma
Johnson’s on Christmas Eve. Hank left with some of his old buddies and
didn’t make it home. The next day they all went up to Mac and Gladys
William’s place for dinner, on what was later the Bob Pritchard place.
Gladys was Hank’s sister, and sister to Grandma Myrtle Olson [Snookie
and Mom’s mom]. About the time everyone was ready to eat, the phone rang
with six longs [ for those of you who don’t know, the crank phones had
long and short rings.] The six long pattern was for emergencies only.
This was reserved for fires, medical, the attack on Pearl Harbor, etc.
Grandpa Henry Olson grabbed the phone and said he could hear all the
phones in the hills being lifted, click,click,click! When it got quiet,
there was this big voice saying, ” Where the HELL is everybody?” Hank
was home! Thanks Gary and Snookie!

Attached are photos of Grandma Johnsons house, through the years.

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Betty Lamoureux Badgett (’49): Fountain Valley, CA

Norwegian Traditional Costumes
Posting/pictures from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

One of the things I find interesting about Norwegian traditional customs is the purpose behind the customs.  Aggie asked about the Midsomer tradition of dressing kids in wedding attire and marching in a mock wedding procession.  The tradition is done near the summer solstice so it is actually the beginning of summer rather than the mid-summer as it is called.  It was to bring happiness to people as the blossoming of new life through young people.  I thought it was neat the way they consider it an important event that has a purpose.  Once the procession has made the way around the neighborhood where lots of folks are outside to watch it go by, they come back to the place of origin for a large bonfire and games so it’s kind of a block party so to speak.  The kids aren’t quite as enthused as you might think about being chosen to dress as the married couple but they know it’s supposed to be an honor so they do it anyway.  As the procession came by where we were standing, Brenda’s cousin Tove said,  “You look good Bente.”  Little Bente looked at us and lightly stuck out her tongue.  She would have rather been riding her bike I think.  I’ll attach a picture from a museum in Voss that shows the traditional costumes for this event. Thanks Gary!

Norwegian Traditional Costumes
Posting/pictures from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND.

Gary and Friends,

The traditional costume worn by women in Norway is called a ‘bunad’  (pronounced–boo-nod) and these differ in appearance and color depending on which area of Norway they represent.  Each area has a different bunad and most Norwegians know which area they represent even though there are many different bunads.  Brenda’s grandmother brought material back from Norway and helped Brenda make her bunad in the exact fashion of the area she came from in the Voss district/area of Norway.

I didn’t care much about it until I started to understand what it all means.  It needs to be correct too or it is frowned upon by Norwegians if someone changes or puts something from the wrong area into the costume.  They jokingly say the ‘bunad police’ will get you if you change things around.  These Norskies take this seriously and once at the Hostfest in Minot,  I sat and watched the bunad show (I’ll admit it publicly guys) as I had talked Brenda into wearing hers for the show.  I must say,  I was actually impressed.  Our good friend Diane Larson Sjol was also at the Hostfest wearing a pretty light blue bunad from the Tromso area of northern Norway where her grandparents came from.  She said it belonged to an older friend of hers from Minot and she had asked Diane to wear it.  Do I have that right Diane?  It was very nice.

Anyway,  before you car guys think I slipped a cog,  I found this tradition interesting in it’s own way so it got my attention. Things on a bunad and the jewelery that is worn all has a particular meaning.

Some things mean the woman is single or married and other things mean what time of the year it is–summer bunad or winter etc.  I’ll attach a couple pictures so you can see some on display at a museum in Voss, Norway and one of Brenda wearing her bunad. Two Norwegian dolls–one in a case and the other one in real life! See any similarities? Thanks Gary!

Dick
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND

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Blog (140) posted on June 24, 2008
From Shirley Warcup Olson (49):

Gary and Dave Slyter,

Dave’s comments brought back memories of my Grandma Johnson’s farm.  Freddie Hiatt is my cousin so that would make Dave my nephew (by marriage).  Freddie ,I believe, is Dave’s step-father. Dave, I’m sorry you didn’t meet my uncle Hank.  He was quite a character!!   Hank came to town every couple months and always proceeded to get pretty drunk.  He usually ended up in jail, not because of fighting, but just because of being falling down drunk.  The next morning when he was sober,he would be released from jail and he would go back to the farm.  One day when I was probably in 5th or 6th grade, I and someone else (can’t remember who it was) decided to go uptown to get some candy during the lunch hour.  As we were starting to cross the street in front of KC Sine’s store I heard some yell “Hi Snookie”.  It was my Uncle Hank–he was sweeping the street in front of Lamoureux’s Garage.  I quietly replied “Hi” and for about 2 seconds wondered why he doing what he was doing.   I then realized he must have ended up in jail as usual and Frank Flynn decided to have him do a little work before he simply released him–perhaps thinking that would have a positive effect on Hank’s drinking.  I don’t think it worked, however . On one of Hank’s later trips to town, I guess Hank decided he was drunk enough, so he went to Frank Flynn’s home, sat on the front steps and I believe went to sleep, and just waited for Frank to come home and take him to the jail–at least that’s what I was told.     My Grandma Johnson died in May, 1953.  Hank died in Nov. 1952.  My mother said she thought my grandmother felt she had to stay alive as long as Hank was living because he needed someone to  “look after” him.  Once Hank died, my grandmother died soon after.  Hank was a good natured man.  He probably caused a lot of concern for my grandmother but he always made us smile–he was a carefree guy.

Thanks Gary, Dick, Dave and many others for bringing back good memories!!

Shirley Warcup

From Deb Morinville Marmon (70):

Hi Gary,

I was so upset to hear about the storm and the capsizing of the ferry.  I am sponsoring a little boy through World Hope and pray that he and his family are OK. He is from the B’laan tribe of Southern Mindanoa in the Philippines. I haven’t heard anything from WH so I hope that is good news.

Life in Montana is fine except for the weird weather we have had this year. Usually no rain so far this 10 inches!  Now we are hitting the hi 80’s and lo 90’s.  Go figure.  I have a very weird sweat gland disease and sweating is very bad for me so I spend most of the season in my house.  It affects my joints and I am facing a hip replacement very soon.  It’s always something. But I am not complain!  I have a very blessed life with a wonderful husband of 29 years, 4 terrific children who are swamping me with grandchildren (2 due -1 in Sept and1 in Jan) We already have 4.

I wonder if anyone remembers the little carnivals that used to come to town and set up in the skating rink. That was when we got to see friends from school that we usually didn’t see except at school.

Gary we shared an aunt and one of the funniest things I remember about her was the party line.  Aunt Olga never quite got the hang using it.  When she would call my Mom she was already talking when Mom answered the phone and when she was done talking she would just hang up!  One time she won some bedroom furniture at a Bottineau store and when Uncle Bert came home she was building a room onto the house to put it in.

I loved being around her with her Norwegian accent and her stories. She made some of the best bread and baked in an an old wood cookstove.  She was quit a gal!

Keep the stories coming.  They are absolutely wonderful!

Deb Morinville Marmon 70

Gary’s reply
Yes Deb, Olga was my dad’s sister married to your mother’s brother Bert Hanson. Some of our Dunseith folks will remember her.  Everything you have said about Olga is absolutely true. Olga was well known for just hanging up the phone when she decided she didn’t want to talk any more.  It’s not that she was upset, that’s just the way she was and everyone knew and accepted it.  After Bert died she married Emil Haseldahl also from the Bottineau turtle mountain area.  She was a character.  Before going to the hospital for the very last time in her life to have surgery, she took a piece of tablet paper and wrote at the top, “In Case I Kick the Bucket”.  Then she wrote a very detailed list of all of her possessions of who was to get what and left it in her apartment.  Olga did not survive the surgery and died.  Dad was with Jean and Audrey when they split things up using her “In case I kick the Bucket” list.  The Olga stories are endless.  We miss her dearly.  Olga’s granddaughter, Amy, is the one that recently put together the Dunseith WEB site.  As I have mentioned before, The Petterson (dad’s biological family) gatherings were never dull. Gary
From Paula Fassett Pfuhl (71): 

Thank-you Art Rude (jr) for the great photos of your dad – who looks great, by the way – and of the HawkMuseum.  For any of you who haven’t been to the HawkMuseum, next time you’re in the area, you really should go and spend some time there.  They’ve done a great job – and I know Art Rude Sr has been a driving force getting it established and keeping it going.  It’s well worth the trip!

Mel Kuhn, I’m taking sides with your wife!!!  I have a disabled husband, so I’m the one who goes up on the roof and seals the leaking skylights (whoever invented those stupid things), I’m the one who cusses and swears at the weed whip, lawnmower and all the other tools that have a pull start that NEVER starts on the first, second OR third pull…………and my husband is ALWAYS there with the sound advice to give me as I’m preparing to smash one of those handy tools with my hammer!!!!!  Do you guys take a class in advice giving?????????  Maybe it’s similar to the nagging class that wives attend – ha!!!!!

Are there any parades going on in August???  Some of us Fassett-types are hoping to get ‘home’ then……

Paula

From Bob Lykins (former teacher):

Gary,

How well I remember those typhoons. I was more than once stranded at Subic Bay Naval Base because of the weather.  I vividly remember taking the bus from Subic to Clark Air Base after a typhoon and traveling over the one major highway in the area that was for miles completly covered in water.  The only way the driver knew to follow the road was because of the posts jutting out of the water on each side of the highway.  It was all just one hugh lake for as far as the eye could see.  It was not just for natural air conditioning that the houses were built on stilts.  It is amazing how people learn to adjust to living and surviving under such conditions.

Bob

Reply from Dick Johnson(68): 

Gary and Friends,

The one picture of Neola’s (message 141)is Larry and Lise’s wedding, with their
parents Mr. and Mrs. Billy Metcalfe and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rousseau. The
others are unfamiliar to me. Thanks Gary, glad to hear the typhoon kind
of missed your place!

Dick

From Bill Grimme (65): 

Gary,

This photo was sent to me by my dear friend, Vern Sanden. The photo was taken in 1910. Vern lived in Bottineau.

Vern and I met at UND after Vern returned from his service in the US Army. We tended bar together at Whitey’s Cafe in East Grand Forks for a while and we had a lot of adventures there. One night I accidentally locked Vern and John Frykman in the beer cooler at Whitey’s. They were in there for several hours, I guess, and when they got out, neither one of them complained, for some reason or another; the stock of small bottles of Mogen David that we kept in there was pretty low after their stay.

I got such an education from Vern and John that I quit school and joined the US Navy. Actually turned out to be a good move, eventually, after about 10 years. It was a funny choice – graduate from UND in one year or join the Navy for 10!

Anyway, can you put Vern on the mailing list? I’m sure a lot of our folks know Vern from his high school days in Bottineau.

Bill

From Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Dick’s eyesite is getting bad. That was a shiney old 1975 Corvette that I was riding in. It belongs to Duane Gourneau who about in 1968 or so was a cop in Dunseith on his first assignment. My wife was riding ahead of us with Duane’s wife Cindy in a 1973 Porche. I could have gotten Dick a little wetter but he moves pretty quick for an old man.

Mel Kuhn

Picture from Neola Kofoid Garbe: 

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

I too would like to express my condolences to the Cliff Gillis family.
From Kenny Nerpel (’65):  Rugby, ND

I have a memory of him to share that I hope will bring a smile in a time of sorrow.  I don’t remember the exact time frame for this one but I think it had to be either 1970 or 1972 because these are time periods that I spent in the Dunseith area.  Cliff had hired my father and me to build some cabinets for him.  To further clarify, my father built the cabinets, as he was the skilled craftsman, and it was my job to hand him whatever particular tool he needed and to sweep up after he had finished using it.  While we were busy with this, Cliff and Donald Egbert were working on what I think may have been a driveway as Donald, to the best of my memory, was running a cement mixer.  Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, we noticed that Cliff and Donald were in a heated discussion.  It ended with Donald taking off on foot across country towards Dunseith.  It was revealed to us later, at the end of the day, as we were sharing a beer with Cliff, that Donald was aware that Cliff had purchased some beer for the crew.  The disagreement was that Donald wanted a beer immediately and Cliff had decided he was not going to share his beer until after the day’s work was done.  I’ve heard Cliff described as being stern.  I think you could also add fair and generous to that.

regards,

Kenny  

Reply to Dick Johnson (’68)
From Aggie Casavant (’69):  Fort Mill SC

Hey  Dick,  Just  want  to  tell  you, how  much  i  enjoy  your  post  about  you  and  Brendas  trip  to  Norway.  It  is  all  very  interesting.  This  last  post  of  the  little  girl  and  boy  dressed  up  in  wedding  attire  I  found  most  interesting. Now  that  would  of  been  so  interesting to  see ,  like  how  did  this  tradition  get  started  and  all. I  sure  hope you  didn’t  explain  it  in  your  post  and  I  spaced  it  out…..Hmmmmmmmmmmm  anyway  keep  sharing  cuz I  find  all  your  pictures,  post,  and  stories  very  interesting…. Blessings  to you  and  Brenda…Aggie

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

http://www.grandforksherald.com/content/marilyn-hagerty-god-bless-ice-bucket-brigade

Gary,

The article by Marilyn Hagerty is from today’s Grand Forks Herald. Marilyn Hagerty  a wonderful writer, became well known in recent years.

She’s won national recognition with her commentaries on food at local Grand Forks dining places.  In the article she shares her personal family experience with ALS.

I too decided to  save pennies, to meet the  ALS ice bucket challenge.

Why?  A very personal  reason,  a fond remembrance.

I  once had  a banjo pickin cousin.   His name was John, but everyone who met him called him Jack.  Every one liked to hear him play.  I’d say to him,  “Play a song for me cousin Jack!”

Jack with a gentle easy smile, eyes which  crinkled with amusement,  reddish  brown hair and a splattering of freckles. A proud veteran of Korea….another Navy man.

He  came to work for my parents a couple times before I was old enough for school.    It was Jack who took my sister on a stone boat through the snow, pulled by Barney the white percheron, on her first day of First Grade.

Jack and my dad batched for a week while my sister and I stayed other places when my youngest sister was born. Me, with Uncle Jim and Auntie Ella and the girls, my elder sister stayed with King Fraa and FaFa and kept attending  “Seim”

i.e. Oakes Country School.

Later they’d tell stories filled with laughter  about  eating 1 home cured ham 3 x a day, breakfast, dinner and supper.  Dad and Jack were relieved  when  dad drove to Bottineau brought  mom and the new  baby home, my elder sister

and I were both home again.  They were both tired of dad’s cookin….. ham!  Ham and eggs. Ham sandwiches. Eggs and ham. They were  both pleased to be eating Mom’s cooking  again..

I was just 4 years old when I bonded with Jack.  With an awareness,  I watched  him  teaching himself to  “pick”. He was  talented and determined when he practiced.   He stayed at his parents and came over each day to work.

Cousin Jack always had a  kind heart for our “family”.  When he moved south to work he had the opportunity to venture into the hills of Appalachian Georgia,

On time off,  he’d drive into the hills, and stop at little general back woods stores, and “pick” with others who were also  fond of  music.

One June,  I had an accident, Jack called every day  for three weeks from Georgia, “just checking up” he’d say.  One day, no phone call.  There was a knock on the door. And there stood Jack.

He said he needed to see for himself that I was Okay.  He brought his banjo,laughter and various stories.  He  talked  about people who worshiped with snakes on every street corner.

I said,  “JACK, You   are so  full of baloney!”  But like my dad,  Jack could tell a story. Just when I thought it was an amusing tall tale,  I’d realize it was the absolute truth.

I started to notice Jack becoming  increasingly reluctant to take his banjo out, choosing not to play. He wouldn’t say why.  except, I  recall Jack saying,  he noticed something wrong with  weakening of  his talented banjo picking

fingers.    After a time our family heard  news about that ugly hideous disease……… A.L.S.  Jack  stayed in his home for a time. Then one day, my mother said told  he had gone into long term care.  I had to work on wrapping my grief away.

Finally, I gutted up my courage, drove to the hospital to see him.

I bawled  walking across the floor of long term care…while Jack sat  limp in his chair. he could not raise his head, move his limbs… Snottering, “I am so sorry I did not come sooner.” I said to him.  Jack’s kind quiet voice spoke to me,

“Vickie I knew why you couldn’t  come.  I knew you’d come when you  could.”

I understand.”    Cousin Jack and I had our last long talk..

________________________________

One day we let him go,  to his final place to Rest.

______________________________________

A few years after Jack’s passing, while listening to the radio, I heard  a banjo “picking ” a song.   It was the Foggy  Bottom Boys  on the sound track from “Brother Where Art Thou?”

I kept listening for that song again and again and again.  Each time,  thoughts turned to  Jack; his story telling, his kindness, his kind of  “picking” and his understanding of my sorrow at the unfairness of it all.

When I hear that song, I again remember Jack  fondly, and wonder what he would have thought about the ice bucket challenge……. “The Man of Constant Sorrow”.

Thank you Gary

Later, Vickie

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Blog (140) posted on June 24, 2008

Updated Dunseith Alaska Cruise list:

Folks,

I just received this updated list from our travel agent, Gina Ford. This is looking really good.

We have had one fuel surcharge increase since we started booking our group. With the price of crude oil on the rise the way it is, I’m expecting more and a lot higher fuel surcharges in the future.

For those of you even contemplating going on this cruise, I suggest that you lock in your cabin, ASAP, to avoid paying future fuel surcharge increases and also to be more assured of getting the cabin selection of your choosing. All of your moneys are fully refundable up to 90 days prior to the cruise. Hopefully Gina will be able to reserve additional cabins when we get the hundred we have reserved, filled. The quicker we get them filled, the greater her chances will be of being able to reserve more cabins.

Think of the fun we will have on this cruise with so many Dunseith folks on board.  We will have 7 days to enjoy each others company and get reacquainted with folks we have not seen for years, in some cases more than 50 years.

I’m hoping I heard things right when I heard through the grape vine that Minnie Flynn is also signed up to go.  I’m sure hoping we can get more of our former teachers signed up as well.  It will be great having Minnie onboard with us.  Maybe we can twist Art Rude’s hand and a few others too.

Take care,

Gary

From: Cruise At Will (Gina Ford)

To: Gary Stokes ; Grimme, Bill ; Leonard, Margaret Metcalf

Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 9:58 PM

Greetings All –

The newly booked (in green) were sent statements on Sunday June 22nd. I apologize that it took me a couple of days to get the new list to you.

You now have a total of 27 cabins.  GREAT WORK team!!

M/M Gary Stokes

Wm. Grimme and Irina Protassevitch

M/M Ronald Cavaliere

M/M Warren Anderson

M/M Doyle Abrahamson

Nancy Baldwin/Keith Kontzie

Wayne Galloway/ Leona Randall

M/M Michael Vandal

M/M Scott Sjol

Muzette Fiander/ Trish Clayburgh

Randy Flynn Family  – (with 3 cabins)

Dwight Lang/ Rene Cassavant

Florence Sime/ Becky Coles 

M/M Greg Malget

M/M Keith Pladson

Cheryl Haagenson (who would like a roommate)

M/M Mark Vandyne

M/M Wm. Longie

M/M Charles Munro

M/M Dave Shelver

M/M Terry Espe

M/M Darel Stokes

M/M Robert Berube

Phyllis McKay/Pat Heggen

M/M Gary Metcalfe

Thank you and kind regards,

Gina S. Ford

Cruise At Will, Inc.

Cruise and Travel Planners

1-866-870-6986 (toll free)

954-578-1718 (local)

www.CruiseAtWill.com

No blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday

Gary

Condolences to Cliff Gillis’ Family
From Allen Richard (’65):  Midland, MI

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Cliff Gillis.  I enjoyed him and I know he will be missed by an awful lot of people.

Allen Richard

Louis Longie (’58) Passed away ( 8-22-2014)  at 0700.
Message from Jim Robillard (’58):   Williston, ND

I’ll send more if needed when I get it.

you can E-Mail me if you want.

God Bless

Jim

Follow up message from Jim Robillard

Funeral arrangements have been made.

http://www.fulkersons.com/ObituariesDisplay.aspx?ID=2260

St Thomas Church   Tioga N.D.

Friday 1 pm

cards can be sent to;

Carol Longie
P.O. box 728
Tioga, N.D.  58852

Norway Pictures/message
From Dick Johnson (’68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Traditional customs and costumes are still much appreciated by the Norwegian people and they have one where a small girl and boy are dressed up as a bride and groom and walk around the neighborhood with families and friends.  A young boy plays a march type cadence on a snare drum and leads the procession.  This takes place during what is called midsomer or mid-summer which is around the equinox of late June.  We happened to be with Brenda’s cousins and the daughter of one of the relatives was dressed as the bride so we went along to watch as the little procession came past.  It was typical of kids this age though as the bride and the groom didn’t want to be too close to each other!  The groom wears a tall black hat, red vest, and black pants and the bride has a traditional costume call a wedding bunad with a fancy headpiece or hat.  It was neat to see them do this old custom.  We didn’t get to know the name of the boy who was the pretend groom but the little girl’s name was Bente (which is pronounced Ben-ta).  She actually went along with us one day as we explored several historic places, her aunt said she could speak fairly good English but she was too shy to while we were along so she only spoke Norwegian.  Here are a few pictures of the event. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply to Mel Kuhn (’70)
From Larry Hackman (’66): Bismarck, ND

Gary

Here is my reply to Mel, right below his recollection of the HACKMAN BROTHERS VISIT.

Hope you enjoy it?

Larry

Hackman brothers visit Mel Kuhn
Message from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND.

Gary,

I suppose that you have heard about the Riff Raff that North Dakota has been seeing quite a bit of since the big oil boom. Up here around St. John we kind of keep an eye out for these kind of people. We even had the Mexican Mafia shoot a fellow about a quarter mile down the road from me a while back. So we’ve kind of been in the habit of keeping a loaded gun kind of handy. I was just not prepared for what happened to me yesterday. I was busy working in my shop and I thought I heard a car pull up. I looked out the door and here was this shiny red pickup full of unsavory looking characters. Here it was a pickup full of Hackman’s. I had forgotten my gun in the house when I went in for lunch so I looked around for something to protect myself with and grabbed a tire iron. My dogs were going crazy when they got out of the pickup. My big old dog grabbed one of them by the leg and I saw this look come over his face like he just got a bad taste of lutefisk or something and he kind of let out a yelp and headed for the trees. I haven’t seen him since then. I hope he gets the taste out of his mouth and comes home soon. Well it didn’t turn out too bad once everything got settled down. They were just lost and a little scared. Once I got them calmed down and told them that I’d help get them straightened back around they seemed to be OK. I got a piece of paper and a pen and tried to write down directions for them but that didn’t work. So I went to the house and found a color crayon and a bigger piece of paper so I could draw them a map and they seemed to be good with that. And they say nothing interesting happens around St. John on a Monday afternoon. I was invaded by the Hackman boys, Larry Sr., Larry Jr. and Henry. I hope you guys had a good time touring the old Turtle Mountains. It sure was good seeing you and it was a good visit. You didn’t have to rush off when my wife got home, I’ve got her trained pretty well now and she hasn’t bitten anyone for a long time now. She even keeps the dishes washed up so I don’t go out and buy new ones when I run out. Later Guys.

Mel Kuhn

Larry’s reply to Mel:
Hi Gary!  I hope this note finds you and your family doing well.  I had to reply to Mel’s recollection of what happened when we (my brother Henry, my son Larry Jr. and me Larry) entered his yard on on our recent stay at Lake Metigoshi and a trip down memory lane through the Turtle Mountains.  Yes, we did pull into Mel’s yard about mid afternoon.  It was a quiet serene yard, a yard where someone else might want to sit down and do a little bit of yoga.  Then we got out of the the pickup and all hell broke loose.  A little dog started barking  and a big dog, and I don’t know how many other dogs gathered in the parking lot.  My brother grabbed a handful of sauerkraut and threw it at the dogs and they scattered.  Lutefisk? The St. John Health Department would have had to condemn the place if it had been Lutefisk.  Lutefisk?  You could tell them dogs weren’t use to enjoying the nectar of the Germans.

The next thing that happened was an old guy (I say old because I sensed myself being a teeny bit respectful of this gentleman. I guess its because of the third grade.  We had this teacher Miss Rhode who wanted her class, to have the best manners in the whole school.  I remember being a little down one day and her taking me to that room for the sick kids next to the 4th grade room on the second floor of the old wood school house.  She asked me what was wrong and I told her, “I had a belly ache”, and she replied “you mean you have a stomach ache”.  I knew it hurt and I’m still trying to figure out the difference.  Is there more then one organ in that part of the body?) Anyway this gentleman  appeared out of the dark of this shop and stood in the garage door opening, rubbing his eyes and soaking wet.  From what I gathered, from his muttering and sputtering and rubbing water from his eyes, is that he was watching TV and got inspired to do the ALS challenge, and before he knew or understood what happened, he had challenged himself, and had dumped a bucket of ice water over his own head. Strange, but we were quests and we remained respectful.

You know we did have a little trouble finding Mel’s place in St. John, ND.  I remember him telling me once that he lived on the highest hill in St. John, ND.  Well, I couldn’t find the right hill and being a man, I didn’t think I should have to ask for directions.  Well after awhile, I decided to ask this fellow at the local gas station where the highest hill in St. John is located.  He said his dad lives on the highest hill in St. John.  I asked him, “your dad Mel Kuhn”.   He said “hell no, but my dad lives on the highest hill in St. John”.  I told him that I was looking for Mel Kuhn.  The fellow just laughed and told me where to go.  He said Mel has to live on a hill?  I followed the fellows directions and thought I had been driving for to long of a time and so pulled into another fellows yard and ask him where the highest hill in St. John is located?  He said that he knew where the highest hill in St. John is, and asked why I was looking for it?  I explained to him that I was looking for Mel Kuhn and he had told me that he lives on the highest hill in St. John.  The fellow just started laughing and said, he has to live on a hill, but its not the highest hill in St. John and that Mel lives on the third approach down the road.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, we found Mel’s place and he does live on a hill.  Now I don’t know if it’s the highest hill in St. John, but I found out why he has to live on a hill.  It isn’t what I thought at all.  I thought that he would have to live on a hill to keep from burying himself in his own bull, and this way it would all run into the valleys below. Yes, things appear to be leveling out in that area. But that’s not the reason he lives on a hill, apparently its because when Mel gives directions, he always starts out by saying, “you go down this hill”?

We did ask Mel for directions to some old friends farm up north of St. John and he did start out by saying that you have to go down this hill?  Then after that things got a little shaky on directions and which roads to take, so Mel went and got some paper and pencils.  But the lead was broke off, of all the pencils so we picked up some crayons that the dog was chewing on and used them to draw out some roads and directions.  The picture did look purity nice when we were done.  You know with different color crayons and dog slobber and everyone trying to draw out directions.  Mel’s  wife did come home about that time and wanted go for a walk with him, before it got to late.  I don’t know why she had plastic bags hanging out of her back pocket and a leash in her hand?

Well we had our directions and were ready to take off anyway, so we thought we would hit the road again.  We did not want to deprive Mel from his walk.  We grabbed the map we had made, but Mel grabbed it back,  “saying he really liked the picture and wanted to keep it”.  He even asked his wife if she would put it up on the dining room wall so as he could look at it while he ate.  He said it reminded him of a Picasso painting he had saw one time.  He said he thought it was in one of them little buildings that use to sit behind one of them little one room school houses, with a light that was shaped like a moon over the door..

We without any other directions, followed Mel’s directions and went down the hill, took a left, went a half mile turned around, and went in the opposite direction and somehow ended up at the casino.  The three of us are still wandered about that map Mel drew up for us.  This wasn’t where we had intended to end up.  Maybe, going down that hill was a mistake.  Anyway, making butter out of lemonade, we continued on down the road to Dale’s restaurant at Dunseith, ND.  We each ordered and ate a jumbo to settle our nerves and quench our hunger. Mel was sure right about having to down that hill first.

It was a good time in the hills, we enjoyed our visit with Mel and several other people we ran into by chance and some we just went and seen at their homes.  The three days we spent visiting  for the second time this summer went way to fast.  Enjoyed every minute of visiting with everyone and still haven’t seen everyone, that  I would like to visit with.  One of these days we intend to do it again.  I wander if that picture Mel put on his wall is worth anything?

Thanks to all and you too Mel for a good time.

Until next time,

Larry

Joke of the Day

Jack and Bob went skiing. After a few hours of driving north, they got caught up in a terrible blizzard and pulled into the driveway of a farm owned by a very rich widow. They went to the door and asked the attractive lady who answered if they could spend the night there.

“Oh, it’s such a terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself. But I am recently widowed,” she said, “and I’m afraid of what the neighbor will say if I let two attractive young men stay in my house.”

“Don’t worry,” Jack said, “We’ll be happy if you just let us sleep in your barn if the weather breaks, we’ll be gone at first light.”

The lady agreed and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they left and had a great skiing weekend.

Nine months later, Jack got a letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined it was the attorney of the attractive widow whose barn they stayed at with Bob. He drove to see his friend and asked him:

“Bob, remember nine months ago when we went skiing and stopped over at that beautiful widow’s barn to wait out the bad weather?”

“Yes, I do,” said Bob.

“Did you get up in the middle of the night, pay her a visit at the house and stay overnight?”

Bob, getting a little embarrassed, confirmed that’s what happened.

“And did you happen to use my name while you were with her?”

“I am sorry buddy, I am afraid I did,” replied Bob whose face turned red by now.

“Why do you ask?”

“She just died and left me everything,” exclaimed Jack.

==========================================================================

Blog (140) posted on June 24, 2008

From Art Rude (71):

Just a note, to let  you know, you may enjoy the pictures I just published of my dad on Father’s day.  He was the grand Marshall at the parade at the Hawk Museum by Wolford.  www.artrude.com and follow the link to regular webpage photos.
Art

Peace and Power, Art Thanks for checking out Art Rude Productions, webpage address: www.artrude.com

Art,  These are wonderful pictures that you have posted on your WEB site.  I love your Solo too. Your Dad is looking great!  You are not looking bad your self. Gary

From Gary Metcalfe (57): 

Sue and I just made a trip 2,900 miles to Almonte, Ontario Canada to research some of my heritage.  We found a beautiful little town with a river running through it and many rock waterfalls that ran down to Metcalfe Park.  I  stopped anyone who looked over 70 years old and got lots of good stories of a great uncle, A.A. Metcalfe who had been a dr. in Almonte for 65 years.  He was from a family of 12 and he was the youngest.  His mother, Jean McLean Metcalfe lived to 97 yrs. and smoked a clay pipe.  They were of Scotch decent.  I looked in the library and found at least 5 generations documented….somebody cared.

That is one reason I am enjoying these letters so much as we touch on so many families and memories.  Keep ’em coming.

Now only one more endeavor along this line, I need to know more about my Grandma, Veronica Rose LaDuc or LaDuke.  Her father Louis LaDuc seems to have gotten away, so I will try to find a trace of her brother, Joe LaDuc. She was of Native American decent.   Anyone out there that can make my work easier, please help.  I wish I had had more time with her because she was a very loving person and added a lot of joy to our family.
Gary Metcalfe

From Dave Slyter (70): 

Dick:

Thank you so much for sharing the old pictures of the house that we use to live in.  Before we bought Bennies farm, I remember many times of Terry Hiatt and I going up while my dad went up to help Bennie cut wood and help do some other chores.  Terry and I usually went out on the lake and ice skated or roamed around the farm yards.

The picture of the organ that Agnes is playing still exists.   Mom and Dad moved it down to Rugby and had it in their home.  After mom passed it went on the auction sale and my sister Kim bought it and now has it in her home.  We spent many hours ourselves pumping the pedals and playing the keys.  Brenda became pretty good at it.

It was good to see everyone in the pictures.  Benny was a really nice person as was all his sisters.  I never got to meet Hank but heard a lot about him.

Again thanks
Dave Slyter  : )

Bobby Slyter’s reply to the Philippine Typhoon (70): 

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

Well the wife and I made it through the weekend without killing each other. Although after her bout with a weed sprayer that didn’t want to work and wondering why she had to do this in the yard and that to the garden and burning herself making BBQ sauce that she just had to have[I do 90% of the cooking]. She has decided that she doesn’t want my job. Well I don’t want hers either, even our dogs are wondering why I’m not playing with them. The incident with the weed sprayer brought me close to killing myself and then her so we had to quit that project. Women just can’t understand that we are not being bossy, that our ADVICE is for their own good and yes we do know everything. Right guy’s?

Mel Kuhn[70]

From Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

I suppose Mel thinks he is one up on this old joker with his Boomerang
joke! Mel when your boomerang is broken, you have what we call–a STICK!
Did you hear about the Aboriginie who got all beat up the other day,
Mel? He got a new boomerang and tried to throw his old one away! Nuk,
nuk, nuk!! Old broken down Mel was riding in a new yellow Corvette in
the St. John Days parade on Saturday. He had his hands all bandaged up
but the jerk was still able to shoot us judges with a water cannon! So
folks, don’t spend too much time feeling sorry for him! Actually it felt
pretty good, it was hotter than blue blazes out there in the sun! And
Mel’s wife IS a good cook! She is also a very nice person, she was just
having trouble with her eyesight when she met Mel! Thanks Gary! 😛

Dick

Pictures from Ardys Bakken Horner (former teacher):

hi Gary!   Thought you would like to see what I look like, I am not good at putting photos on the web, but there is one of Jon and I with the Packers flag, he’s a fan, I root for the MN Vikings –anyway this is his 70th birthday party  Ardys Bakken Horner  former teacher (68-70)

Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:44:00 -0500

These are a few of the better pics from today. Good to see you all–M

            Jon & Ardy Heather, Chad & Ardys

Subject: Capsized Philippine ship that sunk with Typhoon Frank killing hundres for folks:

This letter was forwarded to me by a friend.

I was truly upset when I saw the news. My heart cried for the victims and relatives.

Is there really a dearth of common sense anymore in our native country, the Philippines?

I now live in the US  and I see how safety of passengers is a priority here.

If there is a typhoon coming, and I am Sulpicio lines, would I let my ship go? If I am the Coast guard and a typhoon is coming, will I clear the ship to sail?

I  live near the Dallas Airport and even if a storm is not that strong, the planes are not allowed to fly. I went on a cruise from Houston and the ship was not allowed to leave until the hurricane path was ascertained.

Should we wait for other similar disasters to happen to react or take action

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.

Gary

Clifford Gillis
Message from Verena (Pete ’65) Gillis:  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends-

It’s been awhile since I have been on the blog.  Have been very busy, 1st my granddaughter’s wedding in July and spent time getting ready for that.

Then just when we thought we could relax for a bit, my brother-in-law Clifford passes away.  Pete and I were so shocked and devastated we could barely think straight.  Yes, Pete and Cliff were very close, more so than any of the other brothers.  I think it was because Pete was the only one who wouldn’t give up on him despite his stern ways.  But I also know how much they loved each other as they would relay the message through me who in turn told them, lol.  This went on for years and years, never did figure out why they couldn’t tell each other this.  And I of course, loved him like I would my own brother and cried my heart out.  Pete would always tell me, you go talk to him about this or that, he won’t holler at you, he likes you, lol.  Yes, he was very stern, but was also a very loving person.  You just had to take the time to get to know him. Anyway, the funeral was beautiful and I’m sure Clifford was smiling down upon us all.

Things like this, family gatherings, rather it be reunions, weddings or funerals, when he saw all the people in attendance, well, this made him very happy.  He will be truly missed by all family and friends.

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

ALS please watch if you can 

This guy tells it like it is.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/the-only-ice-bucket-challenge-video-you-need-to-watch-1.1969598

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND


Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau, ND

==========================================================================

Blog (139) posted on June 21, 2008

Folks,

First of all, thank you so much for your concerns, I will attempt to answer your questions that I have pasted below.

I listed yesterdays message as 160.  It should have been 140.  I realized the mistake after I had already sent it.

Typhoon Frank hit parts of the Philippines hard.  We were spared from the brunt of the storm.  We had a considerable amount of rain with, I’m guessing, no more than 40 MPH winds.  Areas to the north of us had winds as high as 120 MPH with lots more rain than we had. A passenger ship with over 800 passengers and crew left Manila, headed to Cebu, our island, knowing they were going to have to pass through Typhoon Frank, but they left anyway. They didn’t make it.  Their ship sank to the bottom of the ocean.  Reading today’s paper, there are only 4 known survivors. That’s such a tragedy for the ill judgement of the ship captain that is also missing and assumed dead.

Here in Cebu, we are spared from most all of the typhoons that pass through the PI.  Most all of them pass to the north of us.  We are located about 400 miles south of Manila and about 1,200 miles south of Hong Kong.  Saigon, now Ho Chi minh City, Vietnam is about 400 miles west of us.

Gary
From Geri Metcalfe Munro (59):

Gary,

I received #139 and now #160–have we missed something or were they mis-numbered??
We did sign up for the cruise on 6-18-08–now we’re excited.
Geri Metcalfe Munro

Ivy Eller Robert (74): 

Gary…….

I just read about the typhoon that hit the Philippines, more so Manilla? I hope you are OK? Did the water get to you? The pictures I just viewed are unbelievable…….WOW! I pray everything is OK with you and your Family!

Ivy (Eller) Robert

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): 

Gary and Bernadette,  So sorry to read of the loss of life with the typhoon that hit your area.  I have been praying for you and hope that all your friends and loved ones are safe.  Did you get any of the damage??  Hope all is well there.  Hugs and prayers.   Susan

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary,

This morning I saw a weather report of typhoon conditions for Cebu and
am wondering if things are still OK there? Hope it misses your place!!

Dick

From Joyce Murray Anderson (73):

Hi Gary,

Thank you  so much, it was more than 30 years since Bev, Rita and I were all together.  All those years melted away with the first hug.

As a matter of fact, Gary, my cousin Ivy (Eller) Robert, found me the same way.  I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to be reunited with loved ones. Ivy lives a few miles up the road, and has been there for 22 years, we just did not know. Being able to see everyone again is a shot directly from the “Fountain of Youth”.  Thank you again.

I love reading all the blogs, thanks for adding me to your list.

Joyce

From Kenny Nerpel (65): 

Gary,

I need to respond to the latest Larry Hackman story.  I also attended the party which he referenced.  I remember it just a little differently though.  I believe that I actually came to the party with the young man, who left the party shoeless, that was central to his story.  The lady also got me with a pretty good shot upside the head, then after I picked myself up and dusted myself off she actually invited me to attend the party, feeling I guess, that she had made a mistake.  The thing I remember about her was that she hit hard and often.  I’m thinking the animosity between her and the then young man were things that went back for a generation or more having to do with differences in the German and Norwegian cultures that existed along highway 43 and exacerbated by the consumption of Schlitz.  I never did understand what it was all about and I am sure that it was all resolved shortly after the incident.  The party was actually in the house, although I’m sure there were a few that slipped off for brief encounters in the hayloft that could technically be termed a barn dance( As Merle Haggard would say, “holding hands and pitching woo”).  Anyway, I actually went into the house and visited for awhile before making a hasty retreat.

Later, I believe that same year, I was involved in another skirmish along highway 43 that was the result of two young men vying for the affections of the same cute young Canadian gal.  After that I pretty much avoided the social life along highway 43 (much too violent).

Thanks for the memories Larry

Kenny Nerpel

From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): 

Hi Gary, I’m sitting here at my in-laws in Lester Prairie, MN enjoying our summer break from Seoul.  Over the weeks I read all of these memory postings and I have to tell you, the ones from Mel Kuhn make me laugh out loud.  I know the last name but don’t know the man.  I’d like to meet him just to say how much laughter he brings into my day.  Also I’m amazed at Dick Johnson’s ability to recall all the stuff he recalls.

I’m hoping to get together with other classmates this summer for more reminiscing while I’m in ND.  Thanks Gary and thanks to your lovely wife for all her support of your time on the computer.

Lynn Halvorson Otto (75)

Lynn, Joe Casavant from the class of 65 lives in Lester Praire.  Joe and his wife were at our class of 65 reunion this last summer.  Joe comes from the Casavant family of 16.  I do have all of the 16 casavant siblings in my files, many of which have email and are on this distribution.  Gary

From Mel Kuhn (70): 

Howdy Gary,

Good news, I was allowed out of the dog house last night. The wife made a passable spaghetti and meatsauce with some slightly burned garlic bread and a salad. The good news is that she didn’t hurt herself getting the can of pasta sauce open or anything. She did make me sit out on the deck with the dogs so that I wouldn’t be tempted to offer advice. You know when you try to offer a women advice it’s always taken as being bossy

More good stuff from Larry H. The barn dances and house parties are a thing of the past. Along with the big family picnic’s with softball games and horseshoes and all kinds of food. Grownups and kids all playing in the same games. I remember many a picnic at Butte St. Paul and the Peace Garden. Could you imagine a big family picnic at the Peace Garden now days? You would have to allow about 8 hours for everyone to clear customs on the way out. I think I know where my birth certificate is but what about the elderly like my mom. Good luck! Sorry, didn’t meen to put a down side to a good old memory.

Hey Dick, What do you have when your Boomerang is broken?

Mel Kuhn[70]
From Susan Fassett Martin (65):

The parade picture is Red Kester in the car. The house is the one that the Mongeons used to live in and then the Awalts and John and Bonnie Awalt are both in the picture.     Susan

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

Gary’s mention of Charles Hagen and Bennie Johnson had me back sorting
pictures again! Although Bennie Johnson was my grandmother’s brother, I
am not the same ‘Johnson’ name. My mom’s mother was a Johnson, who then
married an Olson and had my mom, who then married a different Johnson!
Are we confused yet? Anyway, Grandma Johnson’s place on Willow Lake was
the gathering place for Mom’s family for many years, especially at
Christmas. Grandma Johnson’s husband died many years before she did, so
we called the farm ‘Grandma Johnson’s’ for as long as I can remember.
She lived to be in her eighties, and died in 1953. She had two sons who
stayed at home and did the farming, Bennie and Hank. Hank died in 1952,
so after 1953 it was just Bennie on the farm. There were about 12 kids,
if I remember correctly, and many stayed in the area and had families.
If anyone wants to read the history of the family, it is in the Dunseith
History book on pages 251-252. The pictures attached are from a
Christmas gathering in about 1952. The picture with Bennie playing the
fiddle and Agnes Salmonson [his niece], on the old pump organ, also
shows Loretta Johnson Quillinan [another niece, mom to Denise and
Darlene] standing in the next room. The other picture with the fiddle
shows Denise on the right and Darlene behind Bennie, both about 7 years
old.  Sitting at the table are Hilda Strong [another niece], Grandma
Johnson, and Myrtle Olson [my grandmother]. The last picture shows
George Cota [with the surprised look] and in the back, Henry Olson [my
grandpa]. They always got out the fiddle, and sometimes an old guitar,
and played old time music. Just a year and a half ago I had the honor of
playing some of the old songs with Agnes Salmonson at her birthday
party. She passed away not long after that so it will remain a highlight
for me for a very long time. Thanks Gary!

Happy Birthday Susan Fassett Martin (’65): Belle Fourche, South Dakota                      

Condolences to Pete Gillis
From Ron Longie (’65):  Yakima WA

Pete,

Our prayers with you and yours during this time of sorrow, God Bless you and your family.

Ronnie Longie
 

Memories of Cliff Gillis
From Lola Metcalfe Vanorny (’68):  Dunseith, ND.

JAY AND I  are both so saddened  by the news of CLiff’s death- !!! we pastured alongside him for the 40 years- and were pretty good buddies all those years  – !_ He tried to act rough and tough but was a big teddy bear with a heart of gold !!_   WE heard of this death on SUnday and here his funeral was on Tuesday  already –  !!_ so we missed it —  !!- which we were both felt very bad about – !!-    BUt our hearts go out to his family and they can find peace in that he passed gently into the night-  and into God’s hands with out any pain or suffering- !!!!  —    Peter and Jay were pretty good friends in high school also!!  =  so  we want to extend our sincere sympathy to him and Verena also !!_  – Cliff  would call occasionally   and usually about an issue with the cattle – either his bull was in our pasture or vice versa-  usually i was the only one home  – and we would visit – !!!  — he was quite a character – tried to talk tough but   as we visited –  he would chuckle and showed his true self- !!- I remember once when he called and asked me why his bull  was always in our pasture – !!_ and asked if we had a bull in with our cows and i said well of course we do !!_ and he said “WEll, then why is my bull always going up there- and i told him – “Maybe You better tell your cows to get cleaned up  and pretty for him !!_  “–  and then he had to laugh!!!! –  He loved to talk about days when the kids were little and about Alice and would give me grief about why i was still working out- !!! —  – H e would tell me we should be enjoying life instead of working all the time like he did –  !!-    and i Told him well, i guess cause everyone else does – bills to pay and food for the table !!_  He really was pretty lost without Alice after she passed- !!_ but he was a very good neighbor and we got along pretty great !!_ and we will miss him !!!_  God Bless his soul !!!_  he was a good man !!—Lola

Albert Johnson (’70) was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
Posting from Linda Johnson Juntunen (’72): Perth, ND

Gary,

Attached are snapshots from Albert Johnson’s birthday party.  It was a wonderful celebration of life.  Al is suffering with pancreatic cancer and the prognosis was that he would not have this birthday.  Today he is actually doing quite well, feels good and is looking forward to more birthdays!

Linda

Hackman brothers visit Mel Kuhn
Message from Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND.

Gary,

I suppose that you have heard about the Riff Raff that North Dakota has been seeing quite a bit of since the big oil boom. Up here around St. John we kind of keep an eye out for these kind of people. We even had the Mexican Mafia shoot a fellow about a quarter mile down the road from me a while back. So we’ve kind of been in the habit of keeping a loaded gun kind of handy. I was just not prepared for what happened to me yesterday. I was busy working in my shop and I thought I heard a car pull up. I looked out the door and here was this shiny red pickup full of unsavory looking characters. Here it was a pickup full of Hackman’s. I had forgotten my gun in the house when I went in for lunch so I looked around for something to protect myself with and grabbed a tire iron. My dogs were going crazy when they got out of the pickup. My big old dog grabbed one of them by the leg and I saw this look come over his face like he just got a bad taste of lutefisk or something and he kind of let out a yelp and headed for the trees. I haven’t seen him since then. I hope he gets the taste out of his mouth and comes home soon. Well it didn’t turn out too bad once everything got settled down. They were just lost and a little scared. Once I got them calmed down and told them that I’d help get them straightened back around they seemed to be OK. I got a piece of paper and a pen and tried to write down directions for them but that didn’t work. So I went to the house and found a color crayon and a bigger piece of paper so I could draw them a map and they seemed to be good with that. And they say nothing interesting happens around St. John on a Monday afternoon. I was invaded by the Hackman boys, Larry Sr., Larry Jr. and Henry. I hope you guys had a good time touring the old Turtle Mountains. It sure was good seeing you and it was a good visit. You didn’t have to rush off when my wife got home, I’ve got her trained pretty well now and she hasn’t bitten anyone for a long time now. She even keeps the dishes washed up so I don’t go out and buy new ones when I run out. Later Guys.

Mel Kuhn

==========================================================================
Blog (139) posted on June 21, 2008

From Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Did you know that Lola V. is a tattle tale, tattle tale? She just had to go and tell my wife about the Hamburger Helper crack. Thanks Lola! I had to share some dry dog food with my dogs for supper last night [was about the same as her Hamburger Helper]. She did give us a big bowl of water to go with it, so that helped. I hope my hands heal up fast, although I do need to loose some weight I do miss being able to scratch where,what and when I want to.

Mel Kuhn[70]
From Marshall Awalt  (51):

Hi Gary

While there were pictures of the parades going around I figured I might add a couple.Red Kester and Art Sime were two of Dunseith’s finest.

Your doing a great job Gary keep up the good work.

Marshall

                                            Art Seim

                    Red Kester & ???? (Need some help)

From Larry Hackman (66):

Gary

I remember attending a barn dance west of Kelvin along Highway #43 back in the sixties. These cousins of the people putting on the dance came cruising and parked in the farm yard much the same way everybody else had parked.  I don’t know how the lady of the house knew they were there. But, she came rushing over into the parking area and insisted that they leave the property right now.  This young man, her cousin who was about 20 years old at the time, argued with her and tried to convince her to let them stay and enjoy the dance.  This lady about 30 years old at the time was’t buying what the young man was selling.  She pulled back a fist and let it fly, hitting that  young man so hard that she knocked him right out of his shoes.  It’s hard to believe, but his shoes were left there sitting in the exact position they were in when he was standing in front of this lady and the young man was laying on the ground about 10 feet behind his shoes.  Needless to say the young man grabbed his shoes and left the premises with his buddies.  At least I think he picked up his shoes?  Anyway, this story in the Pierce

County Tribune reminded me of this little adventure.  Maybe it will jog some other memories?

Larry

No Blog yesterday

For the record I did not get a blog posted yesterday.  We had one of our Monthly Cebu Expat dinners last night at the Marco Polo, So I ran out of time.

Gary

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

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Bottineau & Minot, ND.

 CLIFFORD ROBERT GILLIS
(July 27, 1932 – August 15, 2014)

Clifford (Cliff) Gillis, age 82 of Dunseith, died in his home on Friday, August 15, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 A.M.. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Dunseith. Burial will be at the family cemetery located on his farm near Dunseith. A wake will be held on Monday, beginning at 4:00 P.M., with a 7:00 pm prayer service and rosary at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center of Dunseith.

Clifford Robert Gillis, the seventh child and fourth son of John and Lucy (Davis) Gillis Sr., was born on July 25 or 27, 1932 in his parents’ home near Dunseith. He attended school at the Dunseith Day School until he transferred to Flandreau Indian School. He left early to enter the US Marines on January 17, 1951; he served in the Korean Conflict, received a Purple Heart during his tour, and was honorably discharged on February 7, 1953. He returned to complete high school at Flandreau Indian School, where he was trained in masonry by George Ray. Cliff met Alice DeCoteau in Flandreau and married her in Stanley, ND on June 2, 1955. He moved his family with him to various job sites until 1957, when he settled his family north of Dunseith. He continued in masonry for Don Fretty Construction and began to do small masonry jobs (basements, fireplaces, chimneys, etc); in 1962 he also began to raise cattle; and experimented with different types of livestock. In 1970, Cliff established Dunseith Masonry and contracted masonry work until his retirement in 2005. He contracted for projects that included the Dunseith Public Schools, Dunseith Day School, Garden Gate Clubhouse, Dunseith Nursing Home, Belcourt Hospital, Belcourt schools, Cross Road Range, Rolla Hospital and Turtle Mountain Community College. Alice passed away on January 20, 1994. Later, he was married to Tina Allery for a time. Cliff was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Dunseith. He enjoyed gambling, playing whist with family, racing cars, golfing, and picking Tiger Lilies.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents John and Lucy Gillis; wife of 39 years, Alice; daughter, Sandra Gillis; son, John Gillis; brothers, Frank, Ray, Dave, and Fred Gillis; and sisters, Mildred Crasco, Angelique Olmscheid, Viola Grinnell, Phyllis Schock; and Margaret Belgarde.

He is survived by daughters, Lynn Gillis of Eagle Butte, SD and Stephanie (Russell) Davis of Dunseith; sons, Clifford “Butch” Gillis Jr., Randy Vivier, Frank Gillis, and Mike (Carleen) Gillis, all of Dunseith; 31 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ann (Bernie-Deceased) Hamley of Rolette and Geraldine (Walt) Luhr of Montana; brothers, Peter (Verena) Gillis of Dunseith, Joseph Gillis of New Town, ND and John (Karen)Gillis of Chamberlain, SD; and sister-in-law, Iva Gillis.

 Our condolences are with Clifford’s family with his passing. I know Pete and Clifford were very close too. Pete and Verena, we are thinking of you.

Gary

Laurel Hiatt
Message from Rod Hiatt (’69):  Bottineau, ND

Monday August 18th would have been Laurel’s 69th Birthday. I have this picture of him in my office & think about him each and every day. One never knows when you are going to lose somebody close to you, and you always regret not telling them how much they meant to you and how much you love them. Sad but true!

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Cebu, Philippines 8/16/2014
Bernadette Stokes – Bowling Banquet

Marco Polo 8/18/2014: Gary, Bernadette & Novie

Zip to Zap
From Larry Liere (55):  Devils Lake, ND

I remember Zip to Zap very well because I was member of the North Dakota Army National Guard at the time. I was in a military school at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland when Zip to Zap took place so I missed out on all the excitement.  I think the National Guard was on alert for crowd control, because of the size of the expected crowd, so they got there fast when the problems started.  The thing I thought was kind of funny was how the National News covered the story.  Our Company 1st. Sergeant called me into his office and said “what the hell kind of a State do you come from?” as he showed me a Baltimore News Paper.  This paper had two pages of pictures and stories all about Zip to Zap so I couldn’t wait for my Devils Lake Paper to arrive because I thought they would have even a larger coverage.  I told the 1st Sergeant I would bring in the D. L. paper when it came so he could read more about the story.  Well guess what?  The D. L. paper came with a very small article.  (I didn’t even dare show it to our 1st. Sergeant) I guess the other papers around the state didn’t make a big deal of the Zip to Zap story either.  Don Malaterre is correct when he says “an event which helped put North Dakota on the map.” because the East Coast, Papers, Radio and TV Stations were all a buzz about this story.

I didn’t know that the student governments of UND & NDSU paid for all the damage. That is good news if they did!
Axel Johnson
Reply from Sybil Johnson:  Minot, ND

That was a great picture of “Pa”. It was at the same time, that Augie and I was married. Have very many fond memories of Axel and I do think of both him and Bernice quite often. I was in Colorado, when Bernice passed and by that time, Augie and I was divorced (1994). Havent been back to Dunseith for many years, but hopefully will make it up there, sometime soon.

Thanks again,

Sybil Johnson

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Blog (139) posted on June 21, 2008

Letter from Charles (Chuck) Hagen (48): No email address

Dear Gary,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the gradation class list of 1948 you sent to me.  I sure have enjoyed looking it over.

Gary, I got married 3 weeks ago today, May 19, 2008.  Still on my honeymoon.  Call me sometime.

Good to hear from you,

2917 Collins Ferry Rd
Gladys, VA 24554
Landline(434) 283-5825
Cell (434) 941-3119

Note: Following his retirement from the Air Force, Chuck Hagen moved back to his home place up in the Ackworth/Willow Lake community in the hills. I think he told me he purchased the Freddie Hiatt farm too, formally the Bennie Johnson place that connected his property to the south.  He farmed that property (4 quarters) for years before moving back to VA.  Chuck lost his wife a few years ago, but is now remarried. Even though I did not know Chuck, he was sure glad to get my call. We both knew of each other though. Gary

From Dick Johnson (68): 

Gary and Friends,

I guess I forgot to mention the horses in the parade, I was just showing

the stores. Brian Fauske is in the chariot and just above his team is
Norris Knutson. I think the Mexican is Wayne Barbot, and the guy behind
Norris is Bob Brennan, although I could be wrong . If anyone knows for
sure, please tell us. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Albert Johnson

Reply from Pamela Fugere Schmidt (’73):  Bismarck, ND

Happy Birthday, Al!

Axel Johnson
Reply from Dick Johnson (’68):  Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Bill Hosmer’s story about working with Axel at the gravel pit was

so typical of how Axel was.  He was a hard physical worker and that,

over many years, had made him extremely strong.  My dad used to say that

when they were finished with a long day out in the hayfield,  Axel would

tell him,  “You get on the horse and I’ll race you back to the house.”

Dad said Axel could run like a deer and the old workhorse had his work

cut out for him to beat Axel back home. Our family has many stories of

Axel’s physical feats and also his humor.  Couple Axel’s stories

together with his Norwegian brogue and he was hilarious!  I’ve already

posted a few of his stories on the blog and they might come around again

as we repost those from before, but one I didn’t tell yet was when Axel

dug Dan Kalk’s well just across the street from our house in Dunseith.

Of course,  it was the biggest happening on our block so I had to be

over watching it. He had a hole dug about maybe 10-12 feet deep and was

putting the dirt into a bucket that Vince Kalk would lift out with a

hand crank ‘windlass’.  This had a rope wound around a crankshaft that

someone on top would crank to lift out water or in this case, dirt.

Well,  as Axel was digging, we saw a seep of water start coming into the

hole and then all of a sudden the side of the well near the bottom just

opened up like a gusher.  Axel knew he was as deep as he needed to be so

he stepped into the bucket to keep his feet from getting soaked.  He

looked up and Vince just stood there and stared at him.  The water was

then about half way up the side of the bucket but Vince still just stood

there.  Axel smiled up at us and said, ” Wince,  do you tink you could

crank me up den?”  And then he let go with his loud laugh that could

make anyone laugh even if they didn’t know the reason they were

laughing.  He was fun to be around. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Axel Johnson
Reply from Sybil Johnson:  Minot, ND

Thanks Dick, “Pa” was a great guy and well loved by all who knew and met him. He use to spoil my kids, when we would go up. They would be down for a nap in the well room, but, instead Pa would be in there feeding them cookies and coffee. When I would try to scold him, he would laugh and say, “they have to have their coffee before going to sleep” and like you said, he had the heartiest laugh. He would just sit there and let the kids finish their cookies and coffee.

Sybil

Golfing in the Philippines.

Many of our friends are golfers. This is a picture of our good friend Dean, with the goats, at one of the local golf courses. With the goats they don’t need lawn mowers. Dean is from Australia.

Cebu Philippines

Last night, on our way to the Cebu Expat Bowling banquet

Bernadette        Gary                Novie 

Zip to Zap
Posted Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux falls, SD

Gary, I found this article in the archives. Dunseith mayor Jesse Marion’s wife Kim, is from Zap, ND and can actually recall this event

Before Woodstock there was ZIP to ZAP!

Forty five years ago was the rock festival which defined a generation and which has become a major part of our national culture, especially since most of us who have any sort of direct memory (or like me, could only buy the album) are now approaching or have reached the age of 60.

Wow! And this from a generation who 45 years ago lived by the mantra “Don’t trust anyone over 30.”
While I was being reminded of Woodstock, another more obscure rock festival (and using the term loosely) came to mind. It predated Woodstock by 3 months but perhaps helped (at least in the upper Midwest) set the stage for what was to come.

I’m referring to “Zip to Zap”, an unlikely event held in an unlikely location—Zap, North Dakota on May 9-11, 1969. I remember this event and the build up to it. I was a high school senior in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I couldn’t go to the event 350 miles away because that was the weekend of the state track meet in which I was competing. (Yeah, like my parents or the parents of anyone else I knew were going to let me go!).
Zip to Zap was the brainstorm of a student at North Dakota State University who first wrote about the idea in the campus newspaper. The idea was picked up by the University of North Dakota campus paper and soon spread to other campuses in the Midwest, eventually even being reported by national media.

It was promoted as an alternative Spring Break to the long, expensive travel to Daytona Beach. Note here that most spring breaks are in late March or April and this event was scheduled for mid-May. Well, it’s just too damn cold in North Dakota to do an outdoor event like that until May.

The townspeople of Zap were enthusiastic about an event like this in their town of 250 people. They readily agreed to host it. More than 2500 college students and other assorted young people from across the Midwest poured into Zap for the event. Trouble started when the only 2 places in town with liquor licenses both overcharged for and ran out of beer very early. And of course, as so often happened during that era, the trouble and violence was attributed to “outside agitators”.
Near riots ensued and there never was much of a rock festival. A few scruffy bands which wouldn’t even be classified as good bar bands were scheduled. Revelers went to nearby Beulah and Hazen in search of more beer where “rioting” supposedly took place. A few angry souls took it upon themselves to trash a tavern in Zap and set it on fire (although some reports say that it was left over from a demolition project which were burned as a bonfire in the street that night to warm participants in sub-freezing temperatures). Ultimately the Governor called out the National Guard to quell the “rioting”.
Zip to Zap was the lead story on NBC and CBS news on Saturday. Damages to the town were estimated to exceed $25,000 and were ultimately paid by the student government groups at NDSU and UND.

And that is the short-version of the Zip to Zap—an event which helped put North Dakota “on the map” and which “foreshadowed” Woodstock.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: t Bottineau & Minot, ND 

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Blog (137) posted on June 19, 2008
From Joe Johnson (77):

Gary,

Joe Johnson (77) – a note for Julie Knox Seier (82) and Linda:

I had Mike Bostic as a teacher and as I recall he always had a smile on his face and he did have a great big joyous laugh.  I never knew he married, Julie’s aunt, Linda Millang.  Through the years I have thought of Mike often because his business class I attended taught very many practical skills that I have used since high school.  Mike’s class, an elective course, brings back many memories because my brother Jeff attended the same class, I believe it was first or second period, Jeff was a sophomore and I was a senior.  I’m very sorry to hear of Mike’s unfortunate passing, but it seems he had placed his faith in the Rock, Jesus, so Mike will be spending his eternity in a very healthy body.

For Dick Johnson –

Thanks for the 1976 parade photos.  When I saw them my first thought was, “That is the Dunseith I remember growing up in.”.

Additionally, Dick, thanks for all the dialogue and history you bring to this email list and Gary thanks for being such a great editor and publisher.  Just want you both to know your contributions are highly valued, even by those of us that don’t post messages to this list very often.

Joe

From Don Martel (Teacher):

Hi,

First of all let me thank you for the time and effort that you put into this to make it work, Gary.

Secondly,I feel very blessed in that I knew most of the Dunseith graduates of the mid to late 50’s (58 graduate from Rolette) as well as those of the late 60’s and early 70’s, as a teacher/Principal.

As a past teacher, it is so great to see and hear about the many accomplishments of our students.  It gives me a little pride in hopeing that somehow we had something to do with it.

Also as many of you know I am married to Colleen Conroy, daughter of Ed & Florence Conroy, so find it so gratifying when they are recognized for there many years dedicated to the youth in Dunseith.  As their son in law I can say they were just great people and I am so thankful for being part of their family.

As an addition to the Email list, Arthur Martel, teacher in the late 60’s, is: 

Don Martel

Don, I have added Arthur to our distribution list.  I noticed he was hired, as a teacher, in Dunseith, in 1966.  How are you guys related?  Gary

Message from Mel Kuhn (70):

Howdy Gary,

Just thought I’d let you know that I had carpol tunnel surgery on both hands yesterday so I’m gonna be trapped in my house for a couple of days. I will really be looking forward to the everyday e-mails, so don’t go off on another copper selling spree for a while. Having to count on my wife to cook for me is bad enough without having any contact with anyone else. She has mastered 3 differant kinds of Hamburger Helper though, so I won’t starve. You may have to read this real slow because I’m typing real slow. Keep up the good work and thanks again for all the hard work.

Mel Kuhn

Dick Johnkson’s (68) reply to a message of Neola’s (her reply follows Dick’s message):

Gary,

Neola is partly right, there is a ‘Weasel’ Counts and his brother
‘Gopher’ Counts. They were Louis and Eugene, respectively. Refer to page
24-25 of the Dunseith history book, under Ernest and Helen Counts. I
hope this answers her question.

Dick

Very interesting reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe to Dick Johnson:

Thanks, Dick. I wasn’t aware there were two brothers.  I knew very little about the family except for the time Weasel/Renae were at Fred/Wilma’s home.  I actually wrote the next paragraph and then came back and added to this paragraph, so it probably doesn’t make much sense!

I was quite young when I first met Weasel, and that nickname fascinated me!  I had never heard anyone called Weasel.  Wilma Bosch was married to Fred Kofoid.  Wilma’s sister was married to Bob Chilton.  I think Renae was their daughter, OR I’m mixed-up and Renae is Wilma’s younger sister.  The memory fades after 55 years!!  I have to admit I don’t know where Mom’s Dunseith book is; it could be in Minot, or it could be here in my apartment somewhere.

I, along with everyone else, really enjoy the pictures/stories you send to Gary for his website, even though I don’t know many of the people–just have heard the names.  However, I HAVE learned what fabulous parents you had, and that you must have enjoyed a wonderful childhood/life because of them/your other relatives.  From what I know of you/your stories/pictures your send to Gary, “they” did a good job raising you.  All are to be commended.  Also, from what I gather, you are practicing/carrying on the same values you were taught.  To me, there is no higher compliment than that, or better way to honor your parents.  I didn’t mean to ramble; I sometimes get “carried away”.

Thanks again to both of you.  I am now a little wiser. 

Neola

From Phyllis McKay (65):

Gary,

I am wondering who is in the chariot that was in the parade picture. My brother, Kick, raced chariots but I don’t think that is Kick in the picture.

Phyllis

From Rod Hiatt (69):

Hello Gary and the rest of the Dunseith readers,

Reading some of the stories is about like watching reruns of Andy
Griffith, about half way through you kind of remember what is going to
be said or what happened.
The picture of the horses in the parade shows Brian Fauske driving his
chariot team. In the mid 70’s we had about 20 different teams from
Dunseith and Bottineau running chariots and chuckwagons  in Bottineau
and Towner every week. My brothers Laurel and Rick as well as my
Dad(Howard) and myself had hitches and others from Dunseith were Brian
and Russel Fauske, Wayne Barbot, Kick McKay, Bob Brennan, Ernie
Gottbreth, the Lagerquist boys(not sure on who all was driving) old Art
Longie, and Keith Coleman.
We would race every other week in Bottineau and the opposite weeks in
Towner. With Dad buying horses in a number of different states we always
had new ponies coming in to be tested for racing and our club always had
the fastest. It seemed like Ray Nerpel new when he was coming with them
as he was always at our farm to help harness and break new teams. At one
of the first  finals in Towner the Botno/Dunseith drivers took all the
trophies except for a couple of classes that we didn’t have teams in.
Dad said he wasn’t sure what was harder, breaking some of these wild
ponies to drive or teaching some of the guys how to drive. When he sent
Ernie G. out of the yard on his first solo drive, we wasn’t all sure
that he and the horses would be coming back together, but we could hear
him hollering for half mile or better.At the end of the evening people
from the stands would come down to the hitch rails to look over the
horses and everyone would sit around and swap lies about how they won or
why they didn’t(sounds kind of like fishing)
Anyway it was a great part of the past that alot of people enjoyed both
drivers and spectators

Gary I forgot to mention 1 other driver and that was Stormin Norman
Hiatt. I don’t think Norman ever won a race but he was always there. At
our year end awards night Norman was presented with the Sportsmanship
buckle. He told everyone that he was going to look it over really good
because once he put it on he would never beable to see it. I do have a
picture of Norman in the lead, but that was at the start of the race
right before the flag was dropped.

 Message/picture from Dick Johnson (68):

Gary and Friends,

In reply to Susan Malaterre Johnson’s question about Axel Johnson, I
would believe there was a mix up. Axel and his mother and sister and
brother [my grandfather] came to America on a steamship, but not the
Titanic. They arrived from Norway in May of 1907 and entered through the
famous Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Axel was about 13, and Hans [
Grandpa ] 9, and Louise about 6. The Titanic actually sank in 1912 on
her maiden voyage. I suppose the ship they were on seemed like the
Titanic to kids that age! I guess Susan’s question was if Axel told me
the story? He told me about seeing the palace of the King of Norway when
they arrived in the capitol before they boarded the ship. He told of the
rough seas and cold weather on the trip. My Grandpa Hans also told about
the palace, etc. He died in 1965 and I never got to really ask him about
the particulars. I sure wish I could have had that chance! The picture
below is of Axel Johnson in 1965. It was taken in the Rolette Hospital
just before my Grandpa Hans died of cancer. The family was all there to
see him. Another sad time. Thanks Gary.

Dick

                                  Axel Johnson – 1965

  Happy Birthday Albert Johnson (DHS ’70): Rolla, ND

San Haven Posting

Reply from Mona Dionne Johnson (’48):  Bottineau, ND

As I  viewed these pictures, the picture towards the end that is labelled the “old administration building”  is labelled wrong, as it is the Refectory Bldg.,  and the old administration bldg “Ad Bldg.” is in the

back ground.   My family and I lived in the apartment in the Refectory

Bldg in the mid 50’s as well as in an

apartment in the Ad Bldg  before that.   So, I don’t know where they got

their info ?   We later moved to what they used to call the Girls

Cottage.  We lived there for 14+ years  at San Haven.

Mona Dionne Johnson ’48

Axel Johnson

Reply from Dick Johnson (’48):  Dunseith, ND

“You get on the horse and I’ll race you back to the house.”

Dad said Axel could run like a deer and the old workhorse had his work cut out for him to beat Axel back home. Our family has many stories of Axel’s physical feats and also his humor.  Couple Axel’s stories together with his Norwegian brogue and he was hilarious!  I’ve already posted a few of his stories on the blog and they might come around again as we repost those from before, but one I didn’t tell yet was when Axel dug Dan Kalk’s well just across the street from our house in Dunseith.

Of course,  it was the biggest happening on our block so I had to be over watching it. He had a hole dug about maybe 10-12 feet deep and was putting the dirt into a bucket that Vince Kalk would lift out with a hand crank ‘windlass’.  This had a rope wound around a crankshaft that someone on top would crank to lift out water or in this case, dirt.

Well,  as Axel was digging, we saw a seep of water start coming into the hole and then all of a sudden the side of the well near the bottom just opened up like a gusher.  Axel knew he was as deep as he needed to be so he stepped into the bucket to keep his feet from getting soaked.  He looked up and Vince just stood there and stared at him.  The water was then about half way up the side of the bucket but Vince still just stood there.  Axel smiled up at us and said, ” Wince,  do you tink you could crank me up den?”  And then he let go with his loud laugh that could make anyone laugh even if they didn’t know the the reason they were laughing.  He was fun to be around. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Joke of the day

Posted by Mel Kuhn (’70):  St. John, ND

THE OSTRICH !

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders. The man says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke,” and turns to the ostrich, “What’s yours?” “I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order. “That will Be $9.40 please” The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment. The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, “A hamburger, fries and a coke.”

The ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.”

Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes routine until the two enter again. “The usual?” Asks the waitress. “No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad,” says the man. “Same,” says the ostrich. Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, “That will be $32.62.” Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me, Sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?”

“Well,” says the man, “several years ago I was cleaning the attic and Found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.”

“That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would ask for a Million Dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”

“That’s right..Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” says the man.

The waitress asks, “What’s with the ostrich?”

The man sighs, pauses and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick with a big butt and long legs who agrees with everything I say..”

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Blog (137) posted on June 19, 2008

Question from Susan Malaterre Johnson (69):

Hey Dick,

Did your Uncle Axel tell you about his time on the Titanic?  He used to tell my mom, Hilda Malaterre, all about it.

Susan Johnson

Passing of Michael Bostic, Former Dunseith teacher and husband of Linda Millang (63):

From Julie Knox Seier (82):

Hi Gary,
First of all thanks for sending out all of the “stuff” that you
do to all of “Dunseith folks”.  Very nice of you, keep up the
good work.

Many people may or may not remember my Aunt Linda Millang
Bostic. She graduated from Dunseith in 1963. Her husband,
Michael Bostic, passed away May 29, 2008 in Buffalo, MN. I am
going to enclose his obit. that was written by their son,
Arthur for anyone who may be interested. Mike taught for a few
years in Dunseith so a few people may remember him as well.

Lola Knox, Susie Millang, Julie Seier, Wayne Olson, Willard &
Laurene Olson, and Dale Millang traveled to Buffalo, MN to
attend the memorail service that was held on June 5th.

Thanks again and send up some prayers for Linda as she deals
with this difficult time.

Julie (Knox) Seier

Julie’s reply to my message. Gary

Gary,
I don’t know if there is anyone near Linda that has email.
Maybe her son Arthur does but I don’t have his email address.
If anyone wanted to send her messages they could send them to
me and I would print them and send them to her in the mail.
Linda will be in the Dunseith area at the end of June. We are
having a 70th birthday party for my Mom, Lola (Millang) Knox on
June 28th at Metigoshe. Mike’s obit is at the end of my message
instead of attached. I got his picture to attach as it wouldn’t
come up with my message. Thanks so much.

(I do live in Minot. Have lived here ever since I graduated in
1982.)

Michael Bosic’s Obituary: Former Dunseith teacher.

Michael Bostic, 63, passed away in the comfort of his home in

Buffalo Thursday, May 29th, 2008 with his family by his side.

On March 19th, 1945 in Pipestone, Minnesota, A. A. and May
Ellen (Regan) Bostic was blessed with a son and named him
Michael D. Bostic.

Michael spent the majority of his professional life as a Social
Studies teacher and football coach in North Dakota. In the
later years of his career in education, he also served as a
Business Administrator. He truly enjoyed interacting with young
people, both in the classroom and on the football field.

Michael will leave a legacy of perseverance. Despite a
courageous battle with several chronic diseases, including COPD
and Diabetes, he touched many with his sense of humor and
larger than life laugh. He was active in the Buffalo United
Methodist Church, where he enjoyed strengthening his faith and
sharing plenty of laughs with his Sunday School class.

Family was the most important thing to Michael. He married
Linda Millang on June 16th, 1979 at a ceremony in the Peace
Lutheran Church in Dunseith, ND. Linda was truly his life long
companion and best friend. In their nearly 29 years of marriage
they were rarely apart, and that held through to the very end.
Michael also loved his children, Michael Patrick, who was taken
too soon, and his son Arthur. He was also a “soon to be
Grandfather” and will be looking down from heaven with great
pride in November.

He is preceded in death by a son: Michael Patrick Bostic; his
parents: A. A. and May Ellen Bostic; and two brothers: Arthur
Lane Bostic and James Bostic.

Michael is survived by his loving wife: Linda (nee Millang)
Bostic of Buffalo; son: Arthur (Amy) Bostic of New Hope;
brothers: Steven (Sharon) Bostic of Mesa, Arizona and Patrick
(Cassandra) Bostic of Tigard, Oregon; sister-in-law: Barbara
Bostic of Watertown; and many nephews, nieces, other relatives
and good friends.

The memorial service for Michael will be Thursday, June 5th,
2008 at 6pm at the United Methodist Church of Buffalo.
Visitation will begin at 4pm.

A private family interment will take place the following Friday.

From Bev Morinville Azure (72):

I would just like to thank  all of  the people  who are  sharing  the  pictures  it  is  nice  to  see .    Thank you  Gary for  what you  do for  us.  Joyce  Murray (Anderson) and  Rita Parisien (Anderson)  and I  spent the  last  2  days  together at  my house  visiting and  getting  caught up. We  were  all very  good friends in  HS . Joyce  found us again  because  of  the work you have done Gary ………thanks again Bev  Azure (morinville) 72

From Bill Hosmer (48):

Gary and Friends.  Dick Johnson’s pictures of main
street 1976 and the airborne shot of Dunseith brought
to mind the density of the main street compared to the
widely spread neighborhoods of town.  Then the
attractiveness of the businesses along main street
that are apparent in the parade shots. These are great
viewing for us senior citizens.  Yesterday I ran into
Art Rude, Sr.  He is definitely senior, but gave me an
excellent report on his activities which are oriented
toward celebrations around the county, including
parades, and his constant search for drivers to
participate.  If there ever was a Mr. Dunseith, Art
Rude would sure be in the running.  Cheers, and
thanks. Bill Hosmer