Ryder News Dec. 31, 2015

Ryder News for Dec. 31, 2015

   I guess this is the last time for typing 2015 for the Ryder News. Now on to 2016 and hope it is also a newsworthy year with lots of readers sending me their stories to share.

Bake Sale at Smith benefit in Makoti.

Various items lined up for the silent auction at Smith benefit in Makoti.

   I managed to get to the benefit for Brian and Roxanne Smith in Makoti. They had lost their home and all belongings in a house fire earlier in the month. There was a giant bake sale with all kinds of goodies. Three sides of the Senior Center were filled with various items that had been donated for the silent auction. Myers Meats prepared the pulled pork meal with $5 of the $10 fee charged for the meal going to the benefit.

   I haven’t received any Christmas news so far so all I can tell you about is our Christmas.

   We started our Christmas Eve by attending 5:00 services at St. John’s Lutheran Church where John, Staci and Johnny McGrath joined us. I will mention that the church as pretty full which was nice to see. Pastor Janis Sloka had a children’s sermon and Johnny went up front to sit with the other kids and eventually shared that his name was Johnny and that was his dad’s name too. The pastor shared that his name of Janis is another name for John so they were both named John. Our family got a chuckle out of that.

   After church we returned home to welcome our son Rick Sprinkle and his family, Shawna, Levi, Gage and Billy. We ate the wonderful supper that I had prepared earlier (Staci brought meatballs) and then onto the opening of gifts. It is always smart to have a large garbage bag handy to collect all the wrapping paper. Johnny and Levi had a blast playing together!

   It is Rick Sprinkle’s birthday on New Year’s Eve so if you see him, wish him a Happy Birthday. P. S. It is hard to keep lying about your age when your kids are getting older, before long he will catch up to me… I had him when I was 10! 

 

   Upcoming Events:

   Jan. 4: 11:30 Senior Citizens luncheon and short business meeting. All area seniors are welcome to come and join.

   Looks like this is all the news I could dig up for this week. I hope to receive some of your Christmas news in time for next week’s publication.

   Have a great week and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ryder News Dec. 24, 2015

 Ryder News for Dec. 24, 2015

 

      With an early deadline, this will be a shorter than normal news week! But I do have a couple of photos and news items to share with you.

     We heard from the former Ryder resident, Eli Richmond. She wants to wish all or any that remember her a Merry Christmas. She is still at Little Falls, MN. She told how she had gone through a bout of food poisoning and is still working her way back to full strength. Get well, Eli, and yes, we remember you and best wishes for a great 2016. The folks that are in her former Ryder home now are Tina and Marty Allen from Tennessee and have lived here for several years.

    We want to wish several of our older, former Ryder residents a Happy Birthday.  Mildred Peterson has a birthday this month, and her family had a party for her already to celebrate her 95th. 

   There is another special gal, Evelyth Wohlk, who will also celebrate her birthday this month. Happy Birthday to both of you. There may be more but these are the only two I  know about at this time.

Photo of the town of Ryder in 1908.

    I received the following letter from a gentleman by the name of Jed Hartman and it is a picture of the town of Ryder in the early days:

“Hi, Sue--attached is a copy of the photo. It was apparently a postcard; on the back is a note written by someone named Christy, but it's not clear who it was written to. Tiny detail I'm curious about: I can't tell whether the date on the front means "July 19, 1908" or just "July, 1908"--if you happen to know whether this celebration took place on the 19th or not, I'd be curious.

    My grandmother was named Helen Hanson. She was born in 1908, a daughter of Peder and Ida Hanson; also related to the Olson/Olsen and Olness families. The Hansons moved to Roy, Montana by 1914, and I think the Olsons were mostly in Minot, but I think that at least some family members (maybe the Olnesses?) stayed in Ryder for a while longer. I may be able to dig up some more info if you're interested.—Jed”

   I passed his letter on to Faye Karna to use for information to put into the museum.

4 Generation Photo: Amy Makeeff, Kacee Makeeff, Gayle Semmen, Rose Sorenson

 

  Amy Makeeff sent me a 4 generation family picture: Amy Makeeff, her daughter Kacee, her mom Gayle Semmen, and Aunt Rose Sorenson.

   Upcoming Events:

   Jan. 4: 11:30 Senior Citizens luncheon and short business meeting. All area seniors are welcome to come and join.

   That’s it for this week. Send me all your Christmas happenings so I can put it in the news column for next week. Have a Great Christmas!

Ryder News Dec. 17, 2015

Ryder News for Dec. 17, 2015

   There was another burglary in the area this past week! 

   On Dec. 9^th a burglary at the Tom Neshem farmstead near Ryder, ND was reported to the Ward County Sheriff’s Dept. Many buildings as well as the home had been entered while the owners were away.

   Approximately $2300 worth of items were taken, but luckily for the Neshems and unlucky for the thieves, the Minot Police Dept. received a call of a person selling items out of the back of a pickup at a business located on south Broadway. Deputies responded and identified items in the truck from the farmstead burglary.

   After the investigation was completed and two search warrants served, Andrew Peterson, 25 of Fargo and Joseph Lindsey, 27 of Garrison were taken into custody. Both were charged with burglary, a class b felony and are now residing in the Ward County jail pending an appearance in court.

Levi Sprinkle chatting with Santa

Luke Larson visiting with Santa

    

  The weather on Saturday wreaked havoc on Santa Day in Ryder. With pea-soup fog and icy roads there weren’t too many that ventured out for the benefit fund raiser or to see Santa and I think just about everyone in attendance managed to win a turkey. I did manage to snap a few pictures to share with everyone. My grandson Levi Sprinkle was there but just wasn’t quite brave enough to sit on Santa’s lap! But he sure had a good time running around the gym as fast as little legs could go to escape from the watchful eyes of his parents. 

Denise Wurtz Johnson getting her turkey from Lydell Wohlk

Dishing up at Food Pantry Benefit

 

A group of friends visiting at Santa Day

   It seems that a few mule deer have moved into the area and have been hit by vehicles. One was hit and killed a little ways north of our house on Highway 28 and a few days later another one was hit on Highway 23 by Roen’s gravel pit. They look different than a white tail deer…different tail, longer ears and a darker coat. Took us a little while to figure out just what the one was that was hit by our place as it was rather a mess.

   Upcoming Events:

   Dec. 15: Card shower for Bernice Larson of Minot formerly from Makoti to celebrate her 90^th birthday. Cards may be sent to at: 1500 18^th Ave SW, Minot, ND 58701

   Dec. 20: Benefit for Brian and Roxanne Smith at the Senior Center in Makoti starting at 3:30 p.m.

   Well, that is it for this week. I will be looking for e mails from you with your news items. Stay safe, lock your homes, vehicles and purchase a security camera or two.

Special Story: Family had big stake in the Navy

The following article was originally published in a recent edition of the Mascot of Minneota, MN.  Permission was granted for the Ryder News to republish the article. Submitted by Darleen (Magandy) Dorenkamper.

 Family had big stake in the Navy

 
By Scott Thoma
Mascot Staff Writer

The four Magandys are listed on the memorial.

With little fanfare, Navy Day came and went on October 27.
Few people even realized there was such a recognition day for this particular branch of the military.
One person that had special interest in the day was Darleen Dorenkamper of Minneota.
“I noticed on one of my calendars that Oct. 13 has the notation 'United States Navy Birthday',” she said.
“So I Googled it, and found that there are two days in October recognizing that branch of the military; the birthday on Oct. 13 and Navy Day on Oct. 27.”
Dorenkamper researched the notation on her calendar because her father, Elmer Magandy, served in the Navy during World War II, as did his two younger brothers, Roland and Donald, and his sister, Irene.
“All four Magandys have their name on a beautiful Veterans' Memorial monument in Ryder, North Dakota, where they lived during the time of World War II,” said Dorenkamper.
Elmer William Herman Magandy enlisted in the US Navy on Feb. 5, 1942 and served on the USS Midway as MM2c.
He served in the Fifth Naval Constitution Battalion Company “D”, which built the air strip in Honolulu.
“He was a caterpillar operator,” Dorenkamper stated. “I have a really neat book about Company 'D' that my dad purchased when he was in the service. It includes a photo of him with the other men in Company 'D'.”
Magandy and his company arrived at Pearl Harbor in June 1942, six months after the Japanese invaded and bombed the area.From July of that year until April 1943, the Fifth Battalion sent detachments to Midway, Palmyra, in the Christian Islands, Johnston Island, and French Frigate Shoals.
Dorenkamper’s uncle, Roland Magandy served on the USS Naragansett beginning in 1946.
Another uncle, Donald Magandy, served on the General HVV Butner beginning in 1947.
And her aunt, Irene Magandy, was a WAVE Petty Officer 1st Class, working with nurse corps in Florida.
“There were nine Magandy siblings, with three boys and six girls,” Dorenkamper said.
“So, to have all three sons plus a daughter serving in the Navy, my grandmother said one time that she had a lot to worry about.”
The Navy League of the United States organized the first Navy Day in 1922, holding it on Oct. 27 because it was the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a naval enthusiast.
And with Veterans Day coming up on Nov. 11, it’s a time to reflect not only on the Navy veterans, but all the other branches of the military, too.
Minneota will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a special service at Minneota High School at 11 a.m. Speakers, the high school band and others are on the schedule for Veteran’s Day in Minneota.

Ryder News Dec. 10, 2015

Ryder News for Dec 10, 2015

   I received word that Dennis Haugen, formerly of Ryder passed away on Dec. 2, 2015 in a Kansas hospital. Dennis was born Feb. 7, 1949 to Wendell and Francis Haugen. He was raised in Ryder and graduated from Ryder High School. Dennis is survived by his wife, Jody; and the light of his eye, his daughter, Alicea.  Jody's address is 1134 Burrus, Wichita, KS 67207. You may share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com. His family has our deepest sympathy.

  I also received word that Duane R. Liffrig, 86, of Bismarck formerly of Ryder, passed away December 3, 2015 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Bismarck. For more information, go to http://bismarckfuneralhome.com/obituaries/. Again, our sympathy goes out to his family.

 I also received word that former Makoti resident Rose Petersen passed away on Monday, Dec. 7th. Her funeral will be at Hope Lutheran Church in Makoti on Monday, Dec. 14th at 11:00 a.m. with visitation in the church an hour before. She is survived by daughters: Vicki (Stewart) Bofenkamp; LaVonne (Jim) Heller; Peggy Huber; Sons; Gerald Tollefson; Arlyn Tollefson; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and numerous other family members.  Her family and friends have our deepest sympathy.

It seems that there has been some more thievery in the local area. Jamie Rensch of Makoti had his pickup stolen from in front of the K-Bar last Tuesday night. The two that stole it totaled it by rolling it several times south of Makoti on Highway #9. The one occupant was still inside the vehicle while the other was pinned under it when police and ambulance arrived on the scene. Mueller Thanksgiving: L to R:  Becca, Kip, Kyle, Robbie, Gus, Cait, Ben, and Kirby. Kneeling: Murika and Cindy.   Mueller Thanksgiving: L to R:  Becca, Kip, Kyle, Robbie, Gus, Cait, Ben, and Kirby. Kneeling: Murika and Cindy.

   The Muellers gathered together for two days over Thanksgiving weekend, in part to participate in the 12th annual Mueller Extreme Challenge. The nine-event Challenge sampled a wide range of skills, from the physically demanding Pickle Ball, to strategic Dominoes, to the more gustatory beer and sausage tasting contest.  Friday’s (Day One) activities were held in Bismarck, and attended by Gus and Karen Mueller (Bismarck), Kirby and Cindy Mueller (Minot), Ben Mueller (Washington D.C.), Robbie Robinson and Caitlin Mueller (Sacramento), Kyle and Murika Mueller (Fargo), Kip Mueller and Becca Hovey (Bloomington, MN), and Gary Sorenson (Bismarck).

   Joining this group on Day Two at the Ryder farm for more contests, horseback riding and Thanksgiving dinner were Phyllis Mueller (Bismarck),  Darin and Myron Brandt (Minot), Seth Patera (Khylene Mueller’s son) and family (Mandan), Rob and Sarah Hansen (Raub) and Will Robinson (Garrison).

   While you might think that the big news story here would be the winner of the Challenge (which happened to be Cindy), this was overshadowed by the fact that when Kirby and Cindy arrived at the farm early Saturday morning to begin cooking for the big event, they learned that they had no electricity. If preparing Thanksgiving dinner for 25 people isn’t daunting enough, try doing it with no electricity (yes, the stove/oven was electric, and so was the home heating).  Through some innovative actions and help from friends, all ended well, and a good time (and home-cooked dinner) was had by all!

   John and Janice Warner traveled to Helena MT for the Thanksgiving weekend.  Hosting the weekend were Jan's sister Debby and Roy Hansmann. Joining everyone was Jan's mom Peggy Kundy of Three Forks MT; Aaron Schendel of Billings MT and Mark, Mallory and Mabel Warner-Richter of Minneapolis MN.

   This was a first meeting of 3 year old Mabel and her great great-grandmother Peggy. Needless to say, a 3 year old can capture your heart in a hurry. They made and decorated Christmas cut-out cookies went sledding, swimming, a trip to the Children's Science Museum and a ride on the Great Northern Carrousel.  Of course they had a great Thanksgiving feast. Everyone traveled safe. Helena had 7" of new snow and it was cold but they all had a wonderful time.

   The Happy Hour Senior Citizen’s Club met on Saturday Dec. 4^th for their Christmas party. 14 people were in attendance to eat the delicious pot luck meal. After the business meeting everyone played bingo for a variety of prizes. 

   The Senior class is putting on a benefit spaghetti supper for Braden Larson on Friday, Dec. 11th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garrison, ND. Braden is the son of Brent and Misti Larson of Garrison and the grandson of Byron and Donna Larson of Ryder. The benefit is to help cover Mayo Clinic medical expenses. The good news is that the procedure was successful. If you cannot make it to the supper and would like to donate, you may send donations to Brent and Misti Larson, 3836  16th St. NW, Garrison, ND 58540

   The Calvary Church Christmas Program will be Sunday December 13 at 10:30am. The children will present the play, “JUST A LITTLE CHRISTMAS”. The teen skit is “A CROWDED CHRISTMAS EVE”. There will also be a variety of musical selections by the kids, the Calvary Men, and others. Everyone is invited!

 The Makoti American Legion Auxiliary is having a Christmas party on Monday, Dec 14 at 7:00pm at the Senior Center. All area ladies are invited to share games, treats and your favorite Christmas story. Bring a friend and celebrate this season.

   Upcoming Events:

    Dec. 11: 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Benefit spaghetti supper for Braden Larson on Friday, Dec. 11th from at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garrison

    Dec. 12: Santa Day in Ryder starting at 12:00 with benefit dinner to raise money to insulate food pantry room; 1:30 p.m. kids Christmas movie; 2:30 p.m. Santa arrives; 3:00 p.m. turkey drawing

   Dec. 13: 10:30 a.m. Calvary Church Christmas Program in Ryder

 

   Dec. 14: 7:00 p.m. Makoti American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Party at Makoti Senior Center

   Dec. 20: Benefit for Brian and Roxanne Smith at the Senior Center in Makoti starting at 3:30 p.m