Ryder News Oct. 27, 2016

Ryder News for Oct. 27, 2016

I love to get “fan” mail and here are some of the latest ones: “Sue, I just wanted to send you a thank you for all your hard work for the Ryder News. When I look at the other columns, YOUR IS THE BEST! It's more personal, pertinent and it keeps the Ryder Family that is scattered all over in touch with what's going on here. I know the older generation that do not have computers for FB, appreciate getting the paper and hearing the news! Thanks again, PJ”

“Thanks for continuing yet another community need.  Your column is the first thing many of us read in the paper.”

As much as I love and appreciate fan mail, I would love and appreciate your news as well. Remember...no news...no column.

The Flying Farmer (John Smith) of Plaza, ND will jump again. It has been 13 years since his last jump! This time he will attempt to jump over a burning trailer house, a 200 foot jump on Oct. 30, 2016. Directions to jump: From the Makoti C Store go 2 miles west on Highway 23, 1 ¾ miles north, any reactions or questions you may call John at 701-497-3324.

Don’t forget to get your flu shot...Nov. 2nd from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Ryder Senior Citizen’s Center. Bring your Medicare card and Insurance cards if you have them.

Adult Health Services and Foot Care Clinic available at the Senior Center in Ryder.  Please call 463-2641 to schedule an appointment.

Lilas Mae Guttormson

Lilas Mae Guttormson, Minot and formerly of rural Ryder died on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in a Minot healthcare center. Lilas was born on July 29, 1929 on the family farm near Des Lacs to Otis and Tena (Prescott) Wasvick. She married Clarence Guttormson on October 20th, 1948. Lilas is survived by daughters: Karen (Chris) Kelly of Minot, Kristi Burgess of Minot; sons: Larry (Marlene) Guttormson of Minot; Roger (Deb) Guttormson of Minot; David (Barbara) Guttormson of Tioga; and Mark (Penny) Guttormson of Florida; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Celebration of the Life of Lilas Guttormson was Thursday, October 20, 2016 in Minot First Assembly of God. Interment was in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Lilas.

Darlene Morse of Minot, ND, formerly of Makoti, ND passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19th in a Minot hospital. She was the daughter of Joseph and Pearl Nush. She is survived by her husband, Rodney; son, Timothy; daughter, Susan; 6 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren. Her funeral was Oct. 24th at Zion Lutheran Church of Minot with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens of Minot. Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Darlene.

After his dialysis on Thursday, Kenny Bradley picked up Johnny McGrath and brought him out to Ryder. Johnny stayed with us until Saturday morning when he went back to Minot with Kenny who was on his way to dialysis. He said he had the best time and that I am the best cook! I think he likes to exaggerate just a little.

The Ladies Legion Auxiliary of Makoti are not able to put on the Halloween party any longer as some are out of state, in nursing homes, in Minot and some just plain physically unable so Liz Huus of the Makoti Development Corporation has organized some people to help and they are going to have the party as usual. The Auxiliary will help where they can. They are very grateful to her for continuing a many years’ long tradition of giving our local kids a fun safe place to have a fun party. They would like all the people who have given prizes and food and helped in the past to know that it was all very much appreciated.

The Halloween party at the Makoti American Legion Hall will be on Monday, October 31st at 6:00 to 7:30 PM.  All young people through 6th grade are welcome. Relatives and friends are invited to come enjoy the fun. There will be games, prizes, food, a cake walk, and a contest to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin.

Donations to the cake walk can be dropped off at the hall on the night of the party or call Wanda at 726-5737 and we will pick up your items. Thank you for your help. This is always one of the kids' favorite parts of the party.

LeRoy and Sandra Peterson, Dave Peterson, Carolyn Munns and Deanna Reikow were in Williston Oct. 7th for the wedding of Jacob Morris and C‘Anna Holmes. Jacob is the son of Ron and Bernell Morris. On the way home they went thru Trenton and Fairview, MT to see all the oil wells. It is quite a sight to see. Most pads had 8-14 wells. Then on Thursday Sandra and Deanna went to Baton Rouge, LA for the wedding of Justin Morris and Cydnye Wilson. Justin is the son of Steve and Marge Morris. The wedding was Friday and the reception Saturday at a LSU campus tailgate party. 50,000 people in one spot gets to be overwhelming. Many of the Gurholts were also there and everyone had a great time. Sandy says, “Two beautiful weddings in one week!”

Bob and Doris Landon with Daniel Starks' Concert at Trinity Nursing Home

Daniel Starks recently performed a concert at Trinity Nursing Home in Minot. He accompanied himself with the guitar and sang gospel music and songs from the eras of the 40’s, 50’s and the 60’s. Many of the residents sang and whistled along with the familiar tunes. Daniel was very happy to get a picture taken with longtime Ryder couple, Bob and Doris Landon.

George and Robert Officer standing in front of buffet from the Blaine and Petra Officer home.

The museum had interesting visitors last week. Robert and Debbie Officer drove up from the MPLS area to meet George Officer.  Robert and George’s grandfathers were brothers. George’s grandfather was I.E. Officer (Irvin) while Robert’s was L. Spencer Officer (Lloyd). That is the Spencer Officer that helped move several buildings from Old Ryder to New Ryder; one being the Anchor Hotel. Other businesses he was involved with were a dray line, the Standard Gas Station in Ryder and the Queen Telephone Co. of Ryder. He married Velma Long who had homesteaded in the Roseglen area. You can read more of the history on page 141 in the Golden Jubilee book. Spencer is buried in the Ryder Rosehill Cemetery. Robert had been wanting to see Ryder and where his grandfather had close ties.  He brought a family outline and history with him to donate to the museum’s records.

The buffet they are standing in front of (see photo) came out of the Blaine and Petra Officer home in Ryder. George told a story of how his mom had lost her ring one day and made them all search for a long time. Here she had placed it in one of the glasses on this buffet.

Kathy Torvick and Sharon Franklin visiting at Senior Center in Ryder.

Jerry and Sharon Franklin came to Ryder for breakfast at the Senior Center one day last week and met with Muriel and Ron Peterson and Faye and Bud Karna. They brought along some friends from WA that had stopped to visit the Franklins as they traveled to AZ.  Sharon and Kathy have been friends for 50 plus years. They met in Renton, WA when the Franklins moved there when Jerry got a job with Boeing. They were next-door neighbors and a wonderful, lasting friendship was formed with these two ladies that you see in this picture. They will see one another in AZ this winter.

Upcoming Events:

Ward County Bookmobile Schedule:

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month near the City Park from 12:00 - 12:30

Oct. 26: Medicare Part D Enrollment Event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sleep Inn & Suites, 2400 10th St. SW, Minot, ND.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Hope Lutheran Church of Makoti at 9 a.m.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Roseglen at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 30: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 30: The Flying Farmer jumps again. 3 p.m. Any questions call John at 701-497-3324. 

Nov. 2: Flu Shot at Ryder Senior Center from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Nov. 2: Adult Health Services and Foot Care Clinic at Ryder Senior Center. Please call 463-2641 for appointment.

Nov. 6: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 9 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12: Fall Bazaar 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also the annual turkey drawing, all to take place at the Ryder Community Center/Gym.

Nov. 13: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 10: Santa Day and Turkey Drawing. More info later.

That’s it for this week. Send me your news items so we can keep this column going. Remember...no news...no column!

Ryder News Oct. 20, 2016

Ryder News for Oct. 20, 2016

David Kimball, Annual Pig Roast Chef.

Visiting with friends at the Annual Pig Roast in Ryder Community Club/Gym.

If you didn’t get to the 2nd annual Pig Roast this last Saturday, you missed out on good food, good music, visiting with friends and fantastic raffle prizes. Some of the raffle prizes were gift certificates to Homesteaders, Marketplace Foods, Cenex, and Badlands. Muriel Peterson, Staci McGrath, Sharon Franklin and Kathy Kallestad were some of the lucky winners. Unfortunately I wasn’t one of the lucky ones!

Kathy (Kronbach) Kallestad of Garrison spent the weekend in Minot at her daughter Jenny (Blowers) Brossart's home. Jenny and her daughter Kylie, Kathy's daughter Cindy (Olson) Oberdick and her children Henry and Lucy came out to Ryder on Friday night for bingo at the school gym, then Kathy rode back to Minot with them. Kathy enjoyed the weekend immensely hanging out with her daughters and grandkids. Kathy's husband Rod met Jenny at South Prairie on Sunday evening to get Kathy back home to Garrison.

John and Shirley Brandvold are celebrating their 60th anniversary on Thursday, October 20, 2016. They are having a Card Shower and if you want to shower them with good wishes, send a card to: John and Shirley Brandvold, 1239 34th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701.

I read on Facebook that the Flying Farmer (John Smith) of Plaza, ND will jump again. It has been 13 years since his last jump! This time he will try to jump over a burning trailer house, a 200 foot jump attempt on Oct. 30, 2016. Any reactions or questions you may call John at 701-497-3324.

I received this from Kathy Kallestad in conjunction with the Ryder News the last two weeks regarding the articles from Gus Mueller's post on his Facebook page, "Gus's Things and Stuff" about the old Ryder Immanuel (German) Lutheran Church building that is now gone.  Kathy said that after her brother Keith Kronbach passed away in June of this year, there were a few people after reading Keith's obituary, that didn't know that Keith and Kathy had a sister named Vickie.  Vickie was only a month old when she passed away in July of 1953 of meningococcemia. Kathy and her Aunt Marilyn (Kronbach) Kletzien who lives in Lake Wales, Florida, were texting on September 16th about the Immanuel Lutheran Church building after it had been in the Ryder News. Marilyn’s text, "I think your sister, Vickie's funeral was the only funeral held in that little church. When any of our members died, their funerals were held at St. John's Lutheran due to size. Your Grandpa Kronbach (William) even put on a suit and attended it! He was heartbroken as we all were. I guess I will never forget that! It was the summer prior to 8th grade. Your mom and I were alone in the house with little Vickie, a beautiful baby with dark curly hair.  She had been crying, all night. Your mom, dad, and Vickie had just gotten home as they had taken her to the doctor in Parshall, I think because it was closer than to Doc Hurley in Minot who had delivered her just a month prior. It was afternoon by this time. I was holding Vickie and noticed she was breaking out in purpura (purple hemorrhagic spots). I learned that later in nursing school. At that time, we thought it was a reaction to the penicillin shot that the doctor had given her. Back then, penicillin was pretty new and supposed to be the cure-all for everything. I was holding Vickie  and I felt her just go limp. I called to your mom, ‘Marie, I think Vickie's gone!’ Your poor mom. She was devastated. I ran up to the John Deere Implement to get your dad. I don't know how I knew he was there. The guys were out in the fields working and I think he had a machinery breakdown. To be continued if you want to hear more." Kathy is grateful for her Aunt Marilyn sharing this with her, as it's more than she remembers knowing, except for the fact that her sister had meningococcemia and Kathy is waiting on the continuation of the story. 

Ricky, Roxanne and Ray (Sonny) Olson at Shirley and Sonny's 50th wedding anniversary.

 

Upcoming Events:

Ward County Bookmobile Schedule:

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month near the City Park from 12:00 - 12:30

Oct. 23: Worship Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Roseglen at 9 a.m.

Oct. 23: Worship Services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Makoti at 10:30 with communion.

Oct. 23: Worship Services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 26: Medicare Part D Enrollment Event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sleep Inn & Suites, 2400 10th St. SW, Minot, ND.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Hope Lutheran Church of Makoti at 9 a.m.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Roseglen at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 9 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12: Fall Bazaar 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also the annual turkey drawing, all to take place at the Ryder Community Center/Gym.

Nov. 13: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 10: Santa Day and Turkey Drawing. More info later.

That’s it for this week. Send me your news items so we can keep this column going. Remember...no news...no column!

Ryder News Oct. 13, 2016

Ryder News for Oct. 13, 2016

I have to send out a special “Hi” to one of my favorite fans… “Hi there Olive Boots!”

Don’t forget the 2nd Annual Pig Roast (Oink Fest) on Oct. 15th in the Ryder Community Club/Gym starting at 6 p.m. This popular event is hosted by the Ryder Senior Center.. There will be a DJ with music for your entertainment. It is kid friendly and open to all. They will be serving sides, beverages, and of course pig! You can contact Dave Kimball at 578-5877 if you have any questions.

I have another posting by Gus Mueller…

Last Class Confirmation of Old Ryder Immanuel Lutheran Church. Back Row: L to R: Gus Mueller, Lee Sorenson, Lory Hove, Pastor Mundinger

Front row: L to R: Khylene Mueller, Connie Hoffer, Evelyn Mock,  Eloise Dustin.

THE LAST CLASS

Regarding my posting  last week about the Ryder Immanuel Lutheran Church, this is where I was confirmed in 1961. I think my class was probably the last. Shown in the photo are: Me, Lee Sorenson, Lory Hove, and Pastor Mundinger (not a warm and fuzzy guy; gave us a tough time on bible verses), Khylene Mueller, Connie Hoffer, Evelyn Mock and Eloise Dustin.

Kenny and I went to the funeral of Judi Bradley formerly of the Rice Lake area but was residing in an assisted living center in Minot at the time of her death. Judi was born Oct. 18, 1944 and passed away Oct. 3, 2016. Her funeral was Oct. 7, at the Thompson Larson Funeral Home Chapel in Minot. Her son-in-law, Rev. Byron Lindbo officiated at the service. Judi is survived by son, Tim Bradley; daughter, Sheila Lindbo; and 5 grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, Erling and Anna Weltikol;  husband, Alvie; brother, Duane Weltikol; and sister Evonne Tvedt.

Don and Karen Bradley, Jim and Doris Ann Zieman and Ken and Sue Bradley joined Lorraine Nelson at her Minot apartment for lunch and visiting after Judi Bradley’s funeral.

Sec. of Defense Ash Carter visiting MAFB. 1st (front) airman TSgt. John McGrath

On Monday, Sept. 26th, the Sec. of Defense Ash Carter visited Minot Air Force Base. Our son-in-law TSgt. John McGrath was one of the airmen who greeted him and took him on a tour of the base.

Lorraine Forsman, Ella Kolden, Sandra Rue,  Tom and Lori Diffley  with their son Douglas drove to Wishek, ND on Oct. 1st for Lorraine’s granddaughter Jessica Forsman and Dana Welder”s wedding. Jessica is Russell Forsman’s daughter. Lorraine’s sister Joyce, dog sat for Lorraine so she didn’t have to take the dog along to the wedding.

Rod and Kathy Kallestad with their new troll friend at Norsk Hostfest

Rod and Kathy Kallestad of Garrison, Karen Olson of Douglas, and Cindy, Lucy, and Henry Oberdick of Minot enjoyed the day at the 2016 Norsk Hostfest in Minot on Thursday, September 29th.  Rod, Kathy and Karen attended the Neil Sedaka performance and it was truly sensational!

Rod and Kathy also attended the 2016 Makoti Threshing Bee both days this last weekend, October 1st and 2nd.  Daughters Jenny (Blowers) Brossart and Cindy (Olson) Oberdick of Minot along with grandkids Henry and Lucy joined them and enjoyed the day.

“See You at the Pole” is a student-led prayer event that is held yearly the end of September around the flagpole before classes begin. This year “See You at the Pole” prayer was held at three locations. It was led by Remington Bigelow at Max Public School and by London Schick at Lewis and Clark, North Shore in Plaza. The Homeschoolers met at the Ryder Memorial Wall and were led by Daniel Starks. There was a great turnout with a total of thirty-seven for this year’s “See You at the Pole” gatherings which included students, teachers, and parents! We are proud of our students for getting up early to pray for their school and teachers, the nation and its leaders, and for their friends and family!”

Wayne and Carol Jean Hansen traveled from Minot to Culbertson and Froid, Montana over the weekend to attend the Oct. 1 wedding of grandson, Brett Rockeman (son of Annette and Mark).  Wayne and Carol Jean were missing only a few of the grandkids. They enjoyed visiting with many family members. Wayne and Carol Jean live at Edgewood Vista in Minot..

Ryder mini reunion at Makoti Threshing Show. L-R: Ronnie Peterson, Jeff Haugen, Dan Haugen (sons of Rodger Haugen), Dale Haugen, Dwight Paulson, Muriel Peterson and Rodger Haugen.

There was a “Ryder mini-reunion” during the Makoti Threshing Show with

Ronnie Peterson, Jeff Haugen, Dan Haugen (sons of Rodger Haugen), Dale Haugen, Dwight Paulson, Muriel Peterson and Rodger Haugen. Dale, Rodger and sons were camped behind Cheryl Dobrinski Stein’s trailer, so they spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon reminiscing.

Bill Liffrig (a former Ryder resident) had the misfortune of falling in his home and breaking a hip. He had surgery and is now recuperating in a rehabilitation center. When he is able to walk they will return to Arizona for the winter. If you would like to send him a card, his home address is: Bill Liffrig, 17928 Oxford Dr., Arlington, WA, 98223-4625.

Dwight Paulson from Madison, WI spent a couple of days at the Ron Peterson home. He was here to attend the Makoti Threshing Show. Sunday, he, as well as Rodger and Dan Haugen from Devils Lake joined the Petersons at their home for supper.

Maureen Hagen says she thoroughly appreciates the Old Ryder Jaycees putting on a Fundraising Event for her and she wants to thank everyone who attended.

Recent visitors at Jody and Peggy Reinischs were cousins, Greg and Ann Hoff of Glendive, MT, Chris Hoffs family from Billings, MT and Jarred Hoffs family from Jamestown, ND.

Alex and Kelsey DesRoches came and attended the Makoti Threshing Show with the Reinischs – This was a first time for Alex!  They met up with Jay and Dana Harstad of Plaza with Grandchildren, Otto and Nora.  What great weather for the Threshing Show this year.

Bud and Faye Karna stopped to visit Olive Boots when in Minot last week. She mentioned she loved reading the Ryder News in the paper and that Sue better never quit! She and Bud talked alot about her brothers as Bud knew them both. The older brother, Dale, worked for Bud's dad some on the farm. One year when it was near Halloween time, Dale, took a long rope used at the barn and tied it around the Karna home at night. No one could get out in the morning until Dene, Bud's brother, climbed through a window. This was just one of the many stories Olive and Bud had laughs about.

Does anyone reading this remember the years that Dan and Pat Smith taught in Ryder? The museum needs this information to file some articles handed into the museum. Please let Sue know if you do.

Many people connected to Ryder were mentioned in this paper last week. We are sorry to hear that Gorlyn Wohlk is dealing with cancer but surely glad that he got help from Farm Rescue to get his harvest completed.

Seth Larson, son of Lynell and Gaylen, was mentioned in the People section. He was recognized for being an active volunteer instructor for the ND Game and Fish. Thanks, Seth, for giving your time to this good program.

Two of Jamie and Nikki Johansen's children who attend school in Max were mentioned and pictured under the Max FFA news. Alyssa and Morgan received awards in different areas. Plus, three of the Max Officer team are from the Makoti-Ryder areas. They are Remington Bigelow, Alyssa Johansen and Braden Janz. Congrats, kids, on your great work. You make your families and communities proud.

Marie and Shawn Olson visiting Ryder

Many of you remember the Fritz and Lola Olson family that used to live along the railroad tracks just east of Ryder. Their youngest son, Shawn, and his wife, Marie, visited Bud and Faye Karna in Sept. Faye was a cousin to Fritz. He and Lola are both deceased. Their other children were two boys named Blaine and Brian and two girls named Stacy and Vynetta. Blaine and Brian both live in the MPLS area, Stacy lives in OR and Vynetta is in Fergus Falls, MN where she is a registered nurse.

Marie, Shawn's wife, is also a registered nurse who works with cancer patients. Shawn had not been back to Ryder since leaving so found it fun to visit his old community. He went where their home use to stand before it burned; and he found his old bike! Fun! He loved showing Marie the different crops grown in ND and taking her fishing at Hiddenwood Lake.

Upcoming Events:

Ward County Bookmobile Schedule:

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month near the City Park from 12:00 - 12:30

Oct. 15: Senior Citizen’s Annual Pig Roast at Ryder Community Center/Gym starting at 6 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Oct. 16: Worship Services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Makoti at 9 a.m.

Oct. 16: Worship Services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 10:30 with communion.

Oct. 16: Worship Services at Calvary Church of Ryder at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 23: Worship Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Roseglen at 9 a.m.

Oct. 23: Worship Services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Makoti at 10:30 with communion.

Oct. 23: Worship Services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Hope Lutheran Church of Makoti at 9 a.m.

Oct. 30: Worship Services at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Roseglen at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 9 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12: Fall Bazaar 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also the annual turkey drawing, all to take place at the Ryder Community Center/Gym.

Nov. 13: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 10: Santa Day and Turkey Drawing. More info later.

That’s it for this week. Send me your news items so we can keep this column going. Remember...no news...no column!

Ryder News Oct. 6, 2016

Ryder News for Oct. 6, 2016

Don’t forget...Bingo at the Ryder Community Club/Gym at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7th, and now on to the very important news!!

There sure were a lot of things going on in Ryder, Makoti and the surrounding areas this week and weekend with the Makoti Threshing Show and of course the Hostfest. I have pictures from both events so enjoy.

Makoti Threshing Show Tractor Trek in Ryder for coffee and rolls before heading back to Makoti.

Participants in the Makoti Threshing Show Tractor Trek.

I didn’t get a chance to take pictures of the annual Makoti Thresher’s Tractor Trek from Makoti to Ryder and back again on Friday. I had a chemo treatment that day, but Faye Karna did take some and has allowed me to share with you. There were 15 tractors the Trek this year. When they arrived at Ryder, they were treated to coffee and rolls at the Ryder Museums before heading back to Makoti.

David Janz at the Norsk Hostfest in Minot with his new troll friend.

David Janz, the brother of Ruth Wurtz, had an enjoyable time at the Hostfest sampling the food and checking out the displays! He even made a new friend (see photo).

Evelyth Wohlk with Daniel O’Donnell at the Norsk Hostfest in Minot.

Evelyth Wohlk was another one who enjoyed herself at the Hostfest and she even got to meet Daniel O’Donnell and have her picture taken with him.

Gerald (Jack) Erb passed away Sept. 25th at the U of MA hospital in Worcester, MA after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Betty, of 63 years as well as two sons and five grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Betty Erb at P. O.  Box 239 in Dalton, MA 01226. Jack grew up in Ryder, born in 1932, son of Clayton and Laura Erb. He has three remaining siblings: Olive Boots, Shirley Schieve and Sheryl Tolson. Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Myron Lahti’s older son Doug passed away and his services were on Sept. 15th. He is buried in Ryder’s Rosehill Cemetery. Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Marjorie Berdell Lewis passed away on Sept. 26, 2016. She was born on November 28, 1933 on a farm near Ryder, ND to Benjamin and Elsie (Mueller) Lewis. She had been a resident of Minot Health and Rehab since October 1, 2001. Marjorie is survived by several cousins and her friend Jean Krumwiede. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister: Dorothy Higgins. Her funeral service was at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot with burial at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot, ND. Our sympathy goes out to her family and friends.

I have a little more info on the above article (courtesy of Gus Mueller) which is rather interesting: Marjorie Lewis's mother was Elsie Mueller, sister of Herman Mueller, who married Bernice Brandt, who was a sister of Albert Brandt, who married Minnie Lewis, who was a sister of Bennie Lewis, who was Marjorie's dad (and you thought it was difficult to keep track of the Kardashions!)

The Makoti Senior Center will serve a catered roast pork supper on Wednesday, October 12th at 6 p.m.  No potluck is needed and all area seniors are welcome.

Next is an article that Gus Mueller has posted on his Facebook page, “Gus’s Things and Stuff”. It was so entertaining that I had to “borrow” it.

Old Ryder Immanuel (German) Lutheran Church building

OUT OF THE ASHES
If you’ve been following Sue’s Ryder News, and frankly, who doesn’t, you’ve seen mention of the old Ryder Immanuel (German) Lutheran Church building, which recently was purposely burned to the ground. From Sue’s report, it sounds like the building had quite the history, dating way back to “Old Ryder.” I’m not a religious kind of guy, but I do have a special interest in this church (the people, not the building), starting with the fact that in 1917, two of the seven founders of the church were my grandparents—Herman Mueller and Carl Brandt. I suspect that it was at one of those first church services where my dad, Herman Jr., first spied the cute little Bernice Brandt, who he later married. While I don’t see precise documentation, it seems that the building was acquired from the Ryder school about the time that the church was founded—it was in 1917 when the north addition was added to the school, so it makes sense that the little building was no longer needed as an extra classroom. The Immanuel Lutheran parish continued until 1966, so we have roughly a 50 year history.
The picture I posted is from 1937. I would guess the reason it was taken was to catch my brother Don Mueller “in-the-act.” There was not a bathroom in the church!
The building is gone, but the stories remain. In no particular order, here are my top ten:
1. The church didn’t have pews, just wooden chairs nailed together to make a row. Total seating was about 40 people (not that overcrowding was ever an issue). The floor was wood, pine I think, painted a brownish-orange color like the chairs. Attendance was a loyal 15-20 people. I recall one cold winter Sunday when it was only 8—7 Muellers and Konnie Kronback.
2. The heat for the church came from a small oil stove in the back corner. We lived in town for a few months each winter, so it was my dad’s job to go to the church an hour before service each Sunday and get the stove started. I do remember one especially cold windy Sunday, that for some reason the fire didn’t keep going, and we all sat through service wearing our coats, stocking caps and mittens.
3. There was an interesting protocol for seating in the church. The men sat on the right of the center aisle, and the woman and children on the left. It was a big day (as a male child) when you moved from the left to the right side. I vividly recall the day when Phyllis Mueller (always a maverick) and all four kids decided to sit with my brother Don on the right side. Whew! That caused a stir for months! In case you’re wondering why the men were on the right, that’s where the blower from the oil stove was focused. Paul Bluhm had the best seat, directly in front of the blower. Oh yes, you always sat in the same spot.
4. Regarding the hymns for the service, the church attendees were creatures of habit, and became very disturbed when a new preacher selected a hymn that they didn’t know. The preacher got some words from the elders after church, and learned quickly. Rather than 400, the hymnal really only needed about 20 songs, with a few extra for Christmas thrown in.
5. Communion was the last Sunday of each month. The communion ware was silver (as in real silver), and my mom was the caretaker. The pitcher, tray and goblet got polished at our kitchen table every Saturday evening before communion.
6. My dad was the caretaker of the communion wine, which was Mogen David’s finest—interesting that a group of North Dakota Lutherans drank Jewish wine, but there probably weren’t many choices in those days. So anyway, there always were a few bottles sitting around our house. Now like most teenagers, I was known to sneak booze from most any bottle I could find, but I never dared take any of the communion Mogen David. I just had this sense that a lightning bolt might come down from the sky if I did.
7. There were several baptisms at the church over the years, and I was involved in a couple (besides my own), but I don’t remember anyone ever getting married there. Or, a funeral for that matter. Could be it was too small for such events.
8. Our routine on the way home from church was the same every Sunday. Stopping at Butch’s drug store and buying the Sunday Minot Daily (which of course contained the “funny papers”) and a pint of Bridgeman vanilla ice cream (my dad would not eat any flavor other than vanilla) for Sunday dinner, which was at noon in those days.
9. My mom and dad always had the same after-church conversation in the car on the drive back to our farm. They would first identify who had not attended, and then go family-by-family speculating why they weren’t there? Sick? On vacation? Out of town guests? While the Don Mueller family attended pretty regularly, they did miss now and then. No speculation there. The very late Saturday night parties at the Mueller residence were legendary.
10. My parents were very religious, and we never, never missed church. It didn’t even occur to me to suggest that I stay home. Did those 18 years of regular church services make me a better person? Hard to say, but I’m quite sure it didn’t do any harm. And yes, I eventually did get to sit on the right side of the center aisle!

Upcoming Events:

Ward County Bookmobile Schedule:
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month near the City Park from 12:00 - 12:30

Oct. 7: Bingo at 7 p.m. at Ryder Community Center/Gym. If you purchase a Community Club membership that night, you will receive a free $5 bingo card to use that evening.

Oct. 9:  Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 9 a.m.; Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 10: Kenny Bradley’s birthday!!

Oct. 11: Community Club meeting at 7 p.m. at Ryder Community Center/Gym

Oct. 15: Senior Citizen’s Annual Pig Roast at Ryder Community Center/Gym starting at 6 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Oct. 16: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 23: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.


Nov. 6: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 9 a.m.

Nov. 6: Worship services at Ryder’s Calvary Church at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12: Fall Bazaar 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also the annual turkey drawing, all to take place at the Ryder Community Center/Gym.

Nov. 13: Worship services at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ryder at 10:30 a.m.


Dec. 10: Santa Day and Turkey Drawing. More info later.

That’s it for this week. Send me your news items so we can keep this column going. Remember...no news...no column!