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32 Comments

  1. Irene Anderson
    Posted November 23, 2008 at 2:42 pm | Permalink

    Just looked at the new website, it keeps getting better, just like the old town. Stay friendly!

  2. Joanne Harris
    Posted December 2, 2008 at 2:15 pm | Permalink

    It’s great to see the website up and running! One more feather in Rutland’s cap! It’s great to live in such a progressive small town!

  3. Earl Cramton
    Posted December 3, 2008 at 5:03 pm | Permalink

    Ya done good gang. Many thanks to Ms Gaule for creation of our website.

    Earl

  4. Jim Strand
    Posted December 4, 2008 at 11:04 am | Permalink

    How nice the new website looks. Nice spending a few days at Uff-da with all of you folks and glad that Rutland is thriving. Joan(my wife) and brother Tom and his wife Linda loved the exceptional accomadations from the Anderson’s chain of fine hotels and motels. The swimming pool was most fun. HA HA! Have a blessed Christmas season all of you and keep your Alberta clippers to yourselves.

  5. Karen
    Posted January 8, 2009 at 11:11 am | Permalink

    I know there are a few people who knew my parents that still live in the Rutland area so I wanted to post this in hopes you can pass the message along.
    Thank you for your time and consideration.
    Karen Moore

    Margaret Hart died Sunday, December 14, 2008 at the age of 80. Margaret Alice Seefeldt was born February 7, 1928 in White Rock, SD to Paul and Sena Seefeldt. She attended Fairmount High School in Fairmount, ND and attended college in Ellendale, ND, earning a teaching certificate. Margaret taught school in the Rutland, ND area where she met and married Everett Irvin Hart on June 15, 1947 in Fairmount, ND. They lived in Rutland until they moved to Aberdeen, SD in 1951. Margaret became an operating room technician at Dakota Midland Hospital in Aberdeen until her retirement in 1993. Everett & Margaret returned to Rutland annually to visit friends, attend events and care for the Hart family gravesites in Rutland. They have 3 children: James E. Hart, Paul R. Hart and Karen K. (Hart) Moore. Memorial service is scheduled for 2 pm, June 30, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Margaret will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen next to her husband of 42 years. Everett passed away in January 1990.

  6. John Sundlie
    Posted January 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    The Website committee did a great job of setting this site up. And Bill’s writing skills for the Rooster Crows – well, everyone knows how talented he is in that area. In addition, perhaps those of us who don’t live in Rutland can provide updates on what is going on in our lives. This thought came to mind when I read PJ Sundlie’s comments above.
    For me the highlight of 2008 was a trip to Norway with my sister Beverly and 4 cousins (Sharon Lee Butz, Sarah Lee Dobmeier, Dianna Preble Anderson and Harvey Preble). We attended the Mikkleborg Family Reunion in a small town north of Oslo. Petra Mikkleborg Sundlie was our grandmother. This is the first family reunion they have ever had and it came as a result of our Norwegian cousin, Ada’s attending a Sundlie reunion in Rutland. The relatives treated us so well and we noticed a family resemblance in many of them. We also trekked up to Trondhiem where the Sundlie’s are from. And some of us travelled to fjord country – Flam and Bergen. If you have a chance, visit Norway – it’s a beautiful country.

  7. Posted February 11, 2009 at 12:15 pm | Permalink

    My cousin lives in the Rutland area and since I´m visiting her next week I thought I would study up on it.
    Thanks for the info.

  8. Jimmy Sjothun
    Posted February 16, 2009 at 8:33 am | Permalink

    It just amazes me how such a small town can do so well in this day w/out Gov’t help. From my growing up there I only remember once that we asked for help, for permits to rebuild after the big fire in the 40’s

  9. James E. Hart
    Posted March 9, 2009 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    It’s so wonderful to see photos of Mom & Dad, when they were young and first in love, posted on your website. After returning from the war in 1946 Dad played first base for the Rutland baseball team and worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Mom was your school teacher and is pictured in your 1947 class photo. We moved to Aberdeen SD in 1951. I have very fond memories returning to Rutland several times as a young child to visit Aunt Betsy and Dad’s cousin Butch. I’ll always remember pheasant hunting with dad and sitting on a bar stool in the Lariat Bar and looking at all the cool wagon wheels, ropes, and lanterns on the walls. We’ll be back to lay Mom to rest this summer and visit Rutland once again.

    Regards,
    Jim

  10. KathleenBurke Dillon
    Posted March 26, 2009 at 8:07 pm | Permalink

    I am the daughter of Walter James Burke, who was from Rutland. He was born about 1900. My father and I spent part of a summer in Rutland in about 1954. Would anyone remember us?

  11. Jimmy Sjothun
    Posted March 27, 2009 at 2:54 pm | Permalink

    Miss Seefeldt was one of my H.S. teachers; have photo of her, Mrs Satrie & two other on the east side of the old sq. From inside it overlooked the playground. Sorry of her death, please give my regrets.

  12. James E. Hart
    Posted April 1, 2009 at 12:55 pm | Permalink

    For Jimmy Sjothun… thank you for your comments. Any chance of getting a copy of your photo of mother. Regards,
    Jim Hart

  13. Lowell C. Silseth
    Posted April 7, 2009 at 1:15 pm | Permalink

    Nice looking web sight good job done by Mr. Anderson keep it up as this is the only way we can get some of the news from Rutland, ND

    thanks Lowell Silseth
    Minot, ND 58703

  14. Karen
    Posted April 23, 2009 at 8:36 pm | Permalink

    For those of you who knew the Henson family of Rutland: Joan Brakke, 73, Grand Forks, died peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2008 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Joan was born October 27, 1934 to Ben and Betsey (Moe) Henson. She was raised and educated at Rutland, North Dakota. On June 19, 1953 she married Wayne Brakke. They lived in Biloxi, Mississippi and Arlington, Virginia while Wayne was in the Air Force. They later lived in Fargo and Forman, North Dakota before moving to Grand Forks in 1965. In 1983 they moved to their lake home near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. After Wayne’s death in 1995 Joan returned to Grand Forks in 1998. She is survived by her daughter, Becky (Bob) Knutson of Grand Forks ; two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother Charles, and a sister, Betty.

  15. nila carpenter
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 4:07 pm | Permalink

    I really enjoy reading your column, you are a talented writer. I love reading what and how you all get things done there. I used to visit quite oftten with Dode and Virg Hoistad when they lived there. We came for a few uff da days, and enjoyed it alot. Haven’t been there lately. I know Mavis Wold, she and I are in the same lodge at sons of Norway Keep up the good work

  16. Jimmy Sjothun
    Posted April 28, 2009 at 8:42 pm | Permalink

    This Betsy Hanson you speak of who was preceeded in death by her sister Betty, was this the Betty that I knew and was married to Clarence ( Butch ) Harff from Cayuga-Milnor area?

  17. Karen
    Posted May 2, 2009 at 5:52 pm | Permalink

    To Jimmy Sjothun: Yes, Betty Henson was married to Butch Harff. Betty & Joan (who died Sept. 2008) were my dad’s cousins. Betsey (Joan & Betty’s mom) was my dad’s aunt & my dad, Everett Hart, married Margaret Seefeldt, which I saw in an eariler posting, was your teacher. From what I have learned, Butch is in Forman. How did you know Betty?

  18. Justin Fenger
    Posted May 8, 2009 at 10:09 am | Permalink

    Moving into the area. It is wonderful to have a website to get introduced to the community and all the recent events that bring family/friends together. This is a great outreach tool

  19. Posted May 12, 2009 at 7:19 pm | Permalink

    Merlin Staehnke married Virginia Lee Sedler April 24th 1939 in Britton South Dakota, They are celebrating their 70th Anniversary…

    Merle was born at St. Anthony North Dakota in March of 1917, Virginia was born near Havana North Dakota in October of 1920. Both attended one room country schools, and later graduated from Havana high school… Merle in 1936 and Virginia in 1938.. They were high school sweethearts.. Merle and Virginia farmed near Havana ,also drove the school bus.. Virginia kept busy keeping house and with Merle raised three Children. Brian born at Fargo N.Dak. in 1942, Terry born at Britton S.Dak. in 1945 and Joclyn born at Moorhead Minnesota in 1950.

    Merle was drafted in the Army in 1943 and was soon sent over seas.. He landed in Normandy a few days after the initial invasion.. Merle was part of a machine gun crew.. he was wounded near Cherbourg France, for which he earned a Purple Heart .. Merle spent several months in the hospital, both in England and the U.S.

    On returning home to the Dakotas he and Virginia continued farming until 1953, they then moved to Oregon, after a couple months they settle in Tigard and have been there ever since. Merle worked in the retail lumber business and also for Fred Meyer From which he retired in 1980 at the age of 62….

    Merles hobbies were carpentry , building cabinets and furniture , which he was a master of and he was a rock collector also.. Virginia had many hobbies, also she worked in the school cafeteria and trained to be a nurse..

    Brian and Terry are carpenters in the Manzanita area, Brian is retired , Terry is still working, lives in Manzanita with his wife Shannon, they have two children, Ellie and Evelyn ..Joclyn is Married to Gary Wampler, they have three children, Molly , who is Married to Adrian Klein, they have a daughter ,Rowan. They are in the Photography business, Rosalie, Who helps her dad in the realty business. .and Sam who also works with Rosalie , He also is on his own in buying houses and improving them for resale…

    Gary and Joclyn have been in the realty trade for quiet sometime, Joclyn also has a retail business in Missoula Montana… Very busy people..

  20. Lowell Silseth
    Posted May 16, 2009 at 7:09 pm | Permalink

    Eugene Silseth who grew up in Rutland, ND, passed away May 15, 2009. Gene was the son of Theodore and Anna Hanson Silseth. He was born April 30, 1926. He was now residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gene had three brothers: Gordon and Lloyd, both deceased, and Lowell who lives in Minot, ND… funeral pending. Gene had 3 children, Bonnie, Patty (Don) Vis, Rick (Emily) all living in Milwaukee. He has grandchildren and some great grandhildren.

  21. Lowell Silseth
    Posted May 19, 2009 at 9:58 am | Permalink

    Silseth, Eugene F. “Gene” Found his peace Friday, May 15, 2009, at the age of 83. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernadine. Proud dad of Bonnie, Rick (Emily) and Patty (Don) Vis. Grandpa of Casey (Kim) and Cory (Susan) Silseth; Jacob, Garrett and Victoria Vis. Great grandpa of Parker Silseth. Brother of Lowell (Helen). Further survived by sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation at the Funeral Home Wednesday, May 20, 4-7 PM, with prayer service at 7 PM. Visitation also Thursday, May 21, at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, 8633 W. Becher St, West Allis, 9:30-10:30 AM, with funeral service to follow at 10:30. Entombment Forest Home Cemetery. Gene was a former employee of Eaton Corp. for 37 years, and also a proud member of the Sons of Norway, and VFW Post 9469. Condolences to: http://www.krausefuneralhome.com KRAUSE FUNERAL HOMES And Cremation Services 9000 W. Capitol Dr. (414)464-4640. Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 5/18/2009

  22. Jimmy Sjothun
    Posted May 20, 2009 at 6:37 am | Permalink

    To Lowell, I’m sorry for your lose of a family member. I don’t remember him but that don’t count. You and Lloyd I do. Have talked to Lloyd by phone a few times since the 1999 school reunion. Were Ted, Anton, & Rusts dad all bros? God be with you and your family

  23. Posted July 10, 2009 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

    Nice page thank you.

  24. James Donaldson
    Posted September 4, 2009 at 6:05 am | Permalink

    The website is very nice and professional. I was down in Rutland for Hal Nelsons Benefit it was a great turnout and compliments to everyone who put it on. See you at Uff Days.

  25. Janet Peterson
    Posted October 8, 2009 at 12:31 pm | Permalink

    My son, Kurt, and I greatly enjoyed Uffda Day! We participated as part of a trip to see family (Arden Anderson). Many thanks to all the Community Club members, residents and other helpers who graciously gave their time and hard work to make this such a wonderful event.
    Sincerely,
    Janet Peterson
    Davenport Iowa

  26. Dave Lee
    Posted November 16, 2009 at 10:27 pm | Permalink

    I’m impressed with your great website! I feel like I have paid a short visit to your town. More proof that small town America is alive and doing well. Please continue with your obvious pride in Rutland.

  27. Jimmy Sjothun
    Posted November 26, 2009 at 8:46 am | Permalink

    To all that have Rutland roots Happy Thanksgiving Day, and pray for our America please.

  28. Edwin Carlson
    Posted December 7, 2009 at 12:33 am | Permalink

    Very nice web site, I will be sure to check in on it more often now I found it.

    I like getting a bit of “Back Home” once in a while. Rutland is a great community and it grows more friendly by the year.

    Happy Holidays to all Back Home.

    God Bless you all.

    Ed “Backwater Eddy” Carlson

  29. Mary Hartlund
    Posted December 14, 2009 at 11:13 am | Permalink

    I stumbled on this website while googling information on lefse making. I was so excited to revisit Rutland!! I am formerly Mary Anderson, daughter of Pastor & Mrs. Roderick Anderson who served Nordland Lutheran in Rutland from 1964-1968. I remember much of Rutland in those 4 years and have so many times wanted to take a trip to visit there and to share my childhood memories with my children. I am sure some of those I remember still make Rutland their home and they may remember our family. My husband & I reside in Michigan and have three grown daughters – 31, 28, & 25. We also have a 2 year old granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. My parents are still alive and well in Eau Claire, WI and my younger three sisters, are in Colfax and Cameron, WI with their families. Time goes so quickly and it feels like just yesterday that we lived in Rutland. I remember many fun times and eating at the restaurant when Ralph & Lois Nelson owned it and shopping at Hilda Narum’s store and the Hermanson’s general store. For those who may remember me…my wishes for a Blessed Christmas season and I hope to make a trip to Rutland to recapture many memories in person! Sincerely, Mary (Anderson) Hartlund

  30. Irma Berg Chamberlai
    Posted January 2, 2010 at 11:40 am | Permalink

    Long delayed, but had to give you much deserved credit for hosting the school reunion in July and the wonderful UffDa day celebration in Oct.
    My 7 Norwegian relatives cannot stop talking about the great time they had, and that goes for me and my family too! Good job!!

  31. Judie Anderson
    Posted January 24, 2010 at 11:58 am | Permalink

    Hi to Mary Hartlund. I did a lot of babysitting at your house. I think you and my brother Jeff were classmates. Would love to get in touch. Funny how I have been thinking of you and your family lately.

  32. Mary Hartlund
    Posted January 25, 2010 at 1:14 pm | Permalink

    Hi Judie,
    So nice to hear from you! Yes, you did do alot of baby-sitting at our house and yes, Jeff & I are the same age. Is he still in the Rutland area? I would like to get in touch with you as well. My e-mail is MaryHtld@aol.com if you get a chance to drop a note. I will look forward to hearing from you.

    Mary (Anderson) Hartlund

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