Chuck Repnow/PCT Back row from left to right: Curtis Loucks, Wanda Neilsen, Marge Reamer, Loraine Ohm, Irene Hager and Lynn Carlson. Front row from left to right: Carolyn Danielson, Dorothy Miller, Evie Piper and Madeline Solem.

How does one live to be over 90? The answer was very clear as 10 members of the Rugby Senior Citizens were honored on Tuesday, October 30, for living beyond 90 years.

Each honored guest was asked to introduce themselves, and as they did, one factor was present in all of their comments. They each expressed how very blessed they felt to live in Rugby, North Dakota and to be part of a community that has made them feel uplifted and welcome.

Lynn Carlson, 92, told of his early days of being raised on the farm near Wolford. He now enjoys Rugby and appreciates all it has to offer.

Irene (Haugen) Hager, 91, and her late husband, Frank, moved to Rugby in 1961. They considered themselves Towner folks, but it didn’t take long until Rugby was their new home. Irene enjoyed many years of teaching in Rugby. She continues to be independent and still volunteers at the hospital from time to time. She expressed “this is a good, good place.”

Loraine (Jelsing) Ohm, 91, has been a lifelong resident of Rugby and shared how she enjoyed working in the Coast to Coast Hardware Store, McGuire’s Caf, and the Rugby Greenhouse. She felt blessed that her classmate, Dorothy Miller, could also share this experience. Rugby is “family” to Loraine.

Dorothy (Cline) Miller, 92, was involved with fashion sales in Rugby for many years. She worked at Cora’s Dress shop, and for 27 years for Myhre’s Fashions. Main Street has always been one of her favorite places in Rugby. She can recall with ease the hustle and bustle of the former Saturday nights, when the streets were full of eager shoppers. She said “this has always been home to me.”

Evie (Schuman) Piper, 95, looking sharp in her deep violet pant suit, reflected when she and her late husband, Harvey, had to leave the farm because of health reasons, Rugby was their first choice. She still feels they made the right choice, because Rugby has been “particularly welcoming.” She mentioned her early years were spent teaching and working on the farm.

Marjorie “Marge” Reamer, 91, hails from Omemee where she and her late husband, Wallace, farmed. She has lived as far south as Arizona. When the time came for her to “settle in one place to please my children,” Rugby was her choice. She resides at the Haaland Manor, where she enjoys playing cards and the many friendships she has there. Her second home is the Senior Center!

Carolyn (Reamer) Danielson, 94, formerly of Willow City, mentioned that she had worked for many years as a registered nurse. Her time currently in Rugby is simply very good because Rugby provides an easy pulse, and she enjoys the company of other seniors as well.

Wanda (Marshall) Nielsen, 91, met her husband, Milton, when they were both students at Iowa State University. They were married, Milt went to serve in World War II, and Wanda came to Rugby. It has been home ever since. When Milt returned to Rugby, they operated the Rugby Creamery and raised their family here. She expressed that she has traveled many places, but she is always ready to return home to Rugby because this is a good town.

Curtis Loucks, 92, said that his work as a conservationist for the U.S, Soil Conservation Service brought him to Rugby in 1957. He and his wife, Joyce, enjoyed raising their children here. Loucks has also been an active outdoorsman enjoying the fine fishing and hunting available around the Rugby area. He also can claim to have ridden more streets in Rugby on bicycle than any other senior present at the party.

Madeline (Streifel) Solem, 90, dressed in a sharp shade of Panther orange, has traveled far from Rugby, living in Hawaii and Germany while her husband, Belford, served in the military. Her heart strings have always been tied to the community that she feels is warm and bright-that is the Geographical Center of North America. Her words convey that Rugby has spectacularly set the standard of comfort for seniors.

Mary Jelsing and Myrna Muffenbier presented a short program which included the reading of the poem entitled, “What is Prettier than Freckles?” Pastor Mike Pretzer, gave devotions which focused on a lifetime of gratitude. He concluded by reading a poem entitled “Bits and Pieces.” A musical selection was sung by Alecia Pretzer, “God’s Wonderful People.” Christine Halvorson accompanied her on the piano. The final touch brought forth dessert, coffee, and fellowship at tables embellished in fall tones. All present were richer, realizing a combination of 919 years of living had revealed that being content where you live can be one of life’s greatest treasures.