Our Thoughts and Heartfelt Sympathy goes to family and friends of these wonderful folks that are Missing from the Campfire.

Virgil Kramlich, 63, Medina, North Dakota passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008, due to health problems. He and his wife Phyllis, had retired in February from a very successful business, located in Medina, ND, including meat sales, bakery, and greenhouse. Having customers from all over the state and out of state. They made many good friends during their time in business, and on the wagon train also.

Virgil's wife Phyllis, served as the wagon train's "Head Cook" back in the 90's for a few years, and Virgil served along with her as "Assistant Cook". Many past wagon train participants appreciated the planning and hard work put into their hearty meals. Our Sincere Sympathy to Phyllis his wife, his family, and their many friends who will miss him.

Howard Wolf, Ypsilanti, ND, passed away at age 67, Thursday, January 24, 2008 at his home. He was going to leave that same day to head out to the Denver Livestock Show to compete with his Champion team of dapple grey Percherons in the Draft Horse Pulling Completion, but didn't wake up from his sleep. Funeral Monday, Jan. 28th, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Jamestown, ND.

Howard and his wife Carolgene had served in the late 70's and 80's on the Fort Seward, Inc. board, their combined efforts to help keep the wagon wheels rolling were very appreciated. Howard also was one of our wagon train Teamsters for several wagon trains, he was a good and caring horsemen. Our Sympathy to Howard's wife, his family, and all those who will miss him.

Michael (Mike) J. Mashek, Wyndmere, ND, passed away at age 46, Friday, February 3, 2006 at his home. The funeral mass was held on Monday, Feb. 6th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Wyndmere, ND. Mike had been one of our wagon train Teamsters for several years and loved the wagon train, as many of us do. Our Sympathy to all those who will miss Mike.

Barbara Miller, passed away in Sept. 2003. Barbara and her husband Gordon have been participants of the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train for at least three of our treks. Our Sympathy to all those who loved and will miss this fine "modern pioneer" lady.

David Young, passed away in May. 2003, due to ill health. David served on the Fort Seward, Inc. board for several years in the 70's, also serving two years as President. His dedication and hard work during Fort Seward, Inc. early years, helped the wagon train off to a good start. David's mother, Mary Faith Young, served as Head Cook for several years. And David's father, Ernest Young, was wagon train Ramrod. Both of David's parents were faithful board members, just as David was. Our Sympathy to all those who loved this good man, who is "missing from the campfire".

Richard Wetzel, 79, passed away Feb. 25, 2003, due to failing health. Richard was also remembered as "Doc" by many of our trail riders from the late 1980's. As a Red Cross instructor with background of being on a volunteer Ambulance Squad and Fire Department member. Richard also volunteered a few years as our wagon train First Aid person. As a part of his "healing", Richard always had a joke ready to share with his many "patients", who came to him for treatment of blisters, insect bites, and other minor ouches. We were very thankful for having this talented man on the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train, the years that he was able to do so.

NOTE: Past Fort Seward, Inc. participants may pass on news in this section unto the other participants, please email us the details to so we may pass it on for you.