Fort Seward, Inc.

Covered-Wagon-Train.com - Annual Family Wagon Train

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Harold Fick: Age 91, Oakes, ND, formerly of Litchville, ND, passed away on January 25, 2020. Harold was often called by his nickname "Buster", by those who loved and appreciated him. He got involved with the Fort Seward, Inc. wagon train during it's infancy. As he was one of the few people in the area that had covered wagons and teams of horses. The Fort Seward, Inc. annual wagon train became one of his passions, and he served on the Board of Directors for many years as a Board Member, Vice President, and President. He was also the Wagon Master during the wagon train itself as the first wagon in lead. His sister marked his wagon's canvas with "The Trail Buster", and he often used his small but powerful 4-mule hitch to break the trail with. Buster continued to stay on the board many years, until his health and eye sight deteriorated to the point that he could not handle the trek of our annual event anymore. He became sorely missed by us. His sense of humor and robust for life and horses are well remembered by many. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends who miss "The Trail Buster". Click Here for his obit.

Robert Duane Gleason: Age 86, of Tolna, ND died Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND. Robert’s favorite hobby was horses. We always looked forward to having Robert (Bob) as one of our Staff Teamers for several summers on our Ft. Seward Wagon Train. Which he was able to do with us for several years, about 1987 to 2015. We miss this cheerful man, and hope to cover more trails with him in another life. Our sincere sympathy goes to all his family and friends who miss this good man. Click Here for his obit.

Richard M. Gebhart: Age 67 yrs., passed away May 15, 2020, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Richard had been a past participant of our annual wagon train for several years. In 2019 he served as staff member as one of our wagon train ambulance drivers. He assisted on many KP duties without question & gave many history talks for us. He would share history talks with our wagon train participants concerning the ND land, and also medical beginnings of the settlers to throughout our nations time era's. Our Sincere sympathy goes to the Gebhart and members of the Varnum farmily who will miss this good man. Click Here for his obit.

Sharilyn Beem: Age 79, of Brighton, IL, passed away after another battle with cancer on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. We always looked forward to having Sharilyn as our Assistant Cook, and her husband Don, who worked as our Chief Firebuilder for several years as staff members on our Ft. Seward Wagon Train. We will really miss Sharilyn's organizational skills and sunshine smile at the cook and campfires. Our sincere sympathy goes to all Sharilyn's family and friends who sorely miss this special women. Click Here for her obit.

James "Jimmy" Tesky: Passed away at age 74, of Jamestown, ND, passed away April 7th, 2022, after his long battles against side affects caused by Agent Orange exposure while serving our country in the Navy. For several years Jimmy was an important member of our wagon train staff. He served on the convoy crew, helping to get our support vehicles from one point to the next. He was also our wagon train Mr. "Fix-it". If something broke, Jimmy was there to handle the repair job. There is no doubt that we miss this man. Our Sincere Sympathy to his wife Eva, and his children/their spouses, and grandchildren. We all miss this good man. Click Here for his obit.

Sandra Kerley:

Passed at age 74, of Dallas, TX, passed away early Nov. 2022. Sandy was a delight on the wagon train; we and all who came were very fortunate to have met her and known her. She made the trip from TX for many years, along with her two grandchildren. She was our 'Music MC' at campfire. Rarely using any instruments other than her voice, Sandy was a show stopper! Most can think back and remember her hand tapping on her knee to keep beat and the biggest smile you could see anyone have while singing. As a special request, Sandy ended up preforming solo the song 'How Great Thou Art' every year she came, and it was the absolute best and a tear jerker as you heard the words come from her soul! She welcomed any and all that came & always had a listening ear and open heart, her soft words and warm hug were enough for anyone. She will be greatly missed by many, but, as she always said when the wagon train week ended "its not goodbye, it's until we meet again"...So, until then our friend we will miss you. Click Here for her obit.

Mary Eileen Devine Meyer:

Mary Eileen Devine Meyer, was born November 19, 1947, and passed away on July 9, 2024 at 76 yrs if age. She was battling cancer, but a nasty staph infection took her away from her dear family, friends, and future wagon trains. She is and will be sourly missed by all of us! Mary originally became a regular part of our annual wagon trains about 1990, and later became a staff member that was very involved with our annual wagon train, along with her husband Jody Meyer, and their 3 sons, Sean, Brendan, and Colin, who all pitched in to make our wagon train possible. Mary Eileen completed her final trip with us during our late May adventure of 2024. Mary Eileen was very involved with the noon and evening camp programs, quilt contest, and she assisted the wagon train cooks when needed too. Our sincere sympathy goes to her husband and family. And also to the many trail riders who became dependent on her smile, tips, suggestions, and friendship. Until we see each other again, at the campfires and trod the trails in heavenly places. Rest in peace our dear Mary Eileen...