Videographer pays tribute to Walhalla creator of East Grand Forks' Blue Moose sculpture

Oct. 6—WALHALLA, N.D. — In a Facebook video posted by JR Photography, a car slowly makes its way through Walhalla. It travels along the road, up to the Masonic Overlook. The drone moves past it, looking out over the vast landscape, trees serving as a horizon, met by the blue sky.

This video was an experiment, as well as a tribute for a fellow artist.

"[It was] a perfect opportunity to try something new and make something important to you at the same time," said Jesus Ramos, the photographer of JR Photography.

Married duo Jesus and Sara Ramos, from Neche, N.D., talked about the technical side and the emotional side to the video. While it was an opportunity to test new editing software, and showcase the beauty of Walhalla, it's also in honor of a Walhalla sculptor who recently died.

Kenneth "Kenny" Tetrault, 74, died on Sept. 10 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks. A veteran with a comedic personality and talent with wrought-iron sculpting, he's known for multiple pieces of art in North Dakota. One such piece sits in East Grand Forks in front of the Blue Moose Bar and Grill. The life-sized moose — in the color blue, of course — sculpture was made more than 20 years ago by Tetrault for David Homstad, a previous owner of the restaurant.

"I think it added to our legend," Homstad said, noting how many people have taken photos with the iconic creation. He also said Tetrault would come by the restaurant now and then, making sure to say hello.

In Walhalla, the moose that stands on the raised triangle at the intersection of N.D. Highway 32 and Pembina County Road 55, as well as the elk that sits at the Masonic Overlook, were also both created by Tetrault, a short time before the blue moose. The two originally stood together at the raised triangle, before the elk was moved to the overlook in 2008, a decision

Tetrault didn't approve of at the time.

Those two particular sculptures were part of the inspiration Tetrault gave to JR Photography, as well as their importance to Walhalla and the surrounding area.

"What drove us to make the video about Mr. Tetrault is his influence on our local community and the community in northeastern North Dakota in general, from Grand Forks to Walhalla," Sara Ramos said. "We've seen his wrought-iron moose and elk affect us in profound ways. We see it in our everyday lives. It represents the spirit of what North Dakota is up here."

Tetrault's daughter, Chelsey Tetrault, showed the Herald a photo of her father working on the moose sculpture, as well as a number of other creations like birds, bird cages, deer, ships and a recreation of the photograph "The Flag of Stars and Stripes" on Iwo Jima, an island also known as Iō Tō.

Chelsey Tetrault said her father never drew out a plan for his sculptures, but took time to study and research them before he began.

"It's just unbelievable how he did it," she said.

A common sight in Walhalla each winter are the angels, wreaths, wise men and camels Tetrault made. Walhalla Chamber of Commerce member Melanie Thornberg mentioned how they would all come out as the snow fell. She also mentioned Tetrault's comedic personality.

"He was quite the colorful character," she said.

He also had advice to give, particularly when it came to graduation cards. His daughter, Chelsey, said during his Navy days there were three things he was given to remember: stay cool, don't get excited and stay ahead of the pressure. Tetrault added a fourth piece of advice, which he scrawled into graduation cards: don't do anything stupid.

Chelsey said her father had a particular effect on people. He was the type of person who drew respect from others.

"You don't know why you respected this person, but you do," she said. "They just have it radiating from them."

Kenneth Tetrault's obituary

sums up his life and personality as "a true legend, a hero in his own right, and a master of humor. His presence was extraordinary and exceptional, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. For those who were privileged to know him, he wasn't just a close friend; he was a constant source of support and entertainment with unshakable confidence and no filter."