Margret Ann Bohnhoff, 79, New England, died Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Sanford Health Care in Mandan. Margret’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, New England, with Rev. Bruce Peterson officiating. Interment will follow at the Rainy Butte Cemetery south of New England. Visitation will be on Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Margret Ann Erickson was born March 20, 1934 to Jay O. and Orpha M. (Lebacken) Erickson, on the family farm southwest of New England. She attended school at New England Public School, graduating from high school in 1952.
On October 5, 1952 she married Donald E. Bohnhoff at the Rainy Butte Lutheran Church, south of New England. Four children were born to this union; Darrell, Robert, Shari, and Sheldon. The Bohnhoff’s lived on the Art Hegge farm south of New England until they moved to the W.G. Marr farm in 1956; where she continued to live until her recent illness. Margret loved the outdoors; caring for her flowers, raising chickens and a large garden, canning and freezing the produce, and helping Don with the farm work. In 1967 they built a new home, planted evergreens in addition to the shelter belt, and added many more buildings to the farm.
Margret was baptized and confirmed at Rainy Butte Lutheran Church. The Bohnhoff’s were members at Rainy Butte until it closed; when they joined Our Redeemer’s in New England. Margret was very active in the church since she was a teenager; teaching Sunday school, attending Bible Camp, and playing piano. She served as church organist or assistant organist for over 60 years; playing for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and worship in all four of the New England churches, as well as various other churches in North Dakota and South Dakota. Margret loved to sing. She sang in both the church choirs and the community choir. After her marriage she became very active in the church women’s group; serving as an officer and leader on all levels from local, cluster/conference, synod, and national. She also attended countless conventions on all levels-leading workshops, and as a speaker and planner. Margret served on the WND Synod Council, other synod committees, and was a delegate to church wide assemblies. She loved her Lord; and serving Him was a great pleasure. One outstanding event was being chosen to represent the Women of WND as their representative to the Lutheran Women of Madagascar in 1985. When she returned she spent the next few years speaking about her visit in the WND Synod. As she spoke and preached, Margaret decided to become part of the Lay Pastoral program. She was certified after three years of study; and conducted worship services, preaching in area churches for the next 25 years.
Margret enjoyed writing. She wrote a local happenings article for the weekly newspaper. Her greatest achievement was writing and directing the Centennial pageant for New England’s 100th anniversary, depicting the history of the area with over 100 participants from all ages and walks of life.
She was a member of the Hettinger County Pioneers Homemakers; serving as county president and as a delegate to the state convention. Her family supported the FFA and 4-H programs and hosted several international guests. She was active in PTA, Tops Club, and Senior Citizens.
Margret and Don loved to travel. When the children were young, they did a lot of camping, fishing, and visiting relatives. They toured all 50 states, traveled to 5 countries in Europe, and took cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska; enjoying God’s beautiful creation and people. Margret loved to entertain family and friends; hosting many family gatherings, card parties, and special events. Margret and Don enjoyed life, and lived it to the fullest.
Margret leaves to mourn; her children, Darrell (Carolyn) Bohnhoff, Robert (Lori) Bohnhoff, Shari Bohnhoff, and Sheldon Bohnhoff; grandsons, Aaron (Megan) VanStone, and Brian (Katie) Bohnhoff; great-granddaughter, Grace VanStone; sisters, Darlyce Lenhart, Darleen (Dan) Reiser, Roberta Schaible, and Connie (Steve) Kukla; sister-in-law, Roberta Erickson; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald of 55 years; parents, Jay and Orpha Erickson; brother, Orlin Erickson; and brothers-in-law, Sebie Lenhart, and Bob Schaible.
