In memory of

Dorothy Bohnenkamp

June 9, 1922 - January 24, 2023
From: Lake View, IA
Dorothy Bohnenkamp

Dorothy Bohnenkamp

Born: June 9, 1922
Died: January 24, 2023
Age: 100
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   Dorothy Bohnenkamp, age 100 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in Spencer, IA. She was born Dorothy Genevieve Ferrin, on June 9, 1922, to parents Joseph and Roxie (Kehoe) Ferrin on a farm in Lohrville, IA, where she grew up. Her exact birthdate was disputed for many years, as to whether it was actually June 9th or 11th, allowing Dorothy to famously celebrate her “birthday week.” Growing up on the farm, she helped her father in the field, showing hard work and determination at a young age. Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lohrville. She attended country school and later graduated from Lohrville High School. After high school, Dorothy attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll, IA, and later while raising a family, obtained her BSN from the University of Iowa.
   On February 13, 1946, Dorothy was united in marriage to Warren Herman Bohnenkamp. This union was blessed with two children, Pazzi and Jeffry. Together, they raised their family in Lake View on  Black Hawk Lake, enjoying the seasons and all the activities and adventures lake life provides. Dorothy worked as an RN in Carroll and Sac County hospitals before being employed by the county as a school nurse. She held the school nurse position for over twenty years and loved every minute of it as she got to know so many kids and their families, all of whom she adored.
Dorothy was a devout Christian who served the Catholic Church as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Guild member, and was always there to support church functions. She always had an ample supply of holy water on hand and loved blessing her loved ones before they left her home—in fact she insisted on it! Dorothy was a proud mom and grandma. She loved her family fiercely and was always sure to remind them of that, by being present, supportive, and cheering them on with every opportunity she was given. She loved to write postcards and notes, always reminding the recipient they were in her prayers. Her prayers and rosaries, without a doubt, kept her children and grandchildren provided with many (needed) guardian angels!
   She was a very compassionate person who made it a point to get to know people and formed many amazing relationships with those in her community and beyond. She was very social and served on many boards during her lifetime. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, was a Camp Sunnyside Board Member, served as the Loring Hospital Board Director and Chairman, and was also the 2016 Hometown Pride Award recipient.
   Dorothy loved to play bridge and participated in several bridge clubs. She and Warren played bridge every Sunday night with the neighbors, something they always looked forward to and enjoyed together. Warren and Dorothy loved to dance and never missed a chance to move across the floor of the area ballrooms. Dorothy had a love for music and enjoyed singing in local choral groups, from the church choir to the County Chords. She was a member of the Rose Garden Memorial Club, and also enjoyed golfing. She and Warren loved to travel and had visited all fifty states, as well as Mexico and Canada. Their favorite trip was one they took annually with their kids, to gather with friends at Warren’s WWII Marine reunion. This usually meant a trip to the east coast, depending who was hosting each year. They were delighted to host it in Lake View, Fort Dodge, and Des Moines, when their turns arrived, and they treated everyone with loving hospitality, which was their signature gift. These reunions continued for over 50 years. When at home, Dorothy loved going on walks and caring for her plants, including her delicious wild strawberries.
   Dorothy was a courageous woman who wasn’t afraid to take something on. She often found herself trying new things/dabbling in new hobbies. She loved painting and was a spontaneous person who liked to be on the go. She lived an amazing life so full of love and adventure. Her faith was absolute and unshakeable, and the love she had for her family and friends was evident in every action. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
   Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Jeff (Maryann) Bohnenkamp of Spencer, IA; grandchildren Angela Bohnenkamp of Des Moines, IA, Jeffry (Katie) Bohnenkamp of Sioux Falls, SD, Joseph Bohnenkamp of Spencer, IA, and Elizabeth (Ben) Hartzell of Spencer, IA; great-grandchildren Harper Feese, Fletcher Bohnenkamp, Julius Bohnenkamp, Sophia Morton, Anna, Reece, and Erika Hartzell; many other extended family members and friends.
   Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Bohnenkamp; daughter Pazzi Ann Bohnenkamp; parents Joe and Roxie Ferrin; parents-in-law Julius and Marie Bohnenkamp; sister Lena (Vernon) Lawson; and several nephews.
Tribute Video
SERVICES
Mass of Christian Burial
2:30 p.m., Friday
January 27, 2023
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Wall Lake, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Father Joe Dillinger
VISITATION
1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Friday
January 27, 2023
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Wall Lake, Iowa
INTERMENT
Wall Lake Cemetery
Wall Lake, Iowa

Condolences

Friday, February 3, 2023 at 12:12 PM
“DOROTHY WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN. SHE HAD A KIND HEART AND A LIFE OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND CHURCH. SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE SHARE AND WANTED TO KNOW HOW EVERYONE WAS DOING. KNOWING PEOPLE WAS NOT ONLY HER JOB BUT HER LIFE. SHE SEEM TO REMEMBER EVERYONE. I APPRECIATE THAT GOD MADE HER SO SPECIAL AND THAT I HAD THE HONOR OF KNOWING HER. YOU HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER.”
- Catherine E. Cook
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 5:47 PM
“Jeff and family, Dorothy was a very, very special person in my life and in the life of many others. She was school nurse when I was in high school, but I also I worked with her during some of the time that she served as school nurse in the Odebolt-Arthur School System while I was school secretary. But in later years after leaving the school and when we would cross paths she was the same caring person and would always seem happy to see me and would ask about family, etc. I so admired her never-ending vivaciousness, resilience and love of life in spite of some sad times in her life. She was so very proud of her family. It is my wish to be like her as I grow older, and to have the faith in God that she had, but to be like Dorothy is a huge challenge! May she rest in peace and my sympathy to your family. LaDonna Miller”
- LaDonna Miller
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:23 PM
“So sorry for your loss, prayers headed your way ”
- Susie Olberding Lasher
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:23 PM
“I was so sorry to learn of Dorothy's passing. My deepest condolences to Jeff and family.”
- Ed Rohner
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:23 PM
“Holding your family close to my heart these days. Loving Dorothy so very much. Rejoicing that she is with Warren and Paz! 💕”
- Carol Berglund
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 12:38 PM
“To Dorothy's Family We Are so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a special lady with a beautiful soul. I first met her when I was a Sr in high school. , she was the school nurse. Then when we moved to LV , she was so active in the church. Bless her heart. She will be missed by many. With much sympathy. Don & Peggy Derner”
- Don & Peggy Derner
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:32 AM
“She was such a great lady. Please accept our prayers and sympathy ”
- John and Cindy Schwarzkopf
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:32 AM
“The kindness of Mrs. Bohnenkamp, school nurse, forever remains in my heart Her smile and gentle words made the strange world of LVA a much more inviting place to learn. She had a gentle persuasion in her voice that cut through the facade high schoolers attempt to portray, at least she did mine, and get to the heart of things. I did my best to emulate those qualities in my own years as an educator though lacking her beauty and tender voice ~ well, I gave it my best. To me she is forever a beautiful woman and today that beautiful woman is with Jesus in Paradise. My heat felt condolences to family Bohnenkamp. I feel blessed that beautiful woman touched my life. ”
- Gene Morenz
Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:32 AM
“Dorothy was always interested in knowing you, your family and expressing her love. Dorothy was genuine. Loved her hats and smile! ”
- Erin McCullough
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 5:46 PM
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dorothy. I used to live in Wall Lake. I attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church during my 11 years in Wall Lake. I enjoyed getting to know Dorothy and Warren through Mass and other church activities particularly the chicken dinners. They were both always super kind to me and made me feel welcome. I have no doubt that Dorothy has joined Warren in our heavenly home. May God give you peace and comfort. ”
- Olivia (Haley) Anderson
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 5:20 PM
“I extend my condolences to the loved ones of Dorothy. She was a true blessing to many, with her work and compassion for others and especially me, as a school kid, with her nursing and listening skills. Unforgettable and I am grateful. Her Obituary is a tribute to a Life Well Lived. " Well done, good and faithful servant...." *Matthew 25:23* ”
- Janet Schultz
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 3:13 PM
“Jeff and Mary Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. But because of who she was I'm sure you have so many wonderful memories that you'll always cherish!”
- Susan Corderman
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 9:46 AM
“I have many great memories of Dorithy growing up in Lake View my deepest sympathies to all the family.”
- Duane Ziegmann
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 9:20 AM
“I am sorry for your loss. Dorothy was such an amazing woman. I enjoyed talking with her and spending time with her at RIverview. She loved everyone she came in contact with. She gave the best hugs and was so very PROUD of her family. My sympathies to all of you. ”
- Cari Seversen
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 9:04 AM
“Wow! She made it to 100! We were so blessed to have know Dorothy over the years. She was the kindest person always. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.❤️🙏”
- Cort and Jennifer Stargell
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 9:04 AM
“We will miss Dorothy a lot! She had a heart of gold and always wanted the best for everyone. She never failed to put a smile on my face when I came to work, she would simply be the best part of my day seeing her! She loved everyone! I will miss going to her room at night and her telling me "Goodnight, I love you, and god bless". Sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a sweetheart. ”
- Hannah H
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 9:04 AM
“Jeff, Mary Ann and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dorothy. She was a special lady who always had a smile and kind word for anyone that she came in contact with. She had a certain knack that just made anyone feel comfortable and welcomed when engaging in conversation. To have lived one hundred years is testament to how living a positive and helpful life to others is a deserved reward. She was one of a kind, and may the wonderful memories you have shared give you peace now and in the future.”
- Sue Von Ahn
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 3:46 PM
“100 years! WOW! Jeff's friends were Dorothy's friends. She was a great hostess to all of us during Water Carvival. Lake View has lost a class act.”
- Steve Erdman
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 3:21 PM
“I remember her as the school nurse as an elementary student at Lytton Consolidated School. I remember her in her white uniform and nursing cap, and while I can't remember her voice, I think of how she was this warm and friendly presence and how I wanted to be that kind of a nurse when I grew up. I hope I am indeed that kind of a nurse and though I am happily surprised that she lived such a long life, I am still sorry for your loss.”
- Norma Vanest
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 2:26 PM
“Dorothy's legacy will go back many years for me. Many years ago when I was an elementary student at the Arthur building of Odebolt-Arthur School, Mrs. Bohnenkamp was our school nurse and she was always smiling and gracious to us all. In the ensuing years when I was an adult, she always greeted me with that same smile and gracious friendship. She made a lasting impression for the good! My sincere condolences to all her family.”
- Ann Onnen
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 1:27 PM
“Sending our deepest sympathies and prayers to Jeff, Mary Ann and the family.”
- Dave Nelson & Anji Bennett
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 9:05 AM
“Sending our deepest sympathies! We all loved Dorothy so much! Luana, Tori, & JJ Nair!”
- Luana Nair
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 9:05 AM
“Dorothy wa a good friend and an excellent bridge player. When Jim and I moved back to Lake View she and Warren were among the first to greet us. She'll be missed by many. My sympathy to Jeff and family.”
- Lois Manuel Long
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 9:05 AM
“Oh, Jeff. To know what to say is hard, so I hope you know what is in my heart.”
- Earl Hanson
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:49 PM
“ Loved Seeing and talking with Dorothy at River view Terrace. Happy I got to meet Amazing Lady. God Bless. Prayers for the family. ”
- Amy H
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:49 PM
“Sincere sympathy to Dorothy's family. Saw her in Church in Wall Lake this last summer, but couldn't catch her after Mass. Thinking about her and asking God to Bless her family. ”
- Jerry Carolyn (Bohnenkamp) Nieland
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:49 PM
“Our deepest condolences Jeff,Mary Ann and family. Your mom was an amazing lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her. God Bless. John & Teresa”
- John & Teresa Drilling
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 4:22 PM
“She was such a sweet lady & good friends with my mom Mable Ann Christian. Prayers for the family.”
- Tami Christian Holm
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 3:34 PM
“I'm so sorry to hear this such a great lady prayers for her family. ”
- Micheal W Kelly
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:42 PM
“Everyone needs a Dorothy in their lives. She was our living angel. And, certainly she will be missed. Our sympathies.”
- DIck and Jane Croll
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:23 PM
“My condolences to Dorothy's family. She was a wonderful and caring person.”
- Dennis Pfrimmer
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