John Bohnenkamp
September 20, 1922 ~ November 25, 2011
John Frederick Bohnenkamp, 89, respected businessman, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died from the effects of lung cancer at his apartment in Gettysburg, SD, Friday, November 25, 2011.
Always a devout Catholic, John’s Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 28, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. scripture service.
Known as “Johnny” to the family and "Grandpa Bo" to his grandchildren, Johnny was born to John H. and Elizabeth (Kramer) Bohnenkamp at home on the family farm near Alexandria, SD, on Sept. 20, 1922. His beloved Aunt Ann Bohnenkamp joined the family in helping to raise him after his mother’s death in 1924.
He joined his father on the farm when the local draft board refused his enlistment into the Army during WW II. Johnny’s two older brothers were already serving in the Army and the board decided that the elderly father needed help farming and caring for a handicapped son.
John married Willa Margaret Wood in a Catholic ceremony at Mitchell, SD on the very cold morning of Dec. 30, 1946. They lived all 50 years of their marriage in SD, beginning in Alexandria, with moves to Draper in 1950, Aberdeen in 1958, and Gettysburg in 1963.
John left farming in 1950. He then worked for the Farmers Union Central Exchange and managed Farmers Union Co-ops until 1973 when he and his son Mike bought the Ace Hardware Store in Gettysburg, SD.
John didn’t believe in retirement and enjoyed spending his days greeting customers at Ace Hardware. He was never a hobby person, but he was known as a master popcorn popper. He and Willa loved camping at East Whitlock and they never passed up a good game of Bridge or Pinochle.
Surviving John are his children: Peggy (Bruce) Williams and Mike (Mary) Bohnenkamp both of Gettysburg, Scott (Kristie) Bohnenkamp of Keller, TX, Jeff (Susie) Bohnenkamp of Oro Valley, AZ; his grandchildren: John (Kelly) Bohnenkamp & children Jake, Jenna, & Jayda of Rapid City, SD, Nathanael (Julie) Williams of Gettysburg, Brooke (Josh) Larson of Pierre, SD, Elizabeth (Brock) Schiferl & children Elsa & Haydler of Aberdeen, SD, Nik (Ryan) Bohnenkamp of Acworth, GA, Anna (Mike) Vanderbloemen of Keller, TX, Joy Bohnenkamp of Dallas, TX, Zachary & Mitchell Bohnenkamp of Oro Valley, AZ; sisters: Mary Jo (Wayne) Bertrand of Scotland, SD, Barbara (Forrest) Conrad of Yankton, SD; step-siblings: Lucene Carsten of Lead, SD, Wayne (Kay) Kies, Pocatello, ID; in-laws: Florence Hesse and Leo King of Sioux Falls, Dottie Styles and Carol Wood of Mitchell, Herb (Dottie) Wood of Wood River, NE, Fran Pell of Lincoln, CA, and Harlyn (Marie) Wood of Horseshoe Bend, ID; beloved nieces and nephews; many devoted friends together with Vivian Luce, Neal Rausch, and Norma Harer.
He was predeceased by his parents, wife Willa in 1997; twin grandchildren: Christopher and Taylor Bohnenkamp; brothers: Don, Earl and Francis; sisters: Irene Jarding, Evelyn Rodriguez and Mildred Relyea; step-siblings: Lillian Synhorst, Donna Adkins, Francis Kies, Mary Arlene Kies, and stepmother, Hattie Hoeltzner.
The family requests memorials be directed to Compassionate Care Hospice, 807 E Hwy 212, Gettysburg, SD 57442 or to your local Hospice center.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with John’s arrangements.
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So very sorry to hear of your loss. PLEASE know that ALL of your family are our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May knowing that your Dad has gone Home to be with his Father bring you comfort. He will experience nothing but Love and freedom from pain now, and will always be smiling down on you all. (((HUGS))) to all of you.
You all are in our hearts and prayers. Regardless the circumstances or the timing, it is ALWAYS hard to lose a parent. The great thing about having faith is knowing that he is now out of pain and will be enjoying the fruits of his labor on earth. God Bless you all.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out for your family. I lost my father John bohnenkamp and my mother ruby bohnenkamp few years back. I would be interested in learning about your bohnenkamp family if u can find the time. As you know, this is not a common name. Again, my deepest sympathy to you and yours
Mel bohnenkamp
Our deepest sympathy to your family. I think we are distant relatives!! My mother was a Bohnenkamp from Dell Rapids, SD. Her Father and Mother were Henry and Frances (Tennessen) Bohnenkamp. My Mother passed away in 2000. Her Brother was Edmund Bohnenkamp and died in 2009. Please contact me at some point. I would like to viist with someone. Again our sympathy to the family.
Dear family, I am sorry for your loss. May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart ;and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalms 34;18)
Our deepest sympathy,Jeff/Suzi and the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Very sorry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of John. I always enjoyed seeing John at Ace and I chatted with him. Don Brown
Sorry about John passing away. John was a longtime valuable member of the Gettysburg business and senior community who will be missed. Our sympathies to John’s family and friends
My sympathy to all of John’s family. Was always nice to see him when you stopped by the store.
Marcelline Hunnel