Mary Bohnenblust

mary bohnenblust

January 30, 1942 ~ August 8, 2022

Born in: Carrington, ND
Resided in: Fargo, ND

A recording of the service is available here:

Mary Bohnenblust died on August 8, 2022.

Mary Elizabeth Stern was born January 30, 1942, to E.C. (Stub) and Anita Stewart Stern. Mary was the eldest of 3 children in a musical family. Her father played jazz trumpet and her mother was a singer. Both were professionals who returned to ND to raise their family. They lived in Sykeston and Underwood, ND. Mary’s mother died in 1955 and Mary took over many responsibilities for the family. They later moved to Garrison where Mary graduated from high school in 1959.

Mary was very creative, a trait she inherited from her mother, and she loved singing and theater arts. She began singing in choir in the 7th grade. After graduation she spent time in Colorado and Texas where she performed with musical troupes at Medical Centers. She later moved to Fargo to attend NDSU, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Theater Arts. She met Jay Bohnenblust after he returned from the Air Force, and they were married June 23, 1967. They later divorced.

Mary used her artistic talents for costume and set design for many programs at Trollwood, with local ballet productions (her favorite was The Nutcracker) and puppet shows. She did counted cross stitch and needlepoint, including work on the kneelers at her church. She continued singing in the church choir until recent years when her health made it hard for her to stand and perform.

Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church, FM area Music Club, and FM Opera. She served at Bethel Guardian for Job’s Daughters while her daughters were active, carrying on her tradition in Rainbow.

She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (Scott Nelson) and Susan (Steve Luce); 5 grandchildren, Elsbeth, David, Shae, Rowan and Jacob; brother David (Virginia) Stern; and sisters Jane Stern Hodges, Barbara (Dave) Lee, and Sue (Terry) Fugere; sister-in-law Debbie Burgum; and aunt Lilas Stewart Schmidt; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Elaine Berry Stern; and brother K. C. Burgum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FM Opera in Mary’s name.

Services

Visitation - Tuesday: August 16, 2022 1:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church
650 2nd Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102


Memorial Service - Tuesday: August 16, 2022 2:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church
650 2nd Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102


Interment:

Sunset Memorial Gardens
1715 52nd Ave
Fargo, ND 58104


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Guestbook

  1. That photo is exactly as I remember Mary from Garrison. Our family livid across the street and the sterns were all great people. Sorry to read of your passing, Mary.

  2. Dave and Ginny,
    We were sad to resd of your sister’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you remember a life well lived.
    Dave and Kris

  3. Betsy and Susan, so sorry to hear of your moms passing. Many years since I’ve heard of the Bohnenblust cousins. I’m still in az and Barbarb in DC, we stay in touch along with Bonnie Bohenblust olson in Chicago. no idea where you girls live or Jerry and family are. not. many of us left. haven’t been back to nd, since beofre pandemic, maybe this fall.i don’t do any soscial media platforms, but would love ro hear from you.Again my sincere sympathy. Cousin Nancy Virden McLaren

  4. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom. May you find comfort in your memories of the love she shared with you and your families. Our hearts are with you. Sending you lots of hugs and family love.


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