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.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wall Lake, IA. Visitation will run from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Friday at the church. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery in Wall Lake, IA. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Lake View has been entrusted with caring for Dorothy and her family. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice in Dorothy’s memory.
