Dorothy Carolyn Bohn

Bohn, Dorothy Carolyn (August 22, 1921 - May 6, 2023) Dorothy was the daughter of Fred Ture Bohn and Mathilda (Stone) Bohn. She was born in a farmhouse in Maple Ridge Township in Isanti County. Baptized in nearby Siloa Lutheran Church, she was named for her mother's twin sister. Two older brothers, Norman and Sherman completed the family. When she was little a visiting minister asked her name. He misheard her response and replied "Dutchie, what a fine name!" She was known as Dutchie from then on by her family and close friends. After graduating from Braham High School, Norm and Sherm both joined the Navy. The family moved to Northeast Minneapolis as they could no longer handle farming. Thirteen-year-old Dutchie was traumatized by the move from a two-room country school to the giant Edison High School. Every day she would get sick when school started, and the principal would send her home. Finally, Dutchie said: "If you keep sending me home, I will never get over this." She stayed in school. Her new friend Lois Boggs (Newstrand) helped her make the transition. They became lifelong friends, attended class reunions and enjoyed the newsletters. After graduating from Edison, Dorothy headed for the University of Minnesota, where she earned a BA in Philosophy and a MA in Library Science, all while caring for her parents at home. She became a Bio-Medical Librarian and found a work family that she treasured, with colleagues like Jessie Richardson, Gertrude Foreman, and Mary Mueller. One staff member, Del Reed, said, "She taught me the reference skills to do my job well and the values to do it right." Bio-Med people worked hard; they also had great parties. At the Reference Department of Walter Library, she met librarian Carol Urness, who became a friend of more than sixty years. Recently Carol reminded her of the length of that friendship. How did that happen? Her answer: "Lived a long time." Dorothy was active in meetings and projects of the whole University Library and earned the respect of her faculty library colleagues. After she retired, she joined the UMRA (University of Minnesota Retirees Association) and enjoyed its programs and meetings for nearly thirty years. At the U she met her partner Arnold (Arnie) Fredrickson, a student and later a Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Arnie loved to travel and to fly in small airplanes. Dorothy wanted to stay home and got airsick. Otherwise, they were well matched. Arnie was on the difficult journey toward tenure in the highest ranked Chem E Department in the country. They enjoyed many social and work-related activities at the U and elsewhere during their decades together. Dutchie was by Arnie's side throughout his battles with cancer and was devastated when pancreatic cancer took his life in the fall of 2017. An active member of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Dorothy became the first female Council member and soon thereafter its first female president. The congregation has supported her through her illness. Many thanks to them as well as to Pastor Sarah Vanderpan and Deacon Phil Holzman. Shirley Erickson, a long-time friend, was especially kind. Jessie moved to Northeast Minneapolis to be near her long-time friends Arnie, Dutchie, Carol, and Max the Cairn Terrier when she began developing memory problems in 2005. They and many other friends welcomed and helped care for Jessie. She lived very contentedly in her own duplex next door until her death in 2011. Dutchie also assisted in caring for her friend Lois during this time. There were many peaceful years when Dutchie, Arnie, Jessie, Carol, and Mark and Nathan Johnson made many journeys to the land in Isanti County to find and record birds, wildflowers, mushrooms, butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, and more. At times their friend Jean Adams from Edinburgh joined them. Dutchie always made sure the people, birds, and other animals (even bears) were well fed. In December 2020, Dorothy moved to the Dimensions unit of the Pillars of Prospect Park. Jay Benedict greeted her and made her feel welcome. The story about the name "Dutchie" came out and everybody started using it (there were four Dorothys in the place). Someone would ask "How are you doing, Miss Dutchie?" Her answer, "Wonderfully well!" always came with a smile that made everybody smile back. John Boston and the staff were very kind, gentle, and caring. Recently staff from Grace Hospice gave her extra care. All of these people are love personified. Her brother Norm met his future wife Phyllis Kern when he joined the choir at Gustavus. Dutchie and Phyl were like sisters. Norm died in 1975 and Phyl in 2019. They are survived by daughter Christina/Tina Mae Bohn Love (Julie Houser), (ex-daughter-in-law Lori Plemens); step-grandchildren: Madison, Emma, Joey, and Lily. Dorothy had a strong connection to "the Cousins" who often had a yearly reunion in different parts of the country. Of this large group only Shirley Hakarinnen remains, together with her daughters Muffy (Mike) Haigh, and Barbie Jacobson and her children. Dorothy is survived by her cat Pixie and dog Tessie. Many library colleagues including 102-year-old Betty Jean Hahn. Fine, thoughtful neighbors who have been supportive during her long illness. At her request no service will be held. Private burial will be Siloa Church in Isanti County. For questions please contact Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel, 2901 Johnson St. N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55418. 612-781-6828. Thank you. Plans are being made for a celebration of her life.

Tributes

Dorothy Carolyn Bohn

August 22, 1931 - May 6, 2023

Tributes

Dorothy Carolyn Bohn

August 22, 1931 - May 6, 2023

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