John & Emma Bessire Bohning

John Bohning
Photo courtesy of Fred Bohning (1910-2002)

John Bohning

b. 26 Sep 1874, Aplington, Butler, Iowa
md. Emma Thressie Bessire, 1 May 1902, Stanhope, Hamilton, Iowa
d. 31 Aug 1948, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
bur. 4 Sep 1948, Medicine Hill Cemetery, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
parents: Paul and Sophia [maiden ?] Bohning

Obituary of John Bohning

"We pause today to pay tribute to one of our highly respected citizens John Bohning who passed away Tuesday noon, August 31st in St. Mary’s hospital at Pierre following a heart attack which took his life bery shortly after entering that morning.  John Bohning, one of a large family of Paul and Sophia Bohning, was born at Applington [sic], Iowa, Sept. 26th, 1874.  At an early age he was baptized in the Evangelical Luther[a]n Church.  His father died when he was but 10 years old, leaving John and several brothers to keep the family and home together.  Under a wise mother’s guidance each boy was soon doing his share and John’s choice was in a local merchandise store.  Here with his five years of education in Iowa school’s he established principles that made him an individual of sterling character and a successful business man.  Every day found him at this counter and desk.  On May 1st, 1902 he was married to Emma Bessi[r]e at Stanhope, Iowa.  He continued to live in their Iowa home until he moved with his family to Harrold S. Dak. in Sept. in 1914.  Here he established the general merchandise store which has so long borne his name.  John Bohning was a quiet man humble in spirit, yet generous toward those in need, and contributed of his resources toward all community welfare and activities, No one will be missed more greatly than he.  Mrs. Bohning passed away in April 1939.  One daughter, Thelma Ingle preceded him in death.  Five children who will miss a faithful father are Claude, who shared the business with his father, John of Pens[a]cola, Fla., Madeline Phinney of Harrold, Fred of San Diego, Calif., and James of Wazata, Minn.  He also leaves six grandchildren and three brothers, Al of Miller, Ed of Santa Monica, Calif., and William of Spearfish.  Many friends extend sympathy to the sorrowing loved ones.  Funeral services were at the Methodist [church] in Harrold and were conducted by Rev. R.M. Walker at two o’clock Saturday September fourth, Mrs. Gus Johnson was the pianist and Mrs. Eldora Arndt? Was soloist.  Burial was at the Harrold Cemetery.  Hurd Funeral Home of Highmore [in] charge of the arrangements. 
In memory of John Bohning
One of whom we saw go to and fro 
So many years as out we looked
From window or from door.
Has left us dazed, alone, bereft
As we stand here, to think and know
We ne’er shall see him  more,
But we recall his kindly deeds
When hunger stalked abroad across our plains
And wrote its name ’cross many doors
This friend who saw the needs of men
Unknown, unsung-stilled aching hearts.
Our God records it, evermore.
Zella L. Stotmeister.
Card of Thanks.  We wish to take his means of thanking our many find friends and neighbors for their kindnesses during the illness and death of our beloved Father and brother.  For the many cards and beautiful floral offerings and a special thank you to Rev. Walker for his comforting words.  Your many expressions of sympathy will never be forgotten.  John Bohning Family."

The Harrold Journal (Harold South, South Dakota)
9 Sep 1948, Thursday

Courtesy of South Dakota State Archives

Emma Bessire Bohning
Photo courtesy of Fred Bohning (1910-2002)

Emma Thressie*  Bessire
b. 21 Oct 1877 Beaver Dam, Allen, Ohio
d. 21 Apr 1939, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
bur. 24 Apr 1939, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
parents:  Alcide Lucian Bessire & America Ann Murray
*Alternate name for Thressie:  marriage record-Theressa

Obituary of Emma Bohning

"Once more the grim reaper has called at one of our homes and called Mrs. John Bohning to her reward after an illness of two months due to heart trouble and she passed peacefully to sleep last Friday afternoon.  Emma Theress [sic] Bessire was born Oct. 21, 1877 at Beaver Dam, Ohio, where she lived until she was twelve years of age when she moved with her family to Iowa where she grew to womanhood.  On May 1, 1902, she was married to John Bohning.  They lived at several points in Iowa until coming to Harrold where she made her home until her passing, April 21, 1939.  She was converted and joined the Methodist church about 20 years ago and remained a faithful member until she answered the call.  She leaves to mourn their loss her husband, six children:  Thelma, (Mrs. L. J. Ingle of Minneapolis, Claude of Harrold, John Jr. of the U.S. navy, Madeline (Mrs. Ted Phinney of Harrold), Fred of Harrold and James of Minneapolis, and two grandchildren, Patty Jo Ingle of Minneapolis and Donald Bohning of Harrold, her father, Alcide Bessire and step mother of Twin Falls, Idaho, a sister Mrs. Effie Watkins of Twin Falls, Idaho, an uncle, John Murray of Lafayette, O., besides a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Bohning will be greatly missed in her home and community.  A great home lover, her interest was centered there, ever to encourage and keep from anxiety the loved ones of her home.  In her church she found comfort and rest thru her enduring faith in God.  For many years she gave to it as strength allowed, her fellowship and service as a member and officer.  The funeral was held Monday afternoon from the local church with Rev. Gugin? and Mrs. Stotmeister officiating. The very large attendance and lovely flowers was a tribute to the deceased and showed the esteem held for her and the family.  Interment was in the local cemetery.  Her smile will ever linger with us; Her patient toil, unselfish care-God planted in her heart a garden, ‘Twas cultured here,--‘twill blossom there. 
Card of Thanks.  We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those, who so kindly assisted us in the loss of our beloved wife, mother and sister.  Also for the beautiful floral offerings.  John Bohning and family, Effie M. Watkins, John Murray."

The Harrold Journal (Harrold, South Dakota)
Courtesy of South Dakota State Archives

Fred Bohning, John Bohning, Septimus Watkins
Photo courtesy of Fred Bohning (1910-2002)

Back:  Fred Bohning, John Bohning, Septimus Watkins, Hattie Riley Bessire
Front: Emma Bessire Bohning, Effie Bessire Watkins, Madge Bohning
Photo courtesy of Fred Bohning (1910-2002)

Children of John & Emma Bohning

Thelma Alcida Bohning
b. 3 Jul 1903, Iowa
md Lawrence Joseph Ingle, 14 Jan 1925, Huron, Beadle, South Dakota
d. 8 Feb 1940, Minneapolis, Hennipin, Minnesota
bur. Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennipin, Minnesota
Lawrence's parents:  Joseph Ingle & Julia Stram

South Dakota Marriages, 1905-1949

Ancestry.com online database

Claude R. "Jack" Bohning
b. 31 Oct 1906, Buffalo Center, Winnebago, Iowa
md. Velma Fern Naysmith, 23 Jun 1931, Chester, [Lake Co., South Dakota?]
d. 1 Jul 1989, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
bur. 5 Jul 1989, Medicine Hill Cem., Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
Velma's parents:  William Naysmith & Melsena Lively

Obituary of Claude Bohning

"Claude Bohning.  Funeral services for Claude  “Jack” Bohning were held Wednesday, July 5, 1989, at the Harrold Methodist Church in Harrold, S.D., with Pastors Sue Hakeem and Mark Holland officiating.  Casket bearers were Martin Winckler, Don Bollweg, Dennis Marso, Martin Stiefel, Marvin Jessen and Delton Starkey.  Burial was at Medicine Hill Cemetery in Harrold with Masonic Rites.  Memorials may be sent to Harrold Methodist Church or Harrold Community Club, Box 195, Harrold, SD 57536.  Claude “Jack” Bohning was born October 31, 1907, at Buffalo Center, Iowa, to John and Emma Theresa (Bessi[r]e) Bohning and died July 1, 1989, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, at the age of 81 years and eight months.  He moved to Harrold, South Dakota with his family in 1914.  He was united in marriage to Velma Fern Naysmith June 23, 1931, at Chester, Nebraska. He was the former owner of Bohning & Bohning General Merchandise Store in Harrold, a business that was started by his father, Johann “John” Bohning, and uncle, Bill Bohning, in 1918.  The store, which has become a Harrold community landmark, is now owned by Marty and Sharon Winckler and many young people have worked at the store during high school and college years.  He loved the people of Harrold and loved serving them at his store.  He was a very avid hunter, fisherman and trapshooter.  He delighted in hunting pheasants, grouse, ducks and geese, with goose hunting being his favorite sport.  He was a kind and generous man.  He was an active member of the Harrold Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Harrold for over 60 years, having joined the order in 1928.  Survivors include:  his wife, Velma, Harrold; two sons:  Larry, Denver, Colo.; and Don, Miami, Fla.; one brother, Fred, Twin Falls, Idaho; one sister, Madge Phinney, Lewiston, Mont.; and three grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers."

Highmore Herald (Highmore, South Dakota)
13 July 1989, p, 4
Courtesy South Dakota State Archives

Obituary of Velma Bohning

"Velma Bohning.  Velma Fern Bohning, 93, Pierre, a longtime resident of the Harrold community, died Jan. 6, 1997, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.  Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the United Methodist Church in Harrold with the Rev. Richard Barnes officiating.  Burial will be at Medicine Hill Cemetery at Harrold.  Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at the Hofmeister Funeral Chapel of Pierre.  Velma Fern Naysmith was born on Dec. 22, 1903, In Republic County, Kansas, to William and Melsina (Lively) Naysmith.  She grew up on a farm and attended school in Chester, Neb.  She obtained her teaching certificate from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and began teaching in the Harrold school system, later serving as its principal.  On June 23, 1931, she married Claude “Jack” Bohning in Chester.  They took up residence in Harrold.  She and her husband owned and operated the Bohning and Bohning General Merchandise Store in Harrold until 1975.  The store was a Harrold landmark for more than 75 years.  Velma was a member of the Harrold Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.  She was an avide gardener, florist, and bird watcher.  She also loved to travel and had been to Durope, the Holy Land, and Southeast Asia.  She is survived by two sons, Larry Bohning of Denver, Colo., and Don Bohning and his wife Gerry of fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 95-year-old twin sisters, Avis Strawhun and Gladys Bodholt, both of Yuba City, Calif., and another sister, Eavon Holmes of Nipomo, Calif.  She was preceded in death by her husband in 1989; her parents; two brothers, Henry “Jim” Naysmith and Victor “Vernon” Naysmith, and a grandson, Terry Bohning."

Pierre Capital Journal (Pierre, South Dakota)
Courtesy of South Dakota State Archives

John Buck Bohning
b. 4 Mar 1908, Iowa
md. 1st Vera W. Thoman, 14 June 1930, Hughes Co., South Dakota
md. 2nd Catherine G. [maiden?]
d. 1 Jan 1976, Escambia Co., Florida
bur.  6 Jan 1976, Barrancas National Cem., Pensacola, Escambia, Florida

South Dakota Marriages, 1905-1949

Ancestry.com online database

Evening Huronite (Huron, South Dakota)
18 June 1930-Wednesday
Ancestry.com database

Obituary of John Buck Bohning

"McNeil-Keyes Funeral Home-Bohning:  Mr. John Buck Bohning, 67, of 7155 North 9th Ave., died Thursday afternoon in a local hospital.  Mr. Bohning was a native of Iowa and had resided in Pensacola for several years.  He was retired from the U.S. Navy after over 20 years of active duty.  He was also a veteran of World War II, and a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a member of the Methodist Church.  Survivors include his widow, Catherine G. Bohning of Pensacola; two brothers, Claude Bohning of Harold [sic], S.D. and Fred Bohning of Twin Falls, Idaho and a sister, Madge Phinney of Louistown [sic], Montana.  Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the McNeil-Keyes Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Karl D. Stringfellow officiating.  Burial will be in the Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors and McNeil-Keyes Funeral Home directing. Pallbearers will be Floyd Abbot, Grant Slaver, Floyd Clark and Ray Smith."

Pensacola News (Pensacola, Florida)

5 January 1976, p. 8A
Courtesy of West Florida Branch Genealogical Library, Pensacola, FL

 

Madeline P. Bohning
b. 8 Jul 1909 Buffalo Center, Winnebago, Iowa
md. Theodore R. Phinney, 3 Feb 1930, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
d. 7 Jan 1997, Lewistown, Fergus, Montana
bur. Jan 1997, Lewistown City Cem., Lewistown, Fergus, Montana
Theodore's parents:  Robart A. Phinney & Mary Elizabeth Kelly

South Dakota Marriages, 1905-1949
Ancestry.com online database

Photo courtesy of Kurt Albert
Posted on Ancestry.com, Public Member Tree

Obituary courtesy of Central Montana Genealogy Society
Title of newspaper was not given, nor date.

Fred Lawrence Bohning

b. 30 Sep 1910, Clarksville, Butler, Iowa
md. Nina Gladys Gustafson, 11 August 1936, Hughes Co., South Dakota
d. 3 June 2002, Twin Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho
bur. 7 Jun 2002, Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Twin Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho
Nina's parents: Harry Gustafson & Edna [maiden?]

Twin Falls, Idaho-Times News-June 2002

James M. Bohning

b. 30 Sep 1916, Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota
md. [probably not married]
d. 25 January 1970, Redfield State Hospital & School, Redfield, Spink, South Dakota
bur. 29 January1970, Medicine Hill Cem., Harrold, Hughes, South Dakota