Ethel Bohr

Ethel Bohr, age 99, of Parkston, formerly of the Howard area, died Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 27, 2019 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Howard. Visitation will be 4-6 PM, Thursday, with a scripture wake service and rosary to begin at 6.

Ethel Adler was born October 28, 1920, in Howard, to George and Clara Adler. She attended and graduated from St. Agatha Catholic School. Afterwards, she worked in Howard, helping to support her mother and younger sister Gloria. In 1945, she married Leroy Bohr. They farmed for many years in Vilas on “Poverty Strip” while raising their children. After selling the farm and moving to Howard, Ethel worked at Ravens Manufacturing and then Good Samaritan, finally retiring in her 80s.

A devout Catholic and lifelong member of the St. Agatha parish, she taught CCD and was an active member of the Catholic guild assisting with weddings, funerals and church bazaars. She was also active in the Women’s Civic League in Howard. Her faith sustained and strengthened her throughout her life. Ethel’s rosary was never far from her hands, praying for anyone in need.

She was an avid sewer; first out of necessity for her kids’ clothes, then creating quilts from scraps. Her excellent bread making skills were shared with both family and her community. A gift of fresh bread and homemade jelly were custom for anyone arriving home from the hospital or with a new baby. She found gratification in helping others. Ethel enjoyed traveling and visiting her children and grandchildren in Washington, Georgia and Texas.

She is survived by her children Helen (Tom), Nick, Tim, Bill, Karen (Rick), Chris, and son-in-law Warren; thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents George and Clara Adler; siblings Lorraine, Audrey, Donald, Leland and Gloria; ex-husband Leroy; children David, Lynette, and Kevin.