Betty Ann Boardman

Betty Boardman, 91, of Frazee, MN, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, MN.

Betty Ann was born October 19, 1934, to Ted and Esther (Wolff) Gienger at Bottineau, ND. She grew up on a farm and attended country school. She graduated from High School in Gardena, ND in 1952. Since there was such a shortage of rural schoolteachers, she enrolled at Minot State College in an accelerated program, preparing her to teach in country schools.

She met Bob Boardman at a dance, where they seemed to connect right away. He had seen her walking with a girlfriend in her red high heels shopping on Saturday nights in Bottineau all summer, but was too shy to approach her. She went to teach in a country school, and he later moved to Frazee to start a unit for Minnesota Valley Breeders. They had a letter courtship. They were married on June 20, 1954 at Gardena and moved to Frazee just in time to get involved with the first Turkey Days.

Their three children, David, Donna, and Gary were born there. Betty became involved with the community and Bethlehem Church, where she taught Sunday School and was Superintendent for 32 years. She later led the 55+ Club, setting up monthly programs of interest. She was a church Guild Member for 64 years.

When the children were young, she was involved with Blue Birds, PTA, and school events. She substituted as a teacher in the Elementary school for 30 years. Betty helped organize a Homemakers Club and held county offices. She organized a couple of card clubs that lasted 45 years. She was a member of the Garden Club, and worked with the Beautification Committee to plan the Little Turkey Park on the corner downtown. They planted shrubbery and flowers, and worked with the Yard of the Month program.

Betty and Bob did a lot of dancing throughout the area, even winning some Waltz contests. They co-hosted Oktoberfest for 20 years and people came from all over the state to dance to the Polka Bands, eat German food, and see the decorations.

Betty moved to the Linden at Eventide in Moorhead in 2023. She enjoyed the activities and amenities, as well as the ability to stay inside during the winter!

Betty is survived by her children, David (Charleen), Mooreton, ND, Donna Atherton, Moorhead, MN, and Gary (Dawn), Tulsa, OK; 4 grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Rodney) Medalen, Grand Forks, ND, and Mary Lou Reamer, Bottineau, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Betty’s funeral service is 2:00pm, Thursday, March 19, at Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting hansonrunsvold.com.

Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.