Mary Jane Bohlender

Mary Jane Bohlender died on September 25, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, SD. She was 93 years old.
Mary was born on May 3, 1931, to M.G. and Velma Finley in Rawlins, Wyoming. In 1941, she made her first most important decision to trust in Jesus as her savior. She graduated from Rawlins High School in 1950, and went on to attend Colorado Women's College in Denver, Colorado and then the University of Northern Colorado where she graduated in 1954 with a B. A. in Elementary Education. Mary taught school in Kremling and Ft. Morgan, Colorado and Cody, Wyoming before meeting and marrying James Bohlender in 1959. They made their home on a dairy farm in LaSalle, Colorado where they welcomed daughter, Barbara, in 1962. Their son, David, joined their family in 1965. In 1970, Jim and Mary Jane moved to Lamar, Nebraska where they farmed until Jim retired. In 2009, they settled in Holyoke, Colorado and in 2020 they chose to relocate with their daughter and son-in-law in Madison, South Dakota.
Mary was thankful to be able to be a stay-at-home farm wife and mom. She was active in women's Bible studies in her neighborhood and church, taught women's Sunday School and helped with the AWANA kids' program. Mary enjoyed sewing and gardening and hosting frequent dinner guests and missionaries in her home. Mary Jane and Jim also ventured through nearly every state, often to visit their kids and 6 grandkids and great grandchildren. Her greatest joy was seeing others come to faith and grow in Jesus Christ.
Mary is survived by her son David (Sherry) Bohlender of Wichita, KS, daughter Barbara (Dave) Bishop of Madison, grandchildren Nathan (Sara) Bishop, Zak (Kelly) Bishop, Cody (Jenna) Bishop, Lindsey (Kofi) Asamoah-Boadu, Andrew Bohlender, and Eva (Joe) Schmidt; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brother, Mark, parents, M. G. and Velma and husband, Jim.
The family is grateful for the care Mary Jane received at Bethel and through Homecare Services of SD and for the love and support extended by their friends at West Center Baptist and the community. The funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Holyoke, CO. Burial will be at Holyoke Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour preceding the service at the church. Memorial gifts may be given in Mary Jane's honor to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997. Click to download / open- https://d1rjyex4ui0ya6.cloudfront.net/obituaries/media/6815/1590319-MaryJaneFolder.docx