Leona Dohrmann

Leona Dohrmann of Bismarck passed away December 8, 2016, at Sanford Continuing Care, Mandan, at the age of 100. Services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck. Leona Marie Dohrmann was born to William and Wilhelmina (Gerhardt) Dohrmann at the family homestead northwest of Taylor, ND, November 12, 1916. Her arrival was a very special event due to the fact she was joined by an identical twin sister, Lenora, who became her lifelong companion. Leona’s grade school days were spent in a one-room country school close to their farm. Following graduating from high school in 1934, she and her sister enrolled in the Dickinson Normal School. Eleven scrounge turkeys were sold to help pay their tuition. The summer of ’36 they enrolled in the Capital Commercial College in Bismarck, working for board and room. Leona was an accomplished seamstress, working at Master Cleaners for 20 years and later joining the Alex Ruth Shop for 30 years as head alteration lady and pinch hitting as a sales person when needed. Leona did many alterations at her home and did so, well into her 90’s. Her hands were always busy with some project. She and her sister traveled extensively worldwide, usually getting in one or two trips a year. They were as unique as the trips themselves, since they always dressed alike and fellow travelers enjoyed their time together. Leona’s church family was an important part of her life, being involved in quilting groups, ladies circle, greeting card sales, and serving in leadership roles whenever asked. For many years, she and Lenora were active in the Christian Business Women. Leona’s family held a special place in her life, hosting birthday parties and holiday meals. Working in the yard and gardening was a favorite pastime, which led to canning and preserving much produce. Something was always sent home with those who would come to visit. She and her sister were the best of hostesses. Leona is survived by nieces and nephews; William (Jeanette), Taylor; Lyle, Rapid City, SD; Darlene Wolf, Bismarck; Randy (Susan), Milton, Freewater, OR; Terry (Diane), Glendive, MT; Nadine (Steve) Hilliard, Glendive, MT; Eloise Dohrmann, Dickinson; and JayDee (Dawn), Renton, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews consisting of five generations. She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Lenora, her brothers, Kenneth (Laura), Wilmer (Ann), and Raymond; her infant sister and brother, Louisa and Delton; and her nephew-in-law, Ray Wolf. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, or Immanuel Church of Taylor Cemetery Fund.