Marilyn Bohan

Carrington

Marilyn (Phipps) Bohan, 90, Carrington, ND, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away peacefully Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, ND.

Marilyn Maxine Phipps was born October 21, 1934, daughter of Frank and Arlene (Coates) Phipps, in Huron, SD. Mom, her parents, and her two younger sisters Shirley and Delores made their home across various towns in North Dakota and South Dakota. She was educated in several private and public schools, often moving from one school to another in a single year. The family eventually settled in Minot, ND where she was a proud graduate of St. Leo’s High School, Class of 1953.

While working various jobs in Minot after high school, Marilyn met Patrick Bohan, an airman at the Minot Air Force Station from Yonkers, NY. Marilyn and Pat were married June 29, 1957 at St. Leo’s Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Within three years the Bohans had three sons Brad, Mike, and Tim. A decade later, son Terry and daughter Mary arrived.

Family was the center of Mom’s life. She was a devoted spouse and natural parent whose care and love kept her family together. How she was able to feed a ravenous horde of seven mouths daily in a kitchen the size of a closet we will never know! Her listening ear, thoughtful lessons, genuine kindness, and countless bedtime prayers provided balance and support to all in her family. She and her family were charter members of St. John The Apostle Catholic Church in Minot, where she served for years as an active parish member. Many travelers benefitted from her “Bohan Radar” prayers, ensuring safe arrival to those who “drive like an old person.”

Marilyn was a talented story-teller and thoughtful writer. Family and friends alike all benefitted more than once from her humorous, witty, and lengthy hand-written letters filled with details appropriate for the occasion. Fortunate readers were able to meet Mom’s two alter egos. There was Ms. Emma Damberger, whose fictional exploits shared life’s valuable lessons. And also, The Management. Being written up by this at-home disciplinarian was the last notice one would want to see on a bathroom mirror or refrigerator door!

As her life advanced, Marilyn continued to welcome family and friends with open arms. She was very fond of her four daughters-in-law and son-in-law, feeling lucky to have such good people as new members of her family. She welcomed her older brother Bob Schaub into her life in 1994. Having an older brother with his extended family brought joy to Marilyn and her sisters. As her 14 grandchildren entered her story, she became “Grandma Bo”, the fun grandma, who attended concerts, sporting events, and performances while sometimes hosting dress-up tea parties, driveway parades, and Happy Birthday Jesus parties at Christmas time. And make room for Grandma Bo on the wedding dance floor!

We are grateful for the staff at Golden Acres Manor for their professional care during Mom’s last few months. Mom was a committed family member filled with love and kindness for all. Her spirit lives in those she touched.

Her loving family includes: sons, Brad (Marla) Bohan of Minot, Mike (Barb) Bohan of Minot, Tim (Tammy) Bohan of Bismarck, Terry (Karrie) Bohan of Grand Forks; daughter, Mary

(Shane) Wendel of Carrington; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Lester Olson of Bismarck and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 60 years, Pat, sister Shirley (Phipps) Olson, brother-in-law Owen Noxon, brother Bob Schaub, sister-in-law Donna Schaub, sister Delores (Phipps) Noxon.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to Golden Acres Foundation, 1 Main Street, Carrington, ND 58421.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 24, 2025.