The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Othmar Schonhardt, formerly Mooreton, N.D., died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton.

Othmar John Schonhardt was born on Sept. 5, 1920, in Ogema, to Rose (Humbert) and John Schonhardt; the eldest of 5 sons.

“OJ” grew up and was educated in the Ogema area. In the early 1940s he began working at the Thomas Manikowski Farm in the Mooreton, N.D., area.

On Nov. 21, 1941, he married Alyce Solberg at St. Mary’s Church in Breckenridge. “OJ” began his employment at the Mooreton Farmer’s Elevator in 1946 and became its manager in 1955.

He was extremely dedicated to the farmers in the Mooreton area and spent 37 years serving them with their feed, seed and grain-marketing needs.

“OJ” retired in 1983 from the elevator, but continued to pursue his love for agriculture by working for the Link Farms during spring and fall work times. He also worked at the Mooreton Locker Plant (Menne’s Store) for several years and mowed lawns for anyone who asked.

“OJ” will be remembered in the Mooreton area for his “Hospice” services. He truly personified the service before it came to be known as what it is today.

He cared for many friends by spending countless hours caring for and comforting them into their final days.

“OJ” was later repaid with similar kindnesses by neighborhood friends Doug and Louise Olson, who cared for him in his home until he entered St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton.

Among his many interests; his love of fishing, hunting, traveling, story telling and cooking. Although recent strokes prevented him from verbalizing all he had wanted to say, the smiles he gave spoke volumes about his spirit and his peace with God.

Left to mourn his passing are his children; Darlene (Larry) Rowlett, Columbia, SC, Shirley (Bob) Ferguson, Lakota, N.D., and Tim (Sue) Schonhardt, Fergus Falls; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, Jeff (Brooke) Rowlett and Lily, Charleston, S.C., Dan (Naomi) Ferguson and Brandt and Beau, Lakota, N.D., Lee (Amanda) Ferguson and Coltyn and Hannah, Fargo, N.D., Charlie (Andrea) Schonhardt, Bloomington, Ryan (Amanda) Schonhardt, Hoffman and Kayla Schonhardt, Minnetonka; one brother, John Schonhardt, Elk River; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alyce on April 1, 2001; and three brothers, Maynard, Linus and Herman.

Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., at Willow Creek Chapel, Wahpeton, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Mooreton, N.D.

Burial: St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Mooreton.

Funeral Home: Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, N.D.

Condolences may be sent online at www.vertinmunson.com