Douglas Boneschans

Bigelow, MN

         Douglas Boneschans age 80, of Bigelow, MN died Friday, November 25, 2022, at his home in Bigelow, MN, with his family by his side.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sibley, Iowa with Father Siby Punnoose, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the Worthington Cemetery.

     Visitation will be Monday, November 28^th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. 

Douglas Arthur Boneschans was born on May 10, 1942 to Henry and Bertha Boneschans at their family farm home in Goewy Township. He, his parents, and siblings moved to Bigelow, MN when he was 13 years old. Growing up, his 5 brothers all gave each other nicknames. Doug earned the nickname “Hippo”.

Doug started his work life early in life after walking out of ninth grade because “He was smarter than the teachers.” He started as a farm hand before entering his lifelong career as a carpenter. He belonged to the Carpenters Union for 50 years providing outstanding craftsmanship to all of Southern MN. He also contributed his time to the Bigelow Fire Department. After working 16,425 days and not missing one he always found the time to make it home.

Waiting at home, was his lifetime angel of 60 years. Married in 1962, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, MN. Together they purchased their family home where it all began. Shortly after their wedding they started growing their family, they welcomed their pride and joys; Kimberly (Thomas) Reitmeier, Sharon (Jerry) Heidebrink, Keith (Jodi) Boneschans, and Krista (Chad) Svalland. His family continued to grow with 11 grandchildren, and so far, 11 great grandchildren.

Doug had tough skin and a loud bark but those who knew him felt his giving nature and big heart. If you couldn’t find Doug at home, you could find him in his garden, on his lawn mower, mowing for the City of Bigelow or cruising the town on his golf cart. On Sundays you would find this faithful Minnesota Vikings fan watching the game, and all the cowboy movies for the 100^th time.

Doug was preceded in death by both of his parents, parents-in-laws, 5 brothers, sister, brother and sister-in-laws and great grandchild. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Judith, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and step great grandchildren. He will also be missed by his brother, Donald Boneschans, sister Joyce Fennell, and sister-in-law Julie Hohenssee.

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