William "Bill" Bohnsack

William “Bill” Charles Bohnsack rarely slowed down — not out of haste, but because life offered too many opportunities to make a difference. He could be found zipping off to a track meet, brushing the last strokes of paint before the storm rolled in, or cramming a quick chemistry experiment into the final minutes of class. Bill lived his life with energy and intention — even if time didn’t always cooperate with his plans.

Bill passed away at home on May 1, 2025, with his family by his side and supported by Hospice, after facing pancreatic cancer with a quiet strength. True to form, he left us much earlier than we wanted — and this time, we really wish he would’ve slowed down.

He was born July 31, 1946, in Fargo, ND, to Earl and Evelyn (Sletten) Bohnsack. When he was an infant, the family moved to Mayville — a town that would become both his lifelong home and his lifelong project. He graduated from Mayville High School in 1964 and Concordia College in Moorhead in 1968, later earning a Master’s in Teaching from Minot State University.

Bill began his teaching career in Zeeland, ND, where he taught science and P.E., and in classic Bohnsack fashion, immediately talked the school board into restarting football and wrestling programs — and then volunteered to coach them. After four whirlwind years, he returned to Mayville, where he taught in the MayPort (and later MayPort CG) district until his “retirement” in 2010. He taught everything from general science to advanced physics, but it was chemistry and physics that really got him fired up — sometimes literally.

Bill was always in motion — not just as a coach, but as a physics teacher who used his expertise to help his athletes understand the science behind their sports. He had a relentless curiosity that never wavered. He believed learning didn’t stop at the classroom door, applying that philosophy to everything — from mastering chemistry concepts to refining coaching techniques. If his athletes needed equipment, he was always ready to step up, sometimes buying it himself to ensure they had what they needed to succeed.

His vaulters regularly made the state podium, and one unforgettable year, they swept the top three spots, helping MayPort win the state title. He was still assisting the track team up until the week before he passed.

In 1976, Bill married Shirley Rindy, and together they raised three children — Michael, Annie, and Amy. No matter how busy his schedule, he made time for what mattered most— his family. He showed his love through what he did — offering support, showing up when it mattered, spending meaningful time together, and sometimes, fixing their faucets or changing the oil in their cars.

His love was a steady and reassuring presence, always making sure they knew they had his full support. This same love was extended to his relationship with his grandkids — he treasured opportunities to cheer them on and show them just how much they meant to him.

Bill didn’t just pour energy into his students and family — he threw himself into the community too. He believed that complaining didn’t fix anything — showing up and doing the work did. That belief landed him on the Mayville Park Board (President for many years), where he helped bring the Mayville Water Park to life. Retiring from the board didn’t mean stepping away – he simply shifted gears and became head of park maintenance.

He also served on the Mayville City Council and the Lake Agassiz Water Authority, and was a lifelong member of Mayville Lutheran Church, where he served on the council and various committees until his passing.

In the summer, Bill painted houses — first as part of a teacher crew, then on his own. He often hired local students or his own children to help. At the urging of his doctor, he finally hung up his paint brushes and ladders in the fall of 2024.

He loved to travel with Shirley— especially to Europe and Nantucket — and valued time with family and friends. Even on vacation, he brought his usual energy, always making the most of every moment.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley; children Michael (Sheila) Bohnsack, Anne (Kellen) Arneson, and Amy (Brenden) Timpe; grandchildren Emerson, Quinlan, and Ashton Bohnsack, and Magdalena and Matilda Timpe; sister Carol Bohnsack and nephew Matthew; in-laws Anita (Michael) McCurdy, Dennis (Nancy) Rindy, Dean (Stacy) Rindy, and Darrell Rindy; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, former students, athletes, neighbors, and friends. No amount of time with Bill would have been enough for his family and friends, but the memories of his love and laughter will last forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Bohnsack.

Memorials may be designated for the Bill Bohnsack Track Scholarship Fund, Mayville Lutheran Church, or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM with a 6:30 public prayer service on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Mayville Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND.

Burial: Will be in Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.