Betty Boardman

Betty Boardman, 91, of Frazee, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Born Betty Ann Gienger on October 19, 1934, to Ted and Esther (Wolff) Gienger in Bottineau, North Dakota, she grew up on the family farm and attended country school. She graduated from high school in Gardena, North Dakota, in 1952. With a shortage of rural teachers, she enrolled in an accelerated program at Minot State College that prepared her to teach in country schools.

She met her future husband, Bob Boardman, at a dance, where they connected immediately. Though Bob had admired her from afar as she walked through Bottineau in her red high heels on Saturday nights, it was through letters while she taught in a country school and he worked in Frazee that their relationship deepened. They married on June 20, 1954, in Gardena and settled in Frazee, arriving just in time for the community’s first Turkey Days. There they raised their three children, David, Donna, and Gary.

Betty was deeply involved in her community and her faith at Bethlehem Church, where she taught Sunday School and served as superintendent for 32 years. She later led the 55+ Club, creating monthly programs of interest, and remained a faithful Guild member for 64 years. While her children were young, she participated in Blue Birds, PTA, and school events, and she substituted in the elementary school for 30 years. She helped organize a Homemakers Club, held county offices, and formed card clubs that continued for 45 years. An avid gardener, she worked with the Garden Club and Beautification Committee to create Little Turkey Park downtown and supported the Yard of the Month program. She and Bob shared a lifelong love of dancing, winning waltz contests and co-hosting Oktoberfest for 20 years, drawing dancers from across the state to enjoy polka music, German food, and festive decorations.

Betty moved to the Linden at Eventide in Moorhead in 2023, where she appreciated the activities, amenities, and comfort of indoor living through the winters.

She is survived by her children, David (Charleen) Boardman of Mooreton, North Dakota, Donna Atherton of Moorhead, Minnesota, and Gary (Dawn) Boardman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren; and her sisters, Joyce Medalen of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Mary Lou Reamer of Bottineau, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bob.