Mary Lou Sherod

Mary Sherod, 91, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Ortonville Area Hospital in Ortonville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of St. Mary in Willmar, MN. Visitation will be held at the church, one hour prior to the service. Father Steve Verhelst will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Mary Lou Sherod was born on November 12, 1932, to Bernard and Helen (Baldridge) Bogenreif in Big Stone County, MN. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Odessa High School in 1950. After her education, she helped on the family farm for a short time before pursuing her nursing assistant certificate.

She was united in marriage with Rodney Christopherson. They were blessed with five children: Mark, Jeff, John, Jay, and JoAnn. She was later married to Gerald Bonine, and they were blessed with a son, James. Mary Lou and Jerry owned and operated Bonine Jewelry Store for many years.

On July 11, 1998, she married her high school sweetheart, Wilbert “Willie” Sherod, in Ortonville. The couple moved and made their home in New London, MN, until 2016. While in New London, Mary Lou was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. Together, they enjoyed traveling and trips to casinos. Mary Lou and Willie moved back to Ortonville and into Fairway View Senior Communities.

In her younger years, Mary Lou enjoyed bowling and playing cards. She loved reading, collecting teapots, and spending time outdoors. She was especially fond of fishing and gardening. Above all, Mary Lou loved spending time with her children and her many grandchildren.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Jeff (Connie) Christopherson of Mora, MN; John (Tammy) Christopherson of St. Francis, MN; Jay (Judy) Christopherson of White Bear Lake, MN; JoAnn (Ron) Everson of Amery, WI; and James Bonine of Paynesville, MN; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Bernard and Helen Bogenreif; husband, Wilbert “Willie” Sherod; son, Mark Christopherson; sister, DeAnna Dubord; and two brothers: Jim Bogenreif and Jack Bogenreif.