Mary Jo Bertrand

Mary Jo Bertrand, age 86, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Scotland, SD.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Goglin Funeral Home, Scotland, SD. Visitation will be held at Goglin Funeral Home, Scotland, SD, on Wednesday April 8, from 5 pm to 7 pm with a song dedication by Jeremy Bertrand and a rosary to follow. A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Thursday April 9 at 10:30 am at St. George’s Catholic Church, Scotland, SD, with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall.

Mary Jo Bohnenkamp Bertrand was born on December 11, 1939, in Alexandria, SD, to John Francis Bohnenkamp and Hattie (Sudbery) Bohnenkamp. She graduated from high school in Tripp, SD, where she resided with her mother and stepfather, Nick Hoeltzner. She attended 1 ½ years of schooling for nursing before leaving school to get married.

Mary Jo married Wayne Bertrand, on June 1, 1959, in Tripp, SD. The couple moved to Centerville, SD, in 1959, where their daughter Kimberly “Kim” was born. They moved to Scotland in 1961 after Wayne accepted a position at the Scotland Journal. Their daughters, Michele & Kristi were born while they resided in Scotland. They moved to Sleepy Eye, MN in 1964, when Wayne accepted a position at the Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch. While residing in Sleepy Eye, their son Robert was born. The couple moved back to Scotland, SD in 1967 after they purchased the Scotland Journal and took over the paper. They later bought the Tyndall Tribute and Springfield Times, and briefly owned the Tripp Star Ledger. They started B & H Publishing with business partner, Marvin Blaha.

Mary Jo was the editor of the Scotland Journal and worked at this location for 28 years. During her time in the newspaper, she wrote a weekly column called “Coffee Time With Jo” sharing recipes with the community. Mary Jo and Wayne sold their share of the business to Marvin in 1995. Mary Jo was active in the community and member of numerous organizations and boards during her lifetime, including: Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Advisory Board, Jaycettes, and St. George Catholic Church Altar Society.

Mary Jo enjoyed spending time with family camping, fishing, and golfing. She was very active in the Scotland Golf Course and ran the clubhouse for several years. She played golf on the ladies league, couples league and played in numerous golf tournaments over the years. Even after she was unable to play golf, she still enjoyed spending time at the golf course.

Mary Jo and Wayne moved to West Winds Apartments after they sold their home and spent many years in Yuma, AZ, at the Cactus Gardens RV park. After they sold the business, they spent half the year at their “winter home” and with their second community. Mary Jo enjoyed swimming, quilting, biking, and playing Bingo at the park. She enjoyed senior yoga and brought the program back to West Winds where she shared it with other residents. She enjoyed spending time with her sisters and friends from all over the United States and Canada. Evenings at the park were spent playing darts during “social hour.” Mary Jo and Wayne sold the “winter home” in 2018.

Mary Jo was an avid baker and loved to share her treats with everyone around her. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, quilting, senior yoga, and making blankets for all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was famous for all her rhubarb deserts and her rhubarb jam. She shared her jam with everyone who wanted some. She was the first to bring a meal or treat to those in need and never arrived anywhere without something to share. She loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren school and sports events.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of almost 67 years, Wayne Bertrand, Scotland, SD; her children Kim and husband Marlin Kocourek, Springfield, SD; Michele and husband Tony Kunkel, Yankton, SD; and Kris and Richard Pechous, Tabor, SD; grandchildren Jeremy & Donal Bertrand, Springfield, SD; Shawn & Jayme Kocourek, Menno, SD; Shannon & Jon Robinson, Springfield, SD; Michael & Angie Pechous, Humboldt, SD; Corey & Nicole Pechous, Sioux Falls, SD; Jacquie Schneider, Sioux Falls, SD, Ivy & Jeremy Bigge, Yankton, SD; and Ian Parkhurst, Lennox, SD; also 22 (and one on the way) great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-father, siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, and her son, Robert, in 1996.