Boniface “BR” Hornstein

Apr 22, 2023

Oct. 11, 1939-April 9, 2023

Rugby

Boniface Robert “BR” Hornstein, the son of Peter and Agatha (Axtman) Hornstein was born October 11, 1939, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota. He died peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Altru Medical Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Boniface Robert was 83 years old.

He was raised on the Hornstein family farm near Silva and later moved with the family to Rugby where he completed his education, graduating from Rugby High School in the Class of 1957. After attending some college, BR enlisted in the U.S. Army serving two years. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Rugby. BR purchased a gas station located along highway 2. After a few years he sold the station and returned to farming along with his father. In addition to farming, Bonnie worked various jobs which included being a member of the Pierce County weed board for over 20 years. He had the job of spraying for leafy spurge which plagued the county for many years. On April 16, 1993, he was united in marriage to Candace Feickert. They were blessed with a daughter, Kyla, who was his pride and joy.

BR was an avid hunter and fisherman, whether game birds, deer, fox or fish, he loved it all. Being outdoors gave him much enjoyment. Golf was another outdoor enjoyment he loved. For many years Bonnie played on the Rugby Bar Softball Team as well as on a bowling league in Rugby. He was a proud member of the Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 serving on the Honor & Color Guard for many occasions, a member of the Rugby Eagle’s Club, and Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. Bonnie had a great sense of humor, quick wit being able to make everyone laugh. He was a patient man, kind and helpful placing others’ needs before his.

BR is survived by his wife, Candace; daughter, Kyla (Kyle) Rand of Grand Forks, ND; step-daughter, Stacey Tessmann; grandchildren, Meranda Schmaltz, Mark Bercier and Wyatt Schmaltz; sisters, Deanna (Jon) Hamel; Elizabeth (Dick) Sauer; Colette (Dick) Hanson; JeanAnn (Delwyn) Hager; Cindy (Dave) Nelson, and Terri Gulstad; and many nieces nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by stepson, Jason Tessmann; brother-in-law, Rick Gulstad, his grandparents and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery.

Military Honors Accorded by: The Clarence E. Larson American Legion Post #23 Honors & Color Guard- Rugby, North Dakota and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Casket Bearers: Kyle Rand, Mark Bercier, Wyatt Schmaltz, Wayne Wentz, Leonard Bishoff & Steve Voeller

Honorary Bearers: “The Coffee Guys.”

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, April 22, 2023.