Berentje CM Pohlman

Berentje (“Brench”) C. M. Pohlman, age 93, of Enderlin, ND died Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas!), 2018 at Lisbon’s CHI Family Health. Berentje was a long-time Enderlin attorney and owner of a main street law office.

Berentje was born November 1, 1925 in New Rockford, ND to Hilda and Jacob Pohlman. She grew up with 3 brothers-Dolphy, Fred, and Max- on a family farm in Silver Springs Township, Wells County, several miles south of present day Chaseley. Berentje thrived with rural life and the local self-made characters. She attended a one room county school in rural Chaseley but went to Fessenden High School where she graduated in 1943. She attended the University of North Dakota and received her Bachelor of Philosophy (1948) and law degree (1950). She was not the first female UND Law School student but was the only woman in her class. She was admitted to the ND Bar in 1951 and took employment with a Minneapolis law firm as, in her words, “A girl Friday.” In 1954 she was hired by an Enderlin law firm and a year later hung out her own shingle.

Her Enderlin office on Railway and 3rd Avenue offered tax preparation beside legal and realtor services. Berentje was known for approachability and befriended all layers of human life. For years she was the city attorney and was elected city mayor in 1970.

Berentje enjoyed many passions and hobbies. Dogs and cats filled her house, the fishing pole was always waiting behind the door, and she was addicted to books on tape.  Berentje was also a technology junkie and in her early 90s nothing thrilled her more than a new GPS or software program.

Berentje was still a licensed, practicing attorney until 2016 and was a bonded notary through 2022. She moved her law office to her Hillcrest Avenue Enderlin home in 2012 and declining health saw her in Lisbon’s Parkside Lutheran Home in 2016. Berentje enjoyed her Parkside stay and actually felt like family.

Berentje had 2 stalwart friends who helped with her office and well-being. Alice Schwandt and Karen Mondor must be mentioned for their loyalty and kindness.

Berentje has no immediate surviving family. She had requested all memorials be given to: Humane Society of Fargo-Moorhead, 1201 28th AVE North, Fargo ND 58102. There will be a graveside remembrance at the Enderlin City Cemetery in 2019.

Armstrong Funeral Homes, 11 Main St, PO Box 1028, Lisbon ND 58054 (701.683.4400) armfnlhm@drtel.net

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