Bohnet, Lee (Leland K.), 1923-1999

Leland "Lee" K. Bohnet was the first and long time sports information director at the University of North Dakota. He was born April 23, 1923, in Kulm, ND. He graduated from Kulm High School in 1942, and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Wilkes. Active in the Pacific Theater, he separated from the Navy in May 1946 as a Water Tender 3rd Class. In 1946, Bohnet enrolled at UND. He graduated in 1951, with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Upon graduation, Bohnet became a sports writer for the Fargo Forum. He worked there for a short time before he became the editor of the Hillsboro Banner. In 1953, Bohnet was hired as UND's first sports information director, at that point a part time position. In 1958, he was named full-time sports information director. Bohnet held this position for 35 years, before retiring in 1988. In 1994, Bohnet published his book, A Century of UND Sports. Bohnet was named to the North Central Conference Hall of Fame in 1974, the UND Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981, and the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame in 1977. He received the UND Letterwinner's Club Honorary Award in 1976. His first marriage was to Marjorie Vareberg in 1948; she passed away in 1975. They had two daughters: Patricia and Diane. In 1976, he married Elaine LeTourneau. He had three step-children: Daniel, William and Ann. Lee Bohnet passed away on August 8, 1999, in Grand Forks.

From the description of Papers, 1980-1995 (University of North Dakota). WorldCat record id: 680775738