Dana Guenthner, 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 25, 2023, with family by his side, after a long courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Bismarck Funeral Home.
Dana was born in Bismarck, ND on August 19, 1946, to Warren and Wilda Guenthner. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1964 as a proud “south sider”. He joined the National Guard in 1965 where his service as an MP included policing anti-war protests on college campuses. Dana attended ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, where he began his study of computer programming and data processing. His studies and the National Guard, led him to move to Denver, CO and where his career in the oil industry began. Dana was known for his in-depth analytical skills and computer knowledge, which provided a pathway to his work as a geophysicist. His extensive knowledge and experience in seismic data processing was in high demand, and his skillset was sought by many companies to help develop and advance the technology within the industry. After the oil industry faltered, Dana wanted a new challenge and went back to college at age 45 to further expand his knowledge base. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1997 from the University of Colorado.
Between the years of work and school, Dana met his loving wife, Madonna Bjornholt, while both were living in Colorado. They married in 1979 on an April snowy day in North Dakota. Dana shared his love of skiing, camping, and backpacking with Madonna, such that most weekends were spent doing so with their many special friends. Their 44 years together were highlighted by golf and wonderful travel experiences. Although they had no children of their own, several God children enhanced their life as did the many fur babies who enjoyed spoiled lives with them. They returned to North Dakota in 2008.
Dana and Madonna shared many hobbies including-stained glass work, and proudly still own the first art piece created while they were dating. Dana’s accomplishments are many in that he never met a task or project that he wasn’t able to conquer, as long as he had the right tool. An artist at heart, some of his incredible projects include designs for two custom homes, hand-carved totems, cypress strip canoe, as well as rebuilding a 1951 Willys.
Dana is survived by his wife Madonna, sister Arvada Hipsak, brother-in-law Tom (Jodie) Bjornholt, mother-in-law Loretta Bjornholt, nephew Steve French, nieces Nicole (Joe) Hushka, Brandee (Jeff) Rensch, Ashley (Chris) Larson, Terra their fur-baby, God children, and very special friends.
Dana was preceded in death by his parents, sister Renee’ French, father-in-law Emil Bjornholt, nephew Derrick Hipsak, and many aunts and uncles.
In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Central Dakota Humane Society or the Bismarck Art Galleries and Association in Dana’s name.