Elizabeth Jane "Beth" Bucholz

Elizabeth J. "Beth" (Fox) Bucholz, 94 of Devils Lake formerly of Rock Lake, ND passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, January 22, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake. Elizabeth Jane Fox was born April 14, 1922, the 6th of nine children born to William E. and Marguerite (Clem) Fox at their rural home near Foster, IN. She was educated in a rural school in Foster County, through the 8th grade. Elizabeth graduated from Covington High School, Covington, IN in April of 1940. “Sis” as she was known by her family, cared for some of her nieces and nephews, and at the age of 12 she did domestic work and cared for mothers-to-be, staying until the mothers were well. She attended the delivery of a few babies, and that sparked an interest in the medical field that stayed with her for her entire life. In 1941, she went to live with her sister in Oak Park, IL and worked as a nanny and maid. She later started retail work at KRESKE’S (now known as Kmart) and in 1942 ventured out to Pontiac, MI where she was employed as a clerk and bookkeeper at Messner Brothers’ clothing store.   One day, Elizabeth and her friend were walking by the Pontiac Post Office and saw a sign saying Uncle Sam was looking for women to join the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp. Pretty much on a whim, they decided it was what they wanted to do. On April 17, 1943 she enlisted in the WAAC and was serving when it was changed to the Women’s Army Corp (WAC). She was stationed in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. She was in the Military Police working both the outposts and as a clerk typist in the office of the Provost Marshall. She helped to organize and operate the first Woman Guard House at Fort Oglethorpe. She was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on February 15, 1945. While in Fort Oglethorpe, Beth met her true love, Alvin Bucholz, and they were married on November 17, 1944. Jerry was born in September of 1945. Alvin was discharged in February of 1946 and the family headed to North Dakota, stopping to spend time with Beth’s parents in Indiana. They established their new home on the family farm by Calvin, ND. Bonnie was born in 1946 and Larry in 1960. Elizabeth was a true partner in the farming operation, working side by side with Alvin for 47 years. They survived many hardships by their ability to make love and laughter a daily part of their lives. Her favorite job was hauling grain during harvest. She helped take care of all the farm animals, but had a fondness for chickens. She loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature. She always had a big vegetable garden, but her love was flowers, especially roses. She was well known for her hospitality because anyone who came into the yard always ended up in her kitchen for coffee or pie. She was famous for her pies, donuts, lefsa and decorated cakes. She decorated many wedding cakes, but really excelled at doing birthday cakes for the grandchildren that lived near her.   In 1973, she became a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Towner County Ambulance Service, She served for 24 years. She served on the ND Association of EMT/ECT Board of Directors for 16 years, retiring due to health concerns. She was active in the Cub/Boy Scout programs in Rock Lake and the Methodist Church. She was a 70-year member of the Hal Parker Post #79, Cando American Legion and the DAV Auxiliary. Beth and Alvin moved to Devils Lake in 1988. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church until her death. She is survived by her children Jerry (Donna) Bucholz, Evergreen, CO, Bonnie (Ed) Miller, Devils Lake and Larry (Karla) Bucholz of DeBary, FL; grandchildren Jeffrey Bucholz, Dublin, Ireland, David LaPolt, Littleton, CO, Brian (Andrea) LaPolt, Lilienfeld, Austria, Kari (Mike) Mohs, Horace, ND, Dale (Heather) Miller, Reiles Acres, ND, Taylor (Chantelle) Bucholz, Deland, FL, Alex Bucholz, Portland, OR, Capt. Ashley (Brian) Kesselring, Newport, NC and Elisa Bucholz, Sanford, FL; great grandchildren Jacob LaPolt, Toren (Krystal), Zachary, Brianna and McKenna Mohs and Isabel and Addison Miller; great great grandson Teel Mohs; sisters-in-law Deloris Fox, Attica, IN, Ruth Bucholz, Cando, ND and Ada Bothum, El Paso, TX ; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Alvin in 2002; grandson Jeremy Bucholz; daughter-in-law Delores Bucholz; sisters Reva Fox, Lloyd Fox, Evelyn Switzer and Billie Gose; brothers Glenn, Daniel, Richard and James Fox.   Funeral Services for Elizabeth will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Broschat, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Friday, January 27th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.