Marj Bohnhoff’s work as a research scientist at the University of Chicago evolved with the rapidly changing cultural landscape, much like the sexually transmitted diseases she studied.
From the venereal diseases brought home during and after World War II, to the rise of STDs in the free-love ’60s, to the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, Ms. Bohnhoff’s cutting-edge research spanned more than four decades and focused on the high-risk populations most affected by the illnesses.
“Her work was very important to her and she wrote a ton of papers on topics with names I can’t even pronounce,” said her great-niece, Noel Zethmayr.
As a single woman in a male-dominated field, Ms. Bohnhoff also dealt with her fair share of chauvinism.
“For years she was the only woman in an all-male lab,” Zethmayr said. “Her boss once commented, ‘If you’re going to hire a scientist, you might as well hire a pretty one!’ “
Ms. Bohnhoff, 87, of La Grange, who for many years also served on the faculty at the University of Chicago’s School of Medicine, died Thursday, March 4, at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, from complications after recently undergoing surgery for a burst appendix.
Born in La Grange Park, Ms. Bohnhoff was the youngest of four children. She graduated in 1940 from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, where she was a star player on the girls fencing team. That same year she was chosen to be a member of the Women’s U.S. Olympic fencing team, family members said, but the games in Finland were canceled because of World War II.
“That disappointment never left her, but she was still very proud,” Zethmayr said.
After attending Lyons Township Junior College, Ms. Bohnhoff received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Chicago in 1944. Soon after, she started doing research for the university on STDs brought home by some returning World War II military personnel.
During the 1950s, Ms. Bohnhoff continued her research into STDs and began teaching at the U. of C.’s School of Medicine, while also completing her master’s degree in microbiology. In the late 1960s, her research into STDs took her out of the lab and into Chicago neighborhoods.
“She worked with prostitutes and drug addicts,” Zethmayr said. “She was out tracking bugs (sexually transmitted viruses) in crime-ridden areas across the city.”
At the time of her retirement in 1987, Ms. Bohnhoff’s research focused primarily on the growing AIDS epidemic.
“She didn’t talk much about her work back then,” recalled Zethmayr. “She’d often be asked to do blood draws for people who didn’t want to go to their own doctors.”
Described as sometimes gruff, Ms. Bohnhoff’s exterior hid an often playful and generous nature, loved ones said.
“She was smart and opinionated, but also a lot of fun,” said Zethmayr.
Other survivors include numerous nephews and nieces.
Family and friends of Ms. Bohnhoff are invited to an “Irish wake” from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Flagg Creek Golf Course Clubhouse, 6939 S. Wolf Road, Countryside.
