Bohlken, Donald 1930-2007

BOHLKEN, KONKEN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/28/2007 at 19:02:32

Donald Bohlken, 77, of Le Mars, died Saturday, May 12, 2007, at his home.

Donald LeRoy Bohlken was born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930, in Hawarden, the son of Albert and Sena (Konken) Bohlken. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Craig. Don received his elementary education at country school in Preston Township and later graduated from Le Mars High School in 1947. He moved to Le Mars in 1949 and joined St. John's Lutheran Church where he was currently a member.

Don was called to serve his country in January 1952. He served as a scout for the artillery during the Korean War. He earned his honorable discharge on Nov. 21, 1953. He retired in 1992 after a 30-year career with Wells' Dairy, Inc.

During his retirement years Don enjoyed driving for car dealers in Le Mars and Sioux City. He was a member of Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion in Le Mars.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Deloris of Le Mars; four sons Dean and his wife Leann of Le Mars, Dan and his wife Anne of Le Mars, David and his wife Heidi of Le Mars, and Darin and his wife Sharon of Maple Grove, Minn.; five granddaughters; three grandsons; three step-grandsons; a great-grandson; and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother LaVerle "Whitey" Bohlken.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Greg Gabriel will officiate. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars, with military honors provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home of Le Mars. The family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, Hospice of Siouxland, and the Plymouth County Historical Museum.

~source: LeMars Daily Sentinel, Monday, May 14, 2007