Obit: Bohn, Gerald Francis (1933 - 2005)

 
Contact: Ken
Email: ken@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bohn, Thomas, Hayton, Hrabak, Falter

----Source: Ashland Daily Press (Ashland, Ashland Co., Wis.) Sat. November 5, 2005

Bohn, Gerald Francis (1 May 1933 - 2 Nov. 2005)

PHILLIPS -- Gerald Francis Bohn, 72, Phillips, died at approximately 10 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 2, 2005, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, due to complications with open heart surgery. He was born May 1, 1933, in Berlin, Wisconsin, to John and Irene (Thomas) Bohn.

He grew up on the Bohn family farm in West Bend. In 1958, he began work as a swing machine salesman. On May 14, 1972, he became a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was very proud of his 33 years of sobriety. Many years ago, he and three other men formed the Sun.night meeting in Fifield, which continues today. He helped them by being their AA sponsor as well. He loved to help people and did not expect anything in return. He put others ahead of himself. In 1975 he began a retail sewing machine business, Statewide Sewing Centers, Inc. Having stores in Park Falls, Medford, Marshfield, and Wauwatosa, he also traveled the entire Midwest to sell sewing machines to the public at hotels until his recent retirement. He also sold fishing rods, flashing arrow signs, hats, and various other retail items.

On October 2, 1976, be chose Judith Ann Hayton as his life partner. During his retirement, he and his daughter, Lynne, teamed up to sell sewing machines via the Internet. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, plus meeting new people. Being a superb salesman, watching sports, traveling, listening to polkas and old-time country music, and being active in AA were his interests. He was a strong, loving, giving person, and a good provider. He was a loving spouse and devoted father. He believed in taking one day at a time. He also believed that one would never know fulfillment if he never tried. In his last days of life, his bravery was obvious, and his immediate family was proud of him.

He is survived by Judith Ann Hayton; their daughter, Lynne Anne Bohn and his stepdaughter, Davette Lynne Hrabak, all of Phillips; two brothers, Thomas (Mary Ann) Bohn and David (Audrey) Bohn, both of West Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Bohn, and a loving sister, Mary Ann Falter.

Visitation will be held at Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips, On Sun.beginning at 5:30 p.m. On Mon. visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. with funeral services at 11 a.m. at Heindl Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Phillips.

A memorial fund has been established in his honor.