Dennis Bohling

Dennis Lee Bohling, one of seven children of Emil and Elvera (Volker) Bohling, was born November 2, 1947 in Humboldt, Nebraska. Dennis was baptized November 23, 1947 by Rev. Fruehling, and confirmed October 14, 1962 by Rev. Duerschner, both at Martin Luther Lutheran Church south of Johnson, Nebraska. He attended school in Elk Creek, and graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1966. Dennis also attended Peru State College at Peru, Nebraska.

On March 1, 1968 Dennis enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam until being wounded in combat, which led to his honorable discharge for medical reasons on September 29, 1969. Dennis was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in the service of his country.

In July of 1972 Dennis was married to Marietta ?Petey? Goos at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church near Humboldt. Their marriage of seven years was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Heather and Melissa.

Dennis worked for a short time at National Crane in Waverly, Nebraska before moving back to Elk Creek and taking positions at Searcey Grain and as a substitute rural mail carrier. He eventually became a permanent mail carrier, and retired in 1997 after 25 years of service with the USPS. After his retirement, Dennis still enjoyed helping his brothers with their farm work when he was able.

After suffering a setback following a second operation on his legs, Dennis passed away at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center on Friday, December 17, 2010 at the age of 63 years, 1 month, and 15 days. His grandparents and father Emil preceded him in death.

Dennis is survived by his daughters Heather and husband Brad Cooper of Hebron, Melissa ?Missy? and husband Dax Boyte of Bennet; grandchildren Hannah and Ashlyn Cooper, Addison and Harrison Boyte; mother Elvera Bohling of Tecumseh; sisters and brothers-in-law Carolyn and Charles Hastings of Doniphan, Lorna and Dan Davison of Lincoln, Ardith and Jerry Labenz of Springfield, MO, LuAnn and Larry Carmine of Tecumseh; brothers and sisters-in-law Larry and Lois of Elk Creek, Mark and Lois of Elk Creek; many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many friends.

Funeral services were Monday, December 20, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, officiated by Pastor John Diener. Loretta Kerchal was organist for congregational hymns. Pallbearers were nephews Mike Hastings, Dan Hastings, Jeff Hastings, Todd Bohling, Travis Davison, Matt Davison, Brad Labenz, Brent Carmine, Casey Bohling, and Tyler Bohling. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Wolken, Larry Goracke, Roger Weakland, and Mike Davison. Burial was in Martin Luther Cemetery south of Johnson.