Harold D. Bohling

   Harold Dewayne Bohling was born on November 7, 1939, in Auburn, Nebraska to Alvin and Lorene (Bergmann) Bohling. Harold grew up on his parents’ farm south of Auburn with his twin brother, Gerald, and an older sister, Donna. He attended Rosemont Rural School District #40 and graduated from Auburn High School in 1958. After graduation, Harold worked on the family farm, and between harvest and spring planting worked in construction and for Farmers Coop in Auburn.

   On December 3, 1961, Harold married Donna Lee Guenther of Johnson, Nebraska. Two weeks after their wedding, Harold entered the United States Air Force. He was stationed at the Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas and assigned to launch crew duty on the Atlas E missile. Three daughters, Ronda, Renae and Kristi, were born to the marriage. Harold and Donna later divorced.

   Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1965, Harold returned to southeast Nebraska to farm. In 1973, the family moved to his grandparents’ farm, where he continued to live for more than 50 years. Harold loved the farm and was an early conservationist, constantly working to improve and preserve farmland by building many miles of terraces, waterways, and dams.

   Harold was a lifelong member of St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served several years on the church council and in other various positions in the church. Harold enjoyed mission work, traveling to Honduras five times to provide dental care and to build a tech school to train youth in life skills. Harold was also involved in the Auburn community, serving on the boards of the Nemaha County Extension for four years, the Farmers Coop for six years, and the Rural Water District #12 for fifteen years.

   Harold also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling from coast-to-coast. His favorite trips were to Montana and Alaska. He was proud to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor fallen service members and military veterans at their funerals.

   Harold passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska with his daughters by his side. Preceding him in death were his parents. He is survived by his three daughters: Ronda Eitzmann of Lincoln, NE, Renae Allen of Grand Island, NE, and Kristi (Kyle) Drefke of Bethesda, MD; nine grandchildren: Brittni (Thomas) Klostermeyer, Alyssa (Alex) Rousseau, Jessie (Brook) Brown, Trey (Emily) Allen, Colton Allen, Austin Allen, Margaret Drefke, Madeleine Drefke, and Sigrid Drefke; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna (Don) Monnette, of Humboldt, NE; one brother, Gerald (Mary Lou) Bohling, of Stella, NE; and nieces and nephews.

   Harold’s family would like to thank the professionals who cared for him during his final weeks at the Nemaha County Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center, Tabitha Journey House, and HoriSun Hospice.

   Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church near Auburn.  Visitation will be at Hemmingsen Funeral Home on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00.

   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church, which will be designated for its mission work.