Obituary of Gary Robert Bohnet

    Gary Robert Bohnet was born on July 11, 1939 on a farm near Lucas, SD; the first child of Leon and Janet (Stewart) Bohnet. He attended country school through the eighth grade; graduating from Burke High School in 1957. He continued his education at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, and received his Masters from the University of South Dakota in Vermilion.

    On October 4, 1959, Gary was united in marriage to Carolyn Kay Wittmeier. To this union, five children were born: David, Mark, Steven, Jeffery, and Anne.

    Gary began his teaching career at Winner, SD, and retired thirty-seven years later, at Sanborn, IA. There was a one-year stop at Bennett County School in Martin, SD. In that span of time, even with all the changes in education, Gary undoubtedly influenced, and helped shape the minds of many young people in the field of English literature.

    Along with his role as an educator, Gary was an active participant in the Sanborn community. He was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, a volunteer speech coach for the American Legion, and a member of the Sanborn Country Club. He loved to go fishing, enjoyed gardening, playing cards and golfing. He passed from this life on January 24, 2018 at the age of 78.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gail Genzlinger; two brothers, Richard and Ronald Bohnet; brother-in-law, Lornell; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Stark.

    Gary is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children: David (Luann) of Jefferson, IA, Mark (Denise) of Sanborn, IA, Steven (Robin) of Monroe, NY, Jeffery of Palmer, MA and Anne Stuart (Michael) of Sandston, VA; grandchildren: Neal, Jacob, Bethann, Justin, Rebecca, Ashley, Eric, Evan, Zackery, and Michael;  great-grandchildren: Sophie, Brody, Cole, Cadence, Henry, Benedict, Harrison, Theodore, and Madelynn; brothers: Thomas (Mary Lou) of Burke, SD, Donald (Syndi) of Yankton, SD, Lowell of Pierre, SD; sister, Barbara (Greg) Drees of Gregory, SD; sisters-in-law: Mary Lou Bohnet of Winner, SD, Renee Wittmeier of San Lorenzo, CA; and brother-in-law, Vern Genzlinger of Minneapolis, MN; special Aunt, Eunice Siler of Burke, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life

Gary R. Bohnet

Born ~ July 11, 1939 

Died ~ January 24, 2018

Age ~ 78 years    6 months    13 days

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 27, 2018

11:00 a.m.

St. Andrew's United Methodist Church

Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Kevin Gingerich

Organist ~ Patty Wachtel

Songs of Praise

Processional ~ "How Great Thou Art"  #77

                          "Amazing Grace"  #378

                         "Because He Lives"  #364

Recessional ~ "Spirit Song"  #347

Ushers

Gary Japenga  ~  Jim Morfitt

Interment

Roseland Cemetery

Sanborn, Iowa