Obituary of Thomas P. Bohlken

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Thomas Paul Bohlken, the youngest child of George and Dorothy Bohlken, was born on April 6, 1950, in the heart of Monticello, Iowa. He died on October 14, 2023 at St Luke’s in Cedar Rapids, after complications from Lewy body disease.

Tom graduated from Monticello High School in 1968 and attended the University of Iowa. His professional career led him to work at Cucklers in Monticello and Norand/Intermec in Cedar Rapids, where he honed his expertise as a computer programmer analyst. In addition to his technical prowess, Tom was known for his sense of humor, keeping his colleagues in fits of laughter with his quick-witted jokes and pranks.

On September 4, 1971, Tom and Susan embarked on their journey of life together. Their shared faith, love, and dreams formed the cornerstone of their marriage. 

Tom had a love for storytelling, and his stories had the power to make anyone laugh. Many a young person would hang on his every word, even if it meant fearing imaginary monsters in the woods at night. His wit and sense of humor were a treasure to those lucky enough to share in them.

But Tom was more than a storyteller; he was a builder and a problem-solver. With the help of family and friends, he constructed his log home; a testament to his determination and craftsmanship. They also built a cabin in the woods, where he found solace and adventure. His shed was a haven for tinkering with inventions, and the great outdoors was his playground as he searched for mushrooms, hunted for deer, fished for walleye, or searched for choice rocks from the sand ditch. Tom's love of games was also evident in his enjoyment of euchre and pinochle. He never missed a chance to overbid his hand, and somehow, he always managed to make it work.

A devout Christian, Tom was passionate about sharing the message of Jesus. He was an elder and confirmation teacher at St. John's Lutheran Church. He extended his kindness and care to those unable to leave their homes by sending letters and sharing his personally photographed pictures of birds and nature. His love for art and photography was evident in the beautiful senior pictures he took of each of his children on their picturesque country property in Scotch Grove. Endlessly curious about the beautiful world that God created, he instilled this love of nature in his children, passing on the wonder and awe of the natural world.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy, his brother Michael, his parents-in-law, Edward and Dorothy Janssen, his sister-in-law, Linda Schmit, and brother-in-law, Dave Findley.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his cherished wife Susan, his children Chad (Ada), Miranda (Michael), and Karlyn (Luther), and his adored grandchildren Mykenzie, Jordan, Zane, Violet, and Ryder. Tom's siblings, John (Ginny) Bohlken, Bill (Dorrean) Bohlken, and Nancy (Mike) Flynn, along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, continue to carry his memory forward.

Tom's departure leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew him. His memory will continue to inspire laughter, love, and adventure. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at St John’s Lutheran in Monticello.

Rev. Caleb Schewe will preside over the funeral service on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with pre-service visitation at 9:30 am at the same location. Tom will be laid to rest at the Scotch Grove Cemetery.

Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 700 E Oak St, Monticello, Iowa 52310.