Obituary of Martin Bohlke

Surviving are 3 sons: William (Tonia) Bohlke of San Antonio, TX, Jay (Debie) Bohlke of Chandler, AZ and M. Joseph (Diana) Bohlke Des Moines, IA; 1 daughter, Mary Beth (Johnny) Lovejoy of San Antonio, TX and 2 daughters-in-law: Cathy (Steve) Werner of Manchester, IA and Joy Bohlke of Houston, TX; 19 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; 2 sisters: Lola Goerdt of Dyersville and Shirley Anderson of Cherokee, IA; 4 sisters-in-law: Dr. Jean Ann (Thomas) Moore of Carmel, CA and Phyllis (Jerry) Green of Cascade, IA, Dorothy Schmitz of San Antonio, TX and Margaret Schmitz of Dubuque; 1 brother-in-law, Phil (Ann) Schmitz of Dyersville, IA. Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Esther in 1984, 2 sons: David and Robert, 2 sisters: Charlotte Goerdt, and Joan Willenborg. Mr. Bohlke was born January 20, 1919, in Petersburg, Iowa the son of Henry and Anna (Osterhaus) Bohlke. He married Mary Esther Schmitz October 7, 1944 in Dyersville. Martin was in the Insurance Business since 1953. He served in WW II for four years, receiving the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars and attaining the rank of 1st Seargeant. For many years he was a coach of Little League and Grade School Basketball and was on the chain gang for Beckman High School Football. He was an associate of the Dyersville Police Dept for 30 plus years, a member of the City Council for 11 years, served as Mayor Pro-Tem for 7 years, was a retired member of the Dyersville Fire Dept where he served as Assistant Chief, was an usher in the Basilica and a 60 year member of American Legion Post 137.