Donald R. Bohnert passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Tomahawk Health Care Services, surrounded by love and satisfied with a meaningful, fulfilling life. Don embraced his final days just as he lived: with dignity, humility, and grace. He had a heart overflowing with gratitude, which he was quick to share not just with the many who had touched his life, but particularly those who now live on to share his legacy. Don was born to Ray and Linda (née, Albrecht) Bohnert in Merrill, Wis. He served his country during the Korean War 1948-52 and was a decorated Sergeant.
Don had many gifts, talents, and skills which equipped him well for a wide range of occupations during his life, from welder to Redi-mix operator, carney to truck driver, mechanic to boat salesman. He was both loveable and successful as a businessman, but his most fulfilling job was as a school bus driver. It made him proud to hear, “He was my favorite driver!” Don loved life in general — especially service to others! —and lived to hunt and fish with his sons and relatives. He was an avid Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan, loved scratch-offs and casinos.
Three beautiful women had the blessing of being his partner at different stages of his life: his wives, Donna Rae Crass and Sharon Glasshof, and special friend, Kathleen O’Keefe. But above all, the true love of his life was his family.
He has one surviving brother — and lifelong best friend! — Paul (aka, Jerry or “Bones”) Bohnert. He is also survived by six children: Michael (Carolyn) Bohnert, Debbie Wolff, Lori Bishop, Ross (Patricia) Reed, Teri Jo (Gary) Engen, and Dale (Angela) Bohnert. Don’s grandchildren are Katie (special friend Jon), Kristen (Dana) Johnson, Karen (John) Ferren, Megan Lambruschini, Brooke (Justin) Moulton, Meredith Bishop, Andrew (Morganne) Engen, Jordan Engen, Kira (Mitchell) Bratz, Morgan Bohnert (fiancé, Ian Porten), Will Bohnert (special friend Emma Favill). Great-grandchildren are Kale and Logan Schoffler, Cam Ferren, Jameson and Lillian Moulton, Brynlee and Sawyer Engen and Addison Engen. Don also has numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren whom he loved and enjoyed.
He is preceded in death by his parents and other siblings: Harold (Rosie) Bohnert, Betty (Ted) Haring, Margaret (Harold) Luse, Raymond (Dolly) Bohnert and David Bohnert.
While ALL of us – family and friends alike – will miss him dearly, this too shall pass as the gratitude and (above all!) LOVE he instilled in our hearts is suffice to scatter any temporary gloom. We are humbled by his greatness and exceedingly PROUD to carry on his legacy.
Our family can scarcely express in words our gratitude to Tomahawk Healthcare Services and Aspirus Hospice Services whose team members became family to ours. The care, compassion and LOVE shown by each team was truly a blessing from God.
A celebration of life is being planned to occur in the summer of 2021. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. To view Don’s obituary and leave online condolences, go to www.generationsfuneral.com.