Lois L. Bohde's Obituary
Lois L. Bohde, 81, of Lake George and formerly of Ft. Wayne, died Friday, March 23, 2012 at Community Health Center of Branch County, Coldwater, MI. Lois was born on September 7, 1930 in Grant Park, IL. The daughter of a Lutheran minister, she moved to Norfolk, Neb. with the family when her father was called to service there. She grew up in Norfolk (attending high school with the famous Johnny Carson), and junior college before transferring to Valparaiso University for her junior and senior years. There she met her lifetime love, Richard "Dick" Bohde, of Fort Wayne, son of Elmer and Ella Bohde. She graduated in 1952, the same year she and Dick were married. Dick, a sergeant in the US Marine Corps, completed his service in Philadelphia where Lois worked for the Federal Reserve.
After the Marines, Lois followed Dick when he accepted a job with General Electric, which led to a series of moves including Fort Wayne, South Bend, Indianapolis, Fairfield, OH and Naperville, IL until she and Dick moved to Granger, IN. They retired at Lake George on the site of the long-time Bohde cottage, where they built a new home.
She held several part-time retail positions, her favorite being the Christmas Spirit Shoppe in South Bend where she proved to be a great sales person, and made lifelong friends.
Lois enjoyed her family and friends, playing golf on the Women's League at Knollwood Country Club, water-skiing and long pontoon rides at Lake George. She is remembered as a great cook and wonderful wife, mother and friend. She had a terrific life and was loved by all.
Lois is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Richard "Dick" Bohde; daughter, Cindy (Len) Tobiaski of Chicago; sister, Marilyn Coats of Long Beach, Cal. She was the beloved aunt of Gordon and Dan Gimbel, Roxanna Buck (Coats), Deanna Waldron (Coats), Tina Coats and Geri Rickard (Gimbel): the beloved godmother of Dan Gimbel and Brian French, the cherished great aunt of eight. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Daniel and Elizabeth Gimbel, son, Matthew in 2002; and brothers, Gilbert "Gib" and Daniel Gimbel.
Graveside service is 11:00 a.m. Wed., March 28, 2012 in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Ft. Wayne, followed by a 2:00 p.m. memorial service at Peace Lutheran Church, 355 E. State Road 120, Fremont, IN. Rev. Wayne Berkesch officiating. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Valparaiso University or Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, IN.
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