Gaylen Bohnenkemper 1945-2018
Gaylen R. Bohnenkemper, 73, of Holton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018.
He was born Feb. 9, 1945 in Holton, the son of John Harlan and Faydrel “Faye” (Bontrager) Bohnenkemper.
Gaylen graduated from Whiting High School in 1963. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era from 1966 to 1968.
He was a lifelong member of the Jackson County communities. He worked in the grocery business for 45 years. Gaylen worked for Craig’s IGA and later owned and operated the store until 1994. He was also co-owner of Sonic in Holton and also a security guard for Golden Eagle Casino.
Gaylen was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, serving as an elder for three years. He enjoyed watching and playing baseball. Gaylen had coached his son’s teams in earlier years. He was a mentor for the young men and women that worked for him, always encouraging them to progress in their careers and futures. He had a remarkable connection to his vast social network, always remembering to ask how a family member was doing or planning to do. Gaylen’s other hobbies were collecting baseball cards, gardening, sporting events and his love of people.
Gaylen married Christina “Tina” Knutsen on Oct. 24, 1964, in Holton. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his two sons, Darin Bohnenkemper (Jennifer) and Derrick Bohnenkemper, both of Holton; a sister, Beverly Baxter (Jim) of Holton; a brother, Gary Bohnenkemper (Linda) of Holton; 11 grandchildren, Christian, Tiffany, Racheal, Sidney, Jarred and Joel Bohnenkemper, Jack (Shontae) Rodgers, Joseph and Bud Kathrens and Sarah and Samantha Grafton; and 2 great-grandchildren, Rose and Caleb Rodgers; as well as a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Bohnenkemper; and a sister, Betty Beam.
Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Burial with military honors followed in Holton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gaylen Bohnenkemper Memorial Fund to be designated to a mental health awareness foundation, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
