of Fremont
Died Tuesday August 12, 2014
at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont
Leland Henry John Bohling was born January 23, 1931 to Herman C. and Mary C. 'Bohling' Bohling on the family farm southwest of Johnson, Nebraska. Leland was baptized on February 15, 1931 and confirmed on December 10, 1944, both at Martin Luther Lutheran Church south of Johnson, by Rev. William Fruehling. Leland attended Center Country School District #43 through the 8th grade and then attended school in Johnson. He graduated from Johnson High School in 1949. On April 19, 1953 Leland married Lillian Boden at Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn, Nebraska. They made their home in Auburn and were blessed with two children, Allan and Debra.
After graduating from high school, Leland worked for the Chevrolet Garage and Dovel Motor Company in Auburn. In April 1956 Leland started his career in the grocery business at the Auburn Safeway Store. In 1960, Leland transferred to a Safeway store in Omaha, Nebraska where the family made their home until April 1964. The family then moved to Fremont where Leland managed the downtown Safeway store. Leland worked for Safeway until 1982 when the grocery chain closed their stores in Nebraska. Leland continued his career with Food 4 Less until his retirement in January 1996. After his retirement Leland worked part-time at Food 4 Less until January 2014. Leland loved the produce department and took much pride in the produce displays.
Leland's strong faith in God was a life-long journey. He was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Johnson; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Omaha; First Lutheran Church and Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont. Leland served on the church council at each of the churches and as Chairman at Peace Lutheran. He also served on the Pastoral Call committee at Peace Lutheran. Leland was integral in the development of Peace Lutheran Church and was proud to watch the church grow. He enjoyed serving as an usher, mowing the church lawn, brewingcoffee for Sunday morning fellowship, and greeting members of the congregation with a smile. Leland was a member of Fremont Cosmopolitan 100 Service Club for many years. His faith and trust in God never wavered throughout his life or his illness. His faith continues to inspire others. Leland will be remembered for his smile and his kind and gentle nature. Leland found much happiness in his church and with his family. He was known as "Pops" to his grandchildren and great grandson. Pops looked forward to having the grandkids visit for a week each summer. They enjoyed many garage sales, games of pool, and ice cream bars. Family vacations spent camping at Lewis and Clark Lake, Sycamore Springs, Lake Okoboji, the Rocky Mountains or at the Fremont State Lakes were always a fun time for the family. When it was just Leland and Lillian they took many trips to Branson. Leland also loved carp fishing at the Fremont Lakes. Pheasant and deer hunting meant trips back to Nemaha County in November. Even though Leland's rifle always seemed to jam, he does have enough deer heads mounted for each of his grandchildren. Leland will also be remembered for his 8mm camera with bright flood lights taking movies of family gatherings, weddings, anniversaries and vacations. At family gatherings when the movies were shown, Leland always ended with an Abbott and Costello film and then ran it backwards to many laughs. Leland enjoyed helping Allan during planting and harvest seasons on the farm. In April 2013, Leland and Lillian celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary alongside many family and friends. Their love and commitment towards each other is an example to us all.
Leland was diagnosed with lung cancer on February 27, 2014. At this time he moved to A.J. Merrick Manor where Lillian was in rehabilitation after back surgery. On April 8, they both moved to Shalimar Gardens Assisted Living. When Leland began his fight with cancer, he let his beard grow even though he was asked many times if he needed his razor. On August 6, Leland's treatments were stopped and he entered Fremont Health. On August 8 he returned to Merrick Manor where he passed away on August 12, 2014 having reached the age of 83 years 6 months and 20 days.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Mary Bohling; his parents-in-law Herman and Rosa 'Hestermann' Boden; grandson Dirk Bohling; brothers Emil Bohling and wife Elvera, Alvin Bohling and Eldon Bohling; sisters Irene Meyer and husband Art, and Lydia Speckmann and husband Louis; and brother-in-law Fred Jenkins Jr.
Leland is survived by his wife Lillian of Fremont; son Allan (wife Jean) of Hooper; daughter Debra (husband Jon) Pugh of Auburn; grandchildren Brian Pugh of Auburn, Ryan (wife Mikki) Bohling of Kearney; Darren Pugh of Waukee, Iowa; Taylor Pugh of Omaha and Kelsey Bohling of West Point; great-grandson Ty White of Columbus; sister-in-laws Marcille Bohling, Joan Bohling, and Elvera Jenkins all of Johnson; Darlene (husband Dean) Volker of Nemaha and Orva Jean (husband Arnold) Gobber of Elk Creek; brother-in-laws Robert (wife Delta) Boden of Auburn, Marlin (wife Linda) Boden, and Willard (wife Janice) Boden, all of Nemaha, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(8)
Berwyn Lee Moren
Livingston, CA Saturday, September 6, 2014 Leland and I were classmates at Johnson High School. There were 12 of us who graduated as the class of 1949, (6 boys and 6 girls). We, the "49ers", knew that we would change the world and in some small ways we have. Leland touched the hearts of many of us. Thank God for the life of Leland Bowling and the many pleasant memories he leaves.William D. Schmidt
Ellensburg, WA Wednesday, August 27, 2014 I grew up in the same town as did Leland, namely Johnson, NE. His younger brother, Eldon, was my best friend. Leland was older than me so he had a car. He took Melva Grube and I on many rides in that great Ford Model A. I ended up marrying Melva and we are still married after 59 years. I would like to extend our condolences to his wife and the entire Bohling family. I have many fond memories of Leland and his brother Eldon.Ron Oestmann
Shenandoah, IA Friday, August 15, 2014 My condolences. I grew up neighbors to Leland in the same section and went to the same country school(lCenter) and church(Martn Luther). We used to walk across his Mom and Dad's place to get to school. God bless!Larry Austin
Fremont, NE, NE Thursday, August 14, 2014 I always remenber Lee for his smile.He was a good man and it showed in his treatment of his fellow man.Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 14, 2014 Lillian & family,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lee was such a kind and happy person. How lucky you are to have had him in your life. May you smile soon as you reflect on the numerous special memories.
My sincerest sympathy,
Eileen Thornburg
(former Alumni Director at Midland)
Kim Ball
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 14, 2014 To Lee's family, I was saddened to hear of Lee's illness a few days ago and now to see that he has passed. I work at Food 4 Less. I didn't know him well but reading about him here has brought tears to my eyes. He was a kind man who probably never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He couldn't have had an enemy in his entire life. I can tell that he lived a wonderful, beautiful life and loved his family deeply. I will be praying for your family in this difficult time. God's Blessings to you all!Stacey Strong
Belton, MO Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Lee was the best boss in the grocery business that anyone could ask for. I do not believe that I have met anyone since that enjoyed his job as much as Lee did. Thoughts are with family and friends.Lynette Bendig
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 13, 2014 My deepest sympathy to Lee's wife and family. I had the pleasure of working part time at Food 4 Less with Lee. He was truly one of the nicest people. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.