Frederick “Fred” Eugene Bohm
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Frederick “Fred” Eugene Bohm
November 18, 1930 – August 6, 2022
Lawrence, Kansas—Frederick “Fred” Eugene Bohm, son of Charles and Josephine Bohm, passed away peacefully at his home after a brief illness.
Born and raised in DuBois, Nebraska, Fred began a career with the J.C. Penney Company in 1947. He quickly rose to senior management of the Omaha flagship store, then continued as manager of the Leavenworth Kansas store and opened an expanded shopping center location.
In 1970 he left the Penney Company and opened Bohm’s Department Store with his wife, Beverly, and became a mainstay of downtown Leavenworth for almost 25 years. With the closing of the store Fred returned to the Penney Company, serving until his retirement in 2015 at age 85.
Fred cultivated many friendships and life-long associations within the community through Pilgrim United Church of Christ, leading the church for many years. He was currently a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Eudora, Kansas. Fred was a past president of the Leavenworth Rotary Club and Leavenworth Downtown Association and many other community organizations. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and served on the board of directors of Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth. He led many charitable efforts in the area, touching the lives of many people.
Besides civic and business involvement Fred had other interests. Stemming from his childhood “chalk talks” in church, he became an accomplished artist, painting landscapes, biblical scenes and rural life. Fred was a colorful individual with a knack for storytelling and love of a good polka dance. He was the life of the party, yet was motivated by deep faith, his love of family, and compassion for all around him.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon Burns-Bohm; daughter, Michelle Bohm Gehring and her husband Louis Gehring; sister Bertha Bohm Broadstone; grandson Karl Gehring and Cara Gehring, and three great grandsons Liam Byrom, Matthew Gehring, and Mason Gehring; stepson Michael Burns and stepdaughter Deana Burns-Alvarez and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly McKee Bohm, granddaughter Laura Gehring Byrom, and brother John Frederick Bohm.
Arrangements
Warren McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel, Eudora, Kansas, Saturday, August 13, 2022
Visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to benefit St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Eudora KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Gary and I feel very privileged to have met Fred and be charmed by his stories and talents. Our sincere condolences to Sharon, his family and friends. Pam and Gary Ferguson
Sending sympathy and prayers to all family. Fred will definitely be missed by so many friends. He had a beautiful twinkle in his eyes and a great smile. We enjoyed so many good times and travel with Fred and Sharon times never to be forgotten. Fred shared so much light in his life and we were blessed to have Fred’s friendship which has been said to be one of the sweetest joys of life.
Sharon and family
I am sending my love and prayers to you all. I only meet Fred a few times I know you miss him. Sharon I am looking froward to our next cousin lunch so I can give you a big hug.
Love you
your cuz Joy
Sharon and family,
Our sympathies from Minnesota! We so enjoyed your visit a few years ago! Fred was so fun to visit with! Robert and Barb Valnes
Sharon my heart hurts for you and the entire family , Fred was so kind, alway had a smile on his face, I always enjoy visiting with him when ever I seen him, god has gained another good one love you all Deadra
Dear Sharon,
We wish you to know that whenever we look back at the brief times we spent in the company of Fred it will always be with the kindest thoughts of admiration and respect. He was truly one of the “good guys.”
Love,
David and Chieko
My sympathy to Fred’s family and friends. The last 15-20 years I have not seen or heard of Fred’s activity. My husband died in 2005 and I relocated to live with my sister who also lost her husband a few weeks before. Don and I met Fred and family in 1966. Don with the USGov’t, transferring from Wahoo, Ne. to Leav.. Jan with JCP.
Fred, Bev, Don and I became friends as well as co-workers. With most any grievance-business or family-Fred’s advice was always “roll with it”. So, I will and hope all of you do the same. The good memories will last forever.
So sad about Fred’s passing. My condolences and prayers are with Sharon and the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
With sympathy.