Jack J Bohlen

Jack J. Bohlen, 81, of Rudd Iowa, passed from congestive heart failure at Chandler Regional Hospital on May 27 2015 with Family at his side. A service will be held at First Baptist Church of Florence on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015 at 4 PM. Also a service will be held at the Anchorage Baptist Temple, Anchorage Alaska on the 16/17th of June 2015. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made, in his memory, to the Heart foundation. Jack was born on December 3rd, 1933 in Rudd Iowa to Harm and Minnie Bohlen. He attended school in Rudd and grew up working at his father’s service station. Jack became a construction worker with his brother Lawrence and continued his love of building for the rest of his life. On 21 August 1955 he married his wife, Mariella. Jack passed his building knowledge to his son as the worked together for 22 years before Eric taken employment with the Department of Homeland Security soon after 9/11. Jack and Family later operated their pizza shop “Slice of the Pie” for 2 years. Later Jack taken his knowledge of food operations and did part time work for the Anchorage School District in the cafeteria of Clark Junior High until moving to Arizona. In 1981 Jack found the second love of his life, his 1960 corvette. During a family visit to southern California, he spotted the 1960 white with red car and had to have it. Jack became a Life member of the Alaska Corvette Association and served as the President of the Association for a few years. Rain, snow, or shine Jack and his corvette often led the clubs corvettes during parade functions around the state of Alaska and usually with the top off the car even in the middle of winter. As a sportsman, Jack loved fishing in Alaska. This started in 1967 when he and Mariella arrived in Anchorage. Jacks early fishing adventures involved his brother-in-law Ardel Deppe. Fishing for Alaska halibut became his favorite weekend getaway. Jack and Eric attended coast guard training to captain their 26 foot Alumaweld. Eric and Jack’s pursuit of 100 pound halibut and schools of salmon went on for many years, these adventures could fill volumes. Jack decided to give up the cold life in Alaska and head for the sun in Arizona. Jack had built every home he and Mariella have ever lived in, all 7. Oddly enough, the first house Jack had Eric help build was purchased 15 years later and became Eric’s first home. People talk of putting a roof over their family’s heads. Jack literally did just that his entire life. Jack spent his final two years remodeling their Arizona home to Mariella’s specifications. The final touches were a retaining wall finished by the Eric & Erik during what would be their final family visit in November 2014. Jack was preceded in death by their son and daughter Jon and Lori Ann Bohlen whom have waited 45 years to receive their father. Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years Mariella Bohlen of Florence AZ, Son Eric (Mischelle) Bohlen of Melbourne Australia, Grandson Erik (Brandy) Bohlen of Anchorage Alaska, Great Grandson Liam Bohlen (Jacks napping buddy and pride and joy), Brother Lawrence Bohlen and family of Coolidge Arizona, Sister-in-law Eileen (Frank) Butts of Spring Hill Tennessee, Brother-in-law Ardel (Suzanne) Deppe of Lihue Hawaii. As well as Nephews Roddy and Randy Butts of Tennessee, Nieces Rieda Butts of California, Alana (Toa)Mariota of Hawaii the proud parents of Heisman trophy winner and Quarterback pick of the Tennessee Titans Marcus Mariota. Jacks wish to see Marcus and his brother Mathew play at a live game would not come to pass.

Jack J Bohlen

December 3, 1933 - May 27, 2015