Patricia “Pat” Anne (McCleary) Bohlmann, married for 53 years to LCMS President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Ralph A. Bohlmann, died Sept. 14 after a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer.
Bohlmann, 78, died at her home in Des Peres, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. A funeral service was held Sept. 18 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Mo.
Ralph Bohlmann served four terms as LCMS president — from 1981 to 1992. Prior to that he served six years as president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
The Bohlmanns have been members of Concordia, Kirkwood, since 1988. Throughout her life, Pat Bohlmann was active in a number of volunteer and service positions in addition to the many hospitality functions associated with her husband’s ministries.
“In our nearly 35 years of calling you our friends, we came to know Patricia Anne Bohlmann as a lady who loved her Lord, who loved her family, who loved her church,” wrote LCMS President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick in a condolence letter to Ralph Bohlmann. “She was a faithful and active member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood for as many years as we can remember. Along with you, we will miss her smiling face and kindly spirit.”
Kieschnick called Pat Bohlmann “a partner and supporter” in her husband’s “varied and distinguished ministry career” and said she “met and knew many people and stood by [her husband’s] side in good times and bad, happy times and sad.”
He added, “Terry and I pray that God’s promise of eternal life and the resurrection of all flesh will bring hope and comfort.”
Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison told Reporter, “Dr. Bohlmann went through the deepest struggles to maintain the Synod’s commitment to the Scriptures. That steadfastness was supported by Pat. A grateful church owes her much.”
In addition to her husband, survivors include two children — Paul of New York City and Lynn of Jacksonville, Ill. — and two grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested for Concordia Lutheran Church (Kirkwood), the Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) Student Aid Fund and organizations that raise funds for cancer research.
Posted Sept. 17, 2012 / Updated Sept. 18, 2012 / Updated Sept. 19, 2012 / Updated Sept. 20, 2012
