Gerard J. Bohlmann, 83, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He was born the son of Martin and Gertrude (Weiss) Bohlmann on September 29, 1941, in Ash Grove Twp., Iroquois County, Illinois. He married the love of his life and best friend, Marjorie Kimmel, on November 30, 1963, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 29, 2024.
Survivors who will treasure dear memories of this faithful man include, his beloved family, children, Kurt (Katherine) Bohlmann of Crete, Illinois, Todd (Tracy) Bohlmann of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Kelly (Douglas) Knolhoff of Centralia, and Derek (Jennifer) Bohlmann of Buckley, Illinois; cherished grandchildren, Seth (Rebekah) Bohlmann, Aaron Bohlmann, fiancée, Danielle, Joshua (Brianna) Bohlmann, Jacob Bohlmann, Rachel Bohlmann, Ruth Bohlmann, Dr. Michele Bohlmann (Jose Yantas), Samuel Bohlmann, Gabriel Bohlmann, Faith Bohlmann, and Grace Bohlmann; precious great-grandchildren, Gideon Bohlmann, and Eleanor Bohlmann; siblings, Elfrieda Eggold, Willard (Evalee) Bohlmann, Dr. David (Sue) Bohlmann, Ruthanne Wangerin, Carolyn (Rev. Dr. Richard) Hardel, Mary (Robert) Schmidt, Charles (Cheryl) Bohlmann; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobbi Bohlmann, Sharon Bohlmann, Carol Schroeder (Allen) Haake, Leslie (Brenda) Kimmel, Eunice (Leonard) McCarty; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife, Gerard was preceded in death by both of his parents, siblings, Melvin Bohlmann, Donald Bohlmann, Edward Bohlmann, Raymond Bohlmann, Richard Bohlmann, Dorothy Bohlmann; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frederick Eggold, Rev. Dr. Walter Wangerin Jr., Marge Bohlmann, Sue Bohlmann, Dorothy Bohlmann, Stanley Kimmel, and Gary Schroeder.
Gerard, a proud graduate of Milford High School, dedicated his life to education, innovation, and service. He pursued higher learning at Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, where he laid the foundation for a remarkable career in academia and technology.
Gerard’s passion for education and computers led him to serve at several institutions, including Concordia College, Prairie State College, and Kaskaskia College. At each, he played a pivotal role in launching their computer programs, bringing forward-thinking technology to the forefront of higher education. His commitment to innovation later pioneered the development of the computer curriculum at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. His work helped shape the foundation of technology education across decades.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gerard was a man of many passions. He was an avid reader and was known for getting lost in a good book. A faithful Chicago Cubs fan, following his team through every season with loyalty and hope. Starting in 1977, he found deep joy in houseboating on the MSRKHB across the lakes of Cumberland and beyond—a tradition that lasted over 40 years. A military history enthusiast, especially of World War II, he later fulfilled a dream of visiting the battlefields of Normandy and Italy. He also celebrated aviation history at Kitty Hawk’s 100th anniversary and had a deep love for model railroading—bringing his detailed layouts to life with care and precision.
Gerard enjoyed his time at the Centralia Estates, where he became known as a gentle fountain of knowledge and good company.
Above all, Gerard cherished his family. He will be remembered for his faithful presence he brought to every space he entered, his immense knowledge, and his quiet strength. His legacy is one of thoughtful contributions, enduring love, and a life well-lived.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia with Pastor James Hennig officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be made in Gerard’s honor to Trinity Lutheran Church, Centralia, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Centralia, or Christ Lutheran High School, of Buckley, Illinois, and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Gerard may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
