Michael R. Bohnke

January 13, 2018

Michael R. "Mike" Bohnke , 67, of Ft. Wayne, IN passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

He was born on Saturday, March 25, 1950 in Ft. Wayne, IN the son of Richard Bohnke and the late Rhea (West) Bohnke.

In 1968 Mike graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School then continued his education by graduating from Purdue University in 1972 with a BS in Biology. In 1979, Mike graduated from IPFW with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN). He was a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne and also the Purdue Alumni Association. Mike was an avid fan of the University of St. Francis. Mike also enjoyed volunteering with the Concordia Lutheran High School Drama Department constructing the sets.

In 1966 Mike started with Kerns Toyland in Ft. Wayne and continued there until 1976. It was at Kerns that he met Sara "Sally" Bugert. They were united in marriage on March 29, 1970 in the chapel at Concordia Lutheran High School in Ft. Wayne. Following his employment at Kerns, Mike became a registered nurse. He worked for St. Joseph Hospital in Ft. Wayne for 40 years, retiring on January 4, 2017. During his time at St. Joe, he worked in psychiatric nursing and supervised many departments culminating in being the house supervisor for 20 years. While working at St. Joe, he also taught clinical nursing for the IPFW Nursing Program. Mike and Sally enjoyed many backpacking trips in many National Parks.

Survivors include his wife, Sara “Sally” Bohnke of Ft. Wayne, IN; daughter, Laura (Michael Dickman) Bohnke of Ft. Wayne, IN; father, Richard Bohnke of Monroeville, IN; sister, Michele (William) Hosman of Evansville, IN; sister, Peggy (Gary) Turner of Searcy, AR; and sister, Patty (Ron) Clark of Martinsville, IN.

Mike is preceded in death by one brother, Patrick Bohnke.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Street, Ft. Wayne with Rev. Dr. Gary Erdos and Rev. Dr. Kathleen Haller officiating.

Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, January 18 in the Trinity English Lutheran Church - Ft. Wayne and one hour prior to services Friday also at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Trinity English Lutheran Church - Ft. Wayne.