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Harry Bohnett Obituary
Oct. 10, 1923 - Feb. 22, 2010
Harry W. Bohnett, who lived life to the fullest with an ever-present smile on his face, died Feb. 22, 2010, at the age of 86. He leaves behind Eloise, his beloved wife of 62 years; three children, Bill, Wendy and David; a sister, Joanne Johnston; and four grandchildren.
Harry was born Oct. 30, 1923, in Chicago and spent his childhood in that city, attending Morgan Park Military Academy. World War II then shaped the next years of this quintessential member of the Greatest Generation. Harry became a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving in the Panama Canal and France. After the war he enrolled at Northwestern University, graduating in 1948.
Harry had a successful career in the wholesale fuel oil business, starting at Bohnett Tire and Rubber, a company started by his father, followed by a long tenure at Clark Oil and Refining. Harry and Eloise raised their family and settled in Hinsdale, a western suburb of Chicago, where they were both active in the community and civic life. After many happy years in Hinsdale, business took Harry and Eloise in the early 1970s to Milwaukee and then St. Louis.
Retiring to Sarasota, Harry's final 15 years were a veritable "bucket list" of success, fulfillment and fun. He served as president of the condo association at Turtle Bay and enjoyed boating, golf and tennis well into his 70s. Bridge was a lifelong passion and his last years at Bay Village found him organizing many a bridge night and making yet another set of friends.
Travels and many cruises with family and a final two years of memorable road trips to Texas, Chicago, the East Coast and across California and Nevada rounded out the happy life of a truly great guy. His friends and family can attest that he was someone who never let life's travails get the best of him or dim his zest for living.
A celebration of Harry's life will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Bay Village, 8400 Vamo Road, Sarasota.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry's name to People for the American Way Foundation, 2000 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Bohnett
Robert Bankson
February 26, 2010
David, Wendy and Bill
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad...what a nice obituary for a nice man who lived a great life.
Jonathan Weedman Raymundo Baltazar
February 26, 2010
Dear David and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Thinking of you with love and know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Jonathan Weedman and Raymundo Baltazar
Jackie Simpson
February 26, 2010
David,
On behalf of your U of M family, we send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Take strength in the memories and know that your dad lives on through all of your good work.
Thinking of you,
Jackie Simpson
Director, U-M Spectrum Center
Bill and Jean (Austin) Johnson
February 25, 2010
We're so sorry to hear about Harry and we send you our love and condolences.
Mary Flodder
February 25, 2010
Wendy, David, and Bill, You are in my prayers. Take comfort in knowing your father was very proud of each of you. His legacy and the very best memories of his life continue in you. God bless you and keep you safe. Mary Flodder
Peter Fischer
February 25, 2010
Uncle Harry was one of life's truly nice guys with an everpresent smile. I have fond memories of family get-togethers at the house in Hinsdale. Our best to you all, especially to Aunt Eloise, in this tough time.
Jay Rasulo
February 25, 2010
David,
Know that Barbara and I send our deep sympathies and love at this difficult time. We have both lost parents in the recent years and know how hard it is to prepare oneself for this day.
Warmly,
Barbara and Jay Rasulo
February 24, 2010
Dear Wendy and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed and I hope knowledge and memories of his very full and happy life are some consolation.
Love,
Anne Cook
February 24, 2010
What a beautiful obituary. Harry was such a warm and welcoming man, and this certainly reflects those qualities.
February 24, 2010
Dear Wendy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and hope that our thoughts and prayers will give you some small comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Sandie, Lyle, Robbie and Goldie
Gavin & Sharyn Litwiller
February 24, 2010
Harry was the very best. I know he will be missed by so many. It was our privilage to have Harry for a friend.
February 24, 2010
Harry sounds like a great guy! I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but he was a gracious host and enthusiastic about his guests' interests.
He will be missed. How lucky you all were to have him for 86 years.
I hope happy memories will ease the pain of loss.
Nancy Glidden
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