Thomas A. Bohlsen

Thomas A. Bohlsen

of Greenwood entered perfect rest in his home office on Dec. 22nd, 2012. Teacher, coach, athletic administrator, and travel guide, Tom was a mentor to many. He was born on August 3rd, 1935, the only child of Ethel Marie (Breysacher) Bohlsen of Indianapolis and Thomas G. Bohlsen of Indianapolis. Tom married Beth Parent of New Haven, IN (July 11, 1959). He attended PS 38 in Indianapolis, and graduated from Tech HS in 1953. He received a BA from Hanover College in 1957, and later acquired an MA from Indiana University. Tom and Beth spent their 1-year honeymoon teaching in a Christian mission school in Tehran, Iran (1959-60). In Indiana, Tom taught and coached at the following high schools: Patriot, Boonville, Fairland, Franklin, Southport, and Perry Meridian retiring in 1992.

In 1998, Tom became the 1st Commissioner of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), retiring from this position July 1, 2008.

Some of Tom's other achievements include co-founding the Midwest Meet of Champions (Fort Wayne, IN - 1974), the Indy Mini-Marathon (Indianapolis - 1977), refereeing the Division 2 National Football Championship, serving as a track starter for the Pan-Am Games (Indianapolis - 1987), and the US Olympic Track & Field Trials (Indianapolis -1988). Tom started high school and college track meets throughout the Midwest beginning in 1955, and refereed high school and college football beginning in 1961, introducing the "crew" concept to football officiating, and installing the first all-weather track in the Midwest in Franklin, IN in the 1960's. He served as the NFL game clock keeper for the Indianapolis Colts franchise from 1984-2009.

Tom is survived by his wife Beth, one son T. Tad (Vicki) Bohlsen, one daughter Nan (Jon) Dill, and his dearly-loved grandchildren Grace (14), Abe (12) and Rose (8) Bohlsen, and Noah (14), Jonah (12) and Ethan (9) Dill, and two grand-dogs.

Calling Friday, Jan. 4th from 2-8 p.m. at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main St., Greenwood. Memorial Service 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Middle School, 523 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood - South Gym with calling preceding the memorial service 9-11 a.m. also at the Greenwood Middle School - South Gym. Tom will be buried in Rocklane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Tom's family is requesting donations to the Hanover College Athletic Dept., the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), or the charity of your choice. All arrangements being handled by Wilson St. Pierre, Greenwood Chapel; see http://www.wilsonstpierre.com for complete information and updates.