Richard "Dick" Bohlander

RICHMOND, Ind. - Richard "Dick" Bohlander, age 85, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Friends Fellowship Community.

Dick was born on February 22, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Louis and Edna Bohlander, and grew up in Connersville, Indiana. He was a 1954 graduate of Connersville High School. Dick earned a BA degree from Hanover College, where he met his wife Jan, the former Janice Sherrow of Richmond. They were married on August 23, 1959, and just celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Dick later earned an MA degree and an Ed.S. (Educational Specialist Degree in Administration) from Ball State University.

As a principal, Dick was well known and honored for his tireless effort in sending notes, news articles, and letters to students, encouraging and honoring them for their achievements. After retiring, he considered this practice a ministry to others and continued clipping news articles or sending cards to students whose families he knew, along with some he did not know yet wanted to send words of encouragement to, for their achievements. On Dick's 80th birthday, the Centerville-Abington School Board awarded him a resolution which recognized these efforts on behalf of the corporation, students, and parents whose lives he had touched over the years. This ministry eventually extended to people of his church and at Friends Fellowship Community. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, reading, and owning customized cars.

Survivors include his wife, Jan; daughter, Mindy (John) Myers of Centerville; granddaughters, Annie Myers of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Allie Myers of Centerville; brothers, Bruce Bohlander of Greens Fork, Indiana, and John (Joyce) Bohlander of Connersville; niece, Jenni (Cory) Evans of Florida; nephews, Jason (Nancy) Bohlander and Jacob (Sara) Bohlander, both of Connersville; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and special friend and fishing buddy, Myron Hopkins, who was a former teacher at Centerville Schools.

The family would like to thank the staff of Friends Fellowship Community and Reid Hospice, including Tonya, Rick, Brittany, and Greg, for their compassionate care.

Visitation for Richard "Dick" Bohlander will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Dollars for Scholars for the Richard L. Bohlander Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education, c/o Centerville High School, 507 Willow Grove Road, Centerville, IN 47330; Centerville Christan Church, 111 North Morton Avenue, Centerville, IN 47330; or Friends Fellowship Community Endowment Fund, 2030 Chester Boulevard, Richmond, IN 47374.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.