Peter Mike Bohun

1950 - 2014

Bohun, Peter Mike

Peter Mike Bohun, 63, Village of Howard, died on Thursday, January 9, 2014, of pancreatic cancer.

Peter was born on August 15, 1950, in Landshut, Germany to his German mother, Maria (Machel) Bohun, and his Ukrainian father, Stefan Bohun. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to The United States to give them a better life. Eventually they settled in a small farming community in Tony, Wisconsin. It is here, while working on the family farm that he and his brother and sisters (John Bohun, Lucy Hazlewood, and Ann Bohun-Leistikow) learned the value of hard work.

Peter graduated from high school and attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Yes, Peter was a college man! It is here where his persistence truly paid off. After much begging and pleading, he won the heart of his beautiful wife, Linda (Borowitz) Bohun, the most important woman in his life. While opposite in nature, Linda being quiet and reserved and Pete being the life of the party, they were a perfect match and wed on June 29, 1974. Daughters Leslie French and Kristy Bohun soon followed.

Pete worked at various jobs until he finally settled on a job as a semi-truck driver and then mill worker for Fort Howard/Fort James/Georgia Pacific. This job kept him rolling in the paper products. For many years, every time he visited someone, he brought along toilet paper and napkins as gifts.

To say that Pete loved life would be an understatement. Pete was the life of any place he went. He had the gift of gab and talked (and talked) to any person he met. He loved to make people laugh, even if it was at his own expense. Modeling and his version of country line dancing were particular specialties for him.

Food connoisseur extraordinaire, when Pete went on vacation he would actually seek out new and different grocery stores and specialty food shops. Food was a great love and he never turned down a meal. Pierogies were a favorite, as well as Polska Kielbasa (for which he even wrote his own song). Whenever he was in Chicago, he had to make a special stop at a sausage shop. Not only would he buy food for himself, but he would also get it for all of his friends and neighbors. Sharing food was a way of sharing his love. Leftovers never, ever went to waste. If someone was at his house around dinner time, you can be sure they left with containers of leftovers. And, even if they didn't show up around dinner time, he undoubtedly found something else to send their way—even if it was only some of his "special blend" coffee in a travel mug or a can of soda for the road.

Not only did Pete enjoy sharing food, but he enjoyed sharing everything he had. Much of his joy was derived from watching others be happy. This is why he gave away so many things. Whether it was food, clothing, paper products, or flashlights, he was happy to give it away.

Pete was an incredibly kind man. He was the person to call if there was a problem. If your car wouldn't start, Pete was your man. Stranded somewhere? Call Pete! Want to go out and have some fun? Pete! Whether it was money, food, support, or friendship, Pete was there to lend a hand to so many.

Pete was proud of everything he had and accomplished. He was proud of his wife and children and of the luxuries his hard work provided. Because of his hard work and countless hours of overtime, he was able to provide his family with a beautiful home. His daughters were able to go to school, and he was able to help his friends and family. In the last years of his life, he finally built the patio he and his wife always wanted. He enjoyed every second of time he was able to spend on it.

Pete is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie (Wallace) French, Kristy (Greg Leurquin) Bohun; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucy (Ross) Hazelwood, Ann (Randy) Leistikow; his brother, John Bohun; his aunt and uncle, Freida and Albert Machel; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Chaplain Elisabeth Sinclair of Aurora VNA officiating. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Peter's name.

The last year has been filled with challenges. The kind and generous support of family and friends have made it easier. Thank you to the team of doctors and nurses at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for their kindness and expertise, and the staff of Aurora VNA. Most of all, thank you to the numerous friends and family who have helped us get through this difficult time. From mowing the lawn and shoveling the driveway, to making meals and sharing time with us, it is you who have helped make this time a little more bearable and helped Pete fight this disease as long as he did. Words cannot express how grateful we are to all of you.