Howard D. Bohr

Howard Bohr, 91, of Wellman, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday January 31, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 12, 1933, on a farm south of Wellman, the son of Marvin “Bud” and Christina Bayliss Bohr. Howard was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Lyle on June 22, 1959 at St. Mary's Church in Keota.

Howard graduated from Wellman High School in 1951, having attended Smith Creek country school earlier. He briefly attended Iowa State University before serving two years in the Korean War. Upon his return, Howard worked at KeWash Fertilizer before beginning a lifelong career in farming, partnering with his brother, Harold, on the family farm southwest of Wellman. He was a long-time dealer for Middlekoop Seed Corn in Packwood, Iowa.

Howard took great pride in working the land, raising cattle, and selling bulls. He had a deep love for farming, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially enjoying watching his grandchildren participate in sports.

A devoted community member, Howard was passionate about supporting and encouraging youth. He served as the leader of the Lime Creek Livewires 4-H Club for 52 years, fostering growth in countless young people and guiding them in livestock judging and 4-H presentations. Howard also taught high school religion classes for many years, spreading his faith and wisdom to the next generation. 

His involvement extended to serving as president of the Washington County Beef Producers, the Mid-Prairie Athletic Boosters, and as a Washington County Soil Commissioner. Additionally, Howard was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Farm Bureau, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he held many leadership roles. 

Howard was honored to receive numerous 4-H awards and was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Howard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His work in the community and leadership with young people will continue to impact and inspire generations to come. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley; five children: Deanna (Todd) Meyer of Wayland, Denise (Tom) Austin of Wilton, Deb (Jerry) Vittetoe of Washington, Sue (Todd) Nelson of Lisbon, and Steve (Jennifer) Bohr of Cedar Rapids; 14 grandchildren; Jill Meyer, Jenny (Mike) Giudici, Joel (Morgan) Meyer, Grace (Drew Hoff) Austin, Drake (Sarah) Austin, Cale (Tasha Brink) Austin, Jeremy (Katee) Vittetoe, Jordan (Rebecca) Vittetoe, Holly (Alex) Schmitz, McKenna and Kali Nelson, Brody, Baxter and Ayva Bohr. 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Christina Bohr; his brother, Harold Bohr; and his great-grandson, Lucas Vittetoe.

A Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Friday, February 7, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wellman. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wellman with a prayer service at 3:45pm . A memorial fund has been established for Washington County 4-H and St. Joseph's Holy Family Parish. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Powell Funeral Home and Crematory in Wellman is caring for Howard and his family.