John R. Bohl

Augusta - John Rudolph Bohl, 81, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully
on October 19, 2025, at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine.
John graduated from Springfield High School before proudly serving his country in the
United States Navy for four years, followed by sixteen dedicated years in the United
States Air Force. After his military service, John continued his life of dedication by
working at Arlington National Cemetery for seventeen years before retiring and moving
to Farmington, Maine, with his daughter and son-in-law.
A lifelong history buff, John was known for his love of learning and his cheerful sense of
humor-especially his fondness for the Minions. He was a man of wide-ranging
knowledge who had traveled to many countries during his time in the military. While
stationed in Iceland, John helped with volcano monitoring efforts, where he met his
former wife, Svanhildur Jónsdóttir. After retiring from the military, he relocated to Iceland
for several years before returning to the United States in 1985.
John's love for nature was best expressed through his affection for squirrels-he was
well known in his neighborhood for buying fancy nuts and leaving them out as treats for
his furry friends.
He loved taking his vehicle and going for drives. He did not always know where he was
going but he knew it would be beautiful. It did not matter if the radio was on for him
because he would listen to the sound of nature or the sound of the engine. He would
engage his grandchildren in stories of his past, taking in their interests, or intellectually
sparing about vehicles or politics. He had strong opinions but did not belittle others
thoughts.
John was predeceased by his parents Rudolph Thomas Bohl and Ellen Beatrice
Thompson. He is survived by brother Mark Bohl, his daughter Christina Davis and her
husband Chad Davis; his stepdaughter Hulda Gunnardottir and her husband Asgeir
Adalsteinsson; his sons Jon Bohl and James Bohl; his granddaughters Virginia Barrows
and her husband Evan Barrows, Dayla Davis, and Kaylce Davis; his grandsons Zachery
Anderson and Michael Davis; his great-grandsons Tiberius (Tye) and Caspian Barrows;
niece Sara Bohl and nephew Jason Bohl. He also played a loving and supportive role
in the lives of many foster children who were placed in the care of his daughter and son-
in-law.
For the last three years of his life, John received exceptional care from Togus Medical
Center. His family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, especially
wound nurse Brittany Pothier, whom John affectionately called his "angel." The family
also extends special thanks to MaineGeneral Physical Therapy and Northern Light
Home Health Services for their dedicated support.
A celebration of John's life will be held at Bean's Corner Church, 17 Chesterville Road,
Jay, on Saturday, November 8th at 3:00 p.m. John will be laid to rest with full military
honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) at https://help.dav.org.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm
Street, Waterville. Online condolences and memories may be shared at
www.gallantfh.com.