Robert Edward Bohnstengel

Dr. Robert Edward Bohnstengel, 72, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.

A Rosary Service will be held the evening prior from, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Visitation will immediately follow.

A private interment will take place at a later date.

Robert was born on January 20, 1952, in Newfoundland, Canada to the late Robert and Helen Marie (Piepmeyer) Bohnstengel.

He was a proud graduate of Bishop Kinney High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Robert later attended the University of South Carolina and obtained his BA and PHD in Education Administration.

While house hunting in Ridgeland, SC, Robert got the attention of Miss Sally Edwards. After he introduced himself, the first words out her mouth were, “spell Bohnstengel.” The two were later wed on July 29, 1978 in Georgetown, SC. This simple interaction led to a legacy of love and family that spanned over 46 years.

Robert was a real-deal educator and loved all the students and staff he collected over the years. He shared his passion for learning and left a long, rich legacy spanning 40 years as he served in various roles as an educator. From 1975 to 1997, Robert was a dedicated member of the Jasper County School District in South Carolina and pursued several roles such as: Assistant Principal and teacher for Ridgeland High School and Principal of Ridgeland Elementary School. Robert did not stop there and later worked for the Charleston County School District from 1997 to 2014 before finally retiring as the Principal of James Island Charter High School. 

In true educator fashion, Robert pursued many extracurricular hobbies and memberships. He was a past member of the HOA and ARB in Hidden Cove, the S.C. Secondary Educators Association and Charter Schools, and the Men’s Reading and Social Club of Stella Maris Catholic Church. In 2021, Robert received the Who’s Who of Distinguished Professionals Award; an award presented to those who have noteworthy achievements proven to be of significant value to society. 

In his free time, Robert was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found in his deer stand, on the water, or out in a dove field. He cherished the time spent with family and friends and especially loved being with his grandchildren. He did everything from birthday parties, going to the beach, Disney trips, and just being surrounded by their love! He had never met a stranger and was a “die hard Gamecocks fan.” 

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Bohnstengel and his brother, Michael Bohnstengel. 

Robert is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sally Bohnstengel; his children, Laura Alise Bohnstengel, Ann B. Branham (Mark), and Robert William Bohnstengel (Sara); siblings, Linda B. Ireland, Diane B. Lawrence (Tom), Jeffrey P. Bohnstengel, and Lisa B. Pafford (Sheldon); grandchildren, Kennedy Ann, Kathryn Alise, Grady Carison, Patrick Edward, and Hudson Mack; his beloved lab, Cricket; and a host of additional relatives, friends, and colleagues.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry (Jasper County), Mepkin Abbey Monastery, or the building fund of Stella Maris Catholic Church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833