Orville R. Bohlmann

Orville Rudolph Bohlmann, the son of Rudolph and Hedwig (Kortmann) Bohlmann, was born on October 30, 1929, on the family farm in Hanover Township near Ricketts, Iowa.

 Orville was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township near Charter Oak. He received his early education at St. Paul Parochial School, attended Charter Oak High School through his sophomore year, and graduated with the Denison High School Class of 1948.

 Following his education, Orville began his career by farming his grandmother’s 80-acre farm near Ricketts. It was in the old barn that he explored new opportunities, designing and constructing his first round pre-cast concrete livestock waterer. This innovative design could be picked up, delivered, and installed by a farmer or plumber. Selling seven units locally in its inaugural year, this invention marked the beginning of Bohlmann Incorporated, which Orville founded in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he secured numerous U.S. design patents for his products. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to manufacture and service concrete burial vaults, initially working with Huebner and Maxwell funeral directors. Over time, his company supplied vaults to numerous area funeral homes.

 In 1948, Orville enlisted in the National Guard in Denison. He was commissioned in 1951 and advanced to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. Over a distinguished 20-year military career, he served as company commander and eventually as battalion commander in Sioux City. He attended Artillery, Infantry, and Intelligence schools, becoming a qualified nuclear weapons employment officer. He retired from military service with great honor in March 1968.

 On July 5, 1953, Orville married Clara Hansohn at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove. Together, they were blessed with three children: Wanda Lynn, Kent Lane, and Blaine Lee. The couple initially lived on a farm near Ricketts before settling in Denison, where they diversified their business ventures to include tilt-up concrete houses and commercial buildings, including the Oakland Cemetery Chapel. 

 Orville enjoyed operating heavy equipment and working on land development and landscaping projects. Expanding the company further, he began designing and manufacturing concrete specialty items in Denison. As of today, the company produces over 200 different products including custom-made items as well. Bohlmann products are distributed throughout the US and worldwide cementing their reputation in the industry.

 Throughout his life, Orville was deeply dedicated to his faith and community. He worshiped at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township and Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, where he served as President of the Congregation, a trustee, a cemetery board member, and chairman for the building of the sister church, Our Savior. A strong supporter of Christian education, he also served as PTL president for Zion Lutheran School. In addition to his contributions through his business, Orville gave back to his community as President of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Appeal Board.

 A man of diverse talents, Orville was an artist, loved music, and promoted travel. Although he could not read music, he had the rare gift of playing many instruments by ear. He and Clara shared a passion for travel, exploring the world and creating cherished memories together. Orville also loved wintering in Florida and treasured time spent with his family.

 Orville passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, at the age of 95 years, 2 months, and 26 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Clara, in 2023; his son-in-law, Mark Johnson; and his siblings: Estella (Al) Rahn, Ralph (Vernie) Bohlmann, Victor (Vernette) Bohlmann, Edwin (Lenora) Bohlmann, and Leola (Truman) Ault.

He is survived by his three children: Wanda Bohlmann Johnson, Kent Bohlmann, and Blaine (Bonnie) Bohlmann, all of Denison; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many other family members and friends. 

Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment with Military Honors will be held in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in Orv and Clare’s name.