K. Boehm Obituary

Rev. K. Bernell Bernie Boehm

The Rev. K. Bernell "Bernie" Boehm died peacefully at home with his family and in the care of Hospice Christmas morning. Bernie wanted others to know that he lived a positive life and was blessed by his many and varied experiences. He taught what he believed and he lived what he taught.

The first child of Kester Nyal and Ina Luella Marie (Bosse) Boehm was born October 11, 1933, in Hamilton. He was named Kester Bernell but was known as Bernell until his first day at college, when he walked through the front gate and introduced himself to a few students standing there. They immediately said, "We'll call you Bernie," and he has been Bernie ever since.

Bernie was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton and confirmed at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera. During his childhood, Bernie's family moved frequently throughout Ohio as his father was just starting his career as a Jersey dairy farmer by managing other farmers' herds. Kester and Luella were able to purchase a farm of their own near their family in Jenera when Bernie was in the 8th grade. By the time they made their last move, Bernie had lived in 10 different homes, seven different places and attended five different schools. We suspect this was good training for his future career! After moving to Jenera, Bernie was actively involved in 4-H and Luther League in addition to farm work. His Luther League work continued through college and into the seminary.

Bernie graduated from Arlington High School (1951), Capital University (1955) in Columbus and Evangelical Lutheran Theological (now Trinity) Seminary (1959) in Columbus. He was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Capital University in 1981.

Bernie married his college sweetheart, Lola Irene Seem, August 14, 1955, in Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary chapel. He was especially blessed in his marriage to Lola for 70 years. She was an invaluable partner during his career and retirement.

Bernie was ordained at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera. Bernie served his God and the Lutheran church as: Pastor of the two-point parish: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Lexington and Solomon Lutheran Church, Eagleport (1959-1961), Associate Pastor of Divinity Lutheran Church, Parma Heights (1961-1971), Assistant to the President of The American Lutheran Church, Ohio District (1972-1989), Bishop of the Ohio District of The American Lutheran Church (1980-1985), and Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fairfax, Virginia, (1986-1998). He was blessed with opportunities for growth experiences in Israel, Estonia, Sweden, Oxford and Germany, along with emersion experiences in Mexico, El Salvatore, Nicaragua and Namibia.

After Bernie retired in 1998, he and Lola moved to Crystal City, Virginia. Bernie remained active with the local and national church serving on multiple committees as well as serving as a Supply Preacher, Interim Senior Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Annandale, Virginia (2000-2001), in the Metro DC Synod office (2004), Coordinator LTSG Intern Cluster for the DC/MD/VA metro area (2005-2006), Sabbatical Interim Pastor at St Stephan's Lutheran Church, Silver Springs, Maryland (6/2006-10/2006), and Consultant. In 2010, Bernie and Lola moved back to Bexley, to be closer to friends and their alma mater. As partners, they led ELCA Life Planning Seminars for Clergy and other Rostered Workers, and Bernie was very involved in B.R.E.A.D. In 2019, as Bernie was starting to struggle with memory problems, they moved to Toledo to be closer to family. Unfortunately, that move, followed by the COVID quarantine, accelerated his decline into dementia. To the end, he maintained his happy, easy-going nature and quick wit.

Bernie was known for his sense of humor, his laugh, and his ability to bring people together even when they disagreed. Bernie and Lola were involved in multiple organizations and concerns that promoted education, young people, justice ministry, civility, science, conservation and social & global responsibility.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Lola; sisters, M. Joyce Athey (Arnie deceased) and Carolyn (Bob) Lentz; daughters, Kathy and Beth Boehm; and nieces/nephews Kristen and Allison (Denning), Athey and their children, Isla and Keenan, Stephanie Athey, Michelle Athey (Mary Beth Mulhausen deceased) and David and Jana (Thiele) Athey.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns, Toledo, OH 43614. His funeral will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 5445 Heatherdowns, Toledo, OH 43614. There will be a visitation and burial service the following week, from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9340 Township Rd 32, Jenera, OH 45841. Burial will follow visitation at 3 p.m. at St. Paul Cemetery with Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin officiating.

No flowers, please.

Memorial gifts may be given in his name to All Saints Lutheran Church (https://www.allsaintstoledo.org) or Capital University/Trinity Lutheran Seminary Columbus, OH (https://www.capital.edu).