John Adolf Bohac

John Adolf Bohac, 88, lovingly known as Popo by family, passed away Friday, July 24 at St. David’s Hospital, South Austin. He was born Feb. 16, 1932 in Ammannsville to Adolf and Annie Balcar Bohac.

At an early age, the family moved to Schulenburg where John attended St. Rose Catholic School and graduated in May 1946. He completed his junior year at Schulenburg High School in 1949 after which he joined his father in custom hay baling for area farmers. John enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 3, 1953. He received his training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri as an infantryman and engineer. After completing the major course as a tractor scraper, John was shipped to the 7th Army Division in Germany where he worked as a heavy equipment operator, repairing the damage the country received from World War II bombings. After 2 years of service, he returned to the States and was discharged at Fort Chafee, Ark. in February 1955. Returning to the Schulenburg area, he went to work as a dozer operator at Eilers Construction. In May 1978, he went to work as street superintendent for the City of Schulenburg and after nearly 18 years of service, retired April 30, 1996.

John was married to Harriet Mary Kainer, the love of his life, for over 64 years. The couple were united in marriage on June 10, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at High Hill with Rev. Joseph Jacobi officiating. They have resided in Schulenburg all their married life and reared their two children here. Ronald and Deborah are graduates of St. Rose Catholic School and Bishop Forest High School which kept both parents busy working many school benefits. John was also kept busy with Little League functions and assisted with coaching his son’s team.

As a lifelong area resident, John was engaged in many community organizations including the Schulenburg Festival of which he was a director, and was a member of the Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department for over 22 years, retiring as Second Assistant Chief on March 31, 1987. The Schulenburg American Legion McBride Post 143 was organized in 1919; to mark the occasion, last February, John was awarded a certificate honoring him for his 56 years of service. The National American Legion was born in 1919 and all living members of the Posts with 50 or more years were honored. He was also a longtime member of Schulenburg VFW Post 5623. Among other community involvements, John, a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister and usher for many years. He was a member of the Ammannsville KJT Lodge 4 for 75-plus years. He was also a member of Hermann Sons Life Schulenburg Lodge 14 for 50 plus years.

Popo loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was especially proud of their many accomplishments in school activities and sport events. John enjoyed weekend camping trips with his family. For vacations, he and Harriet went on extended trips with their friends touring many states in their motor homes.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Harriet; a son, Ronald Bohac and wife Kathleen of Schulenburg; a daughter, Deborah Miksch and husband Dennis of Round Rock; grandchildren, Brandy Bosl and husband Adam of Schulenburg, Ryan Bohac and wife Monica of Pflugerville, Colby Bohac and wife Molly of Katy, Troy Bohac and fiancée Shyanne Schlauch of Hallettsville, Ashley McKelvey and husband Tim of Liberty Hill, and Josh Miksch and wife Kelsea of Cedar Park; great-grandchildren, Collin, Camden, Caleb and Catelyn Bosl of Schulenburg, Mia Canales of Pflugerville, Paige and Brooks Bohac of Katy, Blair McKelvey of Liberty Hill and Kara Miksch of Cedar Park.

Preceding John in death were his parents and a sister, Vandeline Halliburton of Gonzales, who recently passed away on July 3, 2020.

Private family services were held Friday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, High Hill. Rev. Tim Kosler officiated at the Mass preceded by recitation of the rosary. Burial followed in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. The Schulenburg Volunteer Fire Department assisted in escorting John to his final resting place. Full military honors were conducted at the gravesite by the Schulenburg American Legion Post 143. Pallbearers were John’s grandsons, Ryan Bohac, Colby Bohac, Troy Bohac, Josh Miksch, Adam Bosl and Tim McKelvey. The granddaughters and great-grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, there was no visitation except for immediate family. When restrictions are lifted, the family plans to have a celebration of John’s life. Additionally, in lieu of flowers, persons are welcome to make a donation in John’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, High Hill; St. Rose Catholic Church, Schulenburg; or a charity of one’s choice. Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Chapel handled the funeral arrangements.