Willis Bohlken

Willis Bohlken, 86, of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND. Willis Dale Bohlken was born January 3, 1922, in rural Lisbon, North Dakota, son of Albert and Jesslyn (Colson) Bohlken. He graduated high School in 1939. Willis went to work for Bohlken Hardware in Lisbon. Willis married Blanche Hendrickson in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Airforce as a Radar Technician in Biak, New Guinea, for two years. Willis married Carole Jean Johnson December 1974. They owned and operated hardware, furniture and Honda cycle shops. Willis retired in April 1977. Willis was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, past president of Kiwanis and elder in Lisbon Presbyterian Church and member of Olivet Lutheran Church. Willis is survived by his wife, Carole, Fargo, ND; daughter, Kathleen Bohlken, Seattle, WA; son, Bill (Kathy) Bohlken, Burlingame, CA; step-children, Craig (Nancy) Johnson, Wadena, MN; Rick (Joyce) Johnson, Wahpeton, ND; Dr. K. Todd (Lauri) Johnson, Minot, ND; daughters, Kim (James) Kordovsky, Fargo, ND; Kristi (Ed) Loeb, Horace, ND; Naomi Ballard, Fargo, ND; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. Willis was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara; and step-daughter, Renee Johnson and Pamela Herbranson; sister, Helen Pagel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Memorial Service: Saturday, October 25, 2008, at 4:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Burial: Elk Creek Cemetery, Wyndmere, ND.