Don Bohm, 66

Donald John Bohm, age 66, of Beachwood, NJ passed away Sunday July 28, 2013 at home in the company of family and loved ones. He was born in Sturgis, MI on Sep. 26, 1946 the son of the late Donald Leroy Bohm and Myrtle Frances (nee Bastar) Bohm, and was the elder brother to the late Dale Edward Bohm of Pottsboro, TX.

Don devoted his life to teaching chemistry and physics, and was beloved by students for his classroom pranks and “mad scientist” demonstrations. He studied education and physical sciences, receiving degrees from Concordia Colleges in Ann Arbor, MI and Seward, NE, and began teaching in Bristol, CT. He received a Masters in Education Administration from Akron University in Akron, OH. He “graduated” to teaching high school in the Chicago area and finished his career in Las Vegas, NV. He coached basketball and other sports, mentoring a generation of student players through his love of athletics. When not coaching, he was a dedicated fan of professional sports, with a loyalty to the Detroit Lions which belied his otherwise rational demeanor.

Don is survived by his three children, Deborah Elizabeth Bohm Keller of Bristow, VA, Donald Stephen Bohm of Beachwood, NJ, and Martha Christine Bohm of Buffalo, NY; and he was eagerly anticipating the upcoming arrival of his first grandchild. He will be missed by family and friends, particularly for his witty humor and ready companionship.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Saturday Aug. 3, 2013 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. David Grimm, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Centreville officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. The family wishes to celebrate his agricultural roots and lifelong love of animals, and asks that memorial donations be directed to the St. Joseph County 4-H. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com