David Mathias Bohmer, 65

David Mathias Bohmer, 65, died of natural causes Feb. 12, 2008, in his home near Columbia Falls. Dave was born to Cyril J. and Violet (Johnson) Bohmer on Dec. 26, 1942, in Parshall, N.D., the only child in the family born at home.

Dave graduated high school in Circle in 1960 and attended Eastern Montana College and Northern Montana College. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and was assigned to a special unit that traveled with President Johnson, setting up communications throughout Southeast Asia. He was honorably discharged in 1967, receiving the Presidential Service Badge and Certificate, Good Conduct Medal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal.

Dave married Susan Rowe in 1969 and their son Mathias Jacob was born in 1971. Dave and Sue were later divorced. Dave spent many years working in Columbia Falls before moving to Twin Bridges, where he worked several years for the Winston Rod Company until retiring in 2005. He then moved back to Columbia Falls to help build his 'Grandpa's little cabin in the woods,' where he was delighted to participate in the daily lives of his son and daughter-in-law and their girls.

Dave was a very intelligent man and was interested in everything. He enjoyed talking about nearly any subject, made friends wherever he went, and was always willing to lend a hand. He often visited his extended family and was a fun travel companion, content to be 'just along for the ride.' Dave liked to golf, fish, camp, read history, watch football, work on his cabin and, most of all, be with his granddaughters. He was especially tickled by the sledding and hot cocoa parties they shared. He was very proud of them and their parents and was grateful to be so near them.

Survivors include son Matt, daughter-in-law Ann, granddaughters Jackie and Darcy Bohmer and stepson Michael Rowe, from Columbia Falls; brother and sister-in law, Charles and Patricia Bohmer, from Cody, Wyo.; sister, Valencia Wieferich, from Gardnerville, Nev.; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and James Ondracek, from Minot, N.D.; sister-in-law, Susan Bohmer, from Shelby; brother-in-law, James Wieferich, from Twin Bridges; nieces, Shaun Novich, Paula Wieferich, Kari Kiersti, Katelyn Bohmer and Chloe Ondracek; nephews, Scott Wieferich, Neil Bohmer and Lucas Bohmer; grandnieces, Kayla, Korrin, and Kassie Wieferich, and Stefani and Dafani Bohmer; grandnephews, Don Novich and Buddy Williams; and great-grandniece, KayDan Iberra.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael J. Bohmer.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. March 7 at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls.