Uncle John

John Bohlken
April 26, 1928 — Oct. 19, 2007

John Bohlken, 79, of Lebanon died Friday at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

He was born in Lebanon to Henry E. and Velma (Buchner) Bohlken. He was raised in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1946. John farmed with his father for many years.

He married Max E. Benham on Dec. 4, 1970, in Silverton. Together they owned and operated the Broiler Restaurant in Lebanon until selling it in 1976. They also worked together in his cabinet business, Bohlken Woodworking, both in Sisters and Lebanon until retiring in 1992.

During retirement, they enjoyed road trips and daily travels in the country. They also enjoyed storm watching at the coast, watching kite flying, and watching the wind surfers at Hood River.

John was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, where he was a past grand exalted ruler. He also belonged to the American Legion.

He is survived by daughters Shelley Bohlken of Eugene, and LaLona McCready and husband David of Lebanon; son Lonnie Benham and wife Jackie of Springfield; sisters Kathryn Robertson of Lebanon and Marceil Drechsler of Eugene; grandchildren Andrew, Aaron and Arica McCready, Tiffany Williams and Garrow Benham; and two great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by wife Max E. Bohlken on Aug. 23, 2003, and son Mike Bohlken in 1994.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Private burial will be at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery.

Online condolences for the family can be left at www.hustonjost.com.

Contributions may be made to the Elks Scholarship Fund in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.