Gaylen R. Bohnenkemper, 73, of Holton, KS, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018. He was born February 9, 1945 in Holton, the son of John Harlan and Faydrel “Faye” (Bontrager) Bohnenkemper.

Gaylen graduated from Whiting High School in 1963. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era from 1966 – 1968.

He was a lifelong member of the Jackson County communities. He worked in the grocery business for 45 years. Gaylen worked for Craig’s IGA and later owned and operated the store until 1994. He was also co-owner of Sonic in Holton and also a Security Guard for Golden Eagle Casino.     

Gaylen was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton; serving as an elder for 3 years. He enjoyed watching and playing baseball, Gaylen had coached his son’s teams in earlier years. He was a mentor for the young men and women that worked for him; always encouraging them to progress in their careers and futures. He had a remarkable connection to his vast social network, always remembering to ask how a family member was doing or planning to do. Gaylen’s other hobbies was collecting baseball cards, gardening, sporting events and his love of people.

Gaylen married Christina “Tina” Knutsen on October 24, 1964 in Holton. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his 2 sons, Darin Bohnenkemper (Jennifer) and Derrick Bohnenkemper both of Holton; a sister, Beverly Baxter (Jim) of Holton; a brother, Gary Bohnenkemper (Linda) of Holton; 11 grandchildren, Christian, Tiffany, Racheal, Sidney, Jarred and Joel Bohnenkemper, Jack (Shontae) Rodgers, Joseph and Bud Kathrens and Sarah and Samantha Grafton and 2 great-grandchildren, Rose and Caleb Rodgers. As well as a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Bohnenkemper and a sister, Betty Beam.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 24, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gaylen Bohnenkemper Memorial Fund to be designated to a MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS foundation c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.