1939-2026
James H. Bohlender, 86, son of Harold and Thelma (Lundstrom) Bohlender, was born April 23, 1939, in Guthrie Center. He passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center.
Jim spent his early years in Guthrie Center until his father purchased a farm near Menlo. Jim attended elementary school there until the family moved to a farm south of Guthrie Center. Jim spent his high school years at Guthrie Center High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. He graduated in 1957.
He went to work for the Iowa Highway Commission for three years and then for Hogan Chevrolet as their parts manager. He married Joan Harris of Panora in April of 1959. To this union, three children were born: Deborah, Cindy and Rod.
On Jan. 1, 1966, Jim and his father formed a partnership in farming. Unfortunately, Harold died four months later. When they were not busy farming, Jim and Harold enjoyed bowling together. Jim was an excellent bowler and had the first perfect game ever at the Guthrie Center bowling alley in 1979. The ball he used is still on display there. Chronic back problems eventually forced Jim to give up his passion for bowling.
Over the years, Jim served on the Guthrie Center Extension Board, was president of the Guthrie Center Bowlers Association and president of the Booster Club.
In 1992, Jim married Lynda (Werner) Schreck. The couple moved to Indianola in 1993 where Jim worked at the Ready Mix Plant, becoming a plant manager in 1994. After 13 years, he retire. Jim and Lynda moved back to his farm in Guthrie Center. He went on to fulfill his dream of having a cow/calf herd and farm with his grandson, Clay Blass.
Jim’s back problems eventually forced him to his recliner, as walking became difficult. He spent many days watching out the front window for neighbors driving by while on their way to work or out farming. Sometimes they would wave, knowing Jim was watching.
He loved his family, farm, country and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a lifelong fan and traveled with Lynda to many games in Iowa City
Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Harold and Thelma; daughter, Deborah Rosenbeck; stepson, John Schreck; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Larry Billick; brother, Charles J. Bohlender; father and mother-in-law, John and Dardy Werner; and brothers-in-law, John and Mark Werner.
He is survived by his wife, Lynda; daughter, Cindy (Steve) Blass of Coon Rapids; son, Rod (Tracy) Bohlender of Polk City; step-sons, Doug (Holly) Schreck of Clive and Kevin (Marcie) Schreck of Guthrie Center; and step-daughter, Sheila (Clint) Dickey of Cedar Falls. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation has taken place, and private burial of the remains will be held at a later date per Jim’s wishes.
Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center, is entrusted with his services.