The Rev. K. Bernell "Bernie" Boehm

The Rev. K. Bernell “Bernie” Boehm, DD (1933-2025)

The Rev. K. Bernell “Bernie” Boehm died peacefully at home with his family and in the care of Hospice on Christmas morning. Bernie wanted others to know that he lived a positive life and was blessed by his many and varied experiences. He taught what he believed and he lived what he taught.

The first child of Kester Nyal and Ina Luella Marie (Bosse) Boehm was born October 11, 1933 in Hamilton, OH. He was named Kester Bernell but was known as Bernell until his first day at college when he walked through the front gate and introduced himself to a few students standing there. They immediately said “We’ll call you Bernie” and he has been Bernie ever since.

Bernie was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton, OH and confirmed at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera, OH. During his childhood, Bernie’s family moved frequently throughout Ohio as his father was just starting his career as a Jersey dairy farmer by managing other farmer’s herds. Kester and Luella were able to purchase a farm of their own near their family in Jenera when Bernie was in the 8th grade. By the time they made their last move, Bernie had lived in 10 different homes, 7 different places and attended 5 different schools. We suspect this was good training for his future career! After moving to Jenera, in addition to the farm work Bernie was actively involved in 4-H and Luther League. His Luther League work continued through college and into the seminary.

Bernie graduated from Arlington High School (1951), Capital University (1955) in Columbus, OH and the Evangelical Lutheran Theological (now Trinity) Seminary (1959) in Columbus, OH. He was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Capital University in 1981.

Bernie married his college sweetheart Lola Irene Seem on August 14, 1955 in the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary chapel. He was especially blessed in his marriage to Lola for 70 years. She was an invaluable partner during his career and retirement.

Bernie was ordained at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera, OH. Bernie served his God and the Lutheran church as: Pastor of the two-point parish: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Lexington, OH and Solomon Lutheran Church, Eagleport, OH (1959-1961), Associate Pastor of Divinity Lutheran Church, Parma Heights, OH (1961-1971), Assistant to the President of the American Lutheran Church, Ohio District (1972-1989), Bishop of the Ohio District of The American Lutheran Church (1980-1985), and Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fairfax, VA (1986-1998). He was blessed with opportunities for growth experiences in Israel, Estonia, Sweden, Oxford and Germany along with emersion experiences in Mexico, El Salvatore, Nicaragua and Namibia.

After Bernie retired in 1998, he and Lola moved to Crystal City, VA. Bernie remained active with the local and National church serving on multiple committees as well as serving as a: Supply Preacher, Interim Senior Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Annandale, VA (2000-2001), in the Metro DC Synod office (2004), Coordinator LTSG Intern Cluster for the DC/MD/VA metro area (2005-2006), Sabbatical Interim Pastor at St Stephan’s Lutheran Church, Silver Springs, MD (6/2006-10/2006), and Consultant. In 2010 Bernie and Lola moved back to Bexley, Ohio to be closer to friends and their alma maters. As partners, they led ELCA Life Planning Seminars for Clergy and other Rostered Workers and Bernie was very involved in B.R.E.A.D. In 2019, as Bernie was starting to struggle with memory problems, they moved to Toledo to be closer to family. Unfortunately that move followed by the COVID quarantine accelerated his decline into dementia. To the end he maintained his happy, easy going nature and quick wit.

Bernie was known for his sense of humor, laugh and the ability to bring people together even when they disagreed. Bernie and Lola were involved in multiple organizations and concerns that promoted education, young people, justice ministry, civility, science, conservation and social & global responsibility.

Bernie is survived by his wife Lola, sisters M. Joyce Athey (Arnie deceased) and Carolyn (Bob) Lentz, daughters Kathy and Beth Boehm and nieces/nephews Kristen & Allison (Denning), Athey and their children Isla and Keenan, Stephanie Athey, Michelle Athey (Mary Beth Mulhausen deceased) and David & Jana (Thiele) Athey.

Visitaton will be Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home 4752 Heatherdowns, Toledo, OH 43614. His funeral will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 5445 Heatherdowns, Toledo, OH 43614 at 3:00 p.m.. There will be a Visitation and Burial Service the following week at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, OH. No flowers please. Memorial gifts may be given in his name to All Saints Lutheran Church (https://www.allsaintstoledo.org) or Capital University/Trinity Lutheran Seminary Columbus, OH (https://www.capital.edu).