Conrad J. Boehler

Mass of Christian Burial Service for Conrad J. Boehler will be conducted from the St. Mary Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska on Monday, October 9, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. with Father Harlan Waskowiak, officiating. Interment with military honors provided by American Legion Post #184 of Orleans will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Orleans.

Conrad Joseph "Connie" Boehler, 76 years of age, of Orleans, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Harlan County Health Systems in Alma, Nebraska. Connie was born January 16, 1930 at Alma, Nebraska, the third of four children of Joseph John and Loretta Marie (Fuller) Boehler. He grew up on the family farm known as "Mockingbird Hill" between Orleans and Alma. He received his primary education at the Midway School District #76 east of Orleans and then graduated from Orleans High School with the class 1947. He then pursued higher education at Kearney State College at Kearney, Nebraska for business courses. Following his education, Connie served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy from February 2, 1951 until his honorable discharge on January 14, 1953. After his discharge he continued to serve in the Reserves until January of 1955.

On July 23, 1953 he was united in marriage to June Elaine Karlson at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans and to this union five children were born: John, Barbara, Bryce, Michael and Scott. The family made their home on the family farm, where Connie engaged in farming, milked cows and raised livestock. Later in years, Connie and a group of investors started Harlan Feeders east of Orleans. Connie and June also operated the Republican Valley Steakhouse and Lounge in Orleans from 1977 until 1990. Connie enjoyed working for McCann-Murdoch Auctioneers for thirteen years. Connie and June moved into town to their current residence in 1992.

Connie was a lifetime member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he was involved with the Knights of Columbus, he also served on the Harlan County Supervisors Board for sixteen years, past board member of the Colonial Villa Good Samaritan Center in Alma, currently served as the Commander of the American Legion Post #184, served on the State of Nebraska Environmental Department Board of Directors, Harlan County Democratic Party Chairman for ten years, past Vice-President of the Central District County Officials Association, charter member of the Orleans Lions Club, member of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Orleans Development Corporation.

His passion through the years has been hunting, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, June of Orleans; four sons: John Boehler and his wife, Janet of Holdrege, Bryce Boehler and his wife, Victoria of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael Boehler and his wife, Jamie of Minden, Nebraska and Scott Boehler and his wife, Jill of Waverly, Nebraska; one daughter, Barbara Hartzog and her husband, Mike of Orleans; ten granddaughters: Lacy, Sarah, Jessica, Kimberly, Brooke, Makenzi, Shelby, Brianna, Jordyn and Hannah; one grandson, Bradlee and his wife, Renelle; four step grandchildren: Derek, Drew, Nathan and Hayley; one sister, Josephine "Jody" Gehley of Mission Viejo, California; one brother, John "Jack" Boehler of Orleans; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Margaret "Peggy" Brown and her husband, Dr. Kenneth Brown and brother-in-law, Frank Gehley.

Mr. Boehler will lie in state at the Mitchell Funeral Home in Orleans on Sunday, October 8, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Rosary will be held on Sunday, evening October 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans.

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell Funeral Home in Orleans is in charge of the arrangements.