Obituary of John Miles Bohrnstedt

<b>Lexington, KY</b> John Miles Bohrnstedt, age 83, a resident of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away January 25, 2014 after a series of illnesses over the past several years. Mr. Bohrnstedt was born July 10, 1930 near La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Marguerite Baur Bohrnstedt and Gail Rathbone Bohrnstedt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Gail Bohrnstedt; his brother, Gail George Bohrnstedt; his sisters, Janis Bohrnstedt Mitchell and Nancy Edith Bohrnstedt; his son, John Arthur Bohrnstedt; his step-daughter, Lisa Watkins; and his brothers-in-law, Thomas Francis Mitchell and Walter Kramer. Mr. Bohrnstedt is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Shirley Bohrnstedt, who has partnered with him physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally since they married in 1984. Over the past two years, Shirley was his sole caregiver until he was hospitalized in December of 2013. Until his death she was at his side day and night providing the love and comfort, humor and inspiration that have been a hallmark of their relationship. He is also survived by his sister Jeanne E. Kramer of Portland, Oregon Mr. Bohrnstedt is survived by his children from a first marriage, Debra, Daniel (Diane) and Thomas Bohrnstedt and Pamela Phillips; grandchildren Vanessa Martindale (Sean), Nicole Bohrnstedt, Erik Bohrnstedt, Justin Phillips and Melanie Smith; great-grandchildren Reachel and Aidan Martindale and Tyler Smith. He is survived by nieces and nephews from his Mitchell family: Susan, Lynne, Dan, Michael and Patrick and their spouses and children as well as his nieces from his Kramer family: Kathy, Ann, Patti and Josi and their spouses, children and grandchildren. Mr. Bohrnstedt graduated from high school in Downers Grove, Illinois and attended college before entering military service in the Army and serving during World War II. He began a successful lifelong career in sales with a job selling Fuller Brush products door-to-door once out of the service. Mr. Bohrnstedt advised on and sold insurance and financial products for over 40 years before retiring with his partner in all life adventures, Shirley, to cruise the Cumberland River in one of his many boats, the highways and byways of the USA in their 36' motorhome or the inlets of Alaska on a ship with his wife and sister, Jeanne. He loved gardening and spending time puttering with plants or yard projects. Somewhere in heaven, he is still cheering on his beloved Kentucky Wildcats. Mr. Bohrnstedt's warmth, engaging personality, ever-present sense of humor and innumerable stories will be sorely missed by his family, friends and associates from all walks of life. <b>Funeral Information</b> A memorial service will be held at 12 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing. A gathering of family and friends will follow.