Elaine Karen Bohle-Todd 1942 - 2024

BOHLE, TODD, DRAGOO, RICHARDS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 12/31/2024 at 22:15:56

The Record
Moville, Iowa
19 December 2024

Elaine Bohle-Todd, 82 of Kingsley, IA, was called home to her Lord and Savior Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Unity Point Health in Sioux City, IA.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Le Mars Bible Church, Le Mars, IA. Burial was at the Kingsley Cemetery, Kingsley, IA.

Elaine Karen was born May 19, 1942, in Cushing, IA, the daughter of Charlton and Sylvia (Dragoo) Richards. She grew up in the Pierson area, graduating from Pierson High School in 1960, where she loved to play basketball and twirl baton as a drum majorette. After high school, she attended Morningside College to study her passion for music. On March 19, 1961, she was united in holy matrimony to Dean Bohle of Pierson, IA, at the Rock Branch Church. They eventually settled in Kingsley, IA, where they raised their family. Early in their marriage, Elaine worked for Avis Cambell and the local pickle plant.

The couple began Bohle Construction in 1970. Dean and Elaine were both active members of the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA). Following Dean’s passing in 2003, Elaine carried on the business with the help of her children and grandchildren, which was one of her greatest joys in life. She was an extremely ambitious businesswoman for 54 years, building a legacy to pass on to the next generations. Along with continuing to work long hours at the shop every week, she was an active member of the community and served on the Kingsley Chamber of Commerce. Elaine and Ray Todd were united in marriage July 6, 2007, in Kingsley. Ray and Elaine were involved with community activities, especially the Grand Meadow Heritage Days and enjoyed being with family and friends. Ray passed away on December 9, 2010. Elaine loved music. She loved to play the piano and organ. Playing the organ for almost 70 years was such a strong point of worship for her. Elaine was appointed to be the organist at the Rock Branch Church in 1954 at only 12 years old. This was also when she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Elaine played for many weddings, funerals, and church services. She also directed and accompanied the church choir, bell choir, and cantatas. She found such joy through the ministry of music, passing this love on to her family.

She was a bright light to the youth in the community, whether it was teaching baton, piano lessons, leading 4-H, or sharing her love for Christ by being a Sunday School teacher, youth group sponsor, and confirmation mentor. Elaine would often invite youth to join her at church, reaching her hands out to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Elaine was one of the most selfless people you could ever come across. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for the people she loved. Before joining Le Mars Bible Church, she was a long-time member of the Kingsley United Methodist Church. She found strength in the Lord, which carried her through the various challenges that life presented to her. No matter what came her way, Elaine was able to find abundant joy in the blessings that God provided.

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her four children, Rick Bohle (special friend Stacy), Keith and Melanie Bohle, Deb and Mike Kraft, and Scott and Stacy Bohle, all of Kingsley, IA. She was blessed with several grandchildren: Justin Bohle, Kayla Bohle, Abbie Kraft, Emily Kraft, Kaden Kraft, Jacob Kraft, Carter Bohle, Mitchell and Emily Bohle, Rachel Bohle. She also adored her great grandchildren: Hannah, Elaina, Landon, and Everett.

Also left to cherish Elaine’s memory are her stepchildren, Richard and Kindall Todd, Luanne and Jeff Neher, Suzy and Clayton Powell and Beth and Tim Hollis; along with several step-grandchildren and greatgrandchildren who were so special to her. Elaine is survived by her sisters-in-law, Karen Richards and Donna and Ron Harris, brothers-in-law, Bob and Carole Bohle, Ron and Marsha Bohle, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband’s Dean Bohle and Ray Todd, her parents, her brother Larry Richards, her sister Linda and her husband, Duane Revis; and her nephew David Richards.