It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mom, Kathleen (Kathy) Dorothy (Simmons) Bohlmann, who unexpectedly departed this world on September 7, 2024, at the age of 74. Born on April 29, 1950, Kathy made the world a brighter place for 74 years with her warm, caring, silly and loving personality and lived a life full of warmth, compassion, and an unparalleled sense of humor. She graduated from Brookfield East High School in 1968. 

She met the love of her life, our dad, Bill Bohlmann, at Steve's Standard, a car repair shop where Bill's friend worked, then later went on a date with him at Stone Toad where they first danced. It was love at first sight. After asking her if she would be the mother of his children someday, she married Bill on May 18, 1974, at St. Margaret Mary in Milwaukee, WI. Together they were blessed with three children: Joey, Sara, and Kristine. To know our parents as a couple, meant you were heard, seen, celebrated, and guaranteed to have a lifelong friendship with. They had many deep relationships over the years, with their friends, with their children's friends, and truly anyone they met. They fully accepted and loved others, making them instant friends of theirs, including every dog they met, in such a special, profound way. Their family of five was especially important to them. Kathy's motto was, "Give them roots and give them wings," believing that there is no love like the love of a family. She and her childhood best friend Cyndie endured a decades-long friendship. In recent years, she also shared deep friendships with the Women of Wheeler Lake.

Kathy dedicated 27 years to working as an Accounts Payable Accountant at Storage Battery Systems where she made lifelong friends while working there. She also worked in the Briggs and Stratton factory at a younger age. In the 1990s, she owned an organic herb business, Harvest Hill Herbs, born from her love of gardening and everything nature inspired. She was known for her nurturing soul, always opening her heart and home to those around her. She believed in the importance of giving, not just to her loved ones, but to everyone she met.  A vibrant spirit with an unmistakable laugh. She was spiritually inclined, recognizing the sacredness of nature, and nurtured a deep connection with the natural world. She appreciated all the beauty of nature, water, and sky.

Kathy loved spending time in nature, especially listening to the loons on Wheeler Lake; her lake property in Lakewood had been in her family since 1947. She felt joy while tending to the birds and other animals, dogs, dancing to live music, decorating, cooking, gardening, and driving her pontoon. She and Bill's most memorable locations to travel to were Colorado and Sedona, AZ together where they found solace in the beauty and peacefulness of the mountains. She was gifted in creating and growing seemingly magical flower and herb gardens that provoked peace and grounding. She always had busy hands, whether it be crafting, working outside, sewing, or furniture restoration. With perfect penmanship, she penned a masterpiece of words when she wrote. A go-to proofreader and spellchecker. She found fascination in reading the dictionary and The Bible. She was known for her strength and resiliency, was unafraid of hard work, and also was young at heart but with a gentle, old soul, always living life to the fullest. 

Kathy is survived by her son Joey (Carrie) Bohlmann of Harland, daughters Sara (Andrew) Schoon of Green Bay, and Kristine (Robert) Gohsman of Lake Forest, IL; and was "Granny" to three grandchildren: Mallory, Alex, and John. Also survived by her loving brother, Gary Simmons, best friend, Cyndie (Ed) Reinheimer, and many other family members, cousins and friends. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Jayne Simmons, her sister-in-law, Penny Simmons, and her beloved soulmate of 46 years, Bill Bohlmann. Kathy imbued in her children her values of love, friendship, and care: a testament to Kathleen's life. Her guiding light will live on through her children and continue to illuminate the lives of those in her sphere. We reflect on the remarkable life she led, the profound love she shared, and the enduring legacy she left behind. We love and miss you, mama but know you are finally reunited with Dad/Bill, whom you missed so dearly. We wholeheartedly believe that your souls are together again.

As we mourn the loss of our dear Mom/Kathy, we also celebrate a well-lived life that left an indelible imprint on all those fortunate to have known her. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the rich tapestry of her life and the precious memories we hold. We will remember her fondly, honor her legacy, and strive to live up to the values she held so dear. May her beautiful smile, spunk, stories, and legacy live on forever and ever.

"Well I've had dreams enough for one, And I've got love enough for three, I have my hopes to comfort me, I got my new horizons out to sea. But I'm never gonna lose your precious gift, It will always be that way, 'cause I know I'm gonna find my own peace of mind, Someday, Someway." 

- New Horizons by the Moody Blues

 Bill and Kathy's wedding ceremony song.

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