Renate Ruth Bohn

After a long and courageous battle with Cancer, Renate died peacefully at home with her family at her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a tireless worker for her community.

Renate was born in the Eastern part of Germany and moved West with her family ahead of the advancing Russian army towards the end of WW II. They settled in Weihausen, a small village near Celle, where she grew up.

In 1958 she, with her mother and two brothers, immigrated to the U.S. joining her older sister and family who had arrived a few years earlier sponsored by the Elim Lutheran Church of Petaluma.

In the summer of 1959, she met Martin Bohn, also a young German immigrant, at a dance at Little Switzerland, a popular dance hall, and in 1960, they were married. They settled in Petaluma and raised their three children.

Always staying active and eager to give back to her community, Renate’s volunteer activities included the PTA at Valley Vista, Sack’s Thrift Store, the Kaiser Clinic in Petaluma, Memorial Hospice of Petaluma, and Elim Lutheran Church.

In 1961 she joined the Hermann Son’s Lodge, serving as President and many other offices. She also served as Grand President for the Grand Lodge, which combined all the Hermann Son’s Lodges of California. In 1987, Renate took over as manager of the Hermann Son’s Hall, a job she faithfully held until she retired in 2021 due to her illness.

Renate enjoyed travelling and creating memories with her family and friends.

Renate was predeceased by her parents, sister Margha Kehr, and brothers Harry and Gunnart Kissmann. Her younger brother, Kurt, lives in Colorado.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years Martin, son Ron (Theresa), son Mike (Allison), daughter Sue, grandson Sean (Ashley), grandson David, granddaughter Samantha (Dylan), and great-grandchildren Percival and Marceline. She also has a large extended family and a close circle of friends.

Services will be held at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma on April 12 at 11am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Hermann Son’s Hall, 860 Western Ave. Petaluma, at 12pm.

Donations may be made to Memorial (Providence) Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St. Petaluma CA, 94952.