CW4 (Ret.) Donald Earl Bohnsack, Leavenworth, quietly passed into the arms of the Lord Jesus on Wednesday evening, April 12, 2023.
He was born on February 20, 1940 in San Diego, CA to Earl and Lucille (Dick) Bohnsack. The family soon moved back to the Eudora, Kansas area where they farmed. Donald joined the Army upon graduation from high school in 1958, serving at many posts both in the U.S. and abroad. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam receiving injuries to his back and knees.
On August 26, 1961, Donald married Madelyn Ann Mace in Brookfield Missouri. They had four children, Michael (Candice) Bohnsack of Lansing, Donna (Douglas) Gentle of Waynesville, MO, Michelle (stillborn), and Jeffery (Heather) Bohnsack of Leavenworth. Madelyn faithfully traveled with him wherever he was stationed until he retired from the Army in 1980 having served for a total of 22 years. They made their home in Leavenworth and Donald worked at Fort Leavenworth in AG and Housing until retiring on January 3, 2003. During that time Donald cared for Madelyn after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis until she passed in January 1998. On October 27, 2001, Donald was united in marriage to Linda D. Zacher and gained three step-children: Susan (Charlie) Hogshooter of Eldon, MO; Samuel ‘Brad’ Zacher of Lawrence; and Amanda (David) Smith of Independence, MO.
Don and Madelyn—and later Linda--served as the leaders for the MS support group in the Leavenworth area. Donald also volunteered with several other groups—American Red Cross, Leavenworth Hospice, as well as the Retiree Committee, the Commissary Committee and various others on Fort Leavenworth and at the VA. Donald was a long-time member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, serving the church in many capacities. He also served on the Board of the Frontier Community Credit Union for many years.
Donald is survived by his wife Linda of the home, daughter Donna, son Jeffrey, step-daughters Susan and Amanda and step-son Brad, six grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren and his cat Buttons—who misses him dearly.
A funeral service will be held in his honor at 11:00 am on Friday, April 28, 2023 at First Christian Church, 6th and Seneca in Leavenworth. Condolence calls for the family will be held from 9:00-10:45 am prior to the service and burial will take place immediately following at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.