Bert Cohlman, 91

Bert Cohlman, 91, of Brandon, was received into Heaven on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 at Bethany Home in Brandon while surrounded by her family. Her Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, with entombment at Hills of Rest Mausoleum, Sioux Falls. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon, where the family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. and a Liturgical Wake Service followed by the Holy Rosary starts at 7 p.m.

Bertha May Baumiller, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Abbot) Baumiller, was born Nov. 6, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was raised there by her parents along with her brothers and sisters.

Bert was swept off her feet when she met Elmer Cohlman. Shortly after meeting, the two were united in marriage on Jan. 17, 1945 in Pittsburgh. They made their home in St. Louis, Mo.

Always keeping busy, Bert held many part-time jobs until she took on the role of full-time homemaker when she and Elmer began their family. She cherished the days of taking care of their two children. Once her children, Don and Donna, gained their independence as young adults, Bert decided to return to the workforce. She took a job in the cafeteria at Riverview Gardens High School, where her talents supported many positions over the 19 years she spent there. In 2005, after 60 wonderful years in St. Louis, Bert and Elmer moved to Brandon to be closer to family.

In Brandon, they settled into a garden home at Bethany Meadows, where she enjoyed being a part of the community and made many lifelong friendships. Bert's hobbies included reading, playing Bingo and Pinochle, making Rosaries, quilting, attending church functions, going to the VFW on Thursday afternoons, and spending time with family and friends.

Bert was a loving wife to Elmer for 74 years of marriage, and a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a friend to all who knew her, a joy to be with, and much loved.

Bert will be deeply missed by her husband, Elmer; two children, Don Cohlman and his wife, Kathy, Chandler, Ariz., and Donna Lessnau and her husband, Rick, Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Beth Dubovik and her husband, Dan, Mesa, Ariz., Donald Cohlman Jr., Chandler, Ariz., and Jennifer Lessnau, Los Angeles, Calif.; six great-grandchildren, Derek, Anthony, Catherine, Huxley, Stephen, and Evelyn; and many other relatives and friends. 

Bert was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Bill Baumiller, Betty McDine, Mable Delfino and Jack Baumiller. 

Bert’s family would like to thank the Bethany Meadows-Brandon staff for their wonderful care during her stays of the last four months.

For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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