Date of death: 5/5/2021
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1963
John David Boehnlein, 85, of Medina, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. He had been fighting Parkinson’s Disease for many years. John was born in Fairview Park, Ohio on March 8, 1936, to Louis and Erma (Stilber) Boehnlein along with eight brothers and sisters. As eight are now deceased, his dear sister, Rosemary Meyers is always a bright light in our lives. Also surviving John is his wife of 62 years, Jean (Celizic) Boehnlein; children, Jeffrey John, John Scott and Jennifer Mary. He also leaves behind many Boehnlein nieces and nephews, especially Dale and Kathy Boehnlein; his treasured hunting and fishing cohorts; and his beloved O’Connor family, the late Peggy (Tim) O’Connor, Ryan Sr. (Kristen), Matthew (Julie) and two special great-nephews, Ryan Jr. and Luke; and special friends, Tracy Lezark, Mary Kay and Ralph Genco, and Mary Lou and Bob Brock.
John went to grade school at St. Angela Merici in Fairview Park, Ohio. A family favorite photo is the one of John as an altar boy leading the procession at St. Angela Merici groundbreaking. He graduated from St. Edwards High School, went on to John Carroll and earned his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University.
In 1974, John moved his wife and children to Medina so they could attend a special needs program at the Medina County Achievement Center, and also so John, who loved the outdoors, would have more space. Medina had it all! It was a wonderful decision, and everyone thrived. At that time, Holy Martyrs Catholic Church was just being established and John and Jean joined as a founding family. John joined Tubbs Insurance Agency and became well known and well received in the community. He ran the business for many years and always spoke with great affection for the people he worked with and so many others that he got to know through his business. He also became very involved with the Special Olympics as well as the extraordinary needs of the special people of Medina County. His genuine words “these are my people” will always be remembered. He loved them and they loved him in return. The staff there were incredible and contributed to making his children the wonderful adults they are today.