David (Dave) Elliott Bohnert

Bohnert—David (Dave) Elliott Bohnert, 87, on December 19, 2022, at home in Frostburg, Md. Dave was born on March 23, 1935, to Albert and Margaret Bohnert, who were both Quaker pastors, in Columbus, Ohio. Dave and his sister, Carolyn, learned lifelong values of kindness and service from their parents.

Dave left home to attend Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He received a master’s degree in radio and television production from Syracuse University in New York and a master’s in educational administration from Cleveland State University in Ohio. Dave taught English and coached students interested in dramatics and in radio and television production in high schools in New York State and Mentor, Ohio.

Dave met his wife, Joan, while they were teaching at Mentor High School. They would remain married until his passing 58 years later.

Dave took a personal interest in the lives of his students. He would often invite “difficult” students to have dinner with Joan and him at their home.

Dave and Joan raised two sons, Scott David Bohnert and Kevin Joseph Bohnert, in Mentor and in Greenfield, Ohio. Scott and Kevin, and later their spouses and children, were all infused with the love of life and service from Dave and Joan. This manifested in many ways, including when Dave, Kevin, and Scott were all on stage together in a production of The Music Man.

Dave took a position as high school principal in Greenfield, Ohio, where he also directed community theater, before moving to Maryland. There he served several years as a nursing home administrator before returning to his passion for teaching, this time at Allegany College of Maryland, where he taught English and speech.

Dave served the community and the people whose lives he touched through numerous community organizations, churches, and related activities. His list of memberships in service and interest organizations, offices held, and awards won is extensive. Those who knew him through those organizations will remember not only his accomplishments, but also his kindness and pleasant humor.

Dave returned to his Quaker roots, joining Dunnings Creek Meeting in Fishertown, Pa. He traveled to Dunnings Creek making the 120-mile round trip week after week, year after year. He served as clerk of the meeting, was deeply involved in the forming of the Fishertown Quaker Museum, participated in founding the Peace and Social Concerns Committee, and built the meeting’s website along with a manual.

Dave brought a quiet, powerful presence to meetings for worship and to discussions. He centered others with his unwavering smile, his sense of selflessness, and courage to keep going on even when his body was failing.

Dave is survived by his wife, Joan Bohnert; two children, Scott Bohnert (Angela) and Kevin Bohnert (Jennifer); and four grandchildren.