Gary Walter Bohnisch

Gary Walter Bohnisch peacefully passed away at his home on September 10th after a long illness. He was just shy of his 83rd birthday.

Gary was loved and respected by all who knew him.

He was born and raised in Lindsay, California. Gary was the youngest child of Walter and Fern Bohnisch. Joyce Lundberg (Bohnisch) was Gary's loving older sister.

During a beach day at Kentucky Lake with Army buddies, Gary met the love of his life, Jeanette Terry. After meeting in May, Gary and Jeanette were married that December in Evansville, Indiana. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Lindsay, where they established their home for over 50 years. Gary and Jeanette were married for almost 60 years.

Above everything else, Gary's top priorities were providing for his family and having a loving home. Gary and Jeanette had three children: Gary Jr., Julie and Susan.

As a Lindsay native, Gary was known around town in a few different capacities. For many years, Gary was the Service Manager at Walter Bohnisch Pontiac and Oldsmobile. In the early 1980's, he transitioned to a Field Manager position at Earlibest Packing House in Exeter -- working alongside his uncle, Bud Berger. But, Gary was primarily known as a local Rancher. For almost 50 years, Gary had a great love of owning and managing his orange groves.

Survivors include: one son, Gary Jr. (Kim) of Corona, California; daughter Julie (Ron) of Laguna Niguel and daughter Susan (Brad- predeceased) of Woodland Hills, California. His grandchildren include: Jennifer (Noah) of Connecticut; Kelly (James) of Washington; Katie of California and Michael (Serena) of Kentucky. Gary also had many additional survivors including sister Joyce (Lars - predeceased); sisters-in-law Libby (Rod - predeceased) and Judy (Jerry) -- as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Surprising to many, Gary was a pet lover. Gary always had dogs and cats surrounding his life. In his latter years, he was comforted by his daughter Julie's dog, Sophie and occasionally daughter Susan's dog, Capone.

Gary was also known as a wonderful friend and a kind neighbor. He enjoyed his daily coffee with friends and fellow Ranchers at "Bob's Drive-In". Although quiet in nature, Gary always extended a friendly wave to passers-by. When not attending to one of his groves, Gary could be found playing golf. In his latter years, he and Jeanette moved into the beautiful "casita home" which Jeanette designed. The casita was attached to daughter Julie's home. Although he loved his new life...Gary always referred to Lindsay as his "home".

Graveside services will be held Monday, September 18th at 10am at Lindsay Cemetery. Webb, Sanders and Smith Funeral Home in Lindsay are helping with arrangements.

Our family wants to thank St. Joseph Health & Hospice -- and specifically Chaplain Michael Barton -- for the love and care provided Gary and his entire family throughout his last months of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Joseph Hospice Foundation. If you wish to donate, please direct donations to the following: St. Joseph Hospice Foundation. 200 W. Center Street. Promenade Suite 200B. Anaheim, California, 92805. Attention: Lou Cobb.

"My last breath here, is my first breath in Heaven"

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