John A. Bogen of Emmetsburg passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022 at the age of 101.
Born in 1920 in Sioux City to Arthur Bogen and Lenora (Kriege) Bogen, John spent his childhood in Sioux City. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, and then attended the University of Iowa Law School after World War II on the GI Bill, where he received a Juris Doctorate degree.
John met his future his wife Bonnie M. Lochrie, also a law student, during his time at the University of Iowa. They were married for 66 years.
Bonnie and John were married on May 29, 1947, at the Newman Center in Iowa City. They were blessed with five children.
John served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945, as a pilot during World War II. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1945 until the 1970s, working as an attorney.
The couple initially made their home in Osceola before moving to Denver, CO. Soon, John’s naval career took them to Corpus Christi, TX, Hawaii and Guam. They returned to Iowa, making Remsen their home and later moved back to Guam and then to Japan for 12 years.
After spending many years working across the United States and overseas, John and Bonnie searched for a special place to retire. They found Emmetsburg, a town they found particularly lovely and welcoming. Retirement in Emmetsburg afforded them some of their happiest years.
From March 17, 1982 until May 21, 1990, John served as City Attorney for the City of Emmetsburg. He was active in Rotary Club, Emmetsburg Main Street Community Theatre, Five Island Lake restoration, and other community activities.
John is survived by three of his five children (Kathleen, Michael, Laura), 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, on Sept. 24, 2013; and two children, Susanna McTavish, and Andrew Bogen.
All are invited to attend a Celebration of John’s life at the Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Emmetsburg Rotary Club scholarship fund or Emmetsburg Main Street Community Theatre would be appreciated.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
