Larry Leon Bohlender

Larry Bohlender, 80, passed away Friday, March 25 at the Center at Centerplace in Greeley. The great-grandson of Germans from Russia pioneers who settled in Weld County in the 1880’s, Larry was born in Greeley on July 11, 1941, to Wilmer and Alma (Dolly) Bohlender. Larry grew up on the family farm south and east of Kersey, learning lessons about cattle, crops, irrigation and farming, lessons that served him well throughout his life. In 1954, the family started raising registered Holstein dairy cows. The registered prefix name “BON-DO-LAR” was made up of abbreviations of the children’s first names, and became well-known throughout the Rocky Mountain region for high-quality, excellent producing champions until the herd was sold in 1972. Larry was valedictorian of his 8th grade graduating class in 1955 from Valley View School. Larry was proud to be a founding member and the first President of the Kersey High Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter in 1958-59. He was a 4-H member for many years, and served on the 4-H Dairy Judging Team. In 1958, the judging team took 2nd place in the state contest, with Larry winning first place in Jersey and Ayrshire breeds at state. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Karen Gene Meyer, in 1959. Larry and Karen celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in 2022! Karen and Larry had 2 children (Lori and Steve) during the next few years. Larry graduated from Kersey High School in 1959, and attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins. While in Fort Collins, Larry worked part time at Forney Industries, where he began his life-long career in computers as a computer operator and programmer / analyst. In 1964, the family moved back to Greeley and he joined the Greeley National Bank (now Chase) in their Computer Service Bureau Division, advancing in 1969 to Computer Center Manager. During his years at the Bank, he had the opportunity to manage a great team of people who designed and implemented many software applications. In 1972, Larry was promoted to Vice President of Affiliated Banks Service Company (ABSC) and accepted responsibility for managing their Service Bureau Division, serving customers in Colorado and 7 surrounding states. Larry took a brief respite from the computer industry in 1974-1977, serving as the Manager of Accounting and Finance / Corporate Secretary of Home Light & Power (HL&P) Company in Greeley, the local electric utility company. While with HL&P, Larry helped the organization secure long-term funding and eventually selling the company to Public Service Company of Colorado. Larry returned to Greeley National Bank in 1977 as Executive Vice President, resuming management of the computer center, as well as customer service personnel at the bank. Larry stayed at GNB until 1981, when he decided to start his own business, Computer Information Concepts, Inc. (CIC). Mr. Bohlender was a big believer in community service! Larry served the Colorado 4-H Foundation (Director 1972-82, President from 1976-1980); Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce (director 1976-79, President 1977-78); Greeley Downtown Development Commission (Director and President 1978-79); and the Greeley Downtown Development Corporation (Director and Charter President 1980-82). Larry was appointed and served on the 19th Judicial District nominating commission from 1980-85. Larry also served on the Weld County Library District Board of Trustees in 1986-1991. He was appointed by then Governor Romer to the Colorado State Fair Authority Board, serving on the board from 1989-1993, ending his final term as board President in 1992-93. Mr. Bohlender was a life-long genealogist! He served the Northern Colorado Chapter of American Historical Society of Germans From Russia organization (AHSGR) as a Director 1997-2000, and President from 1997-1998. Larry was proud of completing a comprehensive family history database and several hundred page published book containing family history from his research going back to the early 1800’s, spanning USA, Russian and German family historical records. He enjoyed talking about family history and information with family members, presenting his research and sharing / confirming details with family members at the annual Bohlender Picnic each August in LaSalle. Larry earned a Distinguished Service Award from National AHSGR in 2016, recognizing his many years of service to local, state and national chapters. Larry determined to start his own business, Computer Information Concepts, Inc. (CIC) in Greeley in 1981. CIC provides hardware, software, and professional services (called Peopleware) to cities, counties and K-12 school districts. CIC celebrated it’s 40th anniversary this past June 2021, expanding operations over the years to include customers in 19 states across the USA. Larry’s wife Karen also works at CIC, having worked with CIC since the company started. His son Steve started with CIC in 1988. Steve grew CIC’s K-12 education side of the business, Larry being responsible for the city / county side of the business, with each sharing other CIC duties as needed. Larry continued working at CIC until recent health events compelled his retirement. Mr. Bohlender enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports, traveling, playing games, and above all, participating in his family’s activities. He coached daughter Lori’s softball teams as she was growing up, also enjoyed her dance recitals and shows. Larry coached Steve’s Little League baseball games, he also served in school parent / teacher organizations while the kids were in elementary and high school. Larry and Karen both also enjoyed attending their grandsons’ in-line and ice hockey games. Larry and Karen both enjoyed travel. They traveled to all 50 of the United States, along with 41 foreign countries for fun and for genealogy research, often traveling with close friends and family members. They maintained a world map which had pins marking each of the states and countries they visited over the years, and liked marking their visits each time when they returned home. Survivors are Larry’s wife, Karen Gene; son Steve and his wife Sheila of Greeley; daughter Lori of Salida; sister Bonnie and her husband Delbert of Flippin, Arkansas. Larry is also survived by grandson Dylan and special friend Katie of Denver; and grandson Logan, also of Denver. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Wilmer and Alma (Dolly), and brother, Donald. Visitation and Celebration of Life services will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at the Kersey Community Church, 26221 Weld County Road 53 / 201 South 1st Street, Kersey, CO, 80644. Viewing begins at 9:00 am, followed by Celebration of Life services at 10:00 am. A light luncheon will be held at the church following services. Internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens (3400 West 28th Street, Greeley, 80634) at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the Kersey Community Church or to the charity of your choice.

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Larry Leon Bohlender

July 11, 1941 - March 25, 2022