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Virgil Bohren

“If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.”–Robert Southey

Virgil H. Bohren, 83, of 327 Park Avenue, Warren, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at the Rouse Home in Youngsville, PA, where he had been a resident for the past year and a half.

He was born on June 24, 1933, in Warren, PA, the son of the late Peter L. Bohren and Clara B. Bohren.  He graduated from Warren High School in 1951, and Warren Business School in 1953.  He married Rhea J. (Anderson) Bohren on February 11, 1956, at the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church in Warren.

Virgil was employed by Smith Buick Olds and was general manager when they closed their doors.  He went on to work briefly at Swift Pontiac Cadillac.  He then worked for the Warren County School district during the day and at Warren Medical Group in the evenings.  He was head custodian at Beaty Middle School and truly enjoyed all the friendship he made through the years with staff and students.

Before his illness, he enjoyed attending services at Tiona United Methodist Church and the First Church of God in Warren, where he treasured the friendships he made with the pastors, members and their families.  His favorite hymn was the Old Rugged Cross.  He was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Warren Aerie No. 313.

Virgil had a real interest in cars and enjoyed working on them and keeping them sparkling clean.  He was very good with wood and liked building things.  He loved working outside in the yard–mowing and trimming the hedges at his home on Frank Street for 40 years, and continued on with this tradition after he and his wife moved to Park Avenue with his daughter.  He enjoyed sitting on their back porch or in the driveway in his chair where he waved to all the people driving or walking by, some of whom would stop and chat and enjoy a can of pop with him.  He also loved to sit around the fire ring at home and at Red Oak Campground, regardless if it was 50 or 90 degrees outside, as he loved fires.  He was a kind and caring man who would do anything he could to help anyone.  Even in the end, there was still a glimmer of his great sense of humor, smile, and that little sparkle in his eyes.  He was the best dad and will be missed so much by Rhonda.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda J. Winslow, and husband, Chris, with whom he resided for 19 years before moving to the Rouse Home; brother, John F. Bohren and Dale J. Abbott; several nieces and a nephew; including Kathy (Larry) Eckenroth.

In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Rhea, on January 30, 2007; brother, Peter L. Bohren; sister, Dorothy F. Bohren; and nephew, Peter Edward “Ted” Bohren.

A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park.

Chris and Rhonda wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Rouse Home.  They employ a wonderful staff, many of whom loved Virgil like he was family and gave him excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA 16365; Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Avenue, Youngsville, PA 16371; or a charity of choice.