David J. Bohla

David J. Bohla, 84, passed away June 23, 2023.

Born in 1939 to Lois and John Bohla and had one sister, Marilyn Bohla Young. He attended Seiberling Grade School and East High School in Akron, Ohio. Then on to Case Western University and became a Mechanical Engineer. His entire career was with Rockwell International, at first in Kenton and then in Detroit.

In Kenton, his landlord offered to sell an island he owned to David. He bought it and owned it until his death. Dave started several Toastmaster Clubs in Detroit, as well as in the area of Kenton. One year he won several speech contests and made it all the way to the finals in Florida. Dave was active in the Historical Society and at one time was president. Another passion was the Canal Society. He helped plan trips in Ohio and PA. He loved learning about the history of Ohio canals.

In his early years he was a race car driver. He loved working on car motors. At one point in his life, he decided to buy a barge with a crane and placed large rocks around the island to keep it from washing away. The island originally was a mile long but was washing away and now is very small. His family loved to come to camp out and fish. We have great memories of all the fun days on the island. I don't think we appreciated what he had accomplished. Dave was interested in life and believed he could fix almost anything.

Dave is survived by his sister, Marilyn Young (David); nieces and nephew, Beth Young, Rebecca Young, Jill Young, and Jeff Young; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, July 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. with Pastor Brian Nutt officiating.