John N. Bahnsen Obituary
John N. Bahnsen, 75, of Point Place, OH, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. Born and raised in Walbridge, he
attended Lake High School before hiring on with CSX railroad, where he worked for 44 years. He was also a longtime member of Riverview Yacht Club.
Known for his sardonic humor and raw wit, he was often compared to actor Jack Nicholson in manner and style. He had a rich singing voice (think Robert Goulet or Jack Jones) that could be heard echoing out of the bathroom while he shaved. Though his wife encouraged him to do something with his talent he preferred crooning in private.
John loved straight-ahead jazz, enjoyed ocean fishing, and thought beer tasted better from a can. He had an adventurous side and once went down to Florida just to experience the wrath of a hurricane.
His greatest gift to his many friends was loyalty. To his wife and children, he leaves the gift of boundless love and generosity. In return, he takes with him the everlasting love of his family. John is survived by his wife, Rachel Bahnsen; sons Chris and Ben Bahnsen; sister Betsy Taylor (Pete); granddaughter Nicole Poniedzialek (Derek); and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving in-laws, nieces and nephews of the Contreras family.
Burial will be private.
A memorial gathering will be held for John on Sunday, October 20, at VFW Post 9963 at 109 N. Main St, Walbridge, OH, from 2 - 4 p.m. Condolences may be expressed in the form of donations to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or The Ann Grady Center. For online condolences, please go to: witzlershank.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 17, 2013
Tony & Barb Munich
Dear Rachael and family, I will forever cherish the time's spent with John over the year's! He was a great man with a terrific sense of humor. We especially had great times solving the worlds problems. His memory will remain always. God Bless.
October 13, 2013
Rachel, Chris/Ben, Mike just told me this morning.....our prayers & love are with you.....Sonia & Bob
October 12, 2013
When you lose a loved one they become a memory.
The memory becomes a treasure.
Norm and Peggy Lehmann
RVYC
October 11, 2013
Dear Rachel and family,
I am very sorry to learn of Johnny's passing. May God bless you and your family. I was a good friend of Johnny during high school and while I was married to Carroll (Punk Silcox. Johnny came to our home many times and always kept me laughing with his great sense of humor. I know he will be missed by many people for his great wit and loyalty as a friend.
May God help you through this time of sorrow.
Doris (Acree, Silcox) Schaibley
Peoria, AZ
October 11, 2013
Bruce/D. Bartlett
Bruce and I were so sorry to hear of John's passing...as friends from RVYC we enjoyed many fun times with John and his ability to make people laugh....He was a great guy with many talents....Praying for the family...memories are good....
October 10, 2013
Dear Rachel,
We are so sorry to hear about
John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John and Karen Bunker
Northwood, Ohio
October 10, 2013
Rachel, I was sorry to hear of John's passing. It's been many years since our paths have crossed, but you were always someone who was very special to me. May God bless you and your sons and give you strength in the days ahead.
Paula Harrison
October 9, 2013
Elouise Williams Arnold
Betsy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. I lived next door to you and your Mom and Dad. I used to babysit for you and Johnny.I am Elouise hope you remember me. Sandy Middaugh kept me up about Johnny's illness. I know this is a terrible time for you and your family but remember you wouldn't want him to suffer any more. may God bless you all.
Your old neighbor
Elouise and Herb.
October 8, 2013
Dearest Rachel,Chris and Ben,
We want you to know our sorrow of John's passing! Know that our Love and Prayer's are with John and each one of you!
May God Bless! Denny&Gretchen Tucker and Family
October 8, 2013
Gregory Tucker
The moniker, "one of a kind," risks sounding cliche - though so very apt when it comes to describing John Bahnsen - someone I came to know through my boyhood and abiding friendship with his son, Chris. His sardonic wit, never subtle views, and big heart left lasting impressions on me - and I suspect, on all who knew him. Life is seemingly unfair in so many ways - as he would be the first to point out with snickering resignation.. He left too soon and perhaps not in the manner he would have preferred. And yet, somehow, I suspect, he extracted more than his fair share of revelry and enjoyment in his 75 years. And wherever that storied place called Heaven might be... it is surely a livlier, more desireable place because he is there. Rest in peace, John. Knowing that you enjoyed so much my music was a final and lasting gift. Greg
October 8, 2013
SUSAN TIPTON
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOHN'S DEATH. I VISITED HIM SEVERAL TIMES AT GENOA CARE CENTER. I WORKED WITH HIM AT THE RAILROAD WE WERE FRIENDS AND SO WAS MY HUSBAND GARY WHO PASSED LAST YEAR HE AND I TALKED ABOUT A FEW RAILROADERS WE HAD BOTH WORKED WITH. HIS SENSE OF HUMOR WILL BE MISSED.
October 8, 2013
Geoff Armastrong
Rachel,
I don't remember if you remember me, but I worked for OC for 33 years and you were always one of my favorites.
You were always a friend to the maintenance team.
I'm so sorry to learn of the loss of you partner, an I will keep you in my prayers.
Life never gives us more than we can handle!
Warm regards,
Geoff Armstrong
October 8, 2013
Dave, Mary & Betty Keisser
Dear Rachael and Chris, We will forever cherish the time's we spent with John over the year's! He was a man of great depth whom we treasured and called "one of the family". His memory will remain etched in our heart's forever! God Bless and know he Loved you very much!!!
October 8, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about John in the paper this morning. He sounded like a great guy and know you and your family will miss him very much. You have my deepest sympathies.
Pat Christy
October 8, 2013
MaryLou Miller
Dear Rachel, to you, Chris and Ben, I send my deepest sympathy. Mary Ellen K let me know that John had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you say farewell.
October 8, 2013
John & Anne Fravor
Rachel & Chris,
We were so sorry to hear of John's death.
When we first heard of his illness from
Terry,we felt very bad. Now he can be
at peace in God's hands. Over the years
we had many happy times and memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
and we extend to both of you our deepest
sympathy.
October 8, 2013
Mary and Luis Gonzalez
Dear 'Pretty Lady" (Rachel) and Chris...so sorry for your loss God Bless you and your family...the loss of someone so close is difficult to bear, we share your grief...John will Forever live in your Hearts...from Lil' Mary from Genoa Retirement Village...I will miss you
October 8, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 8, 2013
William Johnson
Uncle John will be missed. Sorry to hear of your loss.
October 8, 2013
Frannie Hengy
I'm so sorry to hear about john. I know you were very involved in his care.
October 8, 2013
Heather McGannon~ Formerly of West Park Place
Rachel & Chris,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope your memories bring you smiles in the months and years ahead.
October 8, 2013
Melissa Bergerbenson
Dear Aunt Rachael, Chris& Ben
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sorry for you're loss and pray god puts his hands over you're hearts and eases your pain.
Love & prayers, Missy, Mike,& kids Berger-Benson
October 8, 2013
Wes and Sam DeWood
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Rachel and Chris. Rest peacefully in heaven John!
October 8, 2013
The Buckholtz Family
Aunt Rachel, Chris & Ben -
We are so very sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Love, Teddy, Tatum, Tessa & Trista
October 8, 2013
Our sincere sympathy Rachel and boys. We'll remember John most for his ready smile and ability to make us all laugh. He was a joy to be around - working with him at CSX and socializing. He will be missed. Lynn & Sandy Koehler
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Funeral services provided by:
Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home - Walbridge Chapel701 N Main Street, Walbridge, OH 43465
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