John Walter Bohmfalk

John was born to Art and Evelyn Bohmfalk on February 27, 1934, as the second of three children. His family lived in Hawthorne until 1946 when they moved to Hemet. Growing up, his parents owned apricot groves where he and his sisters, June and Carol, were instrumental with harvesting the fruit crops. One of his fondest childhood memories was singing together as a family.

While attending Hemet High School he was active in the Future Farmers of America, where he raised pigs. He enjoyed playing right tackle and kicker on his high school varsity football team, where his teammates dubbed him the "Toe" because of his skills at making the extra point. "It was a thrill for me to see you toe that ball through the uprights," Coach Al Fages wrote in John's senior yearbook, "... If all of the fellows would have worked as hard as you did this fall, we would have been 'champs' not 'co-champs'.”

After graduating high school, John joined the Air Force where he continued playing football for Offutt Air Force Base's football team. He met and married Loretta Machacek while he was stationed in Nebraska, and they began their young family of four children, Ann, David, Daniel, and Anita, while stationed in England and southern California.

Later, John married Patty McClain in 1974, welcoming her three daughters into the family. They were married for 47 years, remaining actively involved together in the American Legion, and accepted the invitation to join the Forty and Eight American Legionnaires society dedicated to charitable and patriotic aims.

In the Air Force John served our country and its ideals during the Korean War as well as in active duty in the Vietnam war, receiving the “Top 4 Award” as a Tech Sergeant in the 63rd Supply Squadron. He remained deeply committed to helping veterans throughout his life. In addition to being a life-long member of the American Legion Post 422, he also held positions of Post Commander, District Commander, Dept. Vice Commander, Commander's Aide and Area 5 Vice Commander. John was proud to raise the American Flag as a place of prominence in front of his home, throughout his life, and remained committed to serving Veterans and visiting injured soldiers in the hospital. Mayor John Longville, of Rialto, proclaimed Saturday, May 23, 1998 as John Bohmfalk Day to honor him in his devotion to the principles on which the American Legion was founded.

John loved golfing, fishing, taking the boat out to the lake and teaching his children and grandchildren how to water ski. John was also always willing to give “free lessons” in cribbage. In December, he would seem to disappear right when Santa Claus appeared at his daughter’s elementary school. John’s continual sense of humor was surpassed by his humility, and he enjoyed conversations when they became directed to his Christian faith.

He is survived by his sister, four children, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He was loved by all but has gone to be with his wife Patty, his parents, Art and Evelyn, and sister June. He will be missed!

A visitation for John will be held Monday, November 8, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Weaver-Hughes Chapel, 33629 Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa, California 92399. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Weaver-Hughes Chapel.

John will be laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California 92518.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaverhughes.com for the Bohmfalk family.