Jan McKenzie speaks during the memorial service for Ardyce
Bohlke Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church.
As family and friends might have expected of Ardyce Bohlke, the outspoken and headstrong former state senator left a list of instructions for her funeral.
One of those was a request that there be no eulogy by family or friends.
Jan McKenzie of Harvard, who served as a state senator at the same time as Bohlke, joked during a memorial service Tuesday that she "unfriended" Bohlke on Facebook so she could make a few remarks at the service.
She wasn't the only one who felt Bohlke needed to be remembered — despite the beloved lawmaker's requests — in stories and laughter.
Throughout the service, friends commented on Bohlke's charm, wit and infectious smile.
"She was always a happy person and she spread her happiness around like a virus," McKenzie said. "She never took herself seriously but she always took her work serious."
Bohlke, 69, died Thursday at Mary Lanning Healthcare after battling brain cancer.
During the service at a nearly full First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Ave., friends remembered Bohlke as a friendly and passionate leader who cared deeply about children and education.
In a letter read by the Rev. Dr. Berke Landrum, the Rev. Bill Nottage-Tacey described Bohlke's toothy smile and hearty laugh, as well as her passion for youth, women, justice and fairness.
To read more, see Wednesday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
