On October 16th 1959, the world was made a brighter, better place with the birth of Kimberly Anne Bohmann (Murphy). That is the way the world will stay even after her passing on June 3rd, 2022.
Kim was born and raised in Lawrence KS with her mother, father, and sister where she attended local grade schools and, eventually, Lawrence High. Throughout her young life, Kim made numerous friends and bonds that would last her whole life. She began her adult life working as a hair stylist at Reflections Hair Salon where she continued to ingratiate herself into the lives of other Lawrencians.
After her children were born, she started working at the University of Kansas at the Watkins Health Clinic and eventually the Department of Theatre and Dance. There, she met hundreds of students and staffers with whom she made lasting impacts on their lives. She welcomed everyone into her life with a warm smile and without judgement. She never knew a stranger, and would welcome anyone to her home for thanksgiving dinner or for a wednesday night margarita.
The most shining tribute to Kims’ legacy are her children. A single mother for the majority of their lives, Kim instilled the virtue of giving, affection, and “love of life”. She unquestionably accepted the boys’ friends into her home almost daily. She gave her kids and their friends her time, her love, and all of the food in her pantry. She made everyday an adventure from camping in the backyard to letting the kids cook (even when they chose a whole fish with the eyes still on it!). Until her dying day her children knew that Kim loved them without conditions, or expectations. In turn, they have become the mirror of her character with unfailing kindness, and being the uncommon friend that Kim always was. They will carry on her memory with every bloody mary bar and “Hot Wings” barbeque.
Kim fought a brave battle with terminal breast cancer but still lived her life the way any one should be inspired to do. She won her war and will live on in the lives of us who she made a lasting impact.
She is survived by her two sons Brett Bohmann and Blake (Katie) Bohmann, grandsons James and Henry Bohmann, mother Barbara Murphy (Wrench), sister Lisa (Jeff) Showalter (Murphy), and niece Sarah Showalter. She is preceded in death by her father Dallas Murphy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Clinton Lake Overlook Park Shelter #1 on Friday June 10th from 3-7pm. The party is considered an open house and all are welcome to attend at their leisure. Lets celebrate Kim the way she lived her life with food, beer, and great music. North 1402 Road, Lawrence KS 66047.
In lieu of flowers, Kim wished for any donations in her name to be sent to the Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/
