Our precious matriarch, Gerda “Omi” Minna Erna (Bohne) Thomas, earned her angel wings on October 10, 2021 at the age of 86 in a Shreveport hospice, after bravely struggling with dementia. Gerda was born March 31, 1935 in Oberzauche, Germany (now Zucha Gorna, Poland) to Richard and Minna Emilie (Pörtner) Bohne. At the tender age of 7, during WWII, her beloved father was killed in action, leaving behind his wife and two small children. Life was very difficult, as they resettled in northern Germany, near the village of Vlotho on the banks of the Weser River, in what ultimately became West Germany after the war. They survived on very little, but with love, they were strong and resilient through it all. Bicycling was a major part of Gerda’s daily life as a young working girl, as she became a nanny and also worked factory jobs after completing school and various training programs. She also loved to bicycle on various outings with friends and family, staying at hostels around that region.
Ultimately, she married an American Serviceman with whom she had four children, all of whom she loved deeply. Gerda first arrived in America on June 2, 1965. She taught herself English, obtained her American citizenship (1970) and her driver’s license, all while raising her children. In 1974 she entered the American workforce at Kmart, followed by many years in the fine jewelry industry. She began her career with Zales Corp. in Dillard’s when Pierre Bossier Mall first opened in 1982 and ultimately retired with them in 2000.
Affectionately known to everyone as “Omi”, she was the most beautiful, selfless lady; always greeting everyone with a smile and an offering of food. She was famous for her homemade German bread and cheesecake, as well as her cookie jar filled with her much loved oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies. If you arrived at her home unannounced, you were always welcomed and she could whip you up a meal in no time. She always thought of others before herself and, despite some struggles and hurt in her life, she rarely complained. Sadly, she succumbed to the ravages of dementia. She is now reunited with her Mutti (mother) and Vati (father), Bruder (brother) and is completely healed in God’s grace.
Gerda is predeceased by her parents, Richard and Minna Bohne, and brother Horst Bohne (@ 22 mos).
Gerda is also survived by her daughters, Petra Battlefield (Gary) of Haughton, La, Ninna Lopez (James) of Haughton, La and Linda Gullatt (Regan) of Choudrant, La; and son, Joseph Thomas (Debra) of Haughton, La. Gerda is survived by her loved ones in Uffeln, Germany - her brother, Harri Bohne (Gisela); nephews, Wolfgang Bohne (Annette and their children, Christopher & Darvin) and Michael Bohne; grandchildren, Amber Linn (Jacob), Megan Lopez, Richard Lopez (Kadie), Brandy Thomas, Ashley Gullatt, James Thomas and Savannah Fortmann (Josh); great grandchildren, Broderick, Brendan and Brinna Lopez, Wyatt and Elliott Lopez, Caden and Casen Willis.
Left to cherish Gerda’s memory is a very special friend, whom she considered her sister, Helga Yowell. Dear to her heart, also, are William Joseph Young (Crystal) and Linda Young White.
Throughout the years, she had a sweet affection for her pets; cats: Schatzie, Sweetie, Fuzzy, Juliette, Mamacita, Momma Kitty and Dachshund, Ladybug.
Our Mama will forever be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her and were blessed to have her in their lives.
A celebration of her life will be held privately for the family.
Honoring Gerda as pallbearers will be Gary Battlefield, James Lopez, Richard Lopez, Joe Young, Joseph Thomas, James Thomas and Regan Gullatt.
In Gerda’s memory, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to Ninna’s Road to Rescue, PO Box 1357, Benton, La. 71006-1357.
We would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Post Acute Medical, (P.A.M.) on Greenwood Road, Shreveport for their compassionate and loving care of our Mama/Omi.
