Altha Catherine (Koch) Bohlken, 101, of Hot Springs, SD was born June 11, 1906 near Coleridge, NE to Frank S. and Mathilda (Frerichs) Koch. She was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at New Underwood.

In 1911 the family moved to a farm northwest of Owanka, SD. Altha attended school in a claim-shack near there. She completed her elementary education at the Prairie Rose School and went on to graduate from the New Underwood High School in 1926. She attended Sunday school in the school house and later drove to church in New Underwood.

On September 15, 1929 she married William Bohlken of Laurel, NE. To this union three children were born: Harley, Robert and Nellie. They lived on several farms near Owanka between 1929 and 1945. They moved to Custer State Park in 1945 and later to Custer in 1948.

Altha served as a gray lady at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs for seventeen years. She was also a Girl Scout leader, charter member of the Custer Community Hospital Auxiliary. She worked in the Mica House. She gave assistance to many who were sick, and helped with many civic projects. She was adept at all fancy-work and made many quilts, afghans, etc. She attended the Lutheran Church in Custer.

In 1965 Altha and her husband moved to the South Dakota State Veterans' Home. Here she kept the flower beds and furnished flowers for the Chapel and infirmary, and was active in several projects. She was a faithful member of the Bible Class and enjoyed being a part of the Hymn time services. She was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Hot Springs as well as a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Altha is survived by her children, Harley W. Bohlken of Eastlake OH; Robert B. (Della) Bohlken of Long Prairie, MN; Nellie A. (Charles) Lawson of Vancouver, WA; five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and three sisters.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home Cemetery, with Reverend Richard Bershon officiating in Hot Springs. Memorial services will be held along with the regular Sunday Worship service 8:30 a.m., Sunday, November 25, 2007 at the auditorium of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Altha's name to benefit the Activities Fund c/o Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home, 2500 Minnekahta Avenue, Hot Springs, SD 57747.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.