Jeffrey Bohnert

Jeffrey William Bohnert, 56, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, April 20, 2020.

He was born Oct. 26, 1963, in Cape Girardeau to William C. and Carolyn F. Heisserer Bohnert. He and Tammy J. Poe were married Sept. 19, 1987, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau.

Jeff was best known for his love of family and friends, his kindness and his capacity for giving to all those he knew; all of which was founded by his devotion to his Catholic faith and evidenced in the way he lived his life. He and Tammy, the love of his life, built a community of friends that miss him dearly.

An avid sportsman, Jeff excelled in all sports during his high school career and has been inducted as a member of the Notre Dame Athletic Hall of Fame. He was able to continue his baseball career at Mineral Area College, where he was recognized as a National Junior College All-Regional team member and runner-up for the National Junior College All-America Team. Jeff completed his college baseball career at Southeast Missouri State University.

Jeff graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987. He started his career with Drury Southwest while still in school working at the Drury Lodge for Tammy's dad, Pete Poe. Over the years, he worked in the hotel, construction division and the billboard company. Jeff became president of DSW Signs in 2000 and faithfully attended every Drury Southwest Inc. Board of Directors meeting to assist in guiding the family of companies. Over his 20 years of leadership, he grew the DSW Signs division substantially, including expanding the company by creating Connect Digital Marketing, a digital marketing company in 2019 to make DSW Signs not only a full-service billboard company but a full-service digital marketing company, as well. He truly practiced the DSW Signs motto of "We build signs, but first we build relationships." With more than 800 billboard faces in six states, he built a lot of valuable relationships with landowners and clients. One of the most recognizable Cape Girardeau accomplishments many people enjoy is the creation of the Saint Francis Welcome Baby billboard, including the many seasonal hats that adorn the giant billboard baby! His professional memberships include serving as the previous president and member of the Missouri Outdoor Advertising Association, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Jeff has been a treasured member of the Cape Girardeau area community. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11205 and a supporter of Avenue of Flags. Jeff was a pivotal contributor to the Southeast Missouri Fair advisory board in addition to being an avid supporter of the Southeast Missouri State University Women's Basketball program.

His greatest pride in life was being a husband to Tammy, a father to Haley and Brooke and grandfather to Lawson "Lottie." He embraced them and all of their friends, becoming a "father/coach" to a generation of sporting girls. He was very proud of all their accomplishments and very excited to welcome Tony and Alex to the family.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy J. Bohnert of Cape Girardeau; parents, William C. and Carolyn F. Bohnert of Cape Girardeau; daughters, Haley D. (Anthony) Spencer and Brooke E. (fiance, Alexander Heuring) Bohnert; sisters, Tammy Bohnert (Mark) Gottschalk and Lindsay Bohnert (Lucas) Bingaman; and grandchild, Lawson "Lottie" Spencer.

Due to current gathering restrictions, there will be a private graveside service at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Rick Jones officiating.

The family plans to have a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Notre Dame Regional High School, Avenue of Flags, SEMO Women's Basketball or SEMO District Fair Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.