Lt. Governor John Bohlinger... From Montana, for Montana.
Faith, family, and service to community describe the life of John Bohlinger. A third generation Montanan, John was born in Bozeman on April 21, 1936, to parents John and Aileen Bohlinger. In 1941, John, his sister Tina, and their parents moved from Bozeman to Billings, where his parents opened a women’s apparel store called Aileen’s – a longtime and beloved fixture of downtown Billings.
Growing up in Billings, John always felt the love and support of his family and extended family. John attended Billings Senior High School, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve during his senior year. After graduation, he attended the University of Montana, but was called to active duty in the Marines between his sophomore and junior year. John completed his service in the Marines with an honorable discharge, returned to the University of Montana, and earned a degree in business.
John returned to Billings and went to work in his family business. He married Bette Cobetto, and together they raised a family of six children. The Bohlinger family shared a close bond, working together, playing together, and praying together. John and Bette were married for 43 years. Unfortunately, on January 9, 2006, Bette lost her second battle with cancer.
John has made service his life’s work, whether to his community, to Montana, or to his country. During his 33-year career as a small businessman, John also worked for many community organizations in the Billings area. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, First Interstate Bank West, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, and the Billings Studio Theater. John s
erved as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and has served as a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Parish Council. He also has served as president of the Board of Directors of the Yellowstone Art Museum and president of the Billings Symphony.
John is also a veteran Republican member of the Montana legislature. First elected in 1992, John served three terms in the house and then later served in the state senate. John resigned his seat in the Senate to serve as Lt. Governor in January, 2005.
On January 12, 2008, Bohlinger married Karen Seiler at a Mass at St. Helena Cathedral. The couple lives in Montana City.
