John T. Ehlers

August 26, 1950 - February 24, 2024

No formal services will be held. Celebrate John's life with a glass of good wine.

John T. Ehlers, age 73, of Neillsville, WI; Columbus, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Keller, TX and lastly Oconomowoc, WI, passed away Feb. 24, 2024.

John would like to share his life journey to thank the people along the way who helped mold his wonderful life.

I was born August 26, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI to Eugene and Mildred Ehlers. I was the big brother to Brownie, Donald, Roger, Doris, Ruth, and Gordon. I lived in Neillsville until age 10 where I attended a one room school house which I rode my horse Bud across the field to attend. I was driving tractor at age 7 to work the fields with my father. We moved to Columbus, WI in 1960 where I attended school and graduated in 1969. During my life in Columbus my father owned the Mobil Station where I worked many hours helping him out and learned a great deal about automobiles which contributed to my love for fine cars and motorcycles. My parents were wonderful, loving and giving and were great examples of how to work hard and live life well.

I served in the US Air Force as a weekend warrior with the WI Air National Guard from July 1969 until July 1975 which entitled me the honor of being a Vietnam Era Veteran. My military service gave me many wonderful memories and lifelong friendships.

In 1971 I began my life long employment with the railroad. I Retired in 2016 after 45 years with the distinguished title of Director of Dispatch for the Union Pacific Coal Division. I began my work with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and ended my career with the Union Pacific Railroad. My career also gave me so many wonderful memories, good times and lifelong friendships that filled my life with joy and laughter in Milwaukee, Chicago, Omaha and Fort Worth TX.

Throughout my life I loved cooking, gardening, especially roses, and helping many friends and family with yard work. One of my biggest joys was treating family and friends to a great meal at one of my many favorite restaurants. The nice weather in TX allowed me to fall in love with bicycles. I spent many years riding my bike 30 miles to work, teaming up with buds and touring many of the roads around TX. I celebrated 21 years of my birthdays doing the Hotter ‘N Hell 100 bike ride in Wichita TX with family and friends. Most of all I loved camping along the Black River every year and working on the beautiful land I grew up on in Neillsville WI.

I was preceded in death by my parents, my grandparents, my brother, many aunts and uncles and cousins, who I have missed dearly. I am survived by my two loving and wonderful daughters and son-in-law’s, Jamie (Brian) and Jackie (Steve) and my beautiful grandchildren who I am so proud of and love dearly, Ashley and Hunter; my stepson Scott and my stepdaughter Heather whom I have both loved unconditionally, many nieces, nephews and cousins, my sister Doris and my brother Brownie who have been my go-to people throughout my life.

In closing, thank you to everyone who gave me a life which was so fulfilling and full of love. You will never know how much help, joy and satisfaction you all gave me. And always remember that Cardinals appear when Angels are near! Celebrate my life with a glass of good wine.

No formal services will be held. Celebrate John's life with a glass of good wine.

John T. Ehlers, age 73, of Neillsville, WI; Columbus, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Keller, TX and lastly Oconomowoc, WI, passed away Feb. 24, 2024. John would like to share his life journey to thank the people along the way who helped mold his wonderful life. I was born August 26, 1950 in Milwaukee, WIContinue Reading

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Rodd &DorisYou have our deepest sympathyLove, Ross & Berit

A memorial tree was planted in memory of John Ehlers . Plant a Tree

John,
Your words are an inspiration and your memory is a blessing.. Thank you, and rest in peace.

In loving memory of a wonderful man and dear cousin

A memorial tree was planted in memory of John Ehlers . Plant a Tree

To my brother who’s a forever friend...When we’re calling, when we’re texting, when we’re talking face to face…When we’re sitting sipping coffee (or a glass of wine) in a favorite place...When we’re laughing, giggling, crying or we’re working something out…when we listen to each other – every hope and dream and doubt…That’s when I know that I’ve been blessed and feel so grateful that God gave me a brother and a forever friend in you. You may recognize these words from the last birthday card you gave me. It will forever bring me wonderful memories of our special bond as brother and sister.
We loved you so much and are going to miss you in our life’s, until we meet again.
And who is going to ask me each day what we are having for dinner 😊 XO, RIP John

My deepest sympathy to you and your family!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Grandpa- I have loved every minute of time spent with you. We had so many good laughs and good times and even some not so good times that we worked through together. You are my inspiration for nursing and I will complete my degree in honor of you. I wish you could be here for the big life moments of mine that we could share them together but I know you are watching over me and will be with me every step of the way. I miss you so incredibly much and still have a hard time believing that your not here but I hope your resting in sweet peace. I promise to always be there for my mom and my brother and my dad. To show compassion and to remember that patience is a virtue. To bring a snack to share at any function and I will most importantly tell your story and share your memory for years to come. Thank you for all that you have done for me and for all that you will continue to do. I can’t wait to see you again and give a big hug I can just hear you “hi hon it’s been awhile”. I hope you know that you are missed beyond measure and that you have touched so many lives during your time here on earth. I love you grandpa ❤️

What a beautiful obituary. Our sincere condolences to Jamie, Jackie and families; the entire Ehler’s family and especially to his sister Doris. Lots of hugs to all. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Rest in peace John!

I’m sorry to hear of John’s passing, I enjoyed working with him for many years in the NOC. Please accept my sincere condolences.

So sorry to hear your loss. I worked with John on UP for many years.

I only knew John briefly but a person like John is rare. He touched my soul instantly with his compassion and kindness. He was the most generous person to my daughter Erin and her family. He loved life and he lived it fully. I will never forget the great human being that he was. May that sweet soul rest in peace. 🙏♥️

Missing you bud. Still reaching for my phone. No hill too steep anymore. LoveRichard & Marty

A memorial tree was planted in memory of John Ehlers . Plant a Tree

John was such a wonderful beautiful soul and I will miss visiting with him. He came into my life a little over 2.5 years ago when he was getting ready to sell his house. Throughout that time we became friends and I could share with him so much and know he could be trusted to hold it safe and say something kind and encouraging. He had the best laugh and he ALWAYS bragged on his kiddos and you could tell how much he loved and loved giving a hard time ..his sister Doris. He made both me and my family feel special and loved and I always knew how appreciated I was by him! I hope when he left this Earth that he knew how loved he was, because he really was loved! What a dear man. Prayers for all of you who were his family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.