Jack G. Ohlmann

Jack Gilbert Ohlmann, 83, of Peoria passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2014 at his home with his devoted wife, Katy by his side.

Jack was born August 9, 1930 in Grand Rapids, MI, to the late Gilbert and Hazel Ohlmann. He attended St, John's Military School in Delafield, WI.

Jack and Katy married in 1978. They had many adventures together, as a family with her children Jimmie and Tina Taylor, including sailing his sailboat First Love in the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Michigan and the Illinois River. He handcrafted wooden boats, was an accomplished pilot and loved flying aircraft. He loved to share his knowledge and experience with people, was very well read and enjoyed conversation. One of his favorite places was on his porch swing, having his 3 o clock coffee with his love by his side watching the river flow by.

Jack lived in a variety of places including California, where he often fondly recounted the story of being the neighbor of celebrity Roy Rogers, before settling in Peoria in the late 60's. He had myriad of interest, including being and accomplished saxophonist, fronting a band known as the Jack & Jills in 1976 at the Tiger Pit, which he later purchased and changed the name to Casablanca. However, he spent the majority of his career as a General Contractor with Edward Rose & Sons a partnership beginning in 1954 with a mere handshake.

Jack was instrumental in the building and operations of several well-known area apartment complexes still in use today, including Timberlane, Gardner Lane, Peoria North, Timberbrook, Hollybrook and Villa Bordeaux He also built several area homes and continued to manage rental properties with Katy until his death.

Jack is survived by his wife Katy, sons Kim (Johnna) Ohlmann of Seattle, WA; and Scott Ohlmann of Grand Rapids, MI, one daughter Kathy Ohlmann of San Diego, CA; step-children Jimmie (Heidi) Taylor Jr. and Tina Taylor all of Peoria as well as several grandchildren, step grandchildren. Further surviving are one sister Kathleen (Richard) Rodney of Carlisle, PA and many many special friends. He will forever be loved and missed. Cremation rites have been accorded with a time to Celebrate Jack's Life on Sunday, May 4 from 5:30 until 8:30 at the clubhouse of Timberlane Apartments, 5901 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Peoria.