Fred Ehlers

Fredrich August George Ehlers was born August 29, 1921 on the Ehlers farm west of Auburn, Nebraska. He was the fourth of eight children of Henry G. F. and Louise (Hogrefe) Ehlers. Fred was baptized September 15, 1921 and confirmed April 15, 1936 at St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church near Auburn. He attended Prospect School through the eighth grade and graduated from Auburn High School in 1939.

Fred entered the United Stated Army in July of 1942. He served in Burma and China during World War II, often working with a mule pack moving supplies. Following his honorable discharge in October of 1945, Fred returned to rural Nemaha County to farm.

Following the death of his father in 1948, Fred managed and worked the family farm until his retirement in1983. He continued to live on the farm until the winter of 2009, when due to declining health he was invited by a friend, Lawrence Hector, to live with him.

Fred was a lifelong member of Hickory Grove Church, and had served on the council. He also belonged to the Johnson American Legion, Farm Bureau, and was a board member of the Farmer?s Co-op. During his retirement years he spent time camping and fishing, playing cards, square dancing, attending auctions, and having coffee.

Following a severe stroke, Fred entered the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. He passed away there on Friday, September 3, 2010 at the age of 89 years and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Ida and Walter Roesener, brothers and sister-in-law Alvin Ehlers, Wilbert and Betty Ehlers, Henry Ehlers, Raymond Ehlers, and Clarence Ehlers.

Fred is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Erma and Orville Gobber of Manhattan, KS; sisters-in-law Ilene Ehlers of Bozeman, MT; Elaine Ehlers of Waverly, IA; many beloved nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at St. Paul (Hickory Grove)

Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Paul Lillenas. Deanne Gerking was organist for congregational hymns. Pallbearers were Mark Roesener, Guy Ehlers, Richard Ehlers, Neal Gobber, Eric Bohling, and Tony Hector. Burial was in Hickory Grove Cemetery, with graveside military honors provided by American Legion Post #330 of Johnson.