John Charles Ehlert

John Charles Ehlert was born in 1948 to Charles and Anne Ehlert. He lost his mother at the tender age of 5 and was raised by his widowed father and devoted sister, Judy. He grew up in Chicago and met his wife, Diane, in 1968; they have been married for 42 years. He is the proud father of two amazing children, Cheri and Terry. John was skilled in many areas and used all of his talents to provide for his family. He worked hard to provide them all a loving home.

John was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Anne Roberts Ehlert, his loving Aunt Mil, and his twin nephews, James and Michael Pickens. He was survived by his wife Diane Ehlert, his mother-in-law Ruth Oldenburg, his daughter Cheri Lewis, his son Terry Ehlert who is married to Pamela, his sister Judy Pickens and his nephews Scott, Steven and Richard, his 2 grandchildren Carrie and Brian Lewis and his new friend and soon to be grandson-in-law Mark “ Mike” Neal .

These are the facts of John Ehlert’s life. But our lives are not the sum of our facts. John Ehlert meant so much more to us then the dates and places of occupation. John was a husband, a brother, a father, a grandfather and a son. John is indescribable. He had an amazing sense of humor and could make you laugh in any situation. He always had a witty remark and could find anything to turn into a joke. Years were spent together as a family crying from laughing so hard at one of his sarcastic quips. John was full of wisdom and eagerly shared every bit of knowledge he had obtained. Whenever you had a problem you could go to John and know that he had an answer and would help in any way he could. He cared about people and even created a nonprofit organization dedicated to counseling others.

John had a difficult childhood and struggled with many afflictions as an adult. But this hard-working, insightful man was determined to succeed and so he did. Over his lifetime, John studied diligently and earned 5 certificates and 7 degrees in business and counseling. He also obtained a PhD in law. Though his illnesses kept him housebound in his later years it did not stop him. He continued in his education and provided support for others hurting in his counseling business. John was a strong willed and determined man and when he set his mind to something he did it.

John meant the world to his family and each of us meant the world to him. He ensured that each of us was taken care of before making his final journey home. God gave us a wonderful man and though the time may seem short, we cherished every moment we got to spend with John. The love he held for his family will forever remain in our hearts. The pain of his loss will never leave us but with time the ache will fade to a bittersweet joy as we remember the joy he brought to each of us. This strong and brave man went through a difficult life but he did not let it keep him down.

John endured much, he loved much and his love will always be with us.