Harland Frederick Oehme

Harland "Hal" Oehme, 89, of Chatham, passed away Sunday, August 11, at his home. Hal was born on May 12, 1924 in Chicago, to Fred Oehme and Agnes Sheets. He served in the US Army during WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart. Hal was able to visit the WWII monument and other sites in Washington DC last year on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, accompanied by his grandson. On June 14, 1952, Hal married Lois Fricke. Mr. Oehme retired as an advertising salesman for the Elgin Courier News. As a young man, Hal was an accomplished jazz musician who performed at many celebrations in the Chicago area. Hal adored his dogs and his beloved Chicago Cubs. In his later years he was an avid knife collector. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, VFW, and American Legion all in Chatham. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Lois; son, Cliff (Julie) Oehme of Avon, IN; daughter, Julie (James) Korte of Chatham; grandchildren, Kelly Mielke, Holly Wolford, Matt Korte and Michael Korte; great grandchildren, Eva Marie and Wesley Mielke and sister, Ellen (Edward) Dolezal of Yorkville, IL and many friends. His family will greet friends from 4-7pm, Tuesday, August 13 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham. Additional visitation will be held from 9-10am, Wednesday, August 14 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1225 N. Main St., Chatham. Funeral will be at 10am, Wednesday, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Clarence Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 1225 N Main Street, Chatham, IL, 62629, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703 or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.