Richard "Jim" James Ehlers

Memorial Services for Richard James "Jim" Ehlers will be conducted from the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Monday, December 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Kenton Birtell, officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Highland Cemetery in Bertrand, Nebraska.

Jim Ehlers, 78 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska and Chandler, Arizona (formerly of Holdrege and Bertrand, Nebraska), died peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 29, 2010, with his family at his side.

Jim was born on the 13th of April 1932, in Berlin (now Otoe), Nebraska to Albert and Edith Ehlers. Shortly after his birth his mother died. Jim was raised in Bertrand, Nebraska, by his Uncle John and Aunt Rosa Ehlers, who adopted him as their son. Jim graduated from Bertrand High School in 1949. Upon graduation he became a full-time farmer. He was drafted to serve in the US Army in the Korean War. On August 8, 1954, he married Barbara Jean Suhr at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bertrand.

Jim and Barb are blessed with two sons, Jeff and Jon. In 1966, the family moved to Nebraska City where he held several jobs. The work he enjoyed most was ownership of the Ehlers Grain Co. in Syracuse, Nebraska. In 1981, Jim and Barb moved to Holdrege. The joy of Jim and Barb's life is their six grandchildren. They traveled to many countries to visit the grandchildren and their parents. Jim and Barb were blessed with 56 years of marriage.

Jim was preceded in death by his birth mother, Edith and father, Albert Ehlers; his adoptive parents, John and Rosa Ehlers; one grandson, James Leonard Ehlers (Jon & Wendy); and his sister, Janice Ehlers McCandless and her husband, Stanley McCandless.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barb; two sons: Jeff Ehlers and his wife, Cheryl and their children, Megan, Josh and Emily all of Phoenix, Arizona, Jon Ehlers and his wife, Wendy, and their children, Hannah, Emma Jane and Caitlin, all of London, England; one niece, Mrs. Jill Fletcher; and one nephew, Mr. Tracey McCandless.

Popo, as he was nicknamed by his eldest grandchild, Megan, will be missed. He was loved by all his family and they look forward to being reunited with him in the Kingdom of Heaven through Christ our Lord.

There will be no visitation as the family is honoring his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established and in lieu of flowers kindly suggested to The Garuna Foundation, 2924 E. Cholla St., Phoenix, AZ 85028 or
Christ Lutheran Church and School, 227 Poverest Road,
Orpington, Kent, BR5 1RD, England.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.