Jerome E. Ehlers

Obituary

Jerome Elford Ehlers was born on July 12, 1946, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Elford and Mabel (Brockoff) Ehlers. Jerome was baptized as an infant on July 21, 1946, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Helen Township, rural Glencoe, Minnesota. He received his early education at St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School in Helen Township, rural Glencoe, and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1964.

Jerome entered military service on October 1, 1965, and served his country with the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of sergeant E-4. During his time in service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal,  Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, and the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 15, 1968.

On June 28, 1969, Jerome was united in marriage to Kathryn “Kathy” Brelje by Rev. M. S. Pohl at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. Kathy and Jerome made their home in Watertown, Minnesota, and then in Green Isle, Minnesota. In 1971, they moved to the farm in rural Glencoe. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Julie, Jason, and Jeremy. Jerome and Kathy shared over 47 years of marriage, when Kathy passed away on October 20, 2016.

Jerome worked for the Glencoe Creamery, later known as Glencoe Butter & Produce, for 30 years as a bulk truck driver. Jerome took great pride in his service with the Air Force, was truly patriotic, and dedicated many years to the Arlington American Legion. Jerome was a devoted member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township and served for many years as both treasurer and deacon.

Jerome enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, mowing the lawn, or tending to his gardens. He canned a lot of the produce he harvested and was known for his pickles. He loved to travel and watch old westerns, and he took great joy in cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. He also enjoyed playing Bingo, but most of all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jerome passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 79 years, 8 months, and 15 days. Blessed be his memory.

Jerome is survived by his
Children, Julie Ehlers and her fiancé, Doug Mackenthun, of Arlington, MN,
                Jason Ehlers and his wife, Charlene, of Jordan, MN,
                Jeremy Ehlers of Apple Valley, MN;
Grandchildren, Jordan VanVickle (Rayonna) of Gibbon, MN, McKenzie Effertz (special friend, Justin Lewis) of Howard Lake, MN, Izzy Ehlers of Jordan, MN, Carter, Gavin, Preston, and Hudson Ehlers of Lakeville, MN, Dylan and Trevor Mackenthun of Arlington, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Ryker Betts, Raylynn and Rivyr VanVickle, Amee and Coraline Drake, and Raven and Jade Mackenthun;
Sister, Sharon Papke of Glencoe, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Judy Kirchoff (Hal) of Crosby, MN, Bev Wall of Alexandria, MN;
Extended family friend, Angel Valencia;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Jerome was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Ehlers; Father and Mother, Elford and Mabel Ehlers; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Raymond and Leone Brelje; Sisters, Cecelia Aikala (Bob), Aurelia Larson (Stanley), Jan Bruesehoff; Brothers-in-law, Frank Papke, Jeff Wall; Nephew, Craig Aikala; Great-granddaughter, Jayden VanVickle.