Obituaries : Robert Henry Ohlen

Robert Henry Ohlen, 88, a lifelong farmer of Blairstown, Iowa, passed away on April 20, 2025. Known affectionately as "Woodchopper" and "Bobby O," Bob was a man whose life was defined by his love for family, his dedication to his community, his deep roots in the land, and his service to his country.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, April 25, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Church in Blairstown, with Reverend Jacob Dunne as Celebrant. Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM, also on Friday, at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Bob's honor to the Blairstown Ambulance Service.

Bob was born to George and Louise (Eckert) Ohlen and attended Blairstown schools. After high school, he proudly answered the call to serve his country. In 1958, he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army during the Cold War. After his honorable discharge, he continued his military service in the National Guard. Bob remained a proud patriot throughout his life and was a devoted member of the MJ Kirby Post # 170, where he honored fellow veterans with his time and respect.

After returning home to Iowa, Bob began his civilian life on the beloved "hilltop" farm, where his lifelong love for farming took root. He was a talented and resourceful farmer who could fix nearly anything mechanical and cared deeply for his livestock. In later years, he continued farming on land north of Blairstown, always staying close to the soil he loved.

Bob was a leader both on and off the farm. He served as a 4-H leader for the Marengo Bachelors, helping foster a love of animals within his family. Outside of agriculture, he spent over 20 years driving a school bus for the Benton Community School District, where he was a reliable and friendly presence for many local children. He also volunteered for many years with the Blairstown Ambulance Service, proudly serving as an EMT and ambulance driver-offering care, support, and steady hands to neighbors in times of need.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Jean (Hannen) Ohlen; daughters Denise (Dwight) Heitman, Robin (Todd) Misel, and Heidi Durbin; and bonus daughters Stephanie Schallau and Tracy Seboldt. He was a loving grandfather to Heather, Andy, Megan, Jacob, MacKenzie, Hayes, Hattie, Shelby, Thomas, Alyssa, and Sam; and a proud great-grandfather to Tenley, Brody, Kimber, Ruger, twins Marlin and Cooper, Cece, Owen, Zoey, Renna, Max, and Callahan.

He also leaves behind extended family, including Darlene Ohlen and her children Craig and Kathy, Gene Jarnagin and children Debra and David, Darlene Eckert, and in-laws Rick, Steve, Jim, Julie, Mary, Trudie, and Bill as well other beloved family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his siblings Larry Ohlen (2011) and Caren Jarnagin (2024); his niece Becky Smith (2000); his great-grandson Henry Albertsen (2019); his son-in-law Scott Schallau (2023); and great-granddaughter Madalyn Pink (2023).

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com