Bill Ohlrich age 82 of Smithville, TN passed away at NHC McMinnville on November 17, 2024 after a courageous battle with brain and lung cancer.
He was born August 22, 1942 in Rogers City, Michigan to Louis and Clara (Schalk) Ohlrich. He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1960. Later, he attended technical school and completed a tool and die apprenticeship. On July 22, 1968 he married the love of his life, JoAnn Florin, at Sacred Heart Church in Roseville, MI. They celebrated 56 years together and raised 4 children. Bill worked for 32 years in the automotive industry, retiring from General Motors in 2004.
Bill enjoyed spending time training his faithful Cocker Spaniel, Jojo. They both loved to be outdoors together. As an avid hunter, Bill bagged several trophy bucks over the years. He also loved to fish with his grandchildren and spend time in his garden. He was a talented woodworker, making everything from beautiful trim to custom cabinetry. In addition, many of his acquaintances savored his canned pickles, smoked fish, venison jerky, chicken on the spit, and persimmon wine.
Bill is survived by:
Wife: JoAnn;
Children: Laurie (Rex) Sheldrake of Indianapolis IN, Jan (Erik) Van Dyck of Greenwood IN, Greg Ohlrich of Spring Hill TN, and Lindsay Campbell of Lyles TN
Grandchildren: Mitchel and Jadie Sheldrake, Grace and Dane Van Dyck, Elizabeth and Kaede Ohlrich, Gracynn and Maddie Campbell
Siblings: Ken of Westland MI, Eunice Spayth of Port Townsend WA, Gary (Lynn) of Gladwin MI, Ron (Connie) of Rogers City MI. He was preceded in death by siblings: Doris Sweeney, Virge Le Veck, Arlene Flowers, Shirley Rose, Sandra Wojtaszek, and Bob Ohlrich
A celebration of life open house will take place around the bonfire at Will-O-Farm on November 28th and 29th between the hours of 10 am – 5 pm and online on William Ohlrich’s Facebook Page. We invite family and friends to toast Bill over the holiday weekend and post a selfie and a few words to his Facebook page in celebration of his life.
McMinnville Funeral Home, LLC and McMinnville Crematory LLC are honored to be of service to the Ohlrich family.
