Donald “Don” Joseph Ohlinger passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 while still living his best life. He was born on July 13, 1936 in Hamilton, Ohio to Donald and Rose (Corbett) Ohlinger. He attended Fairfield High School where he excelled in basketball and art. After high school, he attended Central Art Academy
An army veteran, Don served in Germany with his brother Phil. In 1965 he married the love of his life, Joan Crawford, also of Hamilton, Ohio. They moved to Chicago and Don launched his career as an art director producing commercials and print ads for many national brands at some of the largest ad agencies in town. During that time Don and Joan had three children: Alice, Joe (Isabel Nunez), and Jenny (Joel Mauzer). Don was a devoted and inspirational dad. Known for his witty sense of humor and vigor for life, he enjoyed sailing/boating, camping, biking, working in his yard and being with his family. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and will be remembered for his warm, kind and down-to-earth demeanor.
His personal hobbies were many: photographer, painter, wood carver, furniture maker, Model A enthusiast, landscaper, baker of cinnamon bread, water skier (skiing at 84!) and overall Mr. Fix-It. Above all, Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, and coolest Paw Paw to his three grandchildren Maeve, Luke and Liam.
Don is survived by his beautiful wife of 57 years Joan, his three children, three grandchildren, sister Mary Curtis (Donnie), brother Phillip (Carolyn), sister-in-law Elaine (Michael) and brother-in-law (Ralph Minnick) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his brothers Richard and Michael and sisters June (Bill Imbus) and Regina and his in-laws, Carolyn (Phil) and Bill (June).
A memorial service will be held at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 on Monday, January 17, 2022 from 5-7:30 p.m. The family encourages visitors to stay for a short and joyful celebration of Don’s life at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Funeral mass to be held in Hamilton, Ohio in the coming weeks.
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