Donovan Dean Ohlmann, 78, was delivered from his earthly pilgrimage by his gracious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 4, 2015. He passed away peacefully in his sleep during a brief stay at Sun Garden Home near his winter home in Sun City, Arizona.

Don was born to Helmuth and Selma (Stolzenburg) in Valentine, Nebraska on April 7, 1936. He received the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit through Holy Baptism shortly after his birth and confirmed his faith in 1950. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In his early years, Don attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School in Valentine. He completed his formal education when he graduated from Valentine Rural High School in 1954.

Before graduating from high school, Don worked in the construction business with his father Helmuth, incorporating the business as Ohlmann Block Plant. Don purchased Ludwig Lumber Yard in 1967 and expanded the retail lumber and hardware business, along with his father, as Ohlmann Building Center. All of his working years were spent in Valentine as he continued to develop his many business interests. Don was an ardent supporter of Valentine and served on a variety of committees and boards throughout the community and region.

The Savior's love for Don led him to dedicate his many gifts and abilities to the work of God's kingdom. He was a founding member of Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine and the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC). He filled many roles at Grace Lutheran Church. He also served twenty-four years on the CLC Board of Missions and a variety of other committees for the church body and Immanuel Lutheran High School, College, and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Travel was a passion for Don and his wife, Joyce. Throughout their life together they enjoyed annual visits to their winter home in Sun City, Arizona, where he valued the ministry and many close friendships at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Their travels also took them to all fifty of the United States, along with several trips to Germany and other European countries.

Don appreciated many close friends and acquaintances. He was sustained through the many joys and trials of life and encouraged in his faith through the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament.

Don is loved and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was the loving husband of Joyce (Schemm) Ohlmann, his beloved wife of nearly fifty-five years and the proud father of four: Candice, Craig (Tracy), Desirae (David Naumann), and Todd (Bethany). Don was the loving grandfather to fifteen grand-children: Jennifer, Jacob (Danielle), Jessica (Andrew Sydow), Jeffrey, and Johanna, children of Craig and Tracy Ohlmann. Joseph (Rachel), Thomas, Samuel, Rebecca, and Benjamin, children of David and Desirae Naumann. Joshua (Hannah Tiefel, fiancé), Caleb, Noah, Hannah, and Lydia, children of Todd and Beth Ohlmann. Don was also a great-grandfather to Zoey and Emmy, children of Jacob and Danielle Ohlmann.

Survivors include sisters: Dolores (Delroy) Aswege and Dorine (Arlo) Nohrenberg along with brother Richard (Claudia) Ohlmann and many nieces and nephews.

The Victory funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Luke Bernthal on April 11, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine, Nebraska. His earthly remains will await the resurrection and his Savior's return at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorials - Don was a strong supporter of both Christian education and Gospel mission work. Gifts in memory of Don may be given to Grace Lutheran Church to support the Grace Lutheran School Fund and CLC Mission Development Fund (MDF)