James A Ohlsen

Potter WI

James A. “Jim” Ohlsen, age 88, of Potter, died on Monday, April 6, 2026 at his home in Potter.  He was born April 11, 1937 in Manitowoc, son of the late Lawrence & Florence (Mrotek) Ohlsen.  

While working at the Eddy Paper Company, now known as Weyerhaeuser, in Manitowoc, Jim met Janet Biedenbender.  The couple was married on November 3, 1956 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul.  About a year later, they picked up and moved to Rantoul where Jim began working for his father-in-law on the family homestead.  As the saying goes, the rest is history.  The rest of Jim’s working career was on the farm which grew to be his passion in life.  Although on paper he retired at the age of 62, he continually checked up on the happenings at the farm that he so loved and cherished.  

He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul where he had served on the school board and the usher committee.  Each and every summer, Jim could be found ushering at the Thursday evening services.  

When Salm’s in Potter was open, Jim spent many nights bartending for local gatherings.  He also enjoyed nights out bowling with friends and made sure to bring home Kit-Kat Bars for the kids when the games were over.  Through his life, Jim loved caring for his Chevrolet vehicles making sure that they were kept spotless.  The only thing that he loved caring for more than his cars were his beloved German Shepherds.  

In his free time, he enjoyed time spent in the great outdoors hunting deer and turkey, going fishing and was a founding member of the Calumet County Sno-Riders.  He looked forward to the winter season with lots of snow so that he could snowmobile all winter long.  Jim wasn’t shy about finding a good flea market on his drives throughout the area; it was a simple place where he was sure to find a new treasure to take home.  Jim also couldn’t resist stopping by to visit Amish road stands where he could visit for just a bit and pick up some of their delicious homemade donuts.  

Survivors include his wife: Janet; his children: Jodi Ohlsen, Jerilyn (Charlie) Fochs, Julie (Russell) Anhalt, Janis Sweere, Jay Ohlsen, Jill (Greg) Giesen; his grandchildren: Sara, Michelle, Eberlee, Shauney, Andrew, Kelly, Amanda, Kayla, Karlee, Adam, Jacob & Lexee; his great grandchildren: Cody, Riley, Parker, Kennedy, Bryce, Korbyn, Klayra, Easton, Axton, Hudson, Elliana, Claire, Halle, Grace, Rylan, Charlotte, Adam & Matthew; and a brother-in-law: Dave Bergene.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Eldred & Irma Biedenbender; and his siblings: June, Bonnie, Betty, Cheryl & Tom.  

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul (N6081 W. River Road, Hilbert) with Rev. Mark Krueger officiating.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the church on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 9:00 am until 10:45 am.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a memorial video or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials given to a charity of your choice in the name of James Ohlsen are greatly appreciated. ​