Robert "Bob" John Ohlund

Robert “Bob” Ohlund passed away peacefully on February 21, 2011 at Madrone Hospice. Bob was born on March 6, 1923 in Portland, Oregon to parents Frank and Emma Ohlund. When Bob was eleven his father took employment with Fruit Growers and the family moved to Hilt, California. Here he attended Hilt Elementary and later Yreka High School. Following graduation, Bob attended Heald Business College in Sacramento, graduating only weeks before being called to duty as a Naval Aviation Cadet with the U.S. Navy. He was commissioned as Ensign, receiving his gold wings in July of 1944. On October 21, 1944 while on leave Bob married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Fiock. The newlyweds left for Atlantic City, NJ where he was assigned to a fighter squadron flying the F-6 Hellcat. During WWII he was a fighter pilot, aboard the USS Boxer serving in the South Pacific. After the war Bob returned home where he took employment as Deputy Veterans Service Officer and in 1951 was appointed Siskiyou County Veterans Service Officer. In 1953 he took the position of Siskiyou County Assistant Assessor. In 1960 he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a business owner when he opened Ohlund’s Office Supply. When the Warrens Building was destroyed by fire in 1965 the business was relocated to Miner Street where it remains today. He operated the business until his retirement in 1985 when son, Barry assumed the business. As an accomplished musician Bob began his love of music at the age of eight. He played in numerous orchestras and dance bands throughout the county. Playing a variety of reed instruments, Bob played for The Bradley’s Orchestra and in 1947 helped form a group called the Cascadians. He also took great pleasure playing with the COS Concert Band, Siskiyou Jazz Band and the State of Jefferson Band. Bob was a loving husband and father to his two children. He took a great deal of pride in his community and was actively involved in many service organizations such as Yreka United Way, March of Dimes, Cancer Society, 20-30 Club, president and active member of the Yreka Chamber, The Elks, Ben Ali Temple Shiners’, American Legion and was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge #37. He served as city councilman and later as Vice-Mayor and Mayor. In 1989 he was named Yreka Citizen of the Year. After his retirement he acted as a counselor for SCORE, helping many local businesses. He and Hazel celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing golf and traveling to many countries around the world. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He leaves behind his daughter Rhonda (Jerry) Bailey, son Barry (Annie) Ohlund, grandchildren; Kyle Bailey, Bryan (Vianna) Bailey, Erin (Chris) Clayton, Jennell (Brent) Jensen , Chris and Ryan Ohlund, Great-grandchildren; Cole and Camille Clayton and Jade Bailey. He is also survived by brother-in-law Bob Orr, sisters’-in-law Jane Ohlund and Sietske Fiock and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel, brother Bud Ohlund, sister-in-law Edna Orr, and brother-in-law Everette Fiock. Services will be held at Girdner’s Funeral Chapel on Friday, February 22, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. The family requests contributions be made to Madrone Hospice, 225 Collier Circle, Yreka or The American Legion, Ross Neilon Post #122, Yreka. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Robert "Bob" John Ohlund

March 6, 1923 - February 21, 2011