Remembering John Ohlson June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012

OHLSON, John Algoth June 21, 1915 - November 23, 2012 John Algoth Ohlson, 97, died peacefully in his West Sacramento home on November 23, 2012. John was an active community member in the Sacramento area for six decades, was loved by many for his generous heart and community spirit, and he will be missed. John was born in New Haven, Connecticut and at the age of three moved to North Park, Illinois. At the age of ten John began what would be a life-long love of the creative arts, by taking classes in printmaking. John began making yearly linoleum block greeting cards of great beauty. He continued sending friends and family these cards well into his nineties. Another life-long love was his love of books and movable-type printing. He was a member of the Sacramento Book Collector's Club for several decades. John printed announcements, invitations, letterhead and posters for the club and for numerous organizations, with his movable-type presses. John pursued his college education at North Park College for two years, transferring to Northwestern University and graduating with a degree in Psychology. He continued his studies with graduate work at Stanford University. While at Stanford, he became interested in the Society of Friends and became a Quaker. He served as a firefighter during World War II for his alternate service. Then he was sent to Duke University in North Carolina to continue his alternate service as a psychiatric orderly. In 1938 John met Grace Kneedler. Their courtship continued through the world war and they were married in 1945. The one event that brought John sadness in his later years was losing Grace in 2000. John and Grace lived in Durham, North Carolina, where John became a Psychologist on the staff at Duke University. Their daughter, Mary Britta, was born there in 1947, and their son Nils, was born in 1950. When John got a job at California's state mental hygiene clinic, the family moved back to California. In the 1950's John became involved in local politics. He was elected to the Yolo county Democratic Central Committee, a position he held for over 50 years. John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and loved times spent with family. He loved hiking and camping in the Sierras, and did so yearly until age 96. John is survived by daughter Mary B. Ohlson of El Cerrito, son Nils Ohlson of Alameda, grandchildren Isabel Malonzo, Daniel Ohlson Sundheim, and Jackson Crowe Sundheim, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2pm at West Sacramento's City Hall, 1110 W. Capital, West Sacramento. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 30, 2012 Read more here

The West Sacramento Historical Society has published a wonderful memoir honoring long time West Sacramentan John Ohlson. Read more about his life in this article by Louisa R. Vessell on their website.