James M. Ehlers

MIDDLETON - Chaplain James M. "Jim" Ehlers, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Sterling House. Jim was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Nov. 12, 1922. He was the only child of Alfred and Caroline Ehlers. In the depression years, the family lived in various Iowa towns. After finishing high school in Lake Park, Iowa, Jim enrolled in the ministry program of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in 1948. He married Margaret (Peggy) Sigler of Boulder, Colo., on June 9, 1948. They were blessed with two children, Barbara (Nick) Breitbach of Middleton, and David (Kim-deceased) of Houston, Texas. Jim was ordained into the mission program of the Lutheran Church in 1948. He remained in missions until retirement in 1992. In this fulfilling ministry, the Ehlers lived in Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. His familiar words were "If I had to live life over, I would want to do the same exciting thing." Volunteering was his hobby in retirement along with cars and traveling. Jim volunteered at the House of Thrift, Oakwood Resale Shop, and Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Jim is survived by his daughter, Barb (Nick) Breitbach; son, Dave Ehlers; and four grandchildren, Angela Breitbach, Michelle (Shaun) LeVeque, Daniel Ehlers, and Caroline Ehlers. In addition, Jim has three great-grandchildren, Logan, Lily, and Simon LeVeque. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at THE CHURCH AT CHRIST MEMORIAL LUTHERAN, 2833 Raritan Road, Fitchburg, with Pastor Mike Peters presiding. The family would like to thank the kind staff of Sterling House of Middleton as well as the care and compassion provided by the Agrace HospiceCare staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com