Richard C. Ojerholm

Richard C. Ojerholm, 82, of Auburn died unexpectedly Thursday in St. Vincent Hospital after an illness, surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Ruth (Ruksnaitis) Ojerholm. He was the loving father of Judithann Burke and her husband Michael, of Duxbury, and Jane Balchunas, and her husband Philip, of St. Cloud FL. He also leaves 4 adoring grandchildren; Robinson, Anna-Jane and Katharine Murphy, and Jennifer Balchunas. He also leaves a dear brother; Alan H. Ojerholm, of North Grafton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings Malcolm, Olive ,Wilbur and Paul Ojerholm.

He was born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Julius and Emma (Hult) Ojerholm. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at age 17. He was a proud member of the 3rd Marine Division which served in the Pacific during WWII.

After returning home from the Marines, he finished his education; graduating from Worcester Academy and attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Mr. Ojerholm supervised the ongoings in the Die Department and created dies for shape wire at the former New England High Carbon and Wire Corp, in Millbury. He was one of few in the U.S.A. who made the coveted shape wire. Later he moved to American Spring Wire in Solon, OH. where he established and directed the Die Division. Prior to retiring in 1991 he had worked worldwide as a technical consultant.

Mr. Ojerholm was a very active member of the Auburn Elks, the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post (where he authoried two histories of the Post for special anniversay observances), and the Solon, Ohio VFW.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 4-7 PM Monday evening in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street Watertown, MA 02472, or the charity of the donor's choice. For Richard's guestbook and online memorial, or for directions, please visit

brittonfuneralhomes.com