Vernon Carl Ohlman

Vernon Carl Ohlman, age 85 of Wyoming, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born August 21, 1939, in Wyoming, Michigan to John & Reka Ohlman and remained a lifelong resident of the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Vern graduated from Wyoming Park High School, class of 1958. He went on to graduate from Ferris State College and was one of the first architects at his school to become licensed by the state of Michigan. During this time, he met and married his lovely wife, Mary Dykema and together they built a very large family they both always dreamed of.
Vern joined the Grand Rapids firm of Wold, Bowers, DeShane & Covert (WBDC) in his early professional years. He later formed his own firm, Design Plus, in 1978 with partners Jim Reminga and Jim Vanhekken. The firm successfully grew over several decades, adding partners and talented staff. Vern took great pride in his relationships with clients and staff contributing to the West Michigan and Lakeshore landscape.
The firm's accomplishments were many and well received by clients, peers, and the general public. Two significant projects are the beautiful campuses of Grand Valley State University in Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids. His ability to establish and maintain strong, lasting relationships was outstanding. The firm received numerous accolades and awards for their ability to create quality design. His legacy of achievements will live on solidifying his and his firm's design expertise and appreciation for details. Vern was an officer or member of several industry related organizations.
Vern appreciated fine aircraft & automobiles, great conversation & music, particularly brass and jazz, and of course, classic architecture. He played the trombone eloquently and was briefly a member of The Grand Rapids Symphony. More recently Vern was a loyal member of his group of friends they called the "Liar's Club" and frequented Vergennes United Methodist Church.
He dearly loved his family, many friends, partners and associates. Vern was thankful for what life had to offer along with the opportunity and ability to vastly contribute to it. His family will cherish many fond memories with him at Paradise Cove on Sand Lake, cottaging in Grand Haven, and hosting many family Christmas parties.
Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; daughters, Faith Newhouse, Dawn Noordyk; grandson, Andrew McKenney; daughter-in-law, Liz Ohlman; brothers, Bill Ward, Jay Ohlman; sister, Virginia Deters; brothers-in-law, Louis Dykema, Tom Dykema; and sister-in-law, Grace Haynes.
He leaves behind sons, Aaron Ohlman, Adam (Paula) Ohlman, Mark (Betty) Newhouse, Steven Newhouse; grandchildren, Evan Ohlman, Paige & Lauren Ohlman, Matthew, Chad & Noah Newhouse, and Michael & Katie McKenney. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the many caregivers and medical professionals who contributed to Vern's health, comfort, safety & well-being.
Family will greet friends and relatives from 4-7pm on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE., Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Private family burial will take place later in Spring 2025 for Vern and Mary Ohlman.