Kurt "Ohlly" Oehlwein

1972 - 2025

Kurt "Ohlly" Oehlwein

September 11, 1972 - April 16, 2025

Kurt "Ohlly" Oehlwein, 52, of Canton, Ill., passed away on April 16, 2025, after a work accident.

Kurt was born on September 11, 1972, in Peoria, Ill., to Lon Oehlwein and Glenda (Sides) Aellig. He grew up in Germantown Hills and attended Metamora Township High School. He graduated in 1990 before joining the United States Air Force. He served in the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Kurt held many jobs throughout his life. Those who knew him considered him a jack-of-all-trades. He was a certified Harley Davidson Technician, worked in construction, restaurant management, and held various sales and service jobs throughout the years.

Kurt loved Harleys, classic cars, and the outdoors. He was very proud to show off his classic trucks at car shows. He always had the best set up in the campground; an inconspicuous, modified hauler trailer with air conditioning and a television. He was an excellent cook and loved to prepare old-fashioned churn-style ice cream for friends and family on warm summer nights.

In 2012, Kurt adopted his beloved doodle, Oprah, and continued to care for her until she recently passed away at 16 years old. Their connection inspired him to adopt several more senior dogs. He lovingly cared for each one in their final years, which was not easy since each one had its share of health struggles.

In all honesty, Kurt had a bit of a gruff exterior, but his kindness and generosity were evident to all who truly knew him. Family and chosen family came first for him always. He is survived by his former wife, Jaime Lynch of Edwards, Ill.; mother, Glenda (Sides) Aellig and stepfather, Fred Aellig of The Villages, Fla.; sisters, Loni of South Bend, Ind., Sara of Canton, Ill., and Jenny of NYC, N.Y.; brother, Andy of Peoria, Ariz.; and his adored nieces and nephew, Riley, Amelia, and Maverick. Many aunts, uncles and cousins share in their loss.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lon Oehlwein of Morris, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Oscar and Gertrude Oehlwein of Evanston, Ill.; and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Evelyn Sides of Manito, Ill.

All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life for Kurt on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Gary Baker Recreation Center in Canton, Ill. Family and friends who wish to share memories of Kurt are invited to speak at an informal ceremony from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a potluck supper until 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kurt's name to the charity Pets for Vets. Condolences can be sent to family at www.argoruestmanharris.com.

Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home

508 S. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530

309-467-2423