Harlan Ehmen Obituary

Harlan Ehmen
Born: May 8, 1934 in Freeport, IL
Died: January 5, 2026 in La Moille, IL
La Moille – Harlan G. Ehmen, age 91 of La Moille passed away January 5, 2026. Harlan was born on May 8, 1934 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Amos and Emma White Ehmen. Harlan grew up on the family farm near Polo. He graduated from Polo High School in 1952, attended Western Illinois University and later the University of Illinois, receiving a bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1955. While at Western he met his future wife Gwen White. They were married in Chicago in 1955. Harlan and Gwen settled in La Moille where he started his teaching career. They were happily married for 44 years and were blessed with three children (Jeff, Becky, and Scott). Gwen passed away in 1999.
Harlan later married a teaching colleague, Alice Geisz Roberts in Princeton in 2000. They spent 25 happy years together, enjoying golf and traveling in the United States as well as in Europe. Harlan and Alice spent winters at their home in Yuma, Arizona. During their time at Palm Desert Estates Harlan served 4 years as president of the Park board. Many lasting friendships were made while living there. Harlan taught in the La Moille School system for 38 years. He taught vocational agriculture, was the high school guidance counselor and later taught junior high science. Harlan was a member of the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, serving as president for 4 years. Harlan was a member of the LaMoille-Clarion Library Board serving as treasurer. He belonged to the La Moille Lions Club. Harlan coached summer baseball teams for many years as well as Allen Junior High School baseball team. Harlan was a member of the Community United Methodist Church, La Moille, serving on various committees over the years. He also attended St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton and Christ Lutheran Church in Yuma where he helped usher and was a faithful Bible Class attender.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Jeff Ehmen (Lisa) of Harvest AL, daughter Becky Hoffman (Jeff) of Mesa, AZ and son Dr. Scott Ehmen (Elizabeth) of Warsaw, IN, three granddaughters; Brooke Simmons, Brenna Ehmen, and Kelly Kessel, two great granddaughters, Rille Simmons and Ruthie Kessel, and his sister-in law, Harriett Eckberg. He is also survived by his niece Dawn Foster and nephews Mike McDaniel, Tim, Matt and Eric Eckberg. Harlan enjoyed the love and sharing of three families, which include stepchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Gwen, his sister Harriet Ehmen Hutchison and his grandson Nick Hoffman.
Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday January 5, at the Community United Methodist Church in LaMoille. Additional visitation will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM, the hour before, the Funeral service on Thursday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Methodist Church in LaMoille. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery in LaMoille. Memorials can be made to the Community United Methodist Church or the LaMoille-Clarion Library. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook and video tribute.