Walter S. Ahlemeyer passed away at 1:41 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at Rosewood Care Center in Alton.
He was born on March 8, 1927 in Leslie, Mo., the son of the late Walter L. and Olga (Froelker) Ahlemeyer. Walter was married to Marie Ann (Greife) Ahlemeyer on May 29, 1954, at Leslie United Methodist Church in Leslie, Mo. Marie preceded Walter in death on April 28, 2014.
In 1945, Walter volunteered for the United States Navy and served in World War II and was discharged in late 1946. In 1951-53 Walter was called back to the United States Navy and again served aboard ship during the Korean War. Walter’s main occupation for 39 years was a school principal and teacher and served as principal in Bethalto. Walter is survived by two sons, Dean L. Ahlemeyer and wife, Sue, of Godfrey and David E. Ahlemeyer and wife, Holly, of Brighton; grandchildren, Ryan Theen and his fiancée, Jama Fabry, of Collinsville and Ashlyn Madison, Olivia Ahlemeyer and Benjamin Ahlemeyer of Brighton; one sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Pete Fogerson of Houston, Texas; and two brothers, Milfred and Marilyn Ahlemeyer of Bakersfield, Calif., and Louis K. and Nadine Ahlemeyer of Sedalia, Mo.
Walter was a community-involved individual; if an organization indicated they needed a volunteer, Walter would help. Walter was elected to four six-year terms at Lewis and Clark Community College as trustee and five terms as mayor of Brighton. He also helped a number of children obtain services from the Shriners Hospital in St Louis. Also a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Brighton American Legion Post No. 476, VFW Post No. 1308, United Methodist Church Board, I.O.O.F, Madison County Retired Teachers Association and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. He received an award from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, served as president of the BEA Credit Union, 20 years with the Selective Service Board and Chairman and Charter Member of the Brighton Heritage Museum. After retirement in education, Walter established Lewis & Clark Insurance Agency Inc. and enjoyed working at the agency every day. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Masonic Services at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Targhetta & Wooldridge Funeral Home in Brighton. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2015, at Targhetta & Wooldridge Funeral Home in Brighton. Burial will be at the Brighton Cemetery with full military honors by Alton VFW Post 1308.
Memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Brighton. Online obituary can be found at www.targhettaandwooldridge.com.