James O. Ahlstedt

James O. Ahlstedt, Sr. was the kindest, most caring man who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. His warm smile and wonderful sense of humor made everyone feel at ease, and those close to Jim knew how much they meant to him, if not by his words, then by his actions of love and devotion. Although family was Jims first love, being on the water was a close second. He was a passionate and adventurous mariner until the day that he died. 1919 was a triumphant year for the United States. As the Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, World War I just ended. Although Americans celebrated the signing of the treaty, no corks were popped as the recently adopted 18th Amendment prohibited use of alcohol. While there was certainly a lot of excitement around the country, for Herman Ahlstedt and his wife, Ebba (Segerquist), of Whitehall, Michigan, the biggest news of the year was the birth of their third child, son James Oliver Ahlstedt, on November 12, 1919. James was joined by a total of five sisters: Lorraine, Helen, Jim, Ruth, Doris and Jane, who rounded out the Ahlstedt household with six children. Jim led a typical childhood of the time. He attended Whitehall Public Schools, and his family were longtime members of the Whitehall Mission Covenant Church. His father provided for their family working at Whitehall Tannery while his mother was a devoted homemaker. As a young person, Jim enjoyed time outdoors, working as a caddy at White Lake Golf Course, and spending time with his dad on their 1909 motor launch on White Lake. This love of the water would stay with Jim throughout his life, providing him with some of his favorite pursuits. Jim graduated from Whitehall High School in 1939. Then, in 1941, his life took a new direction when he met a beautiful school teacher named Doris Rector at her sister Helens wedding rehearsal. Jim approached Doris to speak to her and with that, their love story had begun. The two were happily married 3 years later on June 10, 1944, at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Whitehall. Jim and Doris made their first home together in an apartment in Whitehall. At the time, Jim was working as an Optician at House of Vision in Muskegon, and Doris was teaching home economics in the Whitehall schools. Jim and Doris built a cottage a year later on White Lake and it was here that they welcomed the birth of their first child, daughter Linda, in November 1947. The couple built a new home in North Muskegon in 1951. Two years later, they delighted in welcoming their son, Jim Jr., to their family, born in September 1953. Once settled in their new community, Jim, Doris and their children began attending Evangelical Mission Covenant Church, which is now Forest Park Covenant Church. A true family man, Jims happiest moments always involved the time that he spent with his family. He was very close with his parents and siblings throughout his life, and it was hard on him when his father died in 1958, and his mom, five years later. When his wife Doris was on spring and summer breaks from school, they enjoyed traveling every year with their close friends. Then, in 1965, the couple moved their family to a home on Muskegon Lake. Here, Doris taught Kindergarten in the North Muskegon Schools, where her children also attended. It was only natural after growing up on White Lake and living nearly 40 years on Muskegon Lake in North Muskegon that Jim would be an avid sailor, boater and mariner. He had many boats he navigated over the years, a passion he enjoyed up until 2 weeks before he died. After fulfilling careers, Jim and Doris retired on the same exact day in 1981. They then began traveling more extensively and, in fact, had visited all 50 states, Europe as well, and took several cruises. At home, Jim enjoyed maintaining his yard, while Doris tended to her large beautiful flower garden. In 1995, their son, Jim Jr., married his sweetheart, Christine Olson, which was a very happy and proud day for Jim and Doris. Christine was very close to Jim Sr.s heart and he loved her like a true daughter. As Jim and Doris grew older, they decided to move to a smaller house at 653 Mills in 2000. However, getting older did not stop Jim from getting out on his boat, even when his health began declining, the waters beckoned him to come and he went. Jim had a natural social talent that always left people charmed and smiling, and was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life. He lent his gentle kind disposition and subtle humor to everyone around him and in doing so brightened many lives. He will be deeply missed. James Oliver Ahlstedt, age 91, of North Muskegon, MI passed away on Friday, August 12, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Doris; son, Jim (Christine) of Muskegon; daughter, Linda Ahlstedt; sisters, Lorraine Funnell of Whitehall, Doris Ahlstedt of IL, and Jane Tiffen of IL; Seven nieces & nephews; "granddogs," Sparkey & Choco. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Kik and Ruth Arntson. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Forest Park Covenant Church with Rev. Russ Carlson officiating. Interment at Oakhurst Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Park Covenant Church or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please visit Jims personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or sign his online guest book.