Mike Ohlsen

Gaffney, SC - - Byron Herman "Mike" Ohlsen passed away on November 23, 2024, in Spartanburg, SC. He was born April 19, 1929, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the son of Herman John and Esther Edinger Ohlsen who immigrated from Sweden and Germany to Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, Mike is predeceased by an older sister, Ellen Griesemer.

Mike is survived by and sorely missed by his beloved wife of 26 years, Ruth Ann Ohlsen. Ruth Ann was the love of his life whom he cherished, they were inseparable. The entire family of 8 children, 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren adore Ruth Ann.

Mike graduated from Reading High School in 1947. Following graduation, his first job was working in a cigar factory with his father. He took a job with Atlantic Pipeline in Caledonia, NY where he often had to walk to work in snowshoes. He then worked with Colonial Pipeline where he would spend the rest of his career managing pump stations in VA, MD, NC, and SC. For many years, Mike supervised Colonial's largest tank farm in Greensboro, NC. After retirement, he continued to work part-time for Colonial Pipeline, supervising construction in the field. In his lifetime, Mike built three houses, one in Caledonia, NY and two in Gaffney.

Throughout his life, Mike was a Mason and a Shriner. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter and a volunteer ambulance attendant driver. Mike was a deeply religious man; he often served his church as a deacon. Mike was a proud member of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church in Gaffney, where he was a member of Jim Cudd Sunday School Class. Mike loved working with his tools, driving his lawnmower, traveling, and being outdoors. Mike had a gift of making friends easily and making all friends feel like his best friend.

Mike's memory lives on through his children: Joanne Randall and children, Jennette Hancock, William Randall, Melinda Fisher and grandchildren Madison, Sheridan, Samantha, Callen; Marilyn Marousek (Ronald) and daughters Becky Jenkins and Kimberly West and grandchildren Kayley, Nolan, Gavin, Tarik, Devin and great-grandchildren  Lyric, Braxton, Nataliya; Denise Robinson and sons, Benjamin Robinson and Jacob Robinson and grandchildren Leah, Owen, Colby, William and Luke; Christopher Shallow (Cindy) and sons, Kevin Shallow and Scott Shallow and grandchildren Declinn, Izzy, Abbey: Nancy Keohane (Mike) and children Jeannie Franklin, Angel Moffatt and Hunter Keohane and grandchildren Lune and Victor; Sandra Flynn (Les) and sons, Quentin Flynn and Holden Flynn and grandchildren Leann and Ryker; Kelly High (Shannon) and Kim Neal (Andy) and her son, Evan Goetz. Niece Susie Capodanno and nephew, Mike Griesemer survive Mike.

Although Mike's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of White Oak at North Grove.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church.  Celebration of Life to honor Mike Ohlsen will immediately follow at 11:00AM at the church with Reverend Bobby Morrow and Dr. Clyde Thomas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, 805 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, SC, 29340.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC