Larry Dean Ehmen

Larry Dean Ehmen, 82, of Quincy, died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at 4:27 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.

Larry was born on Jan. 16, 1940, in Quincy, Ill., the son of E. Dale and Meveline Heinecke Ehmen. Larry married Reva Ann Post on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Bowen, Ill. She survives.

Larry was raised in the Golden, Illinois area and he graduated from Central High School in 1957.  He received a bachelor of science in physics and mathematics from Western Illinois University, Macomb, and a master of science in natural science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.

Larry taught high school physics at Central High School (1961-1963) and Quincy High School (1963-1978). During his time at Quincy High School he was one of the founders of the Quincy Conference. He was a co-owner of Fisher Business Equipment Company for 20 years. Larry was elected Adams County Recorder with the intent to eliminate the position. He served from 2000 until 2004 until the position was eliminated.  He was also the co-owner and manager of Twin Mill Investments.

During his life, Larry was active in community affairs, including the Quincy Jaycees, Quincy Exchange Club, Adams County Chairman of the Republican Party (8 years), United Way of Adams County, Transitions of Western Illinois, Mental Health Authority & Recovery Resources, Adams County Board (chairman for two years), supervisor of Ellington Township (43 years) and appeared in shows at Quincy Community Theater.  

Larry served on the Walter Hammond Day Care board for 25 years and was president of the board for 17 years. He served on the Western Illinois University Foundation Board for 25 years, including two years as president. Larry helped create the Great River Economic Development Foundation and served as the first president. He and his wife, Reva, were co-presidents of the Illinois State University Parents Association during the time their children attended the University.

Larry and Reva were members of Spring Lake Country Club for 30 years, and Larry served on the board. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1962, Larry served on several committees, held offices, and dedicated his last five years of volunteer service solely to the church.

Cars were Larry’s passion, but he also was a private pilot, rode motorcycles and had pleasure boats on the river.  He enjoyed working in his yard and instilling that passion in his children, whether they liked it or not.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Reva, Larry is survived by four children, Shelly (Doug) Quinn of Woodridge, Ill., Brad (Karol) Ehmen of Quincy, Heidi (fiancé Parker Armbruster) Schlipman of Quincy, and Ryan (Lynn) Ehmen of Springfield, Ill.; 13 grandchildren, Hailey and Hayden Quinn, Lauren (fiancé Sam Triplett) Mueller, Maddi, Ella, and Anna Ehmen, Alex, Avery, and Alayna Schlipman, Peri Jane (fiancé Brendan Duffy) Ehmen, and Bennett, Rowan, and Josie Ehmen; a sister, Pat White of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jim Ehmen, a sister-in-law, Charity Ehmen, and a brother-in-law, David White.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Service: 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Martin Eden officiating.

Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ORLC St. James School Tuition Endowment Fund.  Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.