John G. Ahlheim

Funeral Service is to be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Fred Garry officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown. 

February 20, 2010

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  John G. Ahlheim, 83, of 440 Harris Dr., and Three Mile Bay, died early Saturday morning, Feb. 20, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.

He was born July 9, 1926, in Watertown, the son of Norman L. and Mary Gassman Ahlheim 

As a young boy, John went to YMCA camp at Long Point State Park for four years and Boy Scout Camp at Lake Bonaparte. At 13 years of age, he won the Watertown High School bowling contest with a (595) triple and the Church League high triple (653) bowling award.  In 1966, he won the “First Presbyterian Church” bowling championship. 

He graduated from WHS with a regents diploma in January 1944 and enlisted in the Navy in February 1944, serving boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, and attended the Radio Technician School and later the Quartermaster School, (assistant to the navigator). Sea duty was shaking down new destroyers in the North Atlantic and was on a tug in Boston Harbor before being discharged in June 1946. 

After the Navy he graduated from Syracuse University in January 1951 with a bachelor's of science degree in sales management. 

He owned and operated Ahlheim Bros., Inc., and a Food Specialty Wholesaler for 34 years.  He retired from business in 1984, and later worked part time as the executive secretary of The Medical Society of Jefferson County for six years. 

He married Grace A. Reff on July 12, 1956.

Surviving besides his is wife are two daughters and their husbands, Amy and Scott McNiven, Fairport, and Julie and Scott Bishop, Westford, Mass.; four granddaughters; Megan and Kerri McNiven, and Jessica and Natalie Bishop; a brother and his wife; Norman R. and Cynthia Ahlheim, Chaumont; several nieces and nephews 

Mr. Ahlheim was President of Watertown Rotary Club from 1986-1987.  Organized and Chartered the Sunrise Rotary Club in June 1987 and received the Presidential Citation for work done while President.  Became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990.   

He was past President of the Family Counseling Service of Jefferson County. Past  President and District Vice President of the Islander Barbershop Chorus and a member for over 30 years.  Sang baritone with the “Right Combination” barbershop quartet for 6 years reaching silver medal status in District Competition.  He entertained at many shows in US and Canada. 

A member of the Crescent Yacht Club, serving as secretary for 6 years. In 1959 was Master of Watertown Lodge #49 – 915 members and Master of the Scottish Rite Bodies and a member of Media Temple.  Member of the Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers from 1990-1992. Member of the Jefferson County Historical Society. Member of the Cosmopolitan Dance Club for over 35 years.   Past Member of the Black River Valley Club.  Member of First Presbyterian Church where he served on the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees and was an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 4 there. He enjoyed playing the piano as a hobby, fishing, x-country skiing, sailing, boating, golfing and reading, traveling to various elder hostels. 

Donations may be made in his memory to, Jefferson County Victims Assistance Center, 120 Arcade Street, Watertown, NY  13601, or an organization of one’s own choice.