Dr. Richard J. Ohlendorf, MD, 70, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at his home.
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites.
Richard was born March 24, 1950, in Ottawa to William J. and Doris J. (Schweir) Ohlendorf. He married Libby Kristal on December 30, 1972 in Ottawa.
Richard graduated from Ottawa High School in 1966 and was an active member of the Ottawa Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corp. He graduated from University of Illinois and attended Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, graduating in 1976 with his MD. Richard served his residency in ophthalmology in Cleveland, OH. He opened his practice, Illinois Valley Eye Institute, in Ottawa and the surrounding areas in 1983 until his retirement in 2003.
Richard was active in world-wide innovations for ophthalmology instrumentation. He studied the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans, including sponsoring several conferences here in Ottawa, hosting scientific leaders from around the world. He also brought the first MRI services to the Illinois Valley and Central Illinois in 1990.
Richard was a selfless person who would go out of his way for anyone who needed help. He was active in the Special Olympics, coaching his son’s team for many years. His later life revolved around his grandson, Asher, who he loved spending time with.
He is survived by his wife, Libby; two children, Rebecca (Aurea) Ocon-Linan and Nathan Ohlendorf; his grandson, Asher Pierce; his brother Mike (Bonnie) Ohlendorf; and his dog, Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Ohlendorf.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to charities.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com