William Roy Ahlem, Jr. (Bill)

1943 – 2018

William Roy Ahlem, Jr. (Bill), passed away August 23 in Turlock, at the age of 74. Bill was the second of five children born to Bill and Elsie Ahlem of Hilmar. He was a third generation dairyman and throughout his life, he made a great contribution to the dairy industry both locally and nationally. He attended Hilmar schools and later graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Dairy Science. Returning to the farm, he became very active on the boards of several local, state and national organizations. He served on both the California and American Farm Bureau Board of Directors and served six years on the Board of Directors of Western United Dairymen, California’s largest dairy producer organization. He also served as Chairman of the National Dairy Board. Gifted with boundless energy, Bill was an avid skier and bicyclist, happiest with a physical challenge before him that involved other friends in a contest of speed and skill. In his forties he completed two Big Sur Marathon runs. Bill was always active in his local community and served on the foundation board of California State University, Stanislaus for many years as well as the Emanuel Medical Center Board. He also served twelve years on the board of the Hilmar Unified School District. He was a lifelong member of Hilmar Covenant Church, a lover of God and a friend and encourager to many.

Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Adrienne Allison, and a son, Matthew Scott.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn Scott, and two adopted sons, Sabino Ahlem Herrera (Lindsey) and Roger Ahlem Herrera (Teresa) who continue to manage the dairy business. Happily, these sons have given Bill and Carolyn five granddaughters to enjoy as well. Four siblings also survive Bill: Sharon Clauss (Richard), Judi Honore (Fred), Charles Ahlem (Druann) and Jim Ahlem (Carol).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Hilmar Covenant Church at 10:00 am on Friday, September 7. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hilmar Covenant Church, 20056 American Ave., Hilmar, CA., 95324 or to another cause dear to Bill’s heart, The Merced Rescue Mission, 527 W. 20th St., Merced, CA 95340.

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Condolences(31)

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Ron Emmerson says
December 13, 2018 at 5:08 am

Bill is a Fraternity Brother in the same class as me. He was so well respected that he was our warden, enforcing the house rules one year and then the President of the Fraternity his senior year. He was the true Gentleman as personified by our Fraternity Credo: “The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity. who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power,or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than of his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.” PA Bill From Ron
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Pee Dee Nordeen says
September 10, 2018 at 3:16 am

When my mother died, Bill was at the back door almost immediately with home made peach ice cream. He was always happy to see me and I to see him.
Peace to his memory.
Vivian Strom Nordeen
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Krista (Johnson) Norris says
September 4, 2018 at 3:18 am

My heart breaks for you all as you mourn the loss of Bill. I will always remember Bill’s radiant smile and genuine warmth whenever he was around. I looked up to him, like so many others did, in the way he always projected God’s love and kindness. He will be greatly missed!
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Ed and Sharlyn Gomes says
September 3, 2018 at 2:32 am

Bill was a wonderful man!!! A true inspiration to us and a man we looked up to! He will definitely be missed! Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family! Love and condolence to Carolyn and all the Ahlem family!!
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Gail McSweeney says
September 2, 2018 at 4:48 pm

There are no words to express my sadness with the passing of Billy. I have known Billy since we were babies (he always let me know he was a day older than me) Even if we did not see each other often he always made it fell like you lived next door. Billy will be greatly missed by all that knew him.My thoughts and prayers to all of the Ahlem family. God has a new Angel.
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Carol Vercammen says
September 2, 2018 at 12:38 am

Last time I saw Bill he told me a joke about a donkey. I rolled my eyes. In 1980 we gave our precious golden retriever, Josh to Bill who gave him to his dad. Josh had a wonderful life. Rest In Peace and say hi to josh
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John Ellsworth says
September 1, 2018 at 6:17 pm

My condolences to Bill’s entire Family. We will all miss Bill’s friendship and enthusiasm. He left us with a great example of how to live and serve others. I wish you all the very best!
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John Henry Wells says
August 30, 2018 at 6:34 pm

My deepest sympathy. I am so sorry to hear this news.
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John Zonneveld says
August 30, 2018 at 10:08 am

My condolences to all of Bill’s family, so sad to hear of his passing. He was a kind and fun loving man that I grew to respect while serving with him on the national dairy board. He will be long remembered for his wisdom and service to all. May God grant his family peace in knowing he now shares eternity with his Lord.
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Carol Ahlem Eide says
August 30, 2018 at 1:50 am

Love to you Carolyn, Judy, Sharon, Chuck, Jim, Sabine, and Roger. Bill was an example to us all of dreaming big and loving others”all with a smile. I can just imagine the fun times in heaven with Adrienne, Matt, Elsie and Bill Sr, and my dad, Lloyd. I’m thankful that Jesus makes a way for us to see each other again. May He bless you in the days ahead as you miss Bill’s presence.
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Anna Lee Freitas says
August 30, 2018 at 1:22 am

My condolences to the family, I remember seeing Bill work whehun he would sometimes stop by the Wheylab many years ago. He will be missed.
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Ed and Carolyn King says
August 30, 2018 at 1:17 am

Carolyn and family,

Our lives are saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Yet our spirits are buoyed knowing about his strong faith and service to our Lord and Maker.

Our paths crossed during his tenure as Chariman of the National Dairy Board. There his leadership was both strong and steady. His willingness to listen to everyone’s ideas for the improvement of the NDB’s initiatives was his hallmark. Many would do well to pattern their service after his.

We found him a true gentleman. We enjoyed his friendship which was made even more special as our wives shared the same name, something we always remembered.

We pray that our Lord and Savior will surround you and your family with his love and strength during this time of rememberance. No doubt that Jesus has welcomed him. Our blessing in this life is that we are offered that same opportunity. Alleluia and Amen.
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Don & Desi Josii says
August 30, 2018 at 1:01 am

Our condolences to the entire family. Bill will missed by many! There are just no words to describe how heartbreaking this news is. Peace be with all of you.
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Donna Charles says
August 29, 2018 at 4:46 pm

My heart aches for your loss Carolyn. Bill was a great guy and sweet man of God. I enjoyed years ago, going to your home for Sunday School. Bill was always so sweet!

Bud and Dot’s daughter, Donna
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George Kapor says
August 29, 2018 at 2:58 pm

So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and the Ahlem family. He was such a mentor and role model for so many younger men including myself. Always positive and with a smile, interested in everything and everyone. He had the admirable habit of introducing himself to strangers, sometimes those that might be sitting alone, always wanting to hear “their story”. I remember him speaking, as a young man, with humor, grace and so eloquently at my father’s service 39 years ago. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
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Neil and Andrea Hove says
August 29, 2018 at 2:57 pm

We didn’t know Bill and Carolyn well but they treated us like family when we were in town and that says a lot. We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a generous man who loved his wife and family. Rest In Peace
Love, The Hove Family
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Dave and Pam Bolin says
August 29, 2018 at 2:48 pm

We first met Bill through Joe Lyon. What a great man and family!! We are thankful that our paths crossed several times, thanks to dairy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hold tight to your wonderful memories.
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Brad Bates says
August 29, 2018 at 1:13 pm

Bear Valley, backside of the mountain. Fresh powder. Skiing “in the trees in the area marked ‘area not patrolled'” with a group of “old guys.” Goal: Keep up with Bill. Some folks had their own personal beer mug hanging above the bar in the Monte Wolfe Saloon. Bill had 3. I asked him why. He smiled and said “I have friends. Can I buy you a beer.” Classy guy.
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James S. Huffard says
August 29, 2018 at 12:32 pm

Condolences to the entire Ahlem family. Bill’s contributions both locally and nationally will leave a lasting mark. Prayers to the family.
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Edwin Genasci says
August 29, 2018 at 6:08 am

Traveled Europe with Bill in 1964 on a People to People California FFA tour
Made contact over the years with Bill to remember over the phone the trip but never actually got together to look at our photos.
I regret now that I waited too long.
I can only look at my photos with fond memories of Bill.
Bill developed a outstanding herd of Jersey cows which Brown Swiss breeders toured at our 2003 National Convention.
Fond memories of Bill with me always.
Prayers to his family.
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Marilyn Pappas-Taylor & Bob Taylor says
August 29, 2018 at 4:08 am

We are saddened by this loss of such a fine man. My parents always thought highly their Jersey Cattle friends.
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Anjelica locke says
August 29, 2018 at 3:55 am

Bill was a wonderful man who supported many local youth through 4H & FFA programs, Myself included. He contributed a great deal to the community of Hilmar and he will certainly be missed. Deepest condolences to the family. God bless
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Arie and Sue Roest says
August 29, 2018 at 12:21 am

We knew Bill as a true Hilmar icon in the dairy industry and faithful member of Hilmar Covenant Church We particularly enjoyed his sense of humor and practical jokes. We pray for God’s peace, comfort and courage for Carolyn and the rest of his family.
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Gwen Schulze says
August 28, 2018 at 11:43 pm

Words can’t express how much I appreciate this family. Always supportive, always a smile and a hug. We will miss Bill terribly. My heart aches for Carolyn, his family and friends. My prayers are always with you.
Love,
Gwen Schulze
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Christopher & Sandra & The Freeberg Family says
August 28, 2018 at 11:05 pm

Our sincere condolences to Carolyn, – to Sharon / Judi / Chuck and Jim and their families – and to Sabino & Roger’s families. Please know our prayers have been continuous for you since we learned of Bill’s death last week. May Almighty God and Father grant you His consolation through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Rita Dublin Previter says
August 28, 2018 at 9:14 pm

So sorry to hear of Bills passing, my condolences to the family. I was a class mate of Bill.
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Tammica says
August 28, 2018 at 4:42 pm

Bill,
I absolutely looked forward to your’s and Carolyn’s arrival to Carr’s Cleaners to drop off or pick up your order because you were usually well prepared to deliver to me one of your infamous jokes. My heart aches for your family, because you were such a joy to me and one of my favorite customers. Since i’ve left the cleaners, I have missed you all, and it breaks my heart to know that you are no longer with us. It was truly a blessing to know you, learn jokes from you (that I shared with my family), and most importantly, to serve you.
I will be praying for your family.

Warm hugs to you Carolyn,
Tammica
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Penny Forgnone says
August 27, 2018 at 11:28 pm

Bill,
You will be missed by all your church family!!!!!!
You and Carolyn have been such good will ambassadors for our church. Even in times of grief you both smiled with the light of Christ! Even when your dizziness was bad you would come to church and recline in your chair in the back. It was a blessing to see you there!

Until we meet again in heaven dear brother in Christ…hugs, Penny

Penny Forgnone
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Tom Reeser says
August 27, 2018 at 9:54 pm

My times with Bill were very special. He had great insight to issues we have dealt with together. He was a man of integrity and a really fun guy to be with. We have had special times on boards and also in sports. He challenged me in life and he was one to try and emulate all the things he represented. He will be missed by me and many others. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family in this time of loss.
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Bob Rude says
August 27, 2018 at 12:40 am

Bill was a year ahead of me in high school and was always a fine guy. I would see him occasionally and always upbeat. A wonderful Christian.
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Juanita Curtis says
August 25, 2018 at 1:28 pm

I was so sad to hear about Bill. He was a great guy. My prayers for his family and for God to give them comfort at this time of sadness.