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.

Condolences(31)

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
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
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!
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!!
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.
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