Obituary of Ricardo S. Ohlmaier

Our kind, patient, loving and faithful father, husband, Tata, brother, uncle and friend, Ricardo Ohlmaier, was called home on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. It was a blessing to us all that he was prepared spiritually, physically and mentally to be with the Lord and so many loved ones who were waiting for him. He was peaceful and surrounded by loved ones upon his passing. Ricardo was born on April 4, 1933 to Rosa Saldate and Federico Ohlmaier in Cumpas, Sonora, Mexico. He was the youngest of eight siblings. As the baby of the family, his five brothers and two sisters provided both loving care and ample opportunities to participate in mischief. He immigrated to the United States in 1952 after working as a teacher in Cananea, Mexico. He served his country honorably and proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as an artillery specialist. Although not specifically a part of his job, Ricardo relished the opportunity it gave him to drive the tanks. Ricardo was a foreman for Arizona Feeds for 25 years and retired from the Pima County Jail Sheriff's Department after 15 years of service. When Ricardo was 26 years old, he married his high school sweetheart and eternal companion, Guadalupe Hoyos. Ricardo and Guadalupe enjoyed a happy life together for 57 years, raising two children, Martin and Rose Mary. In April 1977 Ricardo and his family were baptized together and have served faithfully as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He willingly and faithfully held many callings, including service as Sunday School Teacher, Missionary, and as a member of the Bishopric. Ricardo was a man of many hats and interests. As a boy in Mexico, he was a cowboy, played baseball, and learned to play the trumpet. As an adult, he continued his love of baseball as an energetic fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and pursued new interests as an avid gardener, and self-proclaimed and self-taught handyman. He also nurtured his interest in politics, always staying abreast of the issues of the day. His nurses at the hospital can attest to this interest, because he administered a test to every new caregiver as they came into his room, asking, "Who are you voting for?" before admitting them. His favorite times were spent surrounded by family, whether playing cards, sharing a meal, or participating in numerous family celebrations, which would most often include an overdone steak and always lots of sweet treats. He would have told you, however, that he was happiest when spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Our profound thanks to the ICU nurses, staff of the Patient Advocate department, physicians and other staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care of Ricardo. They always gave him and his family unwavering attention, meeting all of his and our needs for information and care. We would also like to thank numerous family and church members, friends and neighbors for their ever constant care and support. He was a devoted husband, beloved father, loved brother and adored "Tio Cayo" to over forty nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, but his favorite title of all was "Tata" to his four adoring grandchildren. Ricardo is survived by his loving wife, Guadalupe; children Martin (Hillary) and Rose Mary (Rod Parrish); much loved grandchildren Makena, Gabriel, Sonora, and Reese; and his sister Carmela of Tecate, Mexico. He also is survived by his cousin Carlos Gutierrez, who was as a brother to him and a childhood collaborator in adventures. Ricardo was preceded in death by his brothers Federico, Guillermo, Donaciano, Octavio and Alexandro and his sister Cilia. His legacy of love for his family, testimony and faithfulness to his Lord, and constant service to others will continue to be an inspiration and example to us all. Services to be held at the LDS Binghampton Chapel,3750 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ. Monday, 17 Oct. 2016. Viewing from 930am to 1030am, Services from 1030am to 1130am, burial to follow at Binghamton Cemetery, 4001 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ.