Frederick W. Ahlholm, Sr.

Frederick W. Ahlholm Sr, 78, died Sunday June 30 at his home in Elizabeth NJ. A long-time resident of Elizabeth, Frederick was a United States Army veteran and a retired Captain for the Union County Department of Corrections.  He was born on March 26, 1941 to Frederick James and Catherine (Fox) Ahlholm.

He graduated from Union, NJ High School in 1959 and joined the Army.  While in the Army he played baseball and was a boxer, and his service included two years in Korea. He married his high school sweetheart, the former Elaine Dunbar, on September 12, 1964 and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1966.  After the Army he started his career in law enforcement as a patrolman in Mountainside, New Jersey.  He eventually worked for the Union County, New Jersey Department of Corrections and retired as a captain after nearly 30 years.

Fred, also known as “Whitey”, was an intelligent and respected leader with a great sense of humor who enjoyed laughter.  He was a top-notch golfer who won many amateur tournaments.  He was also a lifelong bowler and softball player who loved playing with his fellow officers on the PBA bowling team and competitive softball teams. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, loved to spend time watching their activities and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

He is survived by his sister Catherine Park (Bill) of Stockton, NJ, his first wife Elaine Ahlholm of Newbury Park, CA and their four loving children: Frederick Ahlholm Jr (Kim) of North Andover, MA, Jeffrey Ahlholm (Christina) of Newbury Park, CA, Cindy Hawley (James) of Westlake Village, CA and Jennifer McDole (Tom) of Madison, NJ and their eleven grandchildren: Paige, Lauren, Samantha, Madeline, Erin, Dylan, Jocelyn, William, Bradley, Charlize and Jordan. He is also survived by his second wife, the former Marlene Henao. 

A memorial service will be held this Saturday July 6 from 3:00 to 5:30 pm at the Higgins & Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home at 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.  A reception honoring Fred will be held immediately following at the Spanish Tavern located at 1239 US Route 22 in Mountainside, NJ. 

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