Gaylon H. Ehlers, 92, of Ottawa and formerly of Mendota, passed away October 17, 2025 in Pleasant View, Ottawa, IL.

A private service was held October 23, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church of Clarion where Pastor James Reents officiated. Burial was in Clarion Lutheran Cemetery.

Gaylon was born on June 4, 1933 in Mendota to Alvin and Helen (Stamberger) Ehlers.  On January 20, 1984, he married Carol (Pohl) Fitzsimmons in Geneva, IL. She passed away April 1, 2014.

Gaylon was a graduate of Mendota High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in March of 1953 and was discharged in February of 1957. He worked on his father's farm until March 1, 1958. He then was employed by First State Bank in Mendota until December 29, 1995. He loved working at the bank and retired as Executive Vice President and Marketing Officer. His favorite position at the bank was being a bank teller. He was secretary of the First State Bank Board of Directors for many years.

Gaylon was very active in the Zion Lutheran Church of Clarion, where he was a member for 69 years until he and Carol moved to Geneva, Illinois in 2002.  In 2004, they moved to Peru, IL and were members of St. John's Lutheran Church until their passing.

After retiring from the bank, Gaylon participated in prison ministry one day a week at the Dixon Correctional Center from 1996 to 2004.  He was a charter member of the Mendota Rotary Club and was a 50 year member of the Mendota Elks Club. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Gaylon is survived by two sons: Brent Ehlers of Omaha, NE and Brad (Mary) Ehlers of Sublette, IL; three step daughters: Gail (Dave) Nelson, Pam Driessen and Andrea (Ben) Waldie all of Geneva, IL; one stepson, Glen (Linda) Fitzsimmons of Michigan; multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren and one sister, Karyl (James) Reents of Bloomington, IL.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Machado, step daughter, Dawn West and mother of his sons, Sharon Kellen.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Clarion, IL.  Services were provided by the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home of Mendota. Visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.