Harold Henry Ohlenkamp, age 80, a longtime resident of West Chicago, died December 17, 2016.  He was born on January 31, 1936 in Lowell, Indiana to Emery and Ruby Ohlenkamp.

Harold grew up in the Mt. Greenwood area of Chicago and graduated from Tilden Technical High School.  While in high school he took flying lessons and earned his pilots license at age 16.  He earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois, and after a year he transferred to Air Force Academy Cadet program.  He served in the U.S. Air Force in the strategic air command during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his discharge in 1963 he served in the Air Force Reserve. While in the military he married Irma Wisham in 1959. They moved to Chicago in 1964 and he eventually settled in Wheaton.  He worked as a pilot for United Airlines for 30 years and retired at age 60.

His passion was Live Steam including model Rail Road, Traction Engines, and Stationary Engines. He was a long time member of  Illinois Live Steamers.

In 1976 Harold joined  MadDog Drag Racing in Moultrie GA. He started bracket racing a 1970 Torino, later moving into a 1923 T-Bucket.

He was technically minded and could repair and operate most anything.  Throughout his life he also had a number of part time businesses such as concrete flat work, heavy equipment, dredging and clock repair.

In retirement he volunteered his time at the Museum of Science and Industry, working to maintain the exhibits and building.

He is survived by three children, Jacqualyn (William) Thar of Winfield, Dennis (Susan) Ohlenkamp of Yorkville and Cynthia (Gregory) Doerfler of Winfield, four grandchildren, Ryan Andrew (fiancée Agnes Stolarski) DaRosa, Samantha (Jesus) Cuatzo, Audrey Thar and Mitchell Thar.

He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton.   Further services and interment will be held in Moultrie, Georgia.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.