David Manning Uhlmann, 78, of Galesburg, Illinois, died Monday, January 27, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa.
David was born on September 6, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of Howard Dean and Beverly Jane (Burford) Uhlmann. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1964, he attended Southern Illinois University, Morrison Institute of Technology and graduated from Western Illinois University. He began working at Gates Rubber Co., but always having an entrepreneurial spirit, in 1980 he opened his own company in Galesburg, Midwest Hydra-Line. A company he operated until his retirement in 2007.
On December 1, 1968, David married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lynn Carlson in Galesburg. Their marriage brought two children, Melissa Uhlmann of Seattle, Washington and Jason (Jennifer) Uhlmann of Geneva, Illinois. David is also survived by his beloved three grandchildren, Jacob, Olivia, and J.T.; as well as a stepbrother, Richard (Vic) Stine of Knoxville, Illinois; a stepsister, Mary Stine of Mesa, Arizona; one niece, Rachel (Brandon) Smith of Jackson, Wyoming and a great nephew, Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Wanda Stine Uhlmann, sister, Christine, and an infant brother, Ronald.
A longtime active member and past president of the Galesburg Rotary Club, David served many years as the exchange student officer. David and Jackie were able to be host parents as well, remaining close to their “second son” and his family, Jorgen (Helene) Jensen of Denmark. David was also named a Paul Harris Fellow. Proud of his community, David was a past member and president of KCCDD and was currently serving on the Galesburg Zoning Board, and in his younger years was a member and president of the Galesburg Jaycee’s. David had a love for cars and enjoyed several years owning a Corvette.
Growing up David enjoyed spending a great deal of time at Lake Bracken near Galesburg and always dreamed of having a cottage on the lake. In later years, David and Jackie owned “Camp David” where the entire family spent many summers enjoying the lake, Fourth of July, and the family Olympics. Of all the things in David’s life he enjoyed, he loved nothing more than being a husband, proud father, and proud grandfather.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. No funeral services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Galesburg Community Foundation or to the Rotary Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
