Long-time Milling Journal Editor Karl Ohm Dies Nov. 18

Karl Fred Ohm III, Menomonee Falls, died Nov. 18, 2023.

Karl was born June 7, 1953 to Karl and Jerry Ohm (nee Goen) in Madison, WI.

Karl attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1975 with a BS in Agricultural Journalism which his father had accomplished as well in 1953.

In his professional life he spent over 20 years working at Brady Company, a successful advertising agency that was based in Menomonee Falls, WI which was lead for many years by his father.

The firm had clients in industrial equipment, heavy machinery, agriculture and medical technology.

While there he served as associate editor to an influential monthly business publication, Corporate Report Wisconsin along with acting as publications manager and account executive.

His real passion however was helping farmers find ways to expand and diversify their business models by helping establish the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) in 1986, which continues to operate today.

Around that time he also produced a publication focusing on successful strategies for farmers to sell direct to consumers named Rural Enterprise.

Karl has received many awards and recognition from numerous industry associations for his writing and photography.

He continued in recent years to contribute his skills to the grain and milling industry by becoming editor of Milling Journal in 2012 after working for the Country Journal Publishing Co for three years.

And while he formally retired from that position in 2018, he continued as a contributing editor until his passing.

He was an active alumni of University of Wisconsin-Madison through his participation in the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA).

He enjoyed active hobbies over the years including long-distance bicycling, bee keeping, watching and attending Badger Football games and working outdoors. He found joy through working with his hands, vacationing in the U.P. of Michigan was passionate about green energy and sustainable agriculture.

Karl is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marie, two children - George and Pauline and brother Greg and sister Karon - along with cousins and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service was held Monday, November 27 at Schmidt & Bartelt from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in Menomonee Falls with a private reception to follow off site.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Karl can be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org.