Obituary of David J. Ohnemus

David J. Ohnemus, Sr. was lifted to heaven on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Hospital. "Daddy, the tears are so many but the sweetness in our memories is forever and beyond." David was born to Margaret and Omer Ohnemus on February 5, 1931 in South Dakota. The family then moved to the state of Washington, where David graduated from Columbia Union High School and went on to attend Central Washington University, after which he briefly played semi-professional baseball. He then joined the United States Navy and proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he married his beloved wife and sweetheart, Margaret McGinley, on November 27, 1954 at St. Ignatius Church in Hicksville. Margaret survives at home. They made their home in Poughkeepsie, where David was employed as a foreman with The New York Telephone company for 35 years, retiring in 1990. There, they began their family of four daughters, Dianne, Dorothy, Emma, Jeanne, and son, David, Jr., all of Dutchess County. Driven by his love of sports and children, David spent his life in service to others. He was a long-time member of the Holy Name Society, Holy Name Bowling League, the Knights of Columbus, and was president of the Knights of Columbus Bowling League. He also coached the Knights of Columbus young men's squires basketball team. He was a volunteer fireman and treasurer of the City of Poughkeepsie Volunteer Fireman Co. Engine No. 6. As his children came of age, David served as the athletic director at Holy Trinity Parish for 15 years. During that time, he received the 1972 Archdiocese of New York C.Y.O. Parish Volunteer Award from Cardinal Cooke at St. Patrick's Cathedral. In these years, he coached many teams for his children and for all children involved in C.Y.O. He also coached for the Exchange Club Junior League and due to his dedication, he led many of those teams to championship seasons. David was a lifelong supporter of youth athletics and spent most of his grandfather years coaching and cheering on his beloved grandsons Henry and David III, who survive. He is also survived by his loving granddaughter, Erika, and wonderful great grandchildren, Julian and Sophia. David was the oldest of twelve children and is predeceased by his sisters, Darlene and Dixie, and brother, Damon. He is survived by his brothers, Doug, Dan, Don, Duane, Dixon, and Doyle, sisters, Diana and Dolores, and many nieces and nephews. This quiet devoted man left us with a wink and a smile. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9:30am at Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemtery with Military Honor Guard