George Ohley

Irving E (“George” or “Geo”) Ohley, 90 of Davenport, died Monday, February 20, 2023 at Clarissa C Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 with visitation held one hour prior at church.  The Mass will be livestreamed by visting : St. Anthony's YouTube Page Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetary, Arsenal Island with military honors. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Art Legacy League - www.artlegacyleague.org - 1225 E. River Drive #201, Davenport, Iowa 52803

On 10-11-1932 in Alton, IL, Irving Edward Ohley, son of Irving and Katherine (Costello) Ohley began his 90 year journey that would touch countless lives. From 1953 until 1955 George faithfully served in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled at St. Ambrose College on the GI Bill. While attending St. Ambrose and under the tutelage of Fr. Catich, George’s love of art grew and he continued to follow his passion.

George was a car enthusiast and while driving around in his convertible, met a beautiful student from Marycrest. The courtship with Deborah Marsolek culminated in marriage on June 24, 1961 in Marshalltown, Iowa at St. John’s Catholic Church. From 1962 – 1969 George and Debbie welcomed four boys into the world. During this same time George was co-owner of Creative Associates for 9 years.

In 1972 George once again blended his creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit to start up a one man operation and The Ohley Advertising Agency was created. As the boys grew so did the fledgling advertising agency. Landing the John Deere account was a feather in his cap and soon there was too much work for one person and the agency started to grow. Deb became involved and The Ohley Advertising Agency welcomed clients into their office and home. Many of their clients would later become lifelong friends. Just a few recognizable logos George created were the “A” for the Assumption Knights athletic department, the Green Thumbers, and Glynn’s Creek Golf Course.

Much of the client entertaining occurred at Deb and George’s charming home. Their door was always open and guests were welcomed with smiles, hugs, delicious food and libations. George’s zest for life was vast. His creative mind was constantly on. He could find beauty and art in the simplest objects. Up until the very end he was creating beautiful art pieces. He was a walking radio constantly singing and every name reminded him of a song that he would start singing.

After 33 successful years, George and Deb closed The Ohley Agency in 2005. After retiring George spent countless hours spending time with friends and family, creating artwork, reading, playing the piano, and listening to music. He was a Knight of Columbus and a member at Lindsay Park Yacht Club. As an avid golfer, George enjoyed being a member of Davenport Country Club and Springbrook Country Club. He was a vice-chairman and board member of the Art Legacy League, preserving the work of Fr. Catich.

But what George really loved and what brought him the most joy was his wife and family. George and Deb enjoyed entertaining friends, traveling to visit family, warming themselves in the waters off South Carolina, or basking in the sun during winter retreats to Palm Desert.

Those left to carry on Geo’s legacy are his four sons, their wives and grandchildren. Tod (Susie) of Bloomington, IL; Dirk (Kathryn) of Media, PA; Jeff (Michelle) of Chesterfield, MO; Brent (Chantell) of Temecula, CA. Grandchildren TJ (Kristina), Shayna, Will, Margaret, Kaitlyn (Curtis Day), Austin

After Deb’s passing in 2012, George remained active and independent. The kind and loving people who the family owe a debt of gratitude is too long to mention. Please know that without you, Geo could not have made it for as long as he did without your unconditional love.