Roman John Ohnemus of Ventura passed away on the morning of Friday, May 22, 2026, at home with his beloved wife, Virginia, by his side. They had just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in December of 2025.
Roman was born on January 8, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois, to Eugene Ohnemus and Mary Klatt Ohnemus. After attending high school, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines in 1944 and served during World War II. He was awarded the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal in 2023.
Roman met and married his true soulmate, Virginia Hoffman, also from Quincy while on leave. They married in 1950. They began a family and in 1956 the young family of 7 moved to Sylmar CA. They added a son to their family in Sylmar. Roman and Virginia decided that Sylmar was not the right fit and they moved their family to Ventura. After moving to Ventura, another son was born. Roman loved the area with its trees, farmland, ocean views and mountains as it reminded him as his happiest childhood days on his Grandpa Klatt’s farm outside Quincy. He had found his true home and his young family thrived.
Roman spent his career as a Realtor in Ventura and was truly a jack of all trades. If something needed fixing, he would learn how to do it and handle the job himself.
Roman was preceded in death by his first daughter Mary Jane. Born at 6 months and passed within 2 days, Michael at the age of 30 and Joan Bierly at age 64. Both left behind loved ones. Roman is survived by his loving wife, Virginia and children Gary and Steve, both of Arkansas, Ron of Nevada, and Randy and Peggy Amescua Mills of Ventura, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and his dog Buddy. The family was always close and have each other’s back to this day. That made Roman proud. Roman also had lots of friends, however at age 98 he will see then on the other side.
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass Friday, June 19th, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Rd, Ventura. Graveside service will follow with Military Honors at 1:00 pm in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura CA 93003.