of Little Rock, AR

November 7, 1933 - December 4, 2023

John Peter Ahlgrim (Mr. Pete) aged 90, died December 4, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was formerly of Pine Bluff, AR. He was born in Oak Park, IL on November 7, 1933 to Adrian and Ann Ahlgrim. He graduated from Riverside/Brookfield High School and then Bradley University in 1956, with a degree in manufacturing. He began his career with Sunbeam Corporation, in Chicago, until he was drafted by the army. When he found he was to be sent to Germany he and Joan Hamilton married on December 26, 1956 in Crystal Lake, IL, a union that would last 67 years minus 22 days. She followed him to Germany and they enjoyed traveling to several countries during that time. He returned to his employment with Sunbeam in the Quality Control Department. At this stage of his life he discovered a new hobby. The gift of a walnut tree from a friend led to the making of furniture. It was something he enjoyed and was quite good at. In 1968 Sunbeam named him manager of their plant in Dumas, AR where all of the mixers were manufactured. Although he and his family lived in Pine Bluff, and he commuted to Dumas every day, he became involved in many activities and organizations in Dumas through the Chamber of Commerce, which he presided over in 1973. He was also included in Who's Who in Arkansas in 1974. The Ahlgrims were members of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder and Clerk of the session. Among many other activities in the church, he served as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 100 while his son was active. They joined Eden Park and Rosswood Country Clubs where he enjoyed tennis and golf. He served on the Rosswood board as treasurer. Sunbeam moved him back to the Chicago plant where he was put in charge of all the Sunbeam plants in the south, which involved much travel. After 24 years with Sunbeam he left to manage Poly Processing, Inc. in Monroe, La. When the business was sold his family was happy to move back to Pine Bluff. where he joined Stant Manufacturing Corporation as Human Resource Director. Following his retirement from Stant he was called on several times to fill in as Human Resource Director in other companies. He enjoyed a reputation of integrity and fairness. His last employment was as the Facilities Manager for First Presbyterian Church.

One activity in Pine Bluff in which he took part was the Festival of Lights Christmas light display in Regional Park. He joined the crew the second year they were assembled and served on its board for many years. This was a favorite for him and he was honored to turn the lights on one year. Another board of which he was a long-term member and president was Jenkins Memorial Center.

Peter is survived by his wife, Joan Hamilton, son David (Kim), daughter Deborah, both of Little Rock, grandchildren Drew Ahlgrim (Katie) of Houston, Tx., Katie Hopkins (Jack), of Little Rock and Rebecca Dedman of Little Rock, two great-granddaughters Libby and Helen Hopkins of Little Rock, his brother James (Merrilee) of Hinsdale, Il. and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held in the near future. If you would care to make a memorial gift in his honor a contribution to Alzheimer's Research, the Boy Scouts of America or an organization of your own choosing would be appreciated.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com