Ehlmann earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Furman University in Greenville, S.C.; a Master of Arts in history from the University of Missouri-Columbia; and a Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis. He was a teacher and coach in public schools for seven years and a practicing attorney for 12 years.
A lifelong resident of St. Charles County, Ehlmann serves on the Lindenwood University President’s Council, and speaks to many community organizations about St. Charles County history and governmental issues. He is a member of the Executive Board of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments.
Ehlmann is a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for the State Historical Society of Missouri and the Board of Trustees of the Missouri Historical Society. He has authored a history of St. Charles County and numerous articles.
He has been awarded the Defender of Life Award from Missouri Right to Life; Missouri Sunshine Award from the Missouri Press Association; Voice of Missouri Business Award from Associated Industries of Missouri; Heroes Award from Compass Health Network (formerly Crider Center for Mental Health); the Sibley Medallion from Lindenwood University; and the Jones Viles Award from Friends of the Missouri State Archives.
Ehlmann and his wife Jean have two sons.