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 President’s Community Advisory Board for Lindenwood University, 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, Board of Directors of the St. Louis Regional Chamber, and Ex-Officio Member of St. Louis Civic Progress.
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.