Gary D. Aherns, Sr., age 69, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away June 21, 2013, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born August 1, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to the late Harry and Lucille (Judy) Aherns. He graduated Thomas Jefferson High School in 1961 and earned double associate degrees while in the Air Force.
Gary proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After his discharge, Gary had a dual career, serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (tech sergeant) for 26 years and driving for ABF Freight System for 30 years, retiring in 1998. That same year, Gary married Denise Howard.
Gary was a member of Refuge Bible Church and the Nifty Fifties Car Club. He also volunteered for Good News Jail and Prison Ministry.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by infant daughter, Patricia; son, Harry Aherns; brother, Harry Aherns; and nephew, Justin Williams.
Gary is survived by his wife of 15 years, Denise Aherns, of Council Bluffs; daughters, Denise Aherns, of Treynor, Iowa, Michelle Aherns, of Council Bluffs, Sheri (Dave) Smith, of Crescent, Iowa; sons, Gary (Dawn) Aherns, Jr., Brian Aherns, Jim Aherns, all of Council Bluffs, Jeff (Nancy) Peterson, of Omaha; 21 grandchildren; sister, Grace (Mike) Traylor of Council Bluffs; brothers, Teddy (Laura) Aherns, Jerry (Connie) Aherns, all of Council Bluffs, Steve (Linda) Aherns, of Elkhorn, Neb.; many nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family Monday, 4 to 8 p.m., at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Funeral service Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Crossroads Christian Center, 1307 N. 29th Street. Pastor Rick Dill, long-time friend, will officiate. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors tendered by the Offutt AFB Honor Guard.
A lunch will immediately follow at Refuge Bible Church, 634 Willow Avenue. The family will direct memorials. The family invites all antique car club members to participate with the procession to the cemetery.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
