Paul Richard Ahrens

Paul Ahrens, 82, of Grinnell, died on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at the home of his daughter in Spokane, Washington. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church near Malcom with Rev. Kalen Barkhotz, pastor of the church, officiating. Music will be provided by Teresa Ziegenmeyer, organist, and Nicole Arendt, vocalist. Casket Bearers will be William Ahrens, Randall Ives, Ronald Johnston, Wendell Kinnaird, Pat White and Daniel Ziegenmeyer. The Grinnell Veterans Ceremonial Unit will provide flag presentation rites. Interment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Church near Malcom, Iowa. Friends may call at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell beginning 12 noon on Friday. Should friends desire memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Paul was born on September 5, 1929, in Grinnell, Iowa to Stanley and Ruby Butler Ahrens. He was raised on the family farm and attended rural school. In 1948, he graduated from Grinnell High School. He served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On December 22, 1950, he was married to Juanita C. Anderson at the Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Grinnell and he worked for over 20 years with Farm Service and for 10 years with the Poweshiek County Road Maintenance Department. During his retirement he assisted the Smith Funeral Home for a few years. Paul was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and the Elks Lodge of Grinnell. He enjoyed building model airplanes, collecting John Deere toys, bowling and golf. He also restored eight John Deere antique tractors. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Ahrens of Grinnell; one daughter, Barbara (Dennis) Bunkers of Spokane, Washington; one daughter-in-law, Julie Ahrens of Lawrence, Kansas; four grandchildren, Justin (Jerri) Ahrens, Andrea (Andy) Franklin, Kimberly (Keith) Brewer and Kelly (Nick) Bowman; two great grandchildren, Matthew Ahrens and Aimee Franklin; one brother, Donald (Linda) Ahrens of Grinnell; and one sister, Norma (Bill) Fritz of Carlyle, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Ahrens; one brother, Raymond Ahrens; and one sister, Mary Ellen Curphy.