Allen Ahrens

COLUMBUS - Allen Carl Ahrens, 87, of Columbus, died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the Beverly Healthcare in Columbus.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, with the Rev. Richard Bringewatt officiating. Burial is at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in rural Columbus, with military honors by the American Legion Honor Guard, Hartman Post No. 84.

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, and will continue on Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Monday at 10:15 a.m., also at the church.

Mr. Ahrens was born Sept. 8, 1918, in rural Platte County, to Edwin and Emma (Mueller) Ahrens. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church, north of Columbus. Allen attended school at Christ Lutheran and later in life attained his G.E.D.

Allen married Louise Marty on Nov. 1, 1939, in Lincoln. On March 31, 1944, Allen entered the United States Navy, where he served for two years on a destroyer in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 29, 1945.

Allen delivered bulk petroleum, operated several service stations, and was an inspector for the State Department of Motor Vehicles. After his retirement, Allen worked for Ernst Auto Center in his "dream job", delivering new cars to dealers and buyers throughout the Midwest for 20 years.

Allen was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. He served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and chairman of the congregation. Allen was very active in the Lutheran Layman's League, serving as president of the Nebraska District for several years. He also served a term on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska District of the LCMS.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Ahrens of Columbus; one daughter, Patricia (Glenn) Ohlmann of Seward; one son, Robert Ahrens of Boulder, Colo.; one daughter-in-law, Irene Ahrens of Superior, Colo.; five grandchildren, Allison Ahrens of Denver, Jeffrey (Kristen) Ohlmann of Bloomington, Minn., John (Jenn) Ahrens of Westminster, Colo., Katie (Chris) Staples of Greenwood Village, Colo., and Suzanne Ohlmann of New York City; and one great-granddaughter, Alannah Staples of Greenwood Village, Colo.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Emma Ahrens; three brothers, Paul Ahrens, Arlo Ahrens and Marvin Ahrens; and one infant sister, Arnella Ahrens.

Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, the Lutheran Hour, or donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gasshaney.com.