John James Ahern Jr.

John Ahern, Jr. Obituary
"I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do." - John 17:4
John James Ahern, Jr.
January 16, 1966 - May 8, 2024
It is with great sorrow, but also great hope and trust in the Lord's mercy, that we announce the passing of John James Ahern, Jr. He earned his eternal reward on May 8, 2024, at 6:15pm at the age of 58.
John is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 34 years, Jan (Cheesman); six treasured children, John James, III (Ashley), Mark (Marykate), Anna, Luke, Sara Jane, Mary Grace and three pre-born babies; three beloved grandchildren, Vivienne, Audrey, Finnian and two pre-born grandchildren; mother, Marilyn Rita Ahern (Stupek); siblings, Emily (John), Sara (Leon), Paul (Carmen), Karyn (Neil), Renee (Matthew); Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Kay and Harold Cheesman; brother-in-law Barry Cheesman (Julie); sister-in-law Kelly Leipold (Lance); thirteen nieces and nephews, one great-niece, six Godchildren, two Aunts, three Uncles and 18 cousins. John is preceded in death by his father, John James Ahern, Sr, three Uncles, four Aunts, and Grandparents.
John was born in Chicago, IL, to Marilyn and John "Jack" Ahern on January 16, 1966. He grew up in a faith-filled and fun-loving household. John was an active child often found studying the mechanics of a toaster or building a backyard fort and bicycle ramp out of pallet wood. He attended Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish School in Park Ridge, IL, through the eighth grade and attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, for high school. John received a biology degree from Creighton University in 1988. It was at his alma mater that he met Jan, who quickly became the love of his life. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton in 1992.
John and Jan were married on December 22, 1989, the coldest day in Omaha history! In their 34 years of marriage, John and Jan welcomed their six greatest blessings, their children. John was the ultimate family man, he authentically lived his God-given vocation of a husband and father everyday. He enjoyed all things family, especially when all 13 were gathered around the table, squished into one pew, or cheering each other on at sporting events. He adored his devoted and faithful wife, Jan. In his own words to his oldest granddaughter, he proudly said, "Mimi [Jan] is my favorite person, next to Jesus."
John was an accomplished dentist, who served his patients alongside an esteemed and deeply valued team, with great skill and even greater compassion. John ended his dental career just four weeks before his passing. Dentistry was his passion, and truly a way in which he served the Lord through his talents and gifts. John was the most tender and caring dentist, oftentimes more regarded as a confidant and a friend than a skilled clinician. He served while always offering a smile from the other side of the dental chair. While not serving as a dentist, John loved traveling with his wife and family, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, playing with his grandchildren, serving as a lector at Mass, and volunteering at the soup kitchen. John was a proud parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and active in the wide-reaching Denver Catholic community.
In February of 2023, John was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. One of John's first responses to the diagnosis was, "If my illness brings just one person closer to Jesus, then my mission is complete." John's cancer journey started with complete embracement of the Lord's will and radical acceptance of the suffering that was sure to come. He always had radical hope for a miracle cure. With this Christ-centered attitude, John endured a fourteen month battle that included eighteen rounds of chemotherapy, three months of a clinical trial, and three more rounds of chemo. His cancer journey eventually led to a radical acceptance of God's will: God brought many back to Himself through John's suffering and death. Mission complete.
In the last months of his life, John suffered with great purpose. He truly united his pain with that of Jesus on the Cross as well as offering it up for others. He suffered silently without complaint, and with great and selfless courage. John was overcome with gratitude by the love and compassion that The Body of Christ showed him, often bringing him to his knees. We would be remiss if we did not end with John's own continuous words, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to one of these charities that were very close to John's heart, Emmaus Catholic Hospice or St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Please add a comment that your donation is being made in memory of John Ahern.
Emmaus Catholic Hospice: 5290 E. Yale Circle, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80222
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary: 1300 S Steele St. Denver, CO 80210 Click here for live stream access.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John James Ahern, Jr., please visit our floral store.