Michael T. Ahles

Michael T. Ahles, 67, of Wesley Chapel, passed away on December 26, 2024. Michael Ahles was a kind and hardworking man who, despite many hardships, always stayed positive. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota and raised and lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Michael faced challenges from a young age, like growing up in foster care, but these experiences shaped his life into becoming a stronger and motivated man.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Naoko; three daughters, Ashley & Chris Hink, Lindsey & Eric Francis, and Courtney & Jeremy King; five grandchildren, Tristin, Zoe, Carrie, Carter, and Oliver; and two bonus children, Jeffry and Misty.
He was a loving father to Ashley, Lindsey, and Courtney, and a devoted husband to his first wife, Kelly. He loved traveling and enjoyed taking his family on two big trips a year as they were growing up so they could experience new places and make new memories together. He reminisced on family hobbies like raising butterflies together and always had a laugh that he was around 4 girls in the home but wouldn't have wanted it any other way. As the girls grew up, they gave Michael the gift of becoming a grandfather. Michael loved sharing stories that taught life lessons and always found ways to make people laugh. His sense of humor brightened every room he entered.
He worked as an environmental control technician for the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, for 40 years, making lifelong friends who continued to stay in touch after his retirement. He had many good memories in his career and funny stories to tell.
During his retirement, he married his current wife, Naoko, to spend and enjoy his last decade with traveling and relaxing. He became a wonderful stepfather to Naoko's kids, Misty and Jeffry. He always offered guidance, support, and looked forward to seeing where life would lead them.
Michael was a collector, with a passion for finding and preserving unique insects like rare butterflies and moths that he raised since he studied entomology. He would also collect and sell vintage items. Barbra Streisand owns a very expensive vintage lamp he sold to this day!
He enjoyed and made professions out of fishing and scuba diving due to his deep love of the ocean and would take any chance to camp in the woods, go shooting, or be outdoors. Along with outdoor activities, he has read over thousands of books because he loved to learn which would explain the many certifications he earned to improve his educational and professional life.
No matter what he was going through, Michael always stayed positive. If anyone asked how he was doing, he would respond with a smile, "Best day ever!" even on the hardest days. His generous and thoughtful nature, along with his humor, and humbleness, left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all.