Willis Ahlers

Willis Lee "Willie" Ahlers went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 20, 2025, after dealing with complications from Parkinson's Disease. Willie lived a full and hardworking life, pouring his heart into everything he did.
He loved helping others and took tremendous joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent cheering them on at basketball and soccer games, proudly watching from the stands. Willie also cherished being outdoors, especially when working in the yard or tending to his Case tractors.
Above all, the most important part of Willie's life was his relationship with Jesus. He shared his faith openly and sincerely with nearly everyone he met, offering encouragement, compassion, and a steadfast example of a life lived with purpose and devotion.
Willie was born in Watertown, South Dakota, on March 28, 1945, to Peter and Annie Ahlers. He later moved with his family to Worthington, Minnesota, where they continued farming. It was there that he met the love of his life, Grace Gravenhof. The two were married on September 21, 1965, and spent many of their early years together in the restaurant business in Inwood, Iowa.
A few years after welcoming their son Bryan, Willie and Grace returned to the work Willie truly loved-farming. They spent the next 32 years dairy farming in Ocheyedan, Iowa, before moving to Lynden, Washington, in 2012 to be closer to Bryan and his family. In Lynden, Willie started AW Hauling, delivering small loads of soil throughout Whatcom County, where he continued serving others in his quiet, dependable way.
Willie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace; his son Bryan and daughter-in-law Kim; his grandchildren Carter, Noah, Easton, and EllaMae; his brothers Everett and John; and his sisters Ada and Shirlie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Annie, and his brother Pete.
Willie will be remembered for his kindness, humility, strong faith, and the love he showed to everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the countless lives he touched.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Reformed Church of Lynden, WA, or Lynden Christian School.
All are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gillies Funeral Home Chapel. The graveside committal will be at 10:15 a.m., on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.