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Russell Ahner Obituary
Russell Clair "Rusty" Ahner, 64, of Overlook Drive, Franklin Township, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 21, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of DonnaMarie (Heckman) Ahner, with whom he celebrated 38 years of marriage on April 30.
Born in Lehighton on Feb. 1, 1957, he was the son of Jean (Wotring) Ahner of Franklin Township, and the late Russell "Bups" and Daisy (Ash-
worth) Ahner Jr.
He was a 1975 graduate of Lehigh-
ton Area High School.
Rusty was currently employed by R&D Power Sports in Palmerton, since its establishment in 1999.
Rusty was involved with the Franklin Township Athletic Association for 20-plus years, was involved in various bowling leagues, a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, a die-hard groupie to the band "Mystery City", and an avid racing fan.
He enjoyed watching his son, Jared, race at Mahoning Valley Speedway with the No. 18 race car, where he proudly served as the crew chief.
Rusty adored spending time with his family whether it be camping or visiting Knoebels Amusement Park each year, and most of all, he loved being "Pappy" to all his grandchildren.
Rusty was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Lehighton, and the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are a daughter, SarahAnn (Ahner) Graver, wife of Luke Graver; and a son, Jared Ahner, and his wife Megan (Graver) Ahner, all of Franklin Township; six grandchildren, Cadence, Cora and Charlotte Graver, Mia Graver, Weston and Logan Ahner; a sister, Karen Tracy; an aunt, Lois Remaley; and an uncle, Willard Ahner (Judy), all of Franklin Township; stepsisters, Marylyn Szakacs, Debra Turner and Lisa Beidleman; stepbrothers, Trevor Shellhammer and Jeffrey Shellhammer; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant sister, Sandra.
Service: A celebration of life will be arranged in Spring/Summer of 2022. Contributions can be made in his honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation online at www.jdrf.org or by check, with the appropriate donation form (Greater Delaware Valley Chapter), and sent to "JDRF, P.O. BOX 37920, Boone, IA 50037-0920"; or the American Heart Association online at www.heart.org.
Arrangements by Ovsak Funeral Home, Lehighton. Online condolences can be offered at www.ovsakfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Ahner
Sponsored by Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc..
Dan Freeman
December 2, 2021
I only knew Rusty from a business standpoint but I always looked forward to reminiscing with him about "the good old days" in the motorcycle business. It was an honor to have known him, he will be missed.
Cathi Sebelin
November 30, 2021
My sympathy to you and your family.
Keith Hunsicker
November 24, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amanda Schwartz (Ahner)
November 23, 2021
Donna, Jared, Sarah, and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you! My boys have fond memories with Rusty, and I am so grateful for his kindness and the laughs that we all shared together. He will be remembered with admiration. Hugs!
Amanda, Alleigh, Greyson & Parker
Jackie and Chuck Morrow
November 23, 2021
Donna, Jared and Sarah
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was always very nice and I´m sure will be missed.
Mike and Cindy warden
November 23, 2021
He will definitely be missed, he was a great guy,always had a smile on his face. I always liked talking to him when I would see him at the PitGate at MVS.
Thoughts and prayers to the whole family
Chad Fritzinger
November 23, 2021
Donna, Jared and the Ahner family are in our prayers in this rough time. May the memories of Rusty live on. My sincerest Condolences.
The Wilkinson´s and the Nace´s
November 23, 2021
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time! He was a great person!
Jill and Regan Turko
November 23, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family
Gloria Bowman
November 23, 2021
Dear Donna and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rusty´s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May your cherished memories sustain you for years to come.
george e zellers
November 23, 2021
My Condolences to the Family, May he Rest In Peace...
American Heart Association
November 23, 2021
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Funeral services provided by:
Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.190 S 4th St, Lehighton, PA 18235-2037
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