Edward Ahrens

d. April 12, 2011

Edward Ahrens Profile Photo

Edward August Ahrens passed away Thursday, April 12th at Riverstone Hospice surrounded by his family. He was 95 years old.

The patriarch of his family, Edward was born March 22, 1917 in Wolf Point, MT to Fred and Lydia Ahrens (Radke). He grew up farming, riding horses and doing chores. During the winters as a young kid, he would hitch Roany and Lizzy, the team he broke himself, to the sled box and pick up all the kids on his long route to school. Many times, his route had 6 feet high snow drifts and 60 below zero temperatures. His passion for riding horses continued well into his later years. He graduated from 8th grade at Southview Elementary and at age 85, he received an honorary high school diploma for his life experience. He worked on the family farm until he went into the service in 1941. He was a WWII honoree and proudly served in the 41st infantry division in the South Pacific Islands; his specialty was working on Piper Cubs.

He had many hobbies, which included rock hounding and lapidary, and he was an avid member of the Billings Gem and Mineral Club. He received many ribbons and awards for his displays and even received first place for best lapidary in 2011. He enjoyed spending an early morning chatting with his coffee gals. He loved painting, writing poetry, whittling and carving boots, diamond willow canes, horses and jewelry for his granddaughters. He spent his later years travelling around Montana attending WWII and family reunions, as well as visiting historical sites and museums. He was an active member of the senior center, participating in multitude of activities. Edward never had an empty slot in his planner.

He was married to Dorothy Grace Bogar who passed away after 45 years of marriage. He is survived by his brother Bill Ahrens, and sisters Eileen Sethre and Eunice Phillips, his son Clayton Ahrens, six grandchildren: Megan, Aaron, Amber, Lindsey, Caleb and Amanda and 3 great grandchildren: Halie, Kayden and Arianna and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friend Pat Moore. He is preceded in death by his sister and brother Inez Rouis and Vernon Ahrens and his daughter Claudia Wilson (Ahrens) and two close friends, Eleanor Miller and Mary Bedford.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 17th from 1pm to 8pm at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary and funeral services will be held 11 am, Wednesday, April 18th at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.

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