BARRY AHRENS

He was born in Fort Dodge, IA December 10, 1938, only son of the late Albert Ahrens and Violet Benshoof Ahrens. He and Karlene Hoeppner married January 31, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manson, Iowa.

He served in the Air National Guard and the US Air Force then went on to work for Pittsburgh Plate Glass, John Deere and worked the bulk of his career as a Design Engineer with Caterpillar. He held several patents for his design work.

Karlene passed away in 2008 after 48 years of marriage. Surviving are their 5 children: Nicolett Sampson (Scott) of Kingston Springs, TN; Matt Ahrens (Rebekah) of Malta, IL; Stacey Cowley (Simon) of Greenville, TX; Christine Huggins (Steven) of Rocky Point, NC and Wendy Ahrens of St. Joseph, MI. In addition, Cindy Wycoff (John) of Haslett, MI.

Papa Barry had 26 grandchildren & great-grandchildren, three sisters (the late Claudia Siesennop, the vibrant Sheila Dunteman and the always joyful Joy True) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Condolences at www.wilmingtoncares.com.