OBITUARY: David Paul Ahrens

David Paul Ahrens, 72, of Ridgway, passed away at his home 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014.

He was born on Feb. 3, 1942, in Valmeyer, the son of Eugene H. and Lucretia (Unterseh) Ahrens. David married Rose Anna Wuertz on April 16, 1966, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2009.

He served our country in the Air Force in Vietnam from 1960 to 1964. Also he retired from the Illinois State Police after 32 years of service. He served in District 5 Joliet, District 11 Collinsville, District 11-A Litchfield and District 19 Carmi. He retired with rank of Lieutenant and was the District 19 Commander. A faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church, he was also in the Knights of Columbus L.A. Lambert Council No. 1581. David was a member of the Ridgway American Legion Post No. 596.

He is survived by his mother, Lucretia Kipping of Columbia; one daughter, Sara and husband Bill Arbaugh of Evansville, Ind.; three sons, Michael and wife Kathie Ahrens of Ridgway, Paul and wife Jordan Ahrens of Ridgway and Scott Ahrens of Bloomington; one sister, Marlene Middleton of Waterloo; one brother, Ronald D. Ahrens of O'Fallon; and five grandchildren, Austin, Sidney, Valerie, Jacob and Ava.

He was preceded in death by his father; two sisters, Patricia A. Haberl and Helen Mae Lueking; and one brother, Eugene H. Ahrens Jr.

Visitation for David will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shawneetown with prayer service at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at the church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, with Father Steven Beatty officiating. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Ridgway. Vickery Funeral Chapel of Ridgway in charge of arrangements.

Memorials in David's memory may be made to VNA Hospice or to St. Kateri building fund.

Internet condolences may be made at the website www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.