Kenneth Alvin Ahrens

Monday, October 23, 2017 4:42 pm

Kenneth Alvin Ahrens, 73, of Decorah formerly of Osage, died Saturday, Oct.21, 2017, at his home in Decorah. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Avenue, Osage, with Pastor Roy Ott officiating. Burial is in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Kenneth was born Nov. 26, 1943, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. The son of Alvin and Rosella (Norby) Ahrens, Kenneth was baptized and confirmed at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage. He attended school and graduated from Osage High School. After graduation he attended a farm operations program at Iowa State and then began farming the home farm southwest of Osage. Kenneth was married to Susan Saltou in 1963. To this union three children were born. Kenneth and Susan were later divorced. He purchased the Northwood Bowling Alley and restaurant. Kenneth married Cheryl Smith at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah Oct. 20, 1989. Kenneth then managed the Norby Farm Fleet in Decorah until his retirement in 2015.

He enjoyed fishing, motorcycling, tending to his beautiful lawn, visiting with family and friends, watching sports and caring for his beloved dogs. He was an avid football fan. Go Hawks!

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Cheryl Ahrens of Decorah; two sons, Christopher (Kaylene) Ahrens and their children: Mikayla and Tegan of Rock Falls, Benjamin Ahrens (Jodi) and his children, Abby and Kelly of Decorah; step-children, Betty Jo (Richard) Rohrig and daughter, Amanda of Aurora, Alan (Angie) Fox and their children, Mason and Jaxon of Independence; and a daughter at heart, BreAnn Hemesath; three sisters: Elaine Harman of Mason City, Lois (Jerry) Honken of Lockport, N.Y. and Dorothy (Jim) Moody of Osage; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother and sister; son Gregory in 2004; a niece Shelly; and brother-in-law Keith Harman.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hope Lodge of Rochester, 411 2nd St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

Information available and condolences accepted at champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, in Osage 641-732-3706.