Gary Ahrens

Gary Wayne Ahrens, son of Walter and Cleo (Worden) Ahrens, was born May 30, 1942 in Jackson, Minnesota. He was baptized the day he was born and confirmed in 1956 at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Okabena, MN. Gary grew up on a farm south of Okabena and attended school in Okabena, graduating in 1960 from Okabena High School. He continued his education at Alexandria Vocational Technical School, graduating in 1965. Following his schooling, he moved to the Twin Cities area, where he worked various jobs for the next four years. On October 14, 1967, he was united in marriage to Linda Rae Winterboer in Okabena. In 1970, the couple returned to Southwest Minnesota and made their home near Brewster, Minnesota, where they raised their two children and farmed until 1985. Gary then went to work for Swift Incorporated in Worthington, where he worked for the next 21 years, retiring in 2006. Gary and Linda then moved to Windom, where they have continued to make their home.



Gary currently was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom. He previously served on the Development Club and the Lion's Club. Gary enjoyed hunting, antique tractors, wildlife, conservation, traveling and visiting with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his granddaughters.



Gary died on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 65 years.



He is survived by his wife: Linda Ahrens of Windom; one daughter: Michele (Mark) Papesh of Donnelly; one son: Scott (Michelle) Ahrens of Big Lake and three granddaughters: Kayla, Miranda and Megan. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Warren Ahrens and sister-in-law: Sandra Ahrens.



Carol Vought will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.