MARCUS—Ervin John Ahlers, 91, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, surrounded by family.
Ervin was born on May 13, 1932, on the farm near Remsen, to Lawrence and Olivia (Sudtelgte) Ahlers. Throughout his life, Ervin touched the hearts of many with his kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for his family, faith and community.
Ervin was raised and educated in Remsen, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1950. After three years of farming, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1953. Ervin proudly served his country overseas in the 45th Division in Korea for six months, then transferring to the 25th Division in Korea and Hawaii. He earned 3 stripes before returning home in 1955, to pursue a career in farming and begin his family.
He married the love of his life, JoAnn Harpenau on Oct. 16, 1956, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. The couple farmed north of Remsen for over 40 years until moving into town in 1994 when Ervin was semi-retired. He then began working at Joe’s Ready Mix from 1994 until 2006. After his full retirement in October 2006, Ervin continued to engage in his love for farming as a part-time windshield farmer.
Ervin was a life-long member of the Remsen St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served on the St. Mary’s School Board and Parish Board. He also served as eucharistic minister and lector in the parish. He played many vital roles in maintaining the beauty and grandeur of the church.
Ervin was deeply involved in various community organizations and held leadership positions. He served on the Farmers Coop Elevator Board where he eventually became president for five of the 10 years. He was a Catholic Order of Forester, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a 4th Degree Grand Knight. Ervin was a respected member of VFW and Legion. He spent countless hours as co-chairman with Jerry Augustine designing, funding and constructing the Veteran’s Memorial in Remsen Cemetery/St. Mary’s Cemetery.
His character and dedication to serving others earned him the title of Remsen Citizen of the Year in 2012.
Ervin’s proudest accomplishments were not only limited to his professional and community work but also encompassed his role within his family. He cherished nothing more than spending time with his loved ones and was known for his love of playing cards — especially pinochle.
Survivors include six children, Renee (Ron) Strand of Spirit Lake, Paul (Mary) Ahlers of Holstein, Ken (Bonnie) Ahlers of Remsen, Karen Foushee of Sioux City, Keith (Cindy) Ahlers of Remsen, and LuAnn (Dave) Hintz of Rapid City, South Dakota; 18 grandchildren; Melissa Strand (Dan Burns), Laura (Josh) Sherburne, Stephanie Strand, Matt Ahlers (Donna Waters, fiancé), Steve (Audrey) Ahlers, Amanda (Dusty) Heitmann, Jessica (Josh) Worthley, Kendra (Brent) Richter, Stacie (Matt) Sheley, Kayla (Jake) Eledge, Kimberly (Dylan) Sartin, Ryan Buffington, Jacob (Joanie) Ahlers, Craig (Jennifer) Ahlers, Justina Ahlers, Shaylynn (Spencer) Stoeffler, Catherine Hintz, and Danielle Hintz; 32 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Lorraine Pohlen of Chanhassen, Minnesota, LaDonna Ahlers of Omaha, Nebraska; in-laws, Veronica Harpenau, Pauline Harpenau and Larry Galles, all of Remsen, Rosemary Schilmoeller of Granville, Carol Harpenau (Linda Leonard) of Omaha, Nebraska, Jim Gergeni of Le Mars; many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
Ervin is reunited in peace with those who have passed before him: his beloved wife JoAnn Ahlers; grandson, Lucas Ahlers; great-granddaughter, Josephine Worthley; parents, Lawrence and Olivia Ahlers; sister, Mary Ann Garvin; in-laws, Henry and Mildred Harpenau; brothers-in-law, Mike Pohlen, Donnie Garvin, Paul Harpenau, Darrel Schroeder, Jim Harpenau, Rich Harpenau, Clarence Harpenau, Denis Schilmoeller; sisters-in-law, Colette Schroeder, Mary Lea Harpenau, Lou Gergeni, Ann Galles and Jeanette Harpenau (in infancy).
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus, with the Rev. Timothy Pick officiating and Deacon Doug Heeren assisting. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen. Graveside military honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 3328 and American Legion Post 220 of Remsen. Visitation with family present is from 4-7 p.m., Monday, with a Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters rosary, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Presentation and vigil prayer service at 5 p.m., all at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen. Visitation will resume from 9:30-10:15 a.m., Tuesday at the church.
Casket bearers will be Steve Ahlers, Craig Ahlers, Matt Sheley, Brent Richter, Dustin Heitmann and Catherine Hintz.
In lieu of gifts and flowers direct memorials to the family, for a cause to be decided at a later date. Please send to P.O. Box 23, Remsen, Iowa 51050.
Services have been entrusted to the Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.www.fischfh.com
