Arlen G. Ahlers

PIERCE -- Memorial service for Arlen G. Ahlers, 89, will be held at a later date at Zion Lutheran Church in Pierce. Arlen died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Premier Estates of Pierce. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of arrangements. Arlen was born to August and Anna (Seevers) Ahlers on February 10, 1931 in Gregory County, South Dakota. He was baptized on March 10, 1931 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Naper, Nebraska, and confirmed on March 25, 1945 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Gibbon, Minnesota. Arlen attended country school in Boyd County, Nebraska to grade 6; St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Gibbon, Minnesota for grades 7 and 8; and high school in Naper, Nebraska, graduating in 1949. After high school, Arlen attended Minneapolis Business College where he earned an accounting diploma. He continued his education at Concordia University Nebraska, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma. In 1962, he received a Master of Science degree in education from Queens College in Flushing, New York. He completed additional post-graduate studies in the areas of Religion, History, and Administration. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, including 14 months at a radar base in the former French Morocco. On May 29, 1955, Arlen married Dorothy Bohlsen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Omaha. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Nancy, Julie, and John. Arlen served The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod for 34 years as a teacher and/or administrator at Trinity, Hicksville, New York, and in Southern California at Ascension, Torrance; Christ, Costa Mesa; and St. John’s, Orange. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Arlen served on many boards and committees both on district and congregational levels. These included the Los Angeles Lutheran High School Board of Directors; Pacific Southwest District Lutheran Educators Conference President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; School Evaluation Chairman; Financial Aid Chairman; and Lay Leadership Training Director. He also served as congregational Bible Study Program Coordinator, Bethel Series Administrator, Theological Studies Committee Member, and Adult Information Class Instructor. After retirement, Arlen returned to Nebraska and was a member at Zion, Pierce. He enjoyed writing poetry, compiling family history, reading, and volunteering at Zion Lutheran School, Pierce, and at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk. Survivors include his wife Dorothy (Dottie) Ahlers; their children: Nancy Ahlers, Julie Butler, and John and wife Laura Ahlers; 8 grandchildren: Timothy Craven, Matthew Craven, Megan Short, Daniel Napolitano, Rachel Griel, Beth Williams, Amelia Ahlers, and Josiah Ahlers; 5 great-grandchildren: Eden Short, Mabel Short, Oliver Short, Ruth Williams, and Esther Williams; and brother Wayne Ahlers and wife Virginia; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Linda Lunderborg and husband Roger, his brother Laurence Ahlers and wife Gladys, and his brother Walter Ahlers and wife Betty. Donations may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Arlen G. Ahlers

February 10, 1931 - March 22, 2020