Clarence A. Ahlers

Clarence A. Ahlers, 92, of Remsen, died Monday, October 10, 2011, at his home near Remsen.        Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen with Rev. William McCarthy officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be anytime after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011. There will be a parish rosary at 3 p.m. and a vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. all at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.        Clarence was born July 31, 1919 to Herman and Josephine (Koch) Ahlers. He was raised in Granville, IA and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Alton, IA. After graduation he worked for several area farmers including Martin Ludwig where he met his wife, Norma. Clarence and Norma were married January 19, 1943 in Remsen, IA on a 27 degrees below zero afternoon. Clarence and Norma farmed Northeast of Remsen and continued to live on the farm after retiring.        Clarence enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He loved attending the horse races, playing pinochle with friends and many children will probably remember his gorgeous pumpkin patch. Clarence was happiest when his family was around him and his passion was tending to his fields.        Survivors include his wife, Norma of Remsen, four sons, Fred (Faye Heerde), David (Lynn Langel), Daniel and Phil (Teryl Conover) all of Remsen, and three daughters Margaret Mary Tucker of Enfield, NH, Christine (Scott Nielsen) of Remsen, and Barbara (Dennis Henrich) of LeMars, IA. Eleven grandchildren, Holly & Douglas Tucker, Ann & David Heerde, Erin Pick & her husband Chris, Nicole and Jeremy Ahlers, Noelle Henrich and Derek Ahlers, Justin Nielsen & his wife Safia & Christopher Nielsen. Three brothers, Urban and Edward Ahlers of Granville and Vincent of Remsen. Two sisters, Rita (Theisen) of Canby, MN and Clara of Granville, IA. Numerous Nieces & Nephews.        Clarence was a past member of the 4th Degree of Knights of Columbus. He was a board member of the Farmers Savings Bank in Remsen and was also a board member of the Colonial Manors Nursing Home, which is now the Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen.        Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; Herman & Josephine Ahlers, Grandson Michael Ahlers, Brothers, Herman, Ray, Bernard & Arnold, Sister Helen. One brother-in­law, Reynold Theisen. Two half-sisters, Mrs. Mike (Kathryn) Steffes & Mrs. Henry (Agatha) Steffes.        Casket bearers were Jeremy Ahlers, Derek Ahlers, Justin Nielsen, Christopher Nielsen, Holly Tucker and David Heerde