Obituary of HERMAN RUDOLPH AHRENS

Herman Ahrens, beloved husband of Kay and father of Joe, Judy (Mark), Mark (Roberta) and Maria (Gerard), passed peacefully on May 28, 2024 at the age of 91. He is survived by Kay, his wife of 69 years, their children, his brother Conrad, 14 grandchildren (Morgyn, Marlis, Dusty, Mikala, Nick, Elise, Nathan, Luke, Michael, Joey, Jake, Christine, Caitlin, Kelsey), and 8 great grandchildren (Ryder, Blaine, Cody, Sophie, Claire, Susie, Lily, Kieran).

Our dad was a beautiful person. He was kind, gentle and loving, generous with his time and energy, and humble. He always saw the good in people. Dad was courageous, immigrating to Canada at 18, where he met and married Kay. He loved being part of Kay’s large extended family, the Gottfried family, who loved him back.

As kids, we thought that dad could do anything – fix anything, build anything, help solve any difficult homework problem. As adults, we knew he could. He always found time to help, no matter what. Every new grandchild or great grandchild was cause for celebration. Together with our mom Dad instilled the value of family in each of us – a lasting legacy to what is important in life.

A lifelong employee of Manitoba Hydro, Dad enjoyed his work, including a long working relationship with his department manager. Dad was a faithful volunteer who found joy in giving back to the community, whether recruiting officials for swim meets or arranging for contributions to the weekly Immaculate Conception drop-in centre meal. He was an active member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help community, Knights of Columbus, an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, and interfaith peace and justice groups. He loved music, especially jazz, and played trombone in local bands that performed at Bomber games and Folklorama.

We will miss our dad so much but we are appreciative that we had him in our lives for so many years.

“Thank you Dad for being the kindest and gentlest Dad ever. You are truly the best.”

Dad’s life will be celebrated with a mass on Monday June 10, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Charleswood.

Reception will follow in the church basement.

A private burial will have taken place before the mass.

The family respectfully requests no flowers.