John Frederick Ahrens

Ahrens, John Frederick Saginaw, Michigan John Frederick Ahrens, 74, of Saginaw, Michigan, while surrounded by his loved ones, went into the arms of Jesus on December 15, 2012, and then proceeded to join the Homecoming Choir of Heaven. John was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 30, 1938, to Alfred John and Marion Hunt Ahrens. In 1960 he married Hilda (Lynn) Herzog, celebrating 52 years of marriage this past April. John is survived by his wife, Lynn; sister, Dorothy VanDusen; children: Sherye (Arnold) Wise; Lori (Tom) Mitchell; John (Toni) Ahrens Jr.; Tim (Jenna) Ahrens; loving grandfather of Christopher (Tracy) Stinnett; Michelle (Dewayne) Anderson; Kristin, Kara, Kori, and Kimberly Mitchell; Christopher, David, and Wesley Ahrens; Benjamin, Zoie and Arya Ahrens; loving great-grandfather of Leslie, Kimberly, Holly, and James Stinnett; Destinee and Dewayne Anderson Jr. John graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1956, where he had been a part of "The Lost Chord" quartet. His passion for music continued throughout his life, including "The Ahrens Family Singers", as well as his involvement with the church. He devoted 25 years in management for JC Penney (as a store manager in Marion, IN, and Mt. Pleasant, MI), receiving the Chairman's Award of Excellence in 1985. He played a significant role in Rotary Club and United Way, and was on the board of Marion's Wesleyan College. He was one of the founding members of Mt. Pleasant Community Church, and served as Elder/Trustee there. In 1990 he became a licensed minister, and served as Principal of Shield of Faith Christian Academy until it closed in 2002. He remained as Administrative Pastor of the church until retiring in 2008. John loved being in the ministry. The importance of his love of family was seen by everyone. His desire to be at family events and sharing his special sense of humor will be cherished forever. Being a member of the Elite Movie Club, "Flicks for Two", with his sister, Dorothy, became a favorite weekly event. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Shield of Faith Ministries, 10322 Swan Creek Road, Saginaw, MI 48609. Friends may call at Shield of Faith Church from 12:00 noon until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Care Hospice of Saginaw, MI, or Shield of Faith Ministries. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48603