1931
Gloria
2010
Gloria Ahrens
March 30, 1931 — March 6, 2010
Gloria was born in Wausau on March 30, 1931 to her late parents, Corrine and Henry Laffin. On June 19, 1954, she and John Ahrens were wed. During these past 55 years of marriage, they were blessed with two children; Corleen (O’Malley) and John Henry. She was a fabulous wife and an incredible mother.
Faced with many illnesses and medical challenges throughout her life, Gloria remained strong both in faith and spirit. After a cancer surgery in 1979, Gloria received a blood transfusion from which she contracted hepatitis C. This started the journey of her liver being compromised and eventually causing her death 30 years later. Right to the very end, she was courageous, strong and unafraid of death. She held a strong faith of the life everlasting with our Lord Jesus in Heaven and was a disciple to all who knew her.
Gloria was blessed with many gifts which she shared with her friends and family. She put the needs and happiness of others before her own and tirelessly gave of herself to her family, friends, the Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and any activity she involved herself. She unconditionally loved her whole family and dedicated her life to building family bonds. Family gatherings were always important and the highlight of her year. Whether at homes, campgrounds, or on the snowmobile trail, they all hold fond memories. Going out to coffee with her sister and sister-in-laws (just about every day) gave her much happiness. No matter the circumstances, you could always count on her to be there for you.
Besides being blessed with her family, Gloria was blessed with a gift of artistry. On canvas, paper, wood (you name it), her paintings are beautiful inspirations. She also made jewelry, Christmas ornaments, floral arrangements and many more creative items. A gift to each of her grandchildren, she made jointed teddy bears. Some of her treasures have been sold at the numerous art shows she attended (member of the Wausau Art Association). Other treasures she gave to her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was an active member of The American Legion Auxiliary holding the position as Chaplain for many years as well as playing a key role in their other functions.
Being a Christian was a central part of her life. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she and her husband John attended Church and Bible Study on a regular basis. She has served the Altar Guild of the Church for many years, was committed to the success of the annual church cookie sale by making sugar cookies beautiful with her paint brush, and served at the annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast and spaghetti dinners. One of Gloria’s greatest attributes was that of “giving”; giving of herself, her time and of her spirit. Everyone could always count on Gloria to lend a helping hand in time of need and to be a leader in organizing or coordinating an event of any sort.
Gloria Ahrens, 78, of Wausau, passed away March 6, 2010.
Survivors include her husband, John; daughter, Corleen (Don) O’Malley, Wausau; son, John Henry (Staci), Minnesota; grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Kelsey, Billy ( Joanna), Donny (Natalie), Bryan, Paige, Sierra, Cassidy and Trevor John; great-grandchildren, Patrick and Shannon; twin brother, Gene (Edna), Wausau; brothers, Vernon, Wausau, and Laurn (Marge), Wausau; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Corrine; father, Henry; sisters, Arlene and Lois; and brothers, Wallace, Floyd, Melvin.
The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9th, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Steven Gjerde will officiate. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 8th, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again Tuesday, at the church, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
If preferred, memorials may be made in Gloria’s name to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services or the Zion Lutheran Church Altar Guild.
Faced with many illnesses and medical challenges throughout her life, Gloria remained strong both in faith and spirit. After a cancer surgery in 1979, Gloria received a blood transfusion from which she contracted hepatitis C. This started the journey of her liver being compromised and eventually causing her death 30 years later. Right to the very end, she was courageous, strong and unafraid of death. She held a strong faith of the life everlasting with our Lord Jesus in Heaven and was a disciple to all who knew her.
Gloria was blessed with many gifts which she shared with her friends and family. She put the needs and happiness of others before her own and tirelessly gave of herself to her family, friends, the Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and any activity she involved herself. She unconditionally loved her whole family and dedicated her life to building family bonds. Family gatherings were always important and the highlight of her year. Whether at homes, campgrounds, or on the snowmobile trail, they all hold fond memories. Going out to coffee with her sister and sister-in-laws (just about every day) gave her much happiness. No matter the circumstances, you could always count on her to be there for you.
Besides being blessed with her family, Gloria was blessed with a gift of artistry. On canvas, paper, wood (you name it), her paintings are beautiful inspirations. She also made jewelry, Christmas ornaments, floral arrangements and many more creative items. A gift to each of her grandchildren, she made jointed teddy bears. Some of her treasures have been sold at the numerous art shows she attended (member of the Wausau Art Association). Other treasures she gave to her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was an active member of The American Legion Auxiliary holding the position as Chaplain for many years as well as playing a key role in their other functions.
Being a Christian was a central part of her life. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she and her husband John attended Church and Bible Study on a regular basis. She has served the Altar Guild of the Church for many years, was committed to the success of the annual church cookie sale by making sugar cookies beautiful with her paint brush, and served at the annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast and spaghetti dinners. One of Gloria’s greatest attributes was that of “giving”; giving of herself, her time and of her spirit. Everyone could always count on Gloria to lend a helping hand in time of need and to be a leader in organizing or coordinating an event of any sort.
Gloria Ahrens, 78, of Wausau, passed away March 6, 2010.
Survivors include her husband, John; daughter, Corleen (Don) O’Malley, Wausau; son, John Henry (Staci), Minnesota; grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Kelsey, Billy ( Joanna), Donny (Natalie), Bryan, Paige, Sierra, Cassidy and Trevor John; great-grandchildren, Patrick and Shannon; twin brother, Gene (Edna), Wausau; brothers, Vernon, Wausau, and Laurn (Marge), Wausau; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Corrine; father, Henry; sisters, Arlene and Lois; and brothers, Wallace, Floyd, Melvin.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the entire staff at Wausau Manor and Aspirus Hospice for all the kind and loving care given to Gloria and her family during her final weeks with us here on earth.
The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9th, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Steven Gjerde will officiate. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 8th, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again Tuesday, at the church, beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
If preferred, memorials may be made in Gloria’s name to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services or the Zion Lutheran Church Altar Guild.
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