Melvin E. "Mel" Ahrens' Obituary
Melvin “Mel” E. Ahrens, 81, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital, with his family by his side.
Melvin was born on December 15, 1933 in Decatur, Illinois, son of Ernest Henry and Stella Fanetta (Ferris) Ahrens. He married the love of his life, Mary Lucille Patterson “Lou”, on March 19, 1957 in Decatur, Illinois. They shared fifty-eight wonderful years together. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1954 to1957 during the Korean Conflict.
Melvin was the owner/operator of Ahrens Construction He was a member of the VFW Post 99, and the American Legion 105. Mel enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, loved horses, harassing his son-in-laws, and most of all, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Ahrens of Decatur; children, Cheryl (James) Parks of Decatur; Michael Ahrens of Macon; Brenda (Dan) Vest of Decatur; Jill (Kevin) Coffman of Macon; Kerri (Brad) Simpson of Mt. Zion; Shannon Ahrens of Argenta, twenty two grand-children, thirty-five great-grandchildren, and twin grandchildren on the way, his faithful canine companion, “Dawg”. Special family friends, the Krafts and Caregiver Cora.
Melvin was preceded in death by his son, Gary Lee Ahrens; daughter, Terri Lynn Ahrens; brother, Henry “Hank” Ahrens; sisters, Marjorie Means; and Evelyn Robertson.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2015 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Services to celebrate Mel’s life will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, and conclude with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials are directed to Alzheimer’s Care of Decatur. Family requests casual dress.
The family of Melvin “Mel” E. Ahrens is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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