Katherine “Joanne” Ahrens

Obituary

Katherine Joanne Ahrens was born on November 17, 1932, in Winthrop, Minnesota. She was the daughter of John and Ann (Kaufmann) Soehl. Joanne was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith. She received her education in Winthrop and was a 1950 graduate of the Winthrop High School. Joanne was also a graduate of St. Olaf College and Mankato State University.

On July 11, 1959, Joanne was united in marriage to Walter Ahrens at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. After their marriage, the couple resided in Cleveland, Ohio. Joanne was a music teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, Windom, Hopkins, Brownton and Winthrop, Minnesota. They were blessed with two children. Joanne and Walter shared 57 years of marriage.

Joanne was a longtime member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop and a current member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She was an organist for many years at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop.

Joanne enjoyed playing cards, watching the birds in the feeders, traveling and camping. She loved music and cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Joanne passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 84 years. Blessed be her memory.

Joanne is survived by her:
Husband,         Walter Ahrens of Winthrop, MN;
Children,         Risé Ahrens of Waite, Park, MN, and
                        Scott Ahrens and his wife, Mary of New Richmond, WI;
Grandchildren, Cole Ahrens and Tara Ahrens of New Richmond, WI;
Sister, Janette Kuphal of Gaylord, MN;
Nieces, Nephew, many other relatives and friends.

Joanne is preceded in death by her Parents, John and Ann Soehl.