Walter Ahrens

Obituary

Walter Hinrich Ahrens was born on April 8, 1929, in Westersode, Germany. He was the son of Klaus and Marie (Katt) Ahrens. Walter was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at the Evangelical Church of Warstade, Germany. He attended school through the eighth grade in Germany. In 1954, Walter came to the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, when he was 25 years old. He got a good job in a paper factory in Cleveland and in 1958 he went to Winthrop, Minnesota, where he met Joanne.

On July 11, 1959, Walter was united in marriage to Joanne Soehl at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop. After their marriage, the couple resided in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Winthrop in 1960. He worked at a blacksmith shop in Winthrop, and in 1977 he bought it and built a much larger shop. They were blessed with two children. Walter and Joanne shared 57 years of marriage when Joanne passed away on December 20, 2016.

Walter was member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the Winthrop Fire Department for 25 years and was the chief for 15 years.

Walter enjoyed horse shows, raising horses, camping, traveling and wintering in Florida for several years. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Walter passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord at the age of 96 years. Blessed be his memory.

Walter is survived by his:
Children, Risé Ahrens of Waite, Park, MN, and
                  Scott Ahrens of Winthrop, MN;
Grandchildren, Cole Ahrens of New Richmond, WI, and Tara (Jacob) Verdick of River Falls, WI;
Nieces, nephew, many other relatives and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his Parents, Klaus and Marie Ahrens; Wife, Katherine “Joanne” Ahrens; Siblings, Hans Ahrens and his wife, Alma, and Margaret and her husband, Roter; Sister-in-law, Janette Kuphal and her husband, Sidney.