Jerry Ahrens

John (Jerry) Ahrens, 93, left his earthly body and assumed his incorruptible heavenly body the afternoon of May 31, 2024.  Jerry was surrounded by his immediate family and special friends as he took his last breaths.

John (Jerry) William Ahrens was born on July 4, 1930 in Scottsbluff, NE.   He and younger sister Jane were the children of John F. and Margaret Ahrens of Arnold, NE.  Except for a couple of years in Lusk, WY, Jerry grew up on a farm south of Arnold where he attended the Mackley country school through the 8^th grade then attended and graduated from Arnold High School.   Jerry first met Darb (Darlene) Spencer at a house party in Broken Bow.  Jerry was dancing with a young lady and as he bent her back, he spotted Darb as she walked into the room and promptly dropped his date on the furnace grate.   Jerry and Darb were married on New Year’s eve, 1948, and proceeded to spend their entire 2 week honeymoon snowed in at the Spencer farm with Jerry’s new in-laws.  Jerry and Darb lived and farmed 9 miles south of Arnold, NE where they raised three children, Cindy, John, and Carla.  In 1984, they retired from farming and moved into Arnold.  Jerry and Darb shared a heart of compassion for anyone in need.  It was not uncommon for Jerry and Darb to have someone, related or not, living in their home for weeks and even months at a time while they ministered to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  People were the focus of Jerry’s life and as a result, he positively impacted a host of individuals who were blessed by his friendship and humor.

Jerry is preceded in death by Darb, his wife of 62 years and great-grandson Doyle (Dub) Bellew.  He is survived by his children, Cindy Ahrens of Sidney, NE, John (Lu Ann) Ahrens of Edgewood, NM, and Carla (John) Huscher of Valley, NE, sister Jane Tucker of Arnold, NE, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

A celebration of Jerry’s life of compassion and friendship will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 2 pm at the Arnold Baptist Church where Jerry was a member.   Memorials to the Baptist Church and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been established.  Burial will be in the Arnold Cemetery.  Govier Brothers Mortuary/Arnold Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday before the services from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at the Baptist Church in Arnold. Online words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com