Mary Jean (Wilhelm) Ahrens

Mary Jean Ahrens (91), formerly of Prairie du Chien, passed away on October 11, 2024 in Holmen, Wisconsin. Mary was drawn to her husband, Cal due to their shared love of dogs, which became a large part of their married life together.

Mary was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1933 to Fredrick and Nellie (Aberle) Wilhelm, and attended Edgewood High School in Madison. Mary’s childhood memories include many visits to Devils Lake, Wisconsin and Estes Park, Colorado. Mary met the love of her life, Calvin W. Ahrens, in 1950 while pursuing her interest in collies. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in Madison, Wisconsin June 18, 1951.

Mary and Cal couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their six children meant the world to them, including John, born 1952; Vicki, born 1954; Lori born 1958; Jennifer, born 1960; Cynthia, born 1962; and Rob, born 1965. 

Though Mary loved caring for her dogs and painting, her favorite role was that as a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and was blessed with 19 grandchildren, including Jared, Chrissy, Troy, Matthew, Tony, Rachel, Samantha, Jacob, Jessica, Lucas, Michael, Joey, Mitchell, Andrew, Nicholas, Constance, Charlie, Sandy, and Ben. Mary was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren.

Over Mary’s life she had many dogs as she and Cal raised purebred collies and shelties, which are too many to name, but some of her favorites were Tangie, Sparkie, and Callie.

Mary was a member of Prairie du Chien United Methodist Church for many years and will always be remembered as a sweet, kind, and patient person. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother or grandmother, and will miss Mary every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Fred (1959), her mother, Nellie (1975), her husband, Calvin (2000), and her daughter, Lori (2004) and her siblings. She is survived by her sons, John (Jane) and Rob (Jill), and daughters, Vicki Goeke (Randy), Jennifer Losey (Ken), and Cynthia Ostrander (Joe), a son-in-law Jay Pscheidt, as well as 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the Prairie du Chien United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 9-11am, followed by a funeral service at 11am and graveside service in the Prairie du Chien Evergreen Cemetery. Donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (act.alz.org). 

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