Elizabeth “Liz” J. Ahrens was born March 2, 1935, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Martha (Radtke) Schult, in Merrill.
She graduated from Wausau Senior High in 1954; and later that year, on June 19, was united in marriage to the love of her life Henry Ahrens at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Maine. Liz and Henry enjoyed 57 years together; raising their children and watching their family grow. Liz and Henry farmed in the Town of Cassel their entire married life.
Liz loved her family more than anything. She took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchild. The meals she prepared at Thanksgiving and Christmas will be missed by all. Liz was a member of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, Marathon. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Ladies Aid and Mission Circle. She also worked in area ginseng gardens and served at many weddings at Rib River Ballroom.
At the age of 76, Elizabeth Jean Ahrens, Marathon, died Oct. 8, 2011, surrounded by her family at home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband Henry, her children, Roger (Janet), Kenneth (Kathleen), Nancy, Mark (Kathy), Brian (Ann), and Leon (Connie), all of Marathon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jodi (Chris) Langenhahn, Jami Ahrens, Autumn (Steve) Stelzl, Sarah Fink, Carrie Ahrens (fiance Willie Albrecht), Scott Fink, Matthew Ahrens, Melissa (Derek) Wilichowski, Kellie Ahrens, Adams Ahrens, and David Ahrens and great-granddaughter, Lucy Elizabeth. Liz and Henry helped raise 11 foster children over the years, including their special foster daughter Charlotte (Bill) Mihalek, Washburn.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Amos, Roland, Herman, Edwin, Verna, Joanne, Adeline and Dorothy.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice for all their loving care over the last few months.
Services were held at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Marathon, on Tuesday Oct. 11. The Reverend Jon Hadler officiated. Burial followed at St. Matthew Cemetery.
You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.