Ernest “Ernie” E. Ahlers, 91
Sartell
Dec. 5, 1931-Feb. 20, 2023
Ernest “Ernie” E. Ahlers, 91, of Sartell died Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center with his loving wife Ginger, at his side.
His funeral was held March 2 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell. The Revs. Brady Finnern and Jeff Manthe officiated and burial was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.
Ahlers was born on Dec. 5, 1931, in Minneapolis to Ernest and Mamie (Hallgren) Ahlers. He served his country during the Korean War in the Army from 1950-1954, being stationed in both Korea and Japan. Ahlers attended Drew’s Business College. On May 13, 1961, he married Virginia Dirschel at Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. He served as secretary, S.S. teacher, youth counselor and chairman of the congregation of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Ahlers was employed as chief mechanical clerk for St. Cloud State University for 31 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell where he served as chairman of the congregation. Ahlers was a lifetime member of the East Side VFW Post 4847 and a lifetime member of the DAV St. Cloud Chapter 9. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling and going out to restaurants. He was a devout Christian with unwavering faith. Ahlers had a quiet and gentle presence and will be remembered for having a humble, servant’s heart who was sure to make others feel welcome.
Survivors include the following: his wife of 62 years, Ginger of Sartell; nieces, Debra (Wally) Dowd of Chanhassen, and Julie (Tom) Wolters of Red Wing; brother-in-law, Gary (Shirley) Dirschel of Waite Park; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ruth Krause and Irene Ottman; nieces, Judith Patton and Darlene Schmitz; and nephew Ralph Bratts.
Ahlers’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the St. Cloud Hospital fifth floor, and the St. Cloud VA dementia unit for the kind and compassionate care that was given to him.
Obituary and guest book available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.
