Robert H. Ahlers 'Bob'

Robert Henry Ahlers Bob Ahlers went peacefully to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the age of 86 while being cared for at home by his devoted wife, Doris. Bob was born at home on December 29, 1923 to Walter and Marie Ahlers in the town of Grafton, Wisconsin. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church on January 23, 1924, attended St. Paul Lutheran School and was confirmed on March 21, 1937. Bob graduated from Grafton High School in June 1942 one hundred years after the Ahlers farm was homesteaded. During his youth he was often seen riding his horse Rex around Grafton, down into the quarry and Lions Den Gorge. In March 1944 Bob graduated from the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture - Short Course. Bob married his beloved Doris E. Krueger on October 9, 1948. They were blessed with 6 children: Ellen, John, Jane, Mary, Eddie, Susie. Together, Bob and Doris farmed and raised registered purebred holstein cows on the Ahlers homestead, purchased in 1842. Bob expanded the farm constructing additional barns, and installed one of the first modern milking parlors in Ozaukee County. He was an innovator in Holstein Breeding and was a member of the Holstein Breeders Association. At the height of production Bob milked 100+ cows. In his later farming years he was known by some as the dairy farmer who farmed without land because as their farm became surrounded by the town of Grafton they had to ship in hay and grain. Bob volunteered to serve his community in various ways. He was the leader of the Grafton Falls 4-H Club for many years. Bob served His Lord as an Elder, School Board member, youth counselor, and as a member of the Evangelism Board. He enjoyed music and participated in the Church Mens choir for many years. His children remember him whistling happy tunes while working on the farm and singing songs during great family vacations. Bob was also an active member of the Grafton South-Side Bone-crushers. In 1968 he stopped farming and auctioned his dairy cattle and machinery. Bob then worked for Johnson & Brass, and later as a Real Estate Broker for Head & Seaman. Bob was as vigorous in his play as he was in his work. In addition to being a skillful horseman, he also loved the water. He took his family on an adventurous canoe pack-up trip deep into the wilderness of Eli, Minnesota. He also sailed with his family on local lakes with a Hoby-cat and an Ensign. Bobs children remember many fun times such as swinging from the old oak tree, hay rides, huge teeter totters, hunting, amazing forts, igloos, mountains of snow, sledding on Ahlers hill, sleigh rides, horse & buggy rides, the homemade swimming pool, camping trips, fishing, and picnics on the Big Red Rock. Besides the essential registered Holstein Dairy cattle, he cared for pet dogs, cats, chickens, horses, Cassius the crow, a fox, and Richie the raccoon. Later, Bob and Doris had the opportunity to travel. Bobs love for God and the Bible is evident in the way he led his children to trust and worship God in Jesus Christ. He never failed to provide daily prayers, devotions, and nurturing in Christ. His leadership strength was through honesty, humility, discipline, generosity, and a consistent honor of God. Throughout his life Bob treasured his family and many friends. The Ahlers homestead was a blessing to Bob and his family and provided many happy memories. Now Bobs home is in heaven. He will be missed. Bob is survived by: Beloved wife of 61 years: Doris Ahlers, Children: Ellen (Don) Guldan, John Ahlers, Jane (David) Greenlee-Kohlmann, Mary (Abdulla) Sadoun, Eddie (Hui Suk) Ahlers, Susie (Matt) Arndt, Grandchildren: Jenny, Matt, Jesse, and Tyler Guldan, Justin and Devin Ahlers, Laura, Christa, and Lindsey Greenlee, D.J. and Tyler Kohlmann Christopher and Andy Sadoun,Jeehae Jones, Cameron, Evan, Benjamin, and Ruben Arndt. Great-grandchildren: Max, Rex, Jaxon, Brox, Carson, Noah, Turner, Allyssa, and Chloe. Nieces: Karen Wilson and Lynn Thiele. Sister-in-law: Gloria Kurtz. Brothers-in-law: Russel Thiele, Franklin Krueger, Fredrick Krueger, Wayne Krueger. Preceded in death by: Sisters: Lenore Ahlers, Marian Thiele, and Son-in law: Chuck Greenlee. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 17 at St Pauls Lutheran Church (701 Washington St., Grafton) at 11:30am. Instate at church Saturday from 10:00am until the time of Services. Interment church cemetery at 2:15pm. Memorials: Memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church appreciated Cemetery: St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery Hwy 60 & 3rd Ave. Grafton, WI 53024 (map/driving directions) Visitation: 10:00am to 11:30am at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 Washington St. Grafton, WI 53024 on Saturday, April 17, 2010 (map/driving directions) Service: 11:30am at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 Washington St. Grafton, WI 53024 on Saturday, April 17, 2010 (map/driving directions)