Patricia Ahrens

Madison, WI / Muskegon, MI - Patricia A. (Dowd) Ahrens passed away comfortably on June 26, 2017. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan on January 6, 1927 and lived most of her life there. She moved to Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison, WI in 2009, with her husband Bob, to be closer to family. She enjoyed many friends there.

Pat graduated from Muskegon High School in 1946. She initially worked for the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and then was a valued employee for many years at the Visiting Nurse Association in Muskegon. Pat was a life member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Canada, Norway and the Caribbean with Bob, knitting, reading, attending coffee hours, and playing canasta at Oakwood, and social outings with her sorority sisters in Muskegon and Madison.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Alvera and Edward Dowd. She leaves her husband of 64 years, Robert Ahrens; her son, Ed Ahrens (Mary Clare Murphy); granddaughter, Anna Ahrens; nieces, Sue Wisneski of Ellicott City, Maryland and Sandy Vargas (Kico) of Maricopa, Arizona; and nephew, Jim Trimble (Shelby) of Avinger, Texas.

The family wishes to thank the numerous individuals who helped Pat stay in her home for as long as possible: The Well-Being CNAs and staff, Pastor Martha Nack, and social workers at Oakwood, Agrace Hospice staff, and Graceful Guidance care givers. She then received excellent care at Oakwood Village Hebron Oaks 2 East.

A special thanks to friends Patti Barlow, LaVonne and Ray Kadrmas and Pat's sorority sisters who were supportive friends to the very end. The immediate family also wishes to acknowledge the loving care of her daughter-in-law Mary Clare whose personal care and ability to co-ordinate care was unsurpassed.

A memorial service commemorating Pat's life will take place on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 12:30 pm at Oakwood Village University Woods, Resurrection Chapel. 6205 Mineral Point Rd. Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery, Muskegon, MI.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434