CHARLES J. AHRENS
Jun 13, 1935 - Apr 1, 2017
Charles J. "Bear" Ahrens departed this life and began his new journey on April 1, 2017. Born June 13, 1935 in Danville, the son of Charles and Helen (Werner) Ahrens. He married Mary Kay Bormann May 25, 1957 at St. Patrick's Church in Danville IL. They enjoyed 59 years together. She survives.
Also surviving are four sons; Michael (Julie) Ahrens of Covington, IN, Richard Ahrens of Marora, IL, Douglas (Denise) Ahrens of Danville, IL, and Nicholas (Michele) Ahrens of Aurora, CO. two daughters; Karen (Dave) Klimcak of Aurora, IL. and Katie Smith of Verona WI; one brother, Patrick (Marty) Ahrens of Danville; seventeen grandchildren; Marissa, C.J., Justin, Bryant, Jordan, Brooke, Kayla and Breanna Ahrens; Marah(Scott) Showers; Tyler, Jake and Ryan Klimcak; Quintin and Cody Smith; Lindsay (Justin) Stewart, Sarah Barrett; and Laney Crawford. Four great-grandchildren, Kendyll Nicole and Karter Nash Stewart, Kaden James and Spencer Michael Showers.
Chuck especially enjoyed time spent with his brother, Pat.
He is preceded in death by his two sisters Julia (Wm.) Oswalt and Mary (Ronald) Meitzler, and special grandson, Sage Crawford.
Chuck was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus. He was a graduate of Schlarman High School in 1954 and treasured his memories of participation in athletics coached by the late Paul Shebby. He was inducted into the Schlarman Alumni Hall of Fame in1997.
For many years, Chuck coached little league and pony league baseball as well as grade school football and basketball. He retired from Flexel (formerly Olin Corp.) after 39 years of employment. Following retirement, he served as Vermilion County Court Clerk and Bailiff for 15 years.
Chuck and Mary Kay especially enjoyed vacation trips to Alaska, Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Opry Land and Disney World. They also took many special trips to visit their children and grandchildren, attending graduations and sporting events.
Chuck enjoyed golf and was an avid fan of University of Illinois sports, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He loved his family, they were his greatest pride and joy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Chuck at Holy Family Catholic Church, 444 E. Main St, Danville IL 61832 on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Danville IL. 61834 on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from 4-7 PM. Prayer service will be held at 4 PM. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery 818 Wendt Ave, Danville, IL 61832
Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Resurrection Cemetery or Schlarman Academy.
Please join Chuck's family in sharing memories and photos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
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