Wayne Ahrens

Wayne Ahrens, age 75, passed away on hospice care at the Appleton Retirement Community in Appleton, WI early in the morning of April 8, 2024.

The inurnment and military ceremony will take place at 12:00 pm on August 11, 2024, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Michelle Ahrens of Menasha, WI, and his son Troy Ahrens of DeForest, WI; grandchildren Melissa, Connor, Tyler, Mia, and Addison; brother Glenn (Myrna) Ahrens; nephews Chuck (Anna) Ahrens, and Mark (Tara) Ahrens, as well as his great-nephews Tyler and Carter.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Raymond August Ahrens and LaVerne Ida (Holste) Ahrens.

Wayne was born to Raymond and LaVerne (Holste) Ahrens on August 5, 1948. He grew up in Belle Plaine, MN, and graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1966. Wayne went to St. Cloud University in MN before joining the Air Force in 1968. While in the service, Wayne was stationed in the state of Washington, and he spent time in Alaska and Panama as well. Wayne was proud of the time he spent as a staff sergeant, spending several years as a survival instructor before he was honorably discharged in 1975. While Wayne was in the service, he married the love of his life Renee (Hillstrom) on June 22, 1969. They had grown up together in Belle Plaine. They went on to have two children together, Michelle and Troy. After Wayne left the service, the family returned to Belle Plaine.

After leaving the Air Force, Wayne earned his bachelor’s degree at Mankato State. Not long after Wayne graduated, he found success working as a consultant for Kieth Stevens. A few years later, Wayne and Renee made a big move from their hometown, Belle Plaine, over to Eau Claire, WI, where Wayne began working at Menards. Wayne worked a few different jobs at the Menards headquarters, beginning as a safety and training director before becoming the head of security. Wayne then moved into other positions, which included working with contractors and customers within the stores. Eventually, Wayne left Menards to work for a security company. As one of their top sales associates, he earned well-enjoyed trips to Florida and Hawaii. After leaving the security company, Wayne found enjoyment in selling library books before retiring due to health concerns. After many years together, Wayne and Renee parted ways and he moved to Arizona for warmer weather. Ultimately, he returned to Wisconsin to live closer to his children and grandchildren in his final years.

Wayne’s favorite pastime adventures over the years included deer hunting, fishing, waterskiing, downhill skiing, and traveling. Wayne loved taking trips across the United States, and he enjoyed the trips he took to Germany and France. He and Renee hosted many foreign exchange students over the years, and he kept his memories of them close to his heart. Wayne remained strong in his faith to his last breath.