Helen V. Ahrens

Helen V. Ahrens, 95, of Moline, Illinois, died Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island, Illinois.

A Memorial Mass is 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline, with Father Donald Levitt officiating.  The family will greet friends at a hospitality gathering from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe, 701 12^th Street, Moline.  Burial is in Riverview Cemetery in Port Clinton, Ohio.  Memorials may be made to the church.

The former Helen Veronica Ahrens was born on April 12, 1928, in Port Clinton, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Gilian) Lukac.  She married the love of her life, Wilbur Ahrens, with whom she had three children and built a fulfilling life until his passing in 1984. 

Helen's passion for flowers bloomed in various flower shops, including Hignight's in East Moline, where her creativity and caring touch shone bright. She also worked at J.C. Penney.

Helen was a devout member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Moline, where her faith and commitment to service were unwavering. She touched many lives through her involvement in the Moline Elk's Club, the Moline Activities Center, and volunteering for King's Daughters.

Throughout her life, Helen found solace and joy in various pursuits, from the competitive spirit of bowling in her younger days to the companionship of playing cards and the comfort found in her cooking and baking. She reveled in the simple pleasures of camping with her  family at Woodhaven Lakes, creating lasting memories under the open sky.

A devoted fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Helen's enthusiastic cry of "Go Bucks!" echoed her undying loyalty to her favorite team. Yet, beyond sports allegiances, Helen's heart belonged most dearly to her family, cherishing every moment spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen is survived by three children, Mark Ahrens of Schaumburg, Illinois, Bruce Ahrens of Moline, and Shelly (Gerry) Swan of Milan, Illinois; six grandchildren, Justin (Sarah) Ahrens, Joseph (Rachel) Ahrens, Jeremy Ahrens, Zachary (Taylor) Ahrens, Ahren Swan, and Kelsey (Spencer) Chestney; 13 great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Jackson, Quinn, Ava, Will, Ellie, Charlie Anne, Emmy, Declan, Susie, Lilly, Charlie, and Bennett; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and siblings, Joseph and John Lukac, Annie Warner, Mary Yeager, and Margaret Snow.