Larry Russ Ahrens formerly of Mt. Olive passed away at 3:52 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020, from Covid at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. Larry was 76 years old.
Larry was born on December 26, 1943, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield to the late Russell Ahrens and Charlotte (Prange) Ahrens. He attended Mt. Olive High School and graduated in 1961. After high school, he attended the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to achieve his associate’s degree.
As a young man, he shared his love for automobiles and motorcycles as well as American ideals, craftsmanship, computers, cats, bird-watching, and bass fishing with his sons. His family and friends described him as funny, eccentric, extremely intelligent, and always wanting to help people. He was a loving partner to Margaret Ahrens and father to his sons for many years, but he struggled with early on-set of neurological issues that led to many personal and professional struggles at the peak of his life in middle age.
Professionally for the majority of his life, Larry was employed by Laclede Gas and McDonnell Douglas as an engineer (draftsman). He was extremely gifted with math and taught calculus at the community college level. He was a key team member of the engineering teams that were vital to the United States’ space exploration goals and the development of the F-15 Strike Eagle for the Air Force.
Larry is survived by his ex-wife, Margaret Ahrens (Austin, TX); two sons, Craig Allan Ahrens (St. Louis, MO) and Darren Douglas Ahrens (Austin, TX); a grandson, Blake Ahrens; and two granddaughters, Sarah Ahrens and Elle Ahrens (St. Louis, MO).
A graveside memorial service will take place at 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive. The service will be officiated by Reverend James Ritter. Masks and social distancing will be required. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please give in memorial to Mr. Ahrens a donation to the Lincoln Project, https://lincolnproject.us/donate/.