Donald Norman Ahrens

Donald Norman Ahrens, 73, of Appleton, passed away on Sunday November 28, 2021 at ThedaCare of Appleton.  He was born on June 14, 1948 in Appleton.  The son of Alvin and Viola (Hintz) Ahrens. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1966 and then spent 4 years in the Army. He then worked for Gilbert Paper retiring in 2012. On June 7, 1975 he married Diane Schmidt. Don enjoyed going up north to Buckatabon Lodge, watching wrestling on TV, and going to Charlie’s Drive-in. He most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching their sports and any other activity they did. No matter where or what it was Grandpa was in the stands cheering them on!  He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Donald is survived by his wife Diane Ahrens of Appleton, (3) Children: Keith (Elisa) Ahrens of Combined Locks, Kerry (Jason) Gorges of Hortonville, Kristine (Daron) Maves of Hortonville.  (7) Grandchildren: Olivia Ahrens, Andie Ahrens, Walker Gorges, Sydney (Jacob) DeGrave, Bailey (Ryan Cable) Maves, Brady (Jamie Cummings) Maves, and Bryce Maves. (2) Great-Grandchildren: Christopher Cummings, and Maverick Maves.  Brother: Dennis Ahrens.  (2) Sisters: Marianne (Robert) Kau, Karen (Ralph) Hechel. (2) Brother-in-laws: Neil (Diane) Schmidt, and Ronald Schmidt. (1) Sister-in-law: Kathy Schmidt and many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister: JoAnne (James) DeBaere. Father and mother in-law: Homer (Ruth) Schmidt.  Sister-in-law: Carol Schmidt.  Brother-in-law: Garry (Donna) Schmidt and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday December 3, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (302 N Morrison St, Appleton, WI 54911) Rev. Matthew Holtz will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday December 2, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel Funeral Home (1592 Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54952) and Friday December 3, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the hour of service at the church.  Burial will be at a later date at Highland Memorial Park.