Barry L Ahrens

Barry L. Ahrens, 82 of Hampstead, NC (formally of Yorkville, IL) left this earth to go to his heavenly home Friday, June 4, 2021 by natural causes.

He was born in Fort Dodge, IA on December 10, 1938, only son of the late Albert Ahrens and Violet Benshoof Ahrens. He and Karlene Hoeppner met as young teenagers, reconnected a few years later and married on January 31, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manson, Iowa.

He served in the Air National Guard and the US Air Force then went on to work for Pittsburgh Plate Glass, John Deere and worked the bulk of his career as a Design Engineer with Caterpillar. He held several patents for his design work.

Karlene passed away in 2008 after 48 years of marriage. Surviving are their 5 children: Nicolett Sampson and husband Scott of Kingston Springs, TN; Matt Ahrens and wife Rebekah of Malta, IL; Stacey Cowley and husband Simon of Greenville, TX; Christine Huggins and husband Steven of Rocky Point, NC and Wendy Ahrens of St. Joseph, MI. In addition, his daughter Cindy Wycoff and husband John of Haslett, MI.

“Papa” Barry had 13 grandchildren (Alexandria, Gerrit, Matthew, Gretchen, Alyssa, Mariah, Ian, Christina, Brandon, Kaitlin, Stephanie, Shanna and Sarah) and 13 great-grandchildren ages 12 years to 1 week old.

Barry has three sisters, the late Claudia Siesennop, the vibrant Sheila Dunteman and the always joyful Joy True as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial for the immediate family is planned. Condolences at www.wilmingtonburialandcremation.com
Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 29403 910-791-9099