LaVern Frederick "Red" Ahrens

LaVern Frederick “Red” Ahrens, 96, of Topeka, passed away on January 2, 2021 at Aldersgate Village Care Facility.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 24, 1924 the son of Byron Lavern and Thelma (Cawsley) Ahrens.

Red served his country in the United State Marine Corps during World War II.

He retired from Adams Business Forms where he worked as a Pressman.

Red enjoyed reading.  He began lifting weights at the age of 16 and continued to exercise and work out daily.  LaVern was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and a Friend of Bill’s.

He married Frances C. McCabe in Ferndale, Michigan on October 26, 1946.  She preceded him in death on February 17, 2013.  He is survived by a daughter, Pam (Denny) Walstrom of Topeka, a son, Robert Ahrens of Riverside, CA, two grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Walstrom of Prairie Village, KS, and Kelly Walstrom of Topeka, four great grandchildren; Danielle Spence (Ben Adair), Claire Walstrom, Jacob Spence, and Megan Walstrom.  He was also predeceased by a brother Jerry Ahrens and his beloved cat, Shadow.

LaVern will lie in state at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday after 10:00 a.m. where his family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:30 a.m. followed by a rosary at 10:30 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment with military honors will follow the mass at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Meals on Wheels or the Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Aldersgate for the compassionate care given to Red during the past 16 months.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.