Don Ahrens

Don Ahrens

August 25, 1959 - March 30, 2024

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Obituary

Don Joseph (D.J.) Ahrens died of cardiac arrest on March 30th at UW Hospital & Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 64 years old.

D.J. was born August 25, 1959, in San Diego, California to Peter and Margo Ahrens. He attended Edgewood grade school, graduated high school at the Abbey School in Canon City, Colorado and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). He finished his education by graduating from the Northwood Institute in Midland, Michigan specializing in Business Management.

Growing up in a car family, D.J. worked summers and holidays at Ahrens Cadillac Oldsmobile dealership in Madison, Wisconsin. Learning the business from the ground up, and performing a multitude of different tasks, he began as a “Lot Boy” to working in the Parts Department, Service Department and Body Shop creating a well-rounded overview of a car dealership.

In 1993 D.J. began his career at Ahrens Cadillac and Oldsmobile in earnest, eventually being named General Manager and ran it successfully until its sale in 2002. D.J. was well liked and respected by his employees, something he was very proud of.

D.J. was also very proud of his two daughters, Alexandria (25) and Anna (22) from his previous marriage to Stephanie Hahn Ahrens.

D.J. loved spending time with his beloved dog, Stella. Throughout his life he was active in boating, playing golf and keeping a close eye on the weather and sports channel. He was also active in private charities and, thru his kind heart and loyalty to his friends and family, he privately helped many people during his lifetime without drawing attention to himself.

He was preceded in death by his brother Justin (Jake) Ahrens and his parents. He is survived by his daughters Alexandria (Fiancé, Kodi Gissible) and Anna, his brothers and sisters Caty, Peter, Amanda (Bruce) Meier, Matthew (Deborah) Ahrens and brother Adam (Rose Reyes). Further survived by his partner Suzanne Welles and her children Sydney and Trenton Fitch.

A private service will be held in the near future. For more information, please contact one of the above-mentioned.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

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Don
SF
Sue Felio
Other •
My sympathies to Caty, Mandy, and the entire Ahrens family.
AG
Amy Gallagher
Other •
So sorry for this huge loss. DJ was a great friend and will be missed. Suzy and Stella you are loved!
TR
T. Roacxh
Other •
My condolences to the entire Ahrens Family. Having met DJ while we were freshmen at Edgewood and now thinking of his passing should make us all realize how precious and short life is. T. Roach
P
PatrickReardon
Other •
Cool guy . Remembered him well in my humble beginnings . Sorry for your loss rest in peace DJ
DM
Dave Marks
Other •
Our sympathies to the entire Ahrens family. DJ was a kind and fun man to know. We have many fond memories of DJ and our time working at one of the finest dealerships ever. Dave Marks and Kathy Cruice
BW
Bill Wenkman
Other •
Our condolences from the Wenkman family. I enjoyed knowing DJ and the pleasure of hanging out and having fun with him! We spent many days just talking in his office and yes buying some cool Cadillacs too, and of course the most memorable times are the days just kicking back laying on the back of our boats, anchored out, absorbing the "rays". I don't know that I can remember DJ without having a tan lol. One other thing I'll never forget, is that he gave me my first set of golf clubs (a hammy down of his own set) when I was a young man. Who would know today I'm lucky to have a house at Bishops Bay CC (golf club) often golfing thanks to him introducing me to the game! He will be missed, but never gone in memories..... Bill Wenkman.

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