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

Don Ahrens

August 25, 1959 - March 30, 2024

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