Tom Ahlers Obituary, Death – Mr. LJ Thomas Ahlers, aged 77, a resident of Urbandale, IA, tragically succumbed to unforeseen circumstances related to pneumonia on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Tom Ahlers was born on September 27, 1945, in Dyersville, IA to Eugene and Lucille Ahlers (nee Ludwig). Tom successfully completed his secondary education at Xavier High School in the year 1963, thereafter on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Loras College.
After completing his college education, Tom relocated to Des Moines with the intention of establishing a professional career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It was during this period that he fortuitously encountered Charlene (affectionately known as Chuckie) Owen, who would later become the love of his life.
The couple entered into matrimony on the eighth day of August in the year 1970, and afterward became parents to three offspring, namely Aimee, Jeff, and Katie. Tom served as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Denman and Company, LLC for a span exceeding five decades, during which he ascended to the position of Managing Partner at an early stage of his professional journey.
He exhibited a strong commitment towards all of his clients and consistently demonstrated familial treatment towards them. Tom expressed a sense of pride in his tenure as the primary football referee for the Big 8 and subsequently the Big 12 Conference, spanning from 1990 to 2007. This period of service engendered several cherished memories and fostered valuable relationships.
He possessed a strong affinity for numerical analysis, which extended to his passion for sports and proficiency in card games, often resulting in favorable outcomes. He derived great pleasure from being in the company of his family and friends. Tom is survived by his spouse, Chuckie Ahlers, with whom he shared a marital bond for a duration of 53 years.
Additionally, he is survived by his offspring, namely Aimee (Pete) Jacobson of Windsor, CO, Jeff (Mel) Ahlers of Overland Park, KS, and Katie (Luke) Frandrup of Edina, MN. Furthermore, his grandchildren, namely Avery Ahlers, Owen Jacobson, Luke Jacobson, Katelyn Jacobson, Lauren Frandrup, Ben Frandrup, Josie Ahlers, and Livi Ahlers, also continue to carry on his legacy. The deceased individual’s parents, as well as his sister, Marilyn Barnes, passed away before him.
A visitation is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023. Both events will be held at St. Mary’s of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines. Donations may be made to the family with the intention of allocating them towards a future memorial in honor of Tom. Expressions of online condolences can be conveyed to the family at the website www.caldwellparrish.com.
