Bruce
Bruce William Ahrens
Bruce William Ahrens, 81, of Stevensville, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. Bruce was born July 27, 1939 in Salamanca, New York, the son of late Millicent and Adolph Ahrens. He was the oldest of nine siblings. On September 2, 1960, he married the love of his life, Eva Lee Piarulli, who preceded him in death after 54 years of marriage.
He graduated from Hornell High School, Hornell, New York in 1956, and attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York. Bruce had a diverse set of life skills and a great sense of adventure that allowed him to experience many different job opportunities. He did factory work, was athletic director for Boys & Girls Clubs of America in both Binghamton, New York and Indianapolis, Indiana, was co-owner of Fountain Industries, managed two bowling alleys, and worked for Meijer. Bruce retired from Meijer, Inc. management in 2002 after 22 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, traveling, spending time with his family, and pampering his dog, Sherman.
Bruce lived out his love of Jesus, not only in his daily life, but volunteered, with his wife Eve, at Wycliffe Associates for 10 winters in Florida, and one summer for Send International in Alaska. He also went on two mission trips to Brazil, volunteering with NAB partner, Chain of Love. He was very active in his local church. He served as a deacon, was on the mission board, taught VBS, and Awana. He was always willing to give his time and talents in serving others. He reflected his Savior in his love and generosity to others.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lee (Piarulli) Ahrens, son-in-law, Ronald Scott Claeys, and brothers, Bret Ahrens and Lew Ahrens.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and David Salewske of Cheboygan, Michigan, daughter, Michelle Claeys of Stevensville, Michigan; grandchildren, Nathan Claeys of Mishawaka, Indiana, Nicole and Nathan Jones of Gaylord, Michigan, Bailee and Will Jansma of DeMotte, Indiana, Kersten Claeys of Stevensville, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Cash and Sadie Jones and Sullivan Jansma; brothers, Judd (Kaye), Rex (Jane) and Mark (Pam); sisters, Polly (Joe) Hamilton, Marcia Ahrens and Christine (Ron) Cornell; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Donna Poole, Steve and Mary Post, Bob and Ginny Slezak, many nephews and nieces, as well as grand nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life service will be postponed until Spring 2021 and will be held at Oakridge Community Church in St. Joseph, Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Cremation Society, Louisville, Ohio. Their website can be visited at:
https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/
In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations in Bruce’s name to your favorite charity, or to: Oakridge Community Church, 766 Oakridge Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Heritage Cremation Society
800.864.2295
He graduated from Hornell High School, Hornell, New York in 1956, and attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York. Bruce had a diverse set of life skills and a great sense of adventure that allowed him to experience many different job opportunities. He did factory work, was athletic director for Boys & Girls Clubs of America in both Binghamton, New York and Indianapolis, Indiana, was co-owner of Fountain Industries, managed two bowling alleys, and worked for Meijer. Bruce retired from Meijer, Inc. management in 2002 after 22 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, traveling, spending time with his family, and pampering his dog, Sherman.
Bruce lived out his love of Jesus, not only in his daily life, but volunteered, with his wife Eve, at Wycliffe Associates for 10 winters in Florida, and one summer for Send International in Alaska. He also went on two mission trips to Brazil, volunteering with NAB partner, Chain of Love. He was very active in his local church. He served as a deacon, was on the mission board, taught VBS, and Awana. He was always willing to give his time and talents in serving others. He reflected his Savior in his love and generosity to others.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lee (Piarulli) Ahrens, son-in-law, Ronald Scott Claeys, and brothers, Bret Ahrens and Lew Ahrens.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and David Salewske of Cheboygan, Michigan, daughter, Michelle Claeys of Stevensville, Michigan; grandchildren, Nathan Claeys of Mishawaka, Indiana, Nicole and Nathan Jones of Gaylord, Michigan, Bailee and Will Jansma of DeMotte, Indiana, Kersten Claeys of Stevensville, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Cash and Sadie Jones and Sullivan Jansma; brothers, Judd (Kaye), Rex (Jane) and Mark (Pam); sisters, Polly (Joe) Hamilton, Marcia Ahrens and Christine (Ron) Cornell; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Donna Poole, Steve and Mary Post, Bob and Ginny Slezak, many nephews and nieces, as well as grand nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life service will be postponed until Spring 2021 and will be held at Oakridge Community Church in St. Joseph, Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Cremation Society, Louisville, Ohio. Their website can be visited at:
https://www.heritagecremationsociety.com/
In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations in Bruce’s name to your favorite charity, or to: Oakridge Community Church, 766 Oakridge Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Heritage Cremation Society
800.864.2295
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bruce William Ahrens, please visit our flower store.
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