Bill Ahern 1941-2009
POSTED: April 2, 2009
Bill Ahern, son of Daniel K. and Mildred (Castle) Ahern, was born Feb. 14, 1941, in Buffalo, WY. He received his education in Buffalo, graduating in 1959. Following high school, Bill attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1963.
On Nov. 22, 1962, Bill was united in marriage to Ginger Hand in Laramie, WY. To this union two children were born.
Bill served in the United States Army for 25 years, serving two tours in Vietnam and attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the service Bill was awarded the Silver Star, four Bronze Star Medals, Bronze Star Medal with V Device, five Purple Hearts, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Legion of Merit.
Bill taught science for 16 years at San Elizario High School in El Paso, TX, retiring in 2006. He and Ginger then moved to Emmetsburg where they have made their home. Bill was a member of V.F.W. Post #2295 in Emmetsburg.
Bill died Monday, March 30, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, at the age of 68.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Daniel and Keith Ahern; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Judge Joseph and Olavia Hand.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger of Emmetsburg; his children, Shaun Ahern and his wife, Sonja of Fairbanks, AK and Kathy Hartwiger and her husband, Chris of Birmingham, AL; four grandchildren, Kelly and Daniel Ahern and Erin and Ben Hartwiger; and a brother, Tom Ahern of Rawlins, WY.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in Buffalo, WY.
Online condolences can be sent to martinmatticefuneralhome.com
Member Comments
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adaguirre2
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11-22-09 5:50 PM
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To me, Mr. Ahern was a very honorable, caring, intelligent, and incredibly kind man! He was one of those teachers who truly cared! He always spoke well of others. He had been a Lieutenant in Nam where he witnessed tragedy and suffering, battled cancer, a stroke, and other illnesses and still managed to have a smile on his face everytime you saw him. Because of him, I had originally wanted to major in Biology. I remember school was out for summer and through the herd of people rushing out of the building, I ran up to him and he gave me such a warm big hug and I thanked him for inspiring me not just to be a good biology teacher myself but a good person as well and he thanked me for always being such a good student... That's just the kind of person he was... I will miss him very much! Rest in peace Mr. Ahern, you will forever be in my heart and every student who was lucky enough to have been taught by you!
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