James Ahrens

James (Jim) Ahrens was the fifth child of Frederick William “Will” and Anna Marie (Heckel) Ahrens and was born on September 10, 1926, in Greensburg, Kansas. He attended school at Greensburg, KS where he was an outstanding athlete. He was drafted into the Army during his senior year in High School and spent 24 months in the army. After his discharge, he returned to Greensburg to finish his senior year of high school.

He attended Fort Hays and graduated in 1951 earning his degree in Agriculture. He met his wife, Elma Alberta (Hueftle) Ahrens, while attending college and they were married July 23, 1950. They moved to Greensburg where they owned and operated the Derby Gasoline Station and he farmed with his brother. In 1953, they moved to Oakley, KS, where they purchased their ‘original’ farm, which included irrigation, dry land and cattle operations. They were the parents of three grown children, Kim, Kerry, and Tom.

Jim has been active in the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, and also serving many roles in the church. He served on the Oakley School Board, Logan Co. Soil Conservation Board, Northwest Kansas Federal Land Bank, Farm & Home Administration Committee, Ground Water Management, Logan Co. Extension Council and Wheat Growers Association.

He was an avid sportsman, proud supporter of the Oakley Booster Club, and enjoyed playing bridge.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alberta; children, Kerry Cejka of Liberty, MO, Tom Ahrens and wife Rosa of Oakley; and daughter-in-law Cheryl Ahrens of Oakley; seven grandchildren: Eric Cejka of Kansas City, MO, Jason Ahrens and wife Kelly of Hopkins, MN, Joshua Ahrens, Jeremy Cejka and wife Anna of Woodbridge, VA, Amanda Ahrens, Brandon Ahrens, and Patrick Ahrens; five great grandchildren: Nicholas Ahrens of Sioux Falls, SD, Maximus & Wyatt Ahrens, Elizabeth & Emma Cejka; and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kim W. Ahrens, two brothers, Cecil and Wes, and two sisters, Fae and Mary.

Jim’s family wishes to thank everyone for all their support, assistance, and prayers at this time.