Jeanne Russo Ahrens

AHRENS, RUSSO, RIZZUTI, WEST, FRAZER, STRAWN

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 11/3/2008 at 13:33:20

Jeanne Russo Ahrens, 72, of Independence, IA, died Friday, October 31, 2008 at Mercy Hospital, Oelwein, following a short illness.

Jeanne was born on March 5, 1936 in Oelwein, Iowa, the daughter of James D. and Rosina C. (Rizzuti) Russo. She was a 1954 graduate of Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa and she received a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1958 from the Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA. On July 8, 1967 she was united in marriage to Donnie Ahrens at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa. The couple made their home in Independence, and Jeanne taught school in Cedar Rapids, Sacred Heart Schools in Oelwein, IA., and in Independence prior to her retirement.

Jeanne was a active member of St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, and a willing volunteer in many civic causes.

She is survived by her husband Donnie, Independence, IA., two sisters; Kaye (James) Frazer, and Anne Strawn both of Oelwein, IA., and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister; Grace West.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday in St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence with Rev. Don Plamondom officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, IA. Friends may call from 3 to 8 P.M. Monday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence where a rosary will be recited at 7 P.M.

Memorials may be directed to the Jeanne Ahrens Memorial Fund, Security State Bank, 231 1st Street East, Independence, IA.