Gilbert Von Ahsen, 26 Mar 1918 - 02 Mar 2008

VON AHSEN, NEWKIRK, ZUBER, RUZECK, SCHWARTING, BAILEY, MAAS

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 3/3/2008 at 17:45:13

Williamsburg–Gilbert Henry Von Ahsen was born March 26, 1918 at home in York Township, Iowa County, the son of William and Anna (Newkirk) Von Ahsen. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School. He sang as a youth in the Walther League where he sang in a talent quest in the Chicago Opera House. Gilbert served in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving from 1941-1945. His tour included the Pacific Theater. Gilbert returned home and was united in marriage to Geneva Zuber on November 15, 1945 at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Homestead. The couple lived and farmed near Williamsburg until moving to Williamsburg in 1980. In 2006 they made their home at the Highland Ridge Senior Living Community in Williamsburg. Gilbert was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, singing in the church choir for 65 years and a member of the school board. He also was a member of the Iowa County Cattlemen, Farm Bureau and the VFW Iburg Poulson Post #8797 in Williamsburg. Gilbert died Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City after a sudden illness at the age of 89 years. Gilbert is survived by his wife: Geneva; a son: Gerald Von Ahsen both of Williamsburg; a daughter: Gail (Joe) Ruzeck of Waterloo; 4 grandchildren: Tara Ridgeway, Miranda Von Ahsen, Alex Von Ahsen and Michael Von Ahsen; 5 great grandchildren: Ashlyn, Elle, Cole, Aaron and Delanie; a brother: Virgil Von Ahsen of Rio, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Orville Von Ahsen, Loren Von Ahsen and Wayne Von Ahsen; 3 sisters: Erva Schwarting, Flora Bailey and Gladys Maas. Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am Friday, March 7, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Williamsburg. Rev. Richard Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3-7 pm, with a VFW service at 7 pm, at the Uhlmann-Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Williamsburg. Memorials are for Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Interparish School.

Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg
Cedar Rapids Gazette, 4 Mar 08, 4b