Melvin Ahlberg

MELVIN JOHN AHLBERG

Williamsburg

Melvin John Ahlberg was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Sumner Township, Iowa County, Iowa. He was the son of Carl and Mary (Haack) Ahlberg. He graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1950. In 1953, Melvin entered the Army and served 18 months in Germany acting as a quartermaster as a rank of corporal. He was united in marriage to Rita Kathryn Donohoe at St. Michael Catholic Church in Holbrook on Sept. 20, 1958.

Mel farmed with his wife Kaye near Williamsburg until he graduated from business college as an accountant from the University of Iowa in 1970. He then lived with his family in Indianola, acting as a controller and general manager for farm cooperatives, then continued his business career working as a farm manager and trust officer for 20 years. He loved working with farmers, was involved in Rotary and served as the president of the local chapter, was president of the Indianola Athletic Booster Club, volunteered at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola, and spent endless years coaching his children's sports teams. Mel was an active member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. Mel loved playing cards, hunting, and following his favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes. We will always remember his stories, his smile and his wonderful laugh. Mel passed away Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at his home with his family by his side at the age of 86 years.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye Ahlberg of Williamsburg; five children, Lori (Dr. Keith) Stecker of Williamsburg, Lynn (Mark) Ritchhart of Norwalk, John (Angela) Ahlberg of DeWitt, James Ahlberg of Delta and Amy (Eugene) Henderson of North Liberty; 17 grandchildren, Amanda (Sam) Schumacher, Patrick Stecker, Anne (Kevin) Brodersen, Justin (Erin) Ritchhart, Matthew Ritchhart, Thomas Ritchhart, William (Alexis) Ahlberg, Emma Ahlberg, Mary Ahlberg, Olivia Ahlberg, Breanna (Jeremy) Randall, Jessica (Max) Bender, Brandon Ahlberg, Teresa (Kevin) Miller, Isaiah Ahlberg, Abby Henderson and Jack Henderson; along seven great-grandchildren, Grace, Lily, Nolan, Liam, Fynnley, Jax and Adyson; and a brother, Gary (Jane) Ahlberg of Marengo.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; a sister, Donna Newkirk; and many loved in-laws.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Williamsburg. Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery in Holbrook with military rites. There will be a prayer service and a rosary at 3 p.m. Friday at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Visitation will continue on Friday following these services until 7 p.m.

Memorials are for St. Michael Cemetery, American Legion in Williamsburg or the John Paul II Research Institute. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.