Irma Ahlhorn

Irma Leona Wagner Ahlhorn, 89, of Brenham, died at Trinity Care Center on Sunday, December 6, 2009. Mrs. Ahlhorn was born July 3, 1920 to Lillie and Harry Wagner in Industry, Texas. She was baptized at Shelby Evengelical Lutheran Church and confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Winedale. She received her early education at Rockhaus-Schoenau School. When the family moved she attended the historic Winedale Public School along with her siblings. On April 6, 1941, she married Eugene Dutch Ahlhorn in St. John Lutheran Church, Warrenton, Texas. The newlyweds moved to Houston where she became a homemaker and mother to three children. She was very active in her children''s lives while providing a wonderful and beautiful home. Mrs. Ahlhorn was a very loving and accepting person and continually put others before herself. She enjoyed sewing, a talent at which she excelled. Another special gift she shared with family and friends was cooking and baking. Her family was her pride and joy, and she loved every minute spent with them throughout the years. A sense of humor and laughter were always present in her midst. As her children grew older, Mrs. Ahlhorn began a retail career which included working at J. C. Penney''s and the renowned Kaplan''s-Ben Hur Department Store in the Houston Heights. Upon her husband''s retirement in 1981, they moved to Breckenridge, Texas and lived next to her daughter and son-in-law where she enjoyed an active life in her church and lakeside community. Mrs. Ahlhorn was an active and devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Brenham and cherished her church family and pastors. She provided a noble example of unconditional love for others and remains a genuine blessing to all who knew her. Survivors include her loving husband of 68 years, Eugene Ahlhorn of Brenham; one daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and John Kieke of Breckenridge, Tx.; two sons, Ron Ahlhorn and wife Judy of Seabrook, Tx. and Gene Ahlhorn and Clarisa Gray of Pearland, Tx.; seven grandchildren, Deborah Bredthauer and husband Brian of Angel Fire; NM; Rodney Kieke and wife Jane of Quitman, Tx.; Craig Ahlhorn and wife Sandra of Houston; Krista Rumbaugh and husband Kevin of League City; Scott Ahlhorn of Austin; Kevin Ahlhorn and wife Jennifer of Cypress, Tx; and Laurie Yarbrough and husband Ryan of Cypress, Tx; three step-grandchildren: Evan and Erin Qualls and Nicole White; eight great-grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren. Other survivors include two sisters: Ila Nell Kieke and husband Daniel of Burton; Alice Mae Eberenz and husband Herbert of La Grange; one brother, Clarence Wagner and wife Shirley of Round Top; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Wessels of Houston and Vernice Ahlhorn of Houston and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Evelyn Toll. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, Texas on Tuesday, December 8 form 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Rodney Kieke, Craig Ahlhorn, Scott Ahlhorn, Kevin Ahlhorn, Kevin Rumbaugh, Justin Hannsz, Brian Bredthauer and Clay Bredthauer. At the family''s request, memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangaements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.