John D. Ahern

John D. Ahern, age 81 of Inver Grove Heights, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 4, 2019, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN. John Dale, the son of Lawrence D. Ahern and Doris (Milligan) Ahern, was born on August 3, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa. John attended Decorah High School and graduated with the class of 1956 as Student Body President. Following his graduation, he attended college at Iowa State University, transferred to University of Iowa to finish his degree, in Printing Management, at South Dakota State University. On August 13, 1960, John was united in marriage to Janice Worthington in Decorah, Iowa at the Methodist Church. John and Jan grew up across the alley from each other, dating friends of one another and in grade school John was moved in front of Jan and she wrote in her diary that John was “ick pilk”. They spent 60 years of marriage traveling around the world, raising a family and sharing many memories on Gull Lake. John was a scratch golfer, loved playing pool, loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan, an avid reader and a proud Irish man! The time he enjoyed most was with his family and grandchildren. John had a tremendous sense of humor, desire to help others and was best known for the following Johnism’s: “Inch by Inch”, “Ducks in a Row” and “Grinding Away”. John began his working career in the printing business then segued into a thirty-year career in the real estate industry developing Ahern Realty (All Over Town) and Senior Cottages of America. He developed a 5 star restaurant in Des Moines; House of Hunan in 1979. He was preceded in death by his parents; Lawrence Dale Ahern and Doris Milligan Ahern. John is survived by his wife, Janice; children, David Ahern, Kelly (Brian) Jaedike, Molly (Ania) Nadybska; grandson, Dylan Bailey; granddaughters, Samantha Jaedike, Sydnee Jaedike, Sadie Ahern; siblings, Ann Smith, and Susan (Davis) Lange; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2019, at the Jaedike family home in Eagan, MN to include shared memories, laughter, Irish traditions and many of John’s favorite foods. Private family gathering will be held at the Jaedike home from 1:00pm – 2:00pm in Eagan, MN. John’s family requests that flowers be omitted. Rather, please make a donation in his memory to either Give Hope 2 Kids (orphanage in Honduras), University of Iowa Athletic Department or to the donor's choice. Also, per John’s request, please wear casual attire. Arrangements are being completed by the affordablemncremation.com, a service of Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.