Robert G. “Bob” Ahler Sr., 83, Burlington, died May 19, 2012, at Willowfield Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Delavan.
He was born May 22, 1928, to the late Bernard and Helen (Wolf) Ahler in Burlington, where he spent his entire life. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1946.
He married Theresa S. Gerich on May 20, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Burlington, where they resided and raised their family. She preceded him in death on Aug. 29, 2011.
He was a member of the Burlington Lions Club since 1960 and had maintained perfect attendance over the years. He held the offices of the vice president and president, and served as a member of the Board of Directors. He received key membership awards, Lion of the Year, International President, The International Leadership Award, Berch-Sterm and Melvin Harris Award and was the first in Burlington to receive the Melvin Jones Award.
He served at the district level and held various offices including Zone Chairman, Leo Club Chairman, Eye Bank Chairman, District Governor and State of WLF Board of Directors. He was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Honor Guard. He served in several capacities. He was awarded the Knight of the Year and the Leo J. Warren Award through the organization.
He worked to form the Association of Retarded Citizens of Southeastern Racine County in 1966, serving as president in 1968. For 12 years, he was chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Burlington Goodwill, and 11 years as a member of the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin.
He received the Burlington’s Rotary Club Humanitarian of the Year award in 1985 along with the Paul Harris Fellow.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, serving over 50 years as an usher. He was also owner and operator of Arnold and Bob’s Inc. for 45 years. Bob’s hobbies included collecting clown figurines and Lions Club Pins.
Survivors include his children, Betty (Dick) Hoover, Burlington, Greg (Shelly), Elkhorn, Bob Jr. (Edith), Paddock Lake, Margaret Cooley, California, Peter, Rita (Joe) Chrast, William (Cheryl), and Don all of Burlington; 17 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Teresa Rossmiller, Burlington, Monica (Harold) Miller, Milwaukee; a brother, Charles (Mary), Michigan; other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his sister, Bernadine Nelson; brother, Gerard Ahler; grandson, Eric Ahler and great-grandson, Grant Cowan.
Visitation is May 30, from 4-8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer vigil. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 31, at 1 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. James Volkert officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family and will be dispersed to Robert’s favorite charities.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Webber, Dr. Jolanta Twardy, Walnut Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility and Willowfield Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and care of Bob.
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