George Ahring

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George K. Ahring, 86, of O’Fallon, IL, born September 30, 1931, in Collinsville, IL, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Mr. Ahring graduated from Collinsville High School in 1950.  He had been flying with the civil air patrol since he was 15, so during his senior year, he enrolled in the U.S. National Guard and received his flight instructor certificate.  From 1950 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant.  He also served with the French National Guard from 1950 to 1952 in Europe on the First Squadron for the Thunderbirds.

George attended Belleville Area College, and later graduated from Illinois State in 1960. He taught high school and aviation for 20 years, and later worked in defense mapping for the United States Department of Defense for 23 years.  He retired from SWIC in 2010.

Mr. Ahring had worked on the development of Mid-America Airport, was past commander of Swansea VFW Post 5165, chaplain of Millstadt VFW Post 7980, and a member of Scott Air Force Base VFW.  George was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Associations (NARFE), Mascoutah Moose Lodge #815, the Belleville Shriners and Masons.

George loved his wife and children very much, and he never met a person he didn’t like.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 55 years, Rose Mary Ahring, nee Kempf, whom he married August 29, 1959; his grandparents, George W. and Josephine, nee Ronco, Ahring; two brothers-in-law, Louis Kish and Cletus Frerking; and a half-brother, Aaron Lee Ahring.

Surviving are a son, James C. Ahring of Belleville, IL;
a daughter, Jane M. (Mark) Jung of Belleville, IL;
a granddaughter, Jennifer Jung;
two sisters-in-law, Florence Kish and Ruth Frerking;
a brother-in-law, Leon Kempf;
cousins, Alberta Hoffman, and Steve, Carolyn, and Kathleen Sponza;
a special friend, Tommy Thacker;
many good friends at the Colonnade Senior Living;
and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2018, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the funeral home, with Fr. Dennis Voss officiating.

Burial with military honors will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

9 Comments on George Ahring

James L. McAfee said : Guest Report Jun 02, 2018 at 7:53 PM

George was a workmate at Defense Mapping Agency and a friend. We flew together a couple of times. He was a good man. Sympathy to the family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Ruth Berkel said : Guest Report Jun 01, 2018 at 9:37 PM

He will be missed here at the Colonnade, also. He was well known, and an inspiration to many.

  • O"Falon,
  • Il/
Evelyn Mason said : Guest Report Jun 01, 2018 at 6:37 PM

My deepest condolence to the entire family of George Ahring. He was one of the kindest residents if the Colonnades and always had a welcoming smile. He will be missed. I work with another resident there through the Visiting Angels of Belleville.

  • Glen Carbon
  • Illinois
Brenda Brock said : Guest Report Jun 01, 2018 at 4:52 PM

A teacher who inspired me. A family friend ... Dad's best friend ... and Mom's best friend's husband So fun and warm ... Shared many weekends and vacations ... the Ahrings and Brocks are now shuffling heaven's cards ??

  • Adel
  • Iowa
Chris Lindauer said : Guest Report May 31, 2018 at 11:27 PM

I’m so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. He played such a role in my life teaching me how to fly so many years ago. I kept in touch with George off and on for the last several years, but only made it up to Collanades one time. I deeply regret that. My most sincere thoughts remain with his family. He will be greatly missed. Chris Lindauer

  • New Athens
  • IL
Judy Bergen said : Guest Report May 31, 2018 at 10:38 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. George was a real gentleman. I so enjoyed working with him for his insurance needs. God speed.

  • Belleville
  • il
Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap 1019 said : Guest Report May 31, 2018 at 3:35 PM

Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. They can also assist in filling out claim forms for survivor benefits and life insurance You may call either of our Service Officers, Jim Haley at 618 795-5174 or Ben Brown at 618 624-8007. If unable to reach either one, you may call our alternate, Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
Cheryl L Pace said : Guest Report May 31, 2018 at 2:17 PM

I was so sorry to see that your dad has passed. He and your mom were very special to our family. I'm so sorry I will be unable for attend his services because I have to work this weekend. Sending Jane and Jimmy much love.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Mary Ellen Banes said : Guest Report May 31, 2018 at 12:25 AM

Jane & Jim: There aren't enough words that I can say except Thank you for being such a BIG part of my life. Your Mom and Dad are one in a million and I have been Blessed having them in my life from when we first met to their last day here with us. There is so many things I could say but I'll just say, Thank you for me being loved by your folks.

  • New Athens
  • IL

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