David William Ahrens passed away on June 7, 2019 at the age of 47 after a courageous, year-long battle with cancer. David was born to loving parents, Glenn and Nancy Ahrens, on July 13, 1971 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of four children and at the age of 15 he and his family moved to Rockford, Illinois. He graduated from Guilford High School there in 1989, then attended Brigham Young University for a year before serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Denmark Copenhagen Mission from 1990 to 1992. His mission was a spiritual experience he loved and talked about often. Upon his return, he graduated from BYU with degrees in Political Science and Geography and later earned a Master’s Degree in Geography. While at BYU he met Julie Aagard and on April 26, 1997, the happiest day of his life, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple. 22 years later, they are the parents of 7 beautiful children.
David spent the first 10 years of his career in business and finance and then worked for Philanthropies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a donor liaison from 2011 to the time of his death. There he worked with wonderful people who became some of his closest friends. He loved working for Philanthropies and felt it was his dream job. He always marveled at the generosity of those who give so openly and freely to good causes all over the world.
David had many opportunities to serve in callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Elders Quorum President, Young Men President, Bishop, and counselor in the Stake Presidency. He loved those he served and served with. He loved Jesus Christ and tried to serve Him and follow His example. He will always be remembered as one who was a champion for those that need help, care, or a listening ear. He wanted everyone to know that he was in their corner and that they had an advocate in him.
David was an athlete who loved to play and watch sports. He played tennis in high school and for Brigham Young University. He also loved the outdoors and loved to hike in Utah’s beautiful mountains, especially with his children.
David loved his family and found his greatest joy in spending time with them. He loved to watch his children participate in sports and other activities and was a wonderful and devoted father. He taught his children about Jesus Christ through precept and example. His greatest love was Julie, and they had a happy marriage built upon true friendship. He was always a kind, patient, and loving husband. David had a great sense of humor with a loud and infectious laugh. He was a kid at heart and loved to joke and have fun. He loved to talk, laugh, and spend time with those closest to him.
He is survived by his wife Julie, and their children: Mark (20), Maren (18), Jessica (16), Luke (12), Samuel (11), Eliza (8), and Jane (6); by his parents (Glenn and Nancy Ahrens); and siblings: Liz Gibby (Brian), Mark Ahrens (Bre), and Catherine Brinkerhoff (Greg).
A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 14th, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 A.M. at the Spanish Fork East Stake Center on 1158 E. 1240 S. Spanish Fork, Utah.
Memorial contributions in honor of David may be made to give.byuh.edu/inhonor
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