Obituaries

LaDean Ahrens, 57 of Mt. Carmel, Iowa died early Friday morning, September 16, 2011 at her home in Mt. Carmel.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Mt. Carmel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to mass time at the church. The Celebrant will be Fr. Lynn Bruch. Con-celebrants will be Fr. Joe Dillinger and Fr. John McGuirk. Music will be by Denise Nieland and the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Choir. Lector will be Pastor Ben Kolars. Gift Bearers will be Ethan Frank-Collins, Dominic Habrock, Bobi Adams, Angie Hiesterman, Jeni Taylor, Suzi Thompson, Alycia Ahrens, Zachary Ahrens, and Joshua Ahrens. Eucharistic Minister will be Vicki Reiling. Honorary Casket Bearers will be LaDean’s brothers: Stephen Collins, William Ahrens, and Dominic Ahrens. Pam Van Ahn, LaDean’s lifelong friend will deliver the eulogy. Online condolences may be left for LaDean’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. Memorials may be left at the church in LaDean’s name.
LaDean was born on December 21, 1953 at Ft. Dodge, Iowa the daughter of Walter and Virginia (Whitney) Ahrens. LaDean attended Lake City Schools, graduating as a proud member of the class of 1972. Representing the class of 1972, she was crowned Ms. Lake City 2006, a title she still holds today. After graduating high school she attended AIB in Des Moines, IA. In 2007 she achieved a life goal graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Phoenix. She spent a majority of her life in the Carroll, Iowa area. Dedicating her life to serving the community and helping others every way she could, becoming active in many organizations. Some of those organizations and groups Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Toastmasters, Daughters of the American Revolution, Relay For Life, Child Abuse Prevention, Family Resource Center Board Member, Carroll Chamber of Commerce Board, playing her hand-crafted tubular chimes and entertained so many with Esther’s Polka Band at nursing homes & other events throughout the area, also starting a 12-steps of Christians bible study. She held many positions throughout her life. She began her career in the family business Fleet Wholesale Co. of Lake City, IA. As she continued forward in her life she worked at New Holland, Computer Transportation Services, she owned an accounting firm, was a private contractor for Safe Choice Business Solutions, and Family Resource Center. Holding numerous positions she fulfilled her desire to help others in many capacities. LaDean was a warrior, not only in her battle with cancer but in her beautiful zest for life. She remained positive and optimistic throughout her final battle, always upbeat and unaffected. Her undying faith in God carried her through life and she celebrated everyday of her life to the end, knowing God was at her side.
Survivors include her husband, Doug Nees of Mt. Carmel; her children: Katharyn McVay and her husband Adam of El Paso, TX, Shannon Reising and her husband Jason of Lidderdale, and Eric Nees and his fiancé Darcy Larson of Breda; two grandchildren, Grace and Lucas Reising; three brothers: Stephen (Billie Frank) Collins of Santa Fe, NM, William (Becky) Ahrens of Lake City, and Dominic (Shelley) Ahrens of Carroll, as well as many nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Pamela Habrock; and her grandson, Jacob Reising.