Tom Ahlers

LJ Thomas Ahlers, 77, of Urbandale, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from complications with pneumonia.

Tom was born on September 27, 1945 to Eugene and Lucille (Ludwig) Ahlers in Dyersville, IA. Tom graduated from Xavier High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from Loras College with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.

Following college, Tom moved to Des Moines to pursue a career as a CPA and met the love of his life, Charlene (Chuckie) Owen. The two were married on August 8, 1970 and were blessed with three children: Aimee, Jeff and Katie. Tom worked as a CPA at Denman and Company, LLC for over 50 years and became the Managing Partner early in his career. He was dedicated to all of his clients and always treated them like family.

Tom was proud to have served as a head football referee for the Big 8 and later the Big 12 Conference from 1990 to 2007, which produced so many great memories and friendships. He was a numbers man in every way and that carried into his love for sports and playing cards (usually winning). He loved to be surrounded by family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Chuckie Ahlers; children, Aimee (Pete) Jacobson of Windsor, CO, Jeff (Mel) Ahlers of Overland Park, KS, and Katie (Luke) Frandrup of Edina, MN; and grandchildren, Avery Ahlers, Owen Jacobson, Luke Jacobson, Katelyn Jacobson, Lauren Frandrup, Ben Frandrup, Josie Ahlers, and Livi Ahlers. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Marilyn Barnes.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and a funeral at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023, both at St. Mary’s of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be used towards a memorial in Tom’s memory at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.