Stephen Ryan Ahern, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

By December 5, 2019Obituaries

Stephen Ryan Ahern, 32, of Ottawa, passed away unexpectedly, on November 18, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019 at Crossbridge Community Church, with Rev. John Pickens, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Stephen was born on August 22, 1987 in Ottawa, to R. Kevin Ahern and Rhonda (Stephens) Ahern. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 2006. After high school he joined the US Air Force and served from 2007 to 2011. He was a Senior Airman, served at the Osan AFB in South Korea, and was deployed with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stephen was currently employed at Sabic Plastics. He grew up attending Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, and was currently attending Crossbridge Community Church in Ottawa. Steve had a kind heart and gentle spirit. He will be forever missed by his family.

He is survived by his parents, his grandmothers, Ruth Stephens and Lucille Ahern, two brothers, Brent (Jessica Friede) Ahern and Alex Ahern, both of Ottawa, one uncle Rob Stephens, and his beloved niece. Briella Ahern.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Robert Ahern and Ray Stephens.

Pallbearers will be John Haerle, TJ Renner, Josh Roach, Chad Walker, Brent Ahern, Alex Ahern, and Brandon Breedlove. Honorary Pallbearers will be his Osan AFB flight members.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.

Stephen has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.