Arleen Ahlstrom

Arleen A. Ahlstrom, 90, of Waukon, IA, died Friday, August 26, 2016, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 30th, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Waukon, IA, with Rev. Duane Smith officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call one hour before services at the church on Tuesday. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Arleen Ardys Ahlstrom was born November 6, 1925, in rural Lansing, IA, the daughter of Edwin and Mabel (Sandry) Shogren. She graduated from Waukon High School and studied music and Bible at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN. On October 18, 1949, she married John Andrew Ahlstrom at First Baptist Church in Waukon. Arleen had the heart of a servant. Following her marriage to John, she devoted her life to serving her family and her church. She provided piano and organ music for church services, and accompanied many vocal groups and soloists, particularly her husband, John. She served her family and the elderly women of the church by providing transportation, meals, and faithful companionship. As her eyesight and mobility declined, Arleen enjoyed caring for her home, visits and phone calls from family. She was a member of Center Baptist Church in rural Lansing, for many years before becoming a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children: Doug Ahlstrom of Waukon, and Cheryl (Chad) Johnson of Richfield, MN; six grandchildren: Colin Ahlstrom, Brian (Vicki) Ahlstrom, Shawna (Mike) Sweeney, Justin (Ashley) Ahlstrom, Alyssa Lee, and Adam Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband John who died in 2006.

Casketbearers are Arleen's grandchildren.