Joe Ahner

Mass of Christian Burial for Joe Ahner, age 60, of Milaca, will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Milaca.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5 - 8 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a rosary service at 7:30 PM.  Visitation will continue hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.  Military honors will be provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794.  

Jerome Joseph “Joe” Ahner passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at his Milaca home.

Joe was born November 20, 1958 to Max and Agnes (Kuehn) Ahner in Princeton, MN.  He grew up in Zimmerman.  He graduated from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, CA.  After high school, Joe continued his education taking classes in auto mechanics, welding, machinist, stained glass, locksmithing and more.

From 1976 – 1980, Joe served in the US Marines Corps.  He was very proud to call himself a Marine.

In 1982, Joe married Barbara Binkley in Royalton, MN.  Together they lived in Zimmerman and later moved to Milaca.  Joe and Barb had four children together:  Joshua (1982), Deborah (1984), Matthew (1986) and Beth (1988).

Joe had many hobbies including carpentry, welding, stained glass, designing and creating railings and many others.  For many years, Joe worked as a Facility Operations Manager for Mille Lacs County. 

Joe’s family was very important to him.  His wife, children and grandchildren always came first.  Joe will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara;  children, Deborah (Tom) Sumner, Matthew (Amber) Ahner and Beth Ahner; daughter-in-law, Crystal Ahner; grandchildren, Ellie, Raelynn, Leonard and Waylon;  brothers, Max, Ralph, Richard, Roger, Steven, David, Edward, Thomas, Andy, John and Adam; sister, Sandra;  also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Agnes;  son, Joshua and brothers, Kevin and Gerald.