Frederick William Julius (Fritz) Ahlman

Frederick William Julius (Fritz) Ahlman, was born November 26, 1918, at Pierce, Nebraska, to Emil and Anna (Rabe) Ahlman, and died February 20, 2009, at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas, at the age of 90 years.

Fritz was a World War II Army Veteran serving in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines. He married Helen Marie Pokett on October 4, 1962, in Fairbury, Nebraska. They moved to Mankato, Kansas in 1963, and built the Crest Vue Motel. They sold the motel and retired in 1982. Fritz and Helen spent time traveling, fishing, and visiting family during retirement.

Fritz was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Steve Cantrell.

Survivors include his wife, Helen of Mankato, Kansas; children, Chuck and wife, Deby Harder of Meridian, Idaho, Susan and husband, John Sheehan of Tecumseh, Kansas, Jerry and wife, Stacie Harder of Salina, Kansas, and Ann and husband, David Shields of Derby, Kansas; sister, Linda Cox of Oxford, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service was held Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Father Steven R. Little officiating.Mrs. Janelle Greene was the organist, and the congregation sang: “Rock of Ages,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace.” Casket bearers were: Michael Harder, Todd Harder, Adam Cantrell, Jerry Harder, Charles Harder, and David Shields. Honorary casket bearers were: John Sheehan, and Daniel Shields.

Graveside service was Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., at Roslawn Memorial Park, Salina, Kansas, with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley, Kansas. Interment followed in the cemetery.

Visitation was from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009, and Monday, February 23, 2009, 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the Mortuary. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements