Obituary of Beulah Ahrenstorff

Memorial Tribute Beulah Lavonne Ahrenstorff, the first-born daughter of Roy and Louise "Lucy" (Knock) Benz, was born July 28, 1926 at Melvin, IA. Sisters, Lois, Alice, and Neva followed to complete the family. Beulah spent her youth with her family on a farm east of Melvin, and attended Melvin Community School. Following her graduation in 1943, she attended business school in Sioux City, IA for three months. When she completed her training, she came back to Melvin, and was employed at Strubbe Grocery located there. While in school at Melvin, a young man transferred in who had attended country school through the 7th Grade. He not only became the love of her life, but her husband of 68 years. On November 7, 1945, Beulah was united in marriage to Lloyd Fenimore Ahrenstorff at Worthington, Minnesota while he was on leave from serving his country in the United States Navy. Following Lloyd's honorable discharge, he returned home to the Melvin area, and the two began farming together. They were blessed with three children: Randy, Ronnie, and Connie. Beulah was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Her days were kept full raising her family, tending to their needs, and making their home a warm, safe place to be. She helped where she could around the farm, and tended a big garden as well, canning and freezing the produce for everyone to enjoy all year long. She knew her way around the kitchen too, baking all kinds of good things to eat, and making the best pies anyone could ever want! Beulah's greatest delight and contentment came from being with family, whether it was Lloyd and her own children, her Mom, Dad and sisters, or the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who came later in her life. She loved them all dearly. Beulah was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin where she was baptized and confirmed. In 1992, two years after she and Lloyd retired from farming, they moved to Spencer, IA and became members of Bethany Lutheran of that city. In January of 2013, Beulah moved to the St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer where she resided until her passing on July 19, 2016 at the age of 89. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Lloyd in 2013; all three of her sisters; and two brothers-in-law. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Randy (Barb) Ahrenstorff of Hartley, IA, Ron Ahrenstorff of Spirit Lake, IA, and Connie (Marc) Heien of Spencer, IA; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bartie Beek of Sibley, IA; many nieces, nephews, cousins; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Beulah L. Ahrenstorff Born ~ July 28, 1926 Died ~ July 19, 2016 Age ~ 89 years 11 months 21 days Memorial Service Saturday, July 23, 2016 11:00 a.m. Hartley Funeral Home Chapel Hartley, Iowa Officiating Pastor Judy Johnson Organist Julie Back Songs of Praise "In The Garden" "Borning Cry" Pallbearers Guy Ahrenstorff Chad Ahrenstorff Mitch Ahrenstorff Shane Ahrenstorff Burial Prior to the Memorial Service Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa