George Ahrendt

Inwood, Iowa: George Junior Ahrendt, 74, passed away from complications related to cancer on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Inwood, Iowa with Rev. John Wolf officiating. Burial will follow at the Richland Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 1, 2014 with the family present from 2- 5 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with a time of sharing following at 5 p.m. Porter Funeral Home of Inwood is in charge of arrangements.

George was born to George and Cora Ahrendt on June 14, 1939, in the LeMars, Iowa, hospital. They resided on a farm south of Rock Valley until moving to a farm north of Inwood in 1944. He attended country school until the 5th grade when he and his parents moved into Inwood. While attending Inwood High School George worked for Myberg’s car dealership, and he also met Lazetta Ofstad who worked at the Canton, SD, drive-in.

George and Lazetta graduated from high school in May of 1958 and married on August 10th of the same year. They resided in Inwood until moving to a farm one mile west of West Lyon school in 1960. They welcomed 6 children into their home over a span of 16 years and have been life-long members of Bethlehem Lutheran church.

In addition to farming, George had several other occupations. He worked as a trucker for Buitendyk’s in Inwood, a mechanic for Olson’s Implement in Canton and Duke Tufty’s in Sioux Falls, a commission man in the hog division at the Sioux Falls stockyards for the firms of Olson-Frankman, Central Livestock, Savage-Klostergard, and Siouxland, and as a night custodian at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. After retiring to Inwood, he enjoyed farming with Damon and Seth Bahnson. George gained so much joy from friends he met along the way, especially during his 32 years at the stockyards.

George enjoyed many things in this life, but classic cars and tractors topped the list. He recently restored a 1956 Plymouth Savoy and loved taking his sweetheart for a cruise. Sight-seeing travels, fishing, playing Pinnochle with their long-standing club, collecting toys, and spending time with friends were among the things George liked to do best. George was passionate about his family and delighted in playing with and attending the activities of his 15 grandchildren. He also enjoyed serving his church in various capacities, and his community as a member of the Lyon County Pork Producers, an advocate for the Inwood pool and the Grand Falls Casino, and a City of Inwood council member. He and Lazetta were honored last summer as 4th of July parade Grand Marshalls.

George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lazetta, and his children: Scott (Sandy) Ahrendt of Larchwood, Susan (Paul) Kippley of Inwood, Sandy (David) Lantz of Inwood, Sally (Duane) Ites of Spirit Lake, Sarah (Lee) Richarz of Larchwood, Stacie (Vincent) Villanueva of Monument, CO. George also had 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Dustin (Sarah, Greyson and Paislee) Ahrendt, Dana (Kyle) Peterzalek, Becky (Clinton) Berentschot, Darin Lantz, Eric Ahrendt, Randy Kippley, Andrew and Carly Ites, Danielle, Jose and Alan Richarz, and Alexis, Madison, Benjamin, and Georgia Villanueva.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cora Ahrendt, his sister, Ruth (Ed) Kruse of Hills, MN, and his brothers Vernon (Virginia) Ahrendt of Sacramento, CA, Robert (Bob) Ahrendt of Sioux Falls, sister-in-law Mary Ahrendt, and niece Peggy Tiahrt. George is also survived by his brother Ken Ahrendt of Fellowship Village, Inwood, and many nephews and nieces.

George leaves a strong legacy of keeping faith first, making family a priority and giving an honest, positive effort in all you do.

 Born: June 14, 1939 Death: May 29, 2014Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.