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Charles H. Ahnert

Charles H. Ahnert

  • April 20, 1931 - July 2, 2012
  • Buchanan, Michigan
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“So sorry for the loss of your father. I was a Latin student of his in the 60s. What a great and patient teacher. I always admired him as a person...Read More » ”
1 of 21 | Posted by: greer (vastine) alverson - howell, MI

“Ths man was a true friend. Mr. Ahnert was someone who always went out of his way to make a person's life a little better. WIthout a doubt, he...Read More » ”
2 of 21 | Posted by: Charles Wickham - ann arbor, MI

“Chuck was wonderful help to our Wordl Language Department and helped our students prepare for the National Spanish Exam. He will surely be missed! ”
3 of 21 | Posted by: Dr. Angie Griesmann - Troy, MI

“The Michigan World Language Association will miss Chuck. He helped so many MIWLA Boards and world language teachers from all over the state of...Read More » ”
4 of 21 | Posted by: Emily Serafa Manschot - Novi, MI

“To the family of Mr. Ahnert, As a World Language teacher and member of both MIWLA and AATSP, I am grateful for the professional contributions Chuck...Read More » ”
5 of 21 | Posted by: Adel DiOrio - Portland, MI

“To the family of Charles Ahnert ~ My sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of such a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of working...Read More » ”
6 of 21 | Posted by: Jodie Littlefield - St. Joseph, MI

“Chuck was a wonderful man. He will always be remembered for his kind spirit and contributions to education and the Michigan World Language...Read More » ”
7 of 21 | Posted by: Susan Buffa - Chesterfield, MI

“To the Family of Charles Ahrent I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Charles was always a very kind and thoughtful person. It was a...Read More » ”
8 of 21 | Posted by: Ellie Moely - Stevensville, MI

“Valerie, I just learned of your father's passing and so very glad that I had the chance to speak to him just a few days prior. You probably...Read More » ”
9 of 21 | Posted by: Cathie Gearhart Bell - Anacortes, WA

“Valerie, I was so sorry to hear of your Dad passing. He and your Mom were so kind to me years ago when I needed a place to live during the Summer...Read More » ”
10 of 21 | Posted by: Jane (Rifenberg) Barber - Memphis, TN

“A great teacher for Benton Harbor High. You will be missed. Eric Dixon c/o 87 ”
11 of 21 | Posted by: eric

“My prayers are with Chuck's family during this difficult time. An avid supporter of world languages and the MIWLA, Chuck was an amazing friend and...Read More » ”
12 of 21 | Posted by: Cindy Kendall - Williamston, MI

“Dear Val and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this really hard time. Sincerely, Mary ”
13 of 21 | Posted by: Mary McCourt Waaso - MI - friend

“Dear Valerie, So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that you and your family are doing well. My thoughts are with you. ”
14 of 21 | Posted by: Marilyn Kay - Buchanan, MI

“Chuck always had a smile and a happy word for us. He was a pleasure to work with and helped so many students over the years - many for whom it was...Read More » ”
15 of 21 | Posted by: Terri Glasgow - MI - Colleague

“Charles' family is in my prayers. He was a very nice guy and so helpful to this 'newbie' at LMC. He'll be missed. ”
16 of 21 | Posted by: Debbie Gillespie - St. Joseph, MI

“My deepest sympathy to you. charles was a great person that made our world better by being a part of it. May he rest in peace. ”
17 of 21 | Posted by: Linda Sims - Dowagiac, MS

“I was saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. He was a great help to me many times at Lake Michigan College while we worked together. He will be...Read More » ”
18 of 21 | Posted by: Deb Montcalm - MI - Colleague

“May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us. Chuck was a great neighbor and friend. He will be missed immensely. ”
19 of 21 | Posted by: Rich, Tonya & RJ Mewton - MI

“Valerie, Rob and I are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Ann Keech, St. Joseph Rob Stephenson, St. Louis, Missouri ”
20 of 21 | Posted by: Elowyn Ann Keech - St. Joseph, MI

“So very sorry to hear of the passing of such a fine gentleman. I enjoyed his French class and working with him on the yearbook many, many years ago. ”
21 of 21 | Posted by: George Burgoyne - Niles, MI


Navy Emblem

Charles H. Ahnert, 81, of Buchanan, Michigan passed away at Lakeland Medical Center in Niles on July 2, 2012. He was born on April 20, 1931 in Peru, Indiana to the late George C. and Terresa (Radel) Ahnert. Charles is survived by a daughter Valerie (William) Hill of Marietta, GA, a granddaughter, Emily Ripley and a great-granddaughter Lila Ripley. His wife Opal Ahnert preceded him in death in 1980.

Charles was married to Opal Curtis on May 29, 1955 in Muncie, IN. He was a Navy veteran serving as a Corpsman during the Korean War. Charles graduated from Ball State University with a Master of Arts Degree in Foreign Languages. He taught at Dowagiac Junior-Senior High School, Buchanan High School, Southwestern Michigan College and Benton Harbor High School. Charles was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to Peru to teach English at the Gran Unidad Escolar San Miguel, where he also served as the Director of the Ministry of Education Teacher Training Institute. Charles has received many awards and honors including the MIWLA's Barbara Ort-Smith Award, an Instructions Grant with MIWLA in his name, he also received commendations from the American Theatre, the United States Navy, the Michigan Department of Education and the Governor of Indiana. Charles was dedicated to his community and served as a member of the American Legion, the BPO Elks, the Knights of Columbus, as lector and on the Liturgical Worship Committee at St. Anthony's Church, Michigan Education Association, AATSP, AATF, Michigan Classical Conference, as a founding member of the MIWLA and ACTFL and as a member and Executive Treasurer of the MIWLA. Charles also enjoyed visits with his daughter, her husband and his grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5, 2012, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 509 W. Fourth St., Buchanan with Father Carl Peltz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus or Saint Anthony Catholic Church both at 509 W. Fourth St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Those wishing to sign his guestbook or leave a condolence message may do so by visiting our website www.swemchapel.com.