Carol Lorene Ahrens

Carol Lorene Ahrens, 98, of Lansdale, PA died Thursday, November 5, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Herman C. Ahrens, Jr., who died February 24, 2016. They celebrated 65 1/2 years of life together.

Born May 13, 1928, in Lincolnton, NC, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Hugo and Josephine (Mathias) Kellermeyer. Lorene's early years were spent in North Carolina and the family moved to Ohio when she was a teenager. She received a BA in both Communication/Theater Arts and English from Heidelberg College (now University) in 1949 in Tiffin, Ohio and later attained her Master’s Degree Equivalency in Education from Temple University.

Lorene met her future husband, Herman C. Ahrens, Jr., in college, and after his return from Army service in WWII and the completion of their studies, the couple married and moved to Lansdale, PA in 1950 where they raised their family.

Trained as a teacher, Lorene resumed her career as an English and Drama instructor with the North Penn School District at Pennbrook Junior High in 1964. She is best remembered for directing and producing annual spring musicals for Penndale Junior High School with creativity, energy and empathy. Lorene retired from teaching in 1990 but continued her engagement with her community and church to the end. Lorene was a devoted member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Lansdale for 76 years.

Carol Lorene Kellermeyer Ahrens lived a beautiful life filled with love, family, adventure, music and joy. She was a great mother and a great friend and aunt to many. She loved being a Grandmother to six and a Great-Grandmother to ten. She will be very much missed.

Survivors include her children, Deborah K. Ahrens of Philadelphia, Paul C. Ahrens (Anne Huntley Ahrens) of Los Angeles, and Rev. Dr. Timothy C. Ahrens (Susan Sitler) of Columbus, OH; six grandchildren, Josephine Ahrens (William Wilcox), Roberta Swayne (Thomas), Luke Ahrens (Kirsten), Dani Ahrens (Alile Copper), Sarah Stadie (Nathan), and Thalia Lewis (Adam Scalf); and great-grandchildren - Benton, Rylan, Emryn, Ethan, Hazel, Aurelia, Aaden, Axel, Acelin, and Harvey.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Edward; and her sister, Janice.

Relatives and friends may call at 10:00a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2027, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. There will be a private burial in East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia, OH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Lorene’s memory to St. John’s UCC Music Fund, address above.