James Ernest Ahlfeld

Jim Ahlfeld

James Ernest Ahlfeld, 86, of Dry Ridge, Ky passed on to meet his heavenly Father, who he always called, “The Man Upstairs” on Monday, December 10, 2018.

A devoted Missouri Synod Lutheran, he attended Zion Lutheran church in Wabash, was instrumental in starting the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Dry Ridge, Kentucky and charted at St. John’s Lutheran church in Aurora, Indiana. Graduated from Chippewa High School in Wabash County, Indiana where he played basketball. An ardent Teamster, he drove a truck for over 40 years, traveling all but two states of the continental U.S.

James was a motorcycle enthusiast, member of the Wabash Cannonball TT motorcycle track and rode Harleys, Triumphs, and Indians most of his life. Rode even in the winter, riding to work and pulled all the neighborhood kids on sleds thru the snow with his Indian Chief.

Retired to a farm in Dry Ridge, Ky, which included a retired race horse and circus dog from the Cincinnati Zoo. In retirement, his love of the open road and meeting people led him to be a U.S. census taker. He loved playing euchre and pinochle, with his family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest W. Ahlfeld and Helen (Liebo) Ahlfeld; siblings, Robert Carl Ahlfeld, Margaret Elizabeth McCombs, Martha Lydia Moon, and Albert Eugene Ahlfeld.

Survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Madeline Patricia (Wilson) Ahlfeld; sister, Ruth Helena Alber; children, Douglas James (Leslie) Ahlfeld and Robert Eugene (Barbara) Ahlfeld; also survived by 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be at St. Johns Lutheran Church, 220 Mechanic St, Aurora, Indiana 47001 on Monday, December 17 at Noon, visitation at 11:30, with a meal following the service. Private burial to be held in Williamstown, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to St. Johns Lutheran School Aurora, In.

Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.stanleyfuneralhomes.com