Maurice “Mike” Eugene Ahern, 91, of Salina, KS, passed away at his home surrounded by family on February 5, 2021. Mike was born on the family farm in Brookings, South Dakota on January 12, 1930 to Francis and Evangeline (Phillips) Ahern. He graduated from Brookings High School where he lettered in basketball and track, placed first in State in the mile, and was the bantamweight amateur boxing champion of Eastern South Dakota. After graduation, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from South Dakota State University. Mike took R.O.T.C. training while attending college, then served in the military in Korea and was promoted to First Lt.. Following his military service, he taught Agriculture in Doland, SD. He began his career for the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1956.
Mike married the love of his life, Margery (Levins) in Clear Lake, SD on June 9, 1956 and together they raised five children. While working for SCS they moved to various towns where they made lasting friendships: Yankton, SD; Plankinton, SD; Huron, SD; and eventually Salina, KS, where he worked until his retirement. In 1990, he was named the United States Department of Agriculture Personnelist of the Year for outstanding achievements in Personnel Management in the state of Kansas. After retirement, Mike enjoyed spending his free time on the golf course.
Mike was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and previously served as Grand Knight in Huron, SD. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Salina, KS and volunteered his time in numerous roles over the years. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and served on the Sacred Heart High School Board. Mike coached many of his children’s sports teams and enjoyed traveling to watch his children and later his grandchildren in all of their activities and special events. He was always their biggest fan.
He will be remembered for his strong faith, his devotion to his wife and family, his love of making his grandchildren laugh, his gift of conversation, his immaculate lawn and garden, his toasts, and his dancing in the kitchen with his sweetheart, even in his final years.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margery; five children, Michael (Patty) Ahern, Lawrence; James Ahern, Rapid City, SD; Tricia Wilcox, Wichita; Terry (Nikki) Ahern, Lee’s Summit, MO; and Mary Ann (Ryan) Foxhoven, Topeka; and nine grandchildren that he adored: Katie & Emily Ahern, Rhiannon Wilcox, Madeline, Lauren & Sophia Ahern, and Ella, Hayden & Hudson Foxhoven. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary (Bill) Catey, Seattle, WA; Eva Henderson, Flandreau, SD; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Elmer Goetz, Sioux Falls, SD; Eileen (Dennis) Tekrony, Lexington, KY; Richard (Sandy) Levins, Carmel, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald and wife Margaret Ahern, his sisters, Marjorie Neal and Aileen Goetz, sister-in-law, Jean and husband Carl Breckunitch, and a niece and nephew.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 10th at Ryan Mortuary with a Vigil service at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 11th at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Salina with burial following at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The funeral will be live streamed at https://stmsalina.org/. Masks and social distancing will be required. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Grade School or Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina, KS.