Dawn Denise Ahrens, age 67, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, following complications from surgery.  Dawn was born in Menominee, MI on November 27, 1956, to Richard and Jeannette Maurer.

She graduated with the class of 74 at Menominee High School.  Following high school, she attended the University of Michigan for two years, and then she attended St. Norbert College where she received her BA.  She met her future husband, Steven Ahrens on a blind date.  On October 23, 1993, she was united in marriage to Steve at Holy Name Catholic Church, Kimberly.  The couple just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary.

Dawn was a retirement benefits administrator.  She originally started work at Stephenson National Bank, and then worked for many years at Valley Trust Company, now known as BMO, until her retirement.  She belonged to PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), the American Association of University of Women (AAUW), and volunteered at the Neenah Animal Shelter for many years.

She will be missed by her husband, Steve Ahrens, Appleton; her mother, Jeannette Maurer, Menominee, MI; grandson Emery Ahrens; brothers: Todd Maurer, Washington, MI and Jay (Julie) Maurer, Willington, OH; niece, Bryonny; nephews Joshua and Jarron; Goddaughter, Elizabeth (fiancé Raymond Dieringer) Urban, Appleton; friend Ric Meese and neighbors Rick and Carol.  She is further survived by her cats Snickers and Dixie; and her dog Annie.

She is preceded in death by her father Richard; daughter Stephanie; and parents-in-law Reginald and Ella Ahrens.

A funeral service will take place at 3 pm on Tuesday, November 19th, at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel.  Friends may visit at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 1 pm until 2:45 pm.  Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dawn's name to your favorite animal shelter or rescue.

Steve would like to extend a special thank you to Goddaughter Liz, and the caring staff at Froedtert Hospital for the compassionate care given to Dawn.