Rich Ahlers, 53, of Dubuque, passed away on November 29, 2023, at Unity Point Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA.

Rich was born on October 30, 1970, in Dubuque, the son of Donald Ahlers Sr. and Barbara Scharff.  He graduated from Central Alternative High School.

He married Connie Ahlers, they went their separate ways but remained friends.

Rich worked as a bartender at Burkey’s Bar & Grill.

Rich was a great father, brother, uncle, and friend to all he knew.  He enjoyed spending time with his son and family.  He was a fan of the Bears and Dale Earnhardt Jr.  He also enjoyed a game of pool and the demolition derby.  In his spare time, he loved to get in a game of Seduko.  He enjoyed a good laugh and joking around with the regular customers at Burkey’s.  Everyone considered him to be a nice guy.

He is survived by his son Chaz (MiKayla Evanoff) Kohl; brother Lorin (Robin Meisenburg) Ahlers; sisters Tina Helbing, Donna (Dan) Burkart; brother Donnie (Lisa Dalsing) Ahlers Jr.; Nieces/Nephews: Jeremy Huberty, Nicole (Eric) Oliver, Sarah (Matt) Schultes, Jason (Rachel) Burkart, Josh (Tiffany Roussel) Burkart, Jake (Samantha Feyen) Burkart, Ashley (Derek) Haas, Kyle (Tiffani Switzer) Krieger; Aunts/Uncles: Jack Ahlers, Janet Driscoll, Linda (Kenny) Neumann, Nancy Hoag, Darien Hayward; along with many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents Donald Ahlers Sr. and Barbara Ahlers.

In lieu of flowers, a Rich Ahlers memorial fund has been established.

Rich’s family would like to thank Dubuque Fire and EMS, The Finley ER Dept and ICU Dept.  Dr. Ellis, Dr. Braden Powers and most of all to Betsy Adams, ICU nurse for her exceptional care and compassion.