Mark Ahrens

Mark Alan Ahrens, 53, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015. Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved teaching others to love the outdoors as much as he did.

Mark served in the U.S. Air Force, which brought him to Mountain Home, where he fell in love with the wide open spaces and made it his home. His joy of hunting and fishing could be seen throughout his home through various trophies and mounts.

One of his greatest joys was catching and providing a crawdad feed for the family visiting from Wisconsin. Every free moment you would find Mark enjoying his hobbies with his wife, son or best friend, Dave Wurdinger, among many other friends.

Mark and Maridee spent many hours cooking, grilling, smoking meats and cheeses and creating new recipes to share with their friends and family. Mark also enjoyed the family pets, two Jack Russell Terriers named Bingo and Bailey.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to pull practical jokes on friends and family. He was a devoted family man who always tried to instill his moral strength and character into their lives. Mark was much respected by many for his knowledge of the outdoors and sportsmanship.

He is survived by his wife, Maridee Ahrens; son Marcus Ahrens; daughter Jessie Joye (Chet); step-daughters Laurie Hebb (Bill), Lacey Tucker and,Robyn McFarland (Kevin); and step-son, Cody Tucker. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, including one on the way.

He is also survived by his parents, Mark and Jan Ahrens, brothers Tate Ahrens (Lisa), Dean Ahrens, sister Pam Zeratski (Roger) and multiple nieces and nephews all from Wisconsin. Mark's parents were able to move to Idaho for several years, and Mark was grateful for the time he got to spend with them before they returned to Wisconsin. Mark was very loved by many people and will be greatly missed.

Per Mark's request, no services will be held. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.