Margaret Ann Ahler

Margaret Ann Ahler, age 74, of Rensselaer passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. Margaret was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on May 26, 1942 to the late John Cahill and Elizabeth nee Richard O'Donnell. She formerly resided in Chesterton, Indianapolis, South Bend and Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Margaret graduated from St. Mary's High School in Michigan City, Indiana with the Class of 1960. She furthered her education at Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Purdue University, Indianapolis and St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Indiana graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in History in May of 1982. She began her student teaching in the Fall of 1983 at the Rensselaer Central School Corporation, where she spent the next 23 years. She was the Gifted and Talented Coordinator on Grant from the Indiana Department of Education while at RCHS from 1985 to 1988, while also fulfilling the duties of a Teacher’s Substitute at the Middle and High schools. From 1991 to 2006, she became a full-time Social Studies teacher at the Rensselaer Central Middle. During her 15 years as the 7th grade Social Studies teacher, she touched hundreds of young lives. She cherished her students dearly and loved her work in the classroom as much as her work in the home. Margaret was fully engaged in serving her community. She was a charter member of the Jasper County Hospital Auxiliary, former Chairman of the Jasper County Cancer Crusade, a devoted member of St. Augustine Catholic Church where she served on the Board of Education and the Parish Council and was the past President of the Christian Women’s Group of St. Augustine. She served with the Red Cross and the Rensselaer Child Care Advisory Board. Together with her husband Ken, they were very active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. She was a long-time member of the Jasper Foundation. She enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling and visiting museums and antique stores. Above all, she loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. On August 24, 1963 in Chesterton, Margaret married the love of her life, Dr. Kenneth J. Ahler who survives. Together, they had three children, Dr. John Patrick (Melissa) Ahler, Mary Margaret (Don) Spagnolo and the Honorable James Robert (Tara) Ahler. She is also survived by two brothers, Patrick (Anne) O’Donnell and John O’Donnell, 13 grandchildren, Jacob, Ben, Noah, Sam, Isaac, Abigail, Adam, Philip, Annie, Oliva, John, Quin & Sydney and one great-grandchild on the way. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Jackson Funeral Chapel in Rensselaer on Monday August 22, 2016 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary Service to follow. A funeral mass for Margaret will be held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Father William Stang officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Rensselaer. Memorials may be made to the St. Augustine Catholic School.

Margaret Ann Ahler

May 26, 1942 - August 17, 2016