Robert Edward Ahrens

Robert “Bob” Edward Ahrens of Vassar, age 67, passed away at his home on July 9, 2026 with his family and friends by his side. He was born on February 20, 1959, in Saginaw, the son of the late Edward and Bonnie Mae (Dombrowski) Ahrens. Bob graduated from Akron-Fairgrove High School with the Class of 1977 before attending Nashville Auto Diesel College, where he studied auto body. He spent many years in the machining industry and retired from GLE-Precision, LLC in Bridgeport in 2023.

On June 21, 1980, Bob married the former Cheri Zechmeister. Following her passing on August 16, 2012, he was blessed to find love again with Janet-Lee Safford, and the two were married at Sutton Sunshine Church on July 21, 2013. Bob was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Sutton Sunshine Church, served as Fairgrove Village President, was President of the Vassar Historical Society, coordinated the Fairgrove Bean Festival Car Show, and belonged to several antique car clubs. A lifelong MOPAR enthusiast, Bob took great pride in his Rumble Bee truck and enjoyed NASCAR, history, trivia, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Great Lakes Loons. Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family, his love for his grandchildren, and his straightforward, no-nonsense personality.

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly thirteen years, Janet-Lee Ahrens; son, Brett (Kaci) Ahrens; stepchildren, DJ (Brittany) Vitu and Phoebe Vitu; grandchildren, Mitchell Ahrens, Liam Vitu, Evelyn Mae “Evie” Vitu; brother, Fred (Rhonda) Ahrens; nieces, Ashley and May Lynn; Cheri’s parents, Steve & Linda Zechmeister; sisters-in-law, Laurajeanne Kehn, Susan (David) Traubenkraut, Beverly (Greg) Safford-Dodd, and Ann (Tim) Essex; special friends, Craig & Heather Tomlinson; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to his parents and first wife, Bob was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Anne Klammer; Janet’s parents, Jeanne & Omer Safford; and brother-in-law, Jim Kehn.

Bob received exceptional care throughout his illness, and our family is deeply grateful to those who walked beside him. We extend heartfelt thanks to Houman Nourkeyhani, MD, his staff, and the infusion team for their dedicated and compassionate oncology care. Our appreciation also goes to Ashley, RN, of Wellspring Hospice, whose kindness and professionalism brought comfort during the most difficult days.

We wish to acknowledge our dear friends Barb Reittenbach and Lurah Thomas, whose unwavering presence and loving support in Bob’s final days will never be forgotten. We are also grateful to Barb and Paul Walker for their steady friendship and help whenever it was needed.

Special thanks to Bryan Banks, our neighbor and fellow member of the Vassar Historical Society, who generously came at a moment’s notice to help with anything that needed fixing. And finally, we extend our gratitude to Mitch Jaynes, who ensured Bob’s Rumble Bee truck looked its best for the funeral—an act of respect that meant so much.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Sutton Sunshine Church at 1:00 p.m. The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Sutton Sunshine Church, or the Vassar Historical Society.