Harold Ahrenholtz

Harold LeRoy Ahrenholtz was born June 17, 1922 to Louis and Irene (Quathamer) Ahrenholtz in Manilla, Iowa. He was the second of 7 children. The family lived and farmed in the Manilla, Iowa area. He graduated from Defiance high school in 1941, and joined the Army soon after. He served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1946 as a medic in the European theater and was awarded 2 bronze stars and a purple heart. He was proud of his service to his country throughout his life, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 15006. Harold married Frances Madsen on September 23, 1944, in Phenix City, Alabama. After his discharge from the Army, they began farming in Defiance, Iowa. They had a family of 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. He moved from his farming roots in 1953 to Wheat Ridge, Co. He worked as a carpenter to learn the construction trade, and eventually owned his own business as a contractor. When a serious fall ended his construction career, he turned to real estate. He worked as a realtor in the Denver area and specialized in property management until his retirement. Harold and Frances moved to Arvada in 1996. He loved puttering around the house and garage, always staying busy. There was never a day that he had nothing to do. He was the ultimate handyman, able to build or repair whatever needed to be fixed. He and Frances traveled to see family when they could, for as long as they could. Shortly before his death, they moved into a retirement community in Westminster. He died peacefully at home with his family after a brief illness. Harold is survived by his wife of 70 years, Frances (Madsen); children, Linda (Richard) Rigg of Cheyenne, WY, Larry (Katherine) Ahrenholtz of Anaheim, CA; Bruce Ahrenholtz of Wheat Ridge, CO; and Shirley (Larry) Rothmier of Edmonds, WA; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The Funeral services will be held in Harold's honor on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr Street, Arvada, Colorado. A reception will follow immediately after the services at the church. The Interment be held following the reception at 1:15 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""C"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver Colorado. Please share your memories of Harold and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.