Walter "Gary" Ahlers, 80, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, January 28, 2022, at his home in Columbus.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 11 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Patrick Sparling and Rev. Chris Ramstad officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, from 1:00 PM until service time, also at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Hartman Post 84.

Walter Gary Ahlers was born on March 28, 1941, on the family farm near Belgrade, Nebraska, to Walter and Aila (Underwood) Ahlers. He attended school in Belgrade and after graduating high school, attended Norfolk Community College where he earned an Associate Degree in Business. On February 5, 1960, Gary enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on March 29, 1962. He was married to Punky in 1963 and the couple lived in Chadron, Nebraska, where he worked for the telephone company. In 1965, the family moved to Belgrade and Gary went to work for the elevator and fertilizer company that his family owned, managing the operation until 1998. On September 26, 1987, Gary was united in marriage to Patricia Fusselman at Peace Lutheran Church near Belgrade. Gary and Pat moved to Omaha in 1998 where Gary worked for ConAgra Foods until his retirement. Upon retiring, the couple moved to Burwell, Nebraska and later to Columbus. Gary enjoyed camping, traveling, boating and fishing. He was a very active person and a man of deep faith.

Gary is survived by:
Wife: Patricia Ahlers of Columbus, NE
Daughter: LeRae Ahlers of Central City, NE
Daughter: Erica (Shawn) Safford of Omaha, NE
Daughter: Karenia (Scott Berney) Greger of Palmer, NE
Daughter: Gayleen (Andy) Henderson of Shenandoah, IA
Daughter: Audra (Tom) Redington of Omaha, NE
Son: Bill (Sirena) Ahlers of Aiken, SC
Step-son: Michael (Norma) Fusselman of Omaha, NE
Step-son: Terry (Carmen) Fusselman of Milwaukee, WI
Step-son: Randy Fusselman of Columbus, NE
14 Grandchildren
9 Great Grandchildren
Brother: Richard (Donna) Ahlers of Grand Island, NE
Sister: Lorraine (Wayne) Montgomery of Mulkeytown, IL
Much extended family

Gary was preceded in death by:
Parents: Walter & Aila Ahlers
Brother: Larry Ahlers