John Thomas Ahern, 80, Silvis, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 8, 2016. Funeral services are 10 AM Friday at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Visitation is 3-7 PM Thursday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. Memorials may be made to Alleman High School, Rock Island or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy, East Moline. John Thomas Ahern was born on September 14, 1935 in Waterloo, Iowa the son of James and Ruth Flynn Ahern. He attended St. Columbkille's Grade School, Loras Academy and Loras College Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 1960. He met his wife-to-be Susan Jansen on a blind date, set up by Doctor Robert Wells. They were married by Father Casey on June 13, 1964 at St. Joseph's Church, Rock Island. He had worked for the Illinois Central Railroad, and later at the Rock Island Lines Railroad, Silvis, before retiring after 20 years from John Deere Harvester Works, East Moline. John served his country as an United States Marine. While in the Marine Corp, John was awarded a role in the movie "The DI" starring Jack Webb. He later served his community as an Alderman in Silvis, as a member of the Alleman High School Board of Education, as a member of the St. Mary's East Moline School Board, and later as a Trustee for Black Hawk College, earning Trustee of the year in 2003. John was an East Moline/Silvis Rotarian, Knights of Columbus Council 716 member, and a member of the Quad Cities St. Patrick's Society and was Grand Marshal of the Quad Cities St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade in 1998. John was a White Sox fan. Survivors include his wife Susan, children; Catherine (Bob) Clementi, Joliet, IL; Sean (Julie) Ahern, Clare, IL; Dennis (Lisa) Ahern, Moline; Regina (Brian) Knobloch, Moline; Kevin (Amy) Ahern, Hampton, IL; Brian Ahern, Telluride, CO; Seamus (Amanda) Ahern, Arlington, VA; Guila Meghan Ahern, Englewood, CO.; 24 grandchildren; 2 great grandsons and one on the way; his brother, Dr. James Ahern, Malvern, Iowa, and sister, Judith McDonald, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was preceded in death by his parents, and children Mary Colleen, Terrence, Michael,and Timothy (USMC). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

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Friday, August 12, 2016 10:00 AM

St. Anne Catholic Church 555 18th Ave. East Moline, Illinois 61244