Seamus Peter Ahern, 44, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Seamus was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his faith, family, and country. His heart was as big as his dedication, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and service that touched everyone who knew him.

Born on September 13, 1980, in Rock Island, Illinois, Seamus was the beloved son of the late John and Susan (Jansen) Ahern. A graduate of Alleman High School Class of 1999 and Loras College in 2005, Seamus pursued further studies, earning his master's degree from Johns Hopkins University. He married Amanda Ludwig on October 16, 2010, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa, marking the start of a beautiful partnership built on mutual love, respect, and devotion. Together, they were blessed with three cherished sons, Jack, Colin, and Patrick. His family was his greatest joy and proudest achievement, and he treasured every moment spent with them.  His steadfast devotion to them was unwavering, and his legacy of love will live on in each of their lives.

Seamus served his country with the same unwavering dedication that defined his love for his family. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005, embodying courage and commitment in service. His dedication to the military didn't end with his active duty. He continued to champion the causes of military personnel and veterans, serving as Special Assistant for the U.S. Department of Defense and later as the Director for Wounded Warrior Policy for the Department of the Navy. Through these roles, he became a steadfast advocate for veterans' rights and well-being, influencing policies that supported and honored the sacrifices of fellow service members. One of his proudest honors was to serve as an appointee in President Barack Obama's administration. Seamus shared his knowledge and passion through his work at Deloitte Consulting, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.

Seamus was a man of deep faith and a loving, gregarious spirit. His laughter, generosity, and dedication to those he loved will forever be missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda; children; Jack, Colin & Patrick, Bettendorf, IA; father-in-law & mother-in-law; Richard & Brenda (Kluesner) Ludwig, Petersburg, IA; sister-in-law & brother-in-law; Nicole (Ludwig) & Tom Aleksiewicz, Oswego, IL; siblings;

Catherine (Ahern) & Robert Clementi of Channahon, IL; Sean & Julie Ahern of Clare, IL; Dennis & Lisa Ahern of Waterloo, IA; Regina (Ahern) & Brian Knobloch of Moline, IL; Kevin & Amy Ahern of Hampton, IL; Brian Ahern of Telluride, CO; Guila (Ahern) & Adam Bickford of Denver, CO; Aunts & Uncles; Judith McDonald Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; James Jansen, Verona WI; Janelle (Roy) Nehas, Muscatine, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces & great nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Susan (Jansen), sister, Mary Colleen, and brothers, Terrence Daniel, Michael James, and Timothy Joseph.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 1:00 - 6:00 PM at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Silvis, Illinois, with burial at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Amanda Ahern and directed to the Van Hoe Funeral Home for her behalf. Seamus' light will continue to shine in the hearts of his family and all who had the honor of knowing him. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com](http://www.vanhoe.com).