Steven Ahlers obituary

    Steven F. Ahlers passed away peacefully in the morning hours of June 12, 2026, at his home in Lake City, Minnesota after a long battle with cancer. Steve was surrounded by his family in the weeks leading up to and at the time of his passing. Known for his laugh, sense of humor, kindness and helpfulness, Steve touched the hearts of those he met and will be profoundly remembered and deeply missed.
Steve was born on February 28, 1952, in Wabasha, Minnesota to Herman and Beatrice (Lamey) Ahlers. After serving in the Army from 1972-1974, Steve worked milking cows for a few years before becoming an over-the-road trucker for Monson Trucking, Bud Meyer Trucking, Foodliner and California Overland. He purchased his Lake City farm in 1995. For the last 30 years, he thrived in his work raising beef cattle and cultivating the land with his collection of John Deere tractors.
While Steve may have found his purpose working the land, he found his Joy in 2009 when reconnecting with his old flame, Joy Yarke (Ahlers). After dating from 1978-1980, the two went their separate ways but reconnected in 2009. They married in 2012 in Lake City, Minnesota and in their 14 years of marriage, Joy has been faithfully by his side through the challenges and triumphs of a life well lived.
When not working the land, Steve, also known affectionately as Plow Boy, loved rooting for the Green Bay Packers (Go Pack Go), playing euchre, and listening to country western music, particularly Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith. A steadfast patriot, Steve always held a place in his heart for the country he loved so dearly.
Steve is survived by his children Steven Jr. (Leann) Ahlers of Summerville, S.C., Jennifer (William) Stout of Reevesville, S.C., Barbara (Richard) Frank of Wallingford, Conn., Martin Koppen of Huntley, Ill., Audrey (Nathan) Ellering of Oakdale, Minn., and Mallory (Joshua) Faivre of Sycamore, Ill. Steve is also survived by his grandchildren, Molly Ahlers, Brandon (Danielle) Stout, Steven Ahlers III, Emily Zegarzewski, Madison Zegarzewski, Martin Koppen Jr., Waylon Langston, and Emmeline Koppen; and his many brothers and sisters.
Steve was preceded in death by his grandson Alexander Stout; father Herman Ahlers; brother Earl Ahlers; mother Beatrice Ahlers; and son Ryan Koppen.
Life is a grand season of planting, growing, and gathering. At the end of the journey, we meet life’s final harvest. It is the moment where the labor of living transforms into a peaceful rest. Steve (aka Plow Boy), sowed seeds of love, faith, and kindness wherever he went. The world is a better place for the crops of joy he planted in the hearts of others.  Even though Steve has left the field, the harvest remains rich, beautiful, and deeply rooted in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held at a time and place that is yet to be set, likely this fall, around the harvest season that was such a hallowed and special time for Steve.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.