(March 3, 1925 – August 26, 2015)
Norman Carl Ahern Jr., passed away quietly in his sleep on August 26, 2015. He was born in Salt Lake City, on March 3, 1925.
He was raised as the second of four children born to Norman Carl Ahern Sr. and Alice Lyle Thompson. Norman, Jr. left home at age 18 to join the Marine Corps and serve in World War II. After the war, he returned to Salt Lake City where he met, loved, and married Yvonne Christensen of Pocatello, Idaho. Within months of their wedding he was called by the LDS Church to the Franco-Belgian Mission. After two years of service, Yvonne was called to join him on that mission. From that time until Yvonne’s death in 2013, their companionship remained unbroken.
Norman obtained a master’s degree in speech therapy and worked as a school teacher and speech therapist for 37 years. He lived with his wife and family in Downey, Califronia (one year), Norwalk, California (17 years), and La Mirada, California (19 years). While in California, he and Yvonne wrote the widely performed play “The Rented Christmas”.
He lived in Santa Clara for the 24 years of his retirement. Because of illness, since 2011, Norman and Yvonne lived in assisted living until their passing (2015, 2013).
People knew him for his dedication to his church, his essays and poems, his “yard saleing”, keeping what he had, flute playing, choir directing, choir singing, and his friendly approach to people that he met. He will be missed and welcomed.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; two brothers, Robert and Daniel; his first daughter, Janyth Ahern (died at birth); his son, Wendell Keith Ahern; and his beloved wife, Yvonne Christensen. He is survived by his sister, Betty Ahern Jensen; his children: Dennis Evard Ahern, Jolynne Ahern Middleton, Kenneth Lee Ahern, Joseph Leroy Ahern, Ted Spencer Ahern, William David Ahern and Carolyn Ahern Henderson; 32 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m., at the LDS Rachel Drive meetinghouse, located at 3815 Rachel Drive, in Santa Clara.
- A visitation will be Saturday, noon at the chapel, and Friday, Sept. 4, 6-8 p.m. at the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, located on 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George.
- Interment will be at the Santa Clara City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.