Donald A. Ahrendt

Carterville – Donald Albert Ahrendt, age 93, was called to heaven on Saturday, July 17, 2021.



He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, nephew, wonderful friend and neighbor to many.



A Chicago native, he was born on September 20, 1927, the son of Albert Charles and Lucille Marie (Faletti) Ahrendt in Chicago. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Thornton Fractional High School in Calumet City. He then went into the Army to serve our country.



He married Edith (Horn) Ahrendt on June 6, 1970 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale, Illinois.



He started his working career after World War II at Buda Company in Harvey, Illinois as a draftsman and then worked for Allis Chamber in Matteson, Illinois as a designer/engineer. He designed lift trucks and had several patents throughout his career. He also worked for Martin Company in Baltimore, Maryland, designing airplanes.



Don loved drawing, designing, gardening, beekeeping, and painting his entire life. He and his wife, Edie, loved to travel and went on many cruises to see the world. Military museums were a must see wherever they traveled.



Don is survived by his wife Edith; son Andrew (Gayle) Ahrendt of Beecher, Illinois; daughter Kristine (Steve) Kovac of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister Joan Bucci of Houston, Texas; his brother Michael Ahrendt of Homer Glen, Illinois; his son-in-law David Horn and grandson Nick Horn of Murphysboro, Illinois; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.



Don was preceded in death by his son Carl; his daughter Renata; step-daughter Denise (David) Busby-Horn; step-son Larry Busby; and former spouse Carola (Steinbach) Ahrendt.



A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Villas of Holly Brook in Carterville on Thursday, July 29th at 2:00 PM.



Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Don visit www.meredithfh.com.