Richard Frederick Ahner, 70, Jamestown, ND passed away Saturday evening, December 5, 2020 after a brave and courageous struggle with Covid-19, pneumonia and underlying health conditions.Richard was born September 26, 1950 in Pettibone, ND. He grew up on the farm with his parents, Fred and Velma (Wetzel) Ahner and three siblings, Ennis, Bennell and Teresa. He attended school first in Pettibone and later finished through the 10th grade in Jamestown.

On March 4th, 1971 he married Shirley Mielke and together with her raised two children, Stephanie and Travis. For most of their almost 50-year marriage, they worked side by side sharing employers and enjoying their time together. He worked for the state hospital as a CNA then later began working for City Laundry Dry Cleaners for approximately 20 years, doing everything from fixing machinery to driving delivery routes. From there he started working for Ameripride, Fargo, ND as a route salesman/delivery driver for the entire city of Jamestown and surrounding small communities until he retired due to health reasons. He took pride in his work and made sure his customers were satisfied. He received the top salesman award several times.

He was an avid hunter, hunting anything from small to large game, with the highlight being his elk hunt with his son in Wyoming in 2005. He was known for his precise ability to shoot and from this became known as “shoot em dead, Dick”. Richard also enjoyed gardening, was able to always grow a beautiful, large array of vegetables and often told he grew enough to feed the entire neighborhood. He often took road trips to the casino with his wife and friends or just enjoyed sightseeing.

He never turned down a game of pinochle or any game at all. He was a master at striking up conversation with anyone at any time. He loved telling a good joke and never turned away an opportunity to take someone under his wing to teach and guide them through new adventures. He adored time with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Family was something he treasured and valued.

He will always be remembered for his pranks, jokes, patience, contagious laugher, positive attitude even when odds were stacked against him and his overall compassion for all that he knew.

He touched many lives in many different ways and for this he will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Fred Ahner and Velma Mueller, and brother, Bennell Ahner.

Visitation: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Prayer Service: 6:30 PM, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Eddy Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating.

Memorial Service: 2:30 PM, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Pastor Tom Eckstein officiating.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.