Shirlee M. Ahrens

Shirlee Ahrens, 79, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Fort Dodge Health and Rehab.  Per Shirlee’s wishes she will be cremated with no services.  Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.  

Shirlee M. Castenson was born November 7, 1944, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Harold and Martha Castenson.  Nice surprise as she was born on her father’s birthday!  

She attended school in Harcourt and graduated from Central Webster High School in 1962.  

Shirlee married Mike Orres in 1968 and they later divorced.  She married the love of her life, Michael Ahrens in 1990 and they lived here in Fort Dodge.  

Shirlee worked at New Idea for 3 years, Hormels for 18 years until the plant closed, and then worked at various nursing homes.  For a few years she delivered Meals on Wheels which she loved doing.  She said some clients would only see her daily and were waiting at the door.  She retired in 2014.  Shirlee enjoyed watching QVC and Wheel of Fortune.  She also enjoyed taking care of her cat “Lucky”.

Shirlee is survived by her brothers-in-law:  Steve (Chris) Ahrens and Bruce (Rosie) Ahrens; sister-in-law:  Susan (Mike) Moore; and seven nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents:  Harold and Martha Castenson; husband:  Michael Ahrens in 2021; and father-in-law:  Robert Ahrens.