Charles H. Ahnert

Charles H. Ahnert, 81, of Buchanan, Michigan passed away at Lakeland Medical Center in Niles on July 2, 2012. He was born on April 20, 1931 in Peru, Indiana to the late George C. and Terresa (Radel) Ahnert. Charles is survived by a daughter Valerie (William) Hill of Marietta, GA, a granddaughter, Emily Ripley and a great-granddaughter Lila Ripley. His wife Opal Ahnert preceded him in death in 1980.Charles was married to Opal Curtis on May 29, 1955 in Muncie, IN. He was a Navy veteran serving as a Corpsman during the Korean War. Charles graduated from Ball State University with a Master of Arts Degree in Foreign Languages. He taught at Dowagiac Junior-Senior High School, Buchanan High School, Southwestern Michigan College and Benton Harbor High School. Charles was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to Peru to teach English at the Gran Unidad Escolar San Miguel, where he also served as the Director of the Ministry of Education Teacher Training Institute. Charles has received many awards and honors including the MIWLA’s Barbara Ort-Smith Award, an Instructions Grant with MIWLA in his name, he also received commendations from the American Theatre, the United States Navy, the Michigan Department of Education and the Governor of Indiana. Charles was dedicated to his community and served as a member of the American Legion, the BPO Elks, the Knights of Columbus, as lector and on the Liturgical Worship Committee at St. Anthony’s Church, Michigan Education Association, AATSP, AATF, Michigan Classical Conference, as a founding member of the MIWLA and ACTFL and as a member and Executive Treasurer of the MIWLA. Charles also enjoyed visits with his daughter, her husband and his grandchildren.Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5, 2012, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 509 W. Fourth St., Buchanan with Father Carl Peltz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus or Saint Anthony Catholic Church both at 509 W. Fourth St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Those wishing to sign his guestbook or leave a condolence message may do so by visiting our website www.swemchapel.com.