Dean Roy Ahrens, 54, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died Friday evening, April 26, 2013, in Faribault, Minn.

Dean was born May 16, 1958, the son of Frederick “Fritz” Martin and Elaine (Raibur) Ahrens in Salamanca, N.Y. He graduated from Lake County High School in Leadville, Colo., in 1976. Following graduation, Dean worked for the Climax Mining Company in Leadville until he moved to Texas. While living in Texas, Dean married Mary Sherman on May 23, 1992, in Dexter, Minn. The couple moved to Minnesota in 1993, where they lived in Blooming Prairie. Dean has been employed by Viracon in Owatonna, Minn., for the past 20 years. He was a member of the Cedar River Church of Christ in Austin and enjoyed playing cards, horse shoes, bean bag, golfing and bowling. He especially loved spending time with his family and close friends. Dean will be remembered as an avid Buffalo Bills fan, performing card tricks and telling jokes.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Sherman-Ahrens of Blooming Prairie; five children, Michael Bias of Parker, Ariz., Zach Ahrens of Austin, Ruthie Ahrens and Hannah Ahrens both of Blooming Prairie and Elijah Crews of Austin; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Kara; his step-mother, Barbara Ahrens of Sun City, Ariz.; three brothers, Paul (Jolene) Ahrens of Buena Vista, Colo., Lee (Kelly) Ahrens of Boulder City, Nev., and David (Erin) Ahrens of Juneau, Alaska; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation or reviewal. The Worlein – Blooming Prairie Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.