June 15, 1944 – August 27, 2023
John Ahlberg, 79, of Lansing, passed away quietly just after midnight on August 27, 2023. John is survived by his wife Jo Ann Ahlberg, daughter Sara (Tim) Ahlberg-Foster, and son Tim (Julie Johnson) Ahlberg and grandson Luke Foster. Preceded in death by his father Leonard, mother Alice, and sister Judy. He was born in Chicago and grew up in Homewood, Illinois.
His participation in Boy Scouts sparked a lifelong love for camping, hiking, wildlife, and natural history. Throughout his young life, he collected arrowheads and fossils from all over the region, and he enjoyed working on and racing cars. He graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1962 and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed as an MP outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He returned to Homewood after serving, and in 1968 he met Jo Ann, married in 1969, and moved to Lansing, IL, where he resided until he died. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 697 and helped build numerous schools, hospitals, stores, and office buildings all across Northwest Indiana. John was an avid firearms enthusiast, nature lover, and friend to animals.
Over his life, he was happiest hiking, camping, riding his motorcycle, and shooting at the range. He was also a member of the National Speleological Society and spent as much time exploring caves as possible when he was able. In addition, more than a few Lansing Cub Scout “Webelos” might remember making knives in his garage when he was a pack leader. The family hopes he has found peace and has reunited with one the legendary family dogs, Mandy.
A private family remembrance may be held at a future date but contributions in John’s name would be welcome to Humane Indiana in Munster, IN.
