Jerome Kent Ahlberg, our beloved husband, father of three, grandfather of ten, brother, and friend peacefully won his courageous fight with ALS and entered his Eternal Rest on November 26, 2019. ALS took his physical strength but his spirit was strong and his mind sound. Jerry was born October 15, 1943, to Ernest and Genevieve (Johnson)Ahlberg in Leeds, ND. He grew up on the family farm in Springfield Township and cherished many wonderful childhood memories of time spent with family and friends. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at North Prairie Lutheran Church. He attended school through the 8th grade at Wheatland Country School and later graduated from Leeds High School. He studied math and physical education at North Dakota State University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 and later a Master's Degree in School Administration. He married his neighborhood sweetheart Barbara Lucken in 1965, and they began their teaching careers in Finley, ND, in 1966.

He taught math and physical education in Finley and coached football, basketball, and track. Two of their children, John David and Janine Marie, were born here. He loved working with kids and continued teaching, coaching, and refereeing at Drake Public School as principal. He was always willing to referee local games and help with track meets. He refereed about thirty years and also at a number of State Tournaments. Their third child JoAnna Lee was born here. He became Superintendent at the Minnewaukan Public School in 1973. After the first day of school, he decided to grow a mustache since he was mistaken for a new student. In 1977 he left education to work in insurance and banking in Fessenden. Eventually, he was called back into education and became the principal at Fessenden-Bowdon school where in addition to his administrative duties, he continued to teach math and physical education and coach.

He had a passion for sports and the outdoors which included hunting, fishing, playing baseball and softball, golfing, and taking many, many family travel adventures. A favorite was a yearly halibut fishing trip to Alaska with John and other friends, as well as hunting pheasants. There were many hunting and skiing trips in MT. Jerry was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed teaching young people the game of golf. He always played to win. Jerry and Barb traveled across the US, and enjoyed trips to Europe after retirement.

His faith was rock solid, and he spent many years teaching Sunday school, serving on church boards, and singing in the choir. He was fortunate enough to go on mission trips to Nicaragua and help with Habitat for Humanity projects. He particularly liked to sing, enjoyed all types of music, and was usually singing and humming throughout the day!

A top priority was his children and grandchildren. He was blessed with three children and ten grandchildren, with one great-grandchild pending. He rarely missed John, Janine, and JoAnna's activities and events encouraging them to do their best. A highlight was the arrival of the first Ahlberg grandchild Hayley Lara followed by the other Rappuhn children, Gwendolyn Louisa, Stephen James, Matthias John, Joseph Chayil, and Evangeline Shiri. The Solhjem grandchildren are Elizabeth Anne, Olivia Laura, Luke Frederick, and last but not least Jack Anton Kent. The laughter of his grandchildren brought him great joy.

Jerry will be remembered for his great love and devotion to his family, his strong faith, his support for education, his love of the outdoors, and his interest in NDSU sports which included playing four years of college baseball. "Once a Bison, Always a Bison." He fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. He will be remembered forever in our hearts and leaves many great memories.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; children, John, Janine (Randy Rappuhn), and JoAnna (Jason Solhjem); grandchildren Hayley (Dwight Morrow), Gwendolyn, Stephen, Matthias, Joseph, Evangeline, Elizabeth, Olivia, Luke and Jack; his brothers, David (Linda) and Mark (Dawn); brother-in-law John Wilson; sister-in-law Charlene Lucken and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Genevieve; and two sisters, Mary and Gwendolyn.

Our family would like to thank you for all the prayers, support, and love and for being a part of celebrating Jerry's life. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, at Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, ND. Funeral services are scheduled for December 6 at 11:00 a.m. at North Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Leeds, ND with burial in the church cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.

Directions to North Prairie Lutheran Church -  Drive north on 2nd Ave. E. in Leeds.  After crossing railroad tracks, continue north for 5 1/2 miles to a dead end.  Turn right/east on 66th St. NE and drive 1/2 mile east.  Turn left/north on 57th Ave. NE and drive 1 mile north.  Church is on the left.