Obituary of William P Ahlers

William P. “Lucky” Ahlers, 89, of Duluth, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2015. Born August 23, 1926, to a farming family in rural Southwestern Minnesota, William enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 18, serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier during W.W.II. William earned distinction as a “Sharpshooter” while in the Marines Corps and also served as an Honor Guard for President Truman. Returning to Minnesota after the military, Bill worked in various sales positions in St. Paul, St. Cloud and Zimmerman before settling in the Duluth area in 1963, as a Regional Sales Manager for Skelly Oil Company. Not long after Bill moved to Duluth, a close friend bestowed upon him the nickname of “Lucky” and later, when he opened his own automotive business, it was appropriately named, Lucky’s Sales and Service. For over four decades (even after retirement), Lucky provided automotive service, towing and snow plowing for the residents of Hermantown, Pike Lake and Otter River Road at Island Lake. Always optimistic, he was good with horses, machines and people. Lucky is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Rita; his children. Larry, Gary, Steve, Sherry and Susan; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Arlene Hunsberger. Gathering from 2pm until the 3pm memorial service Monday, Nov. 9th at the Cremation Society of Minnesota Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., 218-624-5200.