Stephen Paul Ahern, 61, of Murfreesboro, TN passed at home on June 13, 2013. He fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer and now is walking beside Jesus. No more sickness, no more pain. Steve is free indeed. In Minnesota, family & friends are invited to Cremation Interment / Burial at 12pm Wednesday, June 19. Pleasant View Memorial Gardens, Hwy 13 & Portland Ave., Burnsville, MN. Steve's Celebration of Life Service follows at 1pm at River Valley Church, 14898 Energy Way, Apple Valley, MN. Followed by a Dessert Reception for family and friends. In Tennessee, family & friends are in invited to join us for A Celebration of Life Service, Friday, June 28, 2013 at 7pm. Woodfin Memorial Chapel, 1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN. Steve was born in Kansas City, MO to Cornelius Patrick (CP) Ahern and Mary Louise (Anderson) Ahern on March 28, 1952. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 1970. Attended Northwest Missouri State University 1970-73. Iowa State University 1974-75. Concordia University St. Paul, MN 1994-95 where he earned BA of Organizational Management. He went on to earn his Masters in Organizational Management at Concordia University of St. Paul, MN 2000. Steve's career centered on the Food Industry. The Colonial Bread Company 1976-78. Coca Cola Bottling 1978. Mrs. Clarks Foods 1978-79. Mairo Falbo & Associates 1979-89. Hills Brothers Coffee Company (Nestle) 1989-91 IA. Nestle 1991-2008 MN. Nestle 2008-2013 TN. He finished his career as a Sales Manager for Nestle after 23 years with the company. Steve received Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1979. He said, it was, "a highlight of his life!" Steve volunteered in the sound booth at First Assembly in Des Moines, IA. Steve served as an Usher, a Leader with Royal Rangers. In addition, performed as Mr. Fezziwig in the musical Scrooge' at Cedar Ridge Church in Eagan, MN. While attending River Valley Church in Apple Valley, MN, Steve served in multiple ministries including Deacon, Usher, Small Group Leader, Welcome Center & Greeter Ministry. He also enjoyed creating dishes for church functions. He most recently served at the HoeDown Harvest Festival at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Steve's favorite hobby was fishing. In addition to recreational fishing, he entered several Bass Fishing tournaments and most recently in middle Tennessee, Steve fished with a local club, the Cumberland Bassmasters. He enjoyed sharing his passion for fishing with family and with friends. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Anderson) Ahern and Cornelius Patrick (CP) Ahern; his first wife, Caryn S (VanDusseldorp) Ahern; and his brother, Neil Patrick Ahern. Steve is survived by his wife, Carol Ahern of Murfreesboro, TN. Daughter, Renee Pocklington (Chip) of San Tan Valley, AZ; son, Jeffrey Ahern (Roxanne) of Covelo, CA; step-daughter, Kiah Krafcheck (Jon) of Prior Lake, MN; and step-son, Alexander Nichols of Murfreesboro, TN. Siblings, Kathleen (Karnes) Ahern of Anchorage, AK and Mary Anne Donahue (Mike) of Lake Forest, IL and brother, Daniel Ahern (Kris) of Peoria, IL. Grandchildren: Mikhaila & Michael (Kiah's); Clara (Renee's); and Sage & Violet (Jeff's). In addition, many nieces, nephews, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to hookedforlife.org. Condolences may be left on Stephen P Ahern's online guestbook at woodfinchapel.com The family wishes to extend their gratitude to: Our Family, Friends & Neighbors TN Oncology & Sarah Cannon Research Institute Deaconess Home Health, Caris Hospice World Outreach Church Pastoral Staff, Morning Prayer Group, Friends from our Small Groups Woodfin Memorial Chapel River Valley Church & Pastoral Staff