Robert John Ahsens, III

Robert (Bob) John Ahsens III, of Wardsville, died following a lengthy battle against cancer surrounded by his family on the 14th of July, 2016 at the age of 66. Bob was born on December 23, 1949, to Robert John Ahsens Jr. and Doris Ahsens. He grew up in Mexico, Missouri and was active in the boy scouts, obtaining the rank of eagle. After graduating from Westminster College on an ROTC scholarship, he eventually obtained the rank of Captain with the United States Army. He gladly served his country in Germany and Alaska. Following his service in the Army, he returned to Columbia, Missouri in 1977 and began law school. He continued his career of public service by becoming a prosecutor with the Cole County Prosecutor's Office and then with the Missouri Attorney General's Office. He ended his 28 year career as a prosecutor by prosecuting murder and public corruption cases. Following retirement, he gave back to his community by becoming a teacher of law enforcement at William Woods University and later at Westminster College, his alma mater. He met his wife, Jane Rackers, while working for the Cole County Prosecutor's Office. They were married on July 11, 1987 and just celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. Together they raised their son, Robert (Bob) John Ahsens IV. They spent many happy years together attending church, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. An amateur historian, Bob loved studying the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg. He visited the site of the battle in Pennsylvania with his family in 2013 and it gave him particular joy to share his knowledge with his grandson, John. He loved to talk about history and was knowledgeable about many different time periods. His library is filled floor to ceiling with books and was his favorite place to pass the time. He is survived by his wife, Jane Rackers, his son Robert Ahsens IV, daughter-in-law Megan Ahsens, and his grandson John Ahsens, his brothers and sisters-in law Rich and Rita Rackers, Charlie and Connie Rackers, Steve Rackers, Brenda and Rado Popp and his nieces and nephews Chad and Carrie Rackers, Neil and Rachel Rackers, Anne Rackers, Gabe Rackers, Kim and Victor Panchot, Gina and Nate Rackers, Betsy and Kevin Wieberg, Kyle Rackers, Nicki and Aaron Russell, and Kelley and Pete Whisnant. He joins his parents, his sister Karen Ahsens, his mother and father-in-law, Ann and Arthur Rackers, and his nephew Jacob Popp who preceded him in death. He faced his battle with cancer as he did all things in life, with dignity and courage. Although he is gone too soon, his fierce intelligence, kindness, wit, and enduring spirit will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have known him. The world is a poorer place without him in it. He is greatly missed. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2016, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Buchholz officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, or to Goldschmidt Cancer Center, 1432 Southwest Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.