"Chad was a special person. A teacher and coach who could relate and get the most out of kids. He really took to coaching distance running and his teams were very good. He was fun to be around. He will be missed. "
In loving memory of
Chad M. Ahlers
October 1, 1971 - September 2, 2021
Chad Michael Ahlers was born October 1, 1971, in Pocahontas, IA, son of Michael and Dianne (Nordland) Ahlers. He grew up in Indianola graduating from Indianola High School in 1990, and then graduated from Simpson College in 1994, with a Bachelor of Education. While in high school Chad was very athletic involved in all sports. He also played baseball in college being a player off the Simpson team that qualified for the 1991 Division III College World Series.
Chad began his teaching career at Boyer Valley High School in Dunlap and in 1996, he became a high school math teacher at Algona High School. From that time on, he knew Algona is where he belonged. He began coaching boys' basketball and was assistant baseball coach. He found his passion coaching boys' and girls' cross-country from 2001 until 2016. In 2008, the boys cross-country team became the 3A Cross Country State Champs and he was honored with Coach of the Year. He also was an assistant track coach from 2002 until 2017, in which their team was conference champs for 8 consecutive years.
Chad was proud that many of the athletes at Algona High School ran in the Drake Relays, State Meets, and went on to compete at the college level. He made many long-lasting friendships with his high school athletes and students.
Chad had that special passion for sports and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan especially for the Iowa Basketball team. He enjoyed his dogs, first Herky and now Harley. In years past Chad worked at Snap-On Tools in Algona.
Chad M. Ahlers passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at the age of 49.
He is survived by his parents, Michael and Dianne Ahlers of Indianola; his sister, Jami Johnson and her husband Joseph of Norwalk; a niece, Myranda Johnson; a nephew Joseph Johnson III; a great-niece, Bianca Johnson; and many other relatives and friends.
Chad was loved by his family, many friends, fellow teachers, students and student athletes. He will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life for Chad M. Ahlers, 49, of Algona formerly of Indianola, was held Sunday, September 12, 2021.
Tributes
"Chad was an awesome nephew! He will be missed so much by anyone who knew him!"
"Chad was a teacher of great compassion for his students. He influenced many youth as a coach and a teacher. He will be missed."
"Chad you had the greatest, most positive impact on me this past year knowing I could do anything I put my mind too. You were such a great man, teacher, coach and most importantly mentor to all the students and athletics that came across your way. I will forever hold tight the memories and the late night conversations we held, but most importantly will know you are shining down on me pushing me through life knowing I will never give up because you never gave up on me. ? To Chad\'s family you have my heart-felt condolences on your loss of Chad. The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts forever. "
"So sad to hear of Chad?s passing. Had a positive influence on many students. Many thoughts and prayers for family. With deep sympathy, Tony & Judy Schiltz"
"How tragic for such a young life to be lost. Mr. Ahlers, your influence lives on in so many of your former students. I wouldn?t be the man I am today without the lessons you taught me in my formative years; though I am many years removed from your classroom. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends. May you Rest In Peace."
"Ahlers was such an amazing coach, teacher, and mentor. He made a difference in the lives of so many students and athletes. He will be greatly missed. ??"
"Chad had such a positive ripple effect on so many people. I loved coaching with Chad and watching him work the students. I am honored to have known him. Rest In Peace my friend."
"To all of the Ahlers family, Our hearts are so saddened about Chad?s passing. He had such a huge and positive impact on so many kids in Iowa high school track and field and what a blessing to them he was. Know that all of those kids have taken something positive from him and will forever benefit from that. He was a Such a special person to all of us he had the pleasure to know him. Our family sends are deepest love and condolences. With Care, Joey and Heather Woody"
"Mike, Dianne & loved ones, So shocking and sad to hear about Chad. He was always so polite, mannerly and respectful; easy to coach. No wonder he became such an outstanding and beloved coach himself. Cherish your memories. Our heartfelt sympathy to you. Galen & Kay Vinson???? ??"
"Sympathy to all of his family and friends. God Bless "
"So sad to hear of your passing. You were an amazing coach and teacher. You will be missed. "
"Very sad to hear of Coach Ahlers passing. I always enjoyed playing for him and talking with him. A great guy! "
"This just breaks my heart. He touched the lives of so many young people in such a positive way. He will long be remembered. "
"Thank you for all the good you put into the world, Mr. Ahlers. You cared about your students, and we could tell. I wish you and your family peace."
"So sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Ahlers. He was a great guy, gone too soon! Loved talking Chicago Cubs with him in practice and greatly enjoyed helping him when he was the basketball coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends in this most difficult time. "
"Sympathy to all friends and family of Alhers, may he rest peacefully. Great person, he will be missed."
"So incredibly sad to hear of Mr. Ahlers passing. He was truly one of my favorite teachers! ??"