Mike was born February 17, 1956, in Grinnell, the son of Paul R. and Juanita Anderson Ahrens. He was a 1974 graduate of Grinnell High School and later graduated from United Electronics Institute in Des Moines. He was formerly employed as an electronics technician for Diebold, Inc for 25 years. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church and was a hunting and fishing enthusiast. He married Julie Brubeck on May 5, 1979 in Lawrence, Kansas. They later were divorced. Survivors include a daughter, Andrea Ahrens of Manhattan, Kansas; a son, Justin M. Ahrens of Lawrence; his parents, Paul and Juanita Ahrens of Grinnell; a sister, Barbara Bunkers of Spokane, Washington; and two nieces. The family suggests memorials to First Southern Baptist Church in Eudora. Online condolences may be sent to info@warrenmcelwain.com.