John Paul Ahern

John Ahern, age 77 of Hudson, WI, passed away on June 20, 2025, due to complications from Multiple Myeloma. John was born on October 28, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Elmer and Katherine (Moline) Ahern. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

John grew up on the East Side of St. Paul. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Hill High School in 1965. He earned his teaching license from UW River Falls in 1970 and began what would become a 38-year career in education. He started his career in Bloomington, MN, teaching 6th grade and went on to become a Curriculum Generalist. He got his Specialist Degree from Mankato State and took his first job as an elementary school principal at EP Rock in Hudson, WI. He went on to become principal at Deephaven Elementary in Minnetonka, MN, and ended his career with 23 years at Edgerton Elementary in Maplewood, MN. He was loved and respected by all students and staff, and was a hands-on principal. He peeled many bananas, opened numerous milk cartons, and was a constant presence at recess and bus duty. Whether he was in the classroom inspiring students or guiding fellow teachers as an administrator, he devoted his life to the people he loved, leading with kindness, empathy, and unwavering integrity. Whether through a warm hug, a wise word, or his ever-present sense of humor, he made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. In 2005, he was named Minnesota's National Distinguished Principal of the year. A lifelong educator and mentor, he left behind a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength.

Outside of the classroom, John had a passion for sports. He played basketball, baseball, softball, and loved to golf. He served in the National Guard for 6 years. A highlight of his summers was participating in the American Heroes Golf Tournament in memory of one of his students. He was a fan of all MN sports and especially supportive of his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. If he couldn’t be on the sidelines cheering, he would watch online, cheering and beaming with pride.

Family meant everything to John. He found great joy in hanging out at the pool with Janet, his daughters, and their families. He was especially happy floating in the pool and playing jump the noodle with his grandchildren. He loved traveling with Janet and spending time in Mesa with their friends. His warm smile, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support will be missed beyond words.

John is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 years, Janet, daughters Jenny(Mike) Newlin, Meggan(Mike) Lovick and Molly Ahern; grandchildren Tanner, Tyler, and Sophia Newlin, Madison and Sydney Lovick and Maddoxx Wiles; step-grandchildren Andrew Newlin, Ben Lovick, Libby(Lovick) Heuer; sisters Kathy(Gene) Hiber and Ellen Simonette Giles; brothers and sisters-in-law Keith(Colleen), Mark(Diane),Steve(Lori) Wietecki and Lynne(Tom) Bethke; and many relatives and wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Katherine(Moline) Ahern, in-laws Hank and Lorraine Wietecki and niece Mary Fenn.

A Celebration of Life/Visitation will be Wednesday, July 9 at Joseph’s Grill in St. Paul from 4- 8 PM. Funeral Service will be Thursday, July 10th at Assumption Catholic Church in St. Paul, 51 7th St W, Saint Paul, 10:00 AM Mass with Visitation at 9:00 AM.

Memorials to be distributed at the discretion of the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Paul Ahern, please visit our floral store.