Fred L. Ahlers, 88, moved on to the big chemical plant in the sky Sept. 28, 2012, in Upstate New York, where he first met his wife, Rose Marie. Fred and Rose Marie had seven children — Fred (Louise), Paul (Anne), Michael (Rose), Jeffrey, Brian (Faylene), Debbi (Dan, deceased) and Cindi (Tim). He received his chemical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1950 and quickly moved into management positions. He retired from his last job as manager of the Cedar Chemical Company in 1992, but also worked for Vulcan Materials Company, FMC, Union Carbide and Sperry Gyroscope. Fred loved working, but really enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Mississippi and at his summer home on Saratoga Lake in Upstate New York.

Fred lost the love of his life, his wife Rose, in 1994 after 37 short years together and, later, lost his son, Jeffrey, in 1997. He also was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dan Scroggie, and grandson, Jonathan Ahlers. His surviving six children have blessed him with a total of 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Although he joked that the best lights at Christmas were taillights, he loved his entire family to come visit him in Mississippi and New York.

Fred was a veteran of World War II, where he served as navigator of a B-24 and flew missions over Italy and North Africa. He constantly thanked his best friend, Steve, who was a fighter pilot for “the other side,” for being a bad shot during the war. Fred was like many of the “Greatest Generation,” being independent, strong, self-made, stoic, never asking for help and believing hard work would fix most every problem.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to all the staff at St. Peter’s Hospice, Albany, N.Y., for making his last days comfortable. Special thanks to Joelle, who told us, “Don’t cry for him, pray for him!”

A visitation will be tonight, Oct. 4, from 5 until 7 with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Riles Funeral Home, Vicksburg. A celebration of his life will be Friday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Michael Catholic Church, 100 St. Michael Place, Vicksburg, MS 39180; the Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi, 200 Airport Road, Suite 307, Jackson, MS 39232; or the American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213.