Obituary of Earl R. Ahlstedt

On Feb 4, 2024, Earl R. Ahlstedt joined his two ornery brothers Gordon and Robert and his parents Emery Ahlstedt and Hazel (Swedberg) Ahlstedt at the heavenly coffee table. Born September 27, 1933, Earl made his transition at 90 years old. His dear sister Eleanor Ostlind, of Lindsborg, is the sole survivor of his first family. Earl, or “Papa Earl” as he was affectionately known, was a large presence in the lives of so many of his family and friends. He was tall at 6’4” which he commonly referred to as “average size” but it was so much more than his height that made him loom large. He was known for his big, strong handshake – his gigantic hand just enveloped any hand that shook it, and he taught each of his kids the importance of looking someone in the eye and giving a firm handshake – as if all evidence of your character was embodied in that moment. His hands were his tools – provided his livelihood in his profession as carpenter for more than 50 years, a trade he learned as apprentice of, and then partner with, his father. He was clever and innovative and could do just about anything with those hands. And rumor has it, his hands often held a hot cup of coffee–one of 20-30 cups per day. Earl had a HUGE Heart! He valued service to his family, and community, and was the first to volunteer to help with local events and festivals, assist neighbors in need or oversee house projects for his kids. He appreciated the culture and traditions of the small Lindsborg community and embraced the commitment to give his time and talents where and when needed. He was an active member over many years of the Folkdanslag (Swedish Dancers) and the Kiwanis Club. He served as a volunteer firefighter in his younger years, led the Pride Committee, and sang in the Messiah Chorus for nearly 50 years. He helped with many festivals, moving bleachers around, setting up sets for Broadway RFD (and singing in a few), and helping build floats for parades. His team's floats were always reflective of his and his teams’ cheeky personality – and funny. Earl was a long-time member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He was proud of his Swedish heritage – both his ancestry and as a graduate of his beloved Bethany College (Swedes). He was part of Hyllningsfest Royalty as King for the 2015 Hyllningsfest. He proudly served his country in the US Army in active duty from 1955-1957 as a clerk typist. After returning from Germany he served as a reservist with his final rank of E6. Work was his currency and his family had many weekend projects at one of their homes to update plumbing or electrical, install flooring, tear down walls or paint. No task was too tough when Earl was on hand. He often said that our family could get more done by accident than most could do with a well-thought out plan. He wasn’t wrong. But it was never the work that was the most important thing. He valued the time together – learning, laughing and earning a sense of accomplishment. Earl had a grand, infectious smile and laugh. He worked hard, but he played hard too. He loved tennis and started the Tuesday Night Tennis (TNT) group that went on for many years. He loved golf and hosted 2-3 foursomes every year in the Ol Stuga Charity Tournament –which brought a group of guys in his family together annually for 20+ years to play golf and cards and work on a project together. Once invited, none would ever miss. He played bridge and gin and other card games, and he LOVED puzzles. He was quite the athlete, despite not competing a lot in his early years and he played the Lindsborg Affiliated tennis tournaments every summer with his kids or brothers. But of all the things that Earl was involved in and proud of, there was nothing more important to him than his family. In 1959, he married Annamae Johnson. They were married for nearly 20 years. They had three children: Angie (Elmer Patterson), Andie (Kevin Fulton), and A.J. (Suzanne Vogel). He told anyone within earshot how proud he was of his kids and his 7 grandkids (Kendall and Addie Dunbar, Lucy, Sam and Elle Ahlstedt, and Aaron (Morgan) Fulton and Emma Fulton Guarino, and one great granddaughter Ellie Guarino. Extended family came from near and far every Hyllningsfest and Earl hosted everyone for lunch and reunion after the parade. His cousins were so special to him, as were his nieces and nephews–and each of them had a special place in his heart. Every work project, every fishing trip to Tayor lake or golf or tennis outing was never about the activity or result for Earl – it was all about the relationships and time together with family and friends. He always had his priorities straight. We will miss his large physical presence in our lives day-to-day, but his legacy is larger than life and our fond memories of our time with Papa Earl will live on in our hearts forever. Visitation is scheduled for Friday Feb 9, 5-7;00 p.m. at Crick-Christians Funeral Home in Lindsborg, KS. Funeral Service is Saturday, Feb 10 at 1:00 at Messiah Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at the church. Burial and committal services will be held 3:45 p.m. at Salemsborg Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #140 Honor Guard. Family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers to Bethany College, Bethany Home or Messiah Lutheran Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.