Ann Marie Ahlman Obituary

On Saturday, the world lost a best friend, confidante, partner, and the love of a lifetime. Ann, Ann Marie, or Annie to different people in her life, passed very suddenly from this life into the next on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 72.

A woman with a strong moral compass who stood up for those who needed a hand, Ann treated everyone with dignity and respect, as she wished to be treated. Born and raised in a strong spiritual family, she was always extending her hands to others.

Ann was born to Delia and Robert Duprey on May 5, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Catholic grade and high schools. She went on to Michigan State University, where she met her future husband, Lauri Ahlman, while majoring in social work and psychology. She and Lauri married during her last year at MSU and they moved to Wisconsin. Following her passion, she worked with older adults at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ann returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for a master’s in counseling and earned a national counselor certification to enable deeper work with older adults.

Along came their children, Annaliisa Marie and Lauri Marc. They were the greatest blessings to both Ann and Lauri. Ann stepped back from counseling to be a full-time Mom, nurturing children who learned to treat others well, enjoy the arts, reading, and music while building moral and ethical codes of their own. They grew into strong, independent, caring individuals, giving back to society in their respective ways. Ann loved who each of them had become.

After relocating to Illinois and with the children in school, Ann returned to the work she loved, joining Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) as a Social Worker in subsidized housing. Her residents were her extended family, and in this role, she spent countless hours over 25 years finding ways to improve their quality of life. Ann eventually retired from LSSI and became more active in her faith and giving to others. She felt called to social justice advocacy in the church. Ann answered this call by
promoting equity initiatives and encouraging the church to become a Reconciling in Christ partner. Also a believer in intellectual freedom and the power of storytelling, Ann co-led a banned books group for the church community. Ann and Lauri celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March of 2025.

Ann is survived by her husband Lauri Ahlman, daughter Annaliisa Ahlman (Georgette Kelly), grandchildren Elodie and Kasper, son Lauri Marc (Faren) Ahlman, her five brothers: Jim (Michele) Duprey, Jeff Duprey, Jay Duprey, Jon (Karen Skierski) Duprey, Rob Duprey, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-2522. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by a church service at 11:00 am.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the service will also be available to stream online at this link.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation to: Our Saviour’s Banned Books group or to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. In honor and in remembrance of Ann’s generous spirit, please say hello to a stranger and let them become a new friend.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com