Patricia “Patty” Jean Ahlman
May 15, 1963 – March 6, 2026

Patricia (Patty) Jean Ahlman was born on May 15, 1963, in Worthington, Minnesota, to Audrey (Ness) and Renil Van Overbeke. She was the youngest of seven children and was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Sanborn, Iowa.

Her family later made their home in Sutherland, Iowa, where Patty attended school and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1981. During her school years, she was involved in many activities, including fall plays, dinner theatre, mixed chorus, swing choir, drill team, and football cheerleading. She also participated in the newspaper staff, yearbook, and Honor Society.

After high school, Patty attended DMACC in Boone, Iowa, and later worked at the Cherokee Daily Times. It was during this time that she met and married Joel Mueller, and together they built a life in the Paullina, Iowa area. From this marriage, four children were born: Shaun, Jesse, Morgan, and Reed. Patty’s love for her children was deep and unwavering—being their mom was one of the most important roles in her life.

Patty later worked at K Products in Orange City, Iowa, before relocating with her children to Tonto Basin, Arizona.

On May 1, 2004, Patty married the love of her life, Tony Ahlman. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Through this marriage, Patty welcomed two stepdaughters, Shelby and Madison, and one stepson, Chad. She embraced them as her own and became not only a mother figure to them, but also to many of their friends.

In Tonto Basin, Patty worked as a school secretary and later as a business manager. She truly loved her life in Arizona with Tony and their family. She found joy in the simple things—raising chickens, camping, spending time outdoors, hosting family gatherings, and caring for her dogs. Patty had a kind, gentle, and compassionate heart. She was the kind of person who showed up for others without hesitation. Her laughter was unforgettable—warm, genuine, and capable of lighting up any room.

One of Patty’s greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother to Nicholas, Dominic, Andre, Dallin, Raylan, Maddox, Landen, Peyton, and Sutteyn. She loved each of them deeply and fiercely.

Patty passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2026, at the age of 62, after a courageous two-year battle with ALS, surrounded by her loving family and her devoted husband of 22 years, Tony Ahlman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Renil Van Overbeke; her twin infant sons, Shaun and Jesse Mueller; her brother, Renil Charles (Chuck) Van Overbeke; and her stepdaughter, Madison Ahlman.

Patty is survived by her husband of 22 years, Tony Ahlman; her daughter, Morgan Mueller (Justin Achterhof); her son, Reed Mueller; stepson Chad Ahlman (Jessica Ahlman); stepdaughter Shelby Ahlman; and her beloved grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: David (Sandy) Van Overbeke; Nancy (Doyle) Woltman; Janelle (Denny) Horstman; Mary (Rick) Giese; and Tom Van Overbeke; along with her brothers-in-law Tim (Crystal) Ahlman; Jeff (Patty) Ahlman; Jon (Shannon) Ahlman; and sister-in-law Laurie (Chris) Wimberly. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Patty’s life was a reflection of love, strength, and selflessness. She gave so much of herself to the people she loved, and her presence will be missed more than words can ever express. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing her love will continue to live on in each of us

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Sutherland Fire Station on Saturday, June 6 from 11AM to 3PM.

When I Leave You
When I leave you, don’t weep for me.
Pass around the wine and remember how
My laughing pleased you.
Look at one another, smiling,
And don’t forget about hugging.
Sing the songs that I loved best
And dance one time all together.
As for me, I’ll be off, running somewhere on the beach,
And I’ll fly to the top of the tree I always meant to climb.
When you’re ready, I’ll be there, waiting for you, take your time…