Dennis "Buck" Ahrens

Dennis “Buck” Ahrens, 81, of Crystal Lake passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025. He was born in Elgin on October 29, 1944 to Gerald and Aileen Ahrens.

Buck proudly served in the United States Navy. In 1969, he married Sherry Niswander and together they shared more than 56 years.

He was the 3rd of 4 generations to serve the City of Elgin Fire Dept, retiring after 33 years as Deputy Chief. He then continued as Fire Chief for the Crystal Lake Fire Dept.

Buck was a cowboy at heart (that's how he got his nickname- getting bucked off of a pony multiple times when he was young) and known for his strength, loyalty, and faith. He loved God, cared deeply for others, and was always willing to lend a hand. He had a great sense of humor, was a bit of a prankster and mentored many throughout his life.

He served his community through numerous organizations and always loved parades, proudly earning multiple awards in the Crystal Lake Christmas Parade.

Buck is survived by his wife, Sherry; his children, Dennis Shawn (Chris) Ahrens and Heather (Jason) Flick; and his grandchildren, Gillian and Gina Flick and Matthew Ahrens.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley, and his sisters, Renee Drexler and Debbie Meler.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, from 3 p.m. until a service at 6 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Buck’s name to St. Jude, Shriner's Children's Hospital , or Assisi Animal Foundation in Crystal Lake.