Matthew Ryan Ahern

Matthew Ryan Ahern, 40, of Grayslake, IL passed away on January 2 ^nd , 2025.

Matthew was the son of Paul and Ursula Ahern.

Matthew graduated from Grayslake Community High School, then went on to Wheaton College, earning a Bachelor's Degree. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2 ^nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. After the Army Matthew became a computer programmer.

Matthew spent much of his time caring for and helping those around him. He funded the building of a fresh water well in Gambia, participated in Courtside Ministries, and was a greeter at Fierce Church with a smile on his face. Matthew was an avid soccer fan, taking every opportunity to cheer on local and international teams. When there was a pick-up soccer game, you could find him on the field kicking butt with his fast feet. He was thrilled to go to an in-person Manchester United match. Anytime there was a guitar in the room, you would find Matthew playing worship music and gathering those around him together.

Remaining to cherish Matthew's memory are parents, Paul and Ursula; brothers, David (Erin) Ahern and Christopher (Becky) Ahern; sister, Sarah (Andrew) Hertel; nieces and nephews, Jack, Abigail, June, Ruth, Morgan, Naomi and Maeve.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16 ^th from 3-6pm, with a memorial service commencing at 6:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. Burial service with military honors will be held Friday, January 17 ^th at 10:30am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Matthew's memory may be directed to Courtside Ministries/Street Chaplains (Waukegan, IL, https://www.streetchaplains.com/give ) or to Fierce Church (Grayslake, IL https://fierce.church/give/ ).