Ila Ahrendt, 82, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Dow Rummel in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born on July 24, 1942, to Clarence and Maria (Matzke) Rehn.

Ila graduated from Lyons High School in 1960 in Lyons, South Dakota. After high school, she attended Nettleton College, where she met the love of her life, James. They were married on August 18, 1962, at Benton Lutheran Church near Crooks, South Dakota. Together, they were blessed with three sons: David, Brian, and Dale.

In 1962, Ila began working at CNA. After the birth of her sons, she chose to stay home to care for them. She returned to CNA in the 1970s and eventually retired in 2009. Ila loved to walk, sometimes doing so twice a day. She attended the 5 a.m. aerobics class at the YMCA and found joy in caring for her family, cooking, and spending time with friends playing cards. Being a mother and grandmother was one of her greatest joys.

Grateful for sharing her life are her three sons, David Ahrendt and Karen of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian Ahrendt and Valorie of Sioux Falls, SD, Dale Ahrendt and Brad of San Antonio, TX; sister, Ruth Rehn of Greeley, CO; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Nate (Sarena) and their daughter, Eloise, Luke, Aliza (Maxwel); two step-grandchildren, Mic (Megan), and Joe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Ahrendt, and her brother Arnold Rehn.

To watch Ila's service please click on the link: www.peacelutheran.com/live

Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00-6:00 Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57106. Services will be held 11:00 Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, 5509 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57106.