Peter, age 81, died peacefully on Friday. He was born in Germantown, PA, to Don and Lucile Ahrens. He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, received his undergraduate degree, with honors, in English Literature in 1949 from Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN, and an MBA from Harvard Business School in Boston, MA, in 1951. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1952-1953. Peter married Margo Anderson on June 21,1952, while working for the General Motors Corporation, Motors Holding Division, as a branch manager and lived in 12 locations across the United States. From Dallas, Texas they moved to Madison, when, in 1962, he established Ahrens Cadillac and Oldsmobile in the former Pyramid Motors on Gilman Street. Shortly thereafter Peter built the first automobile dealership on the West Beltline and led a successful business until his retirement in 2002. His son D.J. continued the dealership until 2004. Peter was also very involved with the Madison business community and served on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Red Cross, the YMCA, United Bank, Little Brothers Home for Troubled Youth, Wm. F. Buckley's National Review, Madison Charity Horse Show, Non- Profit Capital Campaign and Apostolate to the Handicapped. Peter was greatly loved and admired by all who knew him. His hobbies were many and included golf, World War II History and international travel.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Gay Byrnes.

Peter was active in his Catholic faith and served as Eucharistic Minister and Commentator at St. James Church for many years. His faith was ever present in his life. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, June 9, at ST. James Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the following: Apostolate to the Handicapped, PO Box 443, Monroe, WI, 53566 or St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, 700 S. Park Street, Madison, WI 53715. Lastly, we would like to express deep appreciation to Dr. Patrick McKenna, Michelle and Sr. Sandra Schmitz, O.P, of the St. Mary's Hospital MICU for their compassionate care of Peter and the family, as well as to Shaina of Brightstar Caregivers. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services assisted with arrangements. His obituary and a photo can be found in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 6, 2010.