Guenter Ahrens

FORT MYERS, FLA– Guenter Ahrens, 85, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2023. On April 9, 1937, the sun rose and he was born in the small village of Wolkenwehe, Germany. On Monday, January 16, it set over Fort Myers, concluding the amazing life and journey of our father, Guenter Ahrens. Guenter was raised in northern Germany, the son of Maximillian and Henny Ahrens, along with 8 brothers and sisters. He attended school in Lubeck, Germany and became a Master Pastry chef. In 1963 he immigrated to the United States along with his wife Gerda, and son Siggi, choosing to practice his craft at Nelson’s Bakery in Malden, Mass. In 1965, shortly after the arrival of his son Ingo, he purchased Marie’s Cake Shop in Cambridge, Mass., where for 12 years he provided baked goods for Harvard and Radcliffe Universities, as well as a bustling retail trade. In 1975, shortly after purchasing a summer home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Guenter decided it was time to make a permanent move to Maine and subsequently purchased Lekousi’s Bakery on Congress St., as well as Leadbetter’s Bakery on Brighton Ave., which was later renamed Guenter’s Bakery. Upon the sale of the bakeries, and after a brief retirement, Guenter went on to work for Amato’s Bakery of Westbrook for over 20 years. He resided in Scarborough, Maine, with his partner of 30-plus years, Cora Collins, until 2018 when he became a snowbird and spent his winters in Fort Myers with his 2 sons. He was a member of several organizations, to include Lions Club International, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, as well as a being a member and past President of the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association. He will be remembered for always saying exactly what was on his mind whether you wanted to hear it or not, having a story to tell, or a joke (not always appropriate) and his often, edgy sense of humor. He loved going back to Europe to visit his family and enjoyed many trips to the North Country to visit Ingo and friends. Until the end he was a devoted follower of politics and had an amazing love for his adopted country, the United States. Guener is survived by his sons, Siggi and Ingo, of Fort Myers; his life partner, Cora Collins of Scarborough, Me.; sisters Hannelore Kuhl and Wiebke Adolf of Bad Oldesloe Germany; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless friends. There are no public calling hours or services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future in Fort Myers and Portland, Me. Guenter…wir leben dich! Father, Friend & Mentor . Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.

Guenter Ahrens

April 9, 1937 - January 16, 2023