Paul L. Ahern, beloved husband and father, a civic leader and a distinguished lawyer, died on May 21, 2007, in his home in Lake Forest, IL, surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 11, 1919, in Edina, MO. He met and married Elayne Kelly. They were married for 57 years, when she passed away last year. He was a loving father to five children, Paul Jr. (Laurie), Mary Layne (John Chlebowski), James (Susan), Mark (Charlotte) and Patrick (Edie); he was also a loving grandfather to (13) grandchildren, Terence, Megan, Ryan, James, Kelly, Caitlin, Mark Jr., Charlotte, Patrick Jr., Brian, Paul II, Aidan and Liam. He was a partner in the law firm of Leydig Voit & Mayer for over 40 years, and only completely retired at the age of 80 years old. He served as Chairman of the Lake County Red Cross and as an Alderman on the Lake Forest City Council and Acting Mayor during the 1960’s. One of his most important accomplishments and one of the sources of his greatest pride was Lake Forest Open Lands Association, which he founded along with a few Lake Forest residents in 1967. He served as President of LFOLA from 1971 to 1977, and served as a Life Director until his death. He is survived by all five of his children and 13 of his grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 23, 2007, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, IL. A funeral Mass will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Forest Open Lands Association, 272 E. Deerpath Rd. Suite 318, Lake Forest, IL 60045, and the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. 847-234-0022
