Pastor Wayne Ahrens, 68, of Rockford, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 18, 2025. Born April 10, 1957, he was the son of Norman and Bonita (Walts) Ahrens.

Wayne graduated from high school and later pursued his calling into ministry by studying theology at Bethany Union Church in Chicago, where he was ordained. On November 1, 1982, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Paulausky, at Long Grove Church in Long Grove, Illinois.

Wayne's life was a powerful testimony of redemption, grace and faithful prayers of Terry Kriese, Prayer Warrior. After struggling with alcohol in his early years, he cried out to the Lord in 1999 and experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus. That moment marked the beginning of his spiritual transformation and his walk into lifelong recovery. He attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and soon felt a calling to use his story to bring hope to others.

Fueled by the love of Christ and a heart that beat for the broken, Wayne dedicated his life to ministry. He had a God-given gift for reaching people who felt lost, unwanted, or beyond redemption. With gentleness, wisdom, and unwavering compassion, he ministered to those battling addiction and despair, reminding them of their worth in God's eyes.

Pastor Wayne founded Five Gates Church and Holy Ghost University, creating welcoming spaces where everyone-regardless of their past-could encounter the love of Jesus. Through his leadership, his church family served the community with meals, help with housing, job placement, and spiritual support. He also served as President of Fishers of Men Ministries, a Police and Fire Chaplain for the City of Rockford, and as Community Spirit Director of Illinois Credo Recovery.

Wayne was also a Licensed Realtor and Real Estate Broker, formerly with Key Realty, where he continued to offer spiritual guidance to clients and colleagues alike.

In his downtime, Wayne loved spending time with Peggy, especially in the mountains among horses and at rodeos. Though he preferred the peaks to the shorelines, he joyfully accompanied Peggy on her favorite trips to places near the water, including Maine and Niagara Falls, simply to be by her side.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Peggy; his daughter, Ginger (Ryan) Strader; grandsons, Dakota and Dylan Strader; numerous cousins; his dear friend Pastor Tim Gleason; and a wide circle of cherished friends and his devoted church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Margie Riley, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Pastor Wayne's Life will be held at 1 p.m. on August 2, 2025, at Five Gates Church, 821 4th Ave., Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Five Gates Church to continue Pastor Wayne's legacy of ministry and outreach.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gracefh.com Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family share a memory or condolence at www.gracefh.com ..