Colin Ahlstrom
Colin C. Ahlstrom, 56, of Decorah, formerly of Waukon, died Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital in La Crosse, WI, surrounded by his family. Private family burial was held in Oakland Cemetery in Waukon with Fr. Philip Agyei officiating.
Colin Clark Ahlstrom was born October 26, 1969, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Douglas Ahlstrom and Deborah (Whalen) Peterson. He was baptized at St. Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and was later confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. He attended school in Waukon as well.
Always a dedicated man, Colin worked since his early life, beginning with bailing hay for farmers. Most notably, he worked at Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Advanced Engineering Technology, and was a well-loved store manager for Rockweiler Appliance.
Colin had an unforgettable personality. Gregarious, joyful, and deeply empathic. He truly wished the best upon everyone he met or knew, often putting others’ struggles above his own. Predominantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family and took every opportunity to do so, whether it was a quick phone call before work, a spontaneous day trip, or watching football with his brothers.
He was dearly loyal to the Los Angeles Rams, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Waukon Indian teams in particular. Colin had an unwavering faith and relentless knack for seeing the humor in life. Above all, Colin left everything better than he found it.
Colin is survived by his father, Douglas Ahlstrom; his mother, Deborah Peterson; his partner, Kimberly Schmauss; his children: Tyler Saddler, Chelsea (Michael Clark) Ahlstrom, Whalen Ahlstrom, and Stella, Greta, and Augustus Ransom; his siblings: Brian (Vicki) Ahlstrom, Shawna (Michael) Sweeney, Justin (Ashley) Ahlstrom, and Brent (Zach Coleman) Peterson; his grandchildren: Capri Saddler, and Liam and Hayden Clark; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Arlene Ahlstrom; his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Deeny; his step-father, Kim “Pete” Peterson; and his uncle, Floyd Mount.
Casketbearers were Brian Ahlstrom, Justin Ahlstrom, Brent Peterson, Lenny Bulman, Tyler Saddler, Michael Clark, Whalen Ahlstrom, and Augustus Ransom.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
