Pearl Ahnen

Pearl (Stemas, Kastran, Ahnen), age 90, of Fennville, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the home of Steve and Chelle Kastran in Allegan, Michigan while having dinner. Pearl was born on September 18, 1926 to her parents Andrew and Tula Stemas. Pearl authored ten books, five plays and numerous poems. She worked as a journalist for 30 years in the Detroit Metro area. She attended numerous literary and art workshops with her Saugatuck based "girl gang." She was a member of the South Haven Arts Council and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pearl married George Kastran in January of 1946 and had two children, Steve Kastran and Deneen (Kastran) White. After the death of her first husband, she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Ahnen, who passed in 2002. Pearl was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deneen, who was married to Curtis White. Pearl had three siblings, two of which preceded her in death, her brothers Michael Stemas and Dean Stemas. Her sister Eleanor Hintz survives and resides in Henderson, Nevada. Pearl took great pride in her two "greatest gifts" as she called them, granddaughter Jessica Cranson and grandson Drew Kastran. These "greatest gifts" were put on the back shelf after the birth of her great grandchildren, Calista Cranson, Gabriella Cranson and Brooke Kastran. Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be held on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made in Pearl's name to Wings of Hope Hospice (530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010). Interment will take place at Taylor Cemetery in Ganges Township (located on Blue Star Highway north of Fennville).