John Ahlbrand Memorial Service
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church at The Lakes, 8200 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas 89117. Please RSVP below so we know how many to expect.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO JOHN’S MEMORIAL PAGE
John Ahlbrand – A Short Biography
John Ahlbrand passed away peacefully on the morning of April 7, 2025, with Ruthie—his devoted wife of 38 years—and their loyal Boston Terriers, Rock Star and Be Happy, at his side. He was 79.
John carried his Midwestern warmth and integrity wherever life took him. After years in business with his father in Kentucky, he moved to Las Vegas where he met the love of his life and built a distinguished career in real estate with Ruthie as his partner. Ultimately, he led the #1 RE/MAX team worldwide for several consecutive years pairing his legendary “gift of gab” with Ruthie’s technical savvy.
John was the consummate helper, whether guiding first-time buyers, mentoring hundreds of agents, or offering quick advice from the golf course between booming drives down the fairway. His sharp market insight, quick wit, and heart of gold earned him universal respect in the Las Vegas community.
Despite battling Parkinson’s and ten separate cancers over 15 years, John’s optimism never wavered. He often shared his secret to living well: Happiness, Optimism, and Positivity (HOP), a philosophy he lived out daily, even in the hardest moments. If you asked how he stayed so upbeat, he’d flash that charming signature smile and say, “It’s another day in paradise.”
John’s enduring reminder to those around him was simple: “Never give up—on your goals, your swing, or each other.”
His kindness, resilience, and boundless generosity will inspire all who knew him. John was living proof that persistence beats resistance.
Memorial Service
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church of The Lakes, 8200 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas 89117. John and Ruthie were married in this church.
Feel free to wear a splash of red or your favorite golf shirt—John wanted this to be a truly happy service to honor his wonderful life.
January 23, 1946 – April 7, 2025
Survived By His Cherished Family and Friends
• Wife and best friend Ruthie Ahlbrand
• Children John C. Ahlbrand Jr. (Kentucky) and Julie Ahlbrand (Ohio)
• Granddaughter Kristine Ahlbrand, and Kristine’s children
• Brother Jimmy Ahlbrand (Austin, Texas) and wife Molly
• Numerous extended family members, loyal employees, colleagues, and dear friends
Born in Dayton, Ohio, to John and Beulah Ahlbrand and he was preceded in death by them.
