John Craig Ahlert

John joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday March 29th. While his family and friends deeply mourn his loss, they rejoice in the assurance that he is now in perfect peace, free from the suffering of this world, made whole, restored, and experiencing the full joy of eternal life. John’s life was a testament to his faith, which guided him in loving others well and serving those around him with compassion and generosity.
John was born at Scott Air Force Base, just east of St. Louis, Illinois, to Dennis and Thelma Ahlert. He was raised by his Dad and loving “Mom” Elvie, as the youngest of five in their blended family of seven. While his father served in the Air Force, John’s family lived in Illinois, Japan, and finally San Antonio, where he graduated from John Marshall High School in 1980 and from UTSA with a BBA in 1984.
John dedicated 25 years of his career to USAA, where he built lifelong friendships. After his time at USAA, he founded Concierge Pool Services, where he was proud to work alongside both of his sons.
His oldest son Nathan Thomas Ahlert was born to John and Lisa Real Ahlert on October 10, 1991. Nathan was a cherished gift from God and was truly adored by John. He loved being a father above all else. He taught and coached Nathan in basketball and was in the stands cheering him on as he played football for Central Catholic High School. You would find John in the concessions grilling burgers with other Dads. Nathan and John also achieved their black belts in Taekwondo together and shared a love for animals and the Dallas Cowboys. Nathan was John’s pride and joy!
In 2009, John married Jane McGilvray, the love of his life. John was a devoted husband and loving Bonus Dad to Will and Lauren. Most people never knew they were not his natural born children – it just never mattered to him. He loved them deeply and supported their interests and cherished traveling to new places on family trips. John encouraged them to love Jesus wholeheartedly and pursue their dreams, and they always knew he “had their back”. John’s love for Jane was deep, generous, and unwavering.Their relationship with The Lord was the center of their lives together. John delighted in expressing his love to Jane through sweet notes, beautiful gifts and taking road trips to Colorado. He made their coffee every morning and they started each day together. Every day he would ask Jane, “how’s your coffee?”
John loved the game of golf whether he was watching or playing with his best friend Albert, but his greatest passion was people. He had a gift for listening and serving others and a heart for prayer, whether with a friend or a stranger. John personified loving your neighbor. He was the neighbor you could always count on, and the first to offer help without hesitation.
John’s legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and a genuine love for Christ and others. He was never afraid to tell people he cared about them, and those around him knew they were loved. The hole he leaves is great but the heavens are brighter with him there.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Elvie Ahlert; Thelma Wilbur and his son, Nathan Ahlert. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Jane Ahlert; his “bonus children”, Will and Lauren McGilvray; and his loving siblings, Allan and Arlene Glass, Connie and Hank Crowder, Cindy and Dennis Zukowski, Tracey and Doug Freeman and Charles Lyall as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. John loved his family including his in-laws, John and Linda Fernald, Helen and Mike Kimball and Julie Dierlam.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Fellowship Church 7055 US-281, Spring Branch, TX 78070.