William Louis Ahrens , Jr. (December 30, 1917 - June 12, 1997) was born in an apartment in the Dutchtown neighborhood near Michigan Avenue and South Broadway. His family spoke German in the household during his youth. He would relocate to 3737 Blow Street in the Carondelet neighborhood, which is where he spent most of his youth. Ahrens worked for his father's business, Ahrehns Coffee, Tea and Spice Company, and attended Cleveland High School, graduating in 1935.

Ahrens would go on to work at International Shoe Company from November 1939 to February 1941. In that period he enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and was assigned to Company H, 138th Infantry, 35th Division.

During WWII, the 138th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division and participated in campaigns in the Aleutian Islands. Ahrens was honorably discharged on October 12, 1945 at Fort McClellan, AL.

After the war Ahrens was employed by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center located at the former St. Louis Arsenal.