Kent Rowe Ahlswede

Kent Rowe Ahlswede, 85 of Chico, CA passed away on July 6, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on March 17, 1940, in Riverside, CA to Karl P. and Harriet D. Ahlswede. He moved to Chico to attend Chico State, where he met his first wife, Saralee Brusie Ahlswede. After marrying in 1962, Kent and Saralee returned to Southern California, where Kent continued his schooling and they began to raise their family.

After graduating CSU San Diego with a bachelor's degree in accounting, Kent started his accounting practice, Ahlswede and Mohle, and went on to found Staff Resources/Allevity in 1974. He was later married to Susan Haase, who preceded him in death.

As founder and past president of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), Kent played a pivotal role mentoring countless professionals and advancing the status of and respect for the HR industry. His visionary leadership helped shape the future of employment services with integrity and innovation.

Kent was an active member in the community, and he left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Throughout his remarkable life, he was committed to community service and leadership across many organizations. A proud member of both the Elks and Lions Clubs, he also served on the board of the North Valley Health Education Foundation, supported Butte County Search and Rescue, and served as President and long-time member of the of the Butte County Fair Board.

Kent was the founder and active board member at the time of his death of the Foor Foundation, a private charitable organization established in 1999 to honor the legacy of his long-time friend Earl Foor. Kent was instrumental in establishing programs that have made a lasting impact on local youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and community enrichment. He was also an active, long-time member of the Comanche Riders Association, along with his father-in-law, son, and grandson.

Kent will be remembered not only for the countless roles he held, but for the grace, generosity, humor, and warmth he brought to all who knew him. His legacy of service and dedication leaves a powerful imprint on the lives of many he touched.

He is survived by son, Kevin Ahlswede, wife Alicia and grandchildren, Karlee and Kyle; son Craig Ahlswede, husband Randall Rinehart; daughter Karin Ahlswede Doe, husband Steve, grandson Kris; his sister Caroline Ahlswede, and by Val Bowlby, life partner of 11 years, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 31, 2025, at Almendra Winery & Distillery in Durham, CA from 4 pm to 7 pm.