Gary Pahl

Gary G. Pahl, 79, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021 surrounded by his loving wife and children.  He was born July 17, 1941 to Grant and Jane Pahl, in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Gary grew up in Arcadia where he excelled in athletics and began his lifelong love of fishing and hunting. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1959, the same year he was named Athlete of the Year. Gary continued his love of sports into college where he played football and basketball for Winona State University while attaining his bachelor’s degree in education. During his college studies, he met his wife and on December 21, 1963 he and Deniele Ranee Schroder were married at Peace Lutheran Church in Faribault, MN.

After a short-time teaching in the Twin Cities, he and Dennie returned to Arcadia where he taught briefly and then became principal of the elementary school. His career spanned 32 years where he developed great relationships with his staff and students. He will forever be remembered for his booming voice and for hopping into kickball games on the playground. He was a football coach and cheered from the sidelines for every sport his children were later involved in.  Gary was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he served as council president, call committee chair, and helped out in any way needed. He also enjoyed his time with the Sportsman’s Club and the Lions Club. He loved duck and pheasant hunting, fishing, and spending time at their longtime family cabin with his family and friends. After retiring, he and Dennie enjoyed splitting time between Lake City, MN and Lake Wales, FL meeting so many new friends and learning new fishing spots. Most of all Gary was a devoted loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was blessed to share 57 years with his wife, raise 3 wonderful children, and treasured spending time with his 3 grandchildren whenever he could, teaching them each to fish, throw a retrieving dummy for the labs, and to have fun in life.

Gary is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Deniele; his children: Jeff (Karen) of New Berlin, WI; Melissa Pahl of Minneapolis, MN; and Steve (Angie) Pahl of New Prague, MN.  Additionally, Gary’s three grandchildren, who will miss him dearly: Elise & Grant Pahl (New Prague), and Victoria Pahl (New Berlin), as well as several other close family members, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Jane Pahl; his brother Chuck Pahl, and sister Beverly Koenigs, and baby son, Douglas Pahl.

Visitation will be held on Sunday June 20th, 2021, from 4pm to 8pm pm at Christ Lutheran Church, in Arcadia.  A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church on Monday, June 21st, 2021 at 11am, with visitation one hour before the service. A luncheon will be served in the church basement following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mayo Clinic: Medical Research in memory of Gary Pahl (Mayo Clinic 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905) or to family who will direct donations on to Mayo Clinic. Online Condolences may be placed at www.mahnfuneralhome.com. Masks and social distancing are required.