Fred Pahl

Fred Pahl, age 62, of Decorah, IA, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. His strength, quiet resilience, and steady presence were a source of comfort to those who knew him.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water St., in Decorah with Rev. Randy Kittelson presiding.  Burial will be in the Locust Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Fred was born on September 3, 1962, in Decorah, to Ray and Thelma (Johnson) Pahl. He was baptized and confirmed at Decorah Lutheran Church, where he developed values of faith and family that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1981, where he was active in track and wrestling. As a track athlete, he and his teammates set two school records—an achievement that remained a point of pride. He later attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls for two years.

Fred worked at Happy Joe’s, Oneota Lanes, Carlson’s, and Deco Products, and spent many years painting with his brothers Dan and Mike at Pahl’s Painting. He approached every job with dedication and reliability.

Bowling was one of Fred’s lifelong passions. He bowled three perfect 300 games during his career and was honored with a place in the Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. He bowled on Decorah League Teams for many years and was looked up to for his passion of the sport by others.  He also enjoyed golfing, visiting the casino, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and Iowa Hawkeyes.  Fred was known to miss family gatherings on the weekend if they interfered with the stock car races in Decorah! Fred loved going to Stock car races, he never missed a Saturday night.

Though Fred was quiet by nature, his love for his family ran deep. He showed it in simple ways—by showing up, by sharing a laugh, or by just being there. His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart, and they always knew how much he cared. His loyalty and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone close to him.

Fred is survived by his siblings: Trudy Gaffey, Sharon (Larry) Walter, Pam (Arlyn Moe) Pahl, Arlin (Margaret) Pahl, Mike (Connie) Pahl, Deb Pahl, and Dan (Becky) Pahl. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Thelma Pahl; his brother, Ken Allen; his nephew, Steve Gaffey; and his great-niece, Marissa Engelhardt.

Fred will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steady kindness, and the love he had for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.