Gerald Henning Fahl was born on November 28, 1924, to Walfred and Jenny E. (Johnson) Fahl. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson. He attended country school District # 93 and graduated from Benson High School in 1942. Gerald served his country in the United States Army during WWII and spent a year in Europe with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. On June 14, 1947, he was united in marriage to Hazel Clarice Hanson at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson by Rev. Nashiem. This union was blessed with more than 61 years of marriage, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Gerald was born and raised on the family farm which he farmed his entire life and worked at the Alfalfa Plant in Benson from 1967 to 1972. Gerald was a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association for 25 years and served on the Dist. #777 School Board for 6 years, the Town Board for 20 years, and the Trinity Lutheran Church Council. He participated in football and track and field in high school and participated in track and field events in the Army, earning several medals. He continued to enjoy all sports his whole life, especially watching his grandchildren in their sports and activities. Gerald was called from this life on Saturday, October 24, 2015. He attained the age of 90 years, 10 months and 26 days. He is survived by his children: Gary (Mary) Fahl of Benson, Cherrelyn McCormick of Overland Park, KS, Jonathan (Sherri) Fahl of Benson, Jennifer (Don) Olstad of Wasilla, AK, and Tammy (Scott) McGarvey of Edina; grandchildren: Paul McCormick, Brian (Lisa) McCormick, Aaron (Angie) Fahl, Jacob (Angela) Fahl, Erika (Nathan) Hughes, Kaley (Sam) Poegel, Lacey (fiancé Brian Harstad) Fahl, Jon Fahl, Nicholas (Bri) Olstad, Justin (Hayle) Olstad, and Kelly, Casey and Matty McGarvey; great-grandchildren: Van McCormick, Thomas and Emma Poegel, Avery, Julia, Jude, and Jonah Fahl, Brady Fahl, Hazel and Heika Hall, Kaia and Jackson Olstad, Caroline, Max, and Maggie McCormick; brother, John E. (Amy) Fahl of Benson; sister, Vivian Rosby of Edina; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel in 2008; infant son, Tommy Fahl; parents, Walfred and Jenny Fahl; sister Gladys Walden; and brother Harold Fahl.
