Fred Pahl, 90, died suddenly after a brief illness, on Jan. 15, 2022. He was born on Oct. 23, 1931 in Shawano County and graduated from Shawano High School in 1949. Fred began work at Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent) in 1950 after one year at Valparaiso University. His employment was interrupted when he joined the Navy in March 1951 during the Korean conflict. After boot training and two months of school, he served 44 months at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida.
Upon discharge in 1955 he returned to AAL, completing a 40-year career in early 1994. In October 1995, he began a part-time, 18-year career at Macy’s Department Store, retiring for the second time in 2013 at age 82.
Fred and Barbara Olsen met at AAL in 1956 and were married on Sept. 7, 1957. They were blessed with three sons, Jon (Lisa); Andrew (Melissa); and David (Heather), all currently Wisconsin residents; seven Pahl grandchildren, Justin (Genevieve), Juneau, Alaska, Nathan (Kate), Appleton, Rheanne, Milwaukee, Matthew and Amanda, Durham, North Carolina, Alexander and Lauren, Milwaukee; and two great grandsons, Jaxon Michael and Kyle Frederick Pahl in Appleton.
Other survivors include a sister, Dorothy Martin, of Shawano; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
His parents, an infant brother and two sisters preceded him in death.
Fred was a long-time, active member of Faith Lutheran Church. He and Barb also were members for an interim four-year period at the First Congregational Church in Appleton. Besides his volunteer efforts at Faith Church, he served 11 years as a board member for the Appleton YMCA, and 20 years as a board member for the Appleton Boychoir, 14 as its first president from 1985-1999.
He also volunteered at the Appleton Medical Center, Columbus School, Homeless Connections and other nonprofit organizations. He especially loved all Wisconsin sports teams, and Wisconsin summers. He is grateful for God’s many blessings, especially the love and dedication of his wife Barb and their entire family.
A service will be scheduled for a later date.
If so inclined, please consider a memorial gift to the Faith Lutheran Endowment Fund for Music, the Appleton YMCA, or the Appleton Boychoir.
“Lord, I have loved being in your House, the place where your honor dwells.” Psalms 26:8
Fred Pahl
