Frederick Pahl

Frederick J. Pahl, age 79 of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at his home on March 30, 2017.

Memorial mass will be 11:00 am, Thursday, April 6, 2017 at The Church of St. Rita, 8694 – 80th Street S, Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior.

Fred was born May 17, 1937 in Lidgerwood, ND to Fritz and Helen Pahl. He grew up with his dog Bingo and his pony, in High School he excelled in academics, on the basketball court, as well as on the baseball field, including pitching several no-hitters. He attended College in Valley City, ND where he earned his teaching degree in Political Science, and later a Masters at Grand Forks.

He married the love of his life, Goldie Mumm, in 1959, and began a family. His first teaching job was at St. Anthony's High School in Linton, ND - with 2 little boys and another on the way, he relocated his family to the Twin Cities and began a new life. Fred taught for an additional 35 years in District 833, at Oltman, Woodbury and Lake Jr Highs. Fred continued his teaching passion which included coaching the local high school basketball and football teams in the 60's and his own boys in baseball in the 70's. He taught school over 40 years and has influenced countless young people's life.

Fred and Goldie both enjoy the true spirit of sports, whether the playing field is basketball, baseball, a bowling alley, your favorite fishing spot or the card table - be prepared to play your best! Fred was known well for his professionalism on and off the field, he was one of those rare coaches who wore a tie, was respectful to the officials, encouraged players and won championships!

For family traditions, Fred was a passionate Walleye fisherman, he even has a reef in Canada named after him "Freddy's Reef" all family members know where this is at and it produces some of the best walleye fishing in the area. In his senior years, he travelled the world and saw the Holy Land, rounded the southern tip of South America and explored Europe. Fred continued his teaching passion at St. Michael's and St. Rita with Religious education classes for the youth for several years. Moreover, he most cherished the homecoming of having the family together enjoying each other and yes, playing one more favorite card games or going out another time to catch a walleye.

Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years, Goldie; children Jim (Joy), Tom (Dzung), Mike (Kris); grandchildren Chloe, Hunter, Eric, Zachary (Morgan), Grant, Mike Jr., Justin and Garrett; great-grandchild Mai Ly.