Evelyn Marie Fahl

When reflecting on the life of Evelyn Fahl, words such as kindhearted, hardworking, and diligent come to mind, but perhaps the word that creates the most vivid picture of her is the word selfless. She continually put everyone before herself, and she was willing to do whatever needed to be done in order to bless someone else. Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother, but there was nothing she treasured more than being a grandmother and great-grandmother many times over. Life wasnt without trials for her, but she was resilient and filled with strength and courage that were to be admired. Although she will be deeply missed, Evelyn leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The 1930s were primarily defined by the dark days of the Great Depression. Jobs were hard to come by, which made the unemployment rate soar, leaving cities, communities, and families to come together to do whatever they could to weather the storm. Despite the trials around them, William Thomas and Ione (Tucker) Perry were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer was unfolding in DeKalb County, Indiana, in August of 1933. The big day finally arrived on August 20th when the baby they named Evelyn Marie drew her first breath. She was one of six Perry girls as she was raised on the Perry Farm near Butler, Indiana until 1941 alongside her sisters, Garnet, Phyllis, Lois, and Junelle. Her fifth sister died as an infant. As a young girl, Evelyn and her family moved to Coesse, and in 1945 the family moved to their Elm Street home in Columbia City. Evelyn attended local schools and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1951. She was a former member of Delts in Columbia City as well.

New and exciting changes were in store for Evelyn when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Max Russel Fahl, and it didnt take the couple long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Evelyn and Max were married on April 21, 1951, in Columbia City. Together they welcomed four children including Pamela, Karen, Joseph, and Max into their hearts and home. Although she spent a short time working at Dana Corporation in Churubusco, the majority of her days were spent as a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. Because her husband worked many long hours, Evelyn and her children worked hard keeping the farm going on their own in his absence. Whether she was standing atop an extension ladder painting the barn, rescuing her dangling son from a hole in the mow floor, or driving her kids where they needed to go, she did it all. Evelyn did whatever she could to provide the things her children wanted and needed, even if it meant that she stepped in to take over their share of the chores so they could attend an event or activity.

Evelyn was not a farm girl by nature, but she was willing to learn and work hard, which was everything she needed. On the Fahl family farm, they raised heifer cows and always had Billy the Bull, which was a very gentle bull - except for the time Evelyn went somersaulting over the fence to avoid being charged by him! Although vacations were few and far between, they did visit Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula, Mammoth Cave, Niagara Falls, the Smokey Mountains, and Arkansas to visit relatives. In 1969, Evelyn and Russel purchased a mobile home park called Holland Mobile Park, later known as Westhaven Estates in Warsaw. There was also the time that Evelyns mother, Grandma Perry, visited the farm. When she was walking up to the farmhouse to greet her four grandchildren, the family dog startled her and caused Grandma Perry to fall and immediately started rolling down the farm hillside. Evelyns children were mortified and didnt know whether to laugh or cry. Grandma Perry was fine, but this was one of the best memories Evelyn and her children shared.

Throughout the 60 years they were married, Evelyn and her husband exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. Later in life they did a bit more traveling inducing to the Rose Bowl parade with Fritz and Eileen and to Hawaii on a sisters and spouse trip. They also made several trips down to Lady Lake, Florida, during their retirement years, but they never went for more than a month as they were eager to get home to family and work. They also found pleasure in ballroom dancing. During her sunset years, Evelyn developed Alzheimers disease. Russel was deeply devoted to caring for her for as long as he was able. She later moved to Sycamore Village, but even then Evelyns beloved husband was always there, and when he couldnt be there he made sure that a family member would be there, especially for meals.

In everything she did, Evelyn Fahl covered things with grace. She worked hard in everything she did, which was such an inspiration to her children. Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, Evelyn was a humble woman who loved nothing more than hearing about how amazing her children were from those around her. It was through her example that her children learned not only to be diligent, but also how to selflessly offer unconditional love. Evelyn will never be forgotten.

Evelyn Marie Fahl, of Columbia City passed away at 1:52 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at the Hearth of Sycamore Village, rural Allen County. Evelyns family includes her 4 children, Pamela McCoy and Karen (Ryan) Cook, both of Columbia City, Joseph and Max both of Fort Wayne; 9 grandchildren, Angie, Michelle and Matt Smith, Britte Stein, Monica Reed, Miranda Cook, Marissa Klemmer, Eugene and Shawna Fahl and 23 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Garnet (Stanley) Retter and Phyllis (Bill) Wood both of Columbia City. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Russel, her parents and three sisters, Lois Preston, Junelle Luther and an infant sister. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, from 2-4 and 6-8 at DeMoney-Grimes, A Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial bequests may be given in Mrs. Fahls memory to the Alzheimers Association. To leave a condolence, please log onto www.demoneygrimes.com