Russel Fahl

From meager beginnings, Russel Fahl lived with integrity and a hard work ethic. Most importantly, he achieved a life filled with the love of family, and a legacy never to be forgotten. Although a successful businessman, Russel never lost sight of where he came from. He appreciated all that he accomplished, and in his family he found the greatest joy. His dedication to his work and his devotion to those he adored was a blessing to Russel. In the hearts of those he leaves behind, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

With the onset of the Great Depression, by 1930 the unemployment rate had already reached astounding levels. Prohibition was law of the land while gangsters ran the streets of the big cities. Despite these trying times, entertainment and Americas passion for baseball was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. Yet for George A. and Opal (Snyder) Fahl, the year brought much hope and promise when on July 24, 1930 they celebrated the birth of their son, Max Russel Fahl.

Born and raised in Andrews, Indiana, times were financially bleak and young Russels family was no exception. Having grown up during the Depression, his family didnt have much and they moved around until finding a farm off of Airport Road in Thorncreek Township in Whitley County where they settled. The sixth child born in his family, Russel was one of eventually 12 children, although two of his siblings sadly died as infants.

From a young age Russel learned the value of hard work. He grew up working beside his father, and much was expected from Russel and his siblings. Along with working the farm, Russel attended grade school at Thorncreek Township Schools. Having come from a very athletic family, Russel played football and basketball at Columbia City High School where he went on to win the coveted Honor Blanket. He and his brother, Robert was one of the first families in the area to have brothers win it before Russel graduated in 1948.

It was during high school when Russel met the young woman of his dreams, Evelyn Perry. Often when she walked down the street with friends, Russel always reminded his buddies that the girl in the center was off limits, because she was his. Quite smitten, the two became sweethearts and one month before Evelyn graduated, the couple was happily joined in marriage on April 21, 1951. They soon started a family when Pam came along followed by Joe, and then the birth of Karen.

Feeling the call to serve his country, Russel enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Fortunately for him, the following day he received his draft notice from the U.S. Army, and he didnt have to leave. During his enlistment, Russel and Evelyn welcomed their youngest son, Max.

Russel worked briefly at several factories before taking a job with Town and Country Food in Ft. Wayne. After advancing to the position of sales manager, Russel knew his calling was to be his own boss and began thinking of a plan. Remembering what it was like to grow up with little, he hoped his children would never have to experience the same struggles. He also recalled how much his hard working father struggled. His dad was the hardest working man he knew and all Russel could hope for was to be like him and provide for his family. Indeed, Russels hard work paid off as he made a good, stable home for his wife and family through pure dedication. In 1968, Russel and his brother, Robert joined efforts to purchase the Holland Mobile Home Park in Warsaw. By 1984, Russel was full owner and after expanding, it was renamed, Westhaven Estates. By 1984, Russel and Evelyn moved to the area where she helped run the office. Eventually, Russel went on to open a mobile home sales lot, Fahl Luxury Homes in Warsaw off of State Road 25. He and Evelyn made a good team. They worked hard, and it was not uncommon for Russel to work seven days a week. If he sold a home, he was sure to be there to see it through. Hed spend his days out setting mobile homes and after putting in a full days work, hed return to the office to make calls in the evenings. In time he also came to own and operate Green Acres.

Russel was very involved with his businesses. He and Evelyn both loved working, and before long, their children and eventual grandchildren also became involved in the family businesses. Russel taught each of them the value of hard work, like his father before him. Besides running the businesses, Russel was also a farmer and came to own 1300 acres. Hed often have his grandchildren out picking up rocks in the fields, and even last fall he was right there alongside them.

In 2011, Russel and Evelyn moved back to Columbia City when they bought Magic Hills Golf Course from the Miller family, the only regulation size, lighted course in Indiana. This particular property meant a lot to Russel. Prior to becoming a golf course, it was the site of a Schrader family farm. In addition to buying the golf course, Russel also acquired the adjoining farmland and he had contemplated on turning it into an 18-hole course.

While his family was growing up, Russel remained at home and in the area working. With little time for leisure, he did enjoy time off being at home with his family and bailing hay and straw together. As a family they found time for a few trips to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, taking in the Mammoth Caves, Niagara Falls, the Smokey Mountains, and visiting his sister in Arkansas. Having won several trips with his mobile home sales, he and Evelyn also enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Spain, and other destinations. When he took a trade on a piece of property at Backwater Lake, Russel and his family loved taking their boat down the channel and on Webster Lake. With his athletic ability, Russel was a fantastic water skier. Always active and full of energy, he loved swimming and playing basketball and volleyball with his family.

Together he and Evelyn enjoyed memorable times and treasured Christmas gatherings filled with food and gifts for the whole family. Dear to his heart, family was the most important thing to Russel. He was their biggest supporter and he so enjoyed going to his childrens and grandchildrens events, cheering them on.

Through the years Russel served well the communities in which he lived. He was a member of the Masons and Shriners in Kosciusko County, and in recent years he became a member of the Elks Club in Columbia City. When the Whitley County 4-H desired a shelter house on the grounds, Russel was one of the integral financial supporter of this endeavor in honor of all the hard work his parents had put forth. To his credit, Russel was also proud of beginning The Fahl Family Athletic Scholarship last year through the Whitley County Community Foundation. This award was not solely for the best athlete. Russel wanted it to go to a student each year that put forth 110% effort all-around from athletics to work ethic to possessing a positive attitude. As a man of faith, Russel also attended First Church of God in Columbia City.

Russel and Evelyn spent many wonderful years together, side-by-side raising their family and working. They also found pleasure in ballroom dancing. They made for the best companions and together they shared a deep, abiding love. For ten years they spent time in the winter in Lady Lake, Florida. Theyd go down for short times, never staying any longer than a month as they wanted to get home to family and work. It was also later in life when Russel began golfing. After being in Florida, he knew if he was going to fit in, he needed to learn!

In time, Russel came to experience heartfelt struggles when his beloved Evelyn began the onset Alzheimers. As her condition worsened and needing more care, Evelyn began living at Sycamore Village. Ever devoted, Russel was always there for her or he saw to it that another family member would be there, especially at meal time. Despite his earlier years, Russel counted these days as the most difficult of his life.

Diagnosed with melanoma several years ago, he thought he was cancer free. A visit to the doctor in late January revealed it had returned with a vengeance, and his health rapidly declined while he was in Florida. Through it all, the family whom he so deeply loved and cherished was lovingly there for him until his last breath.

Ever dedicated and devoted, Russel truly believed he achieved the American Dream. He came from nothing and through his hard work and dedication, he was able to realize a fruitful life along with having a wonderful, caring family. A personable and knowledgeable man by all accounts, when Russel spoke, people listened. He offered good, sound advice, and encouraged others unconditionally. With no formal education past high school, Russel led by example. Through his experiences and the will to make something of himself, he leaves a lasting legacy for which his family can be proud.

Max Russel Fahl, 85, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away at 5:08 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at his home. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Evelyn Fahl; children, Pam McCoy of Columbia City, Joe Fahl of Fort Wayne, Karen (Ryan) Cook of Columbia City and Max Fahl of Ft. Wayne; sisters, Bonnie Merriman of Ft. Wayne, Shirley Fahl of Jacksonville, Alabama and Norma Sontendahl of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Angie Smith, Matt Smith, Michelle Smith, Britte Stein, Monica Reed, Miranda Cook, Marissa Klemmer, Eugene Fahl and Shawna Fahl; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Tom, Richard, Clarence Fritz and Robert Fahl; sisters, Charlotte McClain, Mary Bourne and Sandra Rarick; and an infant brother and sister, Charles and Patricia.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-7:45 p.m. with an Elks service at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Brandon Holler officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Annex Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Russels memory to the Alzheimers Association or Heartland Hospice. To share a favorite memory or photo of Russel and to send his family online condolences, please visit www.demoneygrimes .