John was raised on his family farm in Forbes, ND. John had eleven siblings and had several foster siblings throughout his childhood. He went to school in Ellendale, ND. John joined for 4H and had a true passion and love for his horses. He went to work for local farmers the area when he was a young boy. As he was growing up into a young man, he went to work on the railroad for several years during that time is when he met Nancy at a basketball game in the early 1970s. They married in August of 1973. John and Nancy started having children right away and they had four children. John taught himself how to weld so he could join the union and work at the power plants. John and his family enjoyed rodeos, and horse shows on the weekends and summers. John was also an experienced bull rider for many years.

After the children were grown, John and Nancy moved to Edgeley to be close to the family farm where he spent the last 20 years working at Duratech, also known as Haybusters, welding machinery. He retired when Nancy was battling pancreatic cancer, and she passed away just shortly after their 43rd anniversary. John has spent the last nine years enjoying retirement and messing around at the farm, enjoying hobbies, and traveling. John has been like a father to many members of his family. He has always been somebody that people can count on to get the job done or step-up and take charge when it’s needed. John has always had a really big heart and has stepped up to teach his grandkids, nephews and niece’s things about farming horses and animals. John will be truly missed by many within his community.

John is preceded in death by his wife; Nancy Pahl; grandparents, John and Meltia Pahl; his parents, Wilbert and Arlene Pahl; Arlene’s parents, Allan (Bob) and Francis Rall; brother, Larry Pahl; sister, Becky Lopez (Pahl); grandson, Bishop Holsinger; nephew, Jared Musgrove; and many other extended family members.

Memorial Service – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Williams Funeral Chapel, Edgeley, ND, with Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating.

Inurnment – Mt. Hope Cemetery, Edgeley, ND.