Bill "Willis" Fahn
September 17, 1949 — March 9, 2024
Bill “Willis” Fahn
William Urban Fahn, son of Leo and Hilda (Leuschen) Fahn, was born September 17, 1949 in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of the Assumption in Panama, Iowa, where he remained a lifelong member. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama, where he graduated with the class of 1967, the last class to graduate from the school.
On March 10, 1973, Bill was united in marriage to Joan Porter at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama. Three children were born to this union: Chad, Jeff, and Barbie.
When Bill was 19 years old, his dad died and he took over the family farm and continued to farm all of his life. He semi-retired after his cancer diagnoses in 2019, turning part of the operation over to his three kids. Like any farmer, he could not sit idly by and watch someone else do his work. He passed his love of the land on to his kids and grandkids.
Bill drove semi-truck part time for Mages Grain and Panama Transfer. He was also a federal crop insurance adjuster for several years. Along with being a past member of the Panama Fire Department.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially coyotes. After a fresh snow you could find him out chasing “dogs”. He also taught his kids and grandkids how to learn and live off the land.
The last few years, he and Joan and their family made trips to his sister Donna’s house on East Okoboji. He enjoyed sitting on the deck, watching the scenery, and meeting new friends.
Whenever is health allowed he and Joan would take off for a few days, going where ever they wanted to. They were working on their bucket list.
Bill passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his home place in Panama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hilda Fahn, siblings and in-laws Joe (Marilyn) Fahn, Marge (Nick) Gubbels, Judy (Chuck) Reynolds, and Kenny Escher.
He is survived by his wife Joan Fahn of Panama, Iowa; children Chad Fahn of Earling, Iowa; Jeff (Jill) Fahn of Earling, Iowa; Barbie (Brad) Fink of Harlan, Iowa; grandchildren: Austin Fink, Tanner Fink, Jordan Fink, Devin Fink, Spencer Fink, and Ashley Fahn; siblings Donna Escher of Harlan, Iowa; Mary (Hollis) Bledsoe of Avoca, Iowa; Charles (Linda) Fahn of Goodyear, AZ; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
William Urban Fahn, son of Leo and Hilda (Leuschen) Fahn, was born September 17, 1949 in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of the Assumption in Panama, Iowa, where he remained a lifelong member. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama, where he graduated with the class of 1967, the last class to graduate from the school.
On March 10, 1973, Bill was united in marriage to Joan Porter at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama. Three children were born to this union: Chad, Jeff, and Barbie.
When Bill was 19 years old, his dad died and he took over the family farm and continued to farm all of his life. He semi-retired after his cancer diagnoses in 2019, turning part of the operation over to his three kids. Like any farmer, he could not sit idly by and watch someone else do his work. He passed his love of the land on to his kids and grandkids.
Bill drove semi-truck part time for Mages Grain and Panama Transfer. He was also a federal crop insurance adjuster for several years. Along with being a past member of the Panama Fire Department.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially coyotes. After a fresh snow you could find him out chasing “dogs”. He also taught his kids and grandkids how to learn and live off the land.
The last few years, he and Joan and their family made trips to his sister Donna’s house on East Okoboji. He enjoyed sitting on the deck, watching the scenery, and meeting new friends.
Whenever is health allowed he and Joan would take off for a few days, going where ever they wanted to. They were working on their bucket list.
Bill passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his home place in Panama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hilda Fahn, siblings and in-laws Joe (Marilyn) Fahn, Marge (Nick) Gubbels, Judy (Chuck) Reynolds, and Kenny Escher.
He is survived by his wife Joan Fahn of Panama, Iowa; children Chad Fahn of Earling, Iowa; Jeff (Jill) Fahn of Earling, Iowa; Barbie (Brad) Fink of Harlan, Iowa; grandchildren: Austin Fink, Tanner Fink, Jordan Fink, Devin Fink, Spencer Fink, and Ashley Fahn; siblings Donna Escher of Harlan, Iowa; Mary (Hollis) Bledsoe of Avoca, Iowa; Charles (Linda) Fahn of Goodyear, AZ; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
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