Earl Lundahl

WAYNE — Funeral Services for Earl E. Lundahl, 94, Wayne, formerly of Wakefield and Laurel, were Sept. 24 at Salem Lutheran Church, Wakefield. Visitation was Sept. 23 at Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne. Interment with Military Rites was at Wakefield Cemetery. Earl Eugene Lundahl died Sept. 20, 2026, at his home in Kinship Pointe, surrounded by family. Earl was born March 8, 1932, to Ernest Jorkim and Clara Dorthea (Nolte) Lundahl on the family farm south of Wakefield. He attended country school and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1949. After graduation, Earl began farming before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War. He served for 16 months in Regensburg, Germany, as a tank mechanic. During his time overseas, Earl had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, experiences that remained some of his favorite memories throughout his life. He loved telling stories about his adventures, and his face would light up whenever someone asked him about his time in Europe. He even brought a little bit of Germany home with him in the phrase “mox nix,” his familiar way of saying “It doesn’t matter” or “no worries,” which became one of those expressions his family will always associate with Earl. Earl was honorably discharged from active duty in 1954, and continued serving in the Army Reserves for another six years.

In 1955, Earl returned to farming and, on March 6 of that year, married Joyce Spike. Together they built a life centered around family, farming, hard work and each other. Earl and Joyce first made their home in Wakefield, where they lived until 1968, before moving to their farm near Laurel. They remained on the farm until 1990, then lived in Laurel for several years before building their home in Wayne in 1994.

Farming was more than Earl’s occupation, it was who he was. He loved raising cattle and hogs, including his hog operation affectionately known as Earl’s “Pig Palace.” He was a farmer through and through, and the life he built on the farm was one of his greatest sources of pride and accomplishment.

Earl and Joyce raised two sons, Ron, born June 29, 1961, and Ken, born July 15, 1965. Ron and his wife, Sherie, have two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and husband Todd. Ken and his wife, Diane, have two children, Matt and his wife, Katie, and Alyssa.

Earl took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow, thrive and build families of their own. He and Joyce were blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Outside of farming, Earl enjoyed dancing with Joyce, spending time with friends in their neighborhood card club, tinkering around the shop and mowing. Later in life, he especially enjoyed visiting with friends at the Senior Center.

Through every season of his life, Earl remained happiest when he was working with his hands, spending time with the people he loved and talking about the farm or one of the many adventures he had collected along the way.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Clara; brother, LeRoy Lundahl; sister, JoAnn Jackson; sisters-in-law, Mary Lundahl, Elaine Lage and Arlene Lundahl; nephews, Rex Lage, Mike Lage, Larry Smith and Gale “Pete” Lundahl; brothers-in-law, Lester “Bud” Smith, Estiel “Andy” Jackson, Maurice Lage and Vernon “Steve” Hokamp.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; brother, LaVern; sons, Ron, and wife, Sherie (Johnson); and Ken, and wife, Diane (Holcomb); grandchildren, Jennifer, Megan and husband Todd, Alyssa, Matt and wife Katie; seven great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Lundahl family for later designation.