Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN

Alan Gehrls, 77 of Karlstad, MN formerly of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep early Monday morning on October 2, 2017 at his residence with his loving wife at his side.

Memorial service to celebrate Alan's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding.   Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Friday at the funeral home.

Alan Hugo Gehrls was born May 18, 1940 in Warren, MN the son of Hugo and Loreen (Otto) Gehrls.  He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Radium, MN.  Alan attended school in Warren, MN and graduated with the class of 1958.

In June of 1961, Alan was united in marriage to Joyce Whalen and to this union four children were born, Joni, Lee, Carol, and Paul.

On June 29, 1970, Alan was united in marriage to Joan and together they had one child, Dustin.  They lived in Thief River Falls, MN, Inkster, ND, and most recently Karlstad, MN.

Alan worked at the Chevrolet Garage, Municipal Liquor Store, and Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls. In 1991 Alan and Joan purchased the Inkster Bar and changed the name to AJ's which they owned and operated for 12 years.  In 2003, the couple retired near Strathcona, MN where they have continued to reside.

Alan always had raffle tickets in his pocket to sell… he could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo!  He helped numerous organizations.  He enjoyed Nascar & all racing, hunting, watching HeeHaw & old movies, playing cards, building bird houses, visiting with people, and enjoyed drinking his Schmidt beer.

He was a member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Agassiz Rod & Gun Club, and Jim Beam Bottle Club.

Alan had a nickname for everybody, enjoyed giving everyone a hard time, and had a quick wit.

Survivors include his wife, Joan of rural Karlstad, MN; children: Joni (Terry) Brandon, Carol (Bill) Sanner, Paul (Barb) Gehrls all of Thief River Falls, MN, and Dustin (Ronalin Steer) Gehrls of Stephen, MN; 5 grandchildren: Kyle (Hannah), Alicia, Breanna (Kolt), Brandon, and Austin; 5 step-grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene Anderson of Warren, MN; 4 sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Lee; parents; grandparents; Joan's parents; brothers-in-law, Marlin Anderson, Lloyd Steffen, and Roger Kasprowicz.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com