Remembering Gerry Fahning

Gerry Fahning, a long-term Dodge Center Business owner, passed away this past weekend, according to his daughter, Beth Hanggi.
Fahning was a Korean War veteran and while at the University of Minnesota, he filled a summer position as a 4-H agent in Dodge County in the mid 1950’s. When he finished college, he came back to the county as the full-time county 4-H agent. In 1955 he organized the building of the present 4-H building at the fairgrounds.
In 1962 he went into the insurance business in Dodge Center and was later joined by his daughter, Beth, who now operates the insurance business.
Fahning was a member of the Dodge County Fair Board for decades serving as treasurer and secretary.
Tom Franke, current president of the Dodge County Fair, recalled when he became a fair board member, how Fahning was so willing to help and give him advice. Scott Schley, a fair board member, said Fahning was a longtime sponsor for the 4-H/FFA Ribbon Auction which started in 1976, plus he was a sponsor for the fair sponsor dinner which he and his daughter would attend. Each year, Fahning and Dave Hanson (longtime Dodge County extension agent) would be in the stands for the Fair 4-H / FFA Ribbon auction. Kelly Caspers, Fair Board vice president, said that Fahning and Hanson were members of the first group selected to the Fair Hall of Fame in 2012. Hanson passed away in February this year.
Fahning had not missed a Dodge County Fair for close to 70 years.
Carol Johnson, president of the Dodge Center Lions, said Fahning was a Charter Member of the Dodge Center Lions when it was organized, and he was involved with multiple Lion club projects as well as club officer positions. said She said he was one of the original committee members when the Dodge County Expo started 25 years ago in Dodge Center. The Expo expanded to other communities, so it has really grown over the years with many more displays and increased attendance.
He was also involved with Dodge Center celebrations and helped with many other community activities. Fahning served the Dodge Center City Council for 10 years. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Dodge Center and held many leadership positions plus served on committees in the church.