FAIRFAX–Gerald (Jerry) Ralph Peichel, age 93, passed away peacefully at his rural Fairfax home on September 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Jerry was born January 20, 1932, to William and Anna Olivia (Olive) Peichel in their family home in Nicollet County. He was the fourth eldest of fifteen children. In 1958 he married Janet Walsh of St. Paul, Minnesota, and they were blessed with eight children. Infant daughter Mary, son John, and his wife, Janet, preceded him in death. He is survived by his children: George (Mary) of Fairfax; Marilyn VanOverbeke of St. Paul; Donna (David) Wehe of Alamosa, Colorado; Paul (Mary) of Richfield; Susan (Mark) Evans of Red Wing; and Barb (TJ Yocum) of South St. Paul. His grandchildren will miss him dearly: Rebecca, Edward, Anna, Grant, Luke, Jack, Ryan, Hayden, John, Caleb, Nicolas, and Ezra. His brothers and sisters will miss his phone calls and visits. He is survived by his sisters: Annie (Tom) Dickmeyer, Pauline (Mike †) Sonn, and Margaret Moulton, and by his brothers Phillip (Diane †), Gilbert (Charlene), Kenneth (Lonnie), and Tim (Pat). He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Rosemary (Jack) Beissel, Janie (Eddie) Staloch, Adeline (Wallace) Dickmeyer, his brothers: Daniel (Danny Boy), Roger (Kathy), Gregory, and an infant sister.

Jerry was well known in the community for sharing “Peichel’s Hill” for the enjoyment of many groups and family get-togethers. He was proud to wear his military uniform, having served our country as part of the U.S. Army’s Company B, 27th Engineer Combat Battalion in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Jerry was baptized in St. George Church, attended District 36 country school, confirmed in St. Andrew’s Church, and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1951. He was very active as an officer and member of the VFW, American Legion, 3rd Degree, 4th Degree and was a 4-year District Deputy in the Knights of Columbus. He served on boards for the Mayflower Country Club, Ridgely Township, the Nicollet County Republicans, and was recognized as the Fairfax Volunteer of the Year in 2011. Jerry was a “Steward of God’s Earth,” and was named the Nicollet County Farmer of the Year in 1983, being honored for his devotion to conservation. Some of his favorite memories include: traveling, golfing, playing cards, sausage-making, baking, mushroom and deer hunting. He was a devout Catholic and cherished his close relationship to God.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, October, 6th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Fairfax with interment in the church cemetery following mass. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. The Rosary will be prayed at 8:45 A.M. by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard. A luncheon at “Peichel’s Hill” will follow the interment.

In lieu of flowers and cards, memorial contributions may be made to Schoenstatt on the Lake (Sleepy Eye) or Mary Jo Copeland (Sharing & Caring Hands in Minneapolis) https://sharingandcaringhands.org/donate.

Please visit the Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel website at: www.hantge.com to express condolences with his family, share stories, or mention your favorite quote that you remember Jerry saying.

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