Harvey Gahl

Harvey Wayne Gahl, 90, of South Beloit, Illinois passed away in the early morning of Friday, December 26, 2025 with his wife of 42 years, Verna Gahl, by his side.

Harvey was born August 04, 1935, in Genoa, Illinois, to John G. Gahl and Frieda Gahl. Harvey married Verna (Smith) on May 27, 1983 in Cherry Valley, Illinois. Harvey is a proud Navy Veteran from his 4 years of service.

He worked for Barber-Coleman Company for 36 years. While working at Barber-Coleman Company and after retirement Harvey and Verna fulfilled his passion to grow and operate Gahl’s Apple Orchard. With their dedication, determination, and the assistance of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family friends, the orchard was successful for 37 years. For many years, Harvey entered his secret recipe of apple cider to local and Illinois State competitions winning amongst the top three multiple times. After the closure of Gahl’s Apple Orchard, Harvey and Verna couldn’t sit still and dedicated countless hours to restoring his 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pick-Up Truck.

Survived by five children, Andra (Dan) Nagle, Wayne Gahl, Julie (Michael) Morrison, Keith (Nicky) Gahl, Tenley Proudfoot; two step-daughters, Barb (Mike) Orsborn, Kay Smith; eleven grandchildren, Cassandra (Greg) Smith, Christopher (Sarah) Woodman, Casey (Emily) Woodman, Cody (s.o., Alysia Norton) Woodman, Cassidy (fiancé, Jacob Wehler) Woodman, Laura (Shane) Woodward, Brion Gahl, Dylan Gahl, Preston Gahl, Cade Gahl, Andrew Columbi; seven great-grandchildren, Kaylee (s.o., Jayden Berry) Smith, Alyssa Smith, Greggory Smith, Peyton Woodman, Christopher Woodman Jr., Thomas Woodman, Liam Woodman; two great-great-grandchildren, Alana Thomas and Isabella Berry.

Preceded by his parents, John G. Gahl and Frieda Gahl; sisters, Evelyn and Don Pinne, Arlene and Gene Littwiller, and Joan and Jim Dixon.

A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 03, 2026, at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will be held at Highland Garden of Memories in Belvidere, Illinois.