Jack D. Fahland, 89, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church.
Beloved husband of the late Caroline Fahland (nee Dora); loving father of Kate (Ric) Saitta, Karla Trittler, Krista (John) Rooney, Kelly (Dan) Ritter and Kurt (Anne) Fahland; adoring grandfather of Eric (Jessica) Saitta, Kari (Justen) Patterson, Emily Rafferty, A.J. Saitta, Trey Trittler, Kara (Albert) Fleer, Tymarie and Dylan Hoffmann, Nathan, Tyler and Jacob Fahland; cherished great-grandfather of Lalana, Cooper, Eli, Hatley, Maddie and Jack. Our dearest uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Jack was the beloved husband of the late Caroline Fahland (née Dora), a devoted father, a proud and adoring grandfather, and a cherished great grandfather. His family was the center of his life—the source of his deepest love and greatest joy. Nothing made him happier than gathering with those he loved, sharing stories, laughter, and the quiet moments that meant so much to him.
From playing stickball at Shepherd School to corkball at Pioneer Park to fuzzball at the South Broadway Athletic Club, Jack loved all things sports related (except maybe the NBA). His lifelong passion for athletics carried seamlessly into his professional life.
For many years, Jack worked as a talented photographer for the St. Louis Globe Democrat, capturing everything from sports to politics. He was widely regarded as one of the best in the business, often enjoying the best seat in the house as he preserved moments that would later grace the front page.
Jack later poured his passion into opening the River City Pub, a warm and welcoming neighborhood spot that became a second home for countless friends and patrons. Stories flowed as easily as the beer, memories were made, and lifelong friendships were formed around the bar he loved.
He could often be found at the Golden Tee machine with a cold Busch beer in hand, his signature cowboy boots on his feet, and his unmistakable warm smile lighting up the room—a smile that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Jack embraced life’s simple pleasures with an open heart: good company, a close game, and the genuine connections that made each day special.
Jack is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family, all of whom will miss him beyond measure. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, dedication to his craft and community, and the joy he shared so freely. Though he is gone, his spirit lives on in the memories he created and the many hearts he touched. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Sunday, January 4 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel on Monday, January 5, at 9:15 AM to St. Agatha Catholic Church for 10:00 AM Mass. Interment at Sunset Cemetery.
a good friend and mentor of many years, we will miss jack and his great laughs and looks. so many wonderful memories and awesome times together. God bless him
One of the nicest people I ever knew . His wife & her family lived upstairs with grams Dora when we were young..
those were the best times growing up, miss those days
With all of our love he is with the Lord Jesus take care
We remember Jack when you kids were all very small. Very fond memories of him and Caroline. They were a big part of the family, and from your Facebook accounts, he looks like a huge part of you kid’s families. I know you all will miss him, but I know there are tons of beautiful memories
My mom & dad loved getting together with Jack & Caroline, so many good memories from the Corkball years being in Jack & Caroline’s backyard after Corkball games, they were Norman Rockwell moments all the kids growing up together and parents spending time together. Jack came to at least one of our highschool football games to takes pictures of me, my brother, Mike G. & Todd B. when we played together in 1980. Loved catching up with Jack whenever I stopped by his Pub. Thanks for the memories Jack,
I remember when Jack brought the pictures of the Bob Forche no hitter over to Roger and Margie’s house, when I was a kid. I was always happy to spend time with the family. I still enjoy seeing all of you. Jack was a fantastic man. Always smiling. Great family.
Remember the good times. Keep smiling.
Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Patrick and Judy Sturma