John Pahls

A dedicated librarian, compassionate volunteer, and much-loved family man, passed away suddenly on September 21, 2025, just eight days after receiving a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. John was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Jim and Janis (Adams) Pahls, and he lived a life rich in service, education, and love. John pursued higher education, attending both the University of Cincinnati and Kent State University, ultimately becoming a librarian. John's heart for service extended beyond the library setting. As a Marianist volunteer in Cleveland, Ohio, he prepared and served meals to patients in an AIDS hospice in a spirit of service that would continue throughout his life's work. This led him to serve with the Maryknolls in Cambodia, where he worked with AIDS patients, established after-school programs for AIDS orphans, and started children's libraries that nurtured the minds of many young learners. John continued his career as a public librarian in Cleveland before going back to Asia to serve as a school librarian in Chon Buri, Thailand. On January 1, 2011, John married the love of his life, Saren Hun. Together, they created a nurturing home in Chon Buri and then in Taos, New Mexico. They welcomed their daughter, Fiona James Pahls, and their son, Frederick Hun Pahls, into this world with joy. John worked tirelessly as a librarian for Taos High School and subsequently became the District Librarian for all the Taos Public Schools, where he continued to touch the lives of students and staff alike. John's Memorial Service will be on Saturday, October 4, at 11 am at Rivera Funeral Home in Taos. There will be a meal at First Indian Baptist Church (in Taos) fellowship hall afterward. Two days later, on Monday, Oct. 6, there will be a military burial of John's ashes at 11:30 (not 11 am as stated before) at the Veterans Cemetery in Angel Fire, New Mexico. We are gathering at the Rivera Funeral Home in Taos (818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571) at 10:30, and the burial procession will leave at around 10:45 am to drive to Angel Fire, NM. John is survived by his devoted wife, Saren Hun, his cherished children, Fiona and Frederick, and his siblings: Mary Jeanne Pahls, James Adams Pahls, Joseph Louis Pahls, and Jeffrey Edward Pahls. He also leaves behind a wide circle of relatives, friends, coworkers, and former and current students, all of whom are richer for having known him.

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Published by Taos News from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Pahls

Sponsored by Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Taos.

14 Entries

Miguel Martinez

October 17, 2025

Mr. Pahls was a great inspiration to me as a student. He was very kind and we had many conversations together and he even talked to me about joining the military as I was checking out a book about the asvab. Years later when I would run into he remembered me and it´d a great loss for our community. I know I was saddened to learn of his passing and I give my condolences to his family. Mr. Pahls was surely a great person to know.

Robert and Luanne Elliott

October 16, 2025

To Mr Pahls´ family, our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. We knew Mr. Pahls through his work at Taos high school and admired his kind professionalism.

Jeanne Pahls

October 11, 2025

Jeanne Pahls

October 11, 2025

https://gofund.me/2b74dcbbf

Gabriel Daffron

October 11, 2025

Thank you, John, for your tireless love of books; you will be remembered as a man dedicated to letters. My best memory was when you graciously offered my son a place to study in the library. As a freshman, he didn't realize that your generosity would become a main ingredient to his success. Ve Con Dios.

Brian Stockes

October 9, 2025

I only met John a few years ago, but always enjoyed our long talks about all kinds of subjects. He was a very kind and curious person and was always willing to share his thoughts and ideas. I will miss him very much. I wish the best to his friends and family in this very difficult time.

Jeanne Pahls

October 6, 2025

Jeanne Pahls

October 6, 2025

Rob dixon

October 4, 2025

I am deeply shocked to hear that John passed away. We were friends from the time we met at Ft Sill Oklahoma in 1982 and were roommates and members of the supply section in Bravo Battery 1st Bn 83rd Field Artillery Battalion. We shared a lot of tough times and good times. He was the best man at my wedding in 1986 and we kept in touch on and off through the years. RIP John. I feel so empty right now. I never got to say goodbye to you. Farewell Bro :)

Linda Weiman

October 1, 2025

My dear, younger cousin, John, was in town in the summer of 2010, and asked me to lunch. While enjoying catching up on our lives, he informed me that he was seeing someone and had asked her to marry him. After telling me all about this new love, John asked if I would be their wedding photographer. Oh, and the wedding would be held in a small village in Cambodia! Of course, I agreed. It was a life-changing experience.

When John and Saren were living in Thailand, Fiona was born and they decided to move to America. While looking for a job, They stayed with my husband, Mike, and I in Cincinnati for part of the summer. How we enjoyed their visit! John and Mike would talk books, life, and world problems while Saren would gab as she prepare delicious meals and I played with Fiona. When they had to leave, we were so sad to see them go.

Last week I was able to come to Taos after John passed to be with Saren, the kiddos and Jeanne and Bob to be with them in this sad time. Mike and I will miss John immensely.

Linda Weiman

October 1, 2025

Sheila Cryan

September 30, 2025

It is hard to believe that John is no longer a phone call away. As a Jesuit Volunteer in Cleveland in the mid 90's I had the pleasure of befriending John, who was then a Marionist Volunteer. After our volunteer year, we both stayed in Cleveland and John even joined Bob and I on a trip or two to Massachusetts, where his warm personality and humor were much beloved by my family and friends here. While he is no longer a phone call or a text away, he remains ever present in our hearts and in our treasured memories of hikes, meals, and trips. He was one of the kindest souls we have ever known.

Much love,

Sheila Cryan and Bob Sutula

Jeanne Pahls

September 30, 2025

Memorial service details:

John's Memorial Service will be on Saturday, October 4 at 11 am at Rivera Funeral Home in Taos. There will likely be a meal at a local church fellowship hall afterward.

**** Slight change in scheduling:
Two days later on Monday, Oct. 6, there will be a military burial of John's ashes at 11:30 (not 11 am as stated before) at the Veterans Cemetery in Angel Fire, New Mexico. We are gathering at the Rivera Funeral Home in Taos (818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571) at 10:30 and the burial procession will leave at around 10:45 am to drive to Angel Fire, NM.

Some folks have asked about contributing toward expenses that Saren and the kids will encounter. John worked hard to be as sure as possible that his family would be OK if something happened to him, but his last week was riddled with not only pain but worry that Saren and the kids might not be OK in the long run. Anyone who wishes to remember John in this way can visit this Go Fund Me site that the kids' school created in order to be of support to Saren and the kids: https://gofund.me/2b74dcbbf

Jeanne Pahls

September 29, 2025

Here is a picture of us all from 1966... John is front and center.

So glad you are pain free now, little brother.
Missing you and wishing you were still here with us.

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