George W. Rehm

George William Rehm, age 82 of Cannon Falls, MN, died on Wednesday evening, January 17, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

George was born the oldest child to George and Carolyn (Schaal) Rehm on October 1, 1941 in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He grew up in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

George met his future wife at the University of Minnesota while finishing his masters program. He married Catherine Raymond on September 6, 1964 in Minneapolis. Together they raised three children.

George was a man of the earth and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and his dogs. 

George began his academic career at the University of Nebraska as an extension agronomist for fourteen years. He returned to Minnesota and joined the University of MN Department of Soil Science (now the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate) in 1983 as an extension specialist in nutrient management. He had a special relationship with those he worked with, especially farmers. He often said that his job was to help farmers, and if the scientific community was affected, so be it.

He is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Cathy; their children, Karen (Kenneth) Laidlaw of Lakeville, Dale Rehm of Sun Prairie, WI, and Carole (Patrick) Toohey of Plymouth; four grandchildren, Michael and Justin Laidlaw, Theo Rehm, and Caiden Toohey; brother, John "Jack" (Marilyn) Rehm of Big Prairie, OH; sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Fawcett of Bowling Green, OH; uncles, Jim and Don Schaal, both of Ohio; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Phil Fawcett.

Visitation will be Friday, February 16 from 4-6 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. A memorial service will be Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10-11 am, at First English Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. This service will be live-streamed and available to watch below.

Memorials are preferred to First English Lutheran Church and the George Rehm Fellowship (University of MN Department of Soil, Water, and Climate.) The George Rehm Fellowship has financially supported eight students to complete their degrees and continue into the field of soil fertility.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in George’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.