James D. Wahl, age 83 of Menomonie, died Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Menomonie surrounded by family.

Jim was born on  October 25, 1940 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. He was the son of Raymond F. and Alta “Bea” (Ableidinger) Wahl. At a young age, Jim moved with his family to Grand Forks, ND and graduated from Grand Forks High School in 1958. Jim then attended North Dakota State University and graduated with a pharmacy degree in 1962. In 1963, Jim joined the North Dakota Air National Guard retiring with the Air Reserves as a Lt. Colonel in 1996. Jim married Laura Wilner on June 12, 1965 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, ND. Over Jim’s pharmacist career, Jim and Laura lived in Fond du Lac, WI, Bemidji, MN, Menomonie and owning a store in Hoffman, MN before returning to Menomonie. Jim worked for Erickson’s Pharmacy, the Dunn County Health Care Center and Nash Finch Grocery before retiring in 2012.

Jim was very active in the communities he lived in. He was a member of the Hoffman and Menomonie Lion’s Club and also served as District Governor from 2012-2013. He was very passionate about the work that the Lion’s do. Jim and Laura hosted 11 foreign exchange students over the years and got to know their families and take trips to meet them.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Laura, two children, Steve (Terri) of Chanhassen, MN and Nancy (Craig) Bares of Minneapolis, MN, five grandchildren, Jen, Alex, Brian, Gage and Otto, 11 foreign exchange students, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Bea Wahl.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00AM Saturday, June 22, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Menomonie Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of services at the church on Saturday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Jorge and Brenda Llambes July 13, 2024, at 12:56pm

   Laura, our deepest sympathies to you and the family. Prayers for all.

2. Roger July 8, 2024, at 4:10am

   I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. He was a great man, sincere and generous.
   I keep very good memories from the summer I spent with you in Menomonie 36 years ago. I could not imagine better host parents than you, Laura and Jim. I really appreciate everything you did to make a teenager happy. What a great summer it was ! All places we visited and people we meet are still very present in my mind.
   Laura, I wish plenty of health and luck for you and the rest of the family. Take care.

3. Libbe Erickson June 26, 2024, at 9:20am

   So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! I was also a member of 934th ASTS in Mpls, and his love of his family was always so evident. He always had a smile on his face too!

4. Sharon Turovaara June 25, 2024, at 8:52am

   Dear Mrs. Wahl and family,
   I was in the 934 Air Wing Medical Unit in Minneapolis with your husband. It was an honor and a privilege to know him. My deepest sympathy. ST

5. Donna Karshbaum June 24, 2024, at 9:03pm

   I am So Sorry for Your Loss, James was a Wonderful Person, God Bless The Family ❤️

6. Susan Thurin June 19, 2024, at 3:29pm

   Laura and family, Please accept my sincere condolences for the death of Jim. You both have been stalwarts of the community and parish and for that we can all be grateful. Susan Thurin

7. Art & Jo Marson June 19, 2024, at 10:46am

   We extend our sincere sympathy to Laura and family. Jim was a wonderful individual that we got to know through Lions, and we have many fond memories. May he rest in peace.

8. Bradley Barth June 19, 2024, at 6:55am

   Thoughts and prayers with Jim's family and friends. I knew Jim through Lions. He was always willing to help when and how he could!

9. Pat Furey June 18, 2024, at 8:33pm

   PDG (Past District Governor) Lion Jim was more than just a fellow Lion. Jim was one of my mentors. I could always depend on Jim to give me good advice. Thanks Jim! Laura and family, we'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. PDG Pat

10. Ronda Bierbrauer June 18, 2024, at 1:34pm

    To the family of James,
    My prayers and sympathies are with all of you as you remember a very fine man, husband, father, grandfather, loyal friend, and so much more. Remember to hold on to the memories and keep them close to visit with often. Be proud of the wonderful and caring man he was to so many. My Sympathies, PDG Ronda Bierbrauer

11. Kathy Hutter-Messier June 18, 2024, at 11:22am

    CONDOLENCES TO JIM'S FAMILY

12. Tom Govin June 18, 2024, at 6:56am

    I knew Jim through the Lions. He was a stalwart member and could always be counted on. They'll trade pins in Heaven now. Have a Sidecar in his memory.

13. Andrea Pedicone June 17, 2024, at 11:52pm

    Good bye Jim, see you somewhere around ❤️

14. Rosalie Daehler June 17, 2024, at 11:16pm

    Dear Laura,
    I am sending my sympathy to you. It is so hard to see our loved ones suffer and finally called to be with our Lord. They are in a safe place and are being cared for in heaven. I know what you are going through.
    You have to remember all the good times you have had with Jim and what service he gave during his life.
    P.E.O. Love, Rosalie

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