Gary Wahlen
January 19, 1940 ~ January 14, 2015
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Gary Wahlen, 74, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2015 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Faulkton with Pastor Timothy Koch officiating. Burial followed in the Millard Cemetery, rural Faulkton with military honors. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.
Gary Dennis Wahlen was born to Nels and Ruth (Cooper) Wahlen on January 19, 1940 in Faulkton, SD. Gary enjoyed his life on the family farm in the Seneca area before making Faulkton his permanent home. He did take a position with the Army Corps of Engineers in Pierre for a short time where he developed a love for small engine repair which eventually became a hobby. Gary even took flying lessons during his time with the Corp which was one of his fondest memories. He loved going for coffee with friends and was known to be quite a softie if someone needed a ride somewhere. He was always up for a drive. Above all, Gary enjoyed spending time with his family who were indeed his pride and joy.
Gary’s life will be cherished by Bonnie McCloud of Faulkton; his children: Lynette (Troy) Weinkauf of Rapid City, Dan (Rebecca) Wahlen of Pueblo, CO, Cory (Melissa) McCloud of Faulkton, and Kyle (Liza Thares) Wahlen of Aberdeen; his grandchildren: Danielle, Jenna, Amber, and Crystal Wahlen and Natalie, Sara, and Damon McCloud; his brother, Richard (Jean) Wahlen of Faulkton, and his sisters: Joyce Nelson of Flandreau and Sherry (Randy) Lehman of Le Mars, IA.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirly (Ardis) Aasby; his brother-in-law, Roger Nelson; and his nephew, Scott Lehman.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Gary's arrangements.
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Bonnie & Family,
My heart is deeply saddened with the loss of Gary. I had a privilege to get to know Gary through Kyle and through Northern Plains. The memories of Gary will not be forgotten. May God bring peace to Gary and your family during this difficult time.
Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of working with him. I will pray for all of you. God Bless
Bonnie, Kyle, Dick and all of Gary’s family:
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. We know that he has suffered the past few years and now is at peace, but we know you will miss him greatly. May our thoughts and prayers bring you and your family comfort and peace. In Deepest Sympathy, Jeff and JoDee
Gary was a great uncle and Beth, Ayden Digit and I will miss him a lot.
I know that he is looking down on us from Heaven.
Sorry to all of you for your loss.
Bonnie and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I have such fond memories of Gary and the time we knew each other. He was a very dedicated and loyal person with a kind heart. My favorite memories will be picking a farmstead on the map in the fertilizer plant and having him tell me every family that has ever lived there, what their names were, and where they went in life; such a wealth of local history. Gary will be missed.
Gary fought a very hard fight, and I never heard him complain! I enjoyed our visits and a laugh or two with him over coffee at the 212 Café. He deserves a good RIP!
My sympathy to his family.
To: Dick, Joyce and Gary’s whole family. I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I have fond memories of him as a loving and loyal person. Always ready with a smile and a helping hand. My prayers are with all of you. Evelyn
My dearest friends Dan, Becky, and family, I am so very sorry about your loved ones passing. I pray for strength and healing during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
Kim Robinson
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family
Our sincere sympathy to Bonnie and all.