Russel Wahlen
February 4, 1923 ~ October 21, 2010
Russel Wahlen, 87, of Faulkton, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Memorial services were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 25, 2010 at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Burial followed at the Faulkton Cemetery with military honors.
Russel was born in Millard, SD to Walfred and Ella (Olen) Wahlen on February 4, 1923. He was a farm laborer before he entered the service on January 21, 1943. Russel volunteered for the draft and throughout the years he displayed proud patriotism toward his country. After leaving the service he helped his parents on the farm and also worked in a Boeing Airplane Plant for a short time.
Russel married Rosalie Anderson on January 31, 1947 and had 5 children. They celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary this year. Russel worked for the County Highway Department in Faulkton until he retired in 1985. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time visiting friends and sharing his warm smile and generous spirit.
He is survived by his wife Rosalie of Faulkton; 3 sons: Dennis (Carol) of Sharpsburg, GA, Dean (Sheila) of Sun City, AZ, Boyce (Diane) of Aberdeen, SD; 1 daughter, Glenda of Phoenix, AZ; 3 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Kay Stickler of Columbia Heights, MN, Enid Bosch of Lodi, CA and Willard Wahlen of Pioneer, CA.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Walfred and Ella, 1 son, Darrell and 2 siblings, Virgil and Lila.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Russel’s arrangements.
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My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Keep the great memories of Russel close to your hearts at this hard time.
We are so sorry to hear about Russell. He was such a sweet, wonderful man. We had some good conversations when Grace was in the hospital in 2009. He was so caring and loving to us at that time. I (Jean) felt so honored that he requested me to sing at his service. I regret that I didn’t go to the hospital and do that during his last days. And I am so sorry I can’t be there on Monday. We have to be in Sioux Falls that day for a medical appt. God Bless you, Rosalie and all of your family. May God’s love and care keep you strong. In Sympathy, Richard and Jean Wik
Rosalie and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will not be able to make it to the funeral as we will be out of town, but know we are thinking of you all. Russell was a wonderful person and I have a lot of memories of him from when I was growing up.We now know he is in a better place where there is no more suffering.
Walt & Carolyn
To Russel’s family my sincere sympathies. I always enjoyed him coming to the office and showing me his little jokes from his wallet. He is now at peace. May you find peace and healing in the fond memories that are now a treasure. God bless
Our sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you in your loss. God bless you all.
Russ was a delight to get to know and was very supportive and loving. He will be missed!
Rosalie and family I am so sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. Although it has been many years ago, I remember our families spending a lot of fun times together. It is sad that we get seperated by miles and lose track of old friends. Russell teased me all the time but I know I asked for most of it. You are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the time to come. Death brings a pain no one can heal, love brings memories no one can steal. Arlet (Harold and Helen Carr)
As I was sitting at my desk this morning something caught my eye behind my calculator. It was a root beer barrel that Russel had given me some time back. I will keep it as a reminder of what a special person Russel was. We will miss his visits and his root beer barrels as I know you will miss him. Our thoughts are prayers to you all.
Beverly King
Our sincere sympathy to Rosalie & the Family. Russel was one of the friendliest people I have ever met. Even though I haven’t lived in Faulkton for 40 years every time I saw him he was so glad to see me and would want to know about my Uncle Loyd Oleson. He always made you feel welcome.