Donald Hugh Wahl

Donald Hugh Wahl, M.D., passed away on October 5, 2021, at the age of 91.  Don was born in Palisade, Nebraska to his parents Albert Franklin Wahl and Gertrude Evelyn Blum.  
He attended the University of Notre Dame as a pre-med student and graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1952.  Following graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Quantico, Virginia.  In January of 1953, he reported to Fort Sill, OK for artillery school.  Excelling in the Gunnery Department of artillery school, he was kept as a gunnery department instructor in the group of Marine Officers at Fort Sill.  He went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, in June of 1959 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his Internship at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA.  Once his 3 years of obligated naval service were completed, he returned to Omaha to complete his residency at Creighton Medical School from 1963-1966.
Don began his OB-Gyn practice in Mankato, MN in September 1966.  In 1970, the family moved to Modesto, CA to continue his medical career with Gould Medical Group.  He retired from OB in 1990 and spent the next 16 years as a surgical assistant. He fully retired from practicing medicine in 2006.
Don developed a love of sports from a young age.  As a youth, he played sandlot football, Little League baseball, golf, and tennis.  He went on to play intramural basketball, was on the State Championship tennis team, and lettered in track for running the half mile.  He learned to ski with his eldest 4 children.  Golf however became his passion and he continued to play the rest of his adult life, achieving 7 hole-in-ones.  He and his wife Joan played many years together enjoying the annual golf trip to Hawaii with Del Rio Country Club members and other local clubs.
Don was a very loving and proud father, grandpa, and great grandpa.  He cherished spending time with all his family.  He was a long-term active member   of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  
Don is survived by his sweetheart and loving wife of 10 years, Joan Nicholson Wahl.  He is also survived by his eight children, James Wahl (Luz), Mary Lybarger (Charles), Patti Carlin (Lou), Terri Furrer (Erich), Joani Coleman (Brad), Peggy Hart, Sally Wahl (Tammy), John Wahl (Linda); 22 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Lanning Wahl, mother of their eight children, grandson Robert Carlin, and son-in-law Brad Coleman.  He is also preceded in death by his spouse Anne Wahl, and spouse Penny Lane.  
Our family wishes to express tremendous gratitude to his loving and compassionate caregiving team from Young’s Senior Services.  A special thank    you to the family of Evelyn, Tina, and Stephen who cared for him in his final days.  They were faithful to the very end, giving end of life care through to his last breath, at which time he went to be with his chosen Savior, Lord, and God.
We would also like to thank the wonderful caring staff at The Park Modesto where Don resided during the last year of his life.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 21st, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1813 Oakdale Rd, Modesto.  Rosary at 9:30 am, Mass at 10:00 am.  Interment to follow at Lakewood Cemetery, Hughson.
Remembrances in Don’s honor may be made to your favorite charity or cause.

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