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Rocky Mountain Obituaries 11-9-09

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.



Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.



For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.

Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.

For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.

Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.

For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.

Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.

For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.

Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.

For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Don Wahl, 65, of Akron, Colo., passed away October 29, 2009, at his home following a six-month battle with lymphoma.

He was born July 16, 1944 on the family farm near Isabella, Okla., to Raymond and Ruth (Abbott) Wahl, the youngest of six children. Raymond and Ruth moved their family to the farm and ranch west of Akron in 1947 when Don was 3-years-old. He attended elementary school at the one-room Pleasant Valley School. At one point, five of the Wahl children made up about 1/3 of the Pleasant Valley enrollment; Ray, Jr. was then in high school. Don, his sister Lois, and Bob Worthley were classmates for eight years and were the final graduating class. Following their graduation, the school consolidated into Akron.

Don attended Akron High School where he wrestled, played football, and sang in the school choir. Following graduation, Don moved on to Colorado State University where he majored in English and was an active participant on the CSU rodeo club, riding Brahma bulls.

Don and Zelma Davis of Center, Colo., met at CSU and were married in Center in 1965. They received degrees in 1966 and set off for Reno, Nev., where Don was the 4-H agent under the Extension Department of the University of Nevada, Reno. Don enjoyed his job and excelled at it but about 1969 he left that job to become an on-air personality at KBUB radio in Reno.

Two of their three sons were born in Reno – Kurt in 1968 and Jeff in 1970. With Reno beginning to look more and more like Las Vegas, they decided in 1971 to return to Colorado. With a borrowed pickup and a U-Haul trailer, they set off for Sterling where Don went to work for KTVS Television of Sterling. Don did most on-air jobs at the TV station and was the news anchor when he left the station. Following a move to Ft. Morgan to do public relations work for the new community college. Don and Zelma bought a small farm and ranch west of Akron. They built a house and moved to the ranch in 1974. Their third son, Chris, was born in 1975.

For the next 15 years, Don worked at a series of jobs to supplement the farm and ranch including farm agent for Citizens National Bank, sales with the John Deere dealership, and insurance sales with Farm Bureau. About 1983, Don opened his own insurance agency, and he continued with insurance work until his death.

Following Kurt’s tragic death in 1988 while a student at Mesa State University in Grand Junction and the sale of the ranch in 1989, the couple moved to Greeley. Don and Zelma ended their marriage about 1990, but remained friends. Don returned to Akron and continued to operate Don Wahl Insurance, specializing in crop insurance.

Don and Margie (known to everyone as Louise) Cortez began dating in 1998, and their relationship grew into genuine love. They were married December 17, 2002. They made their home in Sterling, and Don commuted daily to Akron to operate his insurance agency. In 2001, Don purchased part of his mother’s land, including the home. Don and Louise continued to live in Sterling until Ruth Wahl’s death in 2006 at which time they moved to the family home west of Akron. Don and Louise loved to spend time dancing, going to local high school sporting events, and just relaxing at home enjoying music and radio programs.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He embraced all his children and grandchildren, considering each and every one as his very own.

He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, Jeff of Lafayette and Chris (Arlene) of Tucson, Ariz., three step daughters, Monica (Dimitri) Sangster of Denver, Colo., Melinda (Mike) Walser of Merino, Colo., and Melissa (Jon) Mueller of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Wilma Wade of Loveland, Colo., brother Ken (Marcelyn) of Akron, Colo., sister-in-law Garland Wahl of Akron, Colo., brother-in-law Larence Jones of Bennett, Colo., and Louise’s parents, Ruth and Dick Mounts of Denver, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren: Adrian, Carlos, and Diego Wahl; Dominique and Deja Sangster; Boston, Carle, Haley, and Bailey Walser; and Jace and Hope Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his son Kurt, his parents, Raymond and Ruth, by two brothers, Ray, Jr. and Wayne, and one sister, Lois Jones.

Services were held November 2, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Akron, Colo.

Memorials may be made to the Akron High School Athletic Program or to the Oncology Unit at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.


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