Walter Elmer Wahl

1919 - 2010

Walter Elmer Wahl 1919 - 2010 Walter Elmer Wahl passed away peacefully in Bakersfield, CA, on November 25, 2010. He was born on February 4, 1919 in Goodrich, North Dakota to William and Mary Katherine (Axt) Wahl. Graduating from the University of North Dakota in 1941, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. After being honorably discharged in 1945, he settled in Taft, California, marrying Louise Kelley on July 6th, 1946. His initial employment was with Standard Oil but he soon went to work for the Agen Insurance Agency, becoming a partner in 1947, and sole owner some years later. He retired from the insurance business in January 1986. Community service was an important part of Walter's life. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and served as Master of the Midway Lodge in 1963; in January 1998, the Masonic Order for Community Services gave him the Hiram Award, recognizing a Master Mason who has served the Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion over and above the ordinary. His involvement with the Taft Rotary Club was from 1951-1995, serving as President in 1967-1968. The late Vance Webb appointed him to the Board of Trustees of the Kern General Medical Center in 1970, where he served for a number of years when that institution was in difficult straits. Also in 1970, he was appointed to the Westside Recreation District Board, serving for 14 years and as Chairman of the Board for four years; he was particularly proud of his role in planning the building of the present Community Center. An enthusiastic supporter of his son David's entomological career, he spent many hours running insect traps in Central California. His efforts were recognized in 1995, when a Swedish scientist named a species of California wasp for him (Chrysocharis wahli). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Orlando Wahl. He is survived by his wife, Louise Wahl of Taft; son, David Wahl of Gainesville, Florida; sister, Jean (Don) Hobbs of Yakima, Washington; and two nieces and one nephew. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of Glenwood Gardens for the excellent care and compassion that they provided to Walter, and to Hoffman Hospice. Private Masonic graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 1st, at the West Side District Cemetery, Taft, California. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the West Kern Oil Museum or to the charity of your choice. www.EricksonAndBrown.com Erickson & Brown Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits