Douglas Wahl, 70, of Conroe, Texas, formerly of Greenbush, MN, died on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in Texas.
Douglas Erling Wahl, the son of Erling and Helen (Sonsteng) Wahl, was born May 4, 1942 at Roseau, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in Oiland Lutheran church of Greenbush, MN. He attended Island Home School, Haug-Leo to the 8th grade and then Greenbush High School. After high school Doug worked in construction in the Twin Cities.
He married Marilyn Melvie on October 8, 1966 at Thief River Falls, MN. They lived in Princeton, MN, where Doug was in the Bait & Tackle Business. They moved to Nekoma, ND, where he worked on the missile site for a year and a half. In 1970, they moved to Greenbush where Doug and his brother Dennis started a welding and repair shop. He also worked for Arctco Racing as a mechanic.
In 1977, Doug & Dennis built Wahl Bros. Bait & Tackle, which they operated for 10 years. They also operated an ice fishing business on Lake of the Woods. Doug & Dennis also used their Bombardiers and Army Truck to fight fires for the Dept. of Natural Resources. They also operated a Urethane Insulation business for a number of years.
In 1987, Doug moved to Texas and built a Catfish Pond. He then started MinnTex Auger before he began his work in the Hydraulic business. In 1997, Doug and his son Shane started HHC (Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder), in 2003 the name changed to DEW Enterprise, which Doug operated until the time of his death.
Doug was passionate about racing and was involved with many dirt race tracks located near Conroe, Texas. He was only a phone call away to participate with the race teams at home. He couldn’t wait to hear results of Shane’s car racing or his nephews’ snowmobile racing.
Doug loved his family and enjoyed any time he was able to spend with them. Doug’s dog Lou had more seat time in Doug’s truck than anyone else. She was with him everywhere he went.
Doug is survived by his 3 children: Shane Wahl of Greenbush, Jodi Wahl of Greenbush and Tami Wahl of San Francisco, California.
Grandchildren: Tanner, Krystal, Sierra & Teagan.
Brothers and sister: Dennis (RaeAnn) Wahl of Greenbush, Durmont (Dyann) Wahl of Greenbush, Debby Waage of Roseau, MN & David (Jill) Wahl of Greenbush.
Nieces, nephews & other relatives and friends as well as his beloved dog Lou.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law—Gerald Waage and a grandson—Bjorn.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Oiland Free Lutheran Church of rural Greenbush with Pastor Gary Skramstad and Pastor Alvin Sather, officiating. Vocal music was provided by Nikki Wojchowski, LaRae Frislie & Layton & Delphin Wahl. The Grandchildren sang “Jesus Loves Me.” Tammy Wahl was the Pianist. Casket Bearers were Jeff, Tracy, Terry, Jeremy & Dustin Wahl & Dion Waage.
Visitation and prayer services were held on Wednesday evening in Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush. Interment was in Oiland Cemetery. Local funeral arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.