With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Eleanor "Babs" Wahl, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, who peacefully entered eternal rest on January 27, 2025, at the age of 92 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Born on December 12, 1932, in Roselle, Illinois, to John and Eleanor Hernandez (née Fox), Eleanor’s life was one of love, faith, and service to her family. She cherished her birthdate, which fell on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe—a blessing her mother had prayed for during a pilgrimage to Mexico.

Eleanor married her teenage sweetheart, Jack Wahl, and together they created a beautiful life filled with devotion, adventure, and family. They celebrated an incredible 75 years of marriage before Jack’s passing in June 2024.

A woman of remarkable strength and determination, Eleanor began working on a turkey farm before joining the Elgin Watch Factory. She later became a highly respected accounting office manager in Elgin and Rapid City, continuing tax work well into her early 80s. Eleanor also held the position of Executive Director of the Elgin YWCA. She was an independent, career-driven woman long before it was common, all while putting her family first.

Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She dedicated her life to her children, always ensuring they had the best opportunities. She adored her grandchildren, proudly cheering them on as a "soccer grandmother" until health challenges made it difficult to attend games. Eleanor and Jack shared a love for travel, creating precious family memories throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. In retirement, they settled in the Black Hills, where she found peace in the beauty of nature.

She loved Notre Dame football, card games, and road trips, especially for graduations and weddings, never missing an opportunity to celebrate her loved ones. A firm believer in the power of education, she and Jack instilled a deep respect for learning in their children and grandchildren.

Eleanor is survived by her loving children: Kathleen Bode (Ned) of Key Colony Beach, FL, Constance Clark (Mike) of Cave Creek, AZ; Jacqueline Gurbal (John) of Roswell, GA; Barbara Reinert (Dave) of Scottsdale, AZ; Patrick Wahl (Paula) of Rapid City, SD; Rick Wahl (Nancy) of Phoenix, AZ; and Marianne Fillhouer (Karl) of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Wahl; her son, Terrance Wahl; her grandchild angels, Adam Bode, Dana Reinert, and Baylor Fillhouer; her parents, John and Eleanor Hernandez, and other cherished family members.

Burial & Celebration of Life

Eleanor will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jack at Honey Creek Woodlands in Conyers GA, on June 28th at 12:30 p.m. A celebration of Eleanor’s life will follow in Roswell, GA where family and friends will gather to honor her memory (details to follow).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her honor to St. Jude's Hospital, St. Joseph’s lndian School in Chamberlain, SD, or the American Stroke Association.

Eleanor’s love, strength, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Though she is deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with Jack, watching over us with love and grace.

Rest in peace, Eleanor "Babs" Wahl. Your legacy of love will endure for generations to come.