Our brightest star now shines in a better place. Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jack R. Wahl, passed away on June 29,20?4, at the age of 93 after a brief illness. Jack was born at home on February 26, L931 in Elgin, Illinois to Edward and Nellie (nee Parren) Wahl. He married his teenage sweetheart, Eleanor Hernandez, and they had recently celebrated the 75th Anniversary of their Wedding and eternal journey together.

Jack was an excellent baker, learning from his mother. Customers would travel for miles to purchase his scrumptious, homemade bread. Later he was employed at St. Laurence grade school, where he was known by the students as a caring, ready listener with good advice. Jack especially loved and bonded with his grandchildren. When they were younger, he was not only grandpa, but also their playmate "Jimmy." As childhoods faded, so would "Jimmy," but he always remained their beloved Grandpa.

Jack was a family man, enjoying many vacations with his wife and children throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Mexico. He retired to the Black Hills, where he could go hunting with family and friends, enjoy the quality of life and the great outdoors. He loved Notre Dame football, fun, pitching horseshoes, playing cards, German shepherds, avidly reading non-fiction books, listening to old-time Country and Western artists, and playing Words with Friends on Facebook, where he was a tough opponent. He was adamant about his children pursuing and receiving good educations.

Jack is survived by his wife Eleanor, 5 daughters, Kathy Bode (Ned) of Key Colony Beach, FL; Connie Clark (Mike) of Cave Creek, AZ; Jackie Gurbal (John) of Roswell, GA; Barbara Reinert {Dave) of Scottsdale, AZ; Marianne Fillhouer (Karl) of Phoenix, AZ; and 2 sons Pat Wahl (Paula) of Rapid City, SD; and Rick Wahl (Nancy) of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Russ Wahl of Elgin, IL.

He was preceded in death by his son Terry and 3 Grandchild Angels, Adam Bode, Dana Reinert, and Baylor Fillhouer, and by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

Jack was a self-educated, very sensitive, and caring man, devoted to family and friends. He touched so many lives throughout his life, providing comfort, encouragement, and friendship to many. He left us beautiful memories. God now has you at peace in his arms, and we have you in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 31st from 1-4PM at the Firehouse Winery in downtown Rapid City, SD. Remembrances in Jack's name can be made to St. Jude's Hospital, St. Joseph Indian School in SD, Easter Seals, or the American Heart Assn.

Cards of Sympathy can be mailed to Eleanor at 4001 Derby Lane #327,
Rapid City, SD 57701.