Wallace "Wally" Eugene Wahlen Obituary (1924 - 2020)

Click HERE to view Graveside Services for Wally Wahlen Wir sehen uns wieder Schatz. (We’ll see you again Sweetheart.) Beloved Father, Grandfather, Husband, Uncle, and Friend, Wallace “Wally” Wahlen was born on April 25, 1924, in Idaho to Arvid and Augusta Wahlen. Wally graduated from Murray High School in 1941. While in high school, Wally enjoyed sports and played on the football team. A World War II Veteran, Wally was inducted into the U.S. Army on May 31, 1943. He served with the 734th Artillery Batallion in the Asiatic-Pacific. He was awarded a Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge, The American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, The Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, The Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, and The Victory Medal. His unit received a Commendation in recognition of their alertness and discipline during ground fighting in the Philippines. On September 5, 1947, Wally married his life’s love, Lucille “Lucy” Wahlen (nee Keller) in Las Vegas, Nevada. From 1948 to 1956, Wally and Lucy resided in Richland, Washington, where Wally worked for Hanford Atomic Energy Works. Upon returning to Utah, Wally and Lucy resided in Murray. Murray was, thereafter, their home, and he often spoke fondly of his neighbors and friends there. It was impossible to visit anywhere in Murray without Wally knowing someone and stopping for a visit. Wally was employed by Geneva Steel in 1956, and retired in the early 80s, after nearly 30 years. In 1952, Wally and Lucy adopted their two beloved children, Dennis and Pam, ages eight and three, after Wally’s father, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew were killed in a traffic accident. Wally’s greatest joy was his family and he was his happiest when the family was gathered together. Wally and Lucy loved to travel the world and truly enjoyed life’s adventures side by side, singing or humming a duet the entire time. When Lucy developed health problems later in life, Wally was her ever-present caregiver and loving companion. They were married for 64 years prior to Lucy’s passing. Wally was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Murray. His abiding faith and loving relationship with his Savior was a constant source of comfort and joy. His family wishes to sincerely thank the Clergy and Congregation at Christ Lutheran Church for their loving kindness and support. Wally adored his family in faith. Those who knew Wally will attest that he possessed an extremely gentle, kind, and sensitive heart. If one of his grandkids or great-grandson had a sporting event, Wally would definitely be there proudly cheering them on. In recent years, he never missed a Utah Jazz game from the comfort of his recliner. He had a love of learning and was forever sharing some new knowledge he’d discovered. He was an exceptional man who was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by many. Wally passed away in the early morning hours of June 30, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; his parents, Arvid and Augusta; his six brothers, Ed, Arvid, Elmie, Jack, Howard and Ralph; his three sisters, Edith, Melba, and Eva; grandson, Lonnie Wack, and many more friends and loved ones. There is, no doubt, a joyful reunion underway. He is survived by his son, Dennis Mitchell Wahlen (Linda); daughter, Pam Mitchell Wahlen; grandchildren, Darren Wack, Wendi Melling (Stuart), Sara Wack, and Holli Wahlen; great-grandson, Hunter Wack, and many cherished nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held (and livestreamed by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home) on Wednesday, July 8th, at 1:00 p.m., at Murray City Cemetery, 5600 S. Vine Street. Masks and social distancing requested. The date and time of a future celebration of Wally’s life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Murray, Utah, in the name of Wallace and Lucille Wahlen.