Dean Charles Wahl

Dean Charles Wahl, 99, of Rhinelander, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with family and caregivers by his side. Dean was born in Madison on August 3, 1926, to George C. and Elsie (Veerhusen) Wahl. He attended Holy Redeemer Grade School and graduated from Madison West High School in 1944. He enlisted that same year and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, stationed in San Francisco. After the war, he returned to Madison and earned a B.A. in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Dean met his future wife, Nancy (Rongland) Wahl, at a square dance at UW–Madison’s Memorial Union. They were married on April 23, 1960, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison. Dean worked for the Wisconsin DNR at Trout Lake in Boulder Junction, before joining the Department of Transportation in Madison, where he worked for over 30 years. In 2003, he and Nancy moved to Rhinelander, where they spent the rest of their lives together, enjoying nearly six decades of marriage.

Dean cherished time at his cottage on Lake Wisconsin, a gathering place for family and the source of many happy memories. An avid sports enthusiast, he played volleyball, softball, and tennis in various leagues and enjoyed golfing with his sister Phyllis. He loved hiking, exploring the outdoors, and keeping up with his grandchildren, Levi and Juliana. Aside from his active pursuits, Dean was a gifted writer and enjoyed taking creative writing classes later in life. He was also a history buff and loved solving crossword puzzles. He was a big fan of watching sports, particularly Badger football and Chicago Cubs games.

Faith was a cornerstone of Dean’s life. He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison and later joined Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Rhinelander. Dean believed deeply in service towards others, volunteering with Nancy for many years for the Wisconsin Council for the Blind. He frequently struck up meaningful conversations with strangers and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His genuine kindness and interest in others impacted all he encountered. Dean loved his family members dearly, all of whom loved and admired him in return.

Dean is survived by his daughter, Linda (Wahl) Smith; son-in-law, Andrew Smith; grandson, Levi Smith, and granddaughter, Juliana Smith; all of Rhinelander; and by son-in-law Ken Arazian of Friday Harbor, Wash. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Wahl; daughter, Darlene Wahl; and two sisters — one in infancy and Phyllis (Wahl) Johns. The family would like to thank all of the volunteers and caregivers who helped Dean in the final chapter of his life, as well as Helping Hands Senior Homecare and Compassus Hospice.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish in Rhinelander from 10 a.m. until the memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Following the Mass, guests are invited outside for military honors conducted by the Northwoods Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy. Committal services will take place on Saturday, Oc. 18, at 11 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison.

The family would appreciate any donations in Dean’s memory be given to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. They may be mailed to Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Inc., 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, Wisconsin 54473. You may also use the following link and donate online: https://wlf.info/donate/

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343.