Daniel Leon Wahl's Obituary
The free spirit of Daniel Leon Wahl flew away for the last time at the age of 86 on November 28, 2024. He leaves a hole in the clouds that will continue to let light shine through in the lives of the many whom he touched during his journey through this world, as long as memory can last. Uncle Danny was born January 2, 1938 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin to Herman William Wahl and Ruby Pearl Withee. He attended Middleton Highschool in Middleton , Wisconsin, and co-managed the football team with his best friend Buzz Stluka, graduating in 1956. After high school, he attended Milwaukee Layton school of Art before a sojourn serving his country. He first served with the Army National Guard of Wisconsin followed by a tour in the Army of the United States. After discharge he stretched his wings north and west to the Great Land of Alaska and worked for a time writing and drawing for a local newspaper in Fairbanks Alaska. His dreams carried him to wild places and his gifted hands began to capture beauty everywhere, which he transferred to paper, canvas and metal for the wonder of many. He sought adventure at every turn, from sky diving to jet skiing up wild rivers to scuba diving. He himself was captured by the blue sky and ocean, which he followed to the Paradise Islands of Hawaii. He soon took on the wisdom of the great birds that fly with the seasons and so began a life in two worlds. following the light for fifty years, north to Alaska’s midnight sun, then south to the winter warmth and beauty of Hawaii’s islands.
As a truly “free”, freelance artist, his sketch book was ever in hand, studying and capturing the beauty and form of God’s creation, creating images that he could give to others. His work took form through the long lines of pinstripe he used to adorn machines of iron, cars and trucks and bikes, along with airbrush that brought the imagination to life. Ink and water color, oil, acrylic and canvas, and anything else that took his fancy (including buildings like his father before him) were all means by which he leaves for us the wonders that only his eyes could see.
As much as Dan loved art, however, he also loved people. He always surrounded himself with friends and found ways to help and touch people wherever he went. He had a special heart for ones who he saw had needs that seemed to be forgotten by the rest of the world. He was known by many names including “Dipper Dan”, “Alaska Dan”, “Dan the Man” and simply “Uncle Danny”. He will be missed by us all.
He was proceeded in death by his father William Herman Wahl and his mother Ruby Pearl Withee. He was also proceeded by his brothers Clyde, Roger, LaVern and Donald. Danny is survived by his nieces and nephews, Linda Amsler, David Wahl, Thomas Wahl, Raymond Wahl, Colleen Wahl Johnson, Kathleen Wahl Smith, Stephen Wahl, Timothy Wahl, Rebecca (Wahl) Oberman, Donald Wahl, Jr., and Sherri Kay (Wahl) Mejia.
Opportunity to celebrate Danny’s life is yet to be announced.
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