Rev. Phil D. Wahl

PHILLIPSTON – Rev. Phil D. Wahl, 86, a retired educator and pastor, formerly of Phillipston, died Wednesday morning, December 2nd in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol, with his family at his side

He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 15, 1928, son of the late Walter and Marie (Edwards) Wahl and lived in Gardner for many years.  He later lived in Phillipston until residing in Athol for the last two years.

Phil was a graduate of Wolf Lake High School in Wolf Lake, IN, Moody Bible Institute and Taylor University.  Rev. Wahl served his first church in Guyman, Oklahoma   After moving to Massachusetts, he began teaching on a part-time basis in Phillipston.  He went on to earn to earn his Masters Degree in Education from Fitchburg State University.

Rev. Wahl was a former principal of Templeton Elementary School and School Street School in Gardner.  He later served as curriculum director and assistant superintendent of schools for the City of Gardner until his retirement in 1991.  Rev. Wahl was pastor for ten years of the former Evangelical Free Church, which later merged with Bethany Baptist Church.  He was also a former member of First Baptist Church in Westminster.  Rev. Wahl was instrumental in the founding of Bethany Bible Church in Winchendon, where he served as an elder until recent years.  He enjoyed sports a great deal and valued time with his family

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Theopie “Teddy” (Mohtares) Wahl; five children, Walter Eric “Rick” Wahl and his wife Linda of Gilbert, AZ, Cynthia Ahearn and her husband Shawn of Westminster, Mark Wahl of Colchester, VT, Robert Wahl and his wife Michelle of Dearborn Heights, MI and Bruce Wahl and his wife Barbara of Gardner; twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Garland Wahl and a sister, Betty Kohmescher.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5th at 10 A.M. in Bethany Bible Chapel, 727 Spring Street, Winchendon.  Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Friday, December 4th from 5 to 7 P.M..

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

www.stone-ladeau.com