Eldon Arthur Wahl, 80, of Hysham, Montana, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Forsyth after battling lung cancer. He was born to Arthur and Rachel (Elhard) Wahl on September 24, 1943, in Miles City, Montana. He married Maxine Kampen, the love of his life on November 24,1972. They were married 2 days short of 51 years. Eldon and Maxine enjoyed many years together with all their family and friends. Eldon was a kind and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He had a zest for life. He spent his life exploring many interests and was an avid reader. Eldon had many lifelong friendships, some dating back to grade school. Eldon and his family shared many wonderful memories of camping together, getting together for fishing and hunting. He loved working with horses, raising, breaking and training them throughout his life.
Eldon was a man of faith and was actively involved in the church wherever he lived. He served in different capacities in all the churches he attended. Eldon’s faith in God was very important to him, and he lived his life with kindness and love.
Eldon attended all 12 years of school in Terry Montana. He was very active in football, basketball and track. Sports is where he earned the nickname “Shorty”. What he lacked in height he made up for in tenacity. He excelled at basketball and pole vault. Eldon graduated from Terry High School. His college education started at Miles City Community College where he continued to play basketball. He went on to graduate from Montana State University with a baccalaureate degree in Animal Science. He had a successful career in Finance, starting with Farm Credit Services. Eldon worked as a branch manager in Plentywood until 1987 when the office closed. He then transferred to Sidney, Montana and worked at the Farm Credit office until taking an early retirement. Eldon later worked for First United Bank before pursuing freelance work in agriculture and the oil industry. In 2001, he became the Manager at Stockman Bank in Hysham, retiring in 2010. Eldon also sold real estate for Bill Bahney Associates until 2021.
Eldon was active in the communities where he lived. He worked on various civic causes, including raising interest in rebuilding Carol Dam in Sheridan County, serving as a scout master for the Cub Scouts, and volunteered his time to raise money for the Sidney Education Association. In Hysham, he helped to create the Treasure County Shooting Range. Eldon’s dedication to community service brought joy to those around him.
Eldon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maxine, and his three sons: Clint (Robyn Hecker) Wahl of Butte, Corey (Lorianne Howard) Wahl of Florence, and Craig (Angie Fox) Wahl of Billings. He was also blessed with four grandchildren: Taylor (Colin) McArthur, Michael Wahl, Madison Wahl, and Ryan Wahl. Eldon is also survived by his brother Harold (Carol) Wahl, sister Vivian (Jerry) Frederick, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Arthur Wahl, mother Rachel (Elhard) Wahl, brother Duane Wahl, and sister Sharon (Don) Fiske.
A memorial service to celebrate Eldon’s life will be held on January 5th, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church in Hysham, Montana. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials can be made to the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church at P.O. Box 206, Hysham, MT 59038 or the Terry Municipal Pool, Save our Pool Fund, PO Box 650, Terry, MT 59349.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday January 5, 2024
Hysham Presbyterian Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday January 5, 2024
Hysham Presbyterian Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Share
Tim Meidinger says
Eldon,
Remembering our great conversation at the 55th reunion at the Legion Club. Never forget it, thanks!
Tim Meidinger
Bill and Denice Hedges says
Maxine, we are so sorry to hear of Eldons passing. May you find comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead.
Lloyd and Janeen Schmidt says
Maxine, I am sure going to miss my best friend. We always enjoyed seeing both of you the last several years. Eldon did a good job organizing the 1961 Terry High Reunion for quite a few years along with the ladies of the class of 1962. He was always fun to talk to.
Ron June Tibbetts says
Shorty was always a great person to visit with. Always remember Shorty & Sherm coming to Dads & dealing with Dad on horses. He will be missed. Ron did enjoy good conversation with Shorty. Prayers for Family🙏🙏🙏
Doug Strand says
Maxine and family, my condolences for your loss of a very good and honest man. I enjoyed getting to know Eldon over the past 25 years. You always got a square deal with him. He took great care of my horses for several years, and was an excellent property broker. Will miss him, his stories, sense of humor, and good advice!
Gene and Carol says
Maxine and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Derald and Vivian Reno says
Maxine and family,
We send our sympathy to all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.