Vernal L. Wahl age 85 of Westbrook passed away Thursday, July 23, 2015 at his home surrounded by all of his family. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at the Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services Sunday at the church. Burial is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Vernal Leslie Wahl was born October 11, 1929 in Mountain Lake Hospital, Cottonwood County, Minnesota to Reinie and Bertha (Mischke) Wahl. He was baptized November 10, 1929 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Cottonwood County and confirmed January 29, 1943 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove by Rev. Govig. Vernal attended a country school in Westbrook and then moved to a farm east of Walnut Grove where he attended Walnut Grove public school. Vernal was drafted into the US Marines December 1951. While home on leave, he was married to the love of his life, Bonnie Smith, on March 6, 1952 at the Methodist Church. To this union four sons were born. Vernal was honorably discharged December 1953 at Oceanside, CA. He farmed with his dad, and later alone, and fed cattle which he really enjoyed. Vernal moved to Westbrook in 1973 and fed cattle for Francis Anderson and then worked at the elevator for Bruce Baker and Meadowland. After retiring in 1995, he did woodworking and had numerous small jobs to keep busy. Vernal was a Trustee and head usher at the Methodist Church where he was a faithful member. He was also a member of the Walnut Grove Legion. Vernal enjoyed his John Deere lawn mower, winter spearing, and duck hunting. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Vernal was a strong leader who taught his sons about work ethic and was known for his chuckle.

Vernal is survived by his wife Bonnie; sons Mark (Beverly) Wahl of Brainerd, Mike (Cindy) Wahl of Walnut Grove, Tom (Sue) Wahl of Walnut Grove, and Peter (Connie) Wahl of Grove City; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; siblings: Merrill, Arlene, Marcella, and Larry; sisters-in-law Donna and Nancy Wahl and Beverly Padgett; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Willis, Marvin, Orvis, and Leland in infancy, and his parents-in-law.