The Legacy of Robert & Ruth Wahl Lives On Through Their Children

(Bob Wahl’s 90th birthday…Ruth was 87-years-old)
On a cold winter’s night in the early 80s Dr. Earl DeShaw, founder of the Camp Courageous Perpetual Fund, was traveling the rural gravel roads outside Monticello, IA for a Perpetual Fund appointment with Johnny Prull.  In the darkness of the night, Dr. DeShaw, who was in his early 80s pulled into a farmstead and knocked at the door of the home. Bob Wahl answered the door.  Bob explained to Doc he was at the wrong home, even though Doc had been there many times over the years when he made house calls.  Dr. DeShaw had delivered all the Wahl children, except the oldest, Jan, who was born in Ohio, where Bob & Ruth lived after marrying a week after D-Day, June 15, 1944.  Doc explained what he was doing and Bob invited him in for a warm drink and some dessert.  They had a wonderful visit at the kitchen table. Bob & Ruth ended up becoming one of the first to sign a pledge to the Camp Courageous Perpetual Fund!  Bob & Ruth’s daughter, Char, had been a counselor at Camp Courageous in 1977, only three years into the camp’s existence, so they were very aware of the wonderful facility Camp Courageous was and what a great experience Char had there.  They were delighted to help. Both Bob & Ruth lived to be in their 90s, continuing their service to others and Camp Courageous for the rest of their lives.
Camp Courageous always had a tremendous appreciation and respect for Ruth Wahl.  Bob & Ruth were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church a mile down the road from Camp Courageous.  Ruth was a teacher at heart, and several of her family members followed in her footsteps.  After graduating from Lenox College in Hopkinton, IA Ruth went on to teach Elementary School.  Ruth’s most satisfying accomplishment was to help establish the St. John’s Day Care, a facility in which served the needs of dozens and dozens of Camp Courageous staff families.  It was a life saver, personally for our family.  We knew Ruth’s dedication and integrity, along with her other wonderful staff.  They were a ‘dream team’ for parents who needed and wanted exceptional daycare.  During church funerals and special events Camp would bus the children to Camp to do activities in the gym or other areas.  It has been a heartwarming relationship.

Bob and Ruth had six sons and daughters.  Daughter, Char, recently organized a tour of Camp Courageous with all of her siblings…who came in from across the country…it was a delightful day!  Char and Tom Strub have been long time supporters of Camp Courageous, starting in 1977 with Char’s time as a counselor.  They are both regular volunteers at the Manchester Garage Sale (driving from Cedar Falls to Manchester for their weekly shift).  They have participated in the Camp’s Triathlon and numerous other fund raisers, great folks!

In addition, Eric Wahl is married to Janine ‘Thoeni’ Wahl.  Janine’s parents, Bob & Margaret Thoeni were involved in the Camp from some of the earliest days and Bob was one of the longest serving Board Members!  Great Family!

So many precious memories came flooding back with this wonderful family…Bob & Ruth would be so proud!

(L-R) Chris Hare (Annette’s significant other), Janine Wahl, Tom Strub, Dick Wahl, Terri Wahl (she is directly in front of Dick), Jim Wahl, Greg Wahl, Char Strub, Raymond Peak, Marilyn Peak, Eric Wahl, Jan Wahl, Annette Donald.
-Charlie Becker