Gregory Wahl

Greg was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry and Margaret Wahl. From all accounts he was a happy, easy going, inquisitive, intelligent child with a caring heart. He recalled his time in Indiana as his goal for his adult home setting. Woods, nature, peace and serenity. Although gregarious, he valued privacy. He added a pool to satisfy his attraction to the water, and it provided hours of retrieving entertainment for his beloved Lab, JenniFur, in addition to many fun parties with friends and family. He also enjoyed cruising in the pontoon on Spoon Lake.

This year marked his 50 year anniversary of graduating from the U of I Dental School. He often shared the story of watching people in pain go into his childhood dentist's office and come out smiling. Helping people became his life's ambition. He was extremely proud of his blemish free years of growing up and older with his patients. They were a family. An artfully carved and polished filling was a trademark. His favorite compliment was that the relaxed "island" atmosphere made visits pleasurable, even for the kiddos. He retired in 2015 in order to care for his mother, who lived with him. He felt fortunate to have the opportunity to share her final years.

Greg was very proud of his service to his Country, first in the Naval Reserves, and later in the Peoria Air Guard where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was tasked with raising the rating of the Dental Clinic from dismal to superior, which he accomplished through attention to detail, and building camaraderie. He was remembered as adding a touch of levity to his command while ensuring that the dental unit maintained the highest standards. Many lasting friendships were created through this special bond.

A published author, Greg penned, "It Didn't Play in Peoria", "Legendary Locals of Peoria", and "A Time of Island - Stories of the Pacific War Isles", He approached the research of the wordsmith with the same thoroughness of his dentistry. Loving history, this was a natural fit. Writing kept him engrossed for hours and displayed his distinctive style of humor and concise writing.

There were several passions in his life, The Illini, Being Irish, Jimmy Buffett, and family and friends.

He loved his years in Champaign, leaving after his junior year to begin Dental School. Illini athletics was often a source of frustrations , and he was known to rename and yell at the coaches and the coaching decisions. His dad had told him that there was nothing wrong with attending a state school, and he completely agreed. He enjoyed revisiting the campus on occasion.

He shared his heritage journey from County Mayo to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the "amiable Walls" changed the spelling to Wahl. Being 95% Irish, it was the natural instinct to explore the beautiful Emerald Isle. Four trips later, he had planned a return trip with Jolynn in 2026. Each trip explored new and special experiences, He was installed as the Mayor of Clonmel, for about 10 minutes. Meeting Irish Elvis, Mikey Murphy, at Carey's Pub was a story worth repeating. Jimmy Spears is on the cover of Legendary Locals, and Greg had a great time recording Irish bar tenders holding up the book and singing Jimmy's praises. He titled that video, Jimmy Across the Pond. Always up for good craig, time spent with cherished Irish friends was always anticipated with joy toward the future. His favorite Irish song was Inisheer, recorded by Craig Duncan. A hauntingly beautiful song,it captured the tranquility of the island of Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands. Greg and Jolynn spent an afternoon exploring and recording the island, one of the highlights of that trip.

Anyone who spent time with Greg knew of delight in being a Parrothead! He was a devoted Jimmy Buffett fan. He recounted just missing Buffett's gigs in Chicago, only to see him perform In Peoria. He admired the authenticity of his lyrics and bopped along with the melodies. Chances are that he's enjoying Cheeseburgers, Key Lime Pie, and Margaritas in Paradise.

His biggest passion, however, was love for his family, dogs, and his friends. He was a generous man with a heart full of love and loyalty. We are all better people for knowing him.

In 2013, Greg and Jim Spears co-founded PAPAS, dedicated to prostate cancer awareness and support. Greg was proud of the activities and the growth since its inception.

Memorials made be made to:

PAPAS

%Steve Tippett

9011 N. Picture Ridge Rd.

Peoria, IL 61615