Chester C. Wahl

Chester "Chet" Wahl, 93, was born near the Laramie River in Wyoming on July 8, 1916, to Dora Dawsen Wahl and William Wahl. He passed away quietly on May 3, 2010 in his home. Having retired at the age of 90, Chet had operated a ranch in Owl Canyon since 1976. Before that he was foreman of the Brackenbury Ranch in Larimer County for many years. Chet married Dorothy "Dot" Davis on December 18, 1935. They were married for 58 years and moved to the area in 1950. Between the late 1930s and the 1950s, he farmed and ranched in Wyoming and Colorado and also operated a ranch of his own in Wyoming. As a young man, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps at Centennial and for the Works Progress Administration WPA near Guernsey, Wyo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dot; and daughter, Shirley Channel. He is survived by his loving companion, Merilyn Davies; his son, Daniel Wahl of Cincinnati; his sister, Annabell Gillespie of Laramie; three grandchildren, John Wahl, Vickie Skinn and Debra Collins; four grandchildren, Ryan and Stephanie Griebe, Caitlin and Michael Collins; and two great-grandchildren, Gavin Griebe and Christopher Rivas. Chet was an inspiration to his family and friends and will be remembered as being one of the last, great American cowboys and for his desire to live life to its fullest. He would like to be remembered for his veterinary skills and knowledge of ranching. A viewing and funeral service will be held at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, in Fort Collins. The viewing will be from 3 to 6 p.m., on Sunday and the Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the American Legion, 2124 N. US Highway 287, Fort Collins, following the interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the American Heart Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.