F. Michael Wahl

F. Michael Wahl, passed away on December 16, 2021. He was 90 years old. Michael was born in Hebron, IN to Floyd M. and Ann P. Wahl. He had 3 sisters and attended primary & secondary school in Hebron. He learned the value of hard work on a farm in the small community.

He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Following graduation, he served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War. Prior to leaving for service, he married his college sweetheart Dorothy W. Daniel (Dottie). After completing his service in the Army, he attended graduate school at the University of Illinois, where he earned Master of Science and Doctoral degrees in geology. Following his graduation, he was invited to join the faculty at the University of Illinois in Geology, where he served for 10 years.

In 1969, he moved to the University of Florida as a Professor of Geology and chairman of the department. He next moved to the Graduate School, where he served as Professor and Dean for Graduate Studies and Research for the next 8 years. He subsequently moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he served as Executive Director of the Geological Society of America until he retired in 1994.

In 1996, Mike & Dottie moved to Vero Beach, FL. where they enjoyed traveling and playing golf during Mike’s retirement years. His commitment to geology remained strong, and he established the F. Michael Wahl and Dorothy W. Wahl Endowed Fund for Geo-Science Field Trips at DePauw University for aspiring young geologists. Mike was an avid golfer, fisherman, gardener, and outdoorsman. He was also a lifelong Florida Gator fan. He was predeceased by his wife Dottie in 2003. He is survived by 2 sisters: Mrs. Barbara Bastin of Tucson, Arizona, and Mrs. Jeanne Ziese of Fishers, IN.; his four children: Dr. Timothy Wahl of Winston-Salem, NC; Dr. David Wahl of Lake Toxaway, NC; Jeff Wahl of Gainesville, FL; and Kathryn Schimmels of Santa Clarita, CA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Wahl wishes for any donations to be provided to the Community Church of Vero Beach, VNA Hospice, or to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Community Church of Vero Beach, Monday January 10th, 2022, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.