Bernal Wayne “Gus” Wahlberg, age 87 of Hudson, WI, died on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at his home, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Gus was born on July 13, 1925 to Lennard and Geraldine (Johnson) Wahlberg in Marshalltown, Iowa and was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Marshalltown High School and worked for Lennox Industries. In 1943 he joined the US Marine Corps and served through WWII, specifically in the Pacific Campaign, with the 2nd Division 6th Marine Regiment HQ Co. His military career saw him in the role of communications along side the Navajo Code-Talkers in the battles of Saipan, Okinawa and others and earn the rank of Corporal. After his military career he returned home to Marshalltown and continued working for Lennox where he became a salesman and territory manager. He would work for Lennox until his retirement in 1988. It was while working for Lennox that he would occasionally chat with a local phone operator named Geraldine Rolston. The conversations grew longer and longer and eventually led to their first date on July 8, 1948. The two were united in marriage on December 16, 1949 and were inseparable after that. The marriage was blessed with three children, Greg, Gwen and Glenn. It was in April of 1957 that the Wahlberg family moved to Hudson, Wisconsin for Gus’ work where they have since remained, close to friends and family.
Gus was a dedicated family man who led by example. The traits he built on were honor, integrity and commitment and he personified those to everyone he met. He instilled that in his children with quotes like, “If you want it done right, you’ve got to do it yourself” and “We don’t know how to quit.” He enjoyed time with his family and friends, was a dedicated Twins and Vikings fan, and could often be found spending time at the cabin, which he built from the ground up. He was an active member of the community, serving on the building committees for both the Christian Community Home and the Hudson United Methodist Church. At the end of the day, Gus would proudly tell anyone that his greatest accomplishment was his family.
Gus is survived by his; wife of 63 years, Gerry; children, Greg (Melody) of Hudson, Gwen (Dan) of Pittsburg, CA, and Glenn (Kris) of Hudson ; grandchildren, Jon, Nick, Heather, Jason, Ashley, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Gianni and Maddox; sister, Maxine Brent of LaMesa, CA ; nephews, Ken (Wanda) Brent of LaMesa, CA, Gary Brent of Valencieica, CA, and Lew Wahlberg of TX, and niece Sue Wahlberg of TX, as well as many other relatives and dear friends.
Gus is preceded in death by his parents, Lennard and Geraldine, his siblings, Gene and Genevieve and a daughter-in-law Kim Huppert Wahlberg.
A memorial celebration of life for Gus will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 27 at the Hudson United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Willow River Cemetery. A visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services. A time of viewing and visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Wednesday, June 26 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson Chapel. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory 715.386.3725