Doretha A. Wahl, 95, Ferdinand

Doretha A. Wahl, 95, of Ferdinand, passed away surrounded by her family on September 8, 2026, at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand.

Doretha was born on January 7, 1931, to Rupert and Emma M. (Hollinden) Klueh.

She married James “Jim” Wahl on July 31, 1954, in Ferdinand and celebrated 70 years of marriage.  

Jim preceded her in death on January 16, 2025. 

 Doretha dedicated her life to raising her children and providing a warm and loving home. 

Doretha graduated from the Academy of Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand in 1949. She began her career as an office assistant to Dr. H.G. Backer and later worked at Hildegard Health Care with the Sisters of St. Benedict.  She worked as an Avon Representative for 24 years and made the President’s Club for sales excellence each year.

In her free time, Doretha enjoyed knitting, sewing, canning, cooking and baking. She had a special heart for giving time and helping others.  She volunteered at Scenic Hills for 25 years, and taught others the art of palm braiding at the Ferdinand Library.

She was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, where she served in the church choir, as a catechist, as a Eucharistic minister, as a member of the prayer line, and on the visitation of the sick ministry team.  She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Doretha is survived by her six children: Paul (Martha) Wahl of Ferdinand, Kenneth (Mary) Wahl of Newburgh, Patrick (Kristi) Wahl of Evansville, Mary Jane (Dennis) Whitsitt of Duff, Thomas (Tammy) Wahl and Nicholas (Corrine) Wahl of Indianapolis; 16 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Doretha was preceded in death by her sister, Joan Verkamp; brothers Donald and Earl “Brewster” Klueh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. EST at Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, September 15 and continuing Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ferdinand Catholic Church or the Sisters of St. Benedict. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.

Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand has been entrusted with final arrangements.