David Carl Wahlstrom

Dave (some knew him as Wally) was born on November 5, 1942 to Carl and Beulah Wahlstrom in Jamestown, New York. He attended and graduated from Falconer High School in Falconer, NY in 1960. After high school, he went on to graduate from Buffalo State University with a BS in Woodworking and Ceramics.

Dave grew up with the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Harkins (Betty) and in 1965, they were married. They celebrated their 59th anniversary this past August.

After college graduation, Dave taught woodworking classes to students at Portville Central High School for 12 years. In addition to many family heirloom furniture pieces, past students are likely still enjoying household items and furniture to this day due to Dave’s careful craftsmanship and love for “good solid wood”.

After braving too many New York winters and craving a new career path, Dave and Betty moved their family to Annapolis, Maryland where Dave began a long and successful career with Lutheran Brotherhood, now Thrivent, until his retirement in 2006. In his work, he earnestly served many clients and friends through thoughtful, faith-based financial guidance and risk management.

In 2006, Dave and Betty moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to their two sons and their families. He enjoyed time spent watching the grandchildren grow and become young adults. He loved watching Bradley and Luke play their favorite sports, and when his sight began to fail him, listening to Ella and Annaliese sing brought him joy. He was a very proud grandfather, always interested in hearing of recent accomplishments and encouraging his grandchildren to work hard in their academics and to remember those less fortunate.

In addition to woodworking, Dave loved to travel, including visits with family in New York, friends on the West Coast, and his “trip of a lifetime” to Sweden, where he learned more about his heritage and visited the birthplace of his parents. Dave loved to make others laugh, and if you were teased by him, it meant you were loved by him.

Above all, Dave was a servant of God. He used his gifts to foster generosity, stewardship and community in his New York, Maryland and North Carolina church homes, and his unwavering faith guided him throughout his life. Most recently, Dave served on the Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee, and as the leader of the men’s “Pub Ministry” group at St. Philip Lutheran Church in Raleigh.

Though his grandchildren gave him the twinkle in his eye, he was equally proud of his two sons, Tad and Kurt. He cherished their time together and the bond they shared. He was always a mere phone call away to help troubleshoot a leaky faucet or build something new for their homes.

Dave is survived by his wife, Betty, of 59 years, sons Tad (Abby) and Kurt (Suzanne) and grandchildren Ella, Annaliese, Bradley and Luke as well as many other friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. Philip Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Philip Lutheran Church (https://st-philip.org/giving/) or North Raleigh Ministries Food Pantry (https://northraleighministries.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donation)

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