Branden Roy Wahl

Branden Roy Wahl, affectionately known as “Brandy,” passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 73, following complications from ALS. He was a resident of Valley Care Nursing Home in Barnesville, Minnesota, where he had lived since January 2025.

Branden was born on June 3, 1952, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Roy Wahl and Donna Dean (Kahl) Wahl. In 1964, the Wahl family relocated to Moorhead, Minnesota, where Branden attended Moorhead High School. After high school, he moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he worked alongside his Uncle Orvie Nelsen as a lineman for the local telephone company.

Branden later returned to Moorhead and began a long and dedicated career as a mechanic with the American Crystal Sugar Company, where he worked for 35 years. In 1986, he purchased a farmstead south of Hawley, Minnesota, which he proudly called home until his ALS diagnosis.

Branden had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the quiet life on his farm, as well as spending time with his family. He was known for his mechanical skills, excelling at repairing vehicles, small engines, and performing electrical work. Branden also had a special fondness for wildlife, particularly his cats.

One of his favorite traditions was the annual fishing trip with his brothers, Wahl uncles, and cousins. Branden delighted in sharing memorable stories—often tall tales—from these trips and frequently earned the coveted “FUP Hat” award during the fishing tournament, a distinction he wore with pride.

Branden is survived by his six siblings: Kathleen Renee (Wahl) Otte; David Arnold Wahl; Deborah Elizabeth (Wahl) Ekre (Stephen); Richard Mark Wahl; Gregory Scott Wahl; and Michelle Anne Wahl; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Donna Wahl, and his nephew, Michael Wahl.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Dobmeier Funeral Home, 202 Front Street North, Barnesville, Minnesota, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Refreshments to follow at the funeral home and then a small reception to be held at Deb (Steve) Ekre’s home in Barnesville, MN afterwards.

Branden will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, North Dakota, in the spring of 2026. For additional information, please contact Dobmeier Funeral Home of Barnesville at (218) 354-2623.