John Reid Wahlin, 61, Rindal, MN died on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

Reid was born on May 13, 1953, to John Ole Menton and Franciska "Franny" Marie (Ramstad) Wahlin in Crookston. He graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1971. Reid attended Fergus Falls Community College, Moorhead State University and graduated from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1977. Reid was hired as a vocational agriculture teacher in the fall of 1977 at Fosston High School, Fosston, MN, and was an educator there for 33 years until his retirement in the spring of 2010.


On August 16, 1980, Reid was united in marriage to Shelly Christenson at Big Bend, MN. They were blessed with two sons: Joshua Reid and Jesse Scott, and was a lifelong, faithful member of Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal. Reid strongly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and over the years served as a Sunday school teacher, congregational president, and held several other positions. You would often see him at the church helping with various projects and he even spent some time quilting with the ladies. There was never a dull moment when Reid was around.

Over the years, Reid and his family enjoyed many ski trips to Big Powderhorn Mountain in Michigan. There are countless fishing, hunting, and camping stories created by the many friends and family members who dared go with Reid. He was a savant when it came to entertaining and his creativity knew no bounds. He especially enjoyed his 4th of July celebrations on Lake Elissa. He was raised a farmer and that passion never faded. He spent numerous hours working the dirt and growing flowers, vegetables and of course that famous sweet corn.

Reid was a dedicated, devoted educator to the students of Fosston High School. He always believed in "Kids First, Subject Matter Second." Students gravitated towards "Wahlin" and they knew he would do anything to help them out. He was involved in the FFA, coached, supervised dances, and each spring had his greenhouse ready for all to enjoy. Reid had a zest for life. He was never afraid to enlighten any conversation. He had a great love for his family and friends. Blessed be his memory.

Reid is survived by his children, Joshua and his wife, Jennifer and son Taydem (McGregor, MN); Jesse and his fiancé, Alecia Bodway (McGregor, MN); his mother, Franciska "Franny" (Rindal, MN); his siblings: Shelly Wahlin-Quinlan and her husband, Robert (McIntosh, MN); Christopher and his wife, Karla (Crookston, MN); Gail Sauve and her husband, Randy (Barnesville, MN); and his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, John Ole Menton Wahlin and uncle, Robert Wahlin.


Memorial service: Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 11:00am in Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.

Visitation: Monday, February 2, 2015, from 5-7pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm in the Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.

Burial will be in the spring at the Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery, Rindal, MN.