Jack G. Wahlig
September 27, 1932 — March 26, 2025
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Service Details
“I would like very much to take the journey into tomorrow’s radically changing world with you. I can’t. But you’re going to do great - I’ll bet on it.” (Jack Wahlig)
Jack sweetened the odds on this bet by giving us a road map, a list of guiding principles for any future journey. Jack shared this advice back in 1995 at a McGladrey partners meeting. He also lived it. Here’s how.
1. Add value. Jack added value wherever he went, especially to his family. He was born to Jerry and Myrtle Wahlig on September 27, 1932 in Davenport, IA. He graduated from St. Ambrose Academy High School and then earned his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from St. Ambrose College in 1954. In 1956, Jack married the love of his life, Ann (Higgins) Wahlig. Jack and Ann lived in Davenport and Dubuque until 1963 when they settled themselves and their growing family in West Des Moines. Jack will be reunited with his late wife Ann (2019), and is survived by their eight children: Patti Pokorney (Mark), Joe Wahlig (Laurie), Teri Wahlig (Mark Feldmann), Julie Wahlig, Mary Jones (Eric), Amy Rowland (Jon), Ann Funk (Jim), and Katie Wainwright (Jim). Jack was also Grandpa to his 16 grandchildren and Big Papa to his seven great-grandchildren. We will miss his love and his leadership dearly.
Jack also added value professionally. He faithfully served clients for over 40 years as a CPA at RSM McGladrey, the firm he loved. He started as an associate and became Managing Partner. After retiring in 1995, Jack created Integrus Financial and continued the work he loved the most - bringing people together to make business deals that were mutually beneficial.
2. Manage your own morale; be a fixer not a finger pointer. Jack was a genius at solving complex problems. He always found a way. At home, he brought order to the chaos of 8 young children, especially when packing for a family vacation. Professionally, Jack used his vision and creativity to help many businesses find a way forward.
3. Accept ambiguity and uncertainty - have faith in yourself and embrace change. Jack was an innovator. Even into his 90’s he continued to adapt and grow - facetiming his grandchildren, becoming a Cedar Ridge ambassador, and playing a new sport - bean bag baseball. Go Cubs Go!
4. Focus on your clients - build lasting relationships and care more about your clients’ successes than your own. Jack spent his life building rich relationships and empowering others to succeed. He leaves a legacy of generosity, charm, wit, and wise counsel.
5. Commit fully. Jack gave 100% to every endeavor. Most poignant was his devoted and steadfast care for his late wife, Ann, during her final years.
What an example of a life well-lived! No question, Dad: YOU DID GREAT!
Visitation for Jack will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines and will be livestreamed from www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
A special thanks to the incredible and compassionate caregivers from Every Step Hospice House and Care Companion LLC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jack’s honor to ChildServe Foundation, Inc. PO Box 707, Johnston, IA 50131 or www.ChildServe.org
Steve Zumbach
03/31/2025
To the Jack Wahlig Family:
Early in my career at what is now the Belin McCormick Law firm, I worked with Jack when he was at the RSM accounting firm. He was a senior partner at the time.
I will be forever grateful that he took the time to help me understand the important role accountants and lawyers play working together to help clients achieve their objectives. Over the years, we helped many clients work through difficult problems. His assistance helped me build the foundation for a rich and rewarding career.
He was an outstanding professional but most important a good human being.
Steve Zumbach
Bruce Webb
03/30/2025
It's impossible to top Rod Foster's message so I won't even try. However, I do want to share, as he did for many others, Jack shaped my career and allowed me to share in his love for RSM for 50 years! I am extremely thankful for his support and guidance.
Rod Foster
03/28/2025
I knew this day would come so I tried over the years to let Jack know just how impactful he had been and continued to be for many of his old "work family" at RSM (McGladrey). As an example, I send the email below to Jack on his 90th birthday.
Jack,
Have a great day!
I don’t have a gift for you, but I do want to remind you of the gift that you gave me. I have had the gift of starting my career and I will end my career with RSM (McGladrey) IN DES MOINES at the Firm and in the office that you were instrumental in shaping. Your influence is still felt today.
Our Culture: Five “Beliefs” at the core of the DSM office Culture
1. We have the best people (in the best office in the best firm in public accounting)
2. What we do matters (we make a difference) in the lives of our co-workers, clients, family, friends and community
3. It is OK to have high (unyieldingly so) expectations around training/development
4. Effort (hard work), not just talent, leads to achievement (requires passion and persistence) --> GRIT
5. You must hire the best and the brightest (requires relentless recruiting with a unique and compelling message)
FYI, the Des Moines office that you were instrumental in shaping just won “Best of Des Moines” in four categories:
1. Best Accounting Firm
2. Best Computer Consulting Firm
3. Best Company to Work For
4. Best Company for Promoting Diversity in the Workplace
We all strive to do what Core Belief #2 says. You DID that. What you did while at McGladrey mattered. You made a difference in the lives of your co-workers, clients, family, friends and community. One of those co-workers was me.
THANK YOU. 😊
Rodney D. Foster
Partner
RSM US LLP
To the entire Wahlig family, if the best we can strive for while we are on this earth is "to make a positive difference in the lives of others", then Jack knocked it out of the park! THANK YOU for sharing him with the rest of us.