John Wahl, 45, Tree Expert, Dies Suddenly. John Wahl, of 21 Oakwood Avenue, well known Rye resident for 20 years and until a few years ago ahead of the firm of Wahl & Ferguson, landscapes gardeners, died Thursday night at the Veterans Hospital Kingsbridge Road Bronx. He was 45 years old. Stricken suddenly Mr. Wahl was taken to the hospital at 6:30 P.M. and died at 11:20. Ill health forced Mr. Wahl to retire as head of the nursery firm a few years ago. Formerly he was tree warden for the Village of Rye, and he was responsible tee the planting of the community's tree nursery in Milton. Mr. Wahl saw active service abroad in the Meuse-Argonne sector and later with the Army of Occupation as a member of the First Division A.E.F. He is survived by his widow Blanche, three children, Cadet John Wahl, United States Military Academy; Marjorie and William, students at Rye High School.