1912
Leo
2006
Leo Dahl
December 19, 1912 — October 5, 2006
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and cherished friend Leo Thorwald Dahl passed away October 5, 2006 at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria, with Adeline, his wife of 21 years nearby. He spent most of his adult life in Lowry, where he owned three businesses, served two terms as mayor, and was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Family and friends will remember Leo for his generous heart, kind eyes, and firm handshake. He was 93.
Leo was born on December 19, 1912 to Signe Dahl on a homestead in Plainview, South Dakota. The family moved to Lowry when he was 12. Leo's first business venture, before serving in the Armed Forces during WW2, was to operate a stock truck driving company. While Leo was stationed in Colorado as a cook, his wife Blanche bought the Lowry CafAC. and renamed it the Dahl House. The couple ran the restaurant for 14 years. In 1959, Leo started the Dahl Skelly Oil Company, which he ran successfully until he retired and sold the business to his friend Allen Dahlseng in 1977.
As a two-term mayor of Lowry and 30 year member of the Lowry Fire Department, Leo took civic pride in his community. He helped develop the Lowry Community Park, and in his later years, he hauled bins for Lowry Manufacturing and delivered Meals on Wheels to fellow seniors. Leo was a charter member of the Lowry Lions Club, American Legion and Lowry Senior Center; some of his favorite times were spent with the guys preparing for the annual smelt fry. He was the Lions Club Citizen of the Year in 1983. In 1986, the Lowry Centennial Planning Committee honored Leo for his hard work, acts of kindness, and dedication to his community by asking him to be Grand Marshall of the Lowry Centennial Parade.
Leo spent his spare time fishing, hunting, reading western novels, playing cards, visiting with friends, and watching the Twins win. His love of the road fueled trips to the Black Hills, winters in Texas, and summer visits to his daughter's family in Oregon.
Leo Dahl is survived by his third wife: Adeline Aslakson Nelson Dahl of Alexandria; daughter: Barbara (Jim) Moir of Charleston, Oregon; two step-daughters: Marcia Nelson of Burnsville and Vonnie (Charles) Johnson of Fort Dodge, IA; five grandchildren: Amee, Christopher, Patrick, Cheryl and Justin; and six great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Signe Greenfield; his first wife: Blanche Severson Dahl; Uncle and Aunt: Leif and Florence Dahl and second wife Emily Bjorklund Dahl.
Active pallbearers include Justin Nelson of Burnsville, Minnesota; Dave Nelson of Alexandria, Minnesota; Jack Anderson of Miltona, Minnesota; Allen Dahlseng of Starbuck, Minnesota; Chuck Thompson of Glenwood, Minnesota; and Gurvin Femrite of Lowry, Minnesota. Honorary pallbearers include Allen Olson of Glenwood, Minnesota; Clifford Greenfield of Northfield, Minnesota; Brian Dahl of Federal Way, Washington; Bob Chan and charter members Lions Club of Lowry, Minnesota. Jane Dingwall will serve as organist for the service with Deb Dahlseng serving as soloist. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.
Leo was born on December 19, 1912 to Signe Dahl on a homestead in Plainview, South Dakota. The family moved to Lowry when he was 12. Leo's first business venture, before serving in the Armed Forces during WW2, was to operate a stock truck driving company. While Leo was stationed in Colorado as a cook, his wife Blanche bought the Lowry CafAC. and renamed it the Dahl House. The couple ran the restaurant for 14 years. In 1959, Leo started the Dahl Skelly Oil Company, which he ran successfully until he retired and sold the business to his friend Allen Dahlseng in 1977.
As a two-term mayor of Lowry and 30 year member of the Lowry Fire Department, Leo took civic pride in his community. He helped develop the Lowry Community Park, and in his later years, he hauled bins for Lowry Manufacturing and delivered Meals on Wheels to fellow seniors. Leo was a charter member of the Lowry Lions Club, American Legion and Lowry Senior Center; some of his favorite times were spent with the guys preparing for the annual smelt fry. He was the Lions Club Citizen of the Year in 1983. In 1986, the Lowry Centennial Planning Committee honored Leo for his hard work, acts of kindness, and dedication to his community by asking him to be Grand Marshall of the Lowry Centennial Parade.
Leo spent his spare time fishing, hunting, reading western novels, playing cards, visiting with friends, and watching the Twins win. His love of the road fueled trips to the Black Hills, winters in Texas, and summer visits to his daughter's family in Oregon.
Leo Dahl is survived by his third wife: Adeline Aslakson Nelson Dahl of Alexandria; daughter: Barbara (Jim) Moir of Charleston, Oregon; two step-daughters: Marcia Nelson of Burnsville and Vonnie (Charles) Johnson of Fort Dodge, IA; five grandchildren: Amee, Christopher, Patrick, Cheryl and Justin; and six great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Signe Greenfield; his first wife: Blanche Severson Dahl; Uncle and Aunt: Leif and Florence Dahl and second wife Emily Bjorklund Dahl.
Active pallbearers include Justin Nelson of Burnsville, Minnesota; Dave Nelson of Alexandria, Minnesota; Jack Anderson of Miltona, Minnesota; Allen Dahlseng of Starbuck, Minnesota; Chuck Thompson of Glenwood, Minnesota; and Gurvin Femrite of Lowry, Minnesota. Honorary pallbearers include Allen Olson of Glenwood, Minnesota; Clifford Greenfield of Northfield, Minnesota; Brian Dahl of Federal Way, Washington; Bob Chan and charter members Lions Club of Lowry, Minnesota. Jane Dingwall will serve as organist for the service with Deb Dahlseng serving as soloist. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.
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