Elmer Dahl

Elmer Dahl, 88 of Argyle, MN formerly of Gatzke, MN died peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN with his family at his side.

 

Funeral services to celebrate his life were held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke, MN with Rev. Vicki Saude-Worthington officiating. Burial followed at Moose River Cemetery, Gatzke, MN.

 

Visitation was held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, and again for one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at United Lutheran Church.

 

Elmer Perry Dahl was born on May 1, 1928 to Emil and Polly (Wolden) Dahl at Gatzke, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke.

 

Elmer attended the Cloverlawn Country School through eighth grade. As a young boy, he worked at the Gatzke Creamery. He rode his bike to his job, which was about 3 miles one way. He helped his dad on the farm and when he got older, Elmer worked for area farmers.

 

Elmer and his brother Arvin ventured off to the cities, hoping they could get better paying jobs. Then Uncle Sam caught up with them and they were both drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. It was very hard for their dad to see this happen. Elmer stayed state-side and never did go overseas. After his time in the army, Elmer returned to Minneapolis to work. Through his brother-in-law Smitty, Elmer got a job at General Mills. He worked there for many years.

 

Elmer was very good to make trips back home to visit his mother and the rest of the family. He especially enjoyed it when he was driving his 1957 red and white Chevy.

 

On July 1, 1960, Elmer married Donna Floding at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Iowa. Their attendants were JoJean Lian and Orlan Dahl. They lived in Columbia Heights, MN. To this union, three sons were born: Ricky Perry, Delray Elmer, and Mark Emerson. Life was busy and later Elmer and Donna divorced.

 

In the 1980’s, Elmer moved back to the Gatzke-Grygla area. He stayed with the Lians for several years and helped on the farm. He also spent some time with his sister Cora in Phoenix, AZ. Then he worked at Marvin Windows and lived with his son, Delray. He lived in Baudette, MN for a short time. After he retired, Elmer met Loretta Kostrzewski from Argyle, MN. He lived with her for over twenty years. In 2015 both Elmer and Loretta moved to nursing homes. At the time of his death, Elmer was residing at the Thief River Care Center.

 

Elmer is survived by his sons: Delray (Jodie) of Baxter, MN and Mark of Coon Rapids, MN; three granddaughters: Bethany, Jenna, and Abigail; stepson, Larry (Cory) Floding of Hermantown, MN; sister, Janet (Duane) Lian of Grygla; brothers, Arvin (Marvel) Dahl and Larry (Erma) Dahl both of Middle River, MN. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

 

Preceding him in death were his parents; his son, Ricky who died in infancy; his brother, Orlan Dahl; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Anna (Evert) Westberg, Esther (Edward Schmidt) and Joe Wiedholz, Cora (Bill) Massof, and Mavis (Norman) Roppe.

 

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com