Dennis "Denny" Dahl
Photo
Dennis's obituary
Dennis Duane Dahl died peacefully on January 20, 2023 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton, Minn. He was 80 years old.
Dennis was born in Rosholt, S.D. in 1942 to Raymond and Mildred Dahl. He spent his childhood there on the family farm, then moved to Browns Valley, Minn. for high school, eventually returning many years later in retirement.
To hundreds of former students, Dennis was known as “Mr. Dahl.”
He began his long and devoted teaching career at Bemidji State University, earning his BA in education. He worked briefly as a student teacher in Greenbush, Minn., then moved to Berthold, N.D., where he would teach music and science to elementary, junior, and high school students at Berthold Public School for more than 15 years.
During this time Dennis and his wife Patricia Harders raised five children, some of whom had Dennis as dad, teacher, and band director.
During summer breaks, Dennis co-owned a painting business called D & H Summer Services with Tom Hove. He also drove semi trucks, and after retiring from teaching drove full-time for MCT Transportation, ultimately becoming an owner-operator. He delivered loads all over the country—except Maine. He always said it was the one state he was saving to visit for himself.
Dennis was known as “Denny” to his friends and “Bumpa” to his grandkids. He loved music, fishing, and hunting, and especially loved to share these pastimes with his family.
He is survived by his children, Kris (Dave) of Ham Lake, Minn., Steve (Cris) of Otsego, Minn., Carin (Don) of Anoka, Minn., Brian (Donna) of Berthold, N.D., and Charli (Eric) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Elise, Alexis, Olivia, Sam, Ben, Breanna, Makayla, Emily, and Michael; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie (Dennis) of Rosholt, S.D.; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Glenn.
A lifelong teacher, Dennis donated his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School to educate future health professionals. His final lesson now completed, please join in his Celebration of Life, Saturday, April 13th 2024 from 5-7 PM at Lake Traverse Resort 11854 Lake Rd, Browns Valley, MN 56219.
Come, raise a toast and share any memories you have of Dennis, Denny, Bumpa, or Mr. Dahl as we celebrate his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers please donate to a music program of your choice.
Send to someone
Want to stay updated?
Send flowers
Send flowers
Share this memorial website
Share with others
