Donald S. Dahl - Rochester

Donald "Don" Stanley Dahl, 79, of Rochester, passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Born May 22, 1933, in Lanesboro, to Arthur and Gladys (Erickson) Dahl. He served in the United States Air Force. Don retired from IBM in 1987 after 35 years, he then drove school bus for the Rochester School System as well as working for WT Lighting.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Quarter Century Club at IBM, American Legion Post #92, and Harley Davidson Club, as well as the former Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding street and dirt bikes, he enjoyed attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, he raced stock cars for several years and could usually be found in the garage fixing or improving something. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them how to fix or build something. He was a talented and dedicated family man and provider and was always more concerned about others than himself, never complaining even during all of the struggles he faced with his illness.

He married the love of his life, Theresa Haggerty, on Sept. 28, 1957, and his love and dedication to her and their wedding vows will be reflected on as he is laid to rest on what would be their 55th wedding anniversary.

Surviving with his wife, Theresa Dahl of Rochester, are four children, Lorie Gossman (Richard), Michael Dahl (Tammy), Lisa Hansen (David) and Mark Dahl (Leigh) all of Rochester; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and expecting a second great-grandchild; his seven siblings, Duane "Buzzy" Dahl of Pampa, Texas, Patsy Leach of Rockaway, N.J., JoAnn Radke (Robert) of Pine Island, Carolyn Miller (Dave Wing) of Rochester, Richard Dahl (Pat) of Stewartville, Roger Dahl (Bev) of Warrenton, Va., and Robert Dahl (Jane) of Stewartville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Phyllis.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, and again one hour before the funeral Mass on Friday at the church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com