Dick Dahl

Richard A. Dahl, (Dick) age 75, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, countless memories, and a legacy that cannot be measured by words alone.Dick was a devoted husband. On March 9, 1974, he married the love of his life, Lynn Dahl, who preceded him in death in 2023. He missed her dearly and carried her love with him every day. Though her passing left an emptiness in his heart, we find comfort knowing that they are together again, reunited in Heaven after 49 years of marriage. 

Dick was a beloved father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherished brother and uncle, loyal friend, and proud United States Army veteran. To those who knew him, he was Dick, Dad, Grandpa, Pee-Pa, and Tutor. He answered to many names, but no matter what you called him, he was someone you could count on.

Dick is survived by his daughter Tara Kaufman (John). He was a father figure to Scott Eger (Michelle), and Jeni Luebeck (Chris); ten grandchildren: Breanna Eger, Nick Eger, Ava King (Riley), Zeke Heling, Megghan Heling, Molly Stepniewski (Ty), Hunter Luebeck, Ben Kaufman, Tyler Kaufman and Hope Kaufman; and by four great-grandchildren: Madeline Brown, Charlie Erickson, Kenleigh Stepniewski Natalie Stepniewski, Eden King and Bodey Erickson. 

He is further survived by his sisters, Alice Kelley and Della Johnson (Aubrey). 

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Lynn Dahl (Birkholz); parents; Amil and Alice Dahl; sisters Barbara Loret; and Sally Christenson; brothers Amil and Elmer Dahl. 

Dick is survived by his very dear friend, Todd Christianson; who was truly like a brother to him. Their friendship was built on years of memories, laughter, hunting and fishing trips, road trips to  Montana, Florida and countless other adventures that could never be summed up in writing. They spent endless hours planting vegetables up north, watching game shows, sharing pull tabs, shaking dice and Friday fish fry’s. Todd was more than a friend; he was family. Where you saw Todd you saw Dick. They were always together counting on one another for just about anything. Dick also held a special place in the lives of Todd’s wife, children and grandchildren. Taking on the role of making sure the kids always had fun, sharing his love, time, and kindness with them. Their bond was one of those rare friendships that goes far beyond words, and it will be deeply missed. 

Dick shared a special friendship with Terri Reinke. Though their time together was shorter than anyone would have wished, it was filled with wonderful memories and genuine companionship. They enjoyed spending time up north, playing cards—especially Left Right Center—sharing Friday fish fries, and making memories together on a short trip to Florida. Dick recently made a beautiful lighthouse for Terri’s yard. Also, a special wooden cross, another reflection of his thoughtfulness and his gift for working with his hands. Just as meaningful were the quiet moments spent sitting together, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Their friendship was a special gift, and the memories they made together will always be treasured. Thank you Terri for the gift of your friendship and companionship. 

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Lynn Dahl (Birkholz); parents; Amil and Alice Dahl; sisters Barbara Loret; and Sally Christenson; brothers Amil and Elmer Dahl. 

A Life of Love, Family, and Showing Up

Rather than tell you everything Dick accomplished in his lifetime, where he worked, we would like to share what his life taught us and the many blessings we are grateful to have received because of him. He wouldn’t want us to talk about his accomplishments, or awards. In fact he would tell us none of that matters. What mattered to him was how he treated others, what you give, how you love and most of all making people feel special with every single conversation he had. 

Dick loved his family. Being a dad and grandpa were among the greatest joys of his life, and his grandchildren held an especially important place in his heart. 

Between football, soccer, volleyball, or any other activity, Grandpa could be counted on to be there proudly cheering them on. These weren't simply games to Dick. They were opportunities to spend time together, make memories, and let his grandchildren know that Grandpa was in their corner.

His last moments were spent doing exactly what he loved: watching his granddaughter Hope play in the State Volleyball Championship! Yes, Grandpa did help us bring home that Gold Ball! It is a memory his family will hold close forever.

Dick knew how to have fun and enjoy life. He loved country music, fishing, hunting, watching the races, spending time with family and friends, playing the spoons, cornhole, ring toss, cards, frying fish for everyone, and making things out of wood. A good day might be as simple as sitting outside with music playing, a Coors Light in hand, and good people around him, with maybe a fishing trip here and there.

Those who knew him will remember his stories, his laughter, his sense of humor, and the fun-loving spirit that made spending time with him so special. He understood that some of life's best moments are simple, just good company, a little music, and time together.

A Life of Serving Others

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

Perhaps the greatest lesson Dick leaves behind is one that God has taught us all. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus reminds us that “He came not to be served, but to serve.” Dick didn't need to quote scripture to teach us what those words meant. He lived them.

Dick always said, “It's not a question of whether others will remember you, but how do you want to be remembered?” We are here to love one another and help get each other to Heaven. That is our goal. At the end of the day, we can say that Dick did just that, every single day.

Dick lived that lesson without ever needing to talk about it. He never asked for a thank you, never expected recognition, and certainly never wanted praise. He simply helped. It didn't matter how difficult the task was, how inconvenient the timing, or how much effort it took. If someone needed him, he was there. He didn't keep score, look for credit, or expect anything in return. Helping others was simply who he was.

A proud United States Army veteran, Dick understood service, loyalty, and commitment. Those same qualities stayed with him throughout his life and were reflected in the way he cared for the people around him.

He was the kind of man who was always one of the first to offer a helping hand and never expected anything in return. If a family member, friend, neighbor or even a stranger needed something, Dick was there. He helped because it was the right thing to do. 

Perhaps one of the best ways to describe Dick is simply this: He showed up.

Maybe that is what a truly purposeful life looks like. Not a life measured by what we receive, how much we accomplish, or how many people recognize us, but by how we make life a little easier, kinder, or happier for someone else.

If Dick could leave us with a lesson, it would probably be a simple one: Be humble. Be kind. Love one another. Don't always put yourself first. Notice when someone needs help and lend a hand. Don't wait for an invitation just show up. Go visit someone. Make time for family and friends. Turn on some country music, dance and pick up a pair of spoons. Share a laugh. Enjoy the outdoors. Make memories. Pray. Don't get so caught up in life's demands that you forget to actually live it.

There will be an empty seat at the next game, match, tournament, family gathering, and Friday night fish at the Cimmeron, and his presence will be deeply missed. Dick will live on in the stories that are told, the laughter that is shared, the country songs that bring back a memory, the sound of those spoons, and most importantly, in the lives of the family he loved so much.

Don't just live a life that makes people remember you. Live a life that makes people better because they knew you.

And as Dick would say, “It is what it is!”

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital ICU in GreenBay  As well as the first responders, fire department, Green Bay Police Department. 

Visitation  will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Westgor Funeral Home 1140 Appleton Road Menasha, Wi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday November 19, 2026 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. Appleton, Wi.  Visitation will be held at church on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. to the time of Mass.