LYNN DAHL

Lynn (Birkholz) Dahl, age 71 of Menasha passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on June 7, 2023 at Theda Clark ICU in Neenah, WI surrounded by her loving family.

Lynn was born in Appleton, WI on January 7th, 1952 to the late Doris and Vernon Birkholz and was the 5th of 13 children. 

Lynn has an amazing story of family, faith and love.

Lynn gave birth to a son in 1970 and a daughter in 1971. Out of unconditional love and selflessness, she gave them up for adoption with the assurance they would be raised in loving families. 

In March of 1972, Lynn met the love of her life, Dick Dahl. They were united in marriage on March 9, 1974. Two years later, Lynn gave birth to their daughter, Tara. Together, Lynn and Dick raised Tara as their only daughter until 1998 when Lynn was finally reunited with her daughter Jeni and now Tara found the sister she'd always hoped for. In September of 2000, Lynn was reunited with her son Scott and now Tara & Jeni found the brother they never imagined and transitioned to a close family of five. Not only was Lynn reunited with her biological children, but she also met and embraced Jeni's adoptive parents, Ike and Carol Zeitler of Cecil, and Scott's adoptive parents Doug and Bobbi Eger of Green Bay. With open and loving arms, Lynn welcomed her five new grandchildren: Zeke, Megghan, Molly, Breanna & Nick, into her family.  Over the next 25 years, this reunited family continued to grow and love one another as if no time or distance had ever passed. With the addition of Lynn's two sons-in-law: John & Chris; a daughter-in-law, Michele; and five more grandchildren: Hunter, Ben, Tyler, Hope & Ava. Lynn loved and lived for her family every day of her life.

Lynn attended school at Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Appleton East High School. She worked at Wisconsin Tissue Mills for 33 years until she retired in 2004.  After retirement Dick and Lynn enjoyed many annual trips to Florida where they made many new friendships and Lynn enjoyed walks along the beach collecting shells and an occasional margarita. 

No matter where she was Lynn enjoyed life to its fullest. One of the things she enjoyed the most was being with her grandchildren. Regardless of what they were doing she was always there…attending concerts, games, plays, endless fieldtrips, and driving them where they needed to go. 

For many years Lynn enjoyed her time at the gym with her many friends, occasionally not even getting in a workout because she might be helping a stranger through a tough time.  She also enjoyed walking dogs, gardening, yard work and shopping. Her greatest joy in nature was feeding the many birds that came to visit her backyard while enjoying her coffee. Lynn had a true talent for taking beautiful pictures and writing the most heartfelt letters and notes. Everyone would have to agree that she had the most beautiful handwriting. 

Lynn is survived by her husband, Dick “Tutor;” her children: Scott Eger (Michelle), Jeni Luebeck (Chris), Tara Kaufman (John), ten grandchildren: Breanna Eger, Nick Eger, Ava Rueth, 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 and Natalie Stepniewski. 

She is further survived by four brothers: William Birkholz (Barbara); Robert Birkholz (Kathryn), Vernon Birkholz Jr.; Dann Birkholz; by six sisters: Ann (Donald) Nystrom; Barbara (John) Stafford; Joann (Michael) Jolette; Diane Birkholz; Betty (Ben) Brewer; Laurie (Richard) Schinke; as well as by her sisters- and brothers-in-law: Paula Birkholz, Alice (Lenny) Kelley, Sally Christensen, Jesse Dahl, Della (Aubrey) Johnson, Roger Loret; and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. We would like to mention her lifelong friendship with Carla Maloney. They grew up with one another, only living a few houses away.  When she would visit with Carla they talked for hours, sharing life stories, reminiscing on old friendships, including the YMCA rooftop dances. 

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lee Birkholz; sister, Dawn Birkholz; niece, Trisha Nystrom; nephew, Brandon Birkholz; Tracy Birkholz; nephew, Brad Birkholz; brother-in-law, Dean DeWildt; sister-in-law, Marty (Beck) Birkholz; father-in-law, Amil Dahl Sr.; mother-in-law, Alice Dahl; sister-in-law, Barb Loret; brother-in-law, Amil Dahl; brother-in-law, Elmer Dahl; sister-in-law, Diane Dahl; and brother-in-law, James Christensen.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Theda Clark ICU in Neenah as well as the first responders in Menasha. A very special thank you to the 911 operator who assisted on that day. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 600 E. Kimberly Avenue, Kimberly, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. to the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Lynn Dahl's name, for the teachers at Holy Spirit Catholic School, Kimberly, WI to help with classroom needs. 

Mom, you will be forever missed by so many. Thank you for the life and love you've given to us…your children, your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren. We will carry you in our hearts all the days of our lives.