Norman Orris Dahl

Norman O. Dahl passed away peacefully while comforted by family and staff at Bethany Homes and Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo, ND. Norman was 93 years old.

Norman Orris Dahl was born on a farm in Bejou, MN (Norman County) to Peter and Martha (Hagen) Dahl on June 4, 1923 and was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN. He attended country school and graduated from Gary High School, Gary, MN. He joined the US Navy during World War II and served on a carrier in the Pacific. After honorably discharging from the service, he attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND and worked at the Northern Pacific Railroad (Burlington Northern). He retired from the railroad after 33 years of service.

Norm married Carolyn A. Nelson on November 28, 1949 and they made their home in Fargo, ND. Norm enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, his family, and spending time out on his family farm in Bejou, MN. He loved listening to the Minnesota Twins play on the radio and watching the Minnesota Vikings and the NDSU Bison play football. He and Carolyn were active members of Messiah Lutheran Church and he served as church finance officer for over 10 years. After retiring from the railroad, he became a full time volunteer for the Blood Bank of ND and member of the Golden K Kiwanis, Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge, VFW, and Railroad Retirees. He served for over 25 years on the board of directors for the United Savings Credit Union and was the chairman of the credit committee there. He and Carolyn traveled the world and he loved visiting Norway. One of his favorite trips was on the WWII Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Norm was a devoted husband, loving father, and was adored as “Grandpa Norm” by his 6 grandsons and 5 great-grandchildren. He was a quiet, gracious, and faithful man with a quick wit and twinkle in his blue eyes. His friends and family brought him joy and he especially liked meeting new friends at Bethany Retirement Living and playing whist and pinochle.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Steve) Amundson - Pittsburgh, PA; his son, David (Crystal) Dahl - Fargo, ND; 6 grandsons: Patrick (Emily) Amundson - Monterey, CA, Ross (Jennifer) Amundson - Fargo, ND, Erik Amundson - Anchorage, AK, Michael, Markus, and Mitchell Dahl - Fargo, ND; and 5 great-grandchildren: Soren, Cormac, and Freya Amundson and Lillian and Cora Amundson; two sisters, Gladys Robbins - Laguna Woods, CA and Lenore (Lawrence) Rolf - Cypress, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, and his parents, Peter and Martha Dahl.

The family suggests memorials may be given to Messiah Lutheran Church, the Hour of Worship, Bethany Homes, the Sons of Norway, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.