Rachel Diane Dahl

Rachel's Memorial Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3870190

Her tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/27LNNJTYCCLSTRMR

On November 9, 2023, Rachel Dahl went to be with the Lord. She had lived her life to the fullest and was looking forward to family gatherings to be had, but her body could not keep up. After 10+ years, Parkinson’s had taken its toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She was tired and frustrated. She wasn’t feeling well. The thump, thump, thump of her heart became a knock knock on heaven’s door.

Rachel was born on July 12, 1953, in Maddock, ND, to Donald and Lorraine Aanderud. She spent her early childhood in Maddock, a few years in Forman, and eventually moved to Fargo. Rachel graduated from Fargo North High School in 1971 with classmates who remained lifelong friends.

In 1975, Rachel and John Dahl were married at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. They later welcomed two daughters, Erica and Jeana. Rachel spent many years managing the pro shop at Oxbow Country Club and played an important role in supporting John’s career in the golf business.

Being with family and friends was Rachel’s greatest joy. She would always recall when she got the “nicest hug” from someone she hadn’t seen for some time. If she was in line at the grocery store or was out at a restaurant sitting at the bar, it would not take long for her to make a “new best friend.”

Whether she was in Fargo or in Arizona, her care and concern for the community, her neighbors, and her loved ones was apparent. She could never say no to Allan Peterson when he would call and ask her to serve dinner at Churches United or the Salvation Army. She assisted with the St. John foot care clinic and served at many St. John funerals over the years. She volunteered her time with YWCA and Make-A-Wish Foundation and proudly served on the El Zagal PRO-AM committee, a committee that celebrated their 25th year of the charity golf event in August. She would share dinner leftovers with the neighbors and never wanted anyone to be alone on a holiday. She was good at picking up the phone and giving someone a call, but also mastered the art of sending a quick text to let you know she was thinking of you.

Rachel was a proud member of the Trimmer family, the Fargo North High Class of 71, and of Peppers’ Jeopardy Club. She was a loving mom to Erica and Jeana and was just fine being called “John Dahl’s wife.” She embraced being called Nana by her five grandchildren and will be missed beyond belief.

She has been reunited in heaven with her parents, Don Aanderud and Lorraine Aanderud, and brother, Mark Aanderud. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, John; sister, Rochelle Olson; daughters, Erica Kaldenberg (Brian) and Jeana Janzen (Brady); five grandchildren: Henry and Johnny Kaldenberg; Jacob, Cora, and Marcus Janzen; and two nieces, Kathryn Hilbrich (Tom) and Laura Groslie (Cy).

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the New Life Center in Fargo, ND.