Ervin K. Dahl

Ervin Kenneth Dahl, age 99 of rural Hitterdal, MN passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Ervin was born October 8, 1916 to parents Nels and Ida Dahl, at their home in Keene Township West of Hitterdal. He had six siblings: Delvin, infant brother Elmer, Walter, Clarence, Violet Zachariason and Evelyn Knutson. He attended the country school near Hitterdal through the 8th grade. His family moved North East of Detroit Lakes as a teenager, but moved back to the Hitterdal area where they made a living farming as well as working other small jobs.

In his early 20s, a beautiful lady named Gloria caught the eye of Ervin as he was in the truck with friends. Ervin married Gloria Virginia Mae Swenson December 22, 1942. He was baptized, confirmed, and married by Reverend Hauge.

Ervin and Gloria rented farmland West of Hitterdal from 1942-50. During that time they started growing their family with daughters Diane, Kari Lou, and Ruth. They moved to farm with Gloria’s father, Frank, from 1950-53 and had their first boy, Ken. In ’53 they purchased their own piece of land North of Hitterdal; shortly after their last child, Jim, was born. Together as a family they worked the dairy farm which also included chickens and pigs. Additionally they harvested alfalfa, oats, corn, and wheat. Gloria and Ervin began their retirement in 1977 and were fully retired by 1978 at the ages of 55 and 62 respectively.

Ervin and Gloria lived a life filled with love for each other and their family. They taught by example many important lessons including hard work, perseverance, and attention to detail. They passed along the importance of Ervin’s Norwegian and Gloria’s Swedish heritage to their family.

Ervin really enjoyed farming and being outdoors. He loved driving his tractor, snowmobile, and lawn mower, watching the animals feeding outside, and listening to the scanner and CB radio. He especially loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a happy, loving, caring, dedicated and thoughtful man, in his words a “tough Norwegian”.

Ervin is survived by 5 children: Diane Jim Walker of Lake Park, Kari Lou Doug Walker of Hamilton, MT, Ruth late Sherwood Johnson of Hawley, Ken Kathy of Hawley, Jim Bobbi Ann of Barnesville, 18 grandchildren: Lynette Erik Friedrichs, Kristi Don Buchanan, Lea Ann Walker, Mike Walker, Bill Walker, Bob Debra Walker, Brad Annika Walker, Allan Johnson Kim, Michelle Dahl, Eric Dahl, Steph Jim Joy, Tim Dahl Susan, Scott Dahl Amy, Carrie Jed Bommersbach, Kara Dahl, Heather Dahl Brandon, Kristina Dahl, and Rebecca Dahl, 21 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ervin in death were his grandparents, parents, wife, and 6 siblings.

Visitation: Friday, March 4, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Service: Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN.

Interment: Salem East Cemetery, Hitterdal, MN.