Michael Henry "Mike" Dahl

Michael Henry “Mike” Dahl, 81, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Sanford Health Hospital, Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born on June 16, 1943, to Reno and Jennie (Nelson) Dahl in Fergus Falls, MN. He grew up on the family farm in Maine Township, MN. He attended and graduated from Underwood High School, Underwood, MN, and he was the homecoming king of his class. He was very active in sports and most enjoyed wrestling and football.

After high school, Mike joined the United States military, serving in the Navy from 1961 – 1966. Most notably, his navy career was spent on a destroyer escort, the USS Bridget. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Fergus Falls, MN, where he attended and graduated from Fergus Falls Community College. He was united in marriage to Kathryn “Kay” Kantrud on August 25, 1967, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN.

Mike attended the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City prior to working as an air traffic controller in Pierre, SD, Grand Forks, ND, and Fargo, ND, for many years. Afterwards, he moved to Hawley, MN, to the house he designed and built. He was an ag pilot, worked as a flight instructor, and took people on charter flights until 2008. During the summers he also sprayed crops in Waupun, WI. Then, he drove truck for Jensen Brothers Construction, retiring at the age of 72.

Mike had a dry sense of humor and loved to make people laugh and drew humorous comics that he loved to share with everybody. He enjoyed country music, his all-time favorite being Johnny Cash. He taught his wife and girls his joy of downhill skiing, taking them on many ski trips. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids at the farm, going boating, fishing, and taking his family tubing and waterskiing. He will be remembered as a man of principle and a mentor to many. Mike was a cherished husband, father, and friend. He will be forever missed. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kay; children, Heidi (Chris) Knutson, Jessi (Doug) Mithun, and Molly Dahl; grandchildren, Zach (Julie), Jake, Mia, Ben, Michael, Emily, Sam, and Joe; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Isaac, Eli, Delilah, Chase, and Hayden; siblings, Blaine (Liz) Dahl, Kathy Stofer, Connie (Gary) Anderson, and Kurt (Sheila) Dahl; his best friend, Fr. Nick Brown; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reno and Jennie; his sister, Gloria; brothers-in-law, Wally Stigen and Brad Stofer; nephew, Derek Dahl; and good friend and cousin, Mark Leeman. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Maine Presbyterian Township Church, Underwood, MN. Burial will be at the church cemetery at a later date.