Memorial service for Erling A. Dahl, 86, longtime Hettinger Public School administrator will be Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Fr. Keith Steifel will officiate. Urn burial with Full Military Honors will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. CT at the North Dakota Veteran Cemetery south of Mandan, ND.

Erling A Dahl, 86, Hettinger, ND, died July 16 at his home with family at his side. He was born January 28, 1929 to Kembel and Laurel (Kuecks) Dahl in Valley City ND, where he was raised and educated. He began his college education at Valley City State College in 1949, but was called to active duty in the US Army in January 1951. Dahl served as a Platoon Sergeant First Class and was stationed in Camp Rucker, Alabama and Ft. Breckenridge, Kentucky. Upon discharge from the army he returned to Valley City State and received his Bachelor's Degree in education in 1953. Mr Dahl played left guard for the VCSC Viking's football team for 4 years, helping them become conference champions 3 of those years, and was named to the Viking Hall of Fame in 1989.


On September 1, 1953, Dahl was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jean Schneekloth, at St Thomas Church in Buffalo, ND.


He began his teaching career in Dazey, ND, and later Mott and Cavalier. Upon receiving his Master's Degree in Education Administration from UND in 1963, Dahl took a position as high school principal in Hettinger from 1963-81, and superintendent from 1981- 90, when he retired. During his years in education he taught science, industrial arts, physical education and coached track, basketball and football. Dahl also served as a member of the writing committee for the Earth Science Curriculum and the Curriculum Revision Committee, NCA Evaluations, ND Principals Assoc., ND Teachers Assoc., and Executive and State Committee for the North Central Association. Dahl continued his graduate study at SD School of Mines, University of Mary, Northern State in Aberdeen, and Dickinson State university. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, serving as Legion Commander and all Post offices. Dahl was instrumental in raising funds to update the local football field and track complex as well as adding 2 softball fields. He helped organize many Legion sponsored track meets. In 1997 the complex was dedicated the "Erling Dahl Sports Complex", in recognition of his efforts.


After retirement Erling and Jean enjoyed traveling to Wyoming and Nevada to watch their grandchildren's activities, and enjoyed trips to London, England, California, Hawaii, and Alaska. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and wood working. His children and grandchildren received many gifts crafted by him. He enjoyed working for Jim and Barry Melling in construction for several years after retirement from education.


Grateful to have shared his life, Erling is survived by his wife of 61 yrs, Jean; his children Terry (Donna) of Sunnyvale, CA; Michael (Linda) of Green River, WY; Lori Dvorak of Gillette, WY; Rodney (Kathy) of Bismarck; grandchildren MacKenzie Dahl, Haley (Grant) Yeadon, Kelly Dvorak, and Tyler (Gina) Dvorak; and great grandchild, Grace; and one brother, Francis (Joyce) of Billings, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Kenneth and Kembel, Jr; and his son-in-law Dean Dvorak, and his sister-in-,law Mary Lou Dahl.


In lieu of flowers, the Dahl Memorial Fund has been established to benefit Hettinger Public School or West River Health Services MRI fund.