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Roger Dahl Obituary
Roger Dahl, 93, passed away on August 29, 2010 at his home in Vancouver, WA. He was born in Sidney, MT on July 27, 1917, the son of Henry and Lisa Dahl. He was raised on the farm and attended school through the 8th grade in Dore, ND.
Roger joined the Army in 1934. When it was discovered that he was under the age of 18, he was sent home. In 1935 he joined the Marines and served in China during the Sino-Japanese hostilities. He was discharged in 1939 and joined the Reserves. In December, 1940 he was assigned to active duty and served in WW II until November, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for heroic service during action on Iwo Jima. Roger enjoyed his time in the military and was proud of his service. Between 1965 and 2004, he attended many reunions of his parachutist battalion and 5th Marine Division. Roger was in attendance in Washington, D.C. at the dedication of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Roger married the love of his life, Betty Spellman, on August 17, 1947. He was thankful and proud of the care and love he received from her to the end. Together they farmed in the Buford-Trenton, ND area for 27 years. In 1967, while farming part-time, they began traveling the United States with an Airstream trailer. They rented the farms and moved to Vancouver, WA in 1974. They continued traveling and eventually purchased a lot in Outdoor Resorts, Palm Springs where they enjoyed many winters of sun and great friends.
Roger began playing golf after retirement. He enjoyed the game very much and played both golf and tennis until a few years before his death. He took daily walks and was very recognizable to everyone because of his straight posture and great stride. Roger enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether it was telling stories and making them laugh, or taking them to the zoo or out for ice cream. He was a lifetime member of the Elks.
Roger is survived by his wife, Betty; three children, Sharon (Stan) Radle, Deadwood, SD, Luann (Bob) Ward, Astoria, OR and Ronald (Yvette) Dahl, Albuquerque, NM; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline (Daryl) Lager, Travis (Tina) Wickum, Jeremy Dahl, Bruce Gunderson, Lisa (Steve) Slotsve, Lori Gunderson, Shanna Dahl; step-grandchildren, Shamaine and Natasha Spencer; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Harold Dahl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers, Andrew and Arnold; brother, Raider; and sisters, Ingaborg Helm and Doris Niles.
He will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness to others, the gait in his step, his sense of humor and love of sweets. We will miss him, but his love will always be with us.
Private graveside services will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. at the family home.
Please sign Roger's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Dahl
September 17, 2010
Rod and you, Betty, couldn't have been any nicer friends. I just expected Rod to keep his promise to be around for another 30 years. What will we do without him? You are in my prayers..always. Sending our love.
Irene and Howard Sevey
favorite activity
Lisa Slotsve
September 4, 2010
Lisa Slotsve
September 4, 2010
words can not describe the kind of man, husband, person, grandpa and great grandpa you were. I imagine you are in heaven playing golf and skipping down the street..all the things you did here. Thank you for your wisdom, kindness, humor and love. You are my hero grandpa. I love you with all my heart..
Jim Huff
September 4, 2010
Enjoyed our $.25 golfing bets here at FWV, which Roger usually won! He knew some of my step-mothers relatives in the Sydney, Mt. area.
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Clint Dahl
September 3, 2010
Here is to a true war hero and great man, my great uncle Roger. You are alive in us all!!!
Clint Santiago Dahl
Craig R. Dahl
September 3, 2010
My deepest condolences to Betty and family. I wish I'd had the chance to know Roger better. I enjoyed a brief conversation with him a few months before his passing. It will be with me forever.
September 3, 2010
Betty, Luann & Bob,
Condolences from your ORPS neighbbors and golfing pals....
Wendy and Jerry Manning
Norma Vennes
September 1, 2010
Dear Betty,
I remember when you and Roger were young and in love before you were married. You were my Dad's secretary. As I read Roger's obituary, It brought back memories and it seems Roger brought you popcorn from the theatre. I can remember thinking you were the most beautiful gal around. I was nine years old at the time and you left an impression on my life as I never forgot you. You were a lovely kind person and all evidence says you are still the same as you cared for Roger until the end. You have my sympathy and I pray God will send His Blessings to you and your family at this time.
Sincerely,
Norma Jean(Gunderson)Vennes (husband Frank)
Williston, ND
John & Paulie Stofiel
September 1, 2010
Hello Brother, now that you are on Guard duty at "Heaveans Gates" our Brothers stand tall and salute your service to God, Country and Corps!
"You will Never be Forgotten".
Semper Fidelis my Brother.
Betty, thank you for taking care of our Marine and being his "Rock" over the years and sharing him with us.
We are blessed to know you!
September 1, 2010
Dear Betty,
I did not personally know your husband but I had just met him recently when out with my husband. I remember crying just after I met him because he had talked about the 'secret' of his longevity being having a wonderful wife who loved him and took such great care of him. The obituary talked about how proud he was of you and that was so true!! My parents both recently died and it made me cry thinking about what he said as my parents were also married 'forever' as my father would say. Please take comfort in knowing you had a husband whose main thought to the very end was how lucky he was to have you as his wife!!
Sincerely,
Aiko and Michael
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Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
People and places connected with Roger
Vancouver, WA
The Columbian
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