John Erling Dahl, the son of Erling and Alta (Sherrill) Dahl, was born on Jan. 16, 1932, in Superior, Neb. He died at home in Davenport, Neb., while surrounded by loved ones, on June 23, 2022, at the age of 90 years, 5 months, 7 days.
John grew up in Montrose, Kan. He attended grades 1 through 8 at Rose Hill School and graduated from Montrose Rural High School in 1950. Upon graduation, he farmed until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1952. While in the US Air Force, he was in Texas, California and Colorado with primary duties being personnel specialist. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 15, 1956. Upon his return from the US Air Force, he met Deloris Tietjen, and they were united in marriage on Sept. 9, 1956. To this union, five children were born.
John attended Kansas State University from January 1956 until January 1960 when he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he accepted a position with Douglas Aircraft Company in California working in the missile and space system division. During his time at Douglas, he worked on various spacecrafts including Apollo and the Lunar Excursion Module. John then transferred to work on flight control and guidance systems for various space crafts and missiles such as air to air missiles and Skybolt missile which is an air to ground missile launched from a B-52.
The family returned to rural Davenport, in 1972 to engage in farming. He later worked in the Base Hit until his retirement. At Base Hit, John was able to share with the community his enjoyment of cooking Chinese and Mexican food.
One of John's greatest joys was fishing and the stories that followed. He also always had a large garden and would share his crop from the garden and his fruit trees. John was a member of the Lion's Club and American Legion Post 335.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Erling and Alta; son, Steve Dahl; and grandson, Josh Brestel.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Deloris Dahl, of Davenport; his children Dave (LaVerne) Dahl of Davenport, Tom (Paula) Dahl of Deshler, Bob Dahl of York, Diane (Steve) Brestel of Lincoln, Neb .; 13 grandchildren: Elizabeth (Sam) Parker of Chadron, James (Nicole) Dahl of Deshler, Andrew Dahl of Davenport, Michael Dahl (and fiancé Markki) of Hastings, Seth Dahl of Davenport, Aaron Dahl of Davenport, Hannah Dahl of Chadron, Whitney Dahl of Seattle, Wash., Ashley (Taylor) Pudenz of Elkhorn, Briana Dahl of Omaha, Tyler (Kaitlin) Hottovy of Fort Collins, Colo., Jess Brestel of Plymouth, Minn .; great- grandchildren: Evelyn and Benjamin Parker, Brystol Dahl, and Paxton Pudenz; siblings Ellis (Carolee) Dahl of Topeka, Kan .; Mary (Egbert) Tietjen of Chester; and many other friends and family.
His funeral was held at 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 28, from St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Davenport, with Pastor Greg Schaffer officiating.
Music was "The Old Rugged Cross," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "When Peace, Like A River," with Karen Haake as the organist.
Pallbearers were James Dahl, Andrew Dahl, Michael Dahl, Seth Dahl, Aaron Dahl, Sam Parker, Tyler Hottovy and Taylor Pudenz. Honorary pallbearers were Elizabeth Parker, Hannah Dahl, Whitney Dahl, Ashley Pudenz, Briana Dahl and Jess Brestel.
Interment with military honors held at 1 p.m., at the White Rock Scandinavian (Dahl) Cemetery Lovewell Lake, Webber, Kan.
Memorials are suggested to go to in care of the family
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of http://www.price funeralhomes.com.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior was in charge of the arrangements.
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