Obit: Dahl, Russell H. (1935 - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Dahl, Berg, Rongholt, McEachen, Sablich, Brossow, Ledoux, Amundson, Stuve, Weller, Sieloff, Sibley

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 02/23/2013

Dahl, Russell H. (21 JUL 1935 - 21 FEB 2013)

Russell H. Dahl, 77, of Colby, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 at his home in Colby under Ministry Home Hospice Care. A funeral service will be held 11:30 AM Monday, February 25, 2013 at the First United Church of Christ in Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Colby Memorial Cemetery. Active and Honorary Pallbearers will be Russ's nephews; Pallbearers will be Ronald Stuve, Tom Stuve, Larry Amundson, Donald Amundson, Bill Sibley and Richard Sibley. Honorary pallbearers will be; Sheldon Dahl, Danny Dahl, Randy Dahl, Dennis Sieloff and David Sieloff.

Russ was born July 21, 1935 to Oscar and Myrtl (Berg) Dahl in Whitehall, Wisconsin. He attended Pleasantville Grade School and was a 1953 graduate of Whitehall High School.

Russ worked at home on the farm all through school. The winter of 1953 he hauled milk for Don Ackley. On March 4, 1954, Russ entered the US Army. He attended basic and advanced training at Fort Bliss, Texas where he was trained on Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He was then sent to Rapid City, North Dakota at Ellsworth Air Base. He was then sent to Japan to set up an Anti Aircraft Observation Center base. Russ served as a crew chief in Japan for nearly 3 years. He also was a MP and was in charge of a small arms depot until his Honorable Discharge in June 1958.

Russ and Geraldine Rongholt were united in marriage in August of 1959. Together they had four children; Valerie Dahl of Cape Girardeau, MO, Scott (Vivian) Dahl of Brunswick, GA, Jeffrey (Jackie McEachen) Dahl of Wausau and Julie Dahl of Glendale, AZ. ,they later divorced.

Russ and Eileen Weller were united in marriage on February 24, 1973 at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Together they had 2 children; Debbie (Christopher) Sablich of Endicott, NY and Darron (Katherine) Dahl of Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

In his lifetime, Russ had several jobs, he worked for Dolly Madison in Eau Claire delivering milk and ice cream and also worked as a photographer for Camera Arts Studio taking school pictures. Russ enjoyed sales work and was a salesman for the US Tobacco Company and later for the Nestle Chocolate Company. Russ then drove truck for Janesville Auto Co. based in Dillsworth, MN hauling and delivering new cars.

In 1957, the family returned to Wisconsin and purchased the Uptown Bar in Colby. They owned and operated the bar until 1995. Russ then managed the Wonder Wash Car Wash in Abbotsford until his retirement in 1997.

Russ was always active in sports, starting in high school he played football and he continued to enjoy sports all his life. He played fast pitch softball for many years and was famous for his "knuckle" ball. He enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, throwing darts, pitching horseshoes and bowling. Russ was always ready for a round of golf. He also loved hunting, camping and fishing. In 1997, he bought his first pontoon and has had one ever since. Many hours were spent camping and fishing at Soo Lake at Phillips and now at the Spirit Lake campground at Rib Lake.

Russ was an avid Packer and Badger fan and enjoyed watching Nascar Auto racing. He also enjoyed traveling to visit family, as well trips to Las Vegas and local casinos.

Russ was a member of the American Legion Post #358 of Unity, a member of the NRA, past member of the Colby Lions Club, Colby Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Meadowview Country Club, serving on the board of directors for many years. He was also a member of the First United Church of Christ in Colby.

Russ is survived by his wife; Eileen of Colby, 6 children; Valerie, Scott, Jeffrey, Julie, Debbie and Darron, 17 grandchildren; Candy Seefeld, Billy Dahl, Tiffany Bush, Connor Dahl, Avery Dahl, Kelsey McEachen, Kristy Dahl, Travis Brossow, Cody Brossow, Jesse Brossow, Gabriel Sablich, Austin Dahl, Jonathon Ledoux, Dominic Ledoux, Loretta Dahl, Gabriella Dahl, and Elias Dahl, as well as 5 great-grandchildren; Cameron, Brittoni, Tiaja, Dominik and Alexsa.

Russ is further survived by 3 sisters; Edith Amundson, Arlien Stuve, Gladys Sibley, 2 brothers; Charles and Ernie Dahl, a brother-in-law; Richard (Kathy) Weller, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Margaret Sieloff, 4 brothers-in-law; Rodderick Sieloff, Alston Amundson, Curtis Stuve, LeRoy (Bud) Sibley, a nephew; Steven Dahl, and his father and mother-in-law; George and Loretta Weller.

The family would like to express great appreciation to Joe from Home Hospice for his wonderful support and patience.

The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling.com