Hans Allyn Dahl

Hans Dahl, age 96, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025 at his home.

A memorial service will be held on May 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar and will be streamed on the church's YouTube page. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Vinje Lutheran Church or St. Croix Hospice in St Cloud.  

Born March 16, 1929, in Osnabrock, North Dakota, to Hans J. Dahl and Inga (Lundeby) Dahl, Hans lived a life marked by dedication to family, community, and service.  Hans graduated from Osnabrock High School in 1947 and earned his degree from Concordia College in Moorhead in 1951. Following his graduation, Hans proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953, including a tour in Germany. He continued his service in the Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1966.

Hans began his career as an educator, teaching in Leonard, North Dakota, and later in Holloway, Minnesota. He transitioned into a distinguished career in healthcare administration, holding leadership roles at Bethesda Hospital in Crookston, Ely-Bloomenson Hospital in Ely, Martin Luther Home in Sioux City, Iowa, and Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

During his tenure at Rice Memorial, Hans oversaw two major building projects and established vital programs, including dialysis and hospice services. Under his leadership, Rice Memorial became a key regional healthcare hub contributing to advancements in healthcare across the region.. He also served on numerous healthcare related  boards and locally based United Way, Bethesda and The Barn Theatre. 

Hans was married to Carol Durdahl in 1956 and in 1985, he married Jan Gustafson.

He enjoyed golf, especially his time as a Geezer, snow and water skiing. His travels included many trips to Europe but the most memorable was visiting all 13 Presidential Libraries. He loved reading, especially the last mystery written by his daughter Carla.

Hans is survived by his wife Jan; children, Carla (Jerry) Pederson, Kara Gustafson Johnson, and Ross (Jennifer) Gustafson; grandchildren, Kristin (Andy) Ross, Jason (Mary) Pederson, Kendall Johnson, Max Johnson, Julia Gustafson, and Jonah Gustafson; great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Selah Ross; a nephew John Dahl; and three nieces: Susan (Roger) Nelson, Barbara (Gary) Potter and Carolyn (Rick) Kuhn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Hans will be missed but his legacy will live on in the lives and communities he served.

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