Richard Dahl

Richard Charles Dahl, 76, of Rockford, IL passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rockford, IL on April 12, 1949, to Dick and Lucille Dahl. Richard attended Rockford schools with good friends that remained his friends throughout the years, some since kindergarten.

Right out of high school, Richard answered the call of duty and served his country with honor and bravery as a member of the United States Army, Alpha Company 3rd. Battalion 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. During his time in Vietnam, he faced the hardships of war with courage, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow comrades, and the lifelong respect of all who knew him.

His service earned him the:

The Air Medal:

For Meritorious Achievement While Participating in Aerial Flight. (1969)

Certificate of Combat Service:

Be It Known To All Men That Richard Dahl Served With The 9th Infantry Division In Armed Conflict Against Insurgent Forces In The Republic of Vietnam.

1st Logistical Command:

Certificate Of Safety is Awarded to SP4 Richard Dah, D Company, Troop Command, US Army Depot, Long Binh…..in recognition of an outstanding record of operating a Military Vehicle in the Republic of Vietnam.

United States Army Support Command Saigon Certificate of Achievement is Awarded to Specialist Richard Dahl, United States Army Depot, Long Binh. (1970)

Army Training Center, Infantry and Fort Ord presents the Certificate of Achievement to Sergeant Richard Dahl:

As Official Recognition for Outstanding Performance of Duty. (1972)

Drill Sergeant School:

This is to certify Sergeant Richard Dahl has successfully completed the course of instruction at the Fort Ord Drill Sergeant School and is hereby designated a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army. (1970)

His proudest chapters of his life unfolded at Fort Ord, CA where he honorably served as a Drill Sergeant. His Veteran pride remained unwavering till the end. After Richard was honorably discharged from the Army, Richard owned several stations and worked as a mechanic, but it was his love of VW’s that kept him busy, and offering his expertise to anyone who asked. Richard and his wife Cheryl enjoyed traveling on their Harley Davidsons over the years and traveled with friends to Sturgis, SD many times, and also to visit his sister Annette to the Smokey Mountains.

Richard also found great love and comfort in his service dog, Sparky, who has faithfully been at his side for years.

Richard is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Cheryl of 28 wonderful years.

Children, Rick (Andrea) Dahl, Rebecca (Michael) Gardner, Duane (Crystal) Kastning, Sisters, JoAnne Molnar, and Annette Stewart. Sister-in-laws Debbie (Jim) Raper, Laura (Tom) Knabe. Grandchildren, Alyssa Dahl, Clarissa Gardner and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, especially Memphis. They will cherish Richard’s memory and the values he instilled in them.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Lucille Dahl, parents-in-law, Glenn and Patricia Geroux, and his loving grandparents, and other loving family members.

Service will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, with visitation from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm until time of memorial service at 4:00 pm, with Army Funeral Honors following soon after.

Richard's service will be live-streamed on Facebook. Please visit our facebook page "Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens" of our Machesney Park, IL, and like the page for notification of when we go live.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family where a memorial will be established at a later date.