Mr. Eugene Gene E. Dahl

Eugene “Gene” Dahl, was born September 9, 1931 in Dewey County SD, to Henry and Harriet (O’Leary) Dahl. He passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona.Gene grew up in Hetland and Arlington, SD. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1950 and resided there until 1971. During his childhood, he spent his summers at his grandparents’ O’Leary ranch near Timber Lake SD. He moved to Vermillion SD in 1971 and later spent winters in Phoenix AZ. Gene worked for Central States of Omaha for over 40 years where he retired as Regional Manager of the Northern Division. He received their highest accolade, the “To Care is to Grow” award in 1980. Gene is survived by his wife Sue Carter Dahl of 38 years. His surviving children from his first marriage to Audrey Harris are Mary Dahl (Patrick) Havener and Mitch (Nelly) Dahl of Rapid City SD, and Jerome (Kendra) Dahl of Denver CO. His sister, Joyce Dahl Colby of Arlington SD, daughter in law Kay Dahl, 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren also survive Gene. He was preceded in death by two sons Mark and Marlen, and his brother Lloyd. His memory will also be cherished by his stepchildren, Mark Kneip of El Paso TX, Paul Kneip of Helena MT, Anne (Dan) Manning of Vermillion SD, Matthew (Rosie) Kneip of El Paso TX, Patricia (Larry) Bierle of Boise ID and Mary Kneip of Sioux Falls SD along with 20 grandchildren & 23 great grandchildren.A Catholic Life Remembrance service was held in Phoenix AZ on November 2nd and interment will be in Vermillion, SD at a later date. Memorials can be made to the National Emphysema Foundation. A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.Personal Notes for Family and Friends:We wanted to let everyone know that Gene's Life Remembrance Service was a loving tribute to a wonderful man. Mom and Gene's Phoenix friends were there in full force which helped make it special. Mom appreciated the many kind messages she received from family and friends that were too far away to attend - Gene was loved by so many! * Everyone began to gather and share memories at 11:00 a.m. * The Rosary was at 11:30 a.m. Several nuns and friends from their Church led different sections of the rosary. * The memorial "Life Remembrance Service" began at 12:00. Father knew Gene well so he personalized the service. Matt Kneip and Mark Kneip each did a reading, and Matt's wife Rosie sang a beautiful song "I Will Rise". One of the nuns also sang and played her guitar. There were many beautiful flowers and plants next to a photo of Gene. Matt spoke on behalf of all the family and said some wonderful things about Gene - he definitely brought on a few tears. Mark also spoke about Gene and reminded everyone to remember to say they love their family/friends when talking to them since you never know when it will be the last time. Mark ended with one of Gene's favorite sayings "May the Good Lord take a liking to you". * Gene's "memory" table had photos of Gene over the years, a significant award statue and magazine article from his years as Regional Manager with Central States of Omaha, one of his caps, a favorite "Father" poem, and a framed "Rabbit" that Gene had drawn. * At the end of the service, Larry explained that the Rabbit was special because Gene had always said he was an artist too and would draw a rabbit to prove it - the one thing he could draw. His son Mark Dahl had framed one of Gene's rabbit drawings and given it back to him as a gift - it was a source of loving humor for the family. He used to say he was going to put his "rabbit" in one of Mom's art shows. Larry explained we were finally putting his art on display. * Everyone stayed for the luncheon afterwards.