Donald A. Dahl

Don Dahl, age 97, of Elysian died Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held October 3rd, 2026, at the American Legion in Elysian, Minnesota from 2 – 4 pm.

Don was born March 2, 1929, to Oscar and Mollie (Larson) Dahl in Milaca, Minnesota. He graduated from Milaca High School and then went on to Brown Institute for radio announcing. He worked as an announcer at KLIZ in Brainerd from 1949-1951. In 1949 he married Avis Sundvall and they eventually had three children. He and his family moved to Minneapolis and he worked as a Steward for North Central Airlines.

In 1954 Don started his career with the Minnesota State Patrol in Mankato. After working as a Trooper for several years, he earned his Commercial Pilots License and started flying for the Minnesota State Patrol. He was also a member of the Patrol’s Pistol Shooting Team. Don retired from the Patrol in 1988.

Don and Avis divorced in 1978, and he later married Natalie Kray in 1994. Among other things in his spare time Don enjoyed working as an announcer for KTOE and KYSM radio in Mankato. He drove motorcoaches for Midwest Coaches and Land to Air. Don was a founding member of a flying club which enabled him to obtain his Pilot’s License. He was a member of the Duck Lake Association.

Don loved flying, fishing, bicycle riding, snowmobiling, traveling, wintering in Arizona and his Happy Hour.

His humor and good nature made him loved by all.

Don is survived by his two children: Dawnelle (Carter) Breding of Maricopa, Arizona, and Lee (Marilyn) Dahl of Frederick, Colorado; six grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Don was preceded in death by his son, David; wife, Natalie on September 5, 2025; and his six sisters.