It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our dad, Darrell Wayne Dahl, who passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Gundersen Health System-Emplify Health, surrounded by the love of his family after a long and difficult illness.

Darrell was born on February 23, 1948, in La Crosse, WI to Nellie (Kolve) and Milton Dahl Sr. He attended Central High School, graduating in 1967, and later continued his education at Western Wisconsin Technical College.

He was a proud father, grandfather and friend whose warmth, humor and dedication to others left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Darrell is survived by his three children, Brian Dahl (Jodi) and their children, Danielle, Ashlyn and Brady; Amy Dahl and her children, Brianna Dahl, Cale Hemker and Alaina Hemker; and Katie Dahl. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Bonnie (Banasik) Dahl. His family was the center of his world, and he was incredibly proud of each of them. Whether sharing stories or simply spending time together, those moments were among his most treasured.

In his earlier years, Darrell pursued his passion for cooking and worked as a chef in several local restaurants, including The Cerise and The Party House. He later owned Dahl's Catering and Dahl's Diner in Rushford, MN, before finding his true calling as a Medicare independent insurance agent, D.W. Dahl & Associates, a career he enjoyed for more than 40 years. He genuinely cared about helping people navigate important decisions and built lasting friendships with many clients throughout his career. He often said he never wanted to retire because he truly loved what he did and the relationships he built over the years.

Darrell served his country in the United States Navy. He enlisted in February 1968 and was honorably discharged in April 1968. He remained proud of his service throughout his life and was an active member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post #52 in La Crosse.

One of Darrell's proudest accomplishments was celebrating 43 years of sobriety. Throughout those years, he gave back to others in recovery by mentoring, encouraging and sharing his experience, strength and hope. He cherished the opportunity to support others and was always willing to lend a listening ear.

Those who knew Darrell will remember his love for the Green Bay Packers, NASCAR and most of all, his ability to make people smile. He rarely missed an opportunity to crack a joke, share a story or brighten someone's day. His sense of humor, kindness and love for others remained with him throughout his life and right up to his final days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Milton, and five siblings, Maynard, Elger, Milton, Nancy and Chuck.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff who cared for Dad during his final days, especially Holly and Tabatha of the oncology palliative care team. The kindness, compassion and dignity you showed him brought tremendous comfort to our family. We will never forget your care and support.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse, WI. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow at the Roy Vingers American Legion Post #52, 711 6th. Street in La Crosse, WI.

A private interment will be held at Fagernes Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Blair, WI.

Darrell also leaves behind many dear friends and loved ones who will miss his stories, laughter and the joy he brought to every gathering. Most of all, they will miss the high-fives and fake handshakes he so generously shared with nearly everyone he met.

Our family would also like to thank everyone who called, visited, sent messages, shared memories or kept Dad in their thoughts and prayers during his illness. Your kindness meant the world to him and brought comfort to all of us.

Though our hearts are broken, chances are Dad left you with a story you'll never forget or a memory that still makes you smile. The measure of Dad's life was not only in the years he lived, but in the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

To Our Grandpa:

Thank you for always making us smile, cheering us on and creating countless memories we will treasure forever. We are proud to be your grandchildren and will miss your jokes, your laughter and the question we could always count on hearing: "Do you need anything?" We love you and will carry you in our hearts every day.

Much love,
Brianna, Cale, Ashlyn, Danielle, Alaina and Brady