Gary Edmond Dahl passed away peacefully on May 21, 2023, at the age of 82, with family by his side.
Gary was born March 4, 1941, in Wolf Point, Montana to Henry F and Naomi (Potter) Dahl, joining brother Kenneth, sister Beverly, and brother John.
Gary attended school in Wolf Point, Montana where he was an honor student, graduating with the class of 1959. He learned to fly while in high school, starting his pilot’s license at the age of 16. This became a life-long love of Gary’s and he was able to pilot for 60 years.
After high school, Gary attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. There he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in History, Mathematics, and Science, graduating on June 10, 1963. He was active in the ROTC and also held a job at the Bozeman Stockyards.
On September 25, 1963, Gary entered the US Army commissioned as an officer. There he went to parachute jump school. Gary also became a member of the handgun competition team, competing for the 31st Brigade with which he served. He served in active duty and in the US Army Reserves and was honorably discharged as a Captain of Air Defense Artillery, on June 11, 1971.
After his years in active duty military, Gary returned to the family farm located in Lustre, Montana, in 1965. Together with his brothers, they took over the farming/ranching operation. After 20 years, Kenneth moved to Glasgow. John and Gary continued to work side by side until a heart attack took John’s life unexpectedly in 2002. Nephews Roger and Arlyn Pankratz helped keep the operation going, and Gary continued to be devoted to the family farm, working hard until 2021 when advanced Parkinson’s disease made it unsafe for him to reside there any longer.
After the passing of his brother, Gary formed a very close friendship with local pastor John Skillman, which lasted the rest of his life. He found his faith in Jesus Christ during this time. He also had friends who became like family, helping in any way needed, including Martin and Karen Fast, Arden and Darlene Unrau, and Gerry Unrau.
Gary was known for his quiet generosity, always willing to help a neighbor or friend in need. He also gave generously to charities and ministries.
Gary is survived by many nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Lustre EMB Church with Pastor John Skillman officiating. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 10, 2023
EMB Church
347 Wall Street
Lustre, Montana 59225
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 10, 2023
EMB Church
347 Wall Street
Lustre, Montana 59225
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Jim Marmon says
Rest in Peace Gary. My sincere condolences to the family. I miss him already. Jim
Lorraine Hughes says
What an amazing man! One of my favorite people. My sympathies to all of you.
Bryce Nichols says
One of the greatest men I have had the honor of knowing. A work ethic that was unbelievable. A heart as big as any. A pilot as good as they come. Many great rides in the supercub. He lived a principled life before he came to know Jesus Christ and even more so after. We lost a good one but now he can walk and run without falling. He will be missed by all who knew him.
John Bowker says
Gary was such a special, loyal friend for so many years! We shared a passion for flying, playing cribbage, and making sour dough bread. He remains in my heart and I look forward to a reunion in Heaven.
Daryl Toews says
Gary was a good friend and we had many good visits and debates. Our machinery and land dealings were always fun and he always held up his end of the bargain. Gary was a man of God and will be truly missed. I could not have asked for a better neighbor or friend.