Roger Dahl

Roger Dahl, 93, passed away on August 29, 2010 at his home in Vancouver, Wa. Private graveside services will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 2:00 4:00 p.m. at the family home. Roger was born on July 27, 1917, the son of Henry and Lisa Dahl, in Sidney, Montana. He was raised on the farm and attended school through the 8th grade in Dore, North Dakota. He joined the Army in 1934. When it was discovered that he was under the age of 18, he was sent home. In 1935 he joined the Marines and served in China during the Sino-Japanese hostilities. He was discharged in 1939 and joined the Reserves. In December, 1940 he was assigned to active duty and served in WWII until November, 1945. During this time he became a parachutist and was involved with the battle at Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service during action on Iwo Jima. He was also awarded a Purple Heart. Roger enjoyed his time in the military and was proud of his service. Between 1965 and 2004, he attended many reunions of his parachutist battalion and 5th Marine Division. Roger was in attendance at Washington, D.C. during the dedication of the Iwo Jima statue. Roger married the love of his life Betty Spellman on August 17, 1947. He was thankful and proud of the care and love he received from her to the end. Together they farmed in the Buford-Trenton, North Dakota area for 27 years. In1967 while farming part-time, they began traveling the United States with an Airstream trailer. They rented the farms and moved to Vancouver, Wa in 1974. They continued traveling and eventually purchased a lot in Outdoor Resorts, Palm Springs where they enjoyed many winters of sun and great friends. Roger began playing golf after retirement. He enjoyed the game very much and played both golf and tennis until a few years before his death. He took daily walks and was very recognizable to everyone because of his straight posture and great stride. He enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether it was telling stories and making them laugh, or taking them to the zoo or out for ice cream. Roger was a lifetime member of the Elks. Roger is survived by his wife, Betty, three children, Sharon (Stan) Radle, Deadwood, SD; Luann (Bob) Ward, Astoria, OR and Ronald (Yvette) Dahl, Albuquerque, NM; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline (Daryl) Lager, Travis (Tina) Wickum, Jeremy Dahl, Bruce Gunderson, Lisa (Steve) Slotsve, Lori Gunderson, Shanna Dahl, step-grandchildren Shamaine and Natasha Spencer, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Harold Dahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, Andrew and Arnold, brother Raider Dahl, sisters, Ingaborg Helm and Doris Niles. He will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness to others, the gait in his step, his sense of humor and love of sweets. We will miss him, but his love will always be with us.

Roger Dahl

July 27, 1917 - August 29, 2010