Katherine "Kathy" Dahl

Katherine Marie Dahl, 72, died on July 26, 2020, at her home in Barrett, Minnesota, under the care of family, caregivers, and Knute Nelson Hospice.  She was diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma in April.

Katherine was born on August 15, 1947, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to James and Solveig Dahl.  She grew up in Barrett and graduated from Barrett High School in 1965.  She liked to play “school after school,” using an older sewing machine console as the “teacher’s desk.”  Kathy received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a Master of Science degree from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.  She enjoyed serving as a reference-research librarian helping students, faculty, staff, and community members meet their informational needs.  Her last place of employment, Western Illinois University, was especially dear to her.  She enjoyed attending conferences and visiting art and other museums.

Kathy was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett.

After retirement, she moved back to Barrett and was active at Peace Church where she participated in the scripture reading corps, WELCA (serving as treasurer), and the Faithful Folders.  Kathy created and nurtured the welcoming and busy church library, serving as its only librarian.  She enjoyed making sure the hymn numbers for the services were in place on the hymn boards.

She also participated in and supported several area organizations including the Grant County Historical Society, the Kensington Historical Society, Thorson Memorial Library Board, Barrett Study Club, The Lake Region Arts Council, and Prairie Wind Players.

Another pleasure in her retirement was subscribing to a number of periodicals related to book reviews, art and art history, interior design, and home décor.  She read a number of newspapers each day.

Kathy was an avid sports fan, likely beginning as a young girl when she would post the runs on the scoreboard for the Barrett town team (on which her father played) at Powers Park.  She followed all the Minnesota teams ardently and knowledgably, and enjoyed sports talk on the radio, television, and internet.  Trips to attend games in the Twin Cities, with their associated dining and shopping opportunities, brought special memories and happiness.

She had a passion for collecting books, and for giving them to neighborhood children--especially to her grandnieces Hadley, Berit, and Audra.

Kathy truly loved Barrett and its picturesque setting on the lake and the Pomme de Terre River, from which the rising steam and mist make their breathtaking appearance in the winter, as she often commented.  Kathy was a generous, caring, and thoughtful person to all.

She is survived by her mother Solveig Dahl of Barrett; siblings Pat (Lee) Ronhovde of Barrett, Karen (Steve) Ellis of Barrett, Jon (Rebecca) Dahl of Northfield, and Thomas Dahl of Barrett; nieces and nephews Anna (Tom) Edens of Burnsville, Gina Ronhovde of Arcadia, CA, Kate (Patrick) Ellis-Smith of Minneapolis, Andrew Dahl of Pittsburgh, PA, Patrick Ellis of Brooklyn, NY, and Eric Dahl of Madison, WI; grandnieces Hadley Edens and Berit and Audra Ellis-Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her father, James Dahl; grandparents Sigvart and Bernice Dahl, and Guttorm and Christine Olson.

Private services will be held at a later date.