Solveig Dahl

Solveig “Sully” Constance Dahl, a life-long resident of Barrett, died peacefully on September 11 at Rolling Hills Residence with her family at her side. She was born on November 2, 1928, at home in rural Barrett to Christine (Skare) and Guttorm Olson. Baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, she graduated as Salutatorian from Barrett High School in 1946. 

Solveig married James P. (Jim) Dahl in 1947. They had five children: Katherine, Patricia, Karen, Jon, and Thomas. Except for Jim’s time in the Navy, he and Solveig lived in Barrett all their lives, most of it at their home on “the point” on Barrett Lake. There, she was both a homemaker and an important partner and helper in the family beekeeping business, which they started together and for which she provided many contributions—from the small to the demanding extracting, or harvest, duties. Solveig was a member of Ladies’ Aid/WELCA at Our Savior’s/Peace Lutheran Churches, The American Legion Auxiliary, and helped with many school functions and community dinners. Peace Church and her faith remained important to her always and to the last.

Beyond her first love of family, her great joys were related to words and language. Solveig loved: reading, poetry, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and Jeopardy! Puns and jokes were shared and appreciated, eliciting laughter, or groans—if you really got her. She liked to keep up on current events; newspapers and periodicals were always on the kitchen table. She especially enjoyed drawing and music, often striking into songs related to the current situation. As the daughter of an immigrant from Norway, Solveig loved all things related to her Norwegian heritage. The Dahl home was the meeting place for family celebrations, family reunions and gatherings, as well as a welcome spot for friends and neighbors to drop in and enjoy some coffee and a warm visit—and always laughter.

She was preceded in death by husband James, daughter Katherine, grandson Eric Dahl, brothers Orvin, Joseph, Hilmey, Clifford, Gary, Harold, and Orvin (Ole) Olson, sisters Myrtle Stensland, Gunhild Erickson, and Borgne Parker. 

She is survived by her children: Pat (Lee) Ronhovde, Karen (Steve) Ellis, Jon (Rebecca) Dahl, and Tom Dahl. Grandchildren: Anna (Tom) Edens, Gina Ronhovde, Andrew (Lucio) Dahl, Kate (Patrick) Ellis-Smith, and Patrick Ellis. Great-granddaughters: Hadley Edens, and Berit and Audra Ellis-Smith. Brother Walter (Arlene) Olson, sisters-in-law: Nancy Olson, Joyce Nelson, Shirley (Dale) Kongslie, Linda Dahl; brother in-law Dean (Anne) Dahl, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Blessed be the memory of Solveig. 

In lieu of flowers please give to a charity of your choice; undesignated memorials will go to The James P. and Solveig C. Dahl Scholarship at the University of Minnesota, Morris. 

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Burial at Union Cemetery in Barrett.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.