John O. Dahl

Dahl, John O.MONONA/MADISON-John O. Dahl, age 81, of Monona passed away on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born on Nov. 10, 1929, in Madison, the son of Clarence and Aleda (Bjelda) Dahl. John graduated from Madison East High School in 1947. He married his highschool sweetheart, Ardell Matteson on Sept. 8, 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison and that same year graduated from U.W.-Madison with a B.S. degree in civil engineering. He then served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. John owned and operated John Dahl Construction Co, Inc., starting in residential and then expanded into commercial buildings. He was very proud of his work, especially his subdivision in Cottage Grove, buildings at Truax Field and the many University of Wisconsin campus buildings he built. John, always very proud of his Norwegian heritage, was a longtime resident of Monona where he raised his family and was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. John was a pilot, enjoyed curling, boating on the Mississippi River with friends and family and playing cards. He also was an avid car collector, with Ford Thunderbirds always his favorite. He also enjoyed snowmobiling with friends and family and was a life member of the Madison Curling Club. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ardell; sons, John (Holly) Dahl Jr. of Hendersonville, N.C. and Mike (Carolyn) Dahl of Cottage Grove; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Dahl; and sister, Sybil Armstrong. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, with the funeral service to follow at 6:30 p.m. Private entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Oak Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may wish to consider a memorial to Madison Curling Club or St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.Gunderson East Cemetery: Private entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, with the funeral service to follow at 6:30 p.m.