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 31 st 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.