Lance Dahl

If you ever met Lance Dahl, chances are you walked away laughing—or at least shaking your head with a smile. Lance, age 63, of Hatton, ND, passed away peacefully in his home on May 8, 2025. Born in Northwood, ND, to Orphie and Ardyce (Lorenson) Dahl, he graduated from Northwood Public School in 1980, where he probably talked through most of his classes and made fast friends with every teacher, janitor, and lunch lady.

Lance was baptized at Stjordalen Lutheran Church, with Leslie and Edna Gensrich proudly standing as his sponsors (and probably already aware they had signed on for a wild ride). Most recently, he worked with the crew at Gowan Construction in Oslo, MN, where he was known as much for his strong work ethic as he was for his stories—some of which might not have been entirely PG-rated.

Never one to let a stranger stay a stranger for long, Lance had a gift for turning any casual chat into a comedy set or therapy session—sometimes both. He loved making people laugh. If there was a joke to tell, a friend to help, or a project to tinker with, Lance was your guy. He was a jack of all trades with a mind full of ideas and a garage full of “just the right parts.” One of his favorite creative outlets was repurposing old wooden spools into beautiful tables, benches and rockers, many of which he donated to fundraisers and the Sox for Kids auction—adding heart to his handiwork.

He was an avid enthusiast of various recreational activities, excelling in bowling with a perfect 300 game, and enjoyed playing darts and bingo. His passion extended to motorsports, where he attended and appreciated car, motorcycle, and vintage snow cat races.

Lance was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Katherine Dahl, niece Tawnya Blackburn, and a host of treasured aunts, uncles, and friends who are probably already getting an earful up there.

Lance is survived by his siblings: Owen (Debbie) Dahl of Silver Bay, MN, Susan (Terry McEwan) Dahl of San Tan Valley, AZ, Al (Cheri) Dahl of Queen Valley, AZ, and Cindy Dahl of Grand Forks, ND. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Jen French. His nieces, and nephews Joel (Stephanie) Dahl, Ryan (Lisa Wilson) Dahl, Jessica (Justin) Steward, Adam (Shelby) Dahl, and Jessilyn Vizenor, as well as great-nieces and nephews Brandon Blackburn, Ryley Dahl, Eve Dahl, Tommy Dahl, Hunter Steward, and Hannah Steward. He will also be deeply missed by many cousins, friends, and especially his close friend and brother from another mother Dan Beine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lance’s memory are appreciated. His life was a testament to kindness, creativity, and the simple power of connection—and those who knew him will carry his memory with warmth and gratitude. If you really want to honor Lance, strike up a conversation with a stranger today and tell a story that makes them laugh.

Lance’s Celebration of Life will be in Hatton ND at a later date.

Lance will be laid to rest at Northwood Cemetery beside his parents. Arrangements are entrusted to Bilden-Askew Funeral Home of Northwood, ND.