Robert Eugene Dahl was born the son of Walter and Leona Dahl. He graduated from Meadow Grove High School in 1951. On September 12, 1954 he was united in marriage to Shirley Sharples at a ceremony in Tilden Ne. Six children were born to them.

My father was born and raised in rural Meadow Grove. He served his country in the United States Army from July 1955 to May 1957, with basic training in Camp Chaffe in Arkansas and went on to serve 17 months in Korea. 

After returning from the service my father lived and farmed in the Tilden area before retiring in 2004. He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Tilden, where he served on the church council. My dad was also a proud member of the Tilden American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was deeply involved in the Madison County Rangers for many years. 

My dad was a farmer, through and through. He worked so hard for so many years. For more years then I can remember, the Dahl Family milked cows, raised hogs and cattle and of course grew corn and beans. It was always all hands on deck with this family. I remember many summers "turning" hay bales so they could be loaded on the hay rack then stacked to be used later. I can smell the silage as my dad cut the corn and it shot back into the wagon, later to be put in the silage pit. I can see my dad taking the tractor up to feed the milk cows, horses and calves as I sat  on the back step of our house and watching my dad do many of the farming chores in the dark. Days were long and filled with work. My dad never seemed to get tired. 

My dad had a love for John Deere equipment. Everything was green at the Dahl Farm. He took great pride in his crops, livestock and the "green machines". I of course didn't realize during my  years growing up on the farm just how many hats my dad wore everyday: husband, father, farmer, banker, veterinarian, repairman, carpenter, truck driver and of course peace keeper (there were 5 kids, he had to do that a lot). My dad loved what he did and it showed as you drove onto the farm. 

When my dad finally got us kids out of the house, he and mom found time to fish. Oh, did they love to fish. With camper packed and fishing boat in tow, away they went on some great fishing trips. He talked often of the trips, the 'great catches" and those that got away. It was great to see my dad finally take time for himself. 

My youngest son Jayden has memories of grandpa "taking him to the creek" to fish. Bullheads were the main catch of the day during those trips but oh the memories they made!