Nancy Elaine Dahl
Nancy Elaine Dahl, 79, of Mentor, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, at McIntosh Senior Living in McIntosh, Minnesota, surrounded by her loving family.
Nancy was born on November 29, 1946, in International Falls, Minnesota, to Morris Alton and Jean Lois (Bucholz) Stenberg. Nancy grew up in Prescott, Arizona, and International Falls, before settling in Thief River Falls. Nancy graduated from Thief River Falls High School with the Class of 1965.
On June 12, 1965, Nancy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Wayne Engvald Dahl at the Evangelical Free Church in Thief River Falls. Together they shared 61 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two daughters, Heidi and Angela, who became Nancy’s greatest pride and joy. Nancy felt especially blessed to be able to stay home and raise her daughters during their younger years.
The couple lived in Moorhead, Minnesota, before purchasing land near Glyndon, where they built their family home. There they owned and operated Dahl’s Nursery, a family business that provided landscaping services, flowers, and Christmas trees to the community.
Nancy and Wayne later made their home on Maple Lake in Mentor, MN, where Nancy loved being out on the water and cruising on the boat. But more than anything she loved how the lake brought the family together, for family time, good food and making memories. She delighted in watching her family enjoy the lake though she was often found on the deck calling out to her swimming grandkids, “that’s far enough” or “where is Zach?” The lake was a place of laughter, togetherness and countless cherished memories for Nancy and the family she loved so dearly.
Faith was an important part of Nancy’s life, woven into every aspect of who she was. She and Wayne were longtime members of Brookdale Baptist Church in Moorhead, where they worshiped and formed many lasting friendships through the years. Her relationship with the Lord brought her great joy and peace throughout her life. She shared her faith not only through her words and scripture, but also through song, always singing hymns. If you were near Nancy, chances are you could hear the gospel being sung. Her deep and unwavering faith was a legacy she passed down through the generations to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nancy’s greatest treasure was her family. She delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
She is lovingly survived by her husband, Wayne Dahl of Mentor, MN; daughters, Heidi (Chip) Tranby of Fargo, ND, and Angela (Larry) Swenson of Cando, ND; grandchildren, Jacob (Christine) Tranby of Norwood-Young America, MN, Justin Morken of Scottsdale, AZ, Hope (David) Tompkins of Fargo, ND, Zachary Morken of Grand Forks, ND, and Emily Morken of Chandler, AZ; great-grandchildren, Holly Tranby, Harper Tompkins, Jack Tranby, Boston Tompkins, and Lennon Tompkins; siblings, Sharon (Dennis) McCullough, Morrie (Karen) Stenberg, Gloria (Jerry) Schulte, Cindy (John) Krankkala, and Mark (Kathy) Stenberg; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bob (Carol) Dahl, James (Bonnie) Dahl, and Sandi (Bert) Gjovik; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Jean Stenberg; beloved great-granddaughter, Hadley Elizabeth Tompkins; and her parents-in-law, Engvald and Thelma Dahl.
While we miss her deeply, we find comfort in knowing she is now singing in the presence of her Savior. Until we are reunited, we will carry her with us through the hymns she loved, the Scriptures she cherished, and the love she poured into our family. May her faith and love continue to live on in the generations that follow.
The funeral service to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Evangelical Free Church, 211 Arnold Avenue North, Thief River Falls, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at Rindal Cemetery in New Solum Township, rural Viking, Minnesota.