Leon A. Dahle, 82

Leon A. Dahle, age 82, of Morristown, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of October 13, 2024.

Dad was born on August 4, 1942, the eldest son of Armin Dahle and Donna (Borchardt) Dahle of Morristown.  Growing up on the farm outside of town, he was active in many outdoor activities, including the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Morristown High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a sonarman on the USS Randolph. While serving on the Randolph, he was a witness to and an active participant in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Mercury Space program, helping to retrieve the Mercury Astronauts upon their return from space. After leaving active duty, he continued his service to his country in the Naval Reserve as an Intelligence Officer until his retirement as a Commander in 1995.

When he returned home from his active-duty military service, he began a course of study at Rochester Junior College, completing his teaching degree at Mankato State University. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Shirley Marie Geisler, daughter of Robert and Darlene Geisler of Silver Bay. They were united in marriage on April 12, 1969.

Leon and Shirley founded Dahle Sod Farms in 1969, a business that continues to provide the best turfgrass in southern Minnesota. Leon took great pride in his attention to detail and making the Earth greener one yard at a time, regarding his vocation as “cultivating the skin of the Earth.”

Never one to shirk a task, Dad thrived on service to others.  Whether it was the American Legion, the Boy Scouts, coaching Youth Marksmanship, the Riverside Cemetery board, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church council, Turf Producers International, or any of a host of other organizations, if something needed to be done, Dad didn’t hesitate to step forward to volunteer.

When he had time to spare, Dad enjoyed flying his Aeronca Chief, canoeing the Cannon River with his dog, tending a fire in the company of friends and family, and dancing to a good polka.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry and nephew Jeff, and is survived by his wife Shirley, his sons Nathan (Heather), Tim (Katie), Chris (Teya), and Brian (Shawna), his siblings Lonnie and Linda, and his grandchildren Victoria, Hanna, Wren, Quinn, Josiah, Noah, and Skyler, all of whom he was very proud. 

Leon had a positive impact on his family and his community, and he will be missed.

Memorial services will be held on November 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morristown. Interment and military rites provided by American Legion Post #149, Morristown, at Riverside Cemetery, Morristown.

Visitation will be at Boldt Funeral Home in Faribault on November 1, from 3 to 7 p.m., and at the church for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Morristown, the American Legion Post 149 Scouting program, or donor’s choice.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad.

Visit www.boldtfuneralhome.com for more information and the guestbook.