Irvin Dahlberg

Irvin Willard Dahlberg, Lt. Col. US Air Force (retired)

Irvin Willard Dahlberg, 79, Lt. Col. US Air Force (retired), died peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on June 3, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at Fellowship United Methodist Church, where Irv was a charter member, in Bossier City on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.

Irv was born October 19, 1933, in Poplar, MT, to Henning August Victor and Sellstine Marie Nelson Dahlberg and was raised in Brockton and Culbertson, MT.

Irv received a Civil Engineering degree from Montana State University and then received a commission into the US Air Force, where he served as Radar Navigator flying the B-52 bomber. Irv married the love of his life, Ruth Marie Bokenkroger, on December 21, 1955, in Sheridan, WY. Together they raised three children, Bruce Dale, Jeffery David, and Diane Debra. Irv and his family were stationed in many places throughout his career while serving tours in Vietnam and Guam during the 1970's. He subsequently became the Director of Intelligence for the Second Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA, from which and where he retired from service in 1978. While serving his country, he received numerous service awards including the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Upon his military retirement, Irv stayed active, owning and operating a gas station, receiving a Petroleum Engineering degree from Louisiana Tech University, dealing blackjack, and supporting his grandchildren in their various activities. He enjoyed many years of racquetball and cards with very dear friends and family. Irv loved volunteering and was a member of the Bossier Exchange Club, Disabled Veterans organizations, and Fellowship United Methodist Church.

Irv was preceded in death by his parents and by his older sister Glady and her husband Rev. Jim Peterson. Irv is survived by his wife of 57 years Ruth, his children Bruce, Jeff and wife Lisa, and Diane and husband Dennis Clark, his grandchildren Ben and Claire Clark, David and Andrew Dahlberg, and Regan and Riley DeQuasie, his brother Elmer and wife Barbara, sister-in-law Lu Ann Nauman and husband Alan, brother-in-law Bryan Bokenkroger and wife Lynn, special nieces and nephews, countless other relatives and friends, and his beloved dog Sparky. Irv (Papaw) was very proud of his children and grandchildren but not nearly as proud as they are of him.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many doctors and staff that cared for Irv throughout his life.

The honorary pallbearers include: Ben Clark, David Dahlberg, Andrew Dahlberg, Jarrett Hammond, Bill Ringler, Dutch Ehrlinspiel, Frank Seal, and Malcolm A. Yarnell, Jr.