Buz Dahl

In his own words, Buz Dahl expired on November 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with ALS in Ramsey, Minnesota. 

Buz grew up in Canton, SD with his mother, Lavonne, father, Darwin, and brother, Kirt. He was involved in cross country, basketball, track, and music in school. He went on to attend Concordia College, Moorhead where he continued his track career. He participated in many events but excelled at pole vault. In pole vault he earned the opportunity to participate in the NCAA Division III National Track Meet and held the Concordia Pole Vault record for over 30 years. While at Concordia sport wasn’t the only goodness bestowed upon Buz, there he also met the love of his life, Carol. They married in 1983. Buz and Carol taught in Magnolia, Texas for 2 years  before moving back to the Midwest to be near family. Buz taught at Coon Rapids  Middle School, Fred Moore Middle School, and Sandburg Middle School. He was a  natural teacher and building relationships with his students was a huge priority for  him. During his time off, Buz spent countless rounds on the golf course. He enjoyed  golfing on his own and with buddies, and, ever the teacher and mentor, offered  lessons for both golf and life. Along with his partner, Dan, he won the Men’s League  Net Doubles Matchplay Championship twice. 

Family was everything to Buz. Buz and Carol had 3 children: Joelle, Tori, and  Duncan. His pride and love for his children was beyond measure. He also got to  share in the joy of adding to the family a son-in-law, John,and a granddaughter,  Everly. He showed his love and compassion for his family in countless ways: his  silliness, his worrying, his hugs, his acts of service. Building a strong community was  important to him, so Buz was active in church teaching Sunday School and  Confirmation, singing in choir, and serving on the church council. He also coached  many basketball and baseball teams. Buz was a giving, kind, and caring individual  who made the world a better place. We miss him terribly but he lives on in our  hearts. 

Buz was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvina and Henry Aasheim, and his mother-in-law, Jean Pearson. 

Buz is survived by his wife of 38 years, Carol; children, Joelle (John) Crannick, Tori, and Duncan; granddaughter, Everly; parents, Lavonne and Darwin; brother, Kirt (Kim); father-in-law, Tom Pearson; brother-in-law, Bob (Maureen) Pearson, along with other loving family and friends. 

A memorial service will be held in late spring. Date, time, and place will be provided in the Star Tribune. Buz spent his life caring about others, so in lieu of flowers,  memorials may be sent to ALS Association MN Chapter, Concordia College or Zion  Lutheran Church.