Helen Peik Dahl

Dahl, Helen Peik died peacefully on October 8, 2012 in Minneapolis. She was the cherished daughter of Katherine L. and Wesley E. Peik, dean of the University of Minnesota College of Education from 1938 until his death in 1951. Helen graduated from Marshall High School at age 16 and studied medicine at the U of M, class of 1946. She married classmate James C. Dahl and raised three children. They divorced in 1998. For most of her career Helen worked at the U's Boynton Health Service, with a stint as house physician at Dayton's Department Store. She was a gender pioneer in her field, balancing career and family at a time when there was little support for supermoms. We miss her quick wit, sparkling eyes and ready smile. She enjoyed travel, fine dining, and a good mystery novel. A stellar crossword and Scrabble player, she got goosebumps listening to classical music. Helen has donated her body to the U's medical school for study and there will be no funeral. A memorial celebration of her life is planned for a later date to be announced in this newspaper. Helen is survived by children Christine (Scot Anderson), Jim (Robin) and Nancy (Bruce Martinson), the children's father, James C. Dahl, and grandchildren J.T., Tommy and Trevor Dahl, and Lisa and Kristin Ankeny. Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Medical Foundation, the U of M Foundation for the College of Education & Human Development, or donor's choice.