"Ted" Dahl

Theodore Norman Dahl, affectionately known as Ted, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at his home in Ellendale, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 63.

Born on August 25, 1962, in Albert Lea, MN, at Naeve Hospital, to Clair and Marian (Schmidt) Dahl. Ted's life was a testament to warmth, happiness and the joy of life.

Ted’s education began in Cherokee, Iowa, where he started kindergarten. His family later moved to Ellendale in 1978 and he was later confirmed that year. Throughout his life, Ted's faith was key to his identity and motivation. He was a true man of god, a living testimony of his faith. Ted participated in football, track, wrestling, school plays and choir. He also sang in a group called “Children of the Light.” He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1981. He continued his education at Wartburg College from 1981 to 1983, proudly playing football during his freshman year.

In his career, Ted served his country and community with distinction. He joined the Navy in February 1986 and honorably served until 1990. Upon completing his military service, Ted worked at Hormel from 1985 to 1990 before beginning his career at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault in 1991. He dedicated over twenty-five years to the state system, retiring from the Rush City Correctional Facility as Sergeant in 2017.

Ted’s proudest accomplishments were his marriage to Lyn and becoming and being a father to Alison, Candy, and Jeremiah. Ted and Lyn married on May 8, 1993, at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. The family he nurtured and loved stood at the center of his life, and continues with his love for his grandchildren. Ted also had a passion for fishing, which he shared with his family and close friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lyn; his children Alison (Matt) Maas, Candy Ruch, and Jeremiah (Michelle) Underland; his treasured grandchildren, Tanner, Max, Naomi, Bailey, Cloey, Kamiah, Bryson, and Maezlyn; his mother, Marian Dahl; and his sister, Sherry (Randy) Schott, and many extended family members and friends.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Clair Dahl; his mother-in-law, Elsie Vander Stoep; as well as his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation, 308 7th Avenue, Ellendale MN 56026, on June 1, 2026, from 3 to 6 PM. A memorial service will be held at Owatonna Christian Church, 315 South Grove Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060, on June 2, 2026, beginning at 1 PM, with an hour of visitation prior.

Ted's life was rich with love and laughter, his sense of humor and lighthearted personality endeared him to many, who will miss him dearly.