Robert L. Dahl

Robert ‘Bob’ Lawrence Dahl, 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 11, 2026, at MercyOne in Mason City, Iowa.

A family celebration of Bob’s beautiful life has been held.

Bob was born on April 18, 1961, in Mason City to Peggy and Herb Dahl. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1979 and Luther College in 1983 with a degree in accounting. Bob excelled in academics, especially math. He went on to take classes in actuary at the University of Wisconsin.

We were blessed to call Bob our little brother and our big brother. Born fifth of the eight of us we each have our own cherished memories of our beloved brother. And countless shared memories.

What we admired most about Bob was his kind, compassionate, empathetic, and caring heart. Our joy was his joy. What we loved most about Bob was just the ease of being in his company.

If you were to take a cross-country road trip you would want Bob in the front seat with you. You’d spend the entire trip talking and laughing, especially about all the hilarious movies and episodes of Seinfeld you’ve ever seen. Bob was so quick-witted, such an attentive listener, and a great storyteller of childhood memories. It would be the best trip.

Bob was a lifelong learner studying a variety of subjects in depth. His ability to remember facts and quotes was amazing. If you were playing a trivia game you’d definitely want him on your team. Bob would know every answer, especially in the comedy and history categories.

Bob was a loving and wonderful son. He was a devoted and extraordinary caregiver to our mom for many years. To his many nieces and nephews he was a much-loved and fun uncle who would always listen to the details of their lives and cheer them on. He taught them everything from how to play golf to how to draw Ninja Turtles.

Everyone loved his keen sense of humor, easy-going nature, and having long conversations about everything under the sun.

Bob enjoyed following track and swim meets and Vikings, Hawkeyes, and Cyclones games. He was an excellent bowler and ping-pong player who was impossible to beat no matter how many tournaments we had. He had a beautiful bass singing voice and was a talented artist.

There was such a sweetness about Bob. He loved the simple joys in life from finding a spot for a picnic in Clear Lake to being by the ocean watching the waves roll in.

We love and miss our brother Bob beyond all expression. It will always be the eight of us.

Bob is survived by: siblings Dan (Denise) Dahl, Julie (Lance) Soliah, Ellen Slothouber, Barb (Wade) Houg, Janice (Pat) McGowan, Karen (Drew) Kosmowski, Diane (Mike) Fitzgerald; nieces and nephews Nina (Erik), James (Rachel), John, Kristin (Paul), Matt, Stefanie, Nichole, Meagan (Sean), Michael (Elizabeth), Lauren (Bryan), Kaitlyn, Sean (Ella), Kelly, James (Gabbie), Amanda, Emily, Zach (Daniela), Luda (Eli), Nick (Eva); great-nieces and nephews Logan, Livia, Eleanor, Clara, Louis, Anna, Miley, Ashton, Magnus, Aksel, Harriet, Henry, Liam, Jordyn, Brynn, Jack, Nolan, and Noah.

Bob was preceded in death by: parents Herb and Peggy Dahl and great-nephew Noah Lucas.

Our family would like to thank Mayo Clinic and Mercy One’s healthcare providers for their kind and expert care of Bob during his illness.

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City where Bob was baptized and confirmed.