Karen Diane Dahl

"I thank you, Lord, for giving me so many people and the opportunities to love. Grant that I do not fail them." Karen Dahl passed away Monday May 4, 2026 at Saints Mary's Hospital emergency room surrounded by her loving family from complications of pancreatic cancer. She had been ill since July 3, 2024. Karen Diane Dahl was born to Vernon and Margaret (Hogenson) Wold on September 14, 1947 in Decorah, Iowa. As a daughter of proud SE Minnesota farmers, she enjoyed the family farm and caring for 4-H animals. She often shared about her amazing Christian family upbringing. Karen graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1965. She went on to Winona State College graduating with a B.S. in Education. She spent her entire career teaching. 4th and 5th graders in the Rochester Public Schools system. Retiring early in May of 2004 after 33 years of continuous service.

Mom loved socializing with everyone. She enjoyed playing cards, puzzles, coffee with friends and designing and handcrafting greeting cards. She very much enjoyed running into and talking with former students which happened often. She has been a long time member of Faith United Methodist Church of Eyota, MN. Mom first battled stomach cancer in early 2000. In which she gallantly fought and won with the help of her supportive family. She went on to travel all over the United States, attending plays, taking girls trips to the cabin, and spending winters in Green Valley Arizona with her second family. Karen never met a stranger, always lived life to the fullest, always had a bright, positive, outlook no matter the circumstance.

She is survived by a daughter, Tracy Alexander (Phillip) of Eyota, MN, a son, Tony (Lisa) Dahl of Rochester, MN ,son-n-law Junior Alexander of Chatfield, MN, a sister, Sandy Gordan of Spring Grove, MN, brother, Arlo (Jay) Wold of St. Charles, MN, grandson, Rick (Linsay) of Chatfield, MN, a granddaughter, Heather (Isaac) Mills of Fargo, ND, a grandson Zachery Van Nurden of Byron, MN and four great-grandchildren Addison, Elliot, Gus, and Addeline. She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents.

Celebration of life will be held at Faith United Methodist Church of Eyota, MN. Saturday, May 23 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior.

Memorials are suggested to Faith United Methodist Church of Eyota, MN. or American Cancer Society.