Peggy Dahl

Peggy Joy Dahl, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 21, 2024, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa. A family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Peggy was born on December 29, 1929, to June and James Breckel in Marshalltown, IA. She graduated from Mason City High School in the Class of 1947. After graduation, Peggy worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for three years.

Then the fairy tale began. When Peggy and Herb met it was love at first sight. They were married on June 2, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. Their marriage of over 60 years was filled with love, humor, and kindness. They were blessed with eight children, nineteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Peggy was an extraordinary mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and great-grandmother. It was amazing how she could manage the busy schedules of eight children, but she did it with love and hard work! She was very gentle and nurturing and the best listener and cheerleader to everyone. Her grandchildren loved to hear, “We’re going to Grandma’s house!” She knew every single family member’s favorite things to have on hand and for such a big family that was a special and much-appreciated gift. She avidly kept up with each of her children’s and grandchildren’s interests and had a special connection with each. She was vibrant, fun, and passed on so much wisdom. Whether in person or over many phone calls, she was always there for her family.

Peggy showed remarkable strength and resilience throughout her whole life. She lived her life with unwavering faith and prayer and reading the Bible. Trinity Lutheran was a lifelong meaningful place for her and her family. Over the years Peggy also enjoyed being in a book club, church circle, hosting music Etude Club, being a girl and boy scout leader, and in her early twenties, Mother’s Club at Trinity, where she met lifelong friends. Peggy and Herb enjoyed many great potlucks with this group of friends. 

Peggy had many interests and always strived to learn new things. Her love of reading began at a young age. She couldn’t put a good mystery or biography down and she loved classic literature. The public library was one of Peggy’s favorite places, regularly taking her children, and checking out books and art for herself. She was a history buff and had a vast knowledge of many topics. Peggy loved music and made sure her children took piano and music lessons. She taught herself how to play piano in her sixties. She loved plays and musicals, PBS, old movies and television shows, sports, and traveling with Herb. She enjoyed collecting books, Old World Santas, angels, and Beanie Babies for her grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress, making beautiful clothes and prom dresses, and her children fondly remember watching her sew. She made special occasions festive and memorable, especially Christmas, making Swedish meatballs, fish and lefse, and favorite desserts for a houseful. She brought so much joy and kindness to all.

She dearly loved her family and was loved beyond measure. We will always love and miss and appreciate our parents/grandparents, Peggy and Herb, and feel comforted knowing they are together cheering us on.

Peggy is survived by her children, Reverend Daniel (Denise) Dahl, Julie (Lance) Soliah, Ellen Slothouber, Barbara (Wade) Houg, Bob Dahl, Janice (Patrick) McGowan, Karen (Drew) Kosmowski, and Diane (Mike) Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Nina (Erik) McMichael, James (Rachel) Soliah, John Soliah, Kristin (Paul) Engle, Matt Soliah, Stefanie Slothouber, Nichole Slothouber, Meagan (Sean) Nelson, Michael (Elizabeth) Houg, Lauren (Bryan) Oates, Kaitlyn Houg, Sean (Ella) McGowan, Kelly McGowan, James (Gabbie) McGowan, Amanda McGowan, Emily McGowan, Zach Ibbotson, Luda (Eli) Kosmowski, and Nick Kosmowski; great- grandchildren, Logan and Livia McMichael, Eleanor and Clara Soliah, Louis and Anna Engle, Miley Slothouber, Ashton Lemke, Magnus and Aksel Nelson, Henry and Liam Oates, Harriet Houg, Brynn McGowan, and Nolan Gedyon; she is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Webb.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herb; great-grandson, Noah Lucas; and her sister, Marilyn Klepper. 

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or St. Croix Hospice.