Von Dahl

Von Paul Dahl, 81-year-old longtime Buffalo resident passed away Friday, May 10^th in Billings, Montana following a short illness.

Von was born on November 29, 1942, in Deadwood, South Dakota to Paul and Edna Dahl. He grew up and attended school in Spearfish, South Dakota, and graduated with the class of 1961. After high school, he attended Black Hills State College where he received a B.S. in Education and met the love of his life, Mary Ann Supik.  On August 22, 1966, they were married in Gregory, South Dakota. The newlyweds made their home in Kaycee, Wyoming where Von taught Science and Social Studies at the middle school, high school and at the Barnum School. He was later principal for all grades and coached the boys’ basketball team. In 1978 they moved to Douglas where he was the principal for surrounding rural schools. During the summer, Von attended the University of Wyoming to get a master’s degree in administration. The family moved to Buffalo in 1980 when he became the Assistant Superintendent for Johnson County.  He was selected as the Superintendent in 1986 and continued in that position until his retirement. During his years as superintendent, he served as a member on the Wyoming State Board of Education. After retiring he became Executive Director of the Wyoming Association of School Administrators, a position he held for several years. His commitment to education was recognized when the Association created the Von Dahl Champion of Education Award. The award is the highest non-member award presented by the Association, given to individuals who make a significant, positive difference in Wyoming K-12 education. His commitment to youth and education was recognized when he received the Wyoming Superintendent of the Year Award in 1995. Von was also honored with the 125 Accomplished Alumni from Black Hills State University.  

Von was an avid outdoorsman, and he passed this passion on to his sons and grandchildren. He shared his love for the outdoors, creating memories with them on the golf course and in the mountains hunting and fishing. One of his favorite things was to have everyone together to hunt in the Black Hills every year. He also enjoyed spring training baseball games, following his Cleveland Indians and he was always up for a friendly wager. His true passion was his grandchildren, attending baseball games, track meets, wrestling tournaments, concerts, and a dance recital.  

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann of Buffalo; three sons, James Dahl and his wife Shanna of Laramie, Wyoming, Bryan Dahl and his wife Kris of Peoria, Arizona and Brett Dahl and his wife Cindy of Prescott Valley, Arizona; one brother Dennis Dahl and his wife Carole of Spearfish, South Dakota; nine grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Ashlyn, Gabriel, Owen, Eli, Grace, Tyler and Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edna Dahl, and one brother Gerald Dahl. A private family interment will take place at a later date Officiated by Father Jim Heiser.  A simple celebration of life luncheon will be held on June 9th, beginning at noon at 33 Meade Creek Road, between Buffalo and Sheridan.  Memorial contributions in Von’s memory may be made to Make a Wish Wyoming at 236 W 1st St, Casper, WY 82601, or the website www.wish.org/wyoming. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com