Rev. Jack Edward Dahl

JACK EDWARD DAHL, age 86 of Waseca, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Born on November 9, 1939 in Madelia, Jack was the son of the late Jack Melford and Velma Mae (Brewer) Dahl. Jack was baptized at First Baptist Church in Owatonna and confirmed his faith at the United Methodist Church in Janesville. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1957. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock. He served honorably and in later years was willing to share more about his experiences during the Vietnam War.

Following his discharge, Jack returned to Janesville and continued his education at Mankato State University and the School of Associated Arts. In November of 1966, Jack met Barbara Elizabeth Radintz of Maple Grove and on August 19, 1967, they were united in marriage.

Following their marriage, he followed his passion for fine arts as a watercolorist, oil painter, and illustrator and opened a studio on the Le Sueur River in rural Janesville. He had a particular love creating artwork representing rural Americana. He later supported his passion for art as a representative for Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL). As a young man, Jack felt called to the holy ministry in the United Methodist Church. He heeded that call later in life and was ordained into the holy ministry on August 11, 1985. He served Lutheran congregations in Iowa and Minnesota, concluding his called ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville.

After retirement, he was blessed to continue his passion for fine arts and was prolific in his work, even winning first prize for his artwork with the Minnesota Watercolor Society. While the top of his desk and drawing table often looked chaotic, Jack was meticulous in his bookkeeping and had an eye for the details in his artwork that many others would overlook. He was a voracious reader, precisely cataloging what he had read. He could often be found curating his many collections of stamps, coins, baseball cards, and toy tractors. As his health failed, he would gather the energy to get himself on the lawnmower and loved maintaining his yard. He loved his family and was so proud of his grandchildren.

During Jack’s brief final illness as he spent a month away from his beloved wife and home, his passion for fine arts, his love for conversation with people, and sharing the love of Christ never wavered. While Jack expressed his not wanting to leave his family and hobbies, his identity was firmly in Christ and he talked repeatedly about wanting to see Jesus.

Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Luke, Andrew (Jill), Elisabeth, and John (Kaaren); and his grandchildren, Erik, Niklas, Jensen, Elin, Kjerstin, Sonja, and Lucia. He is also survived by his brother, James (Dianne), and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Eileen Dahl and a grandson, Samuel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Visitation will be held one hour before services at the church. A time of fellowship with follow the service in the Trinity Discipling Center. Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Corcoran.