Kathleen “Kathy” Dahl, age 70 of Iola passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at her home with her children around her.

Kathleen Mae Dahl was born on December 21, 1949 at Rhinelander Hospital to Lawrence and Opal (Krueger) Dahl. She grew up in Big Falls and graduated from Marion High School in 1968. Kathy attended UW Stevens Point where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She continued on to receive her master’s degree. Kathy began her teaching career with the Platteville School District. She enjoyed investing in the education and lives of the students in Big Falls, Marion and Tigerton School Districts for 30 years. Her passion for learning continued into her role as a Job Placement Trainer at FVTC, Clintonville.

Kathy met her best friend and companion, Arnold “Butch” Craig, and the couple shared many great years together. He preceded her in death in 2015.

Kathy spent most of her life as a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Big Falls. She is a current member of Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, Iola.

In Kathy’s early years, she enjoyed gardening, bowling, fishing, dancing (polkaing in snowshoes), as well as reading and swapping books with friends. Throughout her life, she continued to enjoy reading, music, and gathering with family and friends. From her early years of sewing clothes to her lifetime of needlepoint, cross-stitch, and quilting, Kathy’s love of needlework was always on display. She enjoyed gifting her needlepoint and although offered generous compensation for her work, her time and enjoyment were priceless. Equally meaningful were the quilts that she and the ladies of Hitterdahl quilting group blessed to those in need locally and around the world.

Kathy is survived by two children; Heather (Jeff) Hayes of Clintonville and Lawrence “Larry” (Megan) Dahl of Portage and their two children; Maxwell and Finley Dahl, her four siblings: Amy (Don) Vandeest of Weslaco, TX, Lawrence (Gina Johnson) Dahl of Big Falls, Charles Dahl of Iola, and Gretchen Dahl of Shelbyville, MO. She is further survived by Butch’s children and extended family, her loyal companion; Sasha, 3 furgrands; Chloe, Paddy, and Honey, and many other relatives and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, her parents, and her life partner “Butch”.

A private family service will be held on Friday, December 11th at 1:00 PM at Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, Iola. Rev. Dale Wilson will officiate and burial will follow at Big Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 12:00 Noon until time of service at the church. You may go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card to the family.

To honor Kathy’s passion for learning a donation can be made to Hitterdahl Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers. Donations will be used to purchase educational materials for children in need.