Carol A. West-Dahl, age 92, of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Waupaca.
She was born on July 2, 1932 in Menasha, Winnebago County, WI; the daughter of Elwyn and Esther (Knueppel) West. Carol was raised in the Town of Lind, Waupaca County, on the family farm.
Carol’s passion for caring for others led her to nursing school, where she earned a degree as an anesthesiologist nurse. She dedicated her career to serving as a registered nurse in hospitals across Utah and California, where her compassion and skill touched countless lives. She married Lyle Dahl, and together they raised four children: Larry, Lori, Melanie, and Lwyn. Though they later divorced, their shared dedication to their family remained unwavering.
From a young age, Carol had a deep love for animals, nurtured by her parents’ game farm in Lind Center. The farm, home to buffalo, was a popular spot where visitors would gather to witness the feeding of these magnificent creatures. Carol cherished these moments and, during the summers, she would bring her own children to their grandparents’ house, sharing with them her passion for animals and the joy of watching the buffalo.
In the early 1990s, Carol returned to Wisconsin to help care for her elderly parents, demonstrating her deep commitment to family. She was a beloved member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Waupaca, where her faith and kindness were evident to all who knew her.
Beyond her professional and familial roles, Carol was a master gardener with a true green thumb. She was a member of the Waupaca Gardening Club and took great pride in working on the historic Hutchinson House gardens and the Children’s Garden in New London. Her love for gardening brought beauty and joy to her community, and her legacy will bloom in every flower and plant she tended. Carol also enjoyed working on miniatures and dollhouses, often traveling with her friends over the years to admire and visit museums that showcased these intricate creations.
Carol will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her four children: Lawrence “Larry” (Jeannie Ebben) Dahl of Manawa, WI, Lori Dahl of Waupaca, WI, Melanie “Lanie” (Alex) Revelle of Centennial, CO, and Elwyn “Lwyn” Dahl of Caldwell, ID; three grandchildren: Heather “Nicky” Dahl, Lillian “Lily” Dahl, and Gordon Dahl; and also by several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elwyn and Esther West; her biological mother Erna West; and her brother Roy West.
A Graveside Service for Carol will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at the Lind Center Cemetery in the Town of Lind. Pastor Brian Roehrborn will officiate. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
Carol’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Carol’s memory.
HOLLY FUNERAL HOME
526 S. Main Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
www.hollyfuneralhome.com
