Richard Bruce Dahl

Richard Bruce Dahl, 76, of Billings died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at Billings Advanced Care Hospital, with his wife by his side. Bruce was born to Richard N and Alice Dahl on March 22, 1944, in Madison, Minnesota.

He grew up and attended schools in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1962. Upon graduation, Bruce enlisted in the United States Air Force. Airman Dahl completed the first phase of his military training at Lackland AFB, Texas and was selected for the specialized course on the basis of his interests and aptitudes. He was then reassigned to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas for technical training as a USAF missile mechanic. Bruce was very proud to have worked on the Titan II Missile. After honorable discharge from the USAF in 1966, Bruce entered college. He attended and graduated from Wilmar State Junior College, earning an Associative Arts degree in 1970. After graduation, Bruce worked for the Lac Qui Parle County Highway Department, retiring in 2004 after 34 years. Bruce was a caring son to his parents and a supportive brother to his sister and her family. He was a good friend to many and had strong childhood friendships that continued until his dying day. He spoke highly of them quite often and loved them all very much. Bruce did have some great stories.

In 1989, Bruce was living a quiet bachelor's life in Madison. One summer night, while attending a friend's wedding, he met his soul mate, Jan, a friend of the bride. Bruce and Jan dated long distance for three years. In August of 1992, they were united in marriage in Sidney and Jan moved to Madison to begin their life together. Bruce traded the life of bachelorhood and became the stepdad to four adult daughters, Grandpa Bruce to three grandchildren and big brother to Jan's five younger brothers. He took it all on with a smile. Bruce and Jan celebrated 28 years of marriage in August 2020 and their family has grown to include 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Bruce and Jan moved to Billings in the summer of 2004 to be closer to the kids.

Bruce enjoyed retirement and spent most of his time putzing around the house, watching FOX News, reading the dictionary, taking the 300 to the airport, attending grandkids' activities, eating junk food, drinking Sunkist and enjoying Jan's home cooking and baking. Bruce and Jan enjoyed taking trips to North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Western Montana, Alabama and Arizona. He especially enjoyed their annual trip back to Minnesota to enjoy DeToy's chicken and visit family and friends. Bruce was a quiet man, had strong opinions and was detail oriented. He shared his wisdom with anyone who would listen. He was a patriotic man and loved his country. Bruce enjoyed watching sports and loved the Minnesota Vikings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bruce is survived by his wife Jan; daughters Brenda Zoanni, Becky (Kevin) Hendley, Tracy (Kirby Brown) Cayko, Tammy Johnson; grandchildren Brad (Karli), Derek, Ryan; Bailey (Nathan), Luke, Jacob; Sean, Corey, Cody (Kelsey), Kate (Evan), Elizabeth (Pete), Tabitha (David), Buster, Chad; Kendel (Andrew), Mattie; great-grandchildren Paisley, Addison, Paxton; Hunter, Lucille; Brody, Bridger, Eliza, Ayden, Kyson; nephews Tim Baird, Bruce Baird and nieces Bonnie Aneas, Susie Frost and their families; numerous cousins including Gary (Mary) Nordmeyer and Mary Middlin; brothers-in-law Bill (Debbie) Dishon, Bob (Kim) Dishon, Tim (Vicki) Dishon, Tom (Brenda) Dishon and Terry (Luci) Dishon and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice; sister, Judy Baird; nephew, Mark Baird; his father and mother-in-law, Delbert and Rosie Dishon; son-in-law Loren Zoanni, grandson Mark Zoanni and great-grandson Noah Lamer.

Private family services will be held.