John Douglas Dahl

John Douglas Dahl

Fairfield

John Douglas Dahl, 94, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at his home. Funeral services honoring his life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the Living Hope Bible Church, Hospice Compassus, or the Fairfield Walton Club and may be mailed to 615 15th Ave., Amana, IA 52203. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfunerlahome.com.

John Douglas Dahl was born on April 27, 1931, in Fairfield, IA to Brock and Lola Johnson Dahl. He was a 1949 graduate of Fairfield High School and spent two years at Parsons College before entering the workforce. On June 15, 1958, he married Melva L Frescoln at the Batavia Methodist Church. This was the first chapter in a love story that lasted 66 years until Melva's passing on June 27, 2024. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2008 by working together at the Southeast Iowa Skeet Club Trap Shoot!

John worked for several years for Jefferson County before taking a job with the ANR Pipeline. He worked at a Pipeline Foreman and Engineer from 1958 until his retirement in 1993. John also built many lasting relationships through Dahl Shooting Supplies which he operated from 1966 until 2024.

John attended Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA where he very much enjoyed seeing his church family and the many children who attended the service. He was a favorite with the kids as he often cut up donuts to share with them on Sundays. John's journey in faith began as a boy where he grew up and was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Fairfield.

John was active in community organizations such as the BPOE Elk Club #1192, Clinton Masonic Lodge and Masonic Brothers, Kaaba Shrine, Walton Golf Club, Iowa State Trap Shooting Association, Amateur Trapshooting Association, and Pheasants Forever, just to name a few. He also helped to form the Southeast Iowa Skeet Club in 1960 and served as treasurer for nearly 50 years.

John was an avid hunter and took many hunting trips to western states, Texas, and even Canada. He hunted all kinds of wild game including elk, moose, bear, wild goat, wild boar, deer, and many others. When he put down the rifle, he would often pick up a golf club and spend time on the course. He was fortunate enough to hit a “Hole in One" in September of 2014. John was always willing to play a hand of cards and spent many Thursday or Saturday afternoons playing with friends at the Walton Club or on Monday afternoon at the VFW. John spent 94 years making a positive impact on the world and the people around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and his community.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Melva (2024); one sister, Jean DeRoma and her husband, Chick.

Left to share his story are his sister-in-law, Ruth Riggs, and a legacy of nephews and nieces; Dan DeRoma, David DeRoma, Nancy Harris, Kim DeRoma, Andrea Haldy, and Joe Walker; a very special friend, Aaron Burke, as well as many extended family and friends.