Florence Dahle

Florence Dahle, 100, Montpelier, ND, died Friday, May 29, 2009 in Mesa, AZ.

Florence Laura Dahle was born December 15, 1908 near Marion,
ND. Her father was Rayner Van Oosting, a farmer, known to everyone as "Mike". Her mother was Grace Bleeker. The two met when Grace was working in the cook car on Mike's threshing crew. Grace died of tuberculosis in 1913, just a few days before Florence's fifth birthday. To help with the household, Mike hired Lilly Hudson up from Minneapolis. "Ma" Hudson brought with her a granddaughter, Myrle, who was just Florence's age. The two girls grew up as sisters, and continued to be close until Myrle's death in 2005.From the time she was a little girl Florence knew she wanted to be a teacher. She and Myrle loved playing school, and both found careers in education. Florence graduated from Greenland High School in 1927, and spent that summer in Valley City getting her teaching certificate. In the fall, she returned to Greenland Township to begin her first year of teaching, in a one- room schoolhouse. At the end of that first semester, she turned 19. Florence taught at Greenland until 1934, taking one year off to return to Valley City State Teachers College, and then completing her two-year degree by going to summer sessions. In 1934 she married Abel Dahle and moved to Montpelier. Abe farmed east of town and also ran a trucking business, hauling cattle from nearby farms to the stockyards in West Fargo. Florence would sometimes ride along and they would spend the night in Fargo. One of the hotels there had a good band, and Florence loved to dance; Florence and Abe especially enjoyed the young singer from Millarton, ND, a girl named Peggy Lee.

During WWII Florence started teaching again, this time in Montpelier. She taught until 1946, when her son, Lee, was born. She then took a few years off, but as soon as Lee was in school, Florence was back in the classroom too. She taught continuously in Montpelier from 1953 to 1969, then finished up her career in
Buchanan. Throughout her teaching career she always preferred teaching seventh and eighth graders, often considered a difficult age. She said she found them "interesting".

After Florence retired, she and Abe began seeking warmer climes for the winter, first in Delaware, where Lee was stationed with the Air Force, and then in Arizona. After Abe died in 1977, Florence continued to return to Mesa each winter. She considered it her second home, and enjoyed an active social life there, often going to dances and other events. She passed away at Banner Hospice, in Mesa, on May 29, 2009.

Florence is survived by her son, Lee, of Colorado Springs, CO; two stepbrothers: Jack Egan of Valley City and William Egan of Wimbledon, ND; and by her stepsister, Margaret Undem of Rogers, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Abel Dahle; her half brother, James Van Oosting; and by Myrle Gylden, whom she always considered her dear sister.

Funeral Service - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Montpelier Lutheran Church, Montpelier, ND.

Visitation - 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND

Interment - Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, ND