Gary Glenn Dahl

Gary Glenn Dahl, 82, of Peru, passed away at 4:23 PM on Sunday, October 1, 2023 surrounded by his family at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday at the Waltham Presbyterian Church with Rev. Roy Backus officiating. Visitation will be in the Waltham Presbyterian Church on Friday from 4-7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be on Saturday in the church from 9:30 AM until time of services. Full military services will be conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group at the church following the service. Cremation rites will follow. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements. Funeral services will be live streamed via the Hurst Funeral Home Facebook page.

Gary was born December 5, 1940 in Lake Mills, Iowa to Glenn & Evelyn (Hanson) Dahl.  Gary spent his younger years enjoying life on the farm with his four sisters and brother.  Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1962, working as a helicopter mechanic.  

Gary married the love of his life, Deb, on October 12, 2002.  This brought together a wonderful blended family.  Gary and Deb, best friends, held hands as they walked through life traveling, giving to their community, and spending time with family and friends (not to mention a few trips to casinos). 

Gary has five children, Teresa Dahl-Taylor, who passed away in1992, Kimberley Dahl, Ronald (Angela) Dahl, Sherry Wilkinson, Deborah Dahl, as well as two step-children, Jeremy (April) McIntosh and Samantha (Chris) Reum. 

Grandkids were treasured by Gary. He had 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren who filled his heart with joy.

Gary was a truck driver who then founded his own small business, Double D Express, in 1985.  He grew the business from three trucks and drivers to 100 trucks, 350 trailers, and 200 employees.  He found treasured friendships with people he met in the transportation world; some were carrier partners while others were members of organizations such as MidWest Truckers Association.  When Gary was ready to retire, he wanted to share his good fortune with the people that made it possible, the employees.  

As Gary and his wife Deb were preparing for retirement, Gary decided he wanted to make a difference in Springfield for the people of the 38th district by running for Illinois State Senate.  Gary spent his “in session” time living in an RV in Springfield, donating his salary to charity and being a voice for the people.  In 2010, Gary resigned to spend more time with his family.

Gary was a philanthropist and gave back to numerous charities in his community for many years.  

Gary will be remembered most for his integrity, sincerity, loving heart, and kind soul.  He truly was the rock of his family.  He was a loyal friend, trusted teacher, and the best hugger.

He is survived by his wife, Deb, four children and two step-children, his sister Dorothy Gesme, and all of his grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa, both of his parents, three sisters, DeLoris Hanna, Darlene Madson, Carol Christenson and his brother, George Dahl.  

In lieu of flowers, the Dahl family is asking for donations to be made in honor of Gary to a charity of your choice. 

Pallbearers will be Kailey Dahl-Caldwell, Savanna Barclay, Michael Milasuski, Ashley McIntosh, Josephine McIntosh-Trovero, Jillian Reum, and Ella Reum.

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