Our Legacy
Learn about the history and values that shape Dahl's commitment to serving families.
History
While our family has been serving Montana families since 1939, our connection to funeral service goes back even further.
We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
1910's - 1940's
Around 1915, Emil H. Dahl, a skilled blacksmith who had emigrated from Denmark, settled in Rhame, North Dakota. He and his brothers purchased a hardware store that also sold caskets. After attending Worsham's College of Embalming in Chicago in 1927, Emil became a licensed Funeral Director. In 1939, he acquired Nichols Mortuary in Bozeman, Montana, and moved his family of seven there. His son Eldon, a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Science, later joined him in running Dahl Funeral Chapel in Bozeman. For a brief period, most of the family (Mother Alice Dahl, sons Eldon, Raymond and Bernard, and daughter Mary) worked at the funeral home until interrupted by WWII. (Eldon and Raymond enlisted in the US Army Air Corp, Bernard in the US Navy and Mary in the US Army)
1950's - 1980's
In 1955, Bernard Dahl, Howard Retz, and William Brown founded Billings Funeral Service in Billings. Eleven years later, in 1966, Bernard became the sole owner and renamed it Dahl Funeral Chapel. In 1977, Bernard expanded by opening a Dahl Funeral Chapel in Red Lodge, Montana, and consolidated the operations in Bozeman, Billings, and Red Lodge under one unified business. The following year, in 1978, a new chapel was built in Bozeman, which featured the only crematory for a hundred miles. Bernard and his wife, M’Lis, provided compassionate care for families for many years, becoming deeply involved in the community and grief support initiatives. They extended their grief counseling services, forming support groups at local churches, Hospice, and through Stephen Ministries. M’Lis, who sang at numerous funerals, also shared her beautiful artwork, which continues to adorn the funeral homes.
1990's - Present
In 1990, Bernard’s son, John Emil Dahl, joined the family business, followed by his daughter, Irene, in 1991. After graduating from Mt. Hood Community College, John became a licensed funeral director in Montana in 1991, while Irene earned her license in 1997. In 1998, Dahl Funeral Chapels, LLC was established, with John taking the lead in Billings and Irene in Bozeman. They have both continued the family legacy of providing respectful and compassionate service to families. Under their leadership, they have also overseen significant renovations of their funeral chapels, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for all those who walk through our doors.
Continuing our legacy of care
Meet Dahl's dedicated professionals who uphold our tradition of compassion and service.