Norman Dahl Obituary

Dahl, Norman R. 78, For over 53 years, Norman R. Dahl served the world as an active humanitarian, involved with many charitable activities, notably Lions Clubs International and the Norwegian American Hospital. Because of his love for Lionism, in 1975 he spearheaded the Lions of Illinois campaign to build the Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, a five million dollar project that was turned over to the University of Illinois upon completion. In addition, the Lions contributed another 1.2 million dollars to endow a research chair in Ophthalmology. The Lions Research Center is now rated among the top ten in the world. For his efforts on behalf of the Institute, Mr. Dahl was selected for the 1986 Presidential Citation, presented to only a few civic leaders by the University of Illinois. Born in the Norwood Park community he was one of six children of Norwegian immigrants, Edward and Signe (nee Ilstad) Dahl. He became active in scouting and reached the rank of Eagle Scout at the record breaking age of 13. He served his country during the World War II, as a Naval Petty Officer teaching swimming and lifesaving to new recruits. In 1948, after completion of his military service, he became an owner Abrahamsen Company and was involved in the moving of hundreds homes within the Chicago area. Mr. Dahl became a Lion in 1953 and soon served his club as its president. During his term the club had the largest net gain in membership since its organization in 1949. He became the Illinois State Membership Chairman in 1961 and achieved a record net gain of 528 new members across Illinois. Mr. Dahl went on to serve as District Governor and Council Chairman in 1963-64, and was an International Board Appointee on 4 occasions. He was elected in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to serve as International Director from 1991 to 1993. As one of the founders and Administrator of the Lions of Illinois Blind Activities Committee, the lions started many programs including a camp for blind children, a mobile glaucoma screening bus, working with the Hadley School for the Blind, Leader Dog School in Rochester Michigan and Dialogue Magazine, a recorded service for blind people. His leadership promoted Lions Candy Day, and he could be seen on street corners collecting contributions, heard on WGN Radio with Wally Phillips and with the late Irv Hayden in the WGN Traffic helicopter on Lions Candy day in October. "We have to find a better way to do our job, make it bigger." Mr. Dahl once told his fellow Lions. Joined by others, they worked to create The Lions of Illinois Foundation, to channel the charitable contributions raised and to allow the Lions to expand the service to the communities. Mr. Dahl served as Administrator of the new Foundation and increased the Candy Day collections to over 1.3 million in 1986, which allowed the Foundation to expand many programs for both the blind and deaf of Illinois. Mr. Dahl received many awards for his contributions to the Association including the 100% District Governor Award, the Supreme Extension Award, the Grand Master Key Award, numerous International Presidents Awards, Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor granted to a member of the Association. Besides his humanitarian efforts with the Lions, Mr. Dahl served on the Board of Trustees of Norwegian American Hospital for over 40 years, and as its President and Chairman of the Board, and directed the growth and expansion into the community. He served as member and Chairman of the Board of Delta Dental Plan of Illinois, the Hadley School and Leader Dogs for the Blind. He formed a Lions Club, made up of the doctors and staff of the hospital, and the club has made numerous medical missions to the Philippines, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Columbia performing surgeries, and special health care to those in need. For his efforts in promoting and encouraging these missions, Mr. Dahl was honored in 1995 by Pamantasan University in Manila an honorary doctoral degree in humanities for leading these yearly missions Additionally, Norwegian Consul General Per Bye Ohrstrom, on behalf of his Majesty King Harald V., of Norway, conferred the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit Knight, First Class upon Mr. Dahl for his humanitarian efforts, leadership on mercy medical missions and continued commitments to the hospital and the Norwegian community. To chronicle the 100th anniversary of the hospital, Mr. Dahl wrote a book, "Heal the Sick" which depicts the efforts of Norwegians to teach nursing and provide to the Scandinavian Community of Chicago. He was a member of the Sons of Norway; Normennes Singing Society; Leif Eriksen Lodge; Norwegian Pioneers Social Club; Life Member of Lions Club International and honorary member of many Lions Clubs. In addition to his wife Mildred, (nee Wiksoe), he is survived by sons Dennis and Stephen, a daughter Sharon Davison (Richard) and grandson Erik; and a sister Thelma. Preceding him into eternal life, were brothers Edward and Robert, sisters Marie and Ruth. Funeral arrangements will be conducted by the Geils Funeral Home, 260 West Irving Park Road, Wood Dale, IL, 630-766-3232. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 21st, 4 PM to 9 PM with a short Lions Service scheduled for 7:15 P.M. The Funeral will be Wednesday, June 22nd at 10:30 A.M. from the funeral home with Interment at Irving Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Norwegian American Hospital Lions Clubs Medical Missions to the Philippines are appreciated.