Lynn Mahagin Dahl passed away on Aug. 10, 2017, having never fully recovered after heart surgery in late January.
She was born to Bill and Enid Mahagin in Butte, Lynn greatly loved her parents and adored her older brother Don. Her early years consisted largely of school, Rainbow Girls, and dance activities.
After graduating from Butte High School, Lynn attended Utah State University and Montana State University. Then, after an "18-year spring break," she graduated at the age of 41 from the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in English education.
While at Montana State, Lynn joined the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and met Kappa Sigma fraternity member Mark Dahl. Their romance began when Mark drew a Pink Panther cartoon in marker on the cuff of Lynn's cutoff jeans. They were married shortly after Mark's college graduation, and remained married for nearly 51 years.
Mark and Lynn had two daughters, Faith and Elaine. The family lived in Butte, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missoula, and again in Butte. During her most recent years in Butte, Lynn worked for attorney Bill Murray, Senator Max Baucus's field office, and EDTech Federal Credit Union.
Lynn was very active at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She also was a talented knitter, gifted cook, enthusiastic sports fan, and mosaic artist. She enjoyed bright colors and any social or festive experience. And she loved young people, including her English and Sunday school students, her fellow college students, and her "huggie babies" at church.
Frequently called "spunky" or a "firecracker," Lynn was direct in her communications and did not tolerate inappropriate behavior. That said, she was also warm-hearted and generous, and supported several family members and friends through difficult times.
Lynn maintained many close friendships with people she met through childhood activities, high school, her sorority, work, and church. Her numerous individual friends are not listed due to space considerations and for fear of inadvertent omission. That said, her friends should know that Lynn truly treasured them.
In her last months, Lynn struggled mightily to recover, and greatly appreciated the efforts of her many caregivers. In the end, she could truly say "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.
Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Enid; her brother, Don; several extended family members; and many much-loved animal companions.
She is survived by her husband, Mark; daughter, Faith and her husband, Steve Shiffer, and daughter, Elaine Dahl and her partner, Patrick Judge; sister-in-law, Lou Ann Dahl; several cousins including Joani Williams, Glen Welch, Debbie (Welch) Gaskill, Michelle (Williams) Hall, Brad and Brent Williams, and John Carey; and nieces and nephews, Bekka (Madsen) Trippett, Paul and Kris Madsen, Dennis, Mark and Tim Mahagin, and Scott Dahl and Susan (Dahl) Robertson.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service. Gifts can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the Don Mahagin Endowed Scholarship Fund at Montana Tech, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Lynn’s family.
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