Paul R. Dahlin

Paul’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Paul Richard Dahlin, 72, of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away August 8, 2026, in his home. Born in 1953, Paul was raised in Ada, Minnesota, by his loving parents, and grew up with two brothers and one sister. Paul was raised with several strong values, such as honesty, dependability, and above all, a great sense of humor. After graduating high school, Paul moved to Moorhead, to attend the Moorhead Area Technical Institute, studying drafting.

Paul worked as a mechanical designer at Lightowler Johnson Associates, a shipping manager at Versatile Gear and Axel, and a manager at Plainsco Inc. In 1989, Paul became the owner of Moorhead Plumbing & Heating Inc, where he worked until his retirement in 2024. He met his wife, Joan, at Versatile Gear and Axel, where they worked together, and were soon married in 1976, raising four children of their own, a third generation of three boys and a girl.

Paul was an extremely devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passing down the golden life lessons he had learned on his own journey. Encouraging compassion for others, supporting your community, and what it means to be a family, making sure you can always laugh when life gets tough.

Paul loved woodworking, fishing at the lake, his lawn, garden, and garage, and building and fixing many things for his family and friends. He was an avid fan of all Minnesota sports teams, including the Twins, Wild, Vikings, and Timberwolves, and especially, the Moorhead Spuds. But the thing he loved above all else was his family. Paul was always there for a school event, a shoulder to cry on, or an open ear to listen to life’s woes. Paul was consistently there for anyone and everyone who needed it. His love of holidays and family get-togethers were one of his favorite things. To be surrounded by his loved ones was his greatest joy, and the way he made those gatherings all the more special will be the thing that will be missed the most about him.

Paul is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Joan (Emmerich) Dahlin; sons, Richard Dahlin, Ryan (Amanda) Dahlin, Randy Dahlin, and daughter, Katie Gast; grandchildren Isabella, Mason, Emma, Callie, Kelsey, Lillian, and Owen; honorary daughters Niranjala (Lakshman Rajan) and Linda Beth (Shannon Gilbertson); and honorary grandchildren, Dilshan, Rukshan, and Logan; as well as numerous extended family members and close friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Joanne Dahlin, his brother David Dahlin, and his father and mother-in-law, Glen and Dorothy Emmerich.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead. Visitation one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to either the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, or the Grace Lutheran Church in Ada.