Melva Louise Dahl, 89, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, IA. A funeral service to celebrate her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Al Coffin officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the service. A visitation will be held on Tuesday,
July 2, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Melva’s honor may be directed to the Fairfield First United Methodist Church, Living Hope Bible Church, Hospice Compassus, or to the Fairfield Walton Club. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Melva L. Dahl was born on November 11, 1934, in Batavia, IA to Bruce and V. Bernice Barthalow Frescoln. Her life was enriched by the love of her husband, John Dahl, with whom she shared 66 loving years. The couple’s enduring partnership began with their marriage on June 15, 1958, at the Batavia Methodist Church and stood as a pillar of mutual support and devotion.
Melva was a graduate of Batavia High School in 1952, her professional path was marked by an impressive 46-year tenure at First National Bank in Fairfield, IA. Her career, which began with an at- home interview at the kitchen table, ended her retirement as Vice President.
Melva’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements. She was a cornerstone of numerous organizations, contributing her time and talents as treasurer and/or secretary for the McElhinny House Foundation, Fairfield Senior Site, Jefferson County Compensation Board, First National Bank Board of Directors, and the Southeast Iowa Skeet Club. Her dedication to service was further exemplified through
her involvement with the Ladies of Hope, Guild Circle, Fairfield Women’s Club, Walton Club, Fairfield Bowling Association, Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary, Jefferson County Republican Women, and was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star.
Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active membership at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Melva’s community recognized her contributions when she was honored as the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Melva loved tending to her flowers at home and at the Walton Club. A patriotic soul, she cherished the opportunity to travel and explore, always returning to the place she held dearest: home. Her strong faith was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life’s journey.
Above all, Melva’s heart belonged to her family. She is survived by her loving husband, John Dahl of Fairfield, IA; her sister, Ruth Riggs; and a legacy of nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Melva was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mary Walker and Phyllis Frescoln (infancy); John’s parents, Brock (Lola) Dahl and a sister-in-law, Jean DeRoma.
