Pauline May Dahl

Pauline May Dahl passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2023. She was surrounded by her family when the Lord welcomed her home. She was a wonderful mom, grandmother, sister, and friend to many.

Pauline was born in North Dakota on July 27, 1946, to Orville and Jean (Ralph) Stenson. She grew up on a farm in Rock Lake, ND, as the oldest sibling of six. After High School she moved to Montana where she met Frank Schend. Frank and Pauline married in December 1965 and had three daughters together, Cheryl, Lana, and Kim. Frank and Pauline moved to Browning, MT with their three daughters, where they resided for 12 years. Pauline started her banking career while in Browning. She was active in bowling, ceramics, painting, and other artistic activities while living in Browning.

Frank and Pauline moved to Great Falls, MT in 1980. She continued her career in banking where she especially enjoyed visiting and getting to know her elderly banking customers. While in Great Falls, Pauline enjoyed camping and fishing with friends. In 1987, Frank and Pauline divorced. A few years later she met her soul mate and best friend Walter Dahl.

Pauline and Walter were married in Great Falls, MT in 1991. At that time, Pauline decided to change her career and further her education by obtaining her degree in Nursing. Due to this life changing decision, Walt and Pauline packed up all their belongings and moved to Boise, ID where Pauline attended college. Pauline was awarded her degree in Nursing from Boise State University and obtained her licensure as a Registered Nurse. Due to her passion for elder care, she started her nursing career as an RN at Life Care Center of Boise.
Pauline enjoyed traveling after she graduated from college. She and Walter enjoyed a trip to Italy with her middle daughter, Lana, and her husband Paul, a trip along the Pacific Coast Highway and many trips visiting Pauline’s daughters in Seattle, Spokane, and Montana. After Walt passed away from a long illness, Pauline moved back to Great Falls to be close to family, where she was quickly adopted and embraced by the extended Davis family and expanded her circle of friends. Her circle of friends included the infamous Sassy Lassies, who enjoyed good wine, food, lively discussions, and much laughter. Pauline was also a voracious reader and enjoyed time with her close-knit book club. The book club participated in discussions about books but also engaged in various fun activities and a shared sisterhood. Her condo became the circle of entertainment for the close friends she made. Those friends become a great support network and partners in fun.

Pauline leaves behind three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl (Barry) Faulkner, Lana (Paul) Fontana, and Kim (Tom) Davis. She also leaves behind 6 grandkids, Joshua and Kendra Faulkner, Damian and Isabella Fontana, Taylor (Kelsey) Davis and Logan (Kaylee) Davis. She is also survived by her sisters, Loretta (Harlan) Gregerson, Joyce (Bob) Bucholz, Maxine (Bob) Johnson, Janet (Chris) Makea, Gayle (Rich) Wilmont; brothers, Edward (Becky) Stenson and Gerald (Theresa) Stenson. She was well loved and will be missed by many.

A graveside service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on August 3, 2023. A reception will follow at Boston’s Restaurant in Great Falls. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the United Way of Cascade County.