Funeral services for Mildred L. Dahl, age 99, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Church of St. Theodore. The Rev. Robert Schneider will officiate. Interment will be in St. Theodore’s Cemetery. Visitation is 4-6 p.m. today, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Mildred died at Thorne Crest South Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003.

Mildred Lareto Dahl was born Dec. 29, 1903 in Cayuga, Ill., Livingston County, the daughter of John Patrick and Mary (Mcminimum) Vint. She was the sixth child in a family of 13 children. When Mildred was I I years old, the family moved from Illinois to a farm near Easton where she attended school and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School. She attended Mankato State College, earned a teacher’s certificate, and began her life-long career of teaching, a dream she held from early childhood. She was a rural school teacher in Walnut Grove, Sanborn, and Easton before moving to Albert Lea.

On Sept. 8, 1927, Mildred was married to Gilbert John Dahl in St. Paul’s Parish, Odell, Ill. Rev. Griffey officiated. Gilbert preceded her in death in 1957. After her marriage, Mildred was a homemaker for two years until she was asked to substitute for a teacher. She filled in for a week, was hired, and continued teaching until her retirement in 1969. Mildred taught in several rural schools in Albert Lea Township, seven years in Glenville, and 13 years in Hawthorne Elementary School in Albert Lea. She continued her education through summer schools and night classes and earned a B.S. in elementary education from Mankato State College. Mildred also attended summer schools in Mexico City (two summers), Spain, and Switzerland. After her husband’s death, she traveled extensively and used the pictures and experiences to enhance her teaching. Her many travels included Ireland, England, most European countries, Poland, Russia, China, Japan, Canada, Mexico and most areas of the U.S.

Mildred liked to dance, and it was at a dance where she met her husband, Gilbert. They had many friends and continued to enjoy dancing, visiting with friends and family, antique collecting, and playing bridge throughout their marriage. She loved children and enjoyed the visits of nieces and nephews, former students, and neighborhood children. Mildred was an active member of St. Theodore Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women, K. C. Auxiliary, Church Bridge Club, Albert Lea Retired Educators, and a member of DOES and American Legion Auxiliary. Mildred’s last four years were peacefully spent at Thorne Crest South Care Center.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert Dahl; sisters: Alice Anderson, Helen Stem, Evelyn Howe, Florence Tomsche; and brothers: Clement, Floyd, Lester, Emmet, Raymond, Donald, Earl, and her brother John in infancy.

Survivors are sisters-in-law: Mrs. Earl (Nelda) Vint of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Mrs. Don (Muriel) Vint of Burlingame, Calif., and Mrs. Emmet (De Lauris) Vint of Ralston, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to your favorite charity in Mildred’s name.