Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and again on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Burial rites will be held following the service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids.

Ellen was born on July 10, 1923 in Waupaca, WI to Harold Hans and Eunice E. (Stinemates) Nelson. After graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1941, she attended Mercy School of Nursing in Oshkosh completing her training as a Registered Nurse. Ellen then pursued clinical training as a psychiatric nurse at Highland Hospital, a clinical unit of Duke University. Ellen was employed in Winnebago State Mental Hospital and also at Northwestern Military Academy in Lake Geneva, WI.

Ellen married Dane J. Dahl on May 15, 1948. They moved to Wisconsin Rapids and started Dahl’s Floral Gardens which was a successful business for 30-years. Attending Bright’s School of Floral Design in Chicago enabled her to transition to a new career and to use her artistic skills and aptitude.

Ellen was a charter member of Sunrise Rotary, serving as president, and receiving a Paul Harris award for service.

Dahl served for 15 years on the Waterworks and Lighting Commission participating on the Personnel Committee and serving 3 years as Chairperson. She was appointed to a Lawyer Regulation Committee through the Wisconsin Supreme Court. As a member of a local Chapter of Score she guided people interested in starting a business. Ellen served as president for Forest Hill Cemetery for 26-years. She was an active member of First English Lutheran Church.

Family and friends were very important to Ellen shown by her caring and kindness throughout her life. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her son, Nelson (Pamela) Dahl; daughters, Daria (Richard) Skibba, Wisconsin Rapids and Andrea Dahl (Coral Mangus) of Ogden, Utah; Grandchildren, Christopher (Emily) Skibba, Stacy Kramer (Justin), Nathan (Amber) Dahl, Adam (Laura) Dahl, Tyler (Lucero) Dahl; as well as 11 Great Grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Dane J Dahl 1988 and Bob Thiesen her partner and companion for 10 years.

Ellen was very artistic and also enjoyed reading, bridge, quilting, painting, knitting and crafts. She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan for many years and rarely missed a game. She was also a finalist in a contest for the first Packer Fan Hall of Fame.

Memorial donations can be made in Ellen’s name may be given to the Family Center in Wisconsin Rapids. The family would like to thank Caregivers of Ogden UT for many years of care provided to Ellen while she was living with her daughter Andrea and Coral in UT.