Franklin Merle Dahn

Franklin Merle Dahn, 71, Lake Mills, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, as the result of a bicycle accident. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, at the Lake Mills Community School gymnasium, , with Pastor Rob Lamphere officiating. A memorial visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, in the LMCS gym. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington.
Franklin Merle Dahn was born Sept. 5, 1945 in Cedar Falls. He grew up in Kesley, where he attended a one-room school house and worked with his father, who owned the Kesley Lumber Yard. A graduate of Aplington High School, Franklin earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wartburg College in 1968.
He began his teaching career at Maquoketa Valley High School. In 1974, he relocated to Lake Mills Community School, where he taught fifth grade beginners and high school band for the next 30 years. The Lake Mills High School Band earned many awards for concert and marching performances during his tenure. Franklin originally retired in 2004 and continued to teach piano and private lessons. He returned a few years later, filling a part-time fifth grade and middle school instrumental music position until 2013. Franklin is remembered for his commitment, patience with beginner musicians, and high standards for all.
Franklin and Caryl were married Dec. 8, 1984 in Lake Mills, at Salem Lutheran Church. Above all else, Franklin was a man devoted to his family. His many hobbies involved being outside, especially with his wife, daughters and good friends. He took annual canoe trips to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Franklin’s goal was to put 2,000 miles on his bicycle every year. He rode numerous RAGBRAI events and toured on bike trips around the country. He was an avid gardener and particularly took pride in his heirloom tomatoes.
Franklin, along with Caryl, was active in the local music community and performed in the North Iowa Concert Band, Forest City Municipal Band and Sig’s Band. Franklin and Caryl traveled the country with their camper, spending recent winters in Arizona. They vacationed internationally in Mexico, England and Ireland.
As teachers, Franklin and Caryl had the opportunity to camp with their children during the summer months and took many vacations to National Parks out west, Minnesota, and around Iowa. Family day trips often involved biking and hiking. Franklin was a diligent, loving and proud father.
Survivors include his wife, Caryl; his daughters: LeAnn, Iowa City and Rebecca, Northwood; and his sisters: Sharon Colton, Marion; and Barbara (Tom) Needham, Cameroon, Africa.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur (2009); and mother, Blanche (2012).