Diane A. Dahl, M.D.

Diane made her grand debut in the middle of a snowstorm when she was born April 29, 1932, to Alice (Kennedy) and Ralph B. Dahl in Bloomer, WI. She passed away in Bloomer, WI on April 13, 2024, at the age of 91. She is survived by Dr. Thomas Dunkel, M.D. (husband), Emily Sauls (daughter), Wayne Sauls (son), and 3 stepchildren: Anne-Marie, Alec, and Lynn, 2 grandchildren; Margaret & Caroline, and 6 step-grandchildren; Roman, Anna, Annika, Fay, Aria and Ashlynn . 

 Diane grew up in the idyllic small town of Bloomer surrounded by family and friends. During her summers through high school, she worked at her dads Trading Post, and also as a swim instructor on “the pond.” She graduated from high school early at age 16 and went off to the University of Wisconsin - Madison earning her Bachelor of Science in 1953 and her Doctor of Medicine in 1956. Diane married Roger Sauls from Eau Claire, WI in 1957. They moved to Mahtomedi, MN where Roger continued schooling at the University of Minnesota and Diane started working in private practice. Roger accepted a job transfer to Chippewa Falls, WI in 1961 to the research lab at Control Data. Diane continued practicing medicine in private practice (Family Medicine), Anesthesiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, and staff physician at Northern Wisconsin Center for the disabled part-time. Diane and Roger had 2 kids (Emily & Wayne Sauls). In 1975 the family moved to Minnetonka, MN and Diane continued in her medical career. Diane and Roger divorced in 1981. In 1983 Diane married Thomas B. Dunkel M.D. and they continued to live in Minnetonka, MN.

 The most important thing to Diane as a physician was helping her patients. If you happened to be one of her patients, you know that she would typically run late for her appointments; mainly because she took the time to listen and work with them. The following is a timeline of accomplishments and positions that she held throughout her career:

 1952 received award for Best Research Paper at Miller Hospital

1956-1957 Intern at Charles Miller Hospital in Saint Paul, MN

1968 received the Eau Claire-Chippewa Valley Rotarian Award for Community Leadership

1969-1971 Governor Appointment – Wisconsin District Tribunal to Evaluate the Rights of the Disabled

1975 received the Methodist Hospital Earl G. Young Physician of Excellence Award 

1975-1991 Park Nicollet Medical Center in Family Practice

1981 American Medical Association of Physicians Recognition Award.

1985-1987 Governor appointment – Minnesota Commission on Aging Task Force.

1977-1990 Served on the Board of Trustees of Park Nicollet Medical Center. 

1989 President of Methodist Hospital Medical Staff.

1991-1997 Assistant professor; University Minnesota Medical School, Dept. of Family Practice & Comm. Health. 

1991-1996 Unit Director, U of M DFPCH/Methodist Family Practice Resident. 

1995-1997 Co-Medical Director or UCARE/MN & University Affiliated Family Physicians. 

1997 Medical Director of University Affiliated Family Physicians. 

1996-1998 Faculty, University Residency Unit, U of M, DFPCH. 

1991-1992 President Elect, 1992-1993 President, 1993-1994 Chairman of the board of Directors - Hennepin County Medical Society. 

1998 received the Minneapolis YMCA Woman of Distinction Award. 

1998 U of M Family Practice and Community Health Excellence in Teaching Award.

 Diane loved to be active in the outdoors. She was an avid tennis player and loved being on the water swimming, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, or riding on her aquabike. She was also passionate about her flower gardens. Diane and Tom were active volunteers at the Naples Botanical Gardens for many years. She was also passionate about the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI, and the preservation of native lands for health and crane migration. One of her favorite trips abroad was to Bhutan to learn more about cranes and their habitats. 

 Per Diane’s wishes no formal funeral was held. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit: olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com