Dale Kenneth Dahmen was a man, who had a great enthusiasm for the love of music and a deep passion for his family. At the age of 55, he sadly and unexpectedly was taken from his loved ones, along with his son, Dominick, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held honoring Dale and Dominick on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 1-6 pm, with a prayer service at 2 pm, at the Medina Entertainment Center, 500 Highway 55, Medina, MN.
Memorials are preferred to the family.
Unbeknown to the polka world, a gifted musician, named Dale Kenneth was born on June 4, 1967, in Little Falls, MN. He was the first of three children born to Kenneth and Janet (Kasella) Dahmen. Dale attended grade school at St. Joseph Catholic School, graduating from Pierz/Healy High School, in 1985. He completed his education with a degree in sales management from Dakota County Vo tech in 1987.
From Dale’s first breath, music was a passion. At the young age of 6, he was already excelling in his craft. By 12, Dale formed the band Dale Dahmen & The Polka Beats. For the next 44 years, the name became a staple in the music world. Playing the concertina and bass guitar, he, and the band entertained crowds for countless hours on stage and brought much excitement onto the dance floor. In 2012, Dale was inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame, for his accomplishments. Dale was most content playing music for people to enjoy!
Besides music, Dale’s greatest desire was being surrounded by family. While playing at a gig at Lakeside Ballroom, he met the love of his life, who was bartending, Sherry Wagener. The love story immediately began and on May 28, 1994, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Waconia, MN, Dale and Sherry tied the knot. They were blessed with two amazing sons, Dominick and Samuel. As infants, Dale was introducing and fostering them to love music. He held the boys to high standards to excel in their craft as a musician, which they did! The greatest joy for Dale was playing with his sons, on or off stage.
In Dale’s spare time, he loved assisting Sherry in building of her nutrition club. Dale spent numerous hours making shakes for customers and socializing. He and Sherry loved attending concerts of all genres! They treasured vacations that took them to warm and sunny destinations.
Dale Kenneth Dahmen was determined, passionate and motivated. His family, friends and dogs were always his top priority. Dale was genuine, inquisitive, and always wanted to learn. He was taken too soon and will be forever missed by all!!!
Left to carry on Dale’s legacy and forever loved by wife, Sherry; son, Sam Dahmen; four legged companions, Storm and Radke; parents, Ken and Jan Dahmen; parents-in-law, Ken and Toots Wagener; siblings, Dean (Ali) Dahmen, Denise (Jeff) Lowe; niece, Avery Lowe; nephews, Daniel Dahmen, Derek Dahmen, Donny Dahmen, Dawson Lowe, Tyler Wagener, Josh Wagener; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Kelly Wagener, Jonie Wagener, Kevin (Lori) Wagener, Shawn Wagener; other relatives and friends
Dale and Dominick walked side by side into Heaven and there greeting them were Dale’s grandparents, Mike & Angie Dahmen, and Ben & Leona Kasella.
