Vincent Dawley

Vincent Edward Dawley, age 89, of Munich, ND, passed away August 26, 2015, at Towner County Living Center in Cando, ND, surrounded by his loving family.

Vince was born June 21, 1926, in Kenmare, ND, the youngest child of Delbert and Alvina (Gregoire) Dawley. In 1943 he and his family moved to a farm in rural Munich, ND. He served two years in the Navy at the end of World War II and returned home to the family farm. Vince loved the farm life, from using horses in the early days to plant crops to the modern machinery used during his final harvest in 2014. He said it was the perfect place to raise a family. Vince also enjoyed taking care of cattle on the farm, although he had to wait until his youngest daughter, Luann, came along to have someone really share in that love for animals. His wife, Lois, said that Lu was always walking only two steps behind her Dad!

Lois Wirth and Vince were married on July 31, 1950, in Munich at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a man of great faith. He served as Eucharist minister and was 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

In 1984 Vince and Lois moved to a new home in Munich where they enjoyed many happy family gatherings through the years. Vince was an active community member. In 1971 he was a charter member of the Munich Rural Ambulance, served as secretary-treasurer for the Munich Fire District for 44 years, and was a member of the Munich Commercial Club. Vince was involved with the North Dakota Soil Conservation program for 45 years, serving on the board of directors at the state and local levels and as state president in 1992. He belonged to the Sarles American Legion Post 276, where he served as Honor Guard and Post Commander.

Vince loved the game of basketball and was a referee for 33 years, including many state tournaments. He and his long-time officiating partner and close friend, Jack Klai, were inducted into the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame in 1983.

Vince treasured time spent with his family fishing at the Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota and road trips to Seattle to visit relatives. He also enjoyed hunting with family and friends in the Munich area. He was loved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for his great sense of humor and his kind and loving heart.

Vince is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lois; daughter Bonnie (Mark) Hanson of Chelan,WA and their children Erik (Christa) and grandchildren Kaamon, Marley and Laili and Marit (Ward Vuillemot); son Kevin (Debbie) Dawley of Munich, ND and their children Kyle, Courtney (Nick) Gaines and grandchildren Kingston and Truett, and Gretchen; daughter Donna (Gerry) Gannon of Everett, WA and their children Travis (Amanda), Kelsey, and Kayla (Andy) Gilbert; daughter Diane (Brad) Barth of Fergus Falls, MN and their children Tara, Tyler, and Trevor; daughter Marti (Greg) DeBilzan of Lino Lakes, MN and their children Anna and Julie; and son-in-law Steve Ashpole (husband of Luann) of Edinburg, ND and their children Haley, Grace, and Clare. He was preceded in death by his daughter Luann, sister Margaret (Warren) Mosley, brothers Thomas (Janis) and James (Alta), and his parents.

A visitation will be held from 6-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service and Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Munich, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5th, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Munich. (Please note change of prayer service time from what was previously posted.)

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Munich. Military honors will be provided by Sarles American Legion Post 276 and the ND Military Honors Team.