John R. “Bob” Dyrdahl graduated from Shelby High School in 1948 and that year bought his own farmland north of Devon and farmed until he entered the Air Force as a pilot in 1956. Bob served his country for 10 years in active service and another 10 years in the Air National Guard in Great Falls and retired from service in 1976 at the rank of Major.
Bob’s true love was flying. After retiring from flying jets, he continued farming for most of his life where he was able to keep flying doing crop-dusting.
John “Bob” Dyrdahl, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 7, 2015.
John Robert Dyrdahl, or “Bob” as most everyone called him, was born on the family farm in Devon on November 8, 1930, to Obert and Jennie (McCarter) Dyrdahl. Bob was the oldest of 6 children.
He graduated from Shelby High School in 1948 and that year bought his own farmland north of Devon and farmed until he entered the Air Force as a pilot in 1956. Bob served his country for 10 years in active service and another 10 years in the Air National Guard in Great Falls and retired from service in 1976 at the rank of Major.
Bob’s true love was flying. After retiring from flying jets, he continued farming for most of his life where he was able to keep flying doing crop-dusting. He married Marian Collins in July 1981. They have 1 child together, Andrea, born in 1982.
Survivors include his wife, a daughter, a step-daughter, a step-son, five nephews, three nieces, many great-nephews, great-nieces, brothers-in-law, cousins, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings, Jim, Gary, Sally, Linda, and Charlene.
Published in Great Falls Tribune on Jan. 11, 2015
