Minnesota Fire Service Funeral Notification
State Fire Marshal
MN TYPE IV: Retired Chief Deputy Non-LODD

It is with great sadness that we pass along the news of retired STATE FIRE CHIEF DEPUTY MARSHAL BOB DAHM age 74 of Wilson, WI passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Baldwin Care Center. Bob started with the division in 1991 in a position added for hazardous material operations. He served in that role until he became a Bureau Chief in 1998, and then on to Chief Deputy from 2005 until his retirement in 2014. Bob passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a battle with cancer.

He was born in Shawano, WI to Robert and Vera (Colburn) Dahm on March 27th, 1951. Bob graduated from Shawano High School in 1969 and then graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1973 with a degree in Parks and Recreation Administration. In the 1980s, Bob met Susan Warland Stary, and they married on October 6, 1990, at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. Sue was the love of his life and preceded him in death in December 2023. Bob credits Sue for inspiring his faith journey and providing amazing support as he attended seminary to become a Pastor. Bob also described being moved by the Holy Spirit during Holy Communion as the foundation for his calling. Prior to becoming a Pastor, Bob had a long career in public service including 26 years with the state of Minnesota in the Department of Public Safety and retired as Chief Deputy Fire Marshall in 2014.

Bob loved to fish and shared fond memories of his Horseshoe Lake outings. His tremendous sense of humor, desire to build relationships and commitment to serving others set the stage for him to become a Pastor. With encouragement from Susan, Bob began to take seminary classes on a part time basis and served as Vicar for Wilson Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church starting in August 2011.

Bob was ordained on November 30th, 2014, and was immediately installed as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church (Forest, WI) and Wilson Lutheran Church (Wilson, WI). He served at Immanuel until April 2021 and continued to serve as pastor at Wilson Lutheran until this November when illness prompted him to retire. Bob proclaimed the gospel which was first and foremost in his life, faith, and ministry. Bob emphasized the importance of receiving Jesus’s love and partnering with Jesus to build life giving relationships. Bob loved serving his Lord Jesus Christ and especially loved his congregation at Wilson Lutheran. He was very grateful for their tremendous support after Susan’s death and during his illness.

Bob is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Warland; Susan’s niece Jackie Visger and family; Susan’s nephew Robert Warland and family. He was preceded in death by his wife Susan; his parents; his brother Ron Dahm; Susan’s parents Fred and Eva Warland; brother-in-law Joe Warland; brother-in-law Jeff Warland; and Susan’s daughter Robin Messick.

Visitation

Date: Monday, December 1 2025; 4:00 pm -7:00 pm
Location: Olson Funeral Home, 615 Wilson St, Menomonie, WI 54751
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: State Fire Marshal Personnel Only

Visitation / Funeral

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025; Visitation: 10:00 am; Funeral: 11:00 am
Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 1306 Wilcox St, Menomonie, WI 54751
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: State Fire Marshal Personnel Only

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Chief Deputy Dahms family at the visitation or celebration of his life at Christ Lutheran Church 615 Wilson Ave, Menomonie, WI 54751