John Robert Dyrdahl

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, Marian Dyrdahl of Shelby; daughter, Andrea Dyrdahl of Shelby; step-daughter Laura Herget of Coutts, Alberta, Canada; step-son Allen Firman of Portland, Oregon; nephews Mike Dyrdahl of Devon, Charles Dyrdahl of Colorado, Joseph Brieder of California, Gary Ralph of Fairfield, Ron Ralph of Georgia; nieces Tedi Bishop of Brady, Bonnie Adams of Washington, Allison Manning of Minnesota; 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.

Viewing will be from 10:00 to 10:30 am and the funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. Military graveside honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby.  The family suggests memorials be given to Prairie Oasis Animal Shelter, 50 City Shop Road, Box 398, Shelby, MT 59474, or a local charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitted Funeral Chapel.  Please visit Bob’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.