Kester Robert Dahl, age 49, of Madison, SD passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026 due to a sudden cardiac event – doing what he loved most – hunting in the Black Hills. He leaves behind a legacy defined by kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his kids, family and friends. Kester lived a life rooted in selflessness, always putting others before himself – believing deeply that family was EVERYTHING.
A visitation will be held Sunday, May 3rd, from 3pm-5pm, at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 4th, at 10:30am, at the Church.
Kester was born in Madison, SD on June 16,1976 to Dan and Judy (Schoeberl) Dahl. He graduated from Madison High School in 1995 and attended college at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD. Kester dedicated his career to serving the City of Madison for 23 years, where he was recently named the Lead Operator for the Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant. His strong work ethic and commitment to the community is something he took great pride in. For nearly three decades, Kester was an incredibly proud volunteer firefighter with the Madison Fire Department – one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of his life.
An avid outdoorsman, Kester found peace in nature. He had a profound love for hunting, fishing, and spending time in the Black Hills. His appreciation for the outdoors was only matched by his love for animals – especially his dogs, and cherished horse, Cody. In his younger years, Kester was a Hall of Fame high school athlete, excelling in track, basketball, cross country, and football. At home, Kester was known as a master chef and baker, often bringing family and friends together through his love for cooking. He loved listening to music – 80s, 90s country, and Alabama. He was a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Minnesota Vikings, and loved March Madness!
Kester deeply loved his children. In union with Ramie Carder (6/21/1997) had 6 children – Hope, Logan, Lance, Jaycy, Kiki & Kyler.
On April 1, 2025, Kester faithfully married his sweetheart Jacque – his greatest love story. His family, friends, and community meant everything to him.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and eleven children; Hope Dahl (Alaska), Jaycy (Riley) Koster of Sioux Falls, Logan (Jennifer) Dahl of Tea, Lance Dahl of Sioux Falls, Kiki Dahl of Sioux Falls, Kyler (Alexa) Dahl of Sioux Falls, and step-children Aubyn, Jackson, Owen, & Jordyn Schmidt of Madison and Jordon Shoenrock of Sioux Falls; two granddaughters, Lyla and Remi; parents Dan & Judy; two siblings Lucas (Kara) Dahl of Brookings and Neala (Eric) Sinclair of Hartford; nephews Aspen, Kyan, Bryer and Breck; and nieces Giselle, Lauren, and Landree.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Above all, Kester will be remembered for his unconditional love for family and friends. He is deeply missed and forever loved.
