Larry "Louper" P. Dahlstrom

Larry “Louper” Peter Dahlstrom 

October 4, 1937 – October 19, 2025

Larry Peter Dahlstrom, affectionately known as Louper, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Oct 19, 2025. Born on October 4, 1937, in Fargo, North Dakota, Larry was the cherished son of Edwin and Verna (Livdahl) Dahlstrom.

From his earliest days in rural Clay County MN, Louper brought a warm smile, quick wit and an entertaining spirit to all who knew him. No one knows exactly where the nickname Louper came from but it really doesn’t need an explanation; it is legendary regardless of its origins and as unique as his personality-one marked by kindness, and a deep love for family, friends and farming.

Louper attended school in Comstock, Minnesota, where he was a member of the basketball team, graduating in 1955. He humbly bragged to people that he was a graduate of “Comstock University”, thee most prestigious school in all the land. Those not from the area were often left confused by this statement.

The farm itself and the profession was something that brought Louper great joy, while he farmed and long after. He was proud of tending the land and proud of others who do the same. He loved to hear how the crops were doing and the weather always revolved around what was best for the farmers.

In 1972, Louper and Butch Brandt built the Knickerbocker in Hickson, North Dakota. Louper served in the North Dakota Air National Guard for many years enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow guardsmen and serving his country.

In 1979, Louper married Greck (CA Greckhoff) Dahlstrom, with whom he shared three decades of love, laughter, and a traveling companion until her passing in 2009. They made their life on the Dahlstrom farm and spent time on Pelican Lake and Bonita Springs, Florida.

In 1985, Louper was inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame; a tribute to the decades he spent competing with pride and playing the game he loved. He also spent time hunting with friends and family and enjoyed those trips and the stories that came with them. From the Midwest to Colorado elk hunting memories were made that Louper cherished. Trips to Lake of the Woods to fish with the guys and golf trips also brought great joy to him. A teammaker since 1986, Louper lived and breathed Bison athletics.

In 2013, on a rainy day at Pelican Lake, Louper found love again and married A.J. Valan. Over the next 12 years, they built a beautiful life together, creating memories that spanned from the lakes of Minnesota to the gulf shores of Florida and across three other continents. Through this union, Louper gained an extended family of children and grandchildren, whom he grew to adore deeply.

Louper’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be remembered for his unwavering support of the Bison, his quick wit, the many happy hours on the deck and the moments that made life richer for everyone around him.

Louper is survived by his beloved wife, A.J. Dahlstrom; his children Amber (Joel) Ferrie of Moorhead and Mac (Carrie) Valan of Fraser, Colorado; and his treasured grandchildren Hudson, Bode, and Tatum Ferrie, and Kayden and Cash Valan. He is also survived by his sister Emmy Lou (Tim) Amble; nephew Chad (Tracy) Tonsfeldt; niece Tanya Tonsfeldt; and great-nieces Sydney Tonsfeldt and Summer Tonsfeldt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Verna Dahlstrom, and his first wife, Greck Dahlstrom.

A visitation will be held at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, Minnesota, on Tuesday, October 28, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 6:30 PM.

A celebration of Louper’s life will be held at Comstock Lutheran Church, Comstock, Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, at 2:00 PM.

Interment will follow at Clara Cemetery, rural Comstock, Minnesota.