Dale Mahlum

June 12,1930-January 15, 2026. Dale Mahlum was not just Dad and Grandpa Dale, he was a businessman, community leader, Veteran, Senator, horse racing advocate, farmer, horse breeder… and most importantly, a devoted family man and loving husband.

Dale did not have an easy time growing up - his mother, Ragna, passed when he was 4 while in Bowman, ND. His father, Lloyd, a resolute Norwegian raised with 4 brothers, suddenly had to figure out how to be a single parent to Dale and his older brother, Beryl. Single fatherhood during the Great Depression posed many challenges for Lloyd. He made the decision to pack up his small family and move to Kalispell, finding work as a butcher. Beryl and Dale lost not only their mother but moved away from everyone they knew.

Lloyd worked hard, as Norwegians do, leaving the boys to attend a one room schoolhouse in Demersville. Beryl did the chores around the small farm while Dale did the housework and cooking. The boys attended Flathead High School until, in 1947, Lloyd bought a small cattle operation just outside of Corvallis. Dale attended his senior year at Corvallis High. In the fall, he attended U of M.

What does a young man do, freed up from a stalwart Norwegian father, the duties of ranch life and the confines of high school? Why not get a job at the Highlander Brewery in Missoula to start with and then muddle through a year or two of college at the U of M?

In 1951, Dale joined the Navy, serving on the USS Des Moines, a heavy cruiser tasked with providing an American presence in the Mediterranean Sea during the Korean War. But the Navy was not to be a career for Dale. Honorably discharged in1954, he resumed studies at U of M.

On June 5th, 1955, Dale met Sue Little, daughter of Frank and Mabel Little. It was to be a life-changing moment for Dale. They had a whirlwind romance and married in December 1955. Dale finished his U of M Marketing degree, and they moved back to Kalispell to work at Super Foods.

Within a couple of years, Dale’s dream to open a hardware store in Missoula at Tremper’s Shopping Center came true. With Lloyd’s expertise and financial backing, the Coast to Coast Store opened in 1957. A few years later, Beryl opened Diamond Bar Meats next door. The Mahlum brothers had become the anchors of Missoula’s first shopping center.

In 1976, with the store busting at the seams, Dale took the leap to a much larger space by taking over the old Grant's location in Tremper’s. It was the largest Coast to Coast Store in a chain of 1500. As the Coast to Coast Corp wound down, Dale made the switch to Ace Hardware. Dale was known for his customer service. For 35 years, he greeted every person that came in by name. The highlight of his day was working with his customers. It did not make any difference if you spent one dollar or one hundred, Dale was genuinely thankful and believed that the customer was king.

Dale sold Ace Hardware in 1993. It had provided a good living for 35 years and embedded Dale into Missoula's culture. In the 1990’s he had the opportunity to do things beyond running a hardware store. He started his public service career at the Missoula County Fair Board where he spent 15 years solving problems, helping people and doing what he loved. It was the perfect marriage- horse racing and community service. Dale believed in giving back to his community and showed that by serving on numerous boards including Bank Director at First Security Bank, State Board of Horse Racing, UM

Business School and UM Presidents Advisory Council, St Pats Advisory board, Daly Mansion, and the Montana Heritage Commission.

Retirement for Dale did not mean relaxing, in fact quite the opposite. While he dabbled in racehorses during his time as a Fair Board member, a trip to Lexington, Kentucky lit the fire to bring competent thoroughbreds to Montana. Dale and Sue, now living just outside Missoula, converted the Baron O’Keefe’s 100-year-old barn (and former stagecoach stop) into the racehorse showcase of Montana. At its height, Mahlum Thoroughbred Farms had 60 horses and a successful breeding operation which ran horses all over the United States. Eventually, Dale's breeding operation produced three Champion Horses, a feat hard to come by anywhere, let alone Northwest Montana. He absolutely loved the spring, when he could spend hours working with the new foals.

Dale's success in business, notoriety for listening, sense of fairness and wisdom culminated in a request from then Governor Racicot to run for the Montana Senate. Dale was a republican running in a heavily democratic district, but this would not discourage him from public office. He won over his future constituents by knocking on every door, introducing himself and explaining how he wanted to make Montana and specifically Missoula, a better place to raise a family and enjoy life. Dale didn't care about party affiliation; he just wanted to help people. His approach apparently worked, as he served until he was termed out in 2004, as the Chairman of the Senate Business and Labor Committee. He was especially proud of the two bills that he carried and helped to pass- Stricter DUI laws with stronger sentences and the creation of the Missoula’s Veterans Cemetery.

While Dale was immersed in business, community service and politics, Mama Sue was very busy raising five children, Doug, Connie, Tom, Deedee and Shelley. Dale spoke often about family values. “Family is the most important asset a man can have in his life”. He also knew that he could not have accomplished what he was able to do without the support of his wife, Sue. Dale often called his wife of 70 years “his rock” and was thankful she was there to help him throughout his life.

As busy as Dale was, he was always present for his kids’ events from Little Griz football and high school sports to a MSU National Championship. From Science Fairs to National Honor Society Inductions, Dale took great pride in his children’s accomplishments, encouraging each one to reach their potential. Education was also very important. All five kids graduated from college (Go Cats Go!) financed by the Bank of Dad. Businesses were started with Dale’s advice and financial support.

Once out of political life, Dale had even more time to spend at the Ranch. Thoroughbreds came and went with Dale caring for each one of them. He spent many afternoons on his tractor while conducting a massive ground campaign against gophers and a valiant attempt to eradicate the nefarious Knapweed.

Life went on at the Ranch interwoven with family events. Graduations, marriages and holidays were celebrated while the barn hosted Halloween parties, games of kick-the-can, family hockey tournaments and Christmas pageants. Joy burst from the property like so many 4th of July Fireworks. This is where Dale learned to shine, realizing that Life really had only one meaning- absolute strength of Family, celebrating as one, supporting and loving each other no matter what.

We remember people like Dale, not by their names on a building or on some street, but how they act toward each other, love one another and help each other. It is the responsibility of each generation to take these lessons and pay them forward.

Dale leaves behind his wife Sue, five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren with the anticipation of more on their way. With gratitude, the Mahlum Family thanks you for your love and support. Your cards and messages mean everything to us. We love to hear the stories. If you wish to donate in Dale's memory, we suggest Holt’s Heritage Museum (PO Box 129, LoLo, MT 59847) or your favorite charity.

Dale’s life will be celebrated in the Spring, his favorite season. An announcement of the time and place will be forthcoming.