Fargo Entrepreneur Publishes Wife's Decades of Journals

Howard Dahl compiles 8,000 pages of his late wife Ann's writings into a book titled 'A Life Well Lived'

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After the passing of his wife Ann from cancer three years ago, longtime Fargo entrepreneur Howard Dahl spent years editing her decades of personal journals into a book titled 'A Life Well Lived.' The book features Ann's reflections on daily life and her faith, as well as her work running an adoption agency that placed 315 babies over 23 years.

Why it matters

The book provides a unique window into the life of a beloved community member and offers lessons and insights that Howard hopes will inspire others. It also highlights the enduring legacy of Ann's work and the power of journaling to preserve personal history.

The details

For years, Ann Dahl faithfully kept journals, writing daily or weekly about her life, faith, and desire to live better. After her death, Howard found over 8,000 pages of these journals, which Ann had previously asked him to destroy. However, shortly before she passed away, Ann changed her mind and gave Howard permission to share the journals. Over the past three years, Howard has compiled and edited the journals into the book 'A Life Well Lived,' adding his own commentary and context.

  • Ann Dahl passed away from cancer three years ago.
  • Ann Dahl kept journals dating back to 1970, with more intentional journaling starting in 1987.
  • The book 'A Life Well Lived' was recently published in February 2026.

The players

Howard Dahl

A longtime Fargo entrepreneur and agricultural manufacturing leader who is the husband of the late Ann Dahl.

Ann Dahl

Howard Dahl's late wife, who kept detailed journals for decades before passing away from cancer three years ago. She also ran an adoption agency that placed 315 babies over 23 years.

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What they’re saying

“I found entries from 1970. From 1987, very intentional journaling. At times, daily. But always weekly.”

— Howard Dahl (inforum.com)

“It was a daily confession but also acknowledgment that she was forgiven and part of her joy was holding both of those intentions.”

— Howard Dahl (inforum.com)

“I told people at her funeral that she left me 2,000 pages of journals, but it was 8,000.”

— Howard Dahl (inforum.com)

“I spent three years interacting with the journals. It was very healing but I discovered with clarity, through this exercise, that she was my main mentor in life. Teaching me things that I would not see otherwise.”

— Howard Dahl (inforum.com)

What’s next

The book 'A Life Well Lived' is now available for purchase, allowing readers to learn from Ann Dahl's reflections and insights.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of journaling to preserve personal history and the lasting impact one person can have through their life and work. Ann Dahl's journals have become a treasured legacy, offering lessons and inspiration to her family and community.