Walter "Walt" Dahm, 82, Hubbardton, Vermont

Walter W. Dahm of Hubbardton died at home on January 14, 2025 after a long illness.

He was born Wolfgang Wolter Dahm in Berlin, Germany on January 19, 1942. As a young boy, Wolfgang experienced deprivation during the last years of World War II and its aftermath. He recalled gratefully receiving candy from the Berlin Candy Bomber.

In October 1951, Wolfgang and his parents emigrated to New Jersey in search of a better life. There, his name became Walter, or Walt. Walt soon fell in love with his adopted country. Unlike his classmates, he never complained about school lunches. He learned English quickly and embraced American sports, especially baseball, and later swimming, hunting, and fishing. He also discovered a talent for woodworking, winning awards for his woodshop projects in eighth grade and high school.

1961 was a notable year in Walt's life. In February, he noticed Carol, a stunning new sophomore, in the cafeteria at Somerville High School in Somerville, New Jersey. In June, he graduated from Somerville High. On October 13, 1961, he married Carol.

Apart from a year in his dad's masonry business, Walt worked as an autobody repairman until his retirement. He swiftly advanced to the top of his trade, developing a reputation as a skilled collision and frame repair specialist.

Walt was a man of varied interests and many talents. An accomplished woodworker, he made beautiful pieces of furniture as well as toys for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed fly fishing, canoeing, gardening, drawing, and playing various musical instruments. An avid reader, he particularly relished the novels of Anne Tyler, Virginia Woolf, John Steinbeck, and Penelope Lively and the poetry of Robert Burns, Robert Frost, William Butler Yeats, and T.S. Eliot. In his later years, he composed his own verse. But his focus was always his wife and family.

Walt had strong opinions, and he was not shy about expressing them. However, he always listened to others' ideas, and his positions evolved over the years. For example, he became a vegetarian at seventy. His virtues were old-fashioned ones—honesty, loyalty, and fairness—and he imparted these lessons to his children.

Walt is survived by his wife, Carol, and their six children: Lori (Gerry), Walt (Robyn), Debbie (Steve), Colleen (Stefen), Paul (Carolyn), and Doe. He also leaves a brother, Ken (Betty), six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Eva (Voelcker) Dahm, an infant son, Brendan, and an infant grandson as well as many beloved cats and dogs, especially his boyhood cat, Pepe, and his Annie Cat.

Arrangements are with Ducharme Funeral Home. There will be no funeral services.

Walt's family would like to thank all those who supported him and them during his long illness, including Dr. Peter Hogenkamp, his VNA nurses and caregivers, especially Francetta Tice, and many special neighbors.

Walt believed in helping his fellow man. To honor his memory, you can make a contribution to one of his favorite charities, Castleton Cares or the Carter Center. You can also celebrate his life by asking others about themselves, tipping waitstaff generously, and watching geese fly.