Doyle Dean Lindahl, 82, of Austin, Minn., died unexpectedly Sunday morning, Sept. 15, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

He was born March 15, 1931, in Carroll County, Iowa, to Barney and Fern (Cuthbertson) Lindahl. After graduating from Glidden High School in Glidden, Iowa, Doyle served his country in the Army (Korean conflict) for two terms, achieving the rank of sergeant. Following his discharge, he worked in sales for Gamble-Robinson, and also worked for Hormel Foods Corporation and as a deputy sheriff in Mower County from 1955 to 1963. From 1963 to 1967, Doyle served as Mower County Sheriff. He then owned and operated the Alcove Supper Club in Austin, before working as a draftsman for Nordaas-American Homes in Minnesota Lake and for Walters Building Company. On Sept. 14, 1952, Doyle married Bernice Weber in Austin. The couple later divorced. On Nov. 24, 1975, Doyle was united in marriage to Linda Hansen in Mason City, Iowa. Doyle and Linda did foster care from 1984 to 2013.

Doyle was a member of the VFW and a Commander of the American Legion Post 91 from 2005 to 2006. He started the Minnesota Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Austin in 1963. This was the second boys’ ranch operating in the United States. Doyle also owned and operated the “Born Free” Boys Group Home for troubled youths in Dexter, Minn. He believed in using common sense and treating criminals as human beings. He enjoyed, first and foremost, spending time with his loved ones, especially his son, Behren, putzing in his garage. He also enjoyed playing cards, league bowling, golf, and he especially loved helping troubled youth. He loved to dance and taught dance lessons.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Lindahl of Austin; his children, Lynda (John) Mikkelson of Cresco, Iowa, Deborah (Richard) Thorson of Alden, Minn., Behren ‘Bucky’ Lindahl and Pamela Lindahl, both of Austin; eight grandchildren, Chad (Heather) Foster, Stephanie (Troy) Scholbrock, Todd (Amanda) Foster, Stacey (Brad) Losee, Troy (Christine Holtz) Thorson, Tiffany (Mitchell) Swanson, Shane Thorson, Derek (Nicole) Thorson; 17 great-grandchildren; stepchildren Robin (Dale) Drees of Appleton, Wis., Kelly (Doug) Mehus and Kim (David) Flugum, both of Austin; five step-grandchildren; a foster son for more than 30 years, Justin Radermacher; siblings Beverly Staples of Brownsdale, Minn., Larry (Geri) Lindahl of Greenfield, Mo., Sharon (James) Ginn of Lake Mary, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Fern Lindahl; two brothers, Byrdale and Gayle Lindahl; sister, Pamela Bargen; sister-in-law, Em ‘Sis’ Lindahl; foster daughter, Barbara “Michele” Thompson.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Kevin Gunion officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Hayward Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials are preferred to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.