Dahlberg Family
The Dahlbergs started their farm in 1919, located in Clearbrook. It was started by Hans Dahlberg, a Swedish immigrant, and his family. Several years later, Hans’ sons Walter and Henry purchased another farm nearby. That land is a portion of the Dahlberg farm today. David Dahlberg, Henry’s son, came back to the farm in 1978 after teaching school and farming in Askov.
Today, the farm has evolved from its beginnings in dairy, oats, and potatoes to a 130-cow-calf operation plus soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and hay.
In the 1980s, David started a livestock-handling equipment business named Real Tuff, and he continues to test prototypes of their equipment on their cattle. The farm also includes a distribution and sales center for Real Tuff cattle equipment.
David and his wife Karleen manage the farm and their Real Tuff business. Their children, Nikki (with her husband Kyle) and Tonya (with her husband Brian), contribute to the farm and business operations.
David and Karleen contribute to their community in many ways. They helped develop Clear Waters Life Center, which salvaged the Clearbrook and Gonvick schools to provide programming to the community. Dave and Karleen teach anger management in the recovery program at the center.
In addition, David helped start a non-denominational church, and he has served as an elder and taught Sunday school for 40 years. David represented Clearwater County in the Emerging Leadership Program facilitated by University of Minnesota Extension.