Eugene Dahl, 83; founded Bobcat company

FARGO, N.D. - Eugene Dahl, who helped found the company now known as Bobcat and served as a North Dakota state lawmaker, has died.

He was 83.

Mr. Dahl's son, Howard, said his father died Wednesday in Fargo after battling cancer for a year and suffering a heart attack a month ago.

Mr. Dahl and his four brothers-in-law developed Melroe Manufacturing Co., now known as Bobcat, before selling it in 1970.

Mr. Dahl then became a leader of Steiger, a Fargo company that helped pioneer big four-wheel-drive tractors.

The former Steiger plant is now operated by CNH.

After leaving Steiger, Mr. Dahl helped sons Howard and Brian start Concord Inc., a maker of air seeders.

Mr. Dahl also served two terms in the North Dakota House of Representatives.