Dagmar Vidal

Dagmar Vidal Johansen, 94, of Longwood, FL, and formerly of Hampton, died Friday, September 14, 2012, at Village on the Green Hospice in Longwood, Florida. Dagmar, the daughter of Peter and Mette Miller Lund, was born Dec., 10, 1917, in Hampton. She attended Hampton High School, Grand View University and Iowa State Teachers College. Dagmar taught country school at the Maysville School, south of Hampton, where she arrived at the crack of dawn to light the facility's woodstove. Students in Garner, Cherokee and Mason City benefited during her teaching service to those communities. During World War II, she worked as a weather spotter for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1942, while attending summer school at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO, Dagmar met a tall, veterinary student named Lewis Vidal. They married in June 1944. The couple made their home in Hampton until Dr. Vidal's death in 1990. Dagmar moved to Miami, FL in 1992. While living in Miami, she was active in community affairs such as Habitat for Humanity, the Jackie Gleason Theater and Church by the Sea, Oldsmare, FL. In 1992, Dagmar married Ove Johansen, a childhood friend, and moved to Longwood to be with him there. Ove died in 1997. Dagmar resided at Village on the Green until her death. Dagmar was a devout Christian, teacher, bridge player, hospital volunteer, baker, cook, seamstress, worrier, giggler and above all else, a Dane and a Democrat. While living in Hampton, she was involved in many civic and church activities. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary, the Hampton County Club, As You Like It club, Franklin County Democrats and was a Cub Scout den mother. In 1960, she was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which nominated John Kennedy. By 1964, Dagmar was a member of the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee, representing the Third Congressional District. In 1972, she was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee, being reelected in 1976 and 1980. Dagmar attended five Democratic National (presidential) Conventions and the inaugurations of John Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. Dagmar was a champion of women, minorities and peace within the political process. She was instrumental in crafting the anti-war plank of the Democratic Platform in 1968 and the Kansas City reforms of 1972. The latter resulted in the development of the caucus system of presidential candidate selection. Dagmar's life was devoted to family, church and friends. Her home was always ready for guests. She was a most hospitable hostess to neighbors, as well as presidential candidates. She loved music and songs, flowers and spirited debates. Dagmar lived during an awesome sweep of time; from herding sheep with her father, to the railhead south of Hampton, to the White House - a Democrat to the end. Ha' De Got, Kare Mor. Left to mourn her passing are her children, Kathy Vidal, Staten Island, N.Y.; Robert Vidal, Hampton; Dr. Peter Vidal, Garner; and Leonard Vidal, Daytona Beach, FL; Grandchildren, Kirsten Shaw, Jade (Doug) Stull, Dr. Logan Vidal, Sean Vidal, Colette and Chanel Vidal, Ethan and Victoria Vidal; great-granddaughter, Jensina; and great-great-grandchildren, Jesse, Jenna, Timmy and Robert.

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Dagmar Vidal

December 10, 1917 - September 14, 2012