Honoring and visiting with veterans is something that has been important to Butch Dahl for many years. Dahl, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago, is being honored along with his family at this year’s Walk For Memories in Marshall.

MARSHALL — It’s not always easy to reach out for help when a loved one has dementia. But the Dahl family say it’s important for people coping with memory loss to know they’re not alone.

This year, Butch and Margie Dahl and their family are sharing their story to help raise awareness of dementia. About three years ago, Butch Dahl was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s a long road, but we’ll get through together,” Margie Dahl said Tuesday.

The Dahl family are this year’s Family of Honor for the Walk For Memories event, Thursday at the Red Baron Arena and Expo in Marshall. Area residents are encouraged to wear purple and come out to learn more about dementia, and honor those affected by the condition.

“I want to thank the family for sharing so much,” said Jaen Weilage, a volunteer with MADAN, the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network.

The event will run from 4-7 p.m., with family activities, music, storytellers and more. The 5K Fun Run For Memories will start at 6 p.m.

Butch was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about three years ago, but his wife Margie and daughters Sara Larson, Kari Condezo and Dawn Kopperud said they had noticed something was different before then. Larson said the signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia include behaving in out-of-character ways.

Kopperud said they saw little things at first. “We didn’t add it all up until later,” she said.

“He struggled with mechanical things,” which was unusual, Margie Dahl said. Butch normally worked a lot with his hands, and would build and fix things. Butch also had changes in his vision, and had difficulty driving.

“For me, it was a safety concern,” said Condezo. For example, she said, Butch would sometimes not know where the grandchildren were when he was caring for them. “I would document different things,” and be able to discuss them with her mother and sisters, she said.

After Butch was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the Dahl family said they have worked together to support each other and Butch.

“Family is the strongest support for us,” Condezo said.

“Each day is a gift,” Larson said Tuesday. “Each moment is an opportunity to make a memory or impact.  Our family is living with a guy who we celebrate and give thanks for, even though he has a disease that is taking away his ability to be and do as he once did.”

The Dahl family said there were a number of ways that people can help support a neighbor, family member or loved one who might coping with dementia. Communicating with friends and family, and not ignoring signs like unusual behavior, are both important, Larson said.

Another way to help support a person with dementia is to keep social connections going, Margie Dahl said. “Keep socializing, keep seeing your friends,” she said. “He appreciates that so much.”

The Dahl family said Butch still loves socializing with other veterans. That was important, when Butch was no longer able to set up VFW events on Memorial Day.

Dahl said another piece of advice that has been important for their family came from Rev. Tony Stubeda, pastor at Holy Redeemer Church. Stubeda said it was important to remember Butch as he was, in spite of the changes Alzheimer’s disease has brought.

Larson said there can be a stigma or shame that people feel in being open about dementia.

“It’s hard for people to acknowledge that we need help,” she said. But it can make a big difference to reach out to others.

Dahl said for her, it wasn’t easy at first to share with others about Butch’s diagnosis. But it helped to have people listen and be there, family members said.

Condezo said it was important for people to know about dementia. Kopperud said attending events like the Walk For Memories was one way to learn more, and to find resources for people and families coping with dementia. Kopperud said she went to a previous Walk For Memories because of her dad. “It was amazing to see all of the stuff available in this community,” she said.