Carlton Urdahl ’63 retired from his position as a math teacher in 2023 after 60 years of service, first in Granite Falls, and then Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools in 1973. He decided he wanted to be a teacher in fourth grade, after learning that men could be teachers, too. Urdahl is not just an educator, he is a lifelong learner. As a teacher, you could often find him at Perkins before school, working on challenging calculus problems. Through seeking ways to enhance his teaching, he enriched the learning experiences of his students.

Urdahl exemplifies the service mindset as a mentor for students and colleagues alike. He also participated in seven mission trips to Guatemala and Honduras for Habitat for Humanity, delivered meals five days a week for Meals on Wheels for Lutheran Social Service, and has always found a church choir to volunteer for. Urdahl purchased his family cattle farm in 1986 and continued to operate the farm while teaching.

He has received the Regents Award and the Soli Deo Gloria Award from Concordia College and was presented the Teacher of Excellence Award for Buffalo Schools.