Pershing (Persh) Franklin Dahlstrom, 98, of Turlock, passed away peacefully in Oakdale.  He was born to Louis and Anna Dahlstrom in Stockton, the seventh of eight children.
In 1937, he graduated from Turlock High School and went on to attend the University of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
While working as a flight engineer for Pan American Airlines during WWII, Persh met his wife, Alice, and on May 5, 1945 they married.
Persh owned and operated Starr’s Auto Parts from 1952 until it closed in 1997.
Growing up during the Great Depression, Persh learned the value of hard work and instilled that trait into his children and grandchildren. His advice to them was to “take an even strain” and “go ahead and fix yourself a drink.”
Among his hobbies, Persh enjoyed traveling, fixing everything from broken furniture to vehicles, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a distinguished gentleman and a humble man, who was a friend to all who met him.
Persh is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice; his daughter, Carolyn (Scott) Linn; his son, Gary Dahlstrom; his grandchildren, Scot (Kendra) Dahlstrom, Mark (Cori) Dahlstrom, and Karin (Jason) Plett. He is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Private services have been held. In lieu of memorial donations, the Dahlstrom family has requested you please share your fondest memories of Persh at www.turlockfuneralhome.com.