Jadie Dahlen

Jadie Anders Dahlen, age 87, of Fergus Falls, passed away at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Jadie was born to Hans and Lucille (Danielson) Dahlen in Milnor, ND on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936. A special day for a special person. His name, Jadie, was also special; it was the same as his initials, J.D.

He started school when he was five years old and continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree with majors in Art and Mathematics and minors in Science and Industrial Technology. He took more graduate classes every summer.

In 1960, Jadie married the love of his life Margie Hansen. They were seldom apart during their married life. She was his soulmate every day.

He taught all levels of art, math classes: algebra, trig, and geometry, shop class, phy ed, and coached basketball. In 2012, after 70 years of education, he stopped teaching and subbing due to illness; before that he never missed a day of work due to illness. He was especially proud to be inducted to the "Hall of Fame" in the Fergus Falls Kennedy High School in 2013, for "Distinguished Service" in education. He liked his students and enjoyed working with them in the classroom. He said it made him feel young again.

Jadie was a member of the Minnesota Education Association, Fergus Falls Education Association, a life member of the National Education Association, and the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, where he volunteered for numerous things.

He earned money to go to college working on the N.P. Railroad and the U.S. Forest Service Fighting Forest Fires in Idaho, Montana, and Canada. In his childhood days, Jadie earned his own spending money by delivering the Fargo Forum, mowing lawns, and selling garden seeds, wild berries, scrap iron, eggs, and chickens that he raised from little chicks thrown out with bad eggs that didn't hatch from the Hatchery. He worked in the farmer's elevator to get food for his chicks. He had many experiences when he was young that most boys will never have. His mother died when she was young, leaving four children and her husband. Jadie was the oldest, about 12 or 13 years old. He washed clothes and dishes, was the chief cook and bottle washer for the family. Their house was small with no indoor plumbing or refrigerator. There was an old cast iron cook stove. He enjoyed drawing, painting, carving, building model planes, doing puzzles, reading, telling stories of his life, sports, hunting, fishing, trapping, fixing guns and small engines, repairing rods, reels, and anything that didn't work. He was always ready to help anyone at any time.

During his years of health challenges, he never slowed down and always maintained a positive attitude. He chose to live each day with a purpose and each day was a gift he cherished.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Hans and Lucile Dahlen; brother, Howard, and sister-in-law, Gwen (Bob) Hansen, and brother-in-law, Dick Hansen.

Jadie is survived by his loving wife, Margie; sister, Helen (Charlie) Busche; brother, Orvis (Reta) Dahlen; sister-in-law, Georgia Dahlen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard and Charlene Zent, Ray and Sandra Hansen, and Linda Hansen, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special Thank You for the wonderful care given to Jadie by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Lake Region Healthcare and at the Lake Region Cancer Care and Research Center. Thank you all!

Visitation: 4 - 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the Mass at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski, Father Lucho Palomino

Interment: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Forman, ND, with refreshments to follow at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Forman, ND.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com