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Photo of Albert E. Dahlgren

Albert E. Dahlgren

1/27/1922 - 6/4/2013


Obituary


Albert Edward Dahlgren, lifelong resident of Wright County, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the age of 91 years young.

Funeral services for Albert Dahlgren will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church, 420 1st Street North West in Clarion with Pastor Ron Nelson officiating.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church.

He was born on January 27, 1922, to Carl and Eva (Hardy) Dahlgren in rural Wright County. Albert was the fifth of six children in that Swedish farm family. He farmed with horses as a youngster. He graduated from Clarion High School in 1939 and was engaged in farming and the dairy business along with his father and brother (Dahlgren Dairy) until he purchased his own place east of Clarion in the 1950’s (Maple Lane Farm). He took pride in his Guernsey herd and ran a Grade A dairy farm for many years. In the 1970’s he switched over to beef production. Over the years his barnyard also included some hogs, sheep, chickens, Shetland ponies, and many cats and dogs.

In 1954, Albert married Mary Jane Johnsen in Humboldt, Iowa, following a blind date match-up. Together they raised five children on their farm and later moved into Clarion in 1987. He supported his family in whatever endeavor was on the calendar … community events, pinewood derby races, youth group hayrides, ball games of all kinds, wrestling, band and choral concerts, 4-H activities of all kinds, plays and musicals, recitals and so much more. He loved to see his kids and grandkids in action. He was a huge fan of our Choralaires, our Festival in the Park, our County Fair, and our Iowa State Fair.

Albert belonged to the First Lutheran Church of Clarion and served as a deacon, usher, and faithful church member for many years. He especially enjoyed hosting some Japanese guests through the Bridge of Fellowship program in 1974 and his reciprocal visit to Japan in 1977.  Albert and Mary Jane’s trip to Norway in 1981 was another highlight for this hometown farmer. He participated in the Clarion bowling league during the 1960’s and 70’s. He and Mary Jane even learned square dancing and he loved to swing his partner. Albert also loved to play cards, read books, follow high school and college athletics, and to go out for a good steak dinner now and then. He raised some very tasty tomatoes each summer, too. His stubborn determination to care for Mary Jane afforded them several more years of togetherness beyond what was thought to be possible. Though Albert never sought the limelight, his quiet unassuming nature belied his rich sense of humor and teasing skills. A local nickname for him was “Albright” due to his sunny disposition. He was devoted to his wife and family. He was a hard worker. He had a quiet strength and dignity.

Albert is survived by his wife of 59 years, sweet Mary Jane … his children Dave/Kathy Dahlgren of Clarion; Jim Dahlgren of Clarion; Sandy/Chuck Fee of Goldfield; and Pam/Rick Strayer of Andover, MN … his grandchildren Jared/Camie Dahlgren of Colorado Springs, CO; Nick Dahlgren of Clarion; Aubrey Davis of Des Moines; Zach Dahlgren/Whitney Thompson of Waterloo; Caleb Dahlgren of Goldfield; Mikayla Dahlgren of Clarion; Christina Zajicek of Champlin, MN; Ben Strayer of Champlin, MN; Mary Lynn/Brad Snyder of Romeoville, IL; and Danielle Fee of Johnston … seven great grandchildren … numerous nieces and nephews … and many other relatives and friends. He will be missed by all.

Albert was precede in death by his parents, his son Mike Dahlgren, and all of his siblings Verna Lofton, Viola Fisher, Carlton Dahlgren, Melvin Dahlgren, and Elaine Brinkman.