Jerome S. Dahlen, Sr., 79, of Minnewaukan, ND,  died Thursday, May 8th, 2014, at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo. Memorial Services will be Wednesday, May 14th, 2014, 2:00 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan, with Pastor Harold Ovre officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Gunnerud-Dietrich American Legion Post #86 of Minnewaukan,  Neathery-Simensen VFW Post #756 of Devils Lake and members of the North Dakota Military Honors Team. Urn Bearers will be:  Lucas Callahan and Barent Grondahl.  Music will be from Deanna Hanson, organist.

Jerome Sterling Dahlen, Sr. was born November 29, 1934 at Devils Lake, ND, to Carl Dahlen and Edna (Thorson) Dahlen-Baker.  He was raised near Webster, ND, attending rural school, Webster Public School and Devils Lake Central High School.  Jerome then enlisted in the Air Force on December 28, 1951 in Fargo and served during the Korean Conflict.  He was discharged on December 7, 1955 and awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals. Upon returning home, he married  Joyce Stenberg at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake.  The couple lived in Devils Lake where Jerome worked as a mechanic and truck driver for many years.  Upon the retirement of Joyce's father, they moved to the farm in McClellan Township Benson County and farmed until 1982 when they moved into Minnewaukan.  Jerome then drove the Cenex truck and school bus for a number of years and retired to care for his wife.  Joyce passed away November 15, 2010.

Jerome was confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake and was a long time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan where he served as a deacon and council member.  He was an active member of the Gunnerud-Dietrich American Legion Post #86 of Minnewaukan and the Neathery-Simensen VFW Post #756 of Devils Lake.  Jerome  was also a member of the Masons and Elks.    He was passionate about his children and grandchildren's athletic activities, enjoyed reading westerns, watching sitcoms and old western movies on a loud television and assisting with the serving of the Legion pancake and sausage breakfasts.

Grateful for sharing in his life are his:  daughters and sons-in-law:  Jean and Mike Callahan of Minnewaukan;  Jackie and Jerry Nicholson of Moorhead, MN;  Jill Renihan of Brooksville, FL,  and Jo Dahlen-Trudy Henrikson of Moorhead, MN;  sons and daughters-in-law:  Jon and Norkio Dahlen of Stafford, VA and Jerry Dahlen, Jr. of Moorhead, MN;  17 grandchildren;  22 great-grandchildren;  a sister:  Sonya Dahlen of New England, ND;  step-brother:  Lyle Baker of Mesa, AZ; a step-sister:  Vonnie King of Olympia, WA and his canine companion, Snoopy.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Joyce, brothers Claire Dahlen and Dean Dahlen and step-father Albert Baker.



Condolences:


We are so very sorry about the loss of your Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. God's Blessings to you all.  Gary & Ginny Sears



He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You will always be family to me.   Joanne



Our sincere sympathy to all of Jerome's family. Judy and Coby



May God give you comfort and peace now and in the difficult days ahead.  My deepest sympathy to all.  Renee Gilderhus