Ronald H. Dahlen

Ronald “Ron” Dahlen, age 83, resident of rural Michigan, ND died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at his home.

Ronald H. Dahlen, the son of Helmer and Ruth (Johnson) Dahlen born September 17, 1932 in Grand Forks, ND. He attended elementary school in Whitman and graduated from Michigan High School in 1950. After high school he attended NDSU and was a staunch supporter of the Bison. Music, Pinochle, and Old Milwaukee were Ron’s three favorite things, but not necessarily in that order. He was a dairy and grain farmer in rural Michigan his entire life. Ron married Colleen Tucker on September 27, 1958 in Angus, MN. With this marriage they were blessed with four sons. Colleen died on June 14, 1974. Ron and Joyce (Hjelseth) Klug were united in marriage on July 22, 1975. With this marriage, Ron welcomed one daughter. Joyce and Ron resided on the family farm for 41 years.

Ron’s community was very important to him, especially Nelson County. He served as Nelson County Commissioner for 20 years. During this time, Ron started his crop adjusting career which lasted over 20 years. Ron was involved on many boards including, the Nelson County Health System Foundation Board, Nelson County Farmers Union Board, North Dakota Farmers Union Board, Michigan-Lakota Farmers Union Oil Co. Secretary, NDFU Mutual Insurance Co. Board, NDFU Service Association Board, Sarnia Township Supervisor, and Sarnia United Lutheran Church Council.

Ronald always told his children “If you’re going to be a member, be an active member”.

Ron will be deeply missed by his wife, Joyce, rural Michigan, ND; 5 children, Dennis (Mary) Dahlen, Phoenix, AZ, Allen (JoAnn) Dahlen, Grand Forks, ND, Kevin (Jill) Dahlen, Grand Forks, ND, Jody (Mark) Slettebak, Perham, MN, and James (Josh) Dahlen, Sacramento, CA; 9 grandchildren, Nicole (Dominick) Ruggiero, Sara (Mason) Rector, Emma Dahlen, Matthew Dahlen, Joshua Dahlen, Lexie Dahlen, Ian Dahlen, Hope Slettebak, and Aaron Slettebak; 1 great grandchild on the way; 1 sister, Marilyn Somdahl, Bloomington, MN; 1 nephew, David Somdahl, 2 nieces, Sonja Somdahl-Nordland and Deb Larson; and numerous cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Colleen, and brother-in-law, Narvel Somdahl.

The Funeral Service for Ronald will be held at Sarnia United Lutheran Church of Whitman, ND, on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Barb Koenig. Interment will be in the West Forest Cemetery, rural Whitman, ND. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.