David G Dahlen

David G. Dahlen, 72, peacefully passed away on September 27, 2020 at First Care hospital in Park River, ND surrounded by his family. 
David was born on April 16 1948 to Leonard and Drusilla (McCarthy) Dahlen.  He grew up in rural Webster, ND where he attended rural school until his family moved to Devils Lake.  He, then, attended and graduated from Central High Devils Lake in 1967.  After his graduation, he joined the Navy in 1968.  He was discharged in 1972. Upon his return he worked at various jobs in the Devils Lake area.
In 1974, he met the love of his life Barbara Kay while she attended nursing school in Devils Lake. They were united in marriage on November 28, 1975. This was the day after Thanksgiving and was forever known as their anniversary date.   From this union, they had three children Jencie Kay, Sarah Jo, and John (Casey).  Earlier in their marriage they lived various places throughout the Midwest.In the late 70’s, David decided to move his family to Wahpeton, ND so he could attend plumbing school at North Dakota State School of Science.  He worked in different towns after graduation and finally settled in Park River, ND.  He worked for Hunter plumbing and was trained in heating and air conditioning. He earned his master’s plumbing license and opened Dahlen Plumbing and Heating where he served the community and surrounding area for many years.  He retired at age 62 and worked part-time for his son. In later years, he became a snowbird and wintered in Arizona. He loved golfing and every Wednesday afternoon he could be found at the Hillcrest Golf Course.    
He is survived by his wife of 45 years Barbara; children: Jencie Dahlen of Sisseton SD, Sarah (Stephen Sharpe) Dahlen of Grand Forks and Casey (Grace Peterson) Dahlen of Park River; grandchildren Max Dahlen (Jencie), Remington, Weston, Finn, and MaKya (Casey & Grace) along with Drusilla and Jo Etta (Sarah & Stephen); brothers Bill (Mary) Dahlen of West Fargo and Dan (Nola) Dahlen of Devils Lake, as well as special sister-in-law and brother-in-law David and Roberta Bearinger. He has many sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews in his extended family.  He is preceded in death by his father, Leonard, and mother, Drusilla as well as two infant sisters.  Father/Mother in law Ovila and Marion Charbonneau. 
David believed in supporting the community so in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Hillcrest Golf Club and/or Park River Ambulance both in Park River, ND.
Due to COVID no food will be served. Please wear masks and follow social distancing. There will be an open house at the Tollefson Funeral Home on Monday, October 5th from 12pm to 2pm. Following the open house there will be a graveside memorial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Park River. If you would like to bring a lawn chair to the outdoor memorial service, it would be acceptable. Military Rites will be provided by the Park River American Legion Post #147 and the US Naval Honor Guard.

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