Elbert "Olie" Dahlen

Elbert “Olie” Eugene Dahlen, 93, passed away Monday, March 2, 2020 in Grand Forks. Olie was born August 3, 1926 to Lars and Elizabeth (Hazelton) Dahlen in Bemidji, MN. He graduated from Big Falls, MN, High School in 1944. He was drafted into the army shortly after graduation, where he served in the infantry in Italy during WWII. After returning home, he attended UND, graduating with a degree in accounting in three years.

Olie married Vivianne LeMay on Aug 8, 1948 in Jamestown, ND. They resided in Grand Forks their entire lives, becoming “snow birds” in Mesa, AZ for over 30 years. He worked his entire career at Lunseth Plumbing & Heating, starting as the bookkeeper and retiring in 1988 as president and owner. They raised four children together.

Olie was active in many organizations and service clubs through the years. He was past president of the Jaycees, Rotary Club, GF Country Club, UND Sioux Boosters, ND Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical Contractors Assn, campaign chairman for United Way, Exalted Ruler of the Elks, active in Boy Scouts, SCORE, Eagles Club, Toastmasters, Jr Chamber of Commerce, director of GF Federal Savings & Loan and served on the GF City Civil Service Commission.

His biggest passion was family, followed closely by golf. Or maybe golf, followed by family! His love of golf sent Olie and Viv all over the US and to Scotland, to golf St. Andrews. Olie and Vivianne traveled the world, enjoying many trips abroad, from Europe to Australia. He always had a smile on his face, asked where you were from, and nine times out of ten knew someone from your hometown. His love of nicknames was uncompromised. Knowing you got a nickname from Uncle Olie made you feel special. He also made you feel special if you were “Scandahoovian”. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage, even going so far as eating lutefisk for Syttende Mai.

Many vacations were spent as family reunions at Potato Lake, where Olie enjoyed watching his family grow. The grandkids loved their time at the lake, sometimes squished in like sardines, but it was worth it! Grandpa would rent a pontoon to ride around on, giving the grandkids all a chance to drive.

Olie is survived by his wife of 71 years, love of his life and “first wife”, Vivianne, children Kay Lynn (Larry) Cummins, Bisbee, AZ; Rick (Cindy) Dahlen, Kirkland, WA; Deb (Paul) Jorgenson, Apple Valley, MN and Barb Tharaldson, Manvel, ND; grandchildren Lily, Joey (Dana), Lindsey, Michael, Kristen (Arran), Lisa (Kendall), Ty, Alex, Aaron (Melanie), Nick (Marcy) and Katie, six great-grandchildren and sisters Genevieve Jenkins and Lorraine Nygaard. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bernard, Bob and Bill, and grandson Zachary.

Services will be Monday, March 9 at 10am in the Havig-Heen Auditorium at Valley Senior Living on 42^nd, 4000 24^th Ave S, GF. Visitation one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society.

Internment to be held at Memorial Park Cemetery South – when the weather is warm enough to golf.