John Dahlgren

John W. Dahlgren passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 at Valley Senior Living.  He was born March 12, 1928, the son of Fred and Pernelle (Hilde) Dahlgren in Walsh County, ND.  He attended school in Rural Dewey Twp., in Fairdale, ND. Upon graduation he attended Akers Business College in Grand Forks, ND.

He married Inez Jasmer on July 24, 1948 in Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, ND. They had two children, son, Kenneth, and a daughter Kathryn (Douglas) Rood.  They have four grandchildren, Cher (Scott) Hansen, Christopher (Claire) McCreedy, Betsy (Mike) Hoff, and Nicholas (Kari) McCreedy. They also have six great-grandchildren, Ashley, Hunter, Hailey, Ryan, Sophie, and Connor, and more than 50 nieces and nephews.

He was hired by Deaconess Hospital in 1967 as head of the accounting department.  He was named Controller of the merge of Deaconess and St Michael’s hospital, and later named Vice-President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Unite Hospital, now known as Altru Hospital .  He retired on his 65th birthday after 25 years of service on March 12, 1993.

During his tenure at the hospital he was very active in the North Dakota Hospital Financial Management Association. He was president from 1980-1981.  He received the Follmer/Bronze award in 1973, the Reeves/Silver award in 1977, and the first recipient of the Muncie/Gold award in 1981; the first Founder’s award winner in 1987 and was given a life membership in 1993.  

He was passionately active in SERTOMA, and held many different positions during the 35 years with the organization.

After John’s retirement he became more active in volunteer work.  He served on several committees at Calvary Lutheran Church.  He became the local coordinator and Administrative Specialist that provided tax services for the elderly through the IRS, and AARP.  He was also active in SCORE, Service Corp of Retired Executives. The group helps new entrepreneurs with business plans and financial planning with the help of the Small Business Administration.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Pernelle Dahlgren, five siblings, Myrtle Nygaard, Lawerence, Palmer, Albin, and Myron, as well as his son Kenneth.

Being a life long learner, and avid reader, the family asks in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

**You may view the service by using this link: https://youtu.be/1Dc6Pf98pTk