Shirley Jean Dahlen, 95, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She was born July 27, 1928, in Luverne, Minnesota, to Tom and Hanna Larson Dahlen. She spent her formative years on a farm near Luverne, embracing her Norwegian heritage. She treasured moments shared with relatives both near and far. An especially cherished memory was a trip in celebration of her 75th birthday to Hollekim, the family farm in Norway where her grandmother was born.
Shirley enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling life, led by a multitude of passions. Along with her love of writing and making connections, she found profound joy in meaningful work. After graduating from Augsburg College in 1950 with a degree in education, she taught high school in St. Francis and Clarkfield, Minnesota. She later served as the Youth and Education Director at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and then at Bethany Augustana Lutheran Church.
In 1964 Shirley established the Kinswomen Program at Plymouth Christian Youth Center, an initiative aimed at pairing at-risk young women with mentors. She also served on staff at Wilderness Canoe Base at the end of the Gunflint Trail. From 1967 to 1970 she worked at Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota. Her dedication to serving her community extended to her work with the Hennepin County Juvenile Probation Department, where she served as a probation officer from 1970 to 1980.
She served on the founding board of the Association of Psychological Type (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and was active in the local Jung Association. Always adaptive, Shirley transitioned to working with word processors and computers, primarily within law offices from 1980 onward. Her zest for life even led to her working at the Guthrie Theater from 1988 to 1992, where she once showcased her talent on stage in the role of a monk in “The Duchess of Malfi.”
In her later years, Shirley continued serving in secretarial roles with Ebenezer Hands and Hearts Program and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, eventually retiring, reluctantly, at the age of 80. Shirley had a deep-seated love for people, a knack for forging connections and was gifted at recognizing life’s serendipities.
Shirley is survived by her sister-in-law Donna Dahlen of Luverne, Minnesota; five nieces and their families: Nancy Dahlen, Kariann Sanny, Angie Martin, Elsa Nitz and Elaine (Tim) Hall; close friends Jack and Shar Hauer and their family; and many dear and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Dahlen; niece Lori Carlson and husband David Carlson; nephew David Sanny; and great-niece Anne Carlson.
Special thanks to the staff at Providence Place for caring for Shirley with compassion and dignity over the past year.
A memorial service will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2315 Chicago Ave. S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Per Shirley’s wishes, her body was bequeathed to the University of Minnesota. A burial will take place in Luverne, Minnesota, at a later date.
Memorials are preferred to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Foundation, Augsburg University, or donor’s choice.
Shirley Dahlen