Obituary: Dahlen, Helen Marie

DAHLEN,
Helen Marie
(Age 90)

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Spokane, WA.

Helen was born August 12, 1921, to Edward and Charlotte Danielson in Ione, WA.

Graduating in 1939 from Ione High School, she then moved to Newport, WA, where she worked at Thue’s Five and Dime store.

On New Year’s Eve 1940, Helen met her future husband and lifelong companion, Harold.

They didn’t know, then, that this first encounter would be the beginning of a lifelong relationship of friendship and love.

Their wedding was planned for December 1941; however, the attack on Pearl Harbor put their wedding plans on hold.

Harold was drafted into the Army and served throughout the Pacific Theater for the duration of the war.

Helen moved to Spokane after Harold was drafted and worked at The Crescent department store.

During her spare time, she supported the troops through the local USO.

Their wedding finally took place on October 14, 1946.

Helen retired from The Crescent in 1987, allowing time for travel.

Their trips included Disney World (where Helen was the only one to ride the roller coaster), Canada, Hawaii, and a special trip to Sweden and Norway where they were able to meet many cousins and visit the birthplaces of their parents.
Helen enjoyed cooking, baking, and never lifted anything heavier than five pounds.

She, especially, enjoyed the holidays which were always spent with family.

At Christmas, everyone looked forward to her Scandinavian cookies, lefse, and yes, even lutefisk.

Helen was very involved with Central Lutheran Church activities and volunteered many hours helping with preparations for the annual church bazaar as well as the community “Meals on Wheels” program.
Helen’s home was always open and inviting to family and offered a place to stay to her nieces, nephew and granddaughters while they attended college.
Helen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harold; daughter, Susan (Rusty) Collins of Spokane; son, Mark (Nancy) of Olympia; grandchildren, Stacie Collins and Mirinda (Doug) Fennema of Spokane, Kathleen Dahlen of San Francisco, Andrew Dahlen of Seattle, and Julie Dahlen of Bellingham.

Helen always held a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved sister-in-law, Marie Knutson, of Newport, WA.
Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Maxine, Ruth, and Florence.
You will always hold a special place in our thoughts and our hearts.
Visitation for Helen will be Monday, June 18, 2012, from 9 AM to 7 PM at HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. Monroe St. , Spokane .

Funeral Services will be held at Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard, Spokane, on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at 11 AM, followed by interment at Riverside Memorial Park.

Reception follows interment at Central Lutheran Church.
At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Lutheran Church.