Thore Alexander Dahlvang, 88, of Int'l Falls, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2004, at Falls Memorial Hospital.
The son of Thore (Tom) and Anna (Olson) Dahlvang, Alex was born in Lyons Township, Wadena County, Minnesota on April 17, 1915. In his early years, Alex attended school in Oylen, Minnesota., while he worked the family farm. During th height of the "Great Depression", Alex worked in The Civilian Conservation Corps in Itasca, Minnesota.
He was united in marriage on November 20, 1940, to Alice Marie Woodbridge. They lived in Lyons Township for 5 years before moving to the Falls in 1946. Alice preceded him in death on July 2, 1946.
Alex began working for Mando, (now known as Boise) in 1946 and continued his employment there until his retirement from the Boise Cascade Insulite Division in 1979. He was an exceptional vehicle mechanic and restoration artist who will probably always be remembered for his 1953 Mercury.
Alex was an active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church where he served as an usher and greeter for many years. He participated in their 55+ Group and especially enjoyed their pot-luck gatherings. Alex was also a member of The Sons Of Norway (Vinland 1-193) Lodge and traveled to Norway with his son Jerald in 1987. Since his years in the C.C.C., established by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Alex was a life long Democrat and a strong supporter of the D.F.L. party. All in all, Alex enjoyed life and people. He was kind to everyone.
In addition to his wife Alice, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Janice Ryll, on December 11, 1993, his parents and 3 brothers Perry, Selmar(Sam), Roy Dahlvang, and 2 sisters, Clara Anderson and Tilda(Tillie) Anderson.
He is survived by a daughter, Judy Leolich of Int'l Falls, 2 sons, Jerald Dahlvang of San Diego, Ca. and Joel (Rose) Dahlvang of Spokane, Wa. 8 Grandchildren, Alicia Leolich, Martin (Cindy) Ryll, Monica Butt, Melinda (Curtis) Wickstrom, Mickey (Tammy) Ryll, Deanna (Duane) Leeseman, Jackie and Niclas Dahlvang. 7 great grandchildren, Rebecca Ryll, Kenny & Kristopher Butt, Katie and Kyle Leeseman, Joshua Wickstrom, and Jaycob Ryll.
Alex is also survived by 2 sisters, Olga Nyberg of Henning, Mn. and Mabel (Russell) Wetherll of Staples, Mn. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Alex at future Dahlvang Family reunions, as he very seldom missed our annual gathering.
He will also be sadly missed by his long time lady-friend, Ruby Wallen, And his beloved canine companion, Pudgy who is completely lost without him....as, we all will be.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, January 27, at Green-Larsen Mortuary.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, at the Evangelical Covenant Church with pastor Larry Connors officiating. Interment will be at the West Lyons Cemetery in Nimrod, Mn., where Alex will be laid to rest next to his wife, Alice, with the Rev. Neal Malcore officiating at the graveside committal service on Thursday, January 29, at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.