Wesley Dahlgren

Wesley Herman Dahlgren was born to Hattie and Alof Dahlgren Feb. 15, 1911 above Dahlgren Brothers' Store in Onamia, Minnesota. After his mother's death shortly after his birth, baby Wesley was lovingly raised by Thelma and Charles Dahlgren. He grew up happily with his sister Elaine and brother Howard. As a young man, he took great pride in learning the Objibwe language from his customers. On August 26, 1940, Wesley married Hazel Rebecca King, a young woman he had met when she had lived for an extended time with her grandparents in Onamia. Wesley and Hazel remained married until her death March 24, 1999. In 1943, Wesley was drafted into the United States Army. He trained at Camp Hood and Camp Cooke before embarking August 25, 1944 with the 1160th Engineer Combat Group to LeHavre, France for the European Theatre of Operations. He served his country in France, Germany, and Belgium. After the end of WWII, Wesley returned to Onamia where he and Hazel raised their family, and he continued in business with Howard until Howard's death. Wesley continued working in his store until he was 91 years old. Wes loved talking to people and sharing the news of the day. He especially enjoyed discovering the birthdays of the citizens of Onamia. He became well known in the community for the birthday signs he painstakingly painted each evening and placed in front of his store the next morning to wish individuals a happy birthday. He enthusiastically took a birthday photo of anyone who would pose beside his/her birthday greeting. Many times he sent these photos to family members or posted them on the bulletin board in the store. He received the WCCO radio Good Neighbor Award for service to his community. Wesley enjoyed travel. For many years, Wesley and Hazel enjoyed traveling all over the U.S to the 5 - year reunions of this tightly knit army unit. He traveled with his daughter and sister to Europe several times. Visiting his mother's village in Sweden was a highlight of his European travel. He looked forward to visiting his WWII friends in Belgium. Wesley was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and delighted in the accomplishments of his grandchildren , Gail and Kristi. He had been a resident at Mille Lacs Long Term Care for the past 5 years.. He is survived by his daughter, Marilee of Plymouth, MN; son, Charles & wife, June; granddaughters, Kristi & Gail all of Onamia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; brother & business partner, Howard Dahlgren; & sister, Elaine Schuessler.

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Wesley Dahlgren

February 15, 1911 - February 11, 2007