Verner Paul Dahlberg

Verner Paul Dahlberg died Saturday afternoon (5/18/2013) at the Golden Living Center in Rush City at the age of 90 years. Vernie was born on April 17, 1923 at his home in St. Paul, MN to Adolph and Marie (Swenson) Dahlberg. Vernie’s mother passed away when he was four years old and he was raised by his father with the help of his father’s cousin, Esther. Vernie was Baptized in 1923 and confirmed on May 15, 1938 at Elim Covenant Church in St. Paul. He graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1941. After graduation Vernie worked at the Jacobson Dairy Farm (now known as the Olson Turkey Farm) in Rush City. In October 1942, Vernie enlisted in the US Navy and then the US Army and served during World War II with active duty overseas. Upon his return from the World War II he married his wife Elsie (Arlene) Robinson at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City on July 1, 1950. They lived in St. Paul for over 30 years where they raised their family. During this time, the Dahlberg family attended Divinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul were Vernie served on the Church Council. His love for hymns encouraged him to participant in the Senior Choir, he also spearheaded the boy youth program known as the Pioneers. Vernie worked for the City of St. Paul in the Public Works Department as a Supervisor. After retiring in 1981, Vernie & Arlene fulfilled their life-long dream by moving back to Rush City and purchasing the old Stermer Farm off the Ferry Road. In 1982 they joined St. John’s Lutheran Church where Vernie assisted the Laborers for Christ to build the new Church on 4th street. At their new home, Vernie built a workshop and began to teach himself woodworking, which he passed onto his children. Vernie made a number of treasures for his children and grandchildren including rocking horses, toys, Christmas ornaments and small pieces of furniture. Of course, Vernie waited patiently every year for the Minnesota Vikings to win the Super Bowl. He enjoyed the outdoors including bow hunting, camping, and sometimes sneaking off with Arlene for a Rhino ride to watch the sunset. In 2001, Vernie fulfilled another dream, traveling with his four daughters to Sweden for a vacation of a lifetime to visit his parents homeland. Vernie is survived by his wife Arlene of 63 years., Son Gary (Victoria) Dahlberg of Askov, Daughter Gail (James) Callinan of Oakdale, Son, Alan (Loretta) Dahlberg of Brook Park, Daughter Joanne (Keith) Hopkins of Hinckley, Daughter Robin Johnson of St. Paul, Daughter Marlene (Steven) Andrus of Oakdale, Son Daniel (Debbie) Dahlberg of Rush City; grandchildren: Bruce, Heather, Matthew, Jessie, Josiah, Randy, Daniel, Christina, Eric, Melissa, Brian, Kyle, Timothy, Dylan, Jennifer, & Desirae; great grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Madeline, Jared, Julia, Gabriel, Phinean, Tierney, Josiah, Jayden, Malachi, Rowan, Eva, Allison, Miranda, & Avery; great-great granddaughter: Mackenna, sister-in-law Evelyn Dahlberg of Rush City. Verner is preceded in death by his parents Adolph & Marie Dahlberg; brothers: Leonard, Donald, Bernard, Milfred; sister Vivian and granddaughter Kathleen (Katie). Reverend John Beck will officiate a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at St. John's Lutheran Church 980 W 4th Street of Rush City. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson Chapel of Rush City