Marlene E. Dawson

Marlene E. Dawson, 79, of La Crescent, MN passed away Thursday, April 9th,2015 At the Golden Living Center in La Crescent. She was born in Lake Mills, IA on August 20th, 1935 to Truman and Evelyn (Stene) Bjelland. She married Phillip J. Dawson at Salem Lutheran Church on June 9, 1957.

Marlene and Phil moved to La Crescent, MN in 1967. She had a 38 year teaching career in the La Crescent School district, teaching Title 1, kindergarten, 2nd grade, and was awarded teacher of the year.

She was long time member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, WELCA Circle, serving 8 years as president, also one of the original founders of the Prince of Peace Bell choir.

She had a great passion for music, giving piano lessons after school for many years. She was active in church choir, many piano concerts-recitals. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, knitting, sewing, and most of all raising her 4 sons. She volunteered at churches, schools, nursing homes. She will always be remembered for her generosity and caring nature. She will greatly be missed by all who knew her.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Phillip Dawson, son Mark. She is survived by daughter in law, Connie Dawson of Prior Lake, MN, sons, Todd (Christie) Dawson of Doobie Valley, MN, Paul Dawson of Dresbach, MN, John (Anna) Dawson of La Crosse, WI, 5 grandchildren, Zachary, Brett, Cody, Rylee, Taylor, and one great grandchild Aiden.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 17th, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 N. Hill St, La Crescent, MN. Pastors Timothy Duesenberg and Michael Woods will officiate. Burial will follow at Prince of Peace cemetery. Friends may call on the family at the church Thursday evening from 4-7 PM and again at the church Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

The family would like to give special thanks to Golden Living Center and Gundersen Hospice for the wonderful care that was given.