Philip Otis Dahlen

Philip Otis Dahlen, of La Crescent, MN, died on Thursday, August 18, 2016 in La Crosse at the age of 83. He was born in La Crosse on December 11, 1932 to Otis and Alice (Knutson) Dahlen. He graduated from Westby High School in 1950. Phil was active in football and was on the first championship team of 1948. He also was active in baseball in high school and played on summer leagues in Coon Valley and La Crescent following high school. Phil joined the Marines in 1952 and was discharged in 1955. He married one of his high school classmates, Eunice Fortun on June 15, 1957. He started working at Trane Co. in 1955 as a welder and fitter until 1976. He then became a welding instructor at Western Technical College and retired in 2008 at age 65. Following his retirement, he worked part time for the city of La Crescent.
Phil was an avid hunter both with bow and gun. At the age of 51 he participated in the local Toughman contest. He ran in 5k and 10k races winning several races in the 60’s age bracket. At 65 he took up the game of golf and thoroughly enjoyed himself out on the course playing with his buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Nan Jean. He is survived by his loving wife Eunice, one brother in law, one sister in law, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Gundersen Cardiac and Critical Care units for their care and compassion during Phil’s stay. Thank you to all who came to visit Phil and to those who helped out at the house. A special thanks to Dr. Rizvi and Barb Rugen-Rendler for going above and beyond in caring for Eunice while Phil was their patient. Heartfelt thanks also go out to Chaplain Paul Haugen and pastors Mike Woods and Kent Johnson for their visits and prayers.
Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastors Mike Woods and Kent Johnson will officiate. Private family burial will take place in the church cemetery. Friends may call on the family Wednesday morning at the church from 10am until the time of services.