John Robert Dahlgren, 87, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022 after a brief illness.

He was born in Rice Lake to Gilbert and Lillian (Strand) Dahlgren on January 28, 1935.

John graduated from Rice Lake Washington High School in 1952. He attended Eau Claire College (now UW-Eau Claire) after high school. In 1954 he answered the call to the US Army and served in Europe post World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon completing his commitment, he returned home to Rice Lake and completed a course of study in accounting. He worked for Link Bros. Ford in Minong, and Rice Lake until his retirement in 1999. John married Judith Gerland on October 4th, 1969. They raised their sons, Todd and Lee, in Rice Lake. John was a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, where he sang in the choir for over 60 years, and served on the church council and committees. He was a life member in the Rice Lake Elks Club. John was also involved in the community in retirement. He was active in the Rice Lake Lions Club for many years, serving on several committees and as Treasurer for more than 10 years. He was a steady presence at the annual Pancake Breakfast and many other Lions Club functions. The community of Rice Lake always held a special place in his heart. Post-retirement, John and Judy took several trips together, and with friends. They traveled to Australia and New Zealand, to Branson, Missouri, to both coasts to visit friends and family, and to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to go polar bear watching. John loved to golf, and spent many afternoons at Turtleback. John cherished time with friends, including his regular Friday lunch at Hardees with his lunch buddies. He also enjoyed keeping up on world and business news. John will be remembered as a person of integrity.

John is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Gordon Gerland, and sister-in-law Mildred Gerland, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Todd (Melissa) Dahlgren of Wauwatosa, WI and Lee (Margaret) Dahlgren of Wheeling, IL and grandchildren Jacob, Calissa, Matthew, and Thomas, and his sister-in-law, Ruth Gerland, and three nieces, all of whom he loved so very much.

Memorials can be directed to the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank (5003 Tradewinds Pkwy, Madison, WI 53718) or to Bethany Lutheran Church (35 W Messenger St, Rice Lake, WI 54868).

A funeral service will be at 11:00 on Friday, October 21st, 2022 at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Visitation will precede the service from 9:30 to 11:00. Burial will follow at 2:30 at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Appleyard’s Home For Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Oct 16, 2022 12:38 pm CDT