Obituary of Donald E. Dahlgren

Donald E. Dahlgren, 84, of 20 Englewood Avenue, died in his home on Thursday June 2, 2011. He was the son of the late O. Elmer and Mildred Nelson Dahlgren and was born in Jamestown on December 17, 1926. Aside from graduating high school in Michigan, his time in the military, and a four year period of seeking adventure in California in the 1950's as he and Grace Elaine started their new family, he spent his life in Jamestown. He was a patriot and loved his country. He willingly served a term in the US Army Air Corps. Amongst the many services he provided for the City of Jamestown were his role in building the Jamestown City Hall and serving a term as Councilman for the Jamestown City Council. Donald Dahlgren was a successful entrepreneur. He, along with his father, founded Beco Interiors, Inc. Along with his long-time partner, Arnold Johnson, he grew the interior design and supply company to include an office in Erie and several associated businesses which existed for over forty years. He had a strong faith and was dedicated to his church family at Hillcrest Baptist Church, the former Chandler Street Baptist Church. In addition to spending his life of worship at Hillcrest Baptist Church he offered years of service as an usher and his expertise on the Finance and Planning Committees and the Board of Trustees. In keeping with his faith and his dedication to community service, he was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board for many years. Donald Dahlgren was a kind and generous man, consistently aligned toward giving. His nature has been most clearly demonstrated in the last ten years since his beloved wife, Grace Elaine, has had Alzheimer's disease. He promised her that she would continue to live at home with him, and through a process of self-metamorphosis he became a cook, cleaner and caregiver, and he has successfully kept his promise to her. His demonstration of dedication and love is perhaps his greatest legacy. He is survived by his wife, the former Grace Elaine Elder, who he married on March 21st, 1948, and with whom he enjoyed 63 years of harmonious partnership. Also surviving are his two children Kathleen Dahlgren Lewis (Richard Lewis, Jr.) of Rochester, NY and Timothy Dahlgren (Diana Rue Dahlgren) of Gig Harbor, Washington, and seven grandchildren: Kathleen E. Lewis (Sean Chaffee), Christopher D. Lewis, R. Craig Lewis, Kasey Clare Lewis, Caroline E. Lewis, Isabella Dahlgren and Maya Dahlgren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joan Johnson. Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. A Graveside Service for the immediate family will take place at Sunset Hill Cemetery at ten o'clock on Thursday. A Memorial Service will be held a 11 a.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Pastor Mark Hinman will officiate. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. If you cannot attend the ceremonies but would like to remember Donald Dahlgren, spend some time in prayer, perform a community service, go for a sail, fly a model airplane, play an intense round of golf, or spend time with your family. Any of these activities would represent his passions and would honor his memory. You may light a candle in remembrance of Don at www.lindfuneralhome.com.