Evelyn J. Dahlen

Evelyn Jeanette Dahlen, 96, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at Hillview Health Care Center, surrounded by her granddaughters, on September 30, 2025.

Evelyn was born at home in Coon Valley on April 12, 1929, to Arthur O. and T. Josephine (Strangstadlien) Gronvold. She was baptized and confirmed at Upper Coon Valley Lutheran Church, where her faith became the foundation of her life. Evelyn attended Erickson School on South Ridge and graduated as valedictorian of the Westby High School Class of 1947. She went on to earn her degree from Vernon County Normal School (Teacher’s College) and began her career as an educator, teaching at Spring Coulee, Linrud, and Coon Valley schools.

On August 7, 1954, Evelyn married Ralph Dahlen at Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Together they made their home and raised their daughter, Karen Jean (Dahlen) Tischer (Tom). Family was Evelyn’s greatest joy. She was blessed with two granddaughters, Amanda (Jason) Tischer Buros and Ashley (Brent) Tischer Sacia, and three great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Harrison, and Henry Buros. She cherished every moment with them and loved being part of their lives.

After her teaching years, Evelyn devoted herself to the family farm, babysat, and remained deeply involved in church and civic life. She served faithfully with WELCA and South Ridge Circle, where she also held leadership roles. She was a proud member of the Coon Valley American Legion Auxiliary and Norskedalen, and she gave generously of her time by working at elections and volunteering at the local food pantry.

When she moved to La Crosse in 2001, Evelyn continued her commitment to service, volunteering at Gundersen Health System and with the Coulee Region RSVP program. Her generosity, kindness, and steady presence touched many lives.

Evelyn is survived by her sister, Janice Haugstad; two sisters-in-law, Jean Gronvold and Cathy (Tim) Ofte; her son-in-law, Tom Tischer; her granddaughters; and her beloved great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; her daughter, Karen; two brothers, Olaf and Gilman Gronvold; three sisters, Helen Semke, Audrey Nelson, and Thelma Helgeson; and an infant sister.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hillview Health Care Center for the love and care they showed Evelyn during the past five years.

Memorials may be made to Coon Valley Lutheran Church, where Evelyn’s faith was rooted and lived out throughout her life.

Evelyn’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. Today we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Ralph, her daughter Karen, and all those who went before her. She is at peace in the presence of her Savior, and her legacy of love, faith, and strength lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday October 7, 2025 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time. Rev. Ben Morris will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.