Mavis Dahlgren

September 3, 1940 – May 3, 2024

Funeral services for Mavis Dahlgren, 83, of Timber Lake were held Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at United Parish in Timber Lake.

Interment under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home, took place at the Timber Lake Cemetery.

Mavis Irene Johnson was born September 3, 1940 to Victor and Clara Johnson of Mound City. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church. She attended grade school at the Kuehl School in Campbell County, which was a short distance from their house.

Mavis graduated from Selby High School in 1958. On June 11, 1958, she married Vincent Dahlgren, a cowboy from West River, at Bethany Lutheran Church. She loved life on the farm as she was growing up but traded East River farm life for West River ranch life when she got married and moved west 80 miles. In addition to raising six children, Mavis and Vince welcomed several teenage nephews into their home throughout the years.

Mavis was active in church at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church north of Firesteel, which later became part of the United Parish in Timber Lake. 4-H played a huge part in life, both when she and her children were growing up. She commented, “I try to live by the 4-H motto, to make the best, better.”

She loved being outside, whether it was checking cows, driving the swather, or packing silage. Her children often went with her to the field and played in the sand and she always appreciated when she was able to enjoy them.

When they moved to town, Mavis became a substitute teacher at the Timber Lake School, enjoying interactions with students. She served as deputy clerk of courts for several years.

One of the highlights of her life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching them participate in sports, rodeos, and other activities. She was always ready for a road trip to attend a birthday party or other special event.

Family was important to Mavis; she loved family reunions and getting together with neighbors and family.

In later years, Mavis and Vince spent time during the winter months in Arizona. They made lifetime friendships with people from many locations. They enjoyed traveling and showing the sites to their guests, especially family members. Mavis continued to travel to Arizona several years after Vince passed away. As much as they enjoyed their travels, they were ready to be home in spring for the first calves to be born.

Mavis is survived by her children, Karen (Dave) Holzer of Spearfish, Keith (Linda) of Timber Lake, Nyla (Loren) Moak of Selby, Corinne Hansen of Spearfish, Sharon (Shorty) Maher of Sturgis, and Sandi of Japan; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Lloyd (Ruby), Ken (Donna), and Dean (Nancy); a sister, LaVida Dickinson; and three sisters-in-law: Estelle Cook, Esther Goldade and Westelle Dahlgren; and nieces and nephews.

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband, Vince in 2016, an infant granddaughter Talitha, her parents, an infant brother, Larry and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

(Family address is Box 178, Timber Lake, SD 57656.)