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James ‘Jim’ Dalen

Lead Summary

March 20, 1946 — Jan. 12, 2025

James “Jim” Dalen, 78, passed away on Jan. 12, 2025. Jim was raised on a farm near Wallingford and graduated from Graettinger High School in 1964. He met and married his soulmate, Jane, in 1967.

In 1967, Jim enlisted in the Iowa National Guard where he served a long active duty career until his retirement in 1995.

Jim was an exceptionally talented cabinetmaker, creating custom pieces that were as beautiful as they were functional. His works now stand as cherished legacies in the homes of friends and family. Additionally, Jim had a passion for flying, although he wasn't quite as good at it as he was at woodworking. His days as a pilot ended after an ill-conceived dispute with gravity in which gravity emerged victorious, claiming his plane and a couple of teeth for good measure. Ever the storyteller, Jim turned the incident into a legendary tale that perfectly reflected his humor and resilience.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane; his son, Patrick; brother, Duane Dalen; and sister-in-law, Patricia Dalen.

Jim is survived by his son, Paul (Kim), of San Antonio, Texas; and two granddaughters, Abigail and Ainsley; his brothers, Rick (Kathy), of Wallingford, and Darryl, of Andover, Minnesota; and his sisters, Ruth (Todd) Thill, of Britt, and Maureen (Duane) Sandberg, of Graettinger.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger on Feb. 8, at 11 am. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Jim’s life, sharing memories and honoring a life well-lived.

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