Yvonne Jean Dahlgren

Yvonne Jean Dahlgren

Jan. 24, 1936 - May 12, 2014

COZAD, Neb. -- Yvonne Jean Dahlgren, 78, passed away Monday, May 12, 2014, at Golden Living Center in Cozad..

Yvonne was born Jan. 24, 1936, to Ross and Lena (Luke) Thompson in Johnstown, Nebraska. She attended high school in Gordon, Nebraska, and joined the Army on Jan. 4, 1954. While stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, she married Nick Dahlgren of Gordon on Aug. 16, 1955. They had three children, Rick Dahlgren of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Rona Dahlgren of Dallas, Texas and Rex Dahlgren of Ellicott City, Maryland.

Yvonne enjoyed tending her vegetable and flower gardens while teaching her children to do the same. She often shared her bounty with neighbors. Yvonne and her children enjoyed a variety of pets and the responsibility of caring for God's creatures. She once bought chicks when the eggs didn't hatch just so the sitting hen could be a mother hen. Yvonne frequently participated in leadership roles with her children's activities in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H. She was actively involved with the Eagles and was a member of Bethel Missionary Church. Yvonne loved to sit down with a friend over a cup of coffee.

As an inspiration to her children, she acquired her GED at age 43 at McCook Community College. She continued with more education at MCC that included courses in English and computer programming. Yvonne was proud that all three children obtained college degrees.

Even while living in the small town of Culbertson, Nebraska, for over 30 years, Yvonne continued her interest in the bigger world through reading, an interest she passed on to her children. She was always up for an adventure when visiting her children in the various cities where they lived.

Survivors include her children, Rex Dahlgren and wife Signe with children Hannah, Casey, and Emily; Rona Dahlgren and husband Dennis Schmedt; Rick Dahlgren and wife Tiffany with children Hunter, Colton, Elizabeth, Jake, and Jaden.

Yvonne's children are grateful to the caring staff at Golden Living Center for their compassion and good humor the past three years.

Graveside services were Friday, May 16, 2014, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, 12004 S. Spur 56A, Maxwell, NE.

Friends may send condolences online at www.blasestrauser.com or by mail to Rick Dahlgren, c/o Blasé-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

Memorials may be given to the McCook Humane Society, 100 South Street, McCook, NE 69001. Phone: 308-345-2372. http://www.mccookhumanesociety.com/