Arline Ruth Dahlquist, Sr. (nee: Larsen) lived a long and full life of 92 years. The last few years were a particular challenge, because of debilitating and chronic arthritis pain, in addition to frequent hospitalizations with congestive heart failure and pneumonia. After months of discussion, she decided to let nature take its course and peacefully passed away at her home on Sunday, March 18, 2012. Gratitude is extended to Hospice Alliance for guidance and compassion throughout these last few weeks.
Arline was dedicated to family, friends and country. She had been active in numerous service organizations. As a disabled American veteran from World War II, through service in the Women's Army Corps, she met her husband, had a private tea and White House tour with Eleanor Roosevelt, and held office in the Disabled American Veterans. Arline was also a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, PTA officer, Kiwanis Youth Symphony and Scouts Bugle Corps parent group member, and a parent volunteer extending past her eighty-sixth birthday, at the schools where her daughter was a teacher with RUSD. Spanning more than eighty years of service to her country and community, Arline felt it was important to be involved and give to others. The family includes many serving in the military, teachers, firemen, policeman, Scout leaders and even Sunday school teachers.
Despondent over the loss of so many family and friends, especially her husband of 53 years, Olaf Dahlquist, who passed away in 2000; her son, Russell Dahlquist; grandson, Ted Brigham; brother and close friend, Ralph Larson; granddaughter, Heidi Dahlquist in 2011; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Dahlquist in 2012, Arline found it difficult to believe that so many had passed away before her. Born in Racine, and a lifetime resident, she had traveled the country and enjoyed numerous hobbies. Her parents were James Louis and Amanda Louise (Steingraeber) Larsen.
Family was her pride and joy, including four children and spouses: Russ (Virginia, then Ann), Jim (Joyce), Arline, and Dorothy (Earl); nine grandchildren and spouses: Steven Olaf, Heidi (Scott), Rebecca (Andy), Heather (Marc), Amanda Arline (Brandon), Michael, Tim (Brittany), Ted, Daniel Olaf (Adrienne), and Amyu; and twelve great-grand-children: Christian, Gabriel, Silas, Ben, Jake, Megan, Connor, Egan , Gabriel Olaf, Foster, Scotlyn, and Avery. Other family ties include her sister, Mildred Petersen; cousins, Donna Hansen and Cyndi Bitto; niece, Shelley Christenson and Alice Petersen; nephews, Ross and Randy Larson, Leonard and Ralph Olaf Petersen. There are many more to say farewell, including Acklams and Palmers, and special friends and neighbors Richard and Sandy Fear.
A private funeral and internment was held on Wednesday, March 21. In her memory, Arline would want everyone to regularly extend an act of kindness, especially to those who are serving, or who have served their country.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free!
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
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