Renee Ann Dahlen

Renee Ann (Mathieu) Dahlen was promoted to heaven on September 22, 2026, in Mason City, Iowa. A celebration to honor Renee’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Mason City, with Pastor Jane Harris officiating. Inurnment will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Aastad Lutheran Church in rural Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Renee Ann (Mathieu) Dahlen was born to William (Bill) and Angeline (Ann) Mathieu on March 20, 1948, in Pasco, Washington. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her strong Christian faith and love for her family.

Renee lived in many places throughout her childhood and graduated from high school in Austin, Minnesota. She attended college at Lutheran Bible Institute in Golden Valley, Minnesota, earning a degree in Bible Studies. She was also a certified American Sign Language interpreter, a degree that she earned in her thirties.

During college, she met the love of her life, Joel, and they were married on June 30, 1968. They were blessed with many kids, both through birth, and starting when they lived in the Philippines, through adoption: Bethany, Mathieu, Naomi, Mark, Kevin, Joseph and Sarah. Renee always wanted lots of children; she enjoyed her life as a homemaker and loved her family fiercely.

She cherished her family more than anything, and being a grandma was one of her greatest joys. Visits, texts and facetime calls with the “grands” were among her favorite activities.

Renee also loved to write. For years, she sent out a newsletter to support people living with Lyme disease called “The Encourager.” In addition, she wrote a weekly blog about life from her corner of the world in Iowa. Although her world was often limited to her home due to several health concerns including Lyme disease and multiple battles with cancer, her words reached many and helped her connect with people near and far.

She is survived by her husband, Joel; her children Bethany (Kevin) Kurschner, Mathieu Dahlen, Naomi (Greg) Fynboh, Mark Dahlen, Joseph Dahlen, and Sarah Dahlen; grandchildren Evan, Abbi, Grace, Grant, Greta, Isabel, Lydia, Sawyer, Noah, Jonas and Eli; her sister, Jan Losinger- Binger, and siblings Kay (Dan) Bjerke, Dick (Betty) Johnson, Janelle Baker, and Todd (Jeannie) Johnson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Renee was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ann Mathieu, her in-laws, Elmer and Isabelle Tordsen, her son, Kevin, her sister, Joanne Johnson, and her brothers-in-law Richard Johnson Sr., Los Losinger and Lanny Binger.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Mercy One Hospice for the excellent care they provided to Renee throughout her cancer journey. Thank you also to all our family and friends for supporting us with meals, visits, texts, calls and prayers for Renee. Your kindness and generosity are so very appreciated!