Donald Dean Dahlquist passed away February 17, 2017 at his home in Boise, ID listening to his favorite Classical music with his “Scottie” Rufus at his side.
Don was born May 23, 1936 to Swedish immigrant parents, Arthur and Mabel (Lindberg) Dahlquist in New Rockford, ND. As the third son, he was always trying to keep up with big brothers Raymond and Richard, and six years later his little sister E. Marie completed the family.
As an art teacher for over 35 years at Moorhead’s South Junior High, he has always been proud not only of those young artists who have made it “big,” but also of those who just enjoyed “doing” art. As an artist, his interests included stained glass, bronze casting, painting, drawing and more recently paper cuttings. His home is reflective of this artistic touch, with art, color and design evident…. everywhere. He loved to build and redesign found objects; gathering and keeping for his next project; scrap metal, copper, rocks, wood, and good “junk.”
While pursuing his BS in Art Education from Moorhead State, Don met and married Janice Tollefson and were blessed with a daughter, Sonja Jan Dahlquist. After divorcing, he married Anise Lee, also a MSU Art major, and combined the two families with Anise’s two children, Eric Lee Borgen and Sonya Lee Borgen. Don and Anise have three wonderful granddaughters Linnea Dahlquist (Sonja), Sarah Borgen (Sonya) and Sophia Borgen (Eric and Kelli). These young ladies brought him more joy than he could ever believe possible.
As a member of the FM Civic Opera Company, Don was in 13 different productions; Don Giovanni, La Boheme, Faust, DieFledermaus, Susannah, Barber of Seville, Carmen and several Gilbert and Sullivan operas. He also designed posters of his favorite productions. Not only did he love singing Baritone, he so enjoyed the crazy antics of his and his opera buddies.
Don enjoyed nothing more than coffee with his friends from Nevis, MN; his Moorhead, MN. and New Rockford , ND classmates; his friends at the New Rockford Golf Course and fellow teachers at the Moorhead South Junior High. He loved the camaraderie, jokes and stories they shared. Don had a great sense of humor.
Don is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anise and their children Sonja Jan Dahlquist, St. Paul, MN; Eric Lee Borgen (Kelli Kennison) and Sonya Lee Borgen, Boise, ID.: also, by the grandchildren Linnea Elizabeth Dahlquist, Moorhead, MN; Sarah Lee Borgen (Emil Lie Hatlelid)Oslo, Norway and Portland, OR; and Sophia Rose , Boise, ID; sister E. Marie Evans, Montivideo, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Darlene Dahlquist, Wauwatosa, WI; Judy Lee, West Fargo, ND; Levert (Margaret) Lee, Strasburg, CO and their children and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Mabel; his father, Arthur; his brothers, Arthur Raymond “Swede”and last month to the day, Richard; his first wife, Janice Tollefson; step-mother, Louise Wollebeck Dahlquist; mother-in-law, Phyllis Lee; father-in-law, Arthur Lee; brother-in-law, Duane Lee.
Life was too short as Don still had so many more projects that he wanted to finish and many more gatherings with family and friends to enjoy.
The Burial Service for Don will be in New Rockford, ND on a date nearest his May 23rd Birthday.
Don’s favorite charities include the Lost and Found Ministry in Moorhead, MN, the Boy Scouts of America as he was honored to be an Eagle Scout, his churches; Bethesda Lutheran, Moorhead, MN, and First Lutheran, New Rockford, ND.

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