On Monday October 30th Lars Johan Dalen (86) our beloved father passed away. He was born March 10th, 1937 in Porsgrunn Norway, during a snowstorm, to Jens and Ingrid Dalen.

Lars grew up in a loving Christian home. His father, Jens, was a pastor. During World War II, Lars' father was arrested and put in jail by the Nazi. Lars was around 7 years old at that time. Lars plotted, with his school friends, to retaliate against the soldiers. They prepared snowballs. The young boys plummeted the Nazi with their snowballs and were therefore chased in the woods by the soldiers. Lars always bragged about fighting in World War II. Lars attended Fredtune, a one-year prep-school, in Stavern, Norway where he met Tennia, his life's partner. Lars and a fellow class mate sailed on a passenger ship across the Atlantic to be with Tennia and to follow The American dream. Lars arrived in New York on Pier 42 on May 22nd 1955 with $54 in his pocket! Tennia Janet Gundersen and Lars were married in West Orange, NJ September, 15th, 1956. Together they created a total of 6 beautiful children. Lars could only say, "Yes, No" and "I love you" in English when he arrived in America. During those early years, Lars was active in church, learning the English language, becoming a father and working a full-time job. On top of all that, he also enrolled in night classes to achieve his GED. He then continued studying at Rutgers University for four years and became a Mechanical Engineer. After University he worked a few years as an Engineer for Maxwell House in New York. He eventually moved with the family back to Norway and worked a few years there. However, he and the family found their way back to The United States. Lars worked for many years as Engineer at Coastal Oil Company in West Memphis, Arkansas where he among other things designed complex packaging systems, and worked his way up to Vice President The last 20+ years Lars immersed himself in retirement life here in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Lars and Tennis loved participating in the Ecumenical Choir. Lars enjoyed bible study and was always up for a deep biblical discussion. Lars and Tennia hosted numerous dinner parties at the house on Nursery Dr. with friends and golfing companions. Lars was a long-time participating member of Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. He cherished his friends and time spent there. I'm sure he bragged, once or twice to his friends, about his hole-in-one he had in Texas. The last 8 years Lars became caretaker of Tennia. He considered it a privilege. He was by her side till the end. What a beautiful example of unconditional love. Lars loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was ready to meet his maker and be with his beautiful wife Tennia. However, to his family he was The Patriarch! His wisdom, guidance, love, advice, support and prayers will be deeply missed.

Preceding in his death were his parents Jens and Ingrid Dalen; daughter, Joni Helene Dalen. Lars is survived by his brother Ivar (Anne Magrete) Dalen; children John (Ingvild) Dalen, Janet (Buddy) Love, Joyce (Frank) Lyman, Judy Dalen, Jenice Dalen along with 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 PM, November 18, 2023 at Good News Methodist Church; 4747 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.