Jason Dahlen

Jason Dahlen, 53, of Ashby, MN, died on Monday, July 8, 2024, at his residence.

 Jason Paul Dahlen was born on February 26, 1971 in Buffalo, MN to Raymond and Carol (Loken) Dahlen. Jason was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover. He attended kindergarten through 4th grade in Ashby, then the family moved to St. Charles for 1 year while his father served as Superintendent of schools. Jason was delighted when the family returned to Ashby in 1983, as he considered Ashby his home. At that time, his parents purchased the old Standard station, and turned it into a convenience store known as the Short Stop. Jason was a very active participant in many school activities, such as batting over .700 his senior year. Other accolades included a star lineman for the football team, along with many awards associated with the Ashby FFA chapter. He was also crowned Homecoming King by his peers. Jason graduated from Ashby High School in 1989. Following graduation, he went to work for his cousin Miles Olson at his concrete business, which he thought was a great opportunity to learn the trade, while also working with a close cousin. After spending one year working for Miles, he felt the pull to return to Ashby, which he considered to be his forever home. He began employment with Johnson-Nelson Masonry as a laborer, and eventually a bricklayer, off and on for over 20 years.

 In 1995, Jason met Jody Nelson at his uncle Dean’s wedding dance, and they were married in 1997. To this union, three children were born: Aaron in 1999, Halle in 2002, and Kellen in 2005. He considered his children his greatest accomplishment. He enjoyed attending all his children’s activities, and there wasn’t a moment he wanted to miss. 

The “farm” was a very special place for Jason. There were many family gatherings that took place here. However, the best times for him at the farm were hunting in the “big woods”, shooting ducks on the slough, and fishing on Stockhousen lake. Even more important, was the camaraderie with family, friends, and conversation around the table with a deck of cards. 

In 2002, Jason and Jody bought Dave’s Short Stop, which was originally known as Dahlen’s Short Stop when his parents started the business back in 1983. Jason was very proud to have continued the legacy of owning a piece of history for both his family, and the community. Jason particularly enjoyed forming relationships with his customers. Conversation with Jason was easy, natural and he always had something to say. Following the sale of the business in 2009, Jason went to work for Ness Backhoe, and eventually the Minnesota Department of Transportation in 2017. He considered this job a perfect fit due to his outdoor interests and an enjoyment of running heavy equipment. 

Jason was kind, loyal, and a friend to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his wife Jody, children, Aaron, Halle, and Kellen, parent’s Ray and Carol Dahlen, brother Mike (Karen) Dahlen, sister Kris (Chris)Roley, mother-in-law Ginny Nelson, brother in laws Jeff (Autumn) Nelson and Lee (Amy) Nelson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. 

Jason was preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey, special cousin Kevin Olson, nephew Joshua Dahlen, and father-in-law Scott Nelson.

Visitation: Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5-7 PM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church.

 Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby.

 Interment: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby, MN

 Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Ashby