A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Marilyn Dahlin, age 90, of Jackson, will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Belmont Lutheran Church in rural Jackson. Burial will be in Belmont Lutheran Cemetery in rural Jackson.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at the Belmont Lutheran Church in rural Jackson for one hour prior to the service.

Marilyn Lavonne Dahlin, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake, following a long and courageous journey with memory loss. Marilyn lived a full and beautiful life surrounded by family and friends. She will forever be remembered for her stunning gardens, her delicious home-cooked meals, and the warmth and care she extended to everyone around her.

Marilyn was born on February 3, 1936, in Trimont, Minnesota, the second oldest of five children born to Ralph and Gladys Baldwin. She spent her early years in Trimont before her family moved to Jackson, Minnesota, during her teenage years. There, she was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Marilyn attended country school and graduated from Jackson High School in 1954.

On November 4, 1956, she married the love of her life, Donald E. Dahlin. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and community.

After their marriage, Marilyn worked for many years as a nurse's aide at Lakefield Hospital in Minnesota. Following her retirement from the hospital, she continued serving her community by working for the local optometrist. Marilyn was a creative and industrious woman who enjoyed crafts, word searches, and puzzles—pastimes she cherished until her dementia progressed.

Family was at the heart of Marilyn's life. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An exceptional cook and baker, she found joy in feeding others—whether preparing holiday feasts, delivering meals to hardworking farmhands, or simply gathering loved ones around her table. She was active in women's groups and Bible studies at Belmont Lutheran Church and lived out her faith through service and kindness.

Marilyn and Donald were longtime members of the Jackson Saddle Club for 30 years. They could often be found square dancing, working on the farm, or participating in trail rides with family and friends—including memorable week-long adventures in the Black Hills. As a devoted "horse show mom," Marilyn traveled throughout Southwest Minnesota supporting her children in their many activities.

She and Donald also made frequent trips to Texas to visit family, faithfully attending their grandchildren's sporting events both in Minnesota and Texas. Her love for beauty was evident in her carefully tended gardens and flowerpots. She also delighted in feeding birds, always ensuring her feeders were full.

Her grandchildren hold especially fond memories of time spent at Grandma's house—of birdfeeders hanging outside and the infamous moment someone mistook red hummingbird nectar in the refrigerator for Kool-Aid. They remember Beanie Baby hunts for the most coveted treasures—including Princess Diana—and always returning to Texas with a new one in hand and cherished memories in their hearts.

Holidays were especially meaningful in Marilyn's home, filled with abundant meals, laughter, and treasured family traditions that will live on through generations.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald E. Dahlin; her sister, Bonnie Bergendahl; and her parents, Ralph and Gladys Baldwin.

She is lovingly survived by her siblings: Evelyn Fransen, Rhonda Withers, and Gerald Baldwin; her three children: Michael Dahlin; Sonja (Kenneth) Wilson; and Eric (Julie) Dahlin; her grandchildren: Sara Wilson, Samantha (Matthew) Wilson Paul, Sophie (Wesley) Wilson Theiss, and Benjamin Dahlin; and her great-grandchildren: Kennedy and Will Paul, and Gracey, Kilen, and Presley Theiss.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the local caregivers in Jackson and the staff at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake for their compassionate care and support.

May Marilyn's spirit live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are prefered to the family.