Olaf Ted Daehlin

Olaf Ted Daehlin age 82 of Monticello, formerly of Storden, Bloomington and Minnetonka, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011 at New River Hospital in Monticello.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, January 14th at Old Westbrook Lutheran Church near Westbrook. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment is in the Church Cemetery.

A Memorial Celebration will be held in the spring at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monticello. The Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Olaf Ted Daehlin was born February 3, 1928 in DeSmet, SD to Rev. OE and Thea (Furseth) Daehlin. He was baptized in DeSmet and confirmed at Old Westbrook Church in 1942, both by his father. Ted graduated from Storden High School, and attended Lutheran Bible Institute and St. Olaf College. He also later attended the University of Minnesota. Ted served in the US Navy. He was stationed in Hawaii where he taught communications. On April 2, 1956, Ted was united in marriage to Marlee Olson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo where he and Marlee were serving as youth ministers. As part of the service, they had a 60 voice senior choir sing the processional, and a 40 voice womens choir sing the recessional. Teds faith was very important in his life. Together with his wife, they worked as youth directors at several churches, and served as missionaries to Youth with a Mission for many years. They worked, taught, and went on outreaches throughout the world; including distributing Bibles in China and in East Germany before the Berlin wall came down while it was not permitted, and very risky. They also served as liaisons between the blacks and whites during the race riots in North Minneapolis. He was an active member at Shepherd of the Hills teaching Bible study, and leading prayer groups. Most recently, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a lector. Ted and Marlee were known for riding their scooters across town and into the church whenever the weather permitted. Ted worked as an electronic engineer with the scientists and technicians at Honeywell for 35 years. He also served in first aid and led Bible studies for the men at Honeywell. Ted enjoyed going on family vacations, especially camping at the Black Hills. He loved spending time with his family, going to their events, plays & recitals, and going to the grandkids sporting events. Musical talent filled the familys home. In his younger years, he had a love of words, and enjoyed reading the dictionary and learning their spelling and meanings. He also enjoyed doing Sumi Art.

Ted is survived by his wife Marlee of 54 years; children: Faith Daehlin of St. Michael, John Daehlin of Lakeville & Joy (Joe) Vanderheiden of Coon Rapids; grandchildren: Jaressa (Scott) Johnson, Teddy, Mosic & Ty Greenprice and Theo & Mara Vanderheiden; great grandchildren: Asher & Lilyana Johnson; sisters: Lucille Doyle of Coon Rapids and Agnes Hite of Dundee, IL; brother Pastor Robert (Valeria) Daehlin of Northfield; and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Joe and Ed Daehlin, and brother in law Dr. Gary Olson.