Donald I. Dahlin, age 85, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on March 14, 1936 in Escanaba, the son of Edward and Elsie (Bowman) Dahlin. Donald was raised in Escanaba, Baptized and Confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, and was a 1955 graduate of Escanaba High School. During his time in school, he lettered in 5 sports and held the all-time rushing record at Escanaba High School for many years. His well-known nickname was “Zeeb” for his incredible speed! In 1966, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country as a Radar Operator at 658 Air Force Base in Las Cruces, NM until he was honorably discharge in 1960. At that time, he moved back to Escanaba and began his working career at Escanaba Paper Company. Donald was employed for them until his retirement in 2000. He married the former Shirley Rolstad in 1977 and she preceded him in death on May 22, 2009. Together, the couple shared 32 years of marriage. In 1983, they relocated to Gladstone and Donald has resided there since. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Terrace Bluff Golf Club. Donald also was an avid bowler and qualified for the Professional Bowling Tour. Donald was a member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone and the Amvets Post 123.
Donald is survived by his sons, Scott (Cindy) Dahlin of Shelby Twp., MI, and Thomas (April) Dahlin of Gladstone; his daughters, Jana Lee Dahlin-Schaffer of Grand Rapids, MI, Debbie (Fred) Rice of Fond du Lac, WI, and Denise (Joe) Head of FL; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his son, Greg Rolstad; and brothers, Clarence, Arnold, Arthur, and Robert Dahlin.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be conducted at 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, by the Delta County Veterans Council with funeral services to follow with Rev. Elisabeth Daniels officiating. Burial will take place in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. A luncheon will be served after the graveside services at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone.
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