Elsie Lina Dahlin, 72, of International Falls, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Elsie was born on December 10, 1945 in Cook, MN to Carl and Margaret (Ross) Hanson and grew up in Buyck, MN.

Elsie raised her family in International Falls, MN. After her children were grown, she took a chance seeking employment at the 19 ^th Hole Restaurant (now Almost Lindy's). Owners at the time, Ed and Bert Karasek, gave her a "trial run", thinking that the job may be too hard for her. Over 25 years later she was still employed, making the most amazing pizzas in Borderland. She knew exactly who was in the restaurant because of their pizza order- knowing who ordered the "half-this-and-half-that" or "fresh or cooked tomatoes" or getting an order that simply said "Elsie will know what to make- just tell her it is for so-and-so". And she knew.

She loved to have company for coffee. Her candy dish was always full, and she was famous for her baking, especially her chocolate chip cookies, pies, and specialty cakes for someone's birthday or special occasion. She had a multitude of friends who admired her for her unselfishness, generosity, kindness and just her good company.

Every week, for the past 28 years, she made Wednesday night dinner for her family, knowing how important it was for them to spend time together. That means over 1,450 dinners!

Elsie loved her deer, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and all of the critters who visited her yard. She fed them and talked to them, and they knew her and trusted her. She cared so deeply for their well-being and made sure their feeders were always full.

She was known for, and took great pride in, the hundreds of blankets she has sewn over the years, not only for her family and friends, but for homeless shelters, Ronald McDonald houses, and for those in need. Most times, she would put little gifts with each blanket, whether it be a stuffed bunny with a bunny blanket, or a football with a football blanket. Her touch was on everything she did.

She enjoyed spending her spare time in the summers gardening and picking berries, especially strawberries. It gave her great joy making jam and pies, giving them away to family, friends, and anyone who would enjoy them, expecting nothing in return.

Elsie loved God, her church and her church family. Her faith was pure and strong.  She knew she had a place waiting for her in Heaven, where she longed to see her mom again, as she missed her every single day.

She loved her family with her entirety. Seeing her children grow and have children of their own made her so proud. Her grandchildren and great grandson were her heart. We are all blessed that she was chosen for us to be our mom, our grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt.

There are so many special stories that we could tell you, but it would take us years. Thank you for loving her. She loved all of you, too. There will never, ever be another Elsie.

She was preceded in death by her parents-Carl and Margaret Hanson; Cousin-Ellen Heino; great niece-Anna Johnson; mother-in-law-Blanche Dahlin; and brother-in-law-Galen Squires.

She is survived by her children: Jeff (Michele) Dahlin, Randy (Shelley) Dahlin, Tracy (Rodney) Stanley, and Jennifer Dahlin; grandchildren: Zach, Caleb, Hannah, and Aaron Dahlin, Bailey Stanley, Megan (Isaiah) Ulmer, and Kathryn Imbleau; great-grandson-Kye Ulmer; sisters: Marge (Bill) Dykhuis and Carla Squires; former husband: Russ Dahlin, who she remained friends with, and his daughter, Courtney Dahlin. She also leaves behind many friends, and all her beloved wildlife creatures.

Per Elsie's written wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held for the family. She will then be laid to rest next to her mother and father at the Forest Home Cemetery in Buyck, MN. By request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Point O' Pines Church, 1801 2 ^nd Ave, Pmb 497,  International Falls, MN 56649. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com