Joseph George Dalen

Joseph George Dalen, 57, Lake Park, MN, died July 20, 2022, at Essentia Health in Fargo.

Joe was born October 24, 1964 to George and Amelia “Mickey” (Lipp) Dalen.  He grew up in north Moorhead and attended George Washington Elementary (K-2), St. Francis de Sales (3-8) and graduated Moorhead High School in 1983. Joe worked as a paramedic for F-M Ambulance and then as a pressman in the printing departments of the Fargo Forum, Hawley Herald and D.L. Printing.  He met the love of his life, Julie Askelson, in 1989 and they were married on September 25, 1993. Joe loved to share the fact that they shared the exact same birthday with everyone he knew.  Their lives were blessed with the birth of Jessica in 1995 and Andrew in 1997.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman and relished the time he could spend fishing and hunting.  Motorsports were a favorite hobby, especially drag-racing in his 1972 Cutlass.  He enjoyed playing softball, hockey and football and was a huge Chicago Bears fan.  He took an active part in his children’s activities as well, as a Boy Scout leader and coaching for F-M Athletics. Rock music and playing guitar gave him great joy.

With a larger than life personality, Joe lived his life to the fullest.  Despite his numerous health challenges, he faced them all with a wild sense of humor, gritty determination and a wealth of knowledge. Joe never wanted sympathy from anyone and insisted that he was “always fine.”

Joe leaves behind his wife Julie Dalen, and his children, Jessica Dalen and Andrew Dalen, whom he loved more than anything.  Also, his brothers Rod (Sue) Wiger, Jay (Holly) Dalen and Jared Dalen; Rod’s children, Nathan Wiger and Nick (Shannon) Wiger and Lacy (Travis) Qualley; Jay’s daughter, Carissa Dalen and numerous in-laws. Joe was always meeting new people and he will also be remembered by all the new friends he met along his health journey.  He was welcomed into heaven by his parents; father -in-law, Donald Askelson and great-nephew, Brady Johnson.

Joe’s family extends a special thank-you to the Essentia departments of Podiatry, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Infectious Disease. Also to Dr. Dees and staff, all nursing staff on the 4^th floor, and especially Dr. Hofsummer and staff for Joe’s custom prosthetic leg that featured a picture of his beloved race car, which Joe proudly displayed for everyone.

Please join us in celebrating Joe’s life on Monday, July 25, 2022, at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN.  Visitation will be from noon to 1:00 P.M. with the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. The service will be livestreamed at www.wrightfuneral.com for those unable to attend.  To honor Joe’s memory, please wear hard rock T-shirts, camouflage or racing attire.