Arthur Wayne Dahlgren

Arthur Wayne Dahlgren, 90, of Bloomington, Indiana passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington. Art was born April 30, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustav and Esther Dahlgren. He grew up playing along the shores and in the waters of Lake Michigan. He graduated from Senn High School in June 1944. A few of this various extracurricular activities included band, ROTC, and ROTC band. He was also lead drummer for the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp. Art knew from a very early age that he wanted to join the Navy. A few weeks prior to his 18th birthday, he convinced his mother to sign the consent papers that would allow him to enlist in the Navy at age 17. He was sworn in on April 12, 1944, reported to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and then shipped out to the South Pacific. At the end of World War II, he re-enlisted. He served for 30 years specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and was qualified for deep sea diving and scuba diving. He served six tours on five carriers. His initial retirement date was extended as he served in Egypt as the Chief Staff Officer for the underwater clearance group for the Suez Canal. He retired on September 1, 1974 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Art married Jean Weekley Stinson on January 3, 1961 and became stepfather to Diana and Bonnie. Their daughter, Christine was born in October of that year. Jean preceded him in death in 1983. After his retirement from the Navy, Art became the Safety Director for the Virginia chapter of NECA. He came to Bloomington in the winter of 1977 to take the position of Instructional Research Specialist in the Hazard Control Program within the former School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, currently known as the School of Public Health. In addition to his work at IU, he taught Defensive Driving for the state and volunteered as a safety official for the Little 500 for 31 years, including the 2016 race. Art was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church. It was there that he met his second wife, Kay Patton Olson. They were married on July 2, 1986, and he became stepfather to Jill and Amy. Art and Kay celebrated 30 years of marriage in 2016. Art served the church as head usher for ten years, as a member of the Administrative Board, and as a volunteer financial assistant to the Finance Director. Art enjoyed Thursday morning breakfast with friends at Steak and Shake, trips to Sweden to visit family, yard work, helping neighbors, EOD and ships' reunions, attending the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, Miata Club gatherings, and IU football games. Art is survived by his wife Kay Dahlgren; his daughter Christine Ruddick (Eric Sluss); his stepdaughters Diana (Ron) Wiley, Bonnie Stinson, Jill Olson, and Amy (Chris) Gales. He is also survived by his grandchildren Gregory and Trysta Ruddick; his step-grandchildren Sandra and Brian Wiley, Ryan and Evan Gales; his nieces Barbara (Steve) Sucher and Carol (Paul) Vinnedge; and his nephew Dan (Terry) Dahlgren. He was preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Esther Dahlgren, his first wife Jean Dahlgren, and his brother Ray Dahlgren. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 11, at 1:00pm, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church with Mary Beth Morgan and Jimmy Moore officiating. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mark's, Stone Belt, IU Health Hospice, or to a cancer research center of your choice. Art's family is grateful for the care provided by his doctors, and by the nurses, therapists, and support staff at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. They are also very grateful for the care given by his hospice nurses, especially Teri and Brenda, and the staff at IU Health Hospice House. Allen Funeral Home handled the cremation. Art's ashes will be scattered from a naval ship over the open seas with full military honors.

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Arthur Wayne Dahlgren

April 30, 1926 - December 11, 2016