Mrs. Audrey Neola (Knotts) Dahleen

Mrs. Audrey Neola Dahleen, 99, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 6:25 pm Friday, March 8, 2024 at Seminary Manor. 

She was born November 11, 1924, the daughter of Lewis and Oneita (Rayl) Knotts in Talmage, Iowa.  She married Russell H. Dahleen on December 20, 1952, in Creston, Iowa.  After 58 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on May 24, 2010.

Audrey is survived by one brother, Elvin Knott of Houston, Texas, several nieces and nephews, including Patricia Smith of Galesburg, and two godchildren, Jessica Staple and Matt (Morgan) Porter.  She was proceeded in death by her husband, Russell, her parents, and two sisters, Neva and Betty.

Audrey graduated from Afton High School in Iowa and Nebraska Wesleyan University.  After high school, she taught in a one room schoolhouse in Union County.  She also taught in Le Mars, Iowa and finished her teaching career in Galesburg Community Unit School District #205, retiring in 1983. 

Audrey was a member of First Lutheran Church in Galesburg where she taught for many years, served on the council and several committees.  She enjoyed participating in various aspects of women’s ministry. 

Audrey had been a member of The Dandelion’s Club, the American Legion Auxiliary Post #285, and the Tuscarora Study Club.  She was a member of the Knox County and Illinois State Retired Teachers Association, also representing the association at the state level.  She was a member of the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and was inducted into the Gallery of Ageless Achievers in 1997.  She and her husband delivered meals to the homebound for Cottage Hospital for several years. 

Audrey’s special interests were reading, needle work, bird watching, Bible study, traveling, and attending Elderhostels.

Funeral services are scheduled for at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at First Lutheran Church with Reverend Doctor Pamela Marolla officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 am at the church. A burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Audrey’s name to First Lutheran Church in Galesburg, Illinois. Online condolences can be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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