Obituary of Edna Otelia Dahlsten

Edna Otelia Dahlsten was born in Kansas City, Missouri, August 27, 1912 to Erik and Sigrid Swenson. She passed away, May 18, 2015 in Marquette, Kansas at the age of 102. Throughout Edna's life she was passionate to study, perform, and teach vocal music. Her career began while attending Kansas City Conservatory of Music. She then moved to New York City, where she studied privately with Fritz Lehman and many renowned teachers. She performed as a soprano soloist with several New York City churches, including Marble Collegiate Church. She also worked at Julliard School of Performing Arts as an office Assistant. On February 2, 1946, Edna married Lambert Dahlsten, whom she met while attending the Kansas City Conservatory. They were blessed with one daughter, Linda. After living in New York a few years, they decided to return home to Kansas, and settled in Lindsborg. They were both active in the musical arts. Edna taught private voice lessons from 1968-1988 through Bethany, McPherson, and Marymount Colleges. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Bethany Oratorio Society, the PEO Sisterhood, and SAI music fraternity for women. She was active in the community and church through numerous clubs, groups, and organizations. She was a member of the church choir, volunteered at the Sandzen Art Gallery and sang in the Messiah Festival for over 40 years. She enjoyed entertaining and hosted many parties at her home. Some of her interests included sewing, needlepoint, baking, and sports; her favorites being baseball, basketball, and especially tennis. She was an avid bridge player and the highlight of her week was attending her card games. Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Lambert Dahlsten and brother Oscar Swenson. She is survived by her brother Harold, age 97, of Kansas City; daughter, Linda Peck of Lindsborg; granddaughters, Erika, White Bear Lake, of MN and Jessica Peck, of Lincoln, KS; great-grandchildren Alex and Mallory Grace, Benjamin and Erik Saunders, of Minnesota. Kaylin, Annika, Whitley, Marteina, Clara, and Jake McElroy of Kansas; and great-great-grandson, Nemo Aristotle Wiseman of Minnesota. In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to the church or the Edna Dahlsten Chamber Music Fund at the Sandzen Art Gallery in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, Friday, May 22, 2015, 11:00 a.m. with a private graveside service at Freemount Lutheran Church Cemetery. There will be no visitation.