Georgia Dalum

Georgia LaVonne (Haagenson) Dalum, with quiet grace and a peaceful heart, passed away on August 28, 2026 at Nelson Gables in Alexandria, MN, surrounded by her daughters and loved ones. A celebration of her life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN, on Saturday, September 12th 2026, at 11 am with visitation 1 hour prior. She will be laid to rest next to her husband and infant daughter at Lands Cemetery after the service.

Georgia was born at a Swedish hospital in Minneapolis, MN on June 3, 1938, as the oldest of 6 children to Emil and Violet (Holmgren) Haagenson. At the age of 3, the family moved to a farm east of Hoffman, MN. She attended and was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran church in Hoffman. She graduated in 1956 from Hoffman High School. On July 5th 1958, Georgia was united in marriage to the love of her life, Carrol Dalum. This union was blessed with 5 daughters: Dawn, Anna Rose (born asleep), Jelene, Shelly, and Amy. Life took Georgia down many paths which included: homemaker, daycare provider, school bus driver, city clerk, city councilwoman, and most importantly, caregiver to her husband during his battle with cancer.

After Carrol's passing in 1979, she was left to provide for her family; Georgia attended Alexandria Technical College earning a degree as a licensed practical nurse. She worked at the Douglas County Hospital for many years before returning to school to further her education, earning her RN degree at Fergus Falls Community College at the age of 52. Due to health reasons at 62, she was forced to retire to focus on her own health.

Georgia's life was a testament to quiet strength and deep abiding faith. Throughout her life she encountered many challenges, but faced each of them with determination and grit while remaining an anchor for her family. She always said “God is right here with me.” She provided stability and unconditional love for everyone around her. Above all else, Georgia cherished her family and the time she spent with them. She held a special place in her heart for her grandson Kyle, for whom she did respite care. Their favorite t.v. show was Everybody Loves Raymond; Kyle often would refer to Grandma as Marie. Words of advice were “On a cloudy day, make your own sunshine,” “Things could be worse,” and “Strong women aren't born they are made through life's challenges.”

Georgia is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Tim) Roberts of St Cloud, Jelene (Mark) Backman of Hoffman, Shelly (Mike) Mecklenberg of Pine River, Amy (Anthony) Green of Kensington; Grandchildren, Heidi Shub, Nathan (Tricia) Roberts, Holly (Nathan) Sunderman, Kyle Backman, Crystal (Kyle) Holloway, Jacob (Kelsey) Backman, Caitlyn (Shawn) Strunk, Joshua (Jessica) Mecklenberg, Austin Green, Alexis Green (Caden), Alivia Green; great grandchildren, Hawken, Ivan, Clementine, Rhys, Dylan, Soren, Gavin, Emmalynn, Colt, Elijah, baby girl Backman (arriving December 2026), Parker, Hudson and Elijah; brother Curt (Mavis) Haagenson, in-laws; Bob Bowden, Steve Kelley, and Mary Degnan.

She is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Anna Rose; husband, Carrol; siblings, Dennis (Mary) Haagenson, Candyce Bowden, Dayton (Bernice) Haagenson, and Nancy Kelley.

Georgia leaves behind a world made softer and brighter by her presence. While those left behind mourn her passing, they also celebrate the remarkable gift of her long, beautiful life. Blessed be the memory of Georgia.