Dennis Raymond Dahlstrom

Dennis Raymond Dahlstrom, age 69, passed away July 11, 2017, while enjoying one of his many passions, fishing. Dennis, the favorite son of Ray and Millie Dahlstrom, was born Aug. 22, 1947, in Centralia, Wash., and raised on the family dairy farm.

Dennis was immensely proud of his Adna roots and graduated from Adna High School in 1965. Following graduation, he began his 32 year career with Bell Telephone Company in Seattle, taking time out to serve proudly in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. After his discharge, he returned to Chehalis and the phone company and married Kathy Chastain, a marriage that ended while friendship continued. In 1997, Dennis married his wife of 20 years, Mary. Together, they enjoyed building their home, hiking, clam digging, fishing, traveling and a shared love of their children and grandchildren. While they had varied interests, they encouraged each other and always made time for their “30 second” hug.

Dennis had a special connection with animals, having many of them as pets throughout his lifetime. He carried his parents love of farming into his own life and into the lives of his children and many of his grandchildren. An avid and gifted outdoorsman, Dennis thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing. More so, he enjoyed sharing his passion with his many friends and his family.

He was active throughout the community volunteering on the Adna School Board, a District 6 volunteer fireman, Crime Stoppers and the Lewis County Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Board. He was also a past member of the Adna Lions Club and volunteered time to the Veterans Memorial Museum. One of his most cherished accomplishments was to partner in the construction of the Adna High School football stadium, with his lifelong friends, Tom Cole, Stan Long and Fred Moon.

Dennis was a man for all seasons with a true pioneer spirit and felt closest to God on a mountaintop. He was a tough guy with a huge heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred (Swann) Dahlstrom; father, Raymond; and stepmother, Margaret (Wilcox).

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Nicole (Jon) Wiley, Becky (William) Tuning and Patrick (Linda) Stokes; and stepchildren, Lauren (Darrell) Palmateer, and John (Sarah) Emerick. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; and sister, Debra Boes.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the Adna High School. More celebration of Dennis’ life will follow immediately at the Sandrini Gym.

Donations may be made to Adna Scholorship Foundation, P.O. Box 118, Adna, Washington 98522, in the care of Dennis Dahlstrom Memorial.