Charlotte (Finney) Dalsin, age 95, of Shakopee, MN (formerly of Prior Lake, MN and Ramrod Key, FL) passed away on December 7, 2014. The visitation is Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Michael, Prior Lake. Father Tom Sieg will preside. Charlotte will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Pall bearers are Charlotte’s grandsons, Jon Dalsin, Jeffrey Dalsin, Michael Dalsin and Nicholas Dalsin and great grandson, Maxwell Shuman. Memorials are preferred and can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Charlotte’s honor.
On April 6, 1919 in Duluth, MN Floyd and Marie (Gillen) Finney welcomed daughter Charlotte into the world. Charlotte was the only child born to Floyd and Marie, as her mother passed away when Charlotte was a young child. She grew up in Park Rapids, MN and graduated from high school there. Throughout her childhood, Charlotte spent times with extended family members, as her father was a traveling salesman. Eventually Charlotte’s dad was remarried to one of Charlotte’s grade school teachers, and Charlotte soon had a half-sister, Margaret Ann.
After graduating from high school, Charlotte moved to Minneapolis to attend nursing school. There she George Dalsin, who became her loving husband for more than 65 years. Charlotte completed her training, but never pursued a career in nursing. Instead, she became a homemaker. Charlotte and George were blessed with five wonderful children, Tom, Phil, Larry, Mike and Patty.
Charlotte and George made a home for their family in South Minneapolis, while all of the kids were growing up. They enjoyed camping as a family in the early years, and in 1958 they built a cabin on Cedar Lake near New Prague, MN. They were always inviting family and friends “out to the lake.”
After their children were mostly grown, Charlotte pursued work outside the home. She became a real estate agent selling homes for Edina Realty . She loved the social aspect of this job, and it kept her busy for 15+ years.
When George and Charlotte (mostly) retired, they traveled to Mexico, Texas and Florida and finally decided that the Florida Keys would become their second home. Their love of water then could be enjoyed year-round! They built 2 homes in the Keys, and became active members and acquired many good friends through their church. They split their time between Cedar Lake and the Keys for several years, until moving to Keystone in Prior Lake. They lived there together until George passed away in 2005.
Charlotte enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge and 500, and played other card games well into her mid-80’s. She also enjoyed reading fiction, but never missed a chance to entertain or spend time with her friends. Charlotte loved to travel, especially internationally. She went on a number of trips with George, but she also traveled with a group of ladies who were dear friends, and with her son, Mike, in her later years.
Over five years ago Charlotte moved into Emerald Crest’s Memory Care in Shakopee. She lived there quite contentedly, and received excellent care until her passing. Charlotte passed away peacefully with her family at her side, holding her hand. She was a woman with a kind heart, who always spoke her mind, and who loved her family and friends deeply.
Charlotte will be remembered by her children, Thomas (Michaela) Dalsin of Prior Lake, MN, Philip (Patricia) Dalsin of Carlsbad, CA, Lawrence (Patricia) Dalsin of Chicago, IL and Big Pine Key, FL, Michael (Julie) Dalsin of Sioux Falls, SD and Ramrod Key, FL, Patricia (Charles Sjodin) Finney of Duluth, MN; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; half sister, Margaret Ann; other loving relatives and friends. Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, George J. Dalsin and her parents.
The Dalsin family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
