Joel James Dahlgren was born June 2, 1958, to C. Stanley and Joan (Petrow) Dahlgren in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Slayton High School in 1976. Joel furthered his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business administration from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Joel utilized his education to build a career as an attorney, where he specialized in working with cooperatives. He worked at several different law firms in New Ulm and Minneapolis over the years, eventually setting out on his own and founding Black Dog Co-op Law.

On October 7, 1995, Joel was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rhonda Kitzberger, in New Ulm. Their union brought Joel into a family of two children, who he loved as his own. Joel especially enjoyed going to all their sporting events, offering advice and support, and making family trips to the North Shore and Lake Superior. In time, the kids grew up and Rhonda’s health began to fade. Joel left his practice so he could better care for Rhonda and spend as much time as possible together. After her passing in 2019, Joel resumed working intermittently and retired earlier this year. Joel will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. His selflessness and gentle spirit will forever live on with all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.

Joel is survived by his stepsons, Andrew Kitzberger, Daniel (Kara Skahen) Kitzberger; five grandchildren, Ethan, Mazy, Pyper, Eleanor, and Paul Kitzberger; siblings, Leslie Dahlgren, Traci (Douglas) Bonine, Jay (Tammy) Dahlgren, Eric (Sarah) Dahlgren, Christina (Christopher) Wolner; sister-in-law, Becky (Ron) Netzke; brother-in-law, Jeff Schroeder; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Stanley and Joan Dahlgren; his wife, Rhonda Dahlgren; and infant brother, C. Stanley, Jr.

Memorial service will be 10:30am Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Timothy Anderson will officiate. A private family burial will be held in the Slayton Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Slayton, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

If you or your family members are struggling with mental health, it is okay, and never too late to ask for help.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, Christ the King Lutheran Church, or donor’s choice.

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