MASON CITY — Renee Ann (Mathieu) Dahlen, 78, of Mason City, passed away September 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of Christian faith, devotion to her family and encouragement shared through her writing.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2502 S. Jefferson Avenue in Mason City, with Pastor Jane Harris officiating. Inurnment will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, September 28, at Aastad Lutheran Church in rural Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Renee was born March 20, 1948, in Pasco, Washington, to William “Bill” and Angeline “Ann” Mathieu. Her childhood included several moves before she graduated from high school in Austin, Minnesota. She studied at Lutheran Bible Institute in Golden Valley, Minnesota, earning a degree in Bible Studies. In her thirties, she also became a certified American Sign Language interpreter.
College brought Renee and Joel together, and they married June 30, 1968. Their family grew through birth and adoption, with their adoption journey beginning while they lived in the Philippines. Together, they welcomed Bethany, Mathieu, Naomi, Mark, Kevin, Joseph and Sarah.
Renee had always wanted a large family and embraced her life as a homemaker. She especially treasured being a grandmother, keeping close to her grandchildren through visits, text messages and FaceTime conversations.
Writing gave Renee another way to care for others. For years, she produced “The Encourager,” a newsletter supporting people living with Lyme disease. She also wrote a weekly blog reflecting on life in Iowa. Although Lyme disease, repeated battles with cancer and other health concerns often kept her at home, her writing allowed her to maintain friendships and reach readers far beyond it.
Renee is survived by her husband, Joel; children, Bethany (Kevin) Kurschner, Mathieu Dahlen, Naomi (Greg) Fynboh, Mark Dahlen, Joseph Dahlen and Sarah Dahlen; and grandchildren, Evan, Abbi, Grace, Grant, Greta, Isabel, Lydia, Sawyer, Noah, Jonas and Eli.
She also leaves her sister, Jan Losinger-Binger; siblings, Kay (Dan) Bjerke, Dick (Betty) Johnson, Janelle Baker and Todd (Jeannie) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Elmer and Isabelle Tordsen; her son, Kevin; her sister, Joanne Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Richard Johnson Sr., Los Losinger and Lanny Binger.
Her family expressed gratitude to MercyOne Hospice for its care during her cancer journey, and to the relatives and friends who supported them with meals, visits, messages, calls and prayers.
Memories and condolences may be shared through Renee’s obituary page at Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory.
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