Loen Troldahl

Loen D. Troldahl, 89, of Mankato, MN, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, August 16 at Prairie Hill Assisted Living in St. Peter, MN.

Loen was born January 20, 1931 in Linden Township, near Hanska, MN, the oldest child of Richard and Violet (Lemke) Ahlness. As a child, Loen attended Brown County District #38 country school and graduated from Hanska High school in 1949. 

In 1948, Loen met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Troldahl when he was home on leave. Loen and Chuck were married in 1950 and enjoyed over 69 happy years together. They made their first home in Mankato while Chuck was attending Mankato Teachers College on the GI Bill. In 1952, they moved to Walnut Creek CA. They returned to Mankato in 1954, and finally settled in West Mankato in 1958 where they raised their four children and lived until last fall before their move to Ecumen Prairie Hill in St. Peter.

Loen was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she and Chuck served on several committees. She was a ready presence at Roosevelt elementary as both a Room Mother and in the PTA. Loen was also part of “West Mankato Mom’s Network” from the 1950s to the 1970s; the informal network of Baby Boomer moms that watched over all of the kids in the neighborhood. She enjoyed entertaining and was known for always having a pot of coffee ready along with freshly baked, cookies, cakes and Scandinavian treats.

Loen’s great love and joy were her husband, children, and grandchildren. She and Chuck took countless trips over the years to California to stay with “the kids”. Upon Chuck’s retirement, they travelled to Norway, England and Scotland.

Loen is survived by sons, Barry (Margaret) of Eden Prairie, MN; and Todd of Shaker Heights, OH; grandchildren, Adam of Vienna, Austria, Rena of Los Angeles, CA, and Chad of Eden Prairie. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Robert Sullivan of Dallas, TX; sister, Arlys Sletta of Hanska, MN; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, daughters Stephanie and Susan; parents and sister.

Due to the current guidelines regarding gatherings due to the pandemic, a celebration of remembrance will be held at a future date. Private family graveside service was Friday, August 21, 2020 at Linden Lutheran Cemetery in Linden Township, Brown County, MN.

Memorials are preferred to: Friends of Linden Church & Cemetery, P.O. Box 66, Hanska, MN 56041; or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 720 S. 2^nd St., Mankato, MN 56001. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.