Obituary
: On July 28, 2016, Arlene Ann (Welch) Dahman became one of the angels she so cherished during her time on earth. Arlene was the beloved wife of 52 years to Dick Dahman, devoted mother to Jeff and Bonnie and their spouses, Jen Dahman and Rick Ohye, doting grandmother to her five grandchildren, Zach, Taylor, Brett, Maddie, and Lily, and dear friend to countless others. She passed peacefully into the comfort of the Lord’s warm embrace surrounded by the family she so loved. Welcoming her to heaven are her parents, Fred and Marion (Ashmus) Welch.
Arlene touched many lives and her 75 years had many blessings. We all knew Arlene as kind and warm beyond the average – we knew her to be generous and affectionate. She always had a hug to give and an ear for listening. We knew Arlene to be spunky and energetic. She would host Thanksgiving dinners for 20 [or more!], hold large Christmas Eve parties and put together the best damn OSU tailgate every home game. Arlene was humble and modest. She never wanted to be the center of attention, but yet she always was. She was the type of person people gravitated towards because of her effervescence and her welcoming warm and friendly manner.
Fun facts about Arlene: her favorite flowers are daisies. Her favorite color is red. She and Dick were high school sweethearts, although Dick always likes to point out that she dumped him 3 times. She was artistic. She loved to frequently rearrange the furniture in the house. She learned to play golf when she retired. She was happiest when she was with her husband, kids, grandchildren and friends.
There are no immediate plans for a service. Here are few ways to honor her memory: donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation [www.ccfa.org], plant daisies and wear red.
Just heard from Dave B. this morning...
I am o sorry...
My heart sank...I can't imagine what pain you are feeling these past weeks...
I have nothing but utmost respect, admiration, and love for your Mother/Wife...
She was a true lady, who loved everyone unconditionally ---without ever asking for something in return or keeping score...
Even though it has been some time, I can still hear her beautiful laugh/giggle...
She made everyone around her feel better...when they needed it, and even when they didn't deserve it...
When I was lost/confused/making numerous mistakes, Arlene never rubbed my nose in the mess...never put me down ---Instead, she was always encouraging and loving --- great character and presence she exuded...
A true human being, a true earth angel...she was real...
That angel loved me for who I was at that moment...not for what I was in the past, not who I may be in the future, but at that exact moment...even when I didn't love myself...
She reminds me of many beautiful quotes, but this one was her to the core...
A quote from Mother Teresa:
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier"
And that is exactly how Arlene, Mrs. "D" lived...by example...
You never left her presence without feeling better...it was natural for her, effortless...
She gave you her ear, her time, her shoulder...
She didn't try to top your story, nor talk about her achievements...she was true class, a true lady..
I now return the unconditional love she shared with me to all the extended Dahman families/friends...
May we honor her with our actions, words, and smiles towards each other and to strangers ---then we will never be truly without her, she will always be with us...
Rest in peace my friend, and love to all who loved her,
C.