Search by Name

Search by Name

Marcia Dalen Obituary

The Plains Marcia Lee Dalen, age 88, of The Plains died Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Kobacker House, Columbus. Born December 28, 1936 in Parkston, South Dakota, she was the daughter of the late Dr. William Bollinger and Frances Hendrick Bollinger.

A graduate of Parkston High School (SD), she received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in speech and theater. After college, she taught for two years in Chicago. She then attended St. Cloud State Teachers College and received her master's degree from the University of Kansas. She taught at Hocking College for several years and also volunteered with the East Elementary School children's theater. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Marcia is survived by her husband of 61 years, Dennis L. Dalen; two daughters, Courtney (Kevin) Hensley of Atlanta, Georgia and Lauryn Dalen of Athens; two grandsons, Cole Hensley and Colin Hensley, both of Atlanta, Georgia; and a brother, William Bollinger of Alexandria, Minnesota.

At Marcia request, no services are planned. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 141 Mill St., Athens, Ohio 45701. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Marcia Dalen

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger on Feb. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcia Dalen

Sponsored by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





William Fisher

February 26, 2025

Kindness, patience, and grace come to mind when I think of Marcia. On so many occasions coming by the house on "upper Sunnyside" to fetch Denny or head to school, her barely perceivable smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Denny, Lauryn, and Courtney, may Marcia's memory be as much of a blessing as she was a quiet and steadfast loving force in life.

Dale Shields

February 25, 2025

My condolences to you, Prof. Dalen, Lauryn, and Courtney. May your days be blessed with your memories. Respectfully, Dale Ricardo Shields

Marypat Carletti

February 25, 2025

Dear Denny & Lauryn, I never met Marcia. But I know how difficult it can be to be married to an actor (my husband can attest), & not just an actor, but actor, director, teacher. The hours when your spouse & partner are not available & raising children; in this case 2 lovely daughters. Obviously, she taught all of you kindness, patience & living life with joy. So without meeting Marcia Dalen, I can only say to her thank you for sharing your gifts with the family that I do know. Each of us makes a ripple on this planet. Long after the "splash" is finished, the ripple goes on & on & on. A well deserved rest in peace to Marcia. A wish to her family & friends for joyful memories & peace.

Jessica Marks

February 25, 2025

I have wonderful memories of Marcia when traveling with her for the Athens Children’s Theater — first in high school
(which literally saved me) and later while initially majoring in dance and theater at OU. What started as an adventure for me, soon became an appreciation of the true aim to bring theater and music to children and schools that had never experienced it before. What a loving, no nonsense, generous dame. She will surely be missed.

Susan Westenbarger

February 24, 2025

I met Marcia probably 50 years ago when she was one of the leading lights in Athens’s children theater scene, and I was one of the children. I have fond memories of traveling throughout the county with her for one show or another. A lovely woman. My condolences to all Marcia’s family.

John O'Neal

February 24, 2025

Heartbroken to learn of Marcia's passing. What an amazing woman she was and what an amazing family too. Hugs to each and every single one of you.

Robert St Lawrence

February 24, 2025

In the knowledge that her spirit will live forever in the hearts of her friends and loved ones, sending deepest condolences to Denny, Lauryn, and Courtney - Bob and Mary Lynn St. Lawrence

Deni Hackworth

February 23, 2025

Marcia was a gentle soul, wise and quiet. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She was a calming influence in our department at Hocking College. I was fortunate to know her.

Denise Weible

February 23, 2025

So sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife and mother

Jason Smith , Liz Pahl & Family

February 22, 2025

Marcia was the sweetest, kindest woman. May her memory be a blessing. We are sending so much love and light to her loving family.

Ruth Ann Mayer

February 22, 2025

She was a lovely person and will be missed by so many friends and her family.

Sylvia Abbott

February 21, 2025

So sorry Denny. She was a beautiful woman and will be surely missed.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Marcia Dalen's name

Memorial Events
for Marcia Dalen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

24 Morris Ave., Athens, OH 45701

How to support Marcia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marcia Dalen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more