Karen Dahlen

Karen Hackleman Dahlen, B.S., MLS

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister and Friend

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Karen Hackleman Dahlen, who left this world on October 4th, 2025, at age 84. Karen was a shining beacon of love and strength, and her spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born on July 3rd, 1941, in Mt. Pleasant, UT, Karen was the beloved daughter of Beth Wilcox and Wells Thursby. She grew up loving family and education. Mount Pleasant Academy ignited her endless curiosity and passion for learning, which led her to the Utah Historical Society and to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Utah, as well as a Master of Library Science from the University of Oklahoma. There, she developed the skills and vision that guided her throughout her life.

Karen married her true love, Roger Dahlen, in May 1986. Devoted to each other, they enjoyed a life filled with family, work, travel, friends, and exploring new locations and restaurants. As a mother of two, Karen was a steady source of love, encouragement, and motivation. Her family brought her the greatest joy, and she went to great lengths to support everyone's well-being, educational and personal goals, taking pride in their achievements and happiness.

Karen's generosity and compassion extended far beyond her family. She was a dedicated health sciences library director, celebrated for her achievements at Nebraska Medicine and the Mid-Continent Regional Medical Library. She also served as Associate Director at the University of Maryland at Baltimore Health Sciences Library, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Health Sciences Library, and the University of Illinois at Chicago Health Sciences Library. Additionally, she was the Director of the Health Sciences Library at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She completed fellowships at Vanderbilt University and the Centers for Disease Control. Her commitment to various charities further showcased her selfless spirit and her wish to make the world a better place.

In her free time, Karen enjoyed traveling, especially with her grandsons. She and Roger took her mother, Beth, on many east coast excursions to renowned horse race destinations. She loved her daily practice of gardening; flowers, yard work and sitting in the pergola. Whether she was planting trees for each of her four grandsons or six great-grandchildren, Karen was always focused on family.

Karen is survived by her sister, Vicky Trent Alvey (Dennis Sizemore); her children, Jeff Hackleman (Freddy Alvarado) and Tim Hackleman (Amy); her grandchildren, Jaren Hackleman (Chelsey), Seth Hackleman (Hannah), Nathan Hackleman (Hannah), and Grant Hackleman (Sidney); niece Shannon Alvey (Bodhi George Schroeder); nephew Chris Alvey (Amy); grandnephew Noah Alvey; and countless friends and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory.

Karen will be interred with Roger close to her mother, Beth Wilcox Thursby and her grandmother, Sarah Wilcox Sorenson, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Dahlen; mother, Beth Wilcox and father, Wells Thursby.

An informal celebration of Karen's life will be held on October 15th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy and share the stories that made her so special

Karen Hackleman Dahlen's light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved her. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will live on, inspiring us to carry her spirit forward in our own lives.

Refreshments will be served.