Maybelle Dinsmore

Maybelle E. Dinsmore, 92, Wadena, MN formerly Ulen, MN died Wednesday May 22 at the Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Maybelle Elizabeth Mortenson, daughter of Otto and Lenora (Dahl) Mortenson, was born on March 19, 1921 in Moorhead, MN. She graduated from Moorhead High School in 1938 and attended Moorhead State Teachers College. Upon completion of her Bachelor's degree, Maybelle's first teaching job was at Felton High School from 1942 until 1944 and then taught at Ulen High School from 1944-1949. ON June 23, 1947, Maybelle was united in marriage to Harold Dinsmore and the couple made their home in Ulen. She returned to teaching in Ulen, MN in 1955 and continued with the Ulen-Hitterdal School District until her retirement in 1983. Harold passed away in 1999, and in 2007 Maybelle moved to Northern Lights Assisted Living in Ulen. In 2009 she became a resident of Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena to be closer to her daughter. In addition to working and raising her family, Maybelle was very active in the Ulen community. She served on the Great Plains Food Bank Advisory Board, the Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board, and she worked with the American Cancer Society for many years. Maybelle was also active as the Food Pantry Director from 1990 until 1999. She proudly served as the Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator and as a volunteer reading at Viking Manor Nursing Home. Maybelle's Christian faith was an important part of her life and she was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. She spent many hours working with church circles, committees, and with the Women's ELCA. Maybelle was especially passionate about music and enjoyed being a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Choir, where she served as Choir Director for many years. She loved reading, flower gardening, and writing poetry. Maybelle also had a knack for collecting and had a beautiful assortment of bells and music boxes. She treasured her family and cherished each moment she spent with her children and grandchildren. Maybelle is survived by one daughter, Gail (Steve) Kluenenberg of Wadena; one son, Scott (Twyla) Dinsmore of Thermopolis, WY; three grandchildren: Susan Kluenenberg (Kellie Carr) of Lexington, KY, Christine (Dennis) Krell of Menahga, MN, and Amanda Dinsmore of Thermopolis, WY; two great grandsons, Aden and Logan Krell; one brother, James Mortenson of Fargo, ND; sisters-in-law: Violet Mortenson of Moorhead, Ellen Mortenson of Moorhead, Marie Mortenson of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Muriel Dinsmore of Fergus Falls, MN; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Ethel Blilie; six brothers: Carroll, Wilbur, Arthur, Phil, Robert, and Kenneth; brothers-in-law, Oscar Blilie and Dean Dinsmore; and sisters-in-law, Adele Mortenson, Betty Mortenson, and Beatrice Mortenson. Funeral services were Tuesday May 28th at 11:00am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, MN. Visitation was 1 hour before services at the church.

Maybelle Dinsmore

March 19, 1921 - May 22, 2013