Carl Louis Dahlin, Jr.

Carl Louis Dahlin, Jr., age 90, of East Chicago, Porter Beach and Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024.  Carl is survived by 3 sons:  Brian C. Dahlin, Carl “C.L.” Dahlin, and Christopher (Tiffany) Dahlin; 3 grandchildren:  Jonathan R. (Ariel) Dahlin, Brianna C. (Mason) Kronebusch and Jessica Dahlin;  3 great grandchildren:  Trenton, Declan, and Jaxon Dahlin; sisters-in-law: Nancy (late Walter) Jovanovich (nee Ozelie), Deborah (nee Ozelie) Keeley, Diana Radtke, Suzanne (nee Canady) Ozelie and Donna (Dr. David Feinstein) Edens; numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia; infant son, Carl Louis Dahlin, III; parents, Carl Louis Dahlin, Sr. and Mary (Rybenske) Dahlin; brothers: Charles L. Dahlin and Dr. Raymond D. Dahlin; sister, Doris (late Rudy) Hojcus; father and mother-in-law: Stanley and Marie (Kaleta) Ozelie; and brothers-in-law:  Kenneth and Thomas Ozelie.

A Memorial Gathering and Celebration of Carl's life will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm with a Prayer Service and Remembrance beginning at 6:00 pm at The Indiana Dunes Pavillion, 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, Indiana, with Pastor Brian Doel from St. Peter Lutheran Church in Portage, IN.

Carl was born in East Chicago, Indiana on June 26, 1934. He graduated from Garfield Elementary School and Washington High School in East Chicago in 1953; lettering in cross country, wrestling, and track and elected Student Body President his senior year.  As student body president he was most proud of being instrumental in desegregating the student dances.  Carl then attended San Diego State University, majoring in Political Science.

Carl married Patrcia Ann Ozelie in East Chicago on November 6, 1965.  He and Patricia were partners in Dahlin’s Tire Sales (later, Master Tire Sales) in East Chicago, and the Edgewater Beach Motel at Johnson’s/Porter Beach in Porter, Indiana.  He also worked with his parents at several family owned & operated businesses including the Old Corner Tap in East Chicago and the Johnson’s Inn Hotel on Lake Michigan in Porter, Indiana.  He was a commercial fisherman, operating the former Johnson Brothers Fish House; cleaning and selling fish to the public, as well as preparing the fresh catch for evening dinners at Johnson Inn. 

Carl, along with his brother, Charles, organized the first Longshoremen’s Union at the Port of Indiana; serving as its first Vice President and Union Steward; also holding positions as Political Action Committee Chairman and Business Agent.  At the time of his passing, Carl was the last surviving Charter Member.

Carl was very active in local, state and national Republican politics; running for East Chicago Councilman-at-Large and Indiana State Senator District 2; served the Republican Party as Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, East Chicago City Chairman and State Delegate for many years.  From 1983 to 2001 he served as East Chicago City Court Bailiff; Lake County Deputy Sheriff; and also worked in the East Chicago Controller’s Office.  From 1983 to 2005, he was a Trustee of the East Chicago Water Department, serving as its President several times. Former member of East Chicago Elks Lodge #981, Save the Dunes Council and Club Ki-Yowga Little League Coach.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at South Shore Rehabilitation Center in Gary, Indiana and Transitions Hospice in Crown Point, Indiana for all of the care, support and love that they extended to Carl and his family.

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