Karsten Erik Dalaker

My daughter, Erika, and I would like to use this space to extend our sincere thanks to those of the Hiawassee-Young Harris-Hayesville community who embraced and supported us while our beloved Dad and Morfar (mother’s father in Norwegian) was being cared for by the amazing staff at Chatuge Regional Hospital during the last days of his life. We would like to call out special thanks to Dr. Davidson, Dr. Bell, Stacey, Trista, Kelley, Ashton, Josh, Jonathan, Parker, Brittany, Allie, Jocie, the two Lisas, Donna, one of the chaplains, and many others whose names we have forgotten but whose care and kindness we have not.

Erika and I rode around Hiawassee in Dad's yellow Jeep Wrangler. Morfar taught Erika to drive in that Jeep. We found smiles and support everywhere we went. We were frequent guests at VC Coffee, Sundance Grill (Indya), and Hawg Wild BBQ. I later discovered Young Harris Florist, Hiawassee Hometown Pharmacy, and Better Together Donut and Coffee House. Erika and I are also grateful to Ken and Marla and our AirBnB hosts: Brandy and Joanne. Lastly, we are greatly indebted to Tamela and Ken at Banister-Cooper for their kindness and support.

In the days following Dad’s death, we asked Banister-Cooper to take down his obituary. They kindly agreed. We realize that this was an unusual request that requires an explanation that I am happy to speak to anyone about privately. We did what Dad and Morfar would have wanted. Erika and I will continue to do everything in our power to honor his wishes and his legacy.

With gratitude to this welcoming community and love in our hearts to the memory of Dad and Morfar

- Kristine Dalaker & Erika Kraabel