Dawn Carol Simske

June 23, 1939 - November 10, 2019

Dawn Carol Simske Born: 6-23-1939 Called to eternal life: 11-10-2019 Dawn was the wife of Dr. Clifford Simske. Mother of Cathryn(Hank) Canitz, Steve (Teresa) Simske, and Jeff (Heather) Simske. Loving daughter of Alfred and Mayme (Dallman) Schaepe. Sister of Connie, Dennis, Mary, Glenn, Mike, and Patti. Grandmother of Steve, Brian, Natasha, and Shannon. Dawn was a Registered Nurse, an administrative assistant, a home maker, an organizational whiz, and a bowler with an above 200 average. In the past 20 years, she taught water exercise classes, organized church and local activities, and lunches for Road Runners. Dawn was an award-winning artist, and painted using watercolors and oils, was also accomplished in pencils and charcoal. Dawn loved puzzles, and following in the Schaepe tradition was highly competitive in multiple games of mental skill. Dawn was kind, generous, and had a well-developed moral compass. Most of the things she did were for other people. She worked with young mothers in Stevens Point, WI. When she painted, she gave away her works. When she sewed, she gave her pillows, quilts, blankets, sewing baskets, and prayer shawls to family and friends. She made elaborate cakes for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Dawn was a strong Christian. Her faith centered around the Holy Family, which she felt reflected the love of Christ, the Gift of grace from the Father in heaven, and the strength and courage of Mary and Joseph. She loved to receive the eucharist, as it represented the elements of salvation. John 3:16 tells us that God gives us the gifts of saving grace through his son Jesus Christ, and 1John 3:16 tells us then how we are to live: showing the love of Christ to all around us, using the spiritual gifts we were given from God. And that’s exactly how Dawn lived her life. In lieu of Flowers donations could be made to: Santa Catalina Catholic Church Youth Organization https://santacatalinaparish.org/sample-page/donate/