Dawn Meredith Knitter

Dawn Meredith Knitter obituary, Milwaukee, WI

Dawn Meredith Knitter

Dawn Knitter Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Aug. 31 to Sep. 4, 2020.
Dawn Meredith (Lepper) Knitter

Dawn Meredith Knitter, nee Lepper 57, beloved wife of Michael Knitter and mother of Victoria Cae Knitter (partner, John Blair (JB) Lathers) and Claudia Ingrid Knitter (partner, Matthew Riebe) left the world she made better every day with her love as the result of an accidental fall at her home August 26, 2020 in Auburn, California. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Waltenberry (Richard); sister Colleen Bergman (Doug), niece Gracie Bergman; brother Andy Zipperer (Tammy), nieces Maggie and Hannah; stepfather Arley Hussin, uncle Jerry Lepper (Colleen), cousins Todd (Tammy) and Matthew (Maria) Lepper and best friend Kristy Goldberg-Novotney and dear friend Krystle Arcamo Knezevich (Nick). She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Kathy Perotti (Ron), Jeanne Luprecht, Marji Meister, Elaine Roesler (Randy), and Carrie Roberts. Brothers-in-law: Thom Knitter (Susan Turco) and Dave Knitter (Vickie).

Every person that met Dawn instantly had a bond and loved her. Dawn was truly a wonderful person and provided pure goodness in this world and was "one in a million". Dawn was creative and always could see the beauty in the world which led her to her love of photography and her business Victoria-Claude Photography from 1993-2020. Dawn captured children and adults in black and white portraits that perfectly captured the essence and perfect personality of the person who was in front of her. Dawn waited for the perfect light in her work as she traveled the world. She captured the pure beauty in the world whether it was raw, imperfect, or part of what god created in the world at that moment. She saw the world with a unique creative and loving eye. Dawn was confirmed and became a Catholic in 1999 and had her marriage blessed in the church with her husband Mike. While at St. Roberts parish she served as St Robert's Home & School President for two terms. As she said, "I volunteered for anything and everything during my ten years as a St. Robert's School parent". When her dear step-sister-in-law was fighting cancer, Dawn was so impressed by the radiation technologists treating Shannon, that she went back to school at Columbia-St. Mary's to become a radiologic technician. She cared for many people both as a loving neighbor and in-home healthcare as she supported people and held their hand with their final breaths in this world.

Dawn was a dog lover and her family had many German shepherds over the years. Her present German shepherd, Maya, misses her terribly. Rosie the corgi is still looking for food she dropped on the floor as she loved to bake, cook and knit. She was a Knitter and knitted blankets for new babies and for people she served at the end of their life.

Dawn was an excellent cook and made every piece of food with love. She truly captured the love of the person and made the dinner, appetizer or dessert that was meant for the meal, person or gathering. She knew in her heart and put her love in everything meal she made. Dawn was always 110% ready to help you through a tough time, whether it was for her mom who was hospitalized for a month, Dawn put her life on hold and stayed with her. Dawn loved her daughters so very much and supported them in their battles with their illnesses, Dawn was always there for Victoria and Claudia and would spend months at a time out of town by their side and holding their hand and kissing their foreheads in the midst of chaos and pain. In her last two weeks of life she flew back to support her sister Colleen for a tragic death and made all the food for Mike's "work wife" Maria supporting her after Maria's sister died of cancer.

She was the most exceptionally loving and caring person, Dawn was the glue that held the family together. She will be missed beyond measure.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Robert's Parish, 2214 E. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211, Saturday, Sept. 5th at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Wisconsin Humane Society @ WIhumane.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Dawn Knitter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2020

Anna Coffaro posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2020

Marion Aymie posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2020

I had the blessing of meeting Dawn through her daughter when they moved to the WFB school district.
Though things change and relationships drift apart the Knitter family was my home away from home for years, which was largely because Dawn was everyone’s second mother. She was patient, kind, and a peace-keeper. She’d never let you in the door before getting a hug first. And she’d never let any one of us say a bad thing about ourselves. The world has lost the purest soul. I’ve witnessed first hand the resiliency the Knitter family embodies, and my thoughts are with you all during the process of healing through this tragedy.

Anna Coffaro

September 16, 2020

So heartbroken to hear of this tragic loss- our hearts go out to the Knitter’s and to everyone who knew and loved radiant Dawn! I can still remember her photographing my sister in our backyard❤ Memorable, beautiful, iconic pictures that I’m so thankful we have. God bless Dawn, her family, and all of her loved ones. Love from the Coffaro Family

Marion Aymie

September 16, 2020

I just learned of this and am so, so sad. To Mike and the girls: Dawn was a truly wonderful person - met her 20+ years ago and haven't seen the family in decades but I can never forget Dawn's smile - the biggest and most sincere and welcoming smile. I will always remember the Fourth of July we spent together on the grounds of my apartment on Lake Michigan watching fireworks together. Stay close to each other and remember the love always.

Karen R

September 6, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Warm Embrace Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Lisa Bart

September 3, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Erica Brito

September 2, 2020

Mike, I am deeply sorry for the loss of Dawn. She was absolutely the most amazing woman I have ever met and had a heart of gold. I loved her, as I love you, from the moment we met. You and my father are like brothers, and I have considered you both family for a long time. Although I carry a heavy heart, I am thankful we are All blessed by such a beautiful Angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with all that loved and blessed by Dawn.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Tamara Roesler

Planted Trees

Dennis Newman

September 2, 2020

Dawn was an eternal beacon of hope and love in life and will be so for forever and beyond. She will be missed though never forgotten. My condolences to all of her family and everyone who’s lives she has touched and changed for the better.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Teresa Brito

Sent Flowers

Rick and Andrea Lathers

September 2, 2020

Victoria and JB, please know of our Prayers for all of you at this difficult time. For all the rest and comfort Dawn has provided others, God's grace is providing her the same now in greater amounts than we can possibly imagine. Love, Uncle Rick and Andi.

Kathy Mattke

September 2, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Dawn brought a loving care to all her patients while she trained and worked as a radiology technologist at Columbia-St.Mary's. We will love you and miss you always.

Joan Hornak (Former co-worker NML)

September 1, 2020

Mike, I’m sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Dawn Knitter's name

How to support Dawn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dawn Knitter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Dawn Knitter's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2020

Anna Coffaro posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2020

Marion Aymie posted to the memorial.