Dawn Murphy

It is with great sorrow that we announce the early passing of Dawn Marie Murphy (McDonald). She left us peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on April 1, 2025 at the age of 53.

Dawn was born to David and Donna McDonald in June of 1971. She was raised with her three brothers in Neillsville, Wisconsin and she happily called it home for the entirety of her life. She was blessed with three children and three grandchildren from her eldest and his beloved wife, to whom she poured her heart into. Dawn was also lucky enough to have found the love of her life, David Murphy, and they married in 2015. She always had more than enough room in her heart for family and happily welcomed two step children and three additional grandchildren.

She was the most loving and supportive mother that her children could have asked for, but she truly thrived and found a new level of joy in being a grandmother and spending time with all of her grandchildren. Dawn had attended the University of Eau Claire and achieved a degree in special education instruction. She worked various careers during her life, but she found happiness in working with children. At the time of her passing, she was employed with the Neillsville School District working with children with special needs.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents: Louis and Elaine Hagedorn (Maternal) and Francis and Gladys McDonald (Paternal), and her cousins: Mike Murphy, Terri Oldham, and Barbie McDonald.

She is survived by her parents, David and Donna McDonald; brothers: David (Connie) McDonald, Dean McDonald, & Daniel McDonald. She is also survived by her loving husband, David Murphy; children, Jerome (Katlyn) Hazen, Jessica Hazen, & Jordan Mohr; step children, Lacey Murphy & Taylor Murphy; and several well-loved grandchildren. She was survived by various uncles & aunts, cousins, nieces & nephews, and many valued friends and coworkers.

Public visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm at the Gesche Funeral home on Monday, April 7, 2025. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Globe from 10am-11am, to be followed by a memorial service at 11 am officiated by Pastor Nathan Wilke. Interment will be in Marie Louise Chapel Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Dawn's family with funeral arrangements.

"Sometimes, when one person is absent, the whole world seems depopulated."