Dawn Renee Rasmussen

In Loving Memory of Dawn Renee (Rudolph) Rasmussen
August 16, 1968 – April 21, 2025
Dawn Renee (Rudolph) Rasmussen passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2025, at the age of 56. Her passing leaves behind a complicated, beautiful legacy-one marked by love, struggle, absence, presence, and unwavering strength.
Dawn was a woman of remarkable knowledge and intuition-someone whose advice we trusted, whose hands could fix almost anything, and whose passion showed through in her love of horses, quilting, gardening, and cars. She was resourceful and curious, and she found joy in creation and care. Even when her life was turbulent, she never came empty-handed. She gave what she had-sometimes more than she could afford to give.
She was not always there in the ways we needed. There were times we felt abandoned. But when we reached out, she showed up. And when she did, it mattered. That push and pull-distance and closeness-was part of how she loved. And we loved her back.
She had her battles, especially with addiction, and they shaped her life and her relationships. It's part of how she passed, but it's not what defines her. What defines her is the fight she put up, the help she gave, the way she lit up when life was exciting again. In the final chapter of her life, she had hope-she was dreaming again, rebuilding. That hope lives on in us.
Dawn is survived by her husband John, her mother Patricia, and her brothers Damon and Derrick. Her children-Jessica, Tiffany, Taj, Garrett, Jonathan, Dezarae, Matthew, Malia, and Devon-will carry her memory in all its truth. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Adrieon, Emry, Bosa, Eleanor, Laila, Jayda, Alexandrew, Julian, Haven, and Champ.
Her story was not easy, but it was real. Her love wasn't perfect, but it was powerful. She taught us things no one else could. We miss her, we honor her, and we remember her in all her complexity.
"Love you to the moon and back."
She said it, and we believe it.