Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Dec 21, 1967 - Jul 30, 2025 (Age 57)
Dawn was a gem. Always smiling and making everyone around her smile. proud to have been able to know and work with her. RIP Dawn.
lori Pedersen
August 05, 2025 | Yankton, SD | Coworker
Dawn's obituary starts with "Dawn will always be remembered for her cheerful smile, kind heart, caring spirit, and faith in the Lord." As I read that, I thought how true that was of Dawn when I had her in school at Victory Academy. It was a joy to be her teacher. I enjoyed reading about her life and accomplishments after our time at VA.
My husband Keith and I are praying for comfort for the family. May the Lord be with you in a special way as you grieve the loss of Dawn.
BETH SANBORN
August 02, 2025 | BLAINE, WA | Teacher
Becky and family. So sorry to hear of your loss of Dawn. My sincere sympathy to all of you I remember Geno telling me about the diagnosis
Bonnie Wirkus
August 02, 2025 | Lennox, SD | Friend
Thank you for reaching out to show care for my family and showing up for them, especially when my dad was passing. You were the kindest soul when I met you at Keith and Anna's wedding. May you rest in peace.
Atha Booth
August 02, 2025 | Navarre,, FL | Acquaintance
So sorry to see the loss of Dawn. She was one of my first friends I made in 5th grade after moving to Tea. She was a great friend who will truly be missed.
Wanda Sowden
August 02, 2025 | Marshall, MN | Friend
December 21, 1967 – July 30, 2025
Dawn will always be remembered for her cheerful smile, kind heart, caring spirit, and faith in the Lord.
In 1986 Dawn graduated from Grace High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After graduation she moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she spent thirteen years in corporate business. It was in Omaha she made many lifelong friendships and gained a large church community. Dawn was an active member of her church’s college and career ministry. In 1994, 1995, and 1996 she went on mission trips throughout Mexico, from the Texas border all the way to southern Mexico. She bravely returned in 1997 alone to visit her host family she met in 1996.
It was in 2001 Dawn returned to Sioux Falls. She was employed by Sanford Hospital, holding several positions over her career. From 2001 – 2009 she was a surgical secretary. In 2002 Dawn decided to pursue nursing and was accepted into the University of South Dakota nursing program. While working full-time, she took classes and did clinicals. Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Anyone who knows her knows how intelligent and incredibly determined she was. The cancer diagnosis did not deter her dreams. She continued to work, take classes, receive treatment and endure many surgeries. In 2009 dawn graduated and spent the rest of her career as a surgical registered nurse until 2021.
Dawn is survived by her mom Becky Waack and siblings Laura Steenhagen ( Frank ), Michael Waack, Keith Waack (Anna ), and Amber Sievert (Brian). She is also survived by nieces, Tierany, Cara, and Keely, as well as nephews Luke and Levi.
In addition to her family, Dawn is survived by her beloved dogs Fiona and Joey who were her cherished companions. Dawn was preceded in death by her dad Eugene Waack (2019), and her grandparents Gerhart and Alma Waack and Henry and Milly Schmidt.
Dawn was the epitome of strength and gratitude. She deeply love life, her family and friends. May her memory be eternal as she rests in the presence of God, her Lord and Savior.
Private family burial will take place in Jeffers, MN on Friday, August 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life will take place at Eastside Baptist Church, Sioux Falls,on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. followed by light refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to help with the medical expenses, hospice care, and final arrangements incurred during Dawn’s courageous battle with cancer. Gifts can be sent to Dawn's sister, Amber Sievert
Live stream link can be found by going to the link listed below. Live streaming will be providing by Eastside Baptist Church Youtube page.
https://www.youtube.com/c/EastsideBaptistChurchSiouxFalls
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