DAWN M. MURPHY

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

     Public visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gesche Funeral home Monday, April 7, 2025. An additional visitation was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Neillsville from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Nathan Wilke. 

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

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