Dawn M. Kohler

Dawn M. Kohler, age 64, of Wautoma, passed away at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage with her family by her side.

She was born on June 5, 1962, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the daughter of Robert and Diane (King) DeLong. She married Steven J. Kohler on November 10, 1979, and together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, love, and devotion to family.

Dawn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. She was a proud and loving mother to her two sons, Joshua and Jacob, whom she loved beyond measure. One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to her four grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them and took immense pride in watching them grow.

Above all, Dawn loved the Lord. Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life and shaped the way she cared for others. She trusted in God's goodness, found strength in her faith, and lived with a generous heart that reflected Christ's love for all people and all creation.

Dawn found great joy in helping people. Whether offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, providing encouragement during difficult times, or simply being present when someone needed her, she gave of herself freely and without hesitation. Her compassion and generosity touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, laughter was abundant, and love was always present. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Dawn had a remarkable talent for making every space beautiful and welcoming. She had a natural gift for interior decorating and landscaping, transforming her home and gardens into places of warmth, comfort, and beauty. She took great pride in creating inviting spaces where family and friends could gather and feel at home. She also enjoyed trying new recipes, baking, and sharing her creations with those she loved.

Anyone who knew Dawn knew of her extraordinary love for animals, especially horses. She never met a creature she didn't want to help or adopt. Much to her husband's surprise, Dawn had a habit of bringing home animals before discussing it with him. They would appear suddenly, without warning, and quickly become part of the family. Dawn's love for animals was woven into every part of her life.

Her kindness and willingness to care for both people and animals left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her generous and loving spirit, infectious sense of humor, fierce devotion to family, and the joy she found in sharing her life with the animals she cherished. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her loved ones, the stories that will be told for generations, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Steven J. Kohler; her two sons, Joshua (Stacy) Kohler and Jacob (Joelle) Kohler; her four grandchildren, Sienna, Weston, Avery, and Brianna; her siblings, David (Sue) DeLong and Desiree (Todd) Corey; and many treasured nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert DeLong; her brother, Daniel DeLong; and her sister, Denise DeLong.

A Celebration of Life will be held in August.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18