Dawn Mavis Kleinschmidt, age 76, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Woodland Court in Merrill. She was born on August 26, 1946 to the late Erwin and OIga (Gruling) Kriehn in Merrill, Wisconsin. On January 24, 1970, Dawn married Jack Kleinschmidt in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He precedes her in death. Dawn was a “Navy Wife.” She met Jack in Merrill and moved to Norfolk, Virginia and eventually back to Merrill. Dawn worked at Weinbrenner for many years and tended bar in her younger years. She enjoyed gardening, canning and going fishing with her husband. She was famous for her salsa, Christmas cookies and her ability to capture bats. Loved cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, attending a number of games over the years with the Kriehn family members. She also loved her Green Bay Packers. She loved attending church, spending time with her grandkids, shopping and going out to eat with Louise. Dawn was a Red Hatter, she attended bible study and was involved in a number of groups at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Dawn was a strong woman, who always went above and beyond for her family who she loved very much.

Dawn is survived by her daughter: Julie (Rodney) Young, son: Jeff (Mary) Kleinschmidt, grandchildren: Adam (Heidi) Kleinschmidt, Nick (Jessica) Kleinschmidt, Benjamin Young, and Alexandra (Brendan) Dinges, great-grandchildren: Emmalynn, Conner, Santiago, Shailene, Lucas, Kira, Ella, and Julian, and brothers: Gerald (Judy) Kriehn, and Ronald (Mary Lou) Kriehn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Kleinschmidt, parents, granddaughter, Melissa Kleinschmidt, infant brother, Victor Kriehn, brother, Eugen Kriehn, nephew, Brian Kriehn, and niece-in-law, Kathy Kriehn.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10:00 am at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the Town of Scott. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lincoln County or to Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court for taking care of her through her journey with Alzheimer’s. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.