Dawn Nelson, age 54, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. A reception for attendees will follow at the AmericInn Hotel in Marshall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of her celebration at 2:00 p.m., on June 7, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home. Arrangements are with the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.
Dawn Lynette Rasmussen was born on November 9, 1968, in Helena, Montana. She was the daughter of Ronald Bickford and Joyce Jackley. Dawn grew up in Rockville, Nebraska, with her adoptive parents, Kenneth and Rosemary Rasmussen. She attended country school in Rockville through the 10th grade before relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska. Some years later she moved to Porter, Minnesota, with her biological mother. Soon thereafter, one fateful night she met Mr. Gary Nelson at the Gambler in Marshall, Minnesota. Dawn and Gary were united in marriage on February 11, 1989, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall. The couple made their home in and around Marshall and raised three children: Kendra, Aaron, and Jarred. They spent over 34 years together prior to her unexpected passing. Dawn worked for a time in housekeeping at the Traveler’s Lodge in Marshall but primarily stayed home to care for her children. Dawn was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Marshall and in recent years, her health declined due to her her epilepsy. This led to several strokes and it made it more difficult for her to get around in her wheelchair. Dawn then enjoyed doing arts and crafts and focused a lot of her creativity and Diamond Art. Whenever possible Dawn would be found outside enjoying the fresh air.
Dawn Nelson died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at her home. She had reached the age of 54 years, 6 months, and 21 days. Blessed be her memory.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Nelson of Marshall; 3 children, Kendra (and Chris) Campbell of Redwood Falls, Aaron Nelson of Marshall, Jarred Nelson of Marshall; step-dad, Mike Baer of Canby; adoptive mother, Rosemary Rasmussen of Rockville, NE; siblings, Tanya (and Scott) Olson of Marshall, Vickie (and Paul) Vogelsberg of Bolivar, TN, LuWayne Olson (and fiancée, Shelby Danzeisen) of Worthington; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Dawn was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Baer; biological father, Ronald Bickford; adoptive father, Kenneth Rasmussen; parents-in-law, Marlys and Harlan Nelson; and a special aunt, Gin Robson.
