Dawn Veith

Sun Prairie - Dawn E. Veith, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2022 at Prairie Gardens Assisted Living.  She was the daughter of Charles and Roxy Skaife, born on July 16, 1933 in Hillsboro, Wisconsin.  Much of her childhood was spent in Winona, Minnesota and Livingston, Wisconsin. Dawn graduated from Waukesha High School and U-W Platteville, with a degree in Education.  It was at Platteville, where she met her husband, Leon.

Dawn and Leon were married on April 24, 1954 and made Sun Prairie their lifelong home.  Together, they had three sons - David, Steven, and Mark - each of whom will always lovingly remember their mother’s affection, support, and guidance throughout their lives. She was a dedicated sport’s mom and a referee at home.  She was thoughtful, patient, and kind.  Dawn had a gentle strength about her and an elegance in how she always carried herself.

Dawn and Leon would work together for most of their lives.  They purchased a farm in Sun Prairie, raising livestock and crops for over 25 years.  During that time, they also ran a successful Insurance Agency.  In 1982, Dawn and Leon purchased the Sun Prairie Golf Course.  For years, Dawn worked in the Pro Shop and in the Club House with outings.  At the golf course, Dawn made connections with people from all walks of life. She loved to engage in conversations with people and hear about their lives.

Dawn loved to dance. She and Leon spent many date-nights dancing at Herremann’s Supper Club and at the Portage Country Club, where they owned the “pink cabin.”  Throughout her life, Dawn enjoyed staying active. She liked to play tennis, racquetball, and golf.  She enjoyed playing all types of card games, and especially loved to play bridge with her friends.

Dawn could always be counted on to provide her granddaughter day care, taxi rides home from school, as well participating in school craft projects with her granddaughter.  And….Dawn loved ice cream. Sassy Cow was her favorite place to go after a ride in the country.

The greatest moments of joy in Dawn’s life came from having her family together. Dawn was such a gracious hostess; she always made her home a comfortable, inviting place to gather.  There was always a place at Dawn’s table for anyone who didn’t have a place to go for the holidays.  A favorite shared memory is of Grandma Dawn always passing a box of Fannie May candies around the table again and again, until it was emptied.

Ask anyone about Dawn, and they will tell you about her quick wit and sense of humor. They will tell you how she always made it a point to give someone a compliment.  They will tell you about her generous spirit and how she was always willing to help someone.  Dawn would recall her childhood stories of living in Winona near the railroad tracks.  Many times, people less fortunate would knock on their door asking for food.  Dawn fondly remembered how her parents would never turn anyone away and would always share what little they had with others.  She said her parent’s kindness always resonated with her.  That same kindness and generosity was always evident in the way Dawn lived her life. She lived a life of dignity and grace.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Leon; and her three sons, David (Kym) Veith, Steven (Kim) Veith, and Mark Veith.  She is also survived by her granddaughters, Ashley (Jeffrey) Koopmans and Amber (Austin) Scheib; and her three precious great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Jessa Scheib and Clayton Koopmans.  Dawn is further survived by her step-mother, Jean Skaife; and half-sister, Ivy (Philip) Shelton, as well as her nieces and nephews.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Gemlo; and by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Richard and Betty Skaife.  She is also preceded in death by her beloved Uncle Henry and Aunt Ruby.

A private burial service will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.  There will be an open memorial reception for anyone wishing to celebrate Dawn’s life from 3:00-6:00 pm at Buck and Honey’s Atrium, 804 Liberty Blvd. on Thursday, September 29, 2022.  Memorials may be made in Dawn’s name to Agrace Hospice Care ( www.agrace.org ).

The family wishes to thank the staff at Prairie Gardens for their loving care of Dawn.

Cress Funeral Service--Sun Prairie

608-837-9054