Dawn M. Dalka

Dawn M. Dalka, October 18, 1957 to July 18, 2025, 67.

‘Taking Care of Business’ was Elvis’ personal motto as was Dawn’s. Dawn was the one you could count on for practical, insightful guidance and for getting things done. Ever since she was young, she loved children. She started her family soon after high school, raising Kari and Katie, then had Jesse and Sammi during her second marriage. In 2000 she met Greg, the love of her life. Together they raised his daughter Amber as well as her granddaughter Taylor. She also babysat for her other grandchildren who called her Nana, a name she held dear.

Dawn loved deeply and was deeply loved by family, friends and those with whom she connected. She was known for her quick wit, humor and willingness to share a laugh. All were welcomed into her home and were greeted by family photos proudly on display in every available space. It reflected her commitment and love for her family.

There was never a dull moment in the Dalka household. Dawn loved celebrating holidays, going swimming at Buck Lake, camping at Crystal Lake, boating and fishing. Fish frys weren’t only for Fridays! At family gatherings, beers were consumed from a 6 oz. glass, not a can. With 50s and 60s music in the background, Dawn either danced in the kitchen with Greg or sang Lesley Gore, Elvis or Conway like she was auditioning for American Idol. Dawn loved playing Words with Friends, Scrabble, Mad Gab, Dominoes and seldom lost. She made numerous crocheted afghans and tied blankets for her children, grandchildren and many family members. Dawn’s commitment to family was genuine and sincere. She organized many reunions to help her extended family stay connected.

Dawn put others first before herself. She was a tireless caregiver for her parents and family, especially those at the end of their lives. She was always there for you, and was a blessing to us all. She courageously persevered through the effects of her chronic illness for the last few years. She was an inspiration to find ways to keep living life the best possible way, even traveling to Arizona and Florida to see her children and grandchildren.

Dawn will be dearly missed by her husband, Gregory, children, Kari Knauf of Rhinelander, Katie Knauf of Rhinelander, Jesse (Brialle) Shefchik of Arizona, Sammi Jo Shefchik of Rhinelander, Jennifer Dalka of Wausau, and Amber (Kasey) Kull of Florida, twelve grandchildren, Jaxon, Spencer, Taylor, Payton, Madison, Arie, Ceasia, Brooklyn, Brady, Lillian Jo, Mia, and Isabella. Also surviving are three sisters, Cheryl Hansen (Robert Glinski) of Eau Claire, Kelly Herman of Rhinelander, and Brenda (Mike) Susor of Fox Crossing. Dawn is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Ruth Kubesh, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Rose Dalka, and by one sister, Roxanna Lee Kubesh.

We’ll miss her beautiful smile, fun-loving nature, her bright colored fun clothes and her words of wisdom. We were blessed to have had her in our lives.

As Dawn would say, “Toodaloo.”

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.