In Loving Memory of Dawn Marie DenHartog

Dawn Marie DenHartog, age 64, of Gordon, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, surrounded by her loving family.

Dawn was born on August 21, 1962, in Superior, Wisconsin, to Joann M. (Hunter) and Thomas W. Burhans, Sr. She married the love of her life, Brian L. DenHartog, on June 17, 1988, in Superior, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, Gerald Sr.; her daughter, Tabitha; her grandchildren, Thacher and Phoebe; and her brother, Jim Burhans.

Dawn is lovingly survived by her husband, Brian; her children, Mark Jr. of Minong, WI; Jennifer of Tomah, WI; Matthew (Krystal) of Luck, WI; and Samantha (Mike) of Eau Claire, WI. She is further survived by her grandchildren Bella, Riddick, Taylor, Austin, Brenden, Dawson, Zach, Kierrah, Michael, and Ariana; her siblings Helen (Jerry) DenHartog of Tomah, WI, Bill Burhans, Sam (Wendy) Burhans, Jeff Burhans, all of Poplar, WI, and Tom Burhans, Jr. of Superior; her mother-in-law Patricia DenHartog of Minong, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Dawn was a kind, loving, and steadfast presence whose heart had room for everyone. Over the years, countless children came to know her as “Mom,” finding comfort, guidance, and acceptance in her home. She welcomed all with open arms, and once she considered you family, you remained family forever.

She touched the lives of many with her generosity, her humor, and her unwavering spirit. Even in the face of difficult moments, Dawn carried herself with a smile that could brighten any room. She was known for her playful “do as I say, not as I do” attitude — and for being fashionably late to just about everything, a charming trait that became one of her most memorable trademarks.

Though she disliked spending money, she cherished her trips to the casino with her husband, her cousins, and her sister and brother-in-law. She found joy in simple pleasures: playing cards, enjoying board games, and relaxing with her favorite Hallmark movies. Christmas was her most treasured holiday, a season she held close to her heart because it brought family together — the thing she valued most.

Dawn was a beautiful soul, inside and out. She cared deeply for others and served as a trusted adult and guiding force for many children throughout her life. No matter how little she had, she always found a way to give. And, as is true for many loving grandmothers, her grandchildren were spoiled just a bit more than her own children — a fact she embraced with joy and laughter.

Her legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family. Dawn’s presence made the world softer, kinder, and brighter, and her memory will continue to do the same.

A Celebration of Dawn’s Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Amnicon Town Hall, 8985 US-2, South Range, WI.