Dawn Marie Nelson

Dawn Marie Nelson passed away on May 28, 2024 at the age of 60 in Gainesville GA.

Dawn was born on March 19, 1964, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Phylis and George Thomas. She married Richard Nelson in the winter of 1988. In her high school years, Dawn was a standout athlete and volleyball player, which helped to grow her competitive mindset and drive for excellence. Dawn was our family's biggest inspiration and support system, showing many times throughout her life that a challenge was just something that needed a solution.

After meeting her husband, Richard Nelson, in Las Vegas, Nevada, they moved to Leadville, Colorado, in 1988, where they joyfully welcomed three children. Together, they remodeled and built the family’s home, creating treasured memories. To this day, the family fondly refers to Leadville as their true home.

In 2016, she and her husband moved to Kenai, Alaska. Dawn truly loved Alaska as it allowed her to embrace her love of the outdoors, nature, and animals. She worked her way up through healthcare administration and became the executive director of tribal administration for the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Additionally, she oversaw Human Resources departments for healthcare facilities in Wyoming and Colorado. Dawn also had experience as a small business owner, running Shadow Mountain Studios and Stillwater Construction.

Dawn had a passion for fishing, hunting, gardening, art, and cheering for the Denver Broncos. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She truly loved her family, which included her husband of 34 years, Richard Nelson, who passed in 2022, her three children, and four grandchildren. Her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her, and moving forward without her will not be easy. She was cherished every day and will be deeply missed every day moving forward.

Dawn is survived by her three children: Abigail Nevitt, Kody Nelson, and Thomas Nelson; her grandchildren: Karson, Harper, Jacob, and Breanna; her mother: Phylis Vanmalderan; her sister: Theresa Sakowski; and her brother: Rick Thomas.