Dawn Elizabeth Smith, 64, Merrill, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer and Alpha – 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
She was born Oct. 15, 1947 in Merrill to the late Harold F. & Elizabeth E. (Peterson) Peeters. She married Dennis Smith on Jan. 21, 1967 in Ironwood, MI. He survives.
Dawn graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1965. Throughout the years she worked at Ward Paper Mill and Timeline Vinyl.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis Smith, Merrill; daughters, Debbie (Daryl) Merkel, Merrill, and Deanna (Steve) Smith, Oak Creek, WI; four grandchildren, Dylan & Devon Merkel and Hannah & Aaron Smith; sister Sharon (Dennis) Karow, Merrill; brothers, Michael (Kathy) Peeters, Merrill, Brian (Stacy Bartelt) Peeters, Merrill, and David (Lori) Peeters, Plover; brother-in-law Dennis Ranker, Gleason. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Elizabeth Peeters and her sister, Marjorie Ranker. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Special nieces, Jessica Graap and Kimberly Peeters.
Dawn was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and The VFW Ladies Auxilliary. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was a member of Wisconsin’s Alpha Pack and Central Wisconsin Organizer. She loved camping, gardening, knitting, crocheting and scooter rides through town. She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A Memorial Service was held Saturday, March 17, at Waid Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. David Szeto officiated. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alpha – One Foundation or to the American Cancer Society.
Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.