Born on February 22, 1954 in Fremont NE, Dawn's life was filled with love, imagination, and unwavering strength. After graduating from Fremont Senior High, Dawn attended Wayne State College. Her life took a joyous turn in the summer of 1974, when a blind date introduced her to her soulmate, Robert (Bob) Barnes. The two wed March 1, 1975, beginning a lifelong romance.
Together they built a home filled with joy and laughter and raised two children who inherited Dawn's spirited nature. Her home became the ultimate playground for her grandchildren, as the sign on Grandma Dawn's door proudly declared: "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's!"
Dawn had a deep passion for movies, musical theater, and the arts, and she shared this love with her family. Always trying to get the same seats for every show at Fremont Senior High School, where she watched numerous performances of her children and her grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit shone through in the stories she told, especially those of her times on her grandpa's farm in Prague, NE, and the cherished family vacations at one of her favorite places - Disney World.
A gardener by heart, Dawn found joy in her garden, a place where she and Bob spent hours each year, taking care of a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Dawn's life is a reminder that the greatest adventures are often found in the stories we share and the love we spread.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Barnes; her daughter, Jamey Semrad, son-in-law Geoff, and their children, Jaylen, Gillian, and Jasper; her son, Christon Barnes, and his daughter, Emerson; Brother Rick (Sharon) Strong; Sister Hope (Roger) Songster; Sister Robin (Brad) Fooken; Sister-in-law Karol (Bruce) Leisy; Brother-in-law Nick Barnes; nieces and nephews and extended family. Preceded in death by parents Carl and Bessie Strong. In-laws Lawrence and Florence Barnes; Brother-in-law Lawrence jr. (Joyce) Barnes; Sister-in-law Nina (Donald) Carnahan; Brother-in-law Kenneth Barnes.
The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel on Friday, January 26, 2024. The memorial service will be Saturdyay, 10am, January 27, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Deacon Rick Strong will officiate.
In her memory, we reflect on a life well-lived, filled with joy, wonder, and an unwavering commitment to family - a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and the heart of our family. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Cheryl Lindgren
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Bob,Sending prayers and sympathy to you and the family on the loss of your loved one.
May God comfort and give you peace in the days ahead.
Nicole Sutton
Sioux Falls, SD Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Dawn the world is darker without your bright light. I will miss your beautiful smile and infectious laughter. You were so much fun. To your family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you strength and peace as you face this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Nicole Sutton
allison stavaridis
Los Angeles, CA Monday, January 22, 2024 Dawn was a truly beautiful person and the world is less without her here. Sending love from California.Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Fremont, NE Monday, January 22, 2024 Bob, Jamey, Chris, & family,We are so sorry for your loss. Dawn was very special, and we learned more about her in the tribute you posted. She certainly was devoted to family.
Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with you. May you feel the support.
Sincerely,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Maynard and Linda Manka
Fremont, NE Thursday, January 11, 2024 Bob and family,With sympathies and prayers for all of you as you celebrate a life well lived! Praying God will give you whatever your heart needs most right now, that you'll feel His love through caring friends, comforting memories and quiet moments to reflect on this SPECIAL lady! DO NOT CRY BECAUSE SHE IS GONE . . . SMILE BECAUSE SHE LIVED!
Kathy Bowman Spiegel
KEARNEY, NE Thursday, January 11, 2024 I’m sorry for your loss Bob and family. Dawn was such a nice lady. My prayers are with you all in this difficult time.Bev Krutz
Orchard, NE Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Dawn and I grew up on Madison Street. So you can say we are lifelong friends.It saddens me to hear this news. You have my deepest sympathies and prayers during this difficult time.
Bev Doty Krutz