Dawn Rae Kregness

Dawn passed away March 26, 2026 at home following a lengthy, courageous, battle with ALS. Dawn was born January 20, 1953 in Duluth to Haddon and Edna Dynesius. Dawn married her husband Michael in 1974 and they had 52 years of adventures together supporting their boys Corey, Adrian (Heather), Brian ( Kelly), family, friends and many, many quilt shops.

Dawn’s professional career spanned many decades, serving as a key member of several local business offices. She retired from Hansen House Company as a valued employee after working there for many years. Dawn also found time to be an active volunteer in the community, contributing to several organizations in leadership positions. While her boys were in hockey she served on auxiliary and on the board of Lower Chester Hockey. A long-time member of the Junior League of Duluth, Dawn served in a variety of positions including President. She was awarded Junior League Volunteer of the Year, attesting to her commitment to volunteerism and service to community. Dawn also was very active in her church, Trinity Lutheran, where she was a member her entire life. Over the years she served as a Deacon, Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Endowment Fund. Her connection with Trinity also provided a key role in the group Institches Quilters where Dawn helped to make over 1400 baby quilts for local organizations serving those in need. Her book club at Trinity, Last Chapter, provided many opportunities to engage with others who shared her love of books and reading.

Dawn was an avid quilt maker who shared her work with many. She generously gave her works of art as gifts for weddings, births of babies, birthdays, and even retirements. Her quilts will be cherished by the recipients for years to come. Dawn was also a card maker who planned an annual stamp camp at Trinity where many good friends gathered to share their love of creating and playing with paper and inks. Dawn’s wonderful smile and laugh will be sorely missed by those who knew her.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Haddon and Edna; and sister, Lona Nordgren.

Dawn is survived by her care giving and loving husband, Michael; sons, Corey, Adrian (Heather), and Brian (Kelly); grandchildren, Aidan, Emery, Hadley and Rowan; brothers, Loren Kesty and Marlon Dynesius; sisters in law, Linda (Denny) and Gerianne (Gene); and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends their deep gratitude to Never Surrender Inc. for their support of ALS patients, families and research to end this disease. They also wish to thank the staff at Essentia ALS clinic, Asprius St.Lukes’s At Home, Accent U Care, and the help Essentia hospice provided in making Dawn’s transition from this world to the next.

A Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with a Celebration of Life Service starting at 12:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1108 E. 8th Street, Duluth on April 11, 2026. Reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Second Harvest Northern Lakes food bank or the Trinity Lutheran Church general fund.