Dawn L. Perry

Dawn was born in Michigamme, on October 20, 1946, daughter of the late E. John and Aileen (Jalavaa) Swanson. She attended Michigamme High School where she graduated with the class of 1964. Following graduation Dawn worked briefly at the Woolworth’s Lunch Counter in Marquette before getting married and moving back to Michigamme to raise her family.

Along with taking care of her children, Dawn visited her mother daily. She also cared for her elderly neighbor for more than a decade.

In fact, if a neighbor needed a ride to a medical appointment, a hot meal, or just a friend to talk to over coffee, Dawn was there.

As a lifelong Michigamme resident, she was also devoted to public service. Dawn was elected several times to serve as a Michigamme Township Board trustee. She also served on the Michigamme Fire Board, the Michigamme Election Board, and the Marq-Tran Board.

She worked hard to organize a bi-weekly bus trip to Marquette for fellow Michigamme residents. In her later years she helped serve senior meals at the community building.

Dawn also volunteered at the Michigamme Museum where she was known for making her pea soup, brownie bars, and banana bread for Museum fundraisers. She was also famous for her homemade dinner rolls.

Dawn’s grandchildren were the light of her life. Whether the moment was silly or serious, she made sure she was present in the moment with them.

An avid Detroit Tigers fan, Dawn rarely missed a game. She loved animals and they loved her in return. And, on Sundays the house would be filled with the sounds of Elvis Presley, Dawn’s favorite singer.

Dawn is survived by 3 children- Cheryl (Steven) Turausky , Lisa (Rusty) Bowers, John (Gina Stueber) Perry, 6 sisters- Beatrice (Doug) James, Marilyn LaCosse, Barbara (Brian) Chastain, Alice (John) Fawcett, Corrinne Swanson, Darlene (Rob) Reno, 1 brother- Robert (Carroll Ann) Swanson, 9 grandchildren- Philip Turausky Faith (Gabriel Hintz) Turausky, Victoria Turausky, Joseph Bowers, Jack (Jaelyn Treece) Bowers, Jessica Bowers, Zachary (Erin Curran) Perry, Jamie Perry, Colin Perry, 1 great-grandson- Sam, good friend- William Seppanen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother- Peter Swanson, sister- Patricia Swanson, former husband- Francis Perry, and dearest friend- Renee Saari.

Dawn’s family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon, on October 20, 2021, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Champion. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Paul Peterson officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Inurnment will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Michigamme Museum Tanker Truck Building Fund at 110 W. Main St. Michigamme, MI 49861, in Memory of Dawn.

Dawn’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.