March 13, 1940 – Feb. 16, 2025
Karen E. Dawson, 84, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Wynnfield Crossing.
On March 13, 1940, Karen Elaine Bowen was born in Wabash to Blaine Merideth and Louise Evelyn Walther Bowen. Growing up on a farm in Wabash County, she enjoyed raising sheep. Karen attended Manchester Schools and graduated from Manchester High School with her class of 1958. An accomplished musician, she played the baritone and trombone for the MHS Band. Her senior year she led the MHS marching band as drum major. Karen was also a member of the Manchester Majorette Team, competing at baton twirling competitions.
Karen and Richard “Dick” Dawson were married on May 19, 1971, in the Rochester City Park with Dick and Shirley Alber as their witnesses. They have shared 50 years of life’s adventures with their blended family. Sadly, Richard passed away on March 17, 2022.
While living in Hardy, Ark., Karen and Dick were co-owners of Dick Dawson Realty Inc. The Dawsons enjoyed their airtime, as Dick was the pilot of their personal plane. The six-seater Piper Lance 300 was utilized for the business to take real estate prospects up for an aerial view of properties. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Karen was the flight attendant for the family on the pleasure trips. A talented musician, she expressed herself playing on her baby grand piano.
Left to cherish Karen’s memory are their five children, Tim Montel, Todd (Chris) Montel, of Rochester, Nick Dawson, of Texas, Jim Dawson, Texas, Tammy (Roy) Dittmer, Aurora; 10 grandchildren, Milton Plummer, Brandon Dawson, Adam Montel, Justin (Brittany) Montel, AJ (Betsie) Montel, Jacob Dawson, Jennifer (Chris) Dittmer, Jami (Jacob) Montel, Deidre (Brandon) Dittmer, Ashley Dittmer; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Todd (Marilyn) Bowen, of Fort Wayne; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Karen in death are her parents; husband; two daughters, Dianna Plummer and Tammy Sue Dawson; and great-granddaughter Nora.
A celebration of the life of Karen Elaine Dawson will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Friday. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Oaklawn Cemetery of North Manchester.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
