Dawn Janette (Wieczorek) Odens Obituary
Dawn J. Odens of Sioux Falls passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. She was 64 years old.
Dawn Janette Wieczorek was born November 5, 1957 in Rapid City, SD to James and Elizabeth (Hersey) Wieczorek. She graduated from Mitchell High School, Mitchell, SD in 1976 and later received a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. It was there she met the love of her life - Dennis Odens.
The couple was united in marriage on May 24, 1980 in Mitchell. They settled in Rapid City that fall and Dawn spent several years teaching pre-school children at Ellsworth AFB. After relocating to Macomb, Illinois, Dawn and Dennis welcomed their first child, Katrina, and Dawn began her career as a housewife and mother. Departing from Macomb in 1988, they resided in Rockford, Illinois for a time before returning to Brookings, South Dakota. There they welcomed son Ryan.
Over the course of the next 24 years, Dawn and Dennis were foster parents to more than 100 children. The care and guidance extended to the children who spent time in their home, whether overnight or for an extended placement, was to be admired. While in Brookings, Dawn also ministered as Children’s Director at Brookings Wesleyan Church. Katrina and Ryan were joined by sisters Kylie, Mackenzie, and Danielle.
The family relocated once again and settled in the neighboring State of Minnesota for eleven years where they resided near the Town of Saint Peter. Their youngest children Alyssa and Adam were added to the family during their time in St. Peter.
In 2014, the Odens Family relocated to South Dakota and have resided in Sioux Falls since their return. Dawn has spent some years working with the Learning Center at Sioux Falls Christian School.
Dawn loved entertaining and it seemed she always had room for one more chair at the table. She was a talented seamstress and lovingly crafted numerous projects for her children. And how Dawn loved singing, having a song for every occasion! But mostly, she loved her family beyond measure and was happiest when attending their events and having everyone home for each holiday.
Surviving family who are blessed for having had her in their lives are husband Dennis; daughters Katrina (Hector), Sioux Falls; Kylie, Brandon; Mackenzie (Donald), Sioux Falls; Danielle, Sioux Falls, and Alyssa, Sioux Falls; sons Ryan (Sarah), Madison, SD; Adam, Sioux Falls; grandchildren Everlee and Emrys, and Joshua, all of Sioux Falls; parents James and Elizabeth, Mitchell; brothers Paul, Mitchell; James (Sherryl), Sioux Falls; sisters Dixie (James), Eaton Rapids, MI; Deborah (David), Ponca City, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dawn was preceded in death by her grandparents Paul and Emma Wieczorek, and Harry and Maude Hersey; and her father and mother-in-law Ode and Minnie (Vanderveen) Odens.
