Date of Birth
April 29, 1963
Date of Death
July 25, 2023
Dawn Schleifer, age 60, of Kaneville, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, following a fierce battle with cancer that may have broken her body, but never her spirit. She was surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.
She was born April 29, 1963, in Aurora, IL, to loving parents Dan and Mary Schleifer.
Dawn grew up in Kaneville and attended local schools. She graduated from Hinckley-Big Rock with the class of 1981. Before graduating, she made a name for herself behind the plate and on the mound of the softball field, ran like the wind in Track and was an integral part of the volleyball team.
Following her graduation, Dawn attended North Central College where she received a bachelor’s degree in business.
Dawn was blessed with four children, Erica, Brianna, Joshua, and Mariann, who filled her life with laughter and love.
In earlier years, Dawn worked as a busser, waitress and helped to make matches for Fisherman’s Inn, but dedicated many years, never taking a day off unless she was made to, for Danial’s Inc, the drywall supply business established by her father. Eventually after Dan’s retirement, she officially took over and brought much success to the family business.
Dawn was a faithful member of the Kaneville United Methodist Church.
Dawn was a selfless woman who cared for everyone she met. It didn’t matter if you only just met, Dawn would befriend and count you among her infinite list of friends she would do anything for. She will be remembered for the ever-present Diet Coke and a smile. She loved to play scrabble, “brain games” and dance barefoot on Friday nights. Dawn was a constant presence at bingo, her eyes traveling over the many cards that held the promise of “riches” or at least bragging rights. Trips to Ft. Myers Beach for fun in the sun with her family ensured many memories were made, but every five years she and the kids visited the “House of Mouse”. She found countless hours of relaxation on “The Tank” and never missed a chance to mow, even through her chemotherapy. Her three grandchildren were the apple of her eye and she doted on them anytime she could, cheering them on in sports. Being surrounded by family was her favorite place to be. Her laugh will echo in the hearts of all who loved her.
She now leaves a legacy of love for her family including her father, Dan (Sharon Olsen) Schleifer; four children: Erica (Colton) Plumb; Brianna Brehm, Joshua (Sarah Wedesky) Brehm and Mariann (Jared Romano) O’Connell; three grandchildren: Savannah, Logan and Lukas Plumb; two brothers: Trent Schleifer and Bradley (Stacy) Schleifer; her best friend through thick and thin, Lisa Ciccone; “grand-fur-babies”: Frankie, Thorin, and Karl; several nieces, nephews and a family of friends.
She is now reunited with her mother, Mary Schleifer; paternal grandparents, Ralph and Anne Schleifer and her maternal grandparents, William “Bud” and Bernice Anderson, who preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will follow at noon with interment at Kaneville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.com/donate. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will follow at noon with interment at Kaneville Cemetery.
Dawn and my mom, Renee were best friends from as long as I could remember. I remember spending so many weekends at her home with her eldest, Erica, growing up. Her laugh and smile were contagious. She will be deeply missed by so many. I hope her and my mama are reunited and enjoying every moment.
I’m going to miss that crazy lady that scared all the young boys at the bar.
We are so sorry for the loss of your Daughter, Mom and BFF. We were so happy to see Dawn in January when she visited us with Lisa. She walked around the pool in her shorts barefooted. We were cold but she enjoyed the AZ temps. She was always so kind and we will have great memories playing bingo with her in Elburn.
Our love and prayers for those whose hearts are broken. RIP dear Dawn.
To family I’m sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless and be with you all 🙏
Was shocked to hear the news about Dawn’s passing, will miss seeing her smiling face. We would dance the night away, rest in peace my friend!! She is dancing her way to heaven!! Prayers and hugs to Bri, Dan and Lisa!!!
Dawn was such a beautiful soul. She and my sister, Renee, worked at Fisherman’s Inn. They became great friends and many shenanigans ensued. Dawn always had a smile on her face and was always more than ready for a good laugh. To say that she will be missed by many is an understatement. The world is a far more beautiful place for her having been in it. Rest in peace sweet Dawn.
Dawn and I had so much on our Friday nights and Traveling ,will always cherish these memories. Most memorable trip was to Colorado. Trains , planes , Automobiles and Bus. had to climb up hill to get to our hotel all in one day.
Laughed so hard climbing up with our suitcases. When we checked in our Hotel room wasn’t ready, Yet we still smiled and laughed through our exhausting day.
Heaven gained the greatest angel but took away from us. Miss you so much
Love you Sis
Always enjoyed talking to Dawn on the phone and seeing her in the shop Dawn never put me on hold on an order she was always able to take the order give me a delivery date and a price without ever putting me on hold she was amazing going to miss her I’m sorry and my condolences to her family
My dearest Dawn,
After we moved the summer following 9th grade many miles separated us. Flying to Texas for a visit the next summer and then being my maid of honor remain cherished memories.
Starting in kindergarten we spent countless hours playing, running track and pestering your brothers and climbing onto the roof of the school, pretty sure Marcia was in on that with us. Lol
May you rest in peace.
I always loved and missed you,
Heidi
I wish I would have got to know her and became friends with her. She seemed like an amazing person. My heart goes out to her family and everything they are going through.
Our deepest sorrows for your loss
We will keep your family in our prayers
Ceilings and More
Dawn, you were a great example of
Faith, Grace and Courage to your family and friends throughout your lifetime and especially during your illness. You had tremendous Impact and You made a difference! Thank you for just being You!
Our sincerest of condolences go out to your entire family and circle of friends and business acquaintances.
Until we meet again 🙏
With Love, Admiration and Respect!
Ken & Norma Ireland
So saddened to hear that Dawn has passed. I have fond memories of Dawn, Trent and Brad growing up next door to us in Kaneville and of babysitting for them. My heart goes out to all of you as I’m sure Dawn will be very much missed.