Obituary: Dawn E. Abernathy

January 10, 1953 ~ September 22, 2021

Dawn Elise (Christianson) Abernathy, 68, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Sept. 22, 2021.  She was born January 10, 1953, in Sturgeon Bay to Millard and Iris Christianson.  On June 6, 1984, she married Robert A. Abernathy in Madison.

After graduating from Plymouth high school, Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She retired as the program administrator at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.

Dawn loved the outdoors, going for walks, gardening, being a homemaker, canning, and going out for dinner.  She also enjoyed traveling and taking her annual trip to Jamaica.  She especially loved her two sons.

She is survived by her husband Rob, two sons, Kelsey Abernathy, Madison, WI and Shea (Carly) Abernathy, Hartford, WI; one granddaughter Brecklyn Abernathy; one brother Chad (Mary) Christianson, Keil, WI; father Millard Christianson, Sturgeon Bay; in-laws, John Abernathy, Arena, WI, Brian (Joyce) Abernathy, La Crosse, WI, Mike (Pam) Abernathy, Wheaton, IL, Kitty (Steve) Huber, Rockville, MD, Colleen Abernathy, McHenry, IL, Maureen (Mike) Rayunas, Mundelein, IL, Mark (Dawn) Abernathy, Mundelein, IL, Mary (Dave) Risetter, Stevensville, MI, Bill (Nicole) Abernathy, Mundelein, IL; and her dog, Tosh.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Iris; and a grandson, Brooks Abernathy.

A celebration of life will be announced in the future.  In-lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin ( https://childrenswi.org )  

Special thanks to Unity Hospice and Door County Medical Center for the wonderful care and support.