Dawn Marie Friedl

With a song in her heart and a swing in her step, Dawn Friedl lived each day thankful for the many blessings that came her way. Above all, family was the very center of Dawn’s world, which also included a multitude of good and dear friends. Her vibrant personality, giving nature and bright smile could easily light up a room wherever she went. Quite a talented woman, Dawn came to use her gifts for the benefit of her family and others. Her Lord and ever present guide was a driving force in her discerning spirit as she gave unconditionally with a servant’s heart. For those who knew Dawn best, her memory will forever remain in their hearts.

The decade of the 1970s was an important time for America and the rest of the world. From technological advances, the arts, and to the entertainment industry, the field of science and medicine grew to new levels in a decade viewed as a sure stepping stone in the world we know today. Also riddled with anti-war demonstrations during the Vietnam War, the culture of America took on new ways of thinking, and it seemed as if a sense of innocence was being lost. Yet the decade held much promise for David P. and Evelyn J. (Kolodzinski) Bonar when on July 14, 1970 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Dawn Marie into their arms.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in the Bay View neighborhood area where the Bonar family made their home, Dawn was a most welcome addition in the lives of her family. She grew up alongside her older sister Loria and younger sister Robin. Dawn’s bright light and outgoing ways were clearly evident even in her earliest years. She led a childhood typical of the times including shared adventures with friends and memorable times close to those who loved her.

During her youth she went through the days of big hair and shoulder pads while Madonna lit up the airwaves. She attended the local schools, and as a teen her passion for writing became apparent as she was an aspiring writer of poetry and short stories. Although she had an outgoing nature and welcome personality, Dawn had a quiet, deep side which she naturally drew from in her writing.

After graduating from Bay View High School in 1988, it wasn’t long before Dawn met her life companion and soul mate, Christopher Friedl. They met through mutual friends in July of 1989 while playing a game of soccer. The two became fast friends and soon began dating. They dated each other for a time, realized their deep, abiding love and were happily married on October 28, 1995, beginning their new lives together as husband and wife.

Dawn and Chris eventually settled into their home in Oak Creek, a close knit rural community where Dawn found much inspiration in her writing. The blessed birth of her two beloved children, Jacob Aaron, born on November 24, 1997 and Sara Hope who came along on October 4, 2001, gave Dawn creativity in her writing, too. Dawn counted her wedding day to Chris and the birth of her children as the greatest days of her life. They each brought her so much love and joy.

A woman of faith, Dawn held fast to her Lord. Her spirit awakened to His unending love and devotion when she was baptized in Jesus’ name. Being filled with the Holy Spirit was a time of rebirth for Dawn. She treasured this time in her life beyond anything she had ever before experienced. Ever faithful she was involved in her church community, using her time and talents in every way, including painting the long, Sunday school hallway and working in Parkway’s Stillwaters Café after Sunday services. Dawn especially enjoyed working in youth ministries. She loved the fellowship at Parkway Apostolic Church where she grew in her faith. Dawn worked as a customer service representative for Automatic Entrances of Wisconsin for nearly 20 years. A valued employee, when she approached her bosses, Bill and Jay about donating an automatic door for the main entrance of her church, they never hesitated.

Along with being a devoted wife and loving mother to her children, Dawn was dedicated in everything she did. She was an especially great baker, having made the most delicious chocolates, candies and the VERY BEST cupcakes EVER! Her homemade sweets were so scrumptious and pretty she was even asked to cater special events and weddings. She made every tasting a special event for each wedding couple. Dawn could have opened her own shop and no doubt she would have done exceedingly well. One of Dawn’s most prominent achievements, both personally and professionally came in 2009 when she published her first book, “A Brand New Mercy” under the pseudonym, Sara Jacobs. She lovingly chose this name in honor of her children, Jacob and Sara.

Dawn had an uncanny side to her, as well. A huge fan of DC Comics, Superman, she would frequently hold her own in friendly debates with Batman fans as to why Superman was the better hero. In her own, humble way, she felt that it was the character of Clark Kent the man that made Superman great.

With her boundless, servant’s heart, Dawn was always at the ready with a helping hand. When guests began arriving for her surprise birthday party where they claimed to be, “just in the neighborhood and decided to stop by,” Dawn even left her own party to get food for all of her “unexpected” guests! This was just one example of Dawn’s pure and giving heart. Never one to seek the limelight, she was a humble woman who served her Lord well. Although gone from love’s embrace, Dawn leaves many lasting remembrances of her everlasting love and devotion. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by those she touched with ways all her own.

Dawn Marie Friedl, age 45, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at home in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Christopher; two children, Jacob and Sara; her parents David P. and Evelyn J. (Kolodzinski) Bonar, siblings Loria (Dan) Burdick and Robin (Jim) Molinari, in-laws Joe and Carole Friedl, brother-in-law Mike Friedl, nieces and nephews Mark and William Bitzan and Victoria and Aaron Burdick. Dawn is further survived by other relatives, church family and friends

Friends may visit with Dawn’s family on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 3-5 PM at Parkway Apostolic Church, 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 where the service to celebrate her life will follow at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory to The Friedl Family (Christopher Friedl), are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or photo of Dawn and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com. Her family is being served by Suminski Family Life Story Funeral Homes.