Dawn Phyllis (Gilbert) Wakefield, age 84, passed away on February 11, 2026.
Dawn Phyllis (Gilbert) Wakefield, of Hollister, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 11, at the age of 84, following an age-related illness.
Dawn was born on December 8, 1941, in North Bend, Wisconsin, to Walter Gilbert and Phyllis (Young) Gilbert. She grew up on a dairy farm, attended a one-room schoolhouse, and spent her free time riding horses — experiences that shaped her lifelong love of the country.
After graduating from Mindoro High School in 1959, she moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she worked as a receptionist at Benson Optical. It was there that Gary Wakefield walked into the crowded office after a chance meeting and loudly asked her on a date. She agreed, partly to make him go away — but his big dreams and bold spirit won her heart. They were married on July 2, 1961, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned sixty-three years.
Throughout her life, Dawn was instrumental in the success of her husband’s many business ventures. In the early years of Gary’s restaurant career, she managed payroll for multiple Country Kitchens in Iowa while raising three small children. Her love for children extended beyond her home as she volunteered as a homeroom mother at her children’s school and served as a Sunday School teacher at the Nazarene Church in Branson, Missouri. Her deep Christian faith guided her life. She was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hollister, Missouri, and generously gave her time and talents to Christian Women’s Connection–Stonecroft Ministries of Branson.
Dawn embraced adventure from driving snowmobiles and roadtripping to Alaska to fishing local lakes. An avid traveler, she explored numerous countries, including Costa Rica, Canada, Scotland, England, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, and destinations across the United States.
She will be fondly remembered for her deep love of family, her handwritten cards, and her gracious hospitality to all fortunate enough to visit her home. Her holiday gatherings were marvelous displays of home cooking, especially her beloved pecan pie. She enjoyed living in the country, taking daily walks and swimming at the family lake. Above all, Dawn’s legacy is one of faith, devotion, kindness, and love — a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.
Dawn is survived by her three children: Travis (Valerie) Wakefield of Hollister, Missouri, Renee Price (Ron Hoffmann) of Wildwood, Missouri, and Heather (Chrys) Fisher of West Plains, Missouri and seven grandchildren: Heather Pack, Nathaniel Wakefield, Calvin Wakefield (Taylor Jackson), Stetson (Sheila) Price, Coleman Price, Owen Fisher, George Fisher and five great-grandchildren: Kaitlinn Wakefield, Robbie Wakefield, Melody Wakefield, Johnny Pack, and Jackson Pack. She is also survived by siblings Mike (Mary) Gilbert, Daniel Gilbert, and Audrey (Ron) Erickson and sister-in-laws, Barb Wakefield and Mari Wakefield. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother-in-laws Roger and Maurice Wakefield, and son-in-law Jim Price.
Funeral services will be held on February 28, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hollister, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with the funeral following at 2 p.m. Dawn will be laid to rest alongside Gary at Pine Top Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in honor of Dawn Wakefield to Stonecroft Ministries at stonecroft.org/donate.
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