Dawn Denise Witt

Dawn Denise Witt, age 55 of Lewis, IA, died at her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, November 28, 2024, after a battle with cancer. She was born on March 7, 1969, the daughter of Bill and Sheryl (Stewart) Tallman in Council Bluffs, IA. She was the oldest of three in a soccer family.

Her passion for the sport and determination to play well led her to play for Iowa’s Select team as a goalie. The same passion and perseverance carried over into her academic goals as well. As a lifelong student she obtained her Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. Working as a para for Omaha Public Schools she desired to do more for her students. Her passion led to her also obtain a Masters in Behavior Disorders and another in Educational Administration. She also perused a PhD before falling ill.

Her accomplishments in academics didn’t take away from her love for her family. Earlier on, as a single mother and student she sacrificed not only to help students but to also provide and care for her first son Zachary. The two lived alone for a while before Dawn met Jeff Witt and quickly fell in love. Dawn and Jeff got married on August 7, 1999. Both loved fishing and would take many trips together. On December 30, 1999, Dawn had her second son Devin. As her boys grew up and joined the Cub Scouts, Dawn was happy to support them in their journey. She served as a cubmaster for both Zachary and Devin. Her unending support for her sons would see Devin through to becoming an Eagle Scout and Zachary through his academic difficulty.

Throughout her life she received much love and support from many friends and family. It would be impossible to name everyone, but her lifelong friends Kristyn and Noelle were never far. There’s much to say about how Dawn loved her family and friends, perhaps it is best shown through the thousands of pictures she scrap-booked and tens of thousands she took.

Dawn was preceded in death by her mother, Sheryl Tallman. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Witt of Lewis, IA; sons, Zach Grap of Council Bluffs, IA and Devin Witt of Davenport, IA; stepson, Aubrey Witt of Colorado Springs, CO; her father, William Tallman of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers, Bob Tallman and Trevor Tallman both of Council Bluffs, IA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 10 am, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Griswold United Methodist Church in Griswold, IA. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 6 pm till 8 pm at the church.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA is caring for Dawn, and her family and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com