Dawn Marie Dauphinais

Dawn Marie Dauphinais, 62 of Devils Lake ND passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 1, 2021 at her home.

Dawn Marie Anderson was born on December 11, 1958 in Cando ND, the daughter of Martin and Marian J. (Pederson) Anderson.  She grew up in Devils Lake and attended Devils Lake Public School.  She married Dennis Mertens on September 5, 1981 and they were the proud parents of Lucas and Rebecca. 

Dawn was first and foremost a mother to her children.  She worked for a time at the Sears Appliance Store downtown and for several years in the Devils Lake Public School System as a Special Needs Paraprofessional. 

Dawn moved to Valley City and worked as a secretary at a retail store.  But Devils Lake, family and friends called her back and she returned to Devils Lake and called it home the rest of her life.  Dawn married Todd Dauphinais on April 11, 2000. 

Dawn loved people and especially loved animals.  Dogs and horses were her favorites.  Taking in the beauty of nature, the great outdoors on a horseback ride or walking the dogs brought joy to Dawn’s heart.  Dawn had a very caring heart for family and neighbors, always concerned about how they were doing, was there anything they needed, how could she help. 

Dawn had a very artistic talent that she expressed in many drawings and in her writings.  For many years, she kept a journal of important dates and events.

We had hoped for many more years, sharing in Dawn’s life, but will hold on to the memories made and love shared.

Dawn’s family include her children Lucas J. Mertens and his wife Bobbie of Devils Lake and Rebecca Rygg and her husband Derrick of Fargo ND; grandchildren Porter, Nora and Charlie-Layne, Emberly and Kinsley; brother Donald Anderson and his wife Sheryl also of Devils Lake and several dear nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings (twins) Dean Anderson and Debra Girard, (Donald’s twin) Darryl Anderson and Dennis Anderson.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake.