Obituary of Dawn Ferrell

Dawn Ferrell, age 67, of Yankton, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at her home in Yankton. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service all at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Dawn’s memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Thursday June 27, 2024, at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home with Rev. Josh Knudsen officiating. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dawn Jensen Ferrell was born December 22, 1956, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Joyce and Myron Jensen. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 7, 2024, in Yankton, South Dakota. Dawn is survived by her husband, Rob Ferrell; children Simon and spouse Kate, Elliot, Spencer and spouse Tonya; grandchildren Gus and Henry (Simon and Kate), Penny and Lucy (Spencer and Tonya); siblings Deb (Dave) Krell and Laur (Brad) Wagner; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Dawn and Rob began dating when Rob introduced himself and asked her to the snowball dance in December 1974 while they were seniors at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. They graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota together in 1979 and were married on June 9, 1979. Dawn studied psychology in college and followed her passions to study graduate-level art and then, because of her overwhelming kindness towards others, counseling at the University of South Dakota.

She and Rob started their family and settled in Yankton, where she worked and campaigned to help build a new high school and establish Habitat for Humanity, helped students read at Lincoln Elementary, was active in the PTA, was passionate about art, and devoted time to Women for Women International. She loved to listen to music, especially when played by her sons; to eat delicious food, particularly dessert, and bake sweets for anyone who loved them as much as she did (especially Tonya and Kate); and to visit Walt Disney World, having a great time and creating special memories with and for her family. She inspired, motivated, and supported Rob throughout his medical career specializing in women’s health. Her primary focus and source of joy was her family, as a full-time mother to her three sons and two daughters-in-law, and then as a proud and loving grandmother to her four grandkids.