Dawn D. Barnes

February 22, 1954 - January 8, 2024

Dawn D. Barnes, 69, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, in her hometown of Fremont, NE. Though deeply missed, her magical spirit lives on.

Born on February 22, 1954 in Fremont NE, Dawn's life was filled with love, imagination, and unwavering strength. After graduating from Fremont Senior High, Dawn attended Wayne State College. Her life took a joyous turn in the summer of 1974, when a blind date introduced her to her soulmate, Robert (Bob) Barnes. The two wed March 1, 1975, beginning a lifelong romance.

Together they built a home filled with joy and laughter and raised two children who inherited Dawn's spirited nature. Her home became the ultimate playground for her grandchildren, as the sign on Grandma Dawn's door proudly declared: "What happens at Grandma's stays at Grandma's!"

Dawn had a deep passion for movies, musical theater, and the arts, and she shared this love with her family. Always trying to get the same seats for every show at Fremont Senior High School, where she watched numerous performances of her children and her grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit shone through in the stories she told, especially those of her times on her grandpa's farm in Prague, NE, and the cherished family vacations at one of her favorite places - Disney World.

A gardener by heart, Dawn found joy in her garden, a place where she and Bob spent hours each year, taking care of a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Dawn's life is a reminder that the greatest adventures are often found in the stories we share and the love we spread.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Barnes; her daughter, Jamey Semrad, son-in-law Geoff, and their children, Jaylen, Gillian, and Jasper; her son, Christon Barnes, and his daughter, Emerson; Brother Rick (Sharon) Strong; Sister Hope (Roger) Songster; Sister Robin (Brad) Fooken; Sister-in-law Karol (Bruce) Leisy; Brother-in-law Nick Barnes; nieces and nephews and extended family. Preceded in death by parents Carl and Bessie Strong. In-laws Lawrence and Florence Barnes; Brother-in-law Lawrence jr. (Joyce) Barnes; Sister-in-law Nina (Donald) Carnahan; Brother-in-law Kenneth Barnes.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel on Friday, January 26, 2024. The memorial service will be Saturdyay, 10am, January 27, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Deacon Rick Strong will officiate.

In her memory, we reflect on a life well-lived, filled with joy, wonder, and an unwavering commitment to family - a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and the heart of our family. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com