Dawn Renae Kosaski, age 57 of Stanwood, passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. She was born in Zeeland, MI on September 23, 1964, the daughter of Ronald and Donna (VanDen Bosch) Ritsema. Dawn was a 1982 graduate of Zeeland High School where she also studied cosmetology through the vocational school and eventually became licensed. She later decided to further her education by attending Baker College. Dawn looked forward to camping with her family in the summer which led her to meet her husband, Scott. After many phone calls and letters to stay in touch, and more summers camping, Dawn and Scott eventually became a couple and would marry five years later on June 7, 1986. Together they found their first home in Zeeland. Dawn was employed by Prince Corporation in Holland until she became a full-time mom. In 1994, Dawn and Scott decided to move to Stanwood to raise their family in a smaller community. Once they were settled, they attended and raised their kids through Sylvester Community Church. Dawn stayed home with her children until the youngest was in preschool. At this time, she began volunteering in the classroom which led to her 21-year career as a Special Education Paraprofessional with Morley Stanwood Community Schools. The students and adults at school drop off would see Dawn every day with her clear dome umbrella at the crosswalk, making sure the students arrived safely to school. The students held a special place in her heart throughout her life. She was a "mom of the community" to her sons friends and the students of Morley Stanwood Schools. Working in the school system, Dawn saw the value in higher education and encouraged her sons to do well so they would have the option to go to college. Dawn instilled strong values in her children and was able to witness them succeed in the beginning of their adult life. Truly the most precious thing in Dawns life was her family. She loved her family fiercely and shared so much pride in the home and life they built together. She is survived by her husband of nearly 36 years, Scott; three sons, Tyler, Dylan (Elyse), and Hunter; her mother, Donna Ritsema; three brothers, Ronald, Delwyn (Jayne), and Arlyn (Cindy) Ritsema; father-in-law, Leon and his wife Anita McKee-Kosaski; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Ritsema. She was a selfless, strong, meticulously organized leader to her community and family. At the request of her husband, Dawn would volunteer to help organize and run 13 National Wild Turkey Federation Banquets. Dawn was also self-motivating; she taught herself how to crochet while watching videos online, despite them being in another language. She loved reading, mowing the lawn, and kayaking. Her most beloved past time was being out on the lake fishing with her husband and family. Her family looked forward to the evening tradition where Dawn shared stories of her day at school that she called "funny of the day". She took pleasure in watching and feeding the birds at her birdfeeder and working in her flower garden; which is why the family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider hanging a birdfeeder or planting a tree at your home in Dawns memory. Those who wish to provide a memorial contribution, Dawns family requests that these be made directly to the Student Assistance Program at Morley Stanwood. This program is near and dear to Dawns heart as it provides winter coats, shoes, boots and other essentials for children in the community. Checks are payable to Morley Stanwood Community Schools and in the memo please write "Dawn Kosaski". Please mail directly to the school at 4700 Northland Drive, Morley, MI 49336. A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Sylvester Community Church, 4954 Spruce Street, Mecosta, MI 49332, Sylvester, MI 49332, with Pastor Richard Taylor officiating. The family will greet friends FOLLOWING the service from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Church. The family would like you to share memories, pictures, and condolences on their Kudo Board at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/qLibJM1D/dawnk. Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids, www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com. Memorial Service Saturday, April 9, 2022 2:00 PM Sylvester Community Church 4954 Spruce Street Mecosta,Michigan 49332 Memorial Visitation Saturday, April 9, 2022 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sylvester Community Church 4954 Spruce Street Mecosta,Michigan 49332