Dawn Bilek

Dawn Linda Bilek (nee’ Setter)

On June 28th, at age 57, Dawn passed peacefully into the light of the Holy Trinity. Dawn was born on December 6, 1961. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Carol Ann Setter, who mentored Dawn’s early career in nursing. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Bilek, four children - Richard Gabler (Leah), David Ball (friend Carrie Pitcher), Emily Ball (fiancé Billy Iverson) and Adam Ball (friend Cassidy Gaddie), father Richard Setter (Patty), brother Wade Setter (Lynn), sister Susan Setter, mother- and father-in-law, DeEtta and Thomas Bilek, sister-in-law Vikki Bilek, sister-in-law Rebecca Hofstad (Michael) and their daughters Naomi and Tutu, sister-in-law Amanda Bilek (Michael Sheedy), nieces Tracey Setter Pass (Troy) and Karie Oachs (Brandon), nephews Matthew Hodgin (fiancée Courtney  Burket), Robert Setter and Stephen Setter, two grandchildren, Evan and Ryan Gabler, stepsister Laura Bestler (fiancé Sam Duncan), stepbrother Ted Bestler (Michelle), stepniece Heidi Palinek, three great-nieces (Ella, McKinsey and Sydney Pass) and two great-nephews (Kason and Kade Oachs) along with many, many friends.

Dawn’s legacy is one of selfless giving: as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Hennepin County Medical Center for more than 30 years, where she oftentimes served as triage nurse. She was highly respected and loved by those with whom she came in contact, especially law enforcement officers who would seek her out when they needed assistance at HCMC.  She had a heart that was always empathic and supportive. While her nursing profession gave her great joy, her love for her family was even greater. She could light up any room with her stories and humor. She was independent and tenacious. She loved to read and would often go through a book a day.

In 2013, when health issues forced Dawn into retirement, she became interested in birds and flowers. She relished nurturing both in her and Joe’s yard. Through the years she loved Halloween trick or treating, hayrides, family trips to Disney World, fishing and vacations with Joe in Mexico, country western music by Luke Bryan, and all things Princess Diana. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Hours after her passing, a beautiful cardinal came to Dawn’s birdfeeder on the deck overlooking their back yard, as if for all to see.

A celebration of Dawn’s life will be held at Westwood Lutheran Church, St. Louis Park, MN at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 8th, with visitation one hour before.  Private interment is planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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