Dawn "Popcorn" Moldenhauer

Dawn Moldenhauer (nee Hesse) 94 of Milwaukee. Married Richard (d.) in 1951. They were married for 64 years. Wonderful Mom of Lynn (d.) (Bruce) Severn, Wendy (Greg) Brooker, and Lori (Jeff) Tews. Doting Grandma to Cheryl Tews, Mike (Lindsey) Tews, Arin Brooker, and Patrick Brooker. Special Great Grandma of Owen Tews, Aisling Tews, and Hawthorne Tews. She crossed her bridge on January 13, 2026 surrounded with love.

Dawn was born in La Crosse to Arnold and Beatice (died from childbirth complications when Dawn was two years old). Arnold remarried and the family moved to the Milwaukee area. She is the oldest of 9 siblings, Gay Sterry (d.), Glen Korotev (d.), David Hesse (d.), Neil (Jo Ann) Hesse, Melanie Hesse (d.), Joy (Raymond) Zuelke, Ronald Hesse (d.) and Donald Hesse (d.).

She worked at a variety of jobs. As a teen, she clerked at Drews Variety store and spent some time as a nanny. Dawn helped to make phonographs at Morley Murphy where she met her future husband Richard. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader for many years. Many scouts and their families knew her by her nickname “Popcorn” and hold fond memories of doing projects and going camping with her. When her children were older and growing more independent, she worked part-time at Gimbels. Her last and most favorite job was being a Kindergarten Aide at Blaine Elementary School. Children always had a special place in her heart. She loved them all.

A warm, caring and giving soul, she was devoted to her family and the kitties that were lucky enough to be loved by her over the years. Family vacations were most often spent at Wisconsin Dells. She loved feeding the birds and watching all the animals that found sanctuary in her yard. During Brewers season, she would not miss watching a game.

A grateful thank you and deep appreciation to Heritage Memory Care and Compassus Hospice teams.

Smile and be kind, is what you can do for her remembrance. A private gathering was held honoring her.