Dawn Denise Corless

COTTAGE GROVE, WIS. / ALPENA, MICH. – Dawn Corless, 80, of Cottage Grove, Wis., (formerly of Alpena, Mich.) died on Jan. 6, 2020, surrounded by her family at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wis. Dawn was born in 1939 in Midland, Mich., the daughter of Chester and Carrie Bartlett. She graduated from Midland High School and went on to receive her Associate degree from Graceland College and a B.A. in Child Development from Michigan State University. Dawn was passionate about family, children, and her church. She married Harold Corless in 1962 and together they raised two sons. She worked as a Head Start teacher then program administrator for the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency until her retirement. She was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ where she taught Sunday school, planned and participated in activities, and loved and supported its people. After moving to Wisconsin to be near family, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities as well as simply watching them grow. Dawn is survived by her husband, Harold Corless; sons, Thad (Stacy) Corless and Brent (Jennie) Corless; five grandchildren; and sister, Elaine Gregg. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother. A memorial service will be held at COMMUNITY OF CHRIST, MADISON CONGREGATION, 5110 Kevins Way, Madison, WI 53714 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you may donate to one of Dawn’s favorite charities, Outreach International (https://outreach-international.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761