Dawn Hope Reisch

Dawn Hope Reisch passed away on Feb. 1, 2018, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born in Helena, Montana, on November 26, 1930, the only child of Margaret Lucille Hanson and Matt Rougle.

Dawn married her high school sweetheart, Duane Reisch, on Aug. 31, 1948. Their four children were born in Havre. Throughout Duane’s career moves, Dawn created a nurturing and loving home for the family in Havre, Cut Bank, Choteau, Great Falls, and finally, in Whitefish in 1971. She put her organizational skills to work when Duane and a partner opened the Pin and Cue, keeping the books and payroll. She has supported all of the work in the Reisch family partnership.

Devoted to youth, Dawn was active in Girl Scouts for over 30 years, serving as a troop leader, camp staffer and district level board member and is now a lifetime member. When she and Duane wintered in California, she volunteered as a teacher’s aide, working with children in reading, in an elementary school every year in Indio.

Dawn had a great appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, riding horses, and in-line skating, and in the winter, loved ice skating and cross-country skiing.

A true homemaker, Dawn sewed, re-upholstered, and created many beautiful items for the family home, as well as many gorgeous dresses, practical outfits, coats, and doll clothes for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her sewing talents were also put to use sewing costumes for the Whitefish Theatre Company. She loved gardening, cultivating flowers, vegetables, herbs and houseplants. In her later years, Dawn could be found playing bridge at least once a week and was an enthusiastic supporter and attendee at the theatre plays and music concerts.

Dawn is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Duane, and her children, Diane Kane (Steve), Dale Reisch, Darlene Trebesch, and Danelle Reisch (Jack); her five grandchildren, Alan Reisch, Erin Libaire, Deirdre Cook, Brendan Kane, and Spenser Eaton; and five great-grandchildren, Tanea, Sofia, Emmett, Edie, and Angus.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the KRHC Intermediate Care unit and Brendan House for their loving care and support.

A memorial service for Dawn is planned for Feb. 11, 2018, at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or Whitefish Theatre Company. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for the family.